Bodyguard: Ambush (Book 3)

by Chris Bradford

  ‘Excellent. And Equilibrium has the sole mining concession?’

  ‘In return for keeping President Rawasa in office … by whatever means necessary.’

  Mr Grey nodded. ‘And you, Ambassador, will smuggle the diamonds out, using your diplomatic immunity from customs clearance, and ensure they’re properly certified.’

  ‘Yes,’ replied Laurent. ‘That is the agreement.’

  Mr Grey produced a small suede bag full to the brim with stones and handed it to the ambassador. Laurent went over to a table upon which lay a black leather diplomatic briefcase. He unlocked it and deposited the bag inside a hidden compartment.

  ‘Now our business is concluded, Ambassador,’ said Mr Grey, heading out of a side door, ‘you can enjoy the party. After all, you’ve just become a multimillionaire.’

  Connor darted across the hallway and into the opposite room just as Laurent Barbier emerged, carrying his briefcase. Reeling from the shock of the ambassador’s corrupt dealings, it dawned on Connor that he was amid a nest of vipers. With their lives in potentially grave danger, the colonel was the only man he could trust. Connor had to find him, and fast.

  ‘You crop up in all the wrong places and at all the wrong times, Connor Reeves.’

  Connor spun to find Mr Grey directly behind him.

  ‘Yes, I know who you are,’ he said, relishing the wide-eyed look of horrified surprise on Connor’s face.

  As desperate as Connor was to escape the room his feet were rooted to the spot. Up close Mr Grey was an unnerving sight. His lean face was plain and ordinary – but it was that dull ordinariness that made him terrifying, like a waxwork come to life. His skin was dry and anaemic, his ice-grey eyes devoid of all human warmth. And his breath, as he moved closer to Connor, possessed the dank smell of a tomb.

  ‘So, Connor, what do you know?’ he asked, almost as casually as if he was enquiring about the weather. But the underlying menace was still there.

  ‘I know your name, but not who you are,’ replied Connor, his mouth going dry with fear.

  ‘I’m afraid that’s more than enough.’ Mr Grey let out a sigh, then went silent as if contemplating Connor’s fate.

  ‘I saw you on that tanker in Somalia,’ said Connor, finding his tongue again. ‘What were you doing there? Why did you shoot that pirate? Are you an assassin?’

  Mr Grey narrowed his eyes at him. ‘Young boys have such enquiring minds. So many questions. But you know what they say?’ He paused for effect. ‘Curiosity killed the cat.’

  Connor wanted to run for his life. But his legs failed to respond. A good thing perhaps, since he sensed that the merest attempt to flee would prompt Mr Grey to eliminate him in the blink of an eye. Now, instead of surrendering to his fear, Connor became defiant.

  ‘Well, if you intend to kill me you’d better not miss this time,’ he said.

  ‘I never miss,’ snapped Mr Grey, evidently offended at such a slur on his marksmanship.

  ‘You did at the mine.’

  Mr Grey answered with a thin dour smile. ‘I shot exactly who I meant to.’

  Connor frowned. ‘The rebel soldier?’

  Mr Grey nodded once.

  ‘You were helping me to escape?’ said Connor, incredulous at such a notion.

  ‘I wouldn’t call it help exactly. Just balancing the odds. Equilibrium, one might call it.’

  ‘What is this Equilibrium?’ demanded Connor. ‘You mentioned it before.’

  Mr Grey tutted. ‘Remember the cat! On that point, neutralizing you here and now would raise too many awkward questions.’ He leant forward, ensuring he had Connor’s full attention. ‘This is our second encounter, Connor Reeves. Pray that we don’t have a third.’

  Connor swallowed uneasily. ‘So what are you going to do to me?’

  Mr Grey leant in even closer, his pale face filling Connor’s vision. Connor found himself mesmerized by the man’s fathomless eyes. He seemed to be plunging into their icy depths, drawn down deeper and deeper like a drowning man. At the same time, Mr Grey whispered words like drops of poison in his ear, his hushed almost breathless voice worming its way deep into Connor’s subconscious. ‘Forget my face … I never existed … You never heard my name … Equilibrium means nothing … I am just a ghost to you …’

  ‘There you are! I was beginning to think you’d gone without saying a proper goodbye.’

  Connor blinked, shaking his head as if he’d been woken from a trance.

  ‘What are you doing in here all alone?’ asked Amber as she entered the room.

  Connor looked around, somewhat bewildered. He found himself in a little-used office with an old wooden chair, a desk and an out-of-date calendar on the wall. The last thing he could recall was helping himself to a chicken skewer from a passing waiter in the ballroom. Wondering how on earth he’d ended up here, a vague recollection surfaced in his foggy mind. ‘Erm, looking for Colonel Black, I think.’

  Connor knew there was something very important he had to tell the colonel. It was on the tip of his tongue but for the life of him he couldn’t remember.

  ‘Well, he’s in the main ballroom,’ said Amber. ‘And did you know Gunner’s turned up? That man must be as strong as a lion to recover so fast.’ Noticing the dazed look on Connor’s face, she asked, ‘Are you all right?’

  Connor nodded. ‘Yes, fine. A little tired, that’s all.’

  ‘I’m not surprised,’ said Amber kindly as she stepped closer to him, a joyful smile on her lips. ‘By the way, I’ve some great news.’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘My father’s just come out of a meeting.’ Again something stirred in Connor’s memory like an itch he couldn’t scratch. ‘He’s organized for a French aid fund to sponsor Zuzu and Deo. They’re going to be given a proper home, an education, an income. A chance to live a normal life.’

  ‘That’s wonderful,’ said Connor, the good news clearing his sluggish mind. ‘We should go and congratulate them.’

  ‘Hold on a minute,’ said Amber, grabbing his hand and pulling him back. She gently closed the door to the room. ‘Before we return to the party we’ve some unfinished business.’

  ‘We have?’ said Connor, trying to jog his memory again.

  ‘This time there are no snakes, ants, crocodiles or leopards to disturb us …’ She pinned him to the wall, kissing him full on the lips. A true French kiss.

  Connor’s breath was taken away. He wrapped his arms round her and kissed her back. The horrors of their recent ordeal seemed to shrink to nothing in their passionate embrace. In the back of his mind, though, a voice was telling him to stop. The Buddyguard organization had laid down specific rules.

  But, hey, if he hadn’t taken a few risks in his life, he probably wouldn’t be around to enjoy this one …

  Yet in his heart of hearts he knew what was really wrong about kissing Amber. The revelation caused Connor to pull away.

  ‘Don’t stop,’ she murmured, her eyes half-closed and dreamy.

  ‘I’m sorry. But I must. I’m supposed to be your bodyguard.’

  ‘And you’re making me feel safe. Very safe.’ She leant in for another kiss.

  Connor gently held her at bay. ‘I can’t be your boyfriend. I made an oath not to get involved with clients. When I commit to something, I don’t break that commitment.’

  Amber studied him intently with a mixture of longing and bitter-sweet admiration. ‘You’re the first boy I’ve met who actually does what he says and stands by his word.’ She seemed about to cry. ‘I respect you for that.’

  Stepping away, she straightened her hair and regained her composure. Her green eyes glistened, but her expression remained strong and self-assured.

  ‘When you’re ready for another commitment, Connor, give me a call. But I won’t wait forever.’

  Amber kissed him briefly on both cheeks, then opened the door and headed out of the room. Connor’s last glimpse of her was a flash of flame-red hair disappearing down the hallway.

  ‘How’s O
peration Hawk-Eye going?’ asked Connor, happy to be back in the comms seat in Alpha team’s briefing room.

  ‘Well, there’ve been no more eggs!’ Amir replied, the monitor revealing a more confident expression on his friend’s face compared to the last time they’d spoken. ‘But there was a bomb.’

  ‘A bomb!’ Connor exclaimed. ‘Are you all right? What happened?’

  Amir nodded. ‘Thanks to your advice I spotted it early.’ He waved a pair of sunglasses in front of the camera. ‘You reminded me that the mind is the best weapon. So, using my IT skills, I upgraded the lenses to detect sudden movements. My early-warning system helped me to save my Principal by leaping in front of him as the bomb was thrown.’

  ‘How on earth did you survive?’

  ‘It was a water bomb,’ explained Amir, laughing at Connor’s wide-eyed look of shock. ‘I got soaked!’

  Connor laughed too. ‘Well, I’m pleased you’re in such high spirits. I’m just sorry I wasn’t around the last couple of weeks, but I’ve been a little tied up.’

  ‘Don’t worry about it,’ said Amir. ‘Charley’s been my support and I know you were gunning for me too.’ He moved closer to the screen and squinted. ‘I see you lost your watch. That thing was indestructible! Is there nothing you can’t lose or break on an assignment?’

  Connor felt his face flush at being found out. He’d replaced the watch he’d given Henri with a brand-new Rangeman at airport duty-free on the way home. ‘How do you know?’ he asked.

  Amir rolled his eyes. ‘That’s the series 3 edition. Only just come on the market. You can tell by the red accents on the dial. Yours was a series 2.’

  ‘Well, whatever series, your gift was a godsend,’ said Connor with a rueful smile. ‘I’d have literally been lost without it.’

  ‘So how was Africa?’ asked Amir.

  Connor hesitated before replying. ‘It’s the most beautiful, awe-inspiring and … lethal place on Earth. Africa just gets under your skin. Despite everything that’s happened, I’d go back in a heartbeat. Although I might not take a safari any time soon!’

  ‘Sounds to me like you need a proper holiday,’ said Amir.

  Connor nodded in agreement. ‘When you’re back, let’s ask the colonel for some time off.’

  ‘Great idea! A buddyguard break!’ There was a voice in the background and Amir glanced off-screen. ‘Sorry, Connor, I’ve got to go. Duty calls.’

  ‘I understand. Stay safe, Amir. Alpha Control, signing off.’

  As Connor closed down the video app, a clawed hand suddenly grabbed his left shoulder and he half-jumped, half-winced.

  ‘Hey, pussycat!’ said Ling, baring her teeth in a mock snarl. ‘When are you up for our final deciding match?’

  ‘Not for a good few weeks,’ he replied, loosening up his stiff shoulder. ‘The doctor says I need to rest, otherwise I’ll rip my stitches again.’

  Ling tutted in disappointment. ‘Excuses, excuses,’ she said. ‘I suppose we could play noughts and crosses with your scars while we wait!’

  ‘You need to let him rest, Ling,’ said Charley, glancing over as she typed up the team’s daily occurrence log. ‘He’s still in recovery.’

  ‘Why does Connor get all your sympathy?’ Marc questioned, raising his own shirt to reveal a small scar across his belly. ‘I had my appendix taken out in an emergency operation!’

  ‘Shame they didn’t take your voice box out at the same time,’ said Jason. ‘Then we wouldn’t have to listen to all your whinging.’

  ‘It’s nothing to joke about,’ protested Marc. ‘I almost died.’

  Connor said nothing, but he thought he’d prefer acute appendicitis to fighting rebel soldiers and wrestling crocodiles any day of the week. His lack of communication home would also have been far easier to explain to his gran. Instead he’d received a tongue-lashing over the phone from her that would’ve put even the fearsome Black Mamba in his place. Yet, while he was in the doghouse with his gran, Connor received the good news that his mum’s MS was in remission, for the time being at least.

  Richie shut down his laptop and headed for the door. ‘Hey, it’s pizza night in the dining hall. Who’s coming?’

  Everyone started packing up, apart from Charley.

  ‘I’ll be along shortly,’ she said, then sighed. ‘Just finishing off the log.’

  ‘We’ll save you a slice,’ yelled Ling, disappearing down the hallway with Jason.

  As Marc hurried after them, Connor hung back. ‘I’ll catch you up,’ he said in answer to his friend’s enquiring glance.

  Alone in the briefing room with Charley, Connor wondered how to broach the subject that had been on his mind since his return from Burundi. As he tried to pluck up the courage, Charley looked over and said, ‘You don’t have to wait for me.’

  ‘No, it’s OK,’ he replied, feeling even more nervous than he did prior to an assignment. ‘I’ve been wanting to ask you … do you fancy going out? Catch a movie or something together?’

  Charley stopped typing. ‘Are you … actually asking me for a date?’

  She suddenly sounded as nervous as he was.

  Connor nodded.

  Charley’s sky-blue eyes studied his face as if trying to judge whether he was joking. ‘Are you sure about this?’

  ‘I’ve never been more sure,’ he replied, remembering his kiss with Amber and what had really been wrong about it. The simple fact was that it hadn’t been Charley.

  She spun her wheelchair towards him. ‘Because if you’re serious you need to understand how I ended up in this chair and how that’s changed me.’

  ‘I want to know,’ said Connor, sitting down next to her. ‘I want to know everything about you.’

  Taking a deep breath, Charley steeled herself to revisit her past. ‘Well … This is the first time that I’ve ever told anyone the full story …’

  This is my eleventh full-length novel. My twenty-first published book! When I wrote that first line in Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior back in 2006, I never dreamt that it would take me on such a long and incredibly rewarding journey. And there is much more to come with six books (including three in the Bodyguard series) under contract to be written. With so much action and adventure ahead, I need to thank those who have helped get me this far and hopefully will continue to carry me into the future …

  First and foremost, my wife Sarah – yes, this was perhaps the least stressful of all the books I have written. Who knows, one day I might actually be ‘normal’ when I’m writing a book! My two awesome sons – Zach and Leo – my reward is getting to play and have fun with you at the end of each day. My mum and dad – my first readers, I value all you do for me. Sue and Simon for your constant support. Steve and Sam for just being lovely and a rocking uncle and aunt to our boys! And Karen, Rob, Thomas and Benjamin for being there for us at all times.

  It goes without saying that none of this would have been possible without my dear friend and agent, Charlie Viney. Pippa Le Quesne, thank you as ever for your guidance on the crafting of each book. And Clemmie Gaisman and Nicky Kennedy at ILA for conquering the world, territory by territory.

  I have a new Puffin editor for this book – Amy Alward. Change is always difficult but thank you, Amy, for making the transition so smooth and for your insightful comments. A big bow must go to Sara for overseeing the awesome design of the Bodyguard book covers – this is perhaps my favourite of the series so far. Helen Gray for the final polish of the diamond! And, of course, a huge hug and thanks to my constant star since being at Puffin, Wendy Shakespeare.

  Authors Abroad are a crucial linchpin of the team organizing all my tours – so a big thank you to Trevor Wilson and Shelley Lee (especially!) whose attention to detail and brilliant logistical skills make my touring life very easy.

  My constant friends (young and old) Geoff, Lucy, Matt, Charlie, Russell, Hayley, Mark Dyson and my goddaughter Lulu, plus the members of the HGC to whom this book is dedicated: Dan, Siggy, Larry, Kul, Andy, Dax, David, Giles
, Riz and any other poor unfortunate souls who might join our clan …

  But the most important people to thank are you, my readers, for following both the Young Samurai and Bodyguard series, telling your friends and family about the books and posting reviews online. Without you, there would be no point in writing. So thank you for reading!

  Stay safe.

  Chris

  Any fans can keep in touch with me and the progress of the BODYGUARD series on my Facebook page, or via the website at www.bodyguard-books.com

  An Interview with Chris Bradford

  What inspired you to set Ambush in Africa?

  I lived for a short while in Africa and have done some charity work out there and it’s a fantastically rich place in which to set an adventure. I wanted to give Connor and the bodyguards a new challenge, which involved protecting them not only from a legitimate threat, like gunmen in this instance, but also from the wilds of Africa. From my experience of being in Africa, it’s a fantastic continent, but it’s also a very dangerous one and I wanted to bring out those survival skills in Connor.

  How did you go about researching Ambush and the dangers Connor faces?

  I had the personal experience of encountering lions, scorpions and snakes so I’ve used those experiences, but I’ve also researched these animals too. I looked at the most dangerous creatures – for example, crocodiles, hippos and mosquitos – and the ways to overcome them from a survival point of view, if you’ve got nothing around you.

  Connor has to combat his fear of snakes in Ambush. What would you be most afraid of encountering?

  My worst nightmare is sharks. I get a shiver of fear even if I just see a picture of one! You do see them in Africa but only on the coast. In the chapters where Amber encounters the spider, I used my own phobia of sharks to describe her paralysing fear.

  What are your top three tips for surviving in the African bush?