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CHAPTER1
Jagger
Washington D.C.
Treat level high. Abduction imminent. Remove target.
The text was clear. There was no time to waste.
I piled out of the van, the mercenaries I’d hired for the two-hour extraction here for a single goal.
Removing the target safely.
However, they were also prepared for the onslaught of enemy soldiers, their instructions clear.
Shoot to kill.
They were buddies, men I’d served with for years. They were well-trained snipers, and they were trustworthy, never asking a single question when I’d made the initial contact. While I usually worked alone, this was the single instance where assistance was needed. I couldn’t underestimate the enemy. Not for a second.
I motioned toward the leader, waiting for only a few seconds as they began to surround the nightclub. After checking my watch, I headed toward the back door. I’d already determined the best point of entry, the rear exit kept unlocked until after close of business. I moved inside, scanning the corridor. While my weapon was secured, the intent to remove the target without incident, I couldn’t rule out the possibility the Russians had already pinged her whereabouts.
The few people I passed backed away. I was a formidable presence and obviously not inside the club for entertainment purposes. As I moved into the main room, I made an immediate threat assessment.
The clock was ticking.
I shifted through the crowd, keeping my actions limited to ensure there was no trouble from the few bouncers who walked the floors. After a few seconds, I homed in on the mark, easing my hand to my weapon. However, I had to look twice, then a third time. She was wearing a wig. No wonder she’d managed to slide away from her security detail.
I’d studied her file for hours, learning everything I could about the young woman. I’d also been told she was difficult to handle, an attribute I considered dangerous. However, it seemed she had a second personality, a penchant for risking her life for nights out. What else didn’t I know about the woman?
As I headed in her direction, my hackles were instantly raised. She was already being watched. There was no time to lose. Once I was within two feet, I studied her face, shifting my gaze down the length of her body to confirm her identity. Every aspect of her physical features, facial expressions, likes and dislikes as well as the locations she frequented had been memorized.
What I wasn’t prepared for was my reaction to the sight of Isabella Adams, the gorgeous woman swaying her hips on the dancefloor very little like her photographs. While there was no doubt I was correct in my determination, the immediate temptation was a red flag and unexpected as hell. The fact I was instantly attracted to her could prove to be perilous.
This wasn’t my first rodeo in reconnaissance, but it was with a civilian. Most prisoners of war were immediately grateful for being rescued. I could instantly tell the pampered princess was going to cause me problems.
The clock continued to tick.
I reacted without another thought, my years of training eliminating my personal feelings. I closed the distance, taking her by the arm and leading her into the shadows. “This is a matter of national security, Ms. Adams. You’re required to come with me.”
“Hey, jerk. Take your hands off me!” Isabella yanked her arm free, her voice loud enough that a few people heard her exclaim, although not a single asshole stepped up to the plate to help her.
Except for the friend she’d arrived with.
“Izzy. Is everything okay?” The bottled blonde came within two feet, her expression guarded.
“She’s just fine, Jenny. I’m just trying to ask Izzy to dance. Perhaps I came on a little too strong.” The last thing I needed was for Jennifer Beaumont to make a scene at this point. While I’d already anticipated the best friend would contact the authorities after Isabella disappeared, with little to go on, the police would find themselves trying to locate a ghost. Granted, there couldn’t be a worse place for an extraction, but the text had been clear.
I’d run out of time.
I’d planned to remove her quickly and quietly from her apartment, working with her Secret Service agents to smooth the way. However, the bozos had lost her, not realizing that for the fifth time in only two months she’d managed to sneak out without their knowledge. The two men should be terminated but it wasn’t up to me.
Whether or not Isabella believed the crap I’d just offered was difficult to tell but she smiled, her eyes opening wide as she nodded to her friend. Suddenly, her entire demeanor had changed. “I’m fine, Jen. I can handle this dude.” She winked at her friend, her cavalier attitude surprising the hell out me. She’d been labeled conservative and often difficult but not reckless. Tonight, her behavior had crossed that line. Sneaking out of her apartment to visit a friend was one thing. This was just asking someone to make good on various threats and no disguise would hide her real identity. There were men and women trained to search for facial features, tattoos and moles, utilizing the latest equipment to guarantee their success.
The organization identified as the antagonist had the tools and means to locate anyone in the world within hours.
“Okay. If you say so.” Her friend, Jennifer Beaumont, daughter of a local senator, gave me another hard look, hesitating before walking away.
“Who do you think you are?” Isabella demanded as she tried to jerk her arm away.
