AllFreeNovel
Share Us
One man in particular: Artemus Gonzales, a wealthy Nicaraguan businessman involved in human trafficking.
I’d ask if these people are qualified, but my last handler gave me specific instructions in case things went south. With his dying breath, he gave me a number and instructed me to call Guardian HRS .
Which I did.
Chase.
I look for a man holding a sign at the gate with the name Chase written on it. Not at baggage claim. The voice on the end of the line was clear about that. My personal protection specialist will meet me at my gate and take it from there. I scan the crowd, seeking the stranger whose sole job is to keep me alive until I testify.
What happens after that?
Does the FBI’s protection of its witnesses end after they put away the bad guys? Do I get to return to my old life? Do I continue in limbo with a fake name and fake life?
A multitude of people throng the gate area, preparing to board the next flight. I think that’s going to be a problem until I glimpse an opening in the crowd. Not quite open, but filled by two formidable, intimidating men. Their military bearing is unmistakable and people unconsciously create an empty zone around the men.
To my surprise, one of them holds up a placard with CHASE scribbled over it.
I approach cautiously. No one should know that name except for the man sent to protect me. There aren’t supposed to be two men.
What do I do?
I take a deep breath and moved forward, attempting to project as much confidence as possible, even though my heart pounds and my palms slick with sweat. The men sense my unease, telling me I’m horrible at feigning confidence when I’m anxious. One of them steps forward with a reassuring smile on his face.
“Name’s Rafe. This is Hayes.” The man has a gruff but friendly voice. “We have a third, Alec, scouting the crowd.”
“Um, where’s Chase?” This isn’t what was supposed to happen, but I’m stuck now.
“Do you have a laptop? Cellphone? Any electronics in that bag?” The man does not answer me. Instead, he points to my purse.
I nod.
“If you could hand them to Hayes, please?” The command in his voice compels me to surrender my belongings without questioning why.
“An accident delayed your Protector. Guardian HRS asked us to provide security and take you to your Protector.”
I exhale a sigh, relieved that I’m in the right place, even through I’m not with the right men. “How do I know you’re—”
“Who we say we are?” Rafe cocks an eyebrow.
“Yes.”
“You shouldn’t.” He reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out a phone. “Do you remember the hotline number you called?”
“I do.” I’ll never forget it.
“Call it now. Confirm they cleared Bravo team to escort you to Chase.” He hands me his phone while the man beside him—Hayes, I think—holds my purse and scans the crowd.
Quickly, I dial the number. A woman picks up on the other end.
“Hello, this is...”
“I’ll stop you there. No names, please. From the phone you’re using, I assume you’re with Rafe.”
“Um...”
“Your Protector is stuck behind a wreck. Bravo was sent to fill the gap and take you to him. There should be two other men there; Hayes and Alec. A fourth is the driver and will pick you up at the curb. His name is Zeb.”
Stunned by how smooth the person on the other line is, I stare at the phone, then glance up at Rafe. Everything he said matches up, but I need more reassurance. There’s one name Rafe didn’t mention.
