Bedeviled Angel

by Annette Miller

  Jack stood, studying the diagram. “Probably here,” he said, pointing to the east wall. “It would go right under the main building, and they wouldn’t have had to do much to set it up. Extend the wiring and piping, and it’s ready. The regular ULTRA wouldn’t even notice it.” He glanced at Mike. “Sorry.”

  “It’s all right. I agree with you,” Mike said. “What do you think will be the most effective way to attack?”

  “I’ve been giving that some thought,” he said. “I think two teams. Descend the stairs about five minutes apart. That way, no team is on their own too long. Mike, I’d like you to take a team of trustworthy agents and secure the perimeter around the building. If any agents get by us, you can stop them.” Jack nodded to Rena. “When we’ve finished, I’ll have Rena telepathically call you to come in for the final sweep.”

  Mike stood, staring at the screen. “You know who you want on your teams, yet?”

  Jack nodded. “I’ll take Rena, Frank, and the Challengers’ new girl with me. I’d like Captain Starblast to take Misty, Mindspell, and the Challengers’ muscle. We’ll each have a telepath so we won’t need radios.”

  “Sounds like a good plan,” Mike said, gathering his papers. “I’ve already started selecting agents. Let’s set it for two days, then.”

  Jack nodded as he shook Mike’s hand. “I may have another person coming with us. He’s trustworthy, and we can use him. Keep in touch.”

  “You too,” Mike said.

  Misty stayed seated as the rest filed out. She stared at Jack, her eyes narrowing. When the room was empty, she asked, “Why are you taking Rena on your team?”

  “Because I plan to be the first one down the stairs,” he said. “You have the experience needed to help the rookie telepath. I won’t have that kind of time.” He pulled Misty into his arms. “I’m counting on you to make sure she doesn’t panic. I’m going to need both telepaths on their game. Putting Mindspell with you and Cap, I’ll know she’ll have the guidance and the confidence to get through the fight.”

  She smiled. “I thought you may have some other deep, dark reason for taking the gorgeous red-head instead of me.”

  He cupped her cheek. “I do. If you’re with me, I’ll worry about you.” He held up his hand, stopping the protest he knew was coming. “I know you can take care of yourself. It won’t stop me from trying to protect you. I’ll be scared enough for you when we go.”

  “And you don’t think I’ll worry about you every second we’re apart?” she asked.

  He smiled. “I know you will. That’s why being on different teams is important.” He ran his thumb over her cheekbone. “If I saw you get hurt, things would get ugly.”

  She gazed in his eyes. “I think that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

  He kissed her lightly, holding her tight. “I have to go see someone. Want to come with me?”

  “Like I wouldn’t want to spend more time with you?” she snorted. “As if.”

  He laughed. “You hang out with Rena too much. You sound just like her.”

  Misty grinned. “Well, we are best friends. Let me grab my stuff and we’ll go.”

  Watching her walk out, Jack knew he was going to move heaven and hell to stay with the woman who restored trust and love to his life.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Misty watched the city pass by as Jack drove them out to a quiet suburban office park. Four brick buildings stood in the parking lot where he pulled up and parked in front of the farthest one from the street. He led her into the lobby and passed the directory, heading straight for the elevators. He pushed the button for the seventh floor, and they rode up in silence. Misty glanced at him. She could almost see his mind working, thinking about the upcoming mission.

  The elevator stopped and he held her hand as he walked to a door, the nameplate identifying it as a lawyer’s office. She was puzzled, but went in as he held the door for her.

  The receptionist looked up and smiled at him. “Jack, it’s great to see you again. Have a seat. Harrison’s almost done.”

  “Thanks.” He went to a leather couch and sat down, pulling Misty close to him.

  Misty glanced around the reception room. It was neat, tastefully decorated, the colors light and calming. Her eyes widened as she realized the receptionist called Jack by his real name. How did he know this woman? Her leg bounced with impatience. Jack’s hand rested on her thigh, stilling her nervousness with his touch, and he gave her a slight smile.

  She smiled back, raising an eyebrow as he rubbed her leg, his hand dipping just barely to the inside and back out. She moved closer to him and sighed when she felt his arm go around her shoulders.

  All he has to do is touch me, and I turn into pudding. I’m such a sucker.

  Ten minutes later, the door to Harrison’s office opened and a large woman waddled out, followed by a thin, distinguished looking man. He went over to Jack and grabbed his hand, pulling him to his feet.

  “Jack.” He grabbed him in a fierce hug. “It’s been way too long, boss.” He stepped back. “I’ve gotten those merger papers you wanted. Are you here for them?”

  Jack shook his head. “No, but I’ll take them with me.” He glanced at Misty. “Something else has come up.”

  “Come inside.” Harrison led them into his office and shut the door. “A big something?”

  Jack nodded. “Harrison, this is Misty.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Misty tried to speak at the same volume Jack did after catching a glimpse of a hearing aid in Harrison’s ear. She looked around his office, taking in the large mahogany desk, the framed art on the walls, and the rows and rows of legal texts. On the bottom shelf, she noticed the new James Patterson novel and smiled.

  “And you, miss,” Harrison said, shaking her hand.

  “Misty and I were married recently,” Jack said.

  Harrison stared intently at her. “Carol would’ve approved.” He led the way to his desk. “I take it you want to change your will?”

  “You were right to have a draft prepared.” Jack hesitated. “It’s time to finish what we started.”

  Harrison stared at him and frowned. He nodded toward Misty. “Does she know?”

  Jack nodded. “She’s going.”

  “Agent or paranormal?”

  “Paranormal,” Misty answered.

  Harrison sat back and smiled. “Good. Keep him out of trouble, will you?”

  She grinned. “I try, but trouble seems to find him.”

  He laughed. “I’ll draw up the new will. Give me a couple of hours. I wish I was going with you, but I think I’d be more of a liability.”

  Jack shook his head. “I need you here where I know you’re safe and doing my paperwork.”

  “Still don’t like the pencil pusher side of the job?”

  Jack grinned. “Did I ever?” He stood. “We’ll be back around three.”

  In the elevator, Misty stared at him. “Was Harrison part of your team?”

  Jack nodded. “He was my tactician. His receptionist was my sniper. That girl could pick off a target from almost any distance. She’s got a gun under her desk to keep Harrison safe. He knew almost as much as I did about what was going down, back then.”

  The elevator bell dinged and let them out in the lobby. Outside in Jack’s van, he said, “After I was sentenced, my team scattered. Harrison had his hearing damaged by a grenade, so he went back to school and got his degree. He’s been my lawyer ever since I escaped.”

  “So, what did he mean by merger papers?” Misty asked. “And what will changes do you need to make?”

  Jack stared straight ahead. “In case the worst should happen, I’ve made you the heir to my estate.”

  “What estate?” Misty frowned. “You said you were broke. Are you giving me the Chevy? If so, I want to repaint it.”

  He pulled over in front of a small cafe and turned to her. “I’m actually worth millions. I own several corporations and have a few smaller businesses that are d
oing well. Remember the house I took you to the first time we talked?”

  She nodded. “That’s yours, isn’t it? The house, the grounds, everything. No wonder you weren’t worried about the owner.” She narrowed her eyes as she stared at him. “You must be the mysterious friend Amy mentioned. So, are those all the identities you have?”

  “Yes, I am, and no, there’re more, but it will take too long to list them all, and I’d like to have some lunch.” He got out and went around to open her door. “Care to join me?”

  Misty stepped out of the van and grinned at him. “You’re going to take some getting used to, but it should be fun.”

  ****

  “Jack, there’s a real obnoxious bastard here to see you. He kind of reminds me of you.” Rena met them at the door when they returned to Challengers Headquarters. “I put him in the briefing room.”

  Jack grinned. “Good. He got my message.”

  “Who’s here?” Misty asked,

  “You may remember him from your apartment,” Jack said.

  Her eyes narrowed. “The guy who tried to bust my door apart?”

  “That’s him. And don’t look like that. He’s all right.”

  They headed for the briefing room and walked in to see Cyber-X leaning back in a chair, his feet propped up on the table. Jack strode over to him and shook his hand.

  “Glad you could make it,” he said. “You’ve been told why I want to hire you?”

  “I was given a figure. That was serious?”

  Jack nodded. “I’ve been told that’s your usual fee, plus I added an extra twenty percent. You interested?”

  “Oh yeah, I’m interested,” Cyber-X said, rising to his feet. “When do we go?”

  “Day after tomorrow,” Jack said. “We’re looking to leave before sunrise.”

  Cyber-X nodded. “I’ll be here.” He held his hand out, giving Jack a grim smile when he took it. “I’ve got a feeling, this time, you’re going to win.”

  ****

  “Good work, everyone,” Cap called out as the workout program shut down. “I think we’re coming together well. Tomorrow’s the real thing. Get some rest.”

  Everyone headed to their rooms, and Jack put his arm around Misty’s shoulders and held her close. He closed the door to their room and began stripping off his weapons and armor. Misty just smiled. He pulled the rubber band from the back of his hair and scratched his head, pausing when he saw her watching him.

  “What?”

  She let her gaze wander over his body. “Everything you do is sexy.”

  He grinned at her and finished undressing. “How about you? Do you do everything sexy, too?”

  “Heck, no.” She ran her hands over his bare chest. “That’s your job.”

  He loved the feel of her hands on him. “Want to help me shower?”

  She laid her head on his chest. “You have to ask?”

  He removed the clothes from her, letting them pile on the floor with his, and pulled her into the bathroom. He turned on the water and shoved the curtain closed as she joined him. He lowered his head, letting the hot water hit the back of his neck.

  Misty’s fingers began kneading the tension out of his shoulders, and he smiled, remembering his vision of her doing exactly this. He gazed at her briefly before taking her mouth in a hungry kiss. Pulling her tightly against him, her body meshed perfectly with his. He tenderly kissed the water droplets from her face, and his hands moved down, tracing and memorizing every curve, every hollow, every inch of her.

  She tilted her head back allowing him to trail hot kisses down her throat to her chest. He went lower, finally dropping to his knees as he pressed his lips to her belly. His hands ran up the back of her, holding her tight.

  Misty laid her hand on top of his head. “I’ll always be here for you, Jack. I will always love you.”

  He slowly rose then lifted her and wrapped her legs around him, turning her to the wall for support. “I love you, Misty,” he whispered. “I always will.”

  He held her and she gripped him hard as they made love, the warm water making everything perfect.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Misty woke before Jack and lay there, gazing at him while she stroked his hair. She smiled when his eyes opened. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning, yourself,” he said. His hold tightened on her. “Today’s the day.”

  “I know,” she said in a low voice. “Everything will work out. Trust me.”

  He lifted his head and placed his hand on her chest. “I do trust you.”

  She threaded her fingers in his hair. “We have a little time before we need to meet with the others.”

  He raised up, kissing her as his hands gently caressed her.

  ****

  Jack and Misty were the last two to join the others in the briefing room. When everyone looked up, Misty was sure they knew what they’d been doing. Cyber-X stood off to the side as Misty hurried to her place next to Rena.

  “Anything to eat?” Misty asked her.

  Rena pushed a box of donuts and a canned soda in front of her. “Surprise! The condemned ate hardy.” She grinned. “If you’d been on time, you could’ve had the last jelly donut.” Rena waved the pastry under Misty’s nose before taking a bite out of it.

  Misty scowled. “You fiend!” She looked in the box and picked out something with icing. “Sugar’s sugar, and you can’t beat carbonated caffeine this early in the morning.”

  Jack looked over the assembled heroes. “They’re probably going to be expecting us.”

  Mindspell frowned. “How?”

  “When Mike started getting his team together, someone was bound to let it slip, either accidentally or deliberately,” Jack said. “There’s going to be someone there that no one would suspect, and he’ll report the activity to the renegade leaders.”

  The teams looked at each other and nodded. Jack looked up as a man in ULTRA armor came in. “Captain Starblast, your transports are here.”

  The captain stood. “Let’s do it, people.”

  The heroes filed out, following the agent to the waiting vans. Misty stopped as Jack grabbed Rena’s shoulder.

  “Scan the drivers,” he whispered. “We’ve come too far to get careless now.”

  Rena nodded. “Both are loyal to the true ULTRA and to Mike.”

  Misty watched the heroes head for the vans and begin to get in. “Do you sense any bad vibes at all?”

  Rena shook her head. “Not yet. As soon as I do, you guys will be the first to know.”

  “As soon as you can, get linked with Mindspell,” he said. “I’m not taking any chances this time.”

  She frowned. “Still pushy. Still paranoid. Glad getting married hasn’t changed you.” She shrugged. “But you’re the fearless leader here, boss.”

  Jack looked at her sharply. “What?”

  She grinned. “You did offer me a place on your team the last time we did this. I thought for now, I’d call you what your team does.”

  Jack and Misty looked at each other and smiled. “Glad you’re back to your old self, Red. And I’d be glad to have you on my team, even if you are so flippant.”

  “Thanks,” she said, then frowned at him. “I think.”

  As Rena headed toward the second van, Jack and Misty climbed into the first one. He held her hand tightly as the vans pulled out and they were on their way.

  ****

  The vans dropped off the two teams near the ULTRA building and left. Jack hurried them over to where Mike was waiting. Misty noticed the cameras all pointing away from where the agents stood.

  “We’ll go in here, Mike,” Jack said in a low voice. “Send in some of your people to hold the hallway and to keep most of them from escaping.”

  Mike grasped his hand. “Good luck, Jack. I’ll be waiting for your call.” He saluted the former field commander.

  Jack slowly returned the salute, grinning as he did so. “It’s been too many years since I’ve done that.”

  He turn
ed his gaze to the assembled agents, noticing the Grave Diggers unit scattered amongst the crowd. Mike had quietly issued them armor and weapons, and gave them the plan.

  It’s good to see us back where we belong, he thought. He turned and caught Rena smiling at him and knew she’d read his thoughts. She gave him a thumbs up.

  He glanced down at Misty and took her hand in his. He nodded once, then turned to the agents around him.

  “I’m Jack McClennan,” he said, then waited while the murmurs died down. “I have provided proof of a hidden cabal to Commander Mike Frailer. My team and I have been given permission to go in and get them.”

  He paused, staring at the crowd. “There may be agents of this organization among you now. All radios have been jammed. Telepathic contact will be the only means of communication.”

  He waited again while they talked to each other, glad to see a little bit of suspicion creep into their manners. “All personnel will follow the plan being presented now. My team and I will go in first. You will come in behind us and secure all clear levels. Trust only yourself. If you are in doubt about anyone, fire. I’ll take all responsibility.”

  He stared at them, his eyes hard. “Remember, failure is not an option.”

  Jack watched his old team move out to the edges of the agents, weapons primed and ready. He gazed down at Misty. Cupping her chin, he leaned down kissing her hard. “Be careful.”

  “You, too.” Her eyes shone with tears. “We’re supposed to plan a big wedding.”

  Jack nodded at her and smiled, forcing himself to let her go. He turned back to the agents and smiled seeing them grin and point at him and his wife. “Let’s go.”

  Jack opened the security door, knowing that an alarm would be triggered as soon as the key card was accepted. Well, they were probably already compromised, so it didn’t really matter.

  Jack led his team in first, making sure the others waited the right amount of time before following. “Cap, my team will take the lower floors. You clear the upper. We’ll meet you on five”, he said through the mindlink.

  “Understood.”