Rogue Agent Read online

  “This agent you sent out, can he be trusted?”

  “Yes, he’s one of the best on the West Coast. It’s a bit strange for him to abandon contact.”

  “If he’s that good, something may have happened. I doubt a cougar would’ve taken him because the rangers removed all predators from the area a few years ago.”

  “You think Seth’s got something to do with this?”

  “Pack your bags, Joca. You’re off to Montana,” Spencer ordered. “Seth is out there somewhere. Whether he’s living in a cave or a fucking treehouse, I want him found. I’m getting sick and tired of wasting my time trying to find him. Do you get it?”

  “I promise I’ll bring him back to you dead or alive.”

  Muted silence on Spencer’s end signaled his call end. Joca placed his phone back on the desk and finished his coffee, staring at the unmoving red dot on the computer screen. He’d grown to admire Seth Langdon over the short period of time they’d spent together. He was a formidable agent, and deep down, Joca understood his motives. No matter how immune you may think you are, taking a life affected you on a deeper level. Seth wanted to save Terra Bloom and he may succeed.

  Joca didn’t want to kill Seth, just another face to haunt him at night, but he had orders. He sighed and opened a new window on his computer. He typed in “rental cars Montana” and booked the next flight out of the state. It was time to eliminate this target for good.

  ***

  Terra wolfed down her buttermilk pancakes without a breath between bites. Maple syrup ran down her chin and dripped onto the napkin tucked into her collar. She couldn’t remember the last time they’d stopped to eat a proper meal, one other than makeshift sandwiches of stale biscuits and half rotten bananas. She was starving.

  Sitting opposite, Seth studied her with a mixed expression of disbelief and disgust. “You know I’ll never let you starve, right?”

  She nodded, getting in one more bite. “I know, but I was getting a bit over the half-assed meals we’ve been eating. There’s nothing in the cabin. I’ve been craving something more wholesome.”

  Over the course of three weeks, both of them had lost a significant amount of weight, evident by their concave backs, loose clothing, and thinned cheeks. Her wrists were as weak as bird bones. But since discovering Crescent Diner down the road, she’d put more meat on her frame.

  She reached for her iced tea and gulped it down. “You can stare at me like that all you want. I’m taking advantage of my pancakes. I don’t know when I’ll be able to have them again.”

  Seth raised his hands in defense. “I’m not judging you. Eat up.”

  The diner was busy for a Monday afternoon, buzzing with retirees, farming folk, and the odd family driving through on their way to the West Coast. It felt nice to be in the company of people again. While Terra enjoyed Seth’s companionship, she was being suffocated by testosterone. She didn’t know how she would survive locked in an isolated cabin with him indefinitely. Her deep rooted feelings for Seth were built on trust, but lately she had new feelings emerging, competing for release, clawing at her conscience every time he smiled at her. If she did announce her feelings, Terra predicted either a night of Earth shaking sex or a complete shut out. Since the moment they met, she’d struggled to read him, a thick brick wall blocking her from his emotions. She had no idea if he felt the same way.

  Seth’s gaze drew to the television set behind her and a frown settled upon his features. “Shit, this isn’t good.”

  “What is it?” Terra swiveled in her chair and saw old file footage of her rallies on screen. Judging by her long hair and teenage youth, they were from years ago. A sickening feeling settled in her gut.

  “Animal and human rights activist Terra Bloom, twenty-seven, has been missing for three weeks according to her mother,” the news anchor explained. “The young woman was last seen in New York visiting Crest Bar. Her current whereabouts are unknown. Miss Bloom is the daughter of well-known accountant David Bloom, who was found murdered in Oklahoma at the start of August. His case is still open. If you have any sightings or information regarding Terra Bloom, please contact your local police department. It is feared she has been kidnapped by an unknown assailant.”

  Terra shrank back in her chair and willed the floor to swallow her up. She imagined everyone in the diner glaring at her. “This can’t be happening. We’ve been discovered!” she hissed.

  Seth’s attention was still on the news bulletin. “I wouldn’t be making assumptions just yet,” he said. “It’s a bit odd for timing. Why would your mother file a police report now?”

  “My mother is dead, Seth, and you know about my father. It’s not her.”

  Seth’s lip curled. “Spencer.” He formed a fist on the table. “That news report was his attempt of a contract call out. He’s using his contacts in the media to spread the word. They didn’t mention our current location so we may be safe for now.”

  Terra got to her feet and tossed some credit notes onto the table. “Can we go please? Everyone is staring at me.”

  Seth took her arm and anchored her to the spot. “Terra, you’re fine. No one is looking at you. We can go, however there’s one more place I need to check out.”

  They exited the diner and crossed the road toward Crescent Guns and Ammo. The shoe-box sized store carried an array of weapons that clearly caught Seth’s eye. He zoned in on the wall displaying an impressive range of single and pump action shot guns.

  Terra hovered nearby, unsure what to do with her hands. She didn’t want to touch anything because the man behind the counter was glaring at her. “We’re being watched,” she rasped.

  “Smile back then,” Seth replied.

  As if he heard them, the man stepped out from behind the counter. “My name’s Emil. Can I help you with anything?”

  Seth pointed to a poster on the wall depicting a range of explosive devices. “Do you stock flash bangs, gas grenades, launchers, and mines?”

  Emil’s eyebrows rose. “What kind of war do you want to start, son?”

  “I like to be prepared.”

  The store owner returned to the desk and turned on his computer. “I haven’t seen you two around here before. Did you just move into the area?”

  “Only visiting. We’re staying in a cabin by the lake.”

  “We don’t get a lot of people visiting Crescent, especially since they found that body out in the woods a few days ago.”

  Terra’s blood ran cold. She was foolish to think the hit man’s body would be left unnoticed. The woods were often frequented by hunters.

  “Do the police have any leads?” she asked, trying to hide the quiver in her voice.

  Emil shook his head. “No, whoever killed this man had training. Looked professional to me.”

  “What’s your story, old timer?” Seth questioned, leaning a hip on the desk. Terra marveled how he could always remain so cool and collected.

  “I should be asking you the same question. It’s rare these days I get city kids walking into my store asking for weapons not even local hunters use. What’s your name, son?”

  “Seth.”

  Emil snorted. “Never heard of you.”

  “I like to keep a low profile.”

  The man’s gaze fell onto Terra and her heart skipped a beat. “I’ve seen you, young lady.”

  “You may be mistaken. I’m not from—”

  “You were just on television.”

  As if sensing her discomfort, Seth stepped up between her and Emil. “Before we start pointing fingers, are you familiar with a man named Spencer Hack?”

  “Yeah, I’ve heard of him. You’re looking at one of his best agents back in the day.”

  “No way. What happened?” Terra asked, intrigued.

  “I got out. I was getting old and Spencer noticed certain errors I was making that would allude to my identity. I feigned retirement and got the hell out of Dodge. I’ve been living in Crescent ever since.” Emil cleared his throat. “I assume you’ll k
eep this information to yourself. I don’t want a visit from him in the middle of the night.”

  “He’s the man we’re running from so your name won’t be mentioned.”

  Emil glanced over at Terra and motioned to the television. “So you’re the missin’ girl. Everyone’s been looking for you. Do you want to be found?”

  Her old life seemed bland in comparison to the time she’d shared with Seth. “No, and you can keep that information to yourself. Seth and I would like our presence here to be unknown.”

  The old man grinned. “Fair enough,” he said. “Look, I don’t have what you’re wanting, Seth, so I’ll need to order the explosives in. It will take two or three days. Is that all right?”

  Seth took the nook of Terra’s elbow and led her to the front door. “We’ll come back then to pay. See you around.”

  They exited the ammo store and headed back to the car. The sun dipped behind the mountains looming overhead, forming a chill in the air. Terra slipped into the bucket seats of the Chevy. She couldn’t wait to be in front of the fire reading more books she’d found in a chest underneath her bed. In any other setting, she would happy to be here.

  “We have to be prepared for the chance of more people recognizing you,” Seth said, his gaze fixed on the road. “Spencer is one step ahead. He knows where we are so—”

  “Can we not talk shop for one minute?” she interjected as they pulled into the driveway. “For once don’t mention Spencer, hit men, or buying grenades, okay?”

  “What do you want to talk about then?” Seth unlocked the door and entered the cabin.

  She shrugged, trailing behind him. “I don’t know. All this time, we’ve been so consumed by fleeing and trying to survive. Look where we are. This property is gorgeous and it’s refreshing to wake up by the water. Don’t you agree?”

  “Uh huh.”

  “I just want us to enjoy what we can and…” Terra paused when she realized she’d unknowingly followed him into his bedroom.

  Seth stared back at her, hands planted on his slim hips. A ghost of a smile played on the corner of his lips. “Are you trying to tell me something?”

  A memory of their kiss back in the hotel quickly washed over her and Terra swallowed the lump in her throat, unsure whether to leave or tell him how she felt. She yearned to take their relationship to the next level, but at what cost? She turned to leave when Seth took her wrist.

  “Don’t go,” he said.

  She came to him without thought, shivering at the touch of his hands on her body, welcoming his arms around her waist. He held her gaze, his eyes brown and intense, appeasing her racing heart. When his lips settled over hers, all thoughts and feelings ceased inside her. Terra’s eyes drifted shut and she succumbed to his charm.

  Seth stripped off his shirt and led her to the bed. Terra drank up the sight of him, running her fingers over the ridges of his body, tracing each scar. When he kissed her more passionately, slipping his tongue into her mouth, the need of wanting him inside her was instantaneous.

  Terra peeled the blouse from her body and reached for Seth’s belt buckle. She wrapped her fingers around him, hearing his sharp intake of breath. She helped him remove his jeans and tossed them aside. He stood naked in front of her, and a moment of dread stilled her. It’d been years since she was last with a man, and the fear of the unknown prevented her from making the next move.

  As if reading her discomfort, Seth bent down and kissed her. The simple gesture ignited the fire in her belly. She pulled him on top of her and waited wordlessly while he stripped off her panties. His gaze surveyed her body with a longing she had waited forever to see.

  “Are you ready for me?” he breathed.

  “Yes.” She gulped a breath and fought against the desire coursing through her veins. She wanted him now more than ever. Seth kneed her legs apart and entered her in one swift movement, watching her face twist in pleasure. They moved as one body, greedy and hungry for one another, their hands exploring the canvas of their lover.

  Seth’s thrusts grew more urgent and carnal, filling Terra to bursting. She gripped his body, taking hold as they both reached a climax. She cried out, not at the pleasure, but at the bittersweet explosion rocking throughout her body. Terra felt his seed warm her inside and stilled for a few moments, catching her breath.

  Seth swept the hair from her face and kissed her temple lovingly. “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do that,” he said.

  “To seduce me?”

  “Make love to you. You drive me wild, Terra.”

  She rolled over and straddled him, unhooking her bra. She grabbed his hand and placed it over her breast, allowing him to knead and feel its weight. Terra rocked her hips in response when he thumbed her nipple, sending a shock wave between her thighs.

  “So I’m assuming dinner on the pier is out of the question?” she asked.

  Seth bought her down and kissed her passionately, thrusting deep inside her. “Uh huh. You’re staying right here with me.” He flipped her onto her back and entered her again, promising what Terra had yearned for—a night of Earth-shattering sex.

  ***

  Seth rose the next morning with the sun. He sat on the edge of the bed, bone weary, and glanced at Terra sleeping soundly among the tangled sheets. A ray of sunshine broke through the blinds, bathing her in an ethereal light. Their night of lovemaking was everything he had wanted and more, but he couldn’t help thinking it may have damaged their relationship. When all of this was over and if they returned to their normal lives, could they be together?

  He entered the kitchen and turned on the kettle, eager to drown his concerns with a hot cup of coffee. When it brewed, he filled his mug and stepped outside to the pier. A layer of frost settled upon the reeds, crackling when a flock of geese landed upon the water. It was bitterly cold, though the chill appeased him, refreshing and liberating.

  He wondered how much longer he’d have until the eye of the storm was over. Spencer’s men were embarking on their position, days, maybe hours away. He didn’t know how many to expect. Stocking up for a battle was the only appropriate thing to do. He had surpassed the need to protect Terra, now they were fighting for survival.

  Seth knew that Spencer kept all active agent locations on his computer, contract and full time. All soft copy files were accessible, however, his office was guarded by two brutes with mean guns. It would take a lot of cunning and stealth to get into the building unnoticed. Everyone knew who he was.

  Seth downed a mouthful of coffee and tipped the rest in the lake. His first agenda was to find out the number of agents Spencer was setting upon their location. Was it worth fighting or fleeing to Turkey like he always envisioned? He had Terra’s safety to consider; she was more important than he cared to realize.

  After spending a few minutes soaking up what was left of his freedom, he wandered back into the cabin to take a shower. When he re-entered the bedroom, Terra still hadn’t woken, her naked body sprawled across the bed. Not wanting to wake her, he wrote a note of his intentions and left it on her pillow. He hovered over her, unsure whether to kiss her goodbye or leave her to sleep. Had their relationship surpassed that milestone yet? He ran his fingers over her skin and she stirred. He left quietly and took the car into town, eager to find a portal and begin the mission.

  Portals were found in abundance around the globe. Artificially created by rifts in the time continuum, they were optimized by scientists, designed to provide personal transport for the rich and elite officials.

  Portals were located in populated areas: shopping marts, hotel lobbies, residential homes, bars, alleyways or even an abandoned cornfield before the technology was sold to the government and bought out again. They offered an ease of transport, a method to slip in and out undetected—perfect for hired assassins. One could travel across the globe in a blink of an eye.

  As Seth explored the main drag of Crescent, he knew the portal wouldn’t take him to Spencer’s office directly, spewing him out in two
possible locations—the basement or the registration office. He preferred the basement because it was unguarded and provided a quick elevator ride to Spencer’s floor.

  The sun had yet to crest the bell tower across the road so he had time to snoop around until stores opened. Seth located an alleyway between two accounting offices and tried the first door he came across. It was locked. Cursing under his breath, he descended the foot path, searching for the next possible location. Without his chip, it would be difficult to track a portal so he had to rely on skill and instinct.

  Seth crossed the road and went into a gas station. Avoiding the stares of the sales clerk, he jiggled the door knob to the supply closet. When it didn’t open, he bit the inside of his cheek, frustrated. Janitor or supply rooms were perfect to house portals because they usually had enough vertical space to maintain one.

  He left the gas station disappointed and spent the next thirty minutes scouring the town. While storeowners opened up for the day, he wondered if Crescent was devoid of portal rifts. It happened frequently and if so, the location was added to Spencer’s black list. However, Seth refused to give up. He noticed the local bank open and decided to try one last time before returning to the cabin.

  Stepping inside, he did a quick scan of the room, taking note of the four teller windows, bank manager’s office, security guard, and supply closet. It was bustling with customers handling bricks of hard earned credits so Seth had a chance to sneak around unnoticed.

  Rifts were hard to see with the naked eye but could be detectable by static inference such as a television screen buffering or crackling phone line. He bought his gaze to the security monitors above the door to the manager’s office and found what he was looking for.

  Throwing a glance over his shoulder, he opened the door and slipped into an awaiting event horizon. Portals responded to an agent’s body chemistry, vitals that were logged into the Haroun system from day one. People unaffiliated with the agency couldn’t access or travel the worm holes.

  Just as he predicted, Seth stepped out into the basement. He dashed behind a parked car and crept to the elevator. As he rode up to level nine, he patted his pockets and felt the outline of a pistol. His intentions were not to use it, especially against his brothers, however, if backed into a corner, he’d have no choice.