Well Bred Connections

By Edward Charles and Anne Charles

When honeymooners Mike and his beautiful bride, Andy, learn of a rash of child abductions, they are swept into one of the desert’s darkest secrets.

As the couple tour in their new motor home, Andy discovers an old poster of a missing teen named Jessica. Mesmerized by the poster, Andy tucks it away for future reference. Soon thereafter, nightmares about the girl begin and intensify. Certain that Jessica is still alive, Andy finally convinces Mike to use his covert-ops skills to do a little research. When they uncover a sudden increase in missing child cases at a chain of regional campgrounds, it becomes apparent that these are more than isolated incidents.

A few months later, Jessica is found wandering the streets, dazed, confused, and obviously traumatized. Andy and Mike bring her home. As she recovers, Jessica reveals the story of her abduction, ensuing captivity, and ultimate escape. Her account leads Mike and Andy down a twisting desert road toward the darkest of destinations, ultimately to the mafia and a sinister operation involving the harvesting of babies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Edward Charles
• Release date: Dec 6, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301586943

Edward Charles

Edward Charles was born in South Wales in 1941 and brought up in North London. He studied economics and law at the University College of Wales and then earned a PhD in corporate finance at Manchester Business School. After a short period as an academic, he began a career in finance and management consulting, working in Europe, the United States, and Asia. He retired from international business in 2006 and has published several novels. Edward lives in Devon, England, with his wife.

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Well Bred Connections

by

Edward and Anne Charles

Copyright 2014

ISBN 978-1301586943

Second Edition

10/17/2014

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictiously. Any resemblance to any persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the US Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the author.

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Author’s Note:

The Connection Trilogy begins with The Imperial Connection followed by this work, Well Bred Connections and concluding with Hidden Connections. Each novel stands alone and is complete in itself, but similar characters run through each of the three novels.

All three novels are mystery/suspense thrillers, but they are more than that. There’s s a love story that begins in The Imperial Connection and develops in the following two novels. The love between the two main characters, Mike and Andy deepens and matures as the novels progress. Don’t get us wrong, love is only the sub-plot. Action, mystery and adventure rule.

This second edition however has been altered. The first edition contained explicit romance scenes between Mike and Andy that some readers thought took away from the story line. As authors, we felt differently. We wanted to make the love scenes as intense as the action scenes. After all, two new-found lovers brushing so close to death would naturally approach love aggressively. In war stories, for example doesn’t the reader expect lovers to be desperate and carnal? Who knows, they could be dead tomorrow.

Regardless, we’ve removed the explicit love scenes. The love and romance is still alive and well in this edition but it’s up to your imagination to fill in the blanks.

For any of our readers desiring the original edition we’ll send you a free copy by emailing us at:[e-mail]. We will send you a PDF version.

Either way, thank you for reading Well Bred Connections.

- Edward and Anne Charles

Chapter 1

April 4, Monday

Mike Foley and Alexandria Holmes had a perfect wedding. They had invited about fifty family members and close friends to a Party! never letting on to the real reason for their get together. They were married on April first in the most perfect setting- the south lawn of a large estate on a private island in the Virgin Islands off Tortola overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

Mike was in his late thirties and recently retired from the Air Force as a Major in Intelligence. He spent most of his career in covert operations coordinating overseas activities with the CIA. He still had close ties with the organization, especially with his best friend, Vince. Always working as a team they had had many overseas missions together. Mike was about six foot one inch tall, 180 pounds, with dark hair, mostly black with a little gray starting to show around the edges. He kept his hair trim and probably from all the years in the military was always clean shaven. He had handsome features and a muscular build with tight abs.

Andy lived in the small desert town of Imperial, California. She owned two stores, a small curio shop in El Centro and a very successful antique store named Lyons and Holmes in upscale Orange County. Andy was in her late twenties, tall and slender, about five foot nine, with red shoulder length hair and bright blue eyes. A former model, she was a head turner, but extremely intelligent at the same time. Andy grew up on her father’s cattle ranch in Colorado. She was an only child so a little spoiled and headstrong, but for anyone who knew her, there was no doubt Andy was an independent and self-made woman.

Mike met Andy in Imperial, California, where he traveled to find out if a homeless guy, Homeless Rick, was a past service buddy. Sergeant Ricci saved Mike’s life during the Gulf War, but after returning home for a time, disappeared. The local Imperial newspaper did an article on a homeless person, complete with photo. Mike saw the article and photograph of Homeless Rick and was convinced it was Sergeant Ricci. Andy, concerned about the homeless in her town, brought Mike to Rick and discovered that he was, indeed, Sergeant Ricci. The next day Rick was discovered drowned in one of the canals and suddenly they found the Chinese Mafia south of the border in Mexicali going after them. By accident Mike and Andy uncovered a smuggling scheme involving the illegal import of blood diamonds by the Chinese into the US. The ordeal almost cost them their lives, but when all was over the De Beers family was so grateful for what they had done they made sure Mike and Andy would not have to worry about their future.

After the wedding guests departed, Mike and Andy took their honeymoon aboard a very well appointed seventy-six foot Matrix-built catamaran, the Dream Catcher. The ship, fully provisioned, had a husband and wife captain team, steward and cook on board. They were heading off to explore the Caribbean and would end their cruise in Miami.

On Monday, April fourth, they boarded the cat. Skipper James held out his weathered hand, Mister and Missus Foley, welcome aboard! I’m Skipper James. This is my wife, Carley, and those two over there, he said pointing to the staff, are Henri, your chef and Blanche, your steward. Henri and Blanche came forward and greeted their guests with enthusiasm. Henri was a small man and looked French while Blanche was six foot four, very black, sporting an infectious smile.

How’d you get the name Blanche? asked Mike, shaking his hand.

"My mama tole me dee own-leee ting white about me ware my teeth, Mon." laughed Blanche, shaking Mike’s hand even harder and smiling from ear to ear.

Skipper James turned to Mike and Andy. If you’ll follow me I’ll escort you to your suite. I’m sure you’d like to relax. Tonight we’ll anchor in West End Harbor before heading off to Saint Thomas tomorrow. Blanche would like to catch your dinner this evening off his favorite reef, and if you’d like to snorkel along with him you can point out your meal and Blanche will be happy to spear it for you.

Andy’s eyes lit up, Oh, Skipper! That would be so much fun. What time do we need to be ready?

Well, Henri will have wine and cheese ready for you aft, probably around three. We should arrive at the reef four-ish. He escorted them forward through a large dining area and across the living room and library. The catamaran, unlike hulled sailboats, was very spacious and open. He led them to the main cabin, their room, which contained a king-sized bed, a reading area and a bathroom that contained a hot tub.

This is exactly like the pictures in the brochure! Mike, I’m so happy you chose this catamaran.

"Well, I knew you lived on a sailboat for a time and didn’t want you to associate that with our honeymoon.

Thank you, Mike, she said tugging his arm and rising to his cheek to place a kiss on it.

Well, said Skipper James in his refined British accent, I’ll leave you two to freshen up. Feel free to explore the ship at your leisure. This will be your home away from home for the next week. Your bar over there is fully stocked. He pointed towards it. If it’s all right with you, I’ll tell Henri around three?

Mike smiled at the skipper. That would be fine. Thank you.

Andy lay on the bed looking out at the sea through the cabin window, "God, Mike, this is so romantic!"

He yawned. How about a short nap. We’ve got time. He set his watch-timer for an hour and lay next to his newly-wed and beautiful bride and fell asleep.

Around three they made their way aft. Andy had on a modest, yet revealing, bikini that fit the Caribbean beautifully as it was a bright lime green with a floral pattern. Mike had on his trunks and a Hawaiian shirt. They found their way to the back of the ship and sat at the table looking aft towards the beautiful blue-green waters of the Caribbean. On the table were two wine glasses and a bottle of wine cooling in ice. Next to the wine was a beautifully prepared plate of assorted cheeses and crackers. The ship was under sail so there were no sounds except the wind and a CD softly playing calypso music in the background. They enjoyed the moment together, two lovers set adrift upon the seas, holding hands and loving being in each other’s presence.

A while later Blanche showed up with his diving gear. He said, You want to help Blanche hunt for dinner? Get in the dinghy, Mon and Lady. I got your mask and snorkels.

They climbed on board the dinghy and Blanche cast off. He pulled the rope on the outboard and they were gone in a flash.

I have fished this reef since I was a boy. Careful not to take too much, he shouted over the noise of the motor. Ten minutes later he turned off the outboard and dropped anchor.

We here. Don’t worry about any bad fish. Blanche will not let them eat you. He put on his mask, inserted the mouthpiece and flipped backwards into the water.

Mike and Andy jumped into the warm blue waters of the Caribbean. It was amazing. There were thousands of fish of all sizes around them swimming in and out of the reef that was perhaps twenty to thirty feet below. They looked down and saw Blanche waving at them. After a few minutes he beckoned them to come over to where he was. He pointed down at a large Caribbean lobster hiding in the coral. Mike nodded and in a second Blanche had the lobster in his hand and into his sack. A few minutes later he grabbed another lobster, equally as large and stuffed it into the sack hanging on his side. While Mike and Andy were enjoying watching the fish swim around the reef, Blanche went to work spearing more fish for dinner, including one large grouper. No doubt, dinner would be fresh.

They came back aboard the catamaran and went to their suite to change for dinner. Looking out of their stateroom window they watched in amazement as the sun slowly approached the horizon.

Andy, your back is really tanned. You’d better watch out not to get burned. She ignored him.

Mike, look over there! She pointed to the western sunset. I’ve always been amazed how the sun seems to hang on to the last of day until it reaches the horizon, then once touching the sea how quickly it sinks out of sight.

After dressing, they walked to the dining area and found two places set. Do you like sushi? asked Henri, I promise it is fresh. Mike could detect a slight French accent.

I have never been a big fan of sushi, said Andy swallowing a piece of raw fish, but this is fantastic! Do you like it?

Superb!

Their meal began with a fresh watercress salad, followed by conch soup. The main course was the lobster Blanche caught earlier. Dessert was the finest crème brulee they had ever experienced, followed by coffee laced with a touch of Jamaican coffee liqueur.

‘This will be a honeymoon to remember,’ thought Mike as he gazed into Andy’s eyes. He could scarcely believe three months ago he spent all his nights alone in an apartment in Arlington Heights, Illinois. What brought them together was short of a miracle, he mused.

He had a surprise waiting for her in their suite. It was the first night of their honeymoon and it had to be special. At the door he swept her in his arms and asked her to close her eyes. Of course, she giggled. As he entered their stateroom the aroma of lavender and roses drifted out. He gently let her down and asked her to open her eyes. The room was dimly lit but she could see rose petals scattered on a pathway leading to the bed as well as on the bed. A short lace negligee was carefully draped across the chair. The setting was perfect and Andy had to wipe the tears away as she turned to give Mike a kiss.

Slowly he slipped her dress off while he eased her onto the bed. The night was young and he wanted it to last. Mike was a true romantic but never let it show, until now, as he gently kissed and caressed her all over. He took his time to allow her to feel his love for her in a different way than ever before. When the moment was over they both rose and held each other gently for a long time.

Andy looked at the table across the room and saw the champagne being chilled. Mike had taken the time to purchase two flutes, each engraved with their initials and their wedding date.

Oh, how thoughtful. She placed a kiss on his lips. But do you remember champagne goes right to my head?

Of course I do. That’s why I ordered it. With that he popped the cork and poured the champagne. First, they sat at the table holding hands while sipping their drinks and laughed about their difficult first meeting, and the subsequent events that almost cost them their lives. By the second glass Andy began to giggle so Mike suggested they try out their whirlpool bath. Once in the tub, both enjoyed the relaxing sensation of the jets and bubbles. After, they dried each other off and gently massaged one another with lotion. It was time and they both knew it. Mike folded down the covers, turned off the lights then laid beside Andy, anticipating their second union to take place on this special evening.

Morning came and they decided to greet sunrise on the deck together as they held hands and drank coffee. Later, around eight, Andy invited the captain and his wife to join them for breakfast. They were under sail and headed to Charlotte Amalie, the main port town in Saint Thomas.

I use the Local Boater Option, so all I have to do is telephone customs once we arrive. This is a new custom’s system that allows regular tourist boats like ours to by-pass a personal inspection, said the skipper. We should get there around noon. Do you want to stay on board and have lunch, or would you prefer to dine locally?

I’d like to do a little shopping, said Andy, Not much, but I’m looking for a special ring.

What kind? asked the skipper’s wife, Carley.

I’m looking for tanzanite.

Well then, you’re in luck. There’s a shop just off the marketplace on Main Street that sells tanzanite. I think the blue-to-purple is the best color, don’t you?

Oh, yes. That’s just what I’ve been looking for.

Okay, then, said Mike to the skipper, we’ll shop around and have lunch in town.

One word of caution, said the captain. Watch out for young pickpockets. They’re generally harmless, but they’re pretty quick.

Thanks for the warning, said Mike. I’ll keep my eyes open.

Just like he said, the captain cleared customs without having to report personally to the Custom’s House or immigration. When they disembarked, the captain had a golf cart ready and they shuttled their way from the pier to Charlotte Amalie. Main Street was lined with all types of tourist shops. There were three large cruise ships in port so the streets and shops were crowded. It was a little after the noon hour, so Mike and Andy decided to stop for a sandwich and something to drink. After eating, they walked down Main Street and there it was, the Tanzanite Gem Store. Andy couldn’t wait, but Mike was not so excited.

Honey, he told her, you enjoy the store. I’ll be waiting over there, across the street drinking a beer, okay? he said as he pointed to an open-air bar.

Yes, my love, she said as she placed a peck on his cheek. I love you.

Have fun, he said as he walked into the outdoor bar, found a seat and ordered a beer. The afternoon was warm and Mike felt happy sitting on the barstool, drinking his beer and enjoying life. The crowded marketplace was behind him. He could hear the typical sing-song of the Caribbean sales jargon, Come here sweet lady! I have the best prices! or, Mister, mister, step into my booth, I will give you the best deal of any booth here. Do you want something to smoke?

Two beers later he saw Andy walk out of the store. She turned and looked for Mike. When she saw him wave to her she stepped off the sidewalk and started to cross Main Street. A very tall, skinny black man suddenly appeared out of nowhere, ran up to Andy and with a knife, slashed the strap on her purse and ran off with it.

Mike jumped into action. He’d seen this many times in his past. The young punk had been scoping the store out and knew Andy had made an expensive purchase. Many times they were in cahoots with the store owner and sold it back to them for pennies on the dollar. After all, the cruise ships would depart at four regardless of the crime, and people had to be back onboard.

Mike spotted the robber’s route and took off after him. The man ran through the marketplace, dodging in and out of booths trying to evade Mike. One time, making a sharp turn Mike caught up with him, grabbed his shirt and ripped it half off. ‘Damn,’ thought Mike, ‘where’s my .38 when I need it!’ knowing full well he could not carry his weapon here.

Andy saw Mike take after the thief. She was really pissed at the thought of losing the ten thousand dollar ring she’d just purchased. As she watched Mike run after the man through the market she came up with a different idea. The marketplace was crowded, so it made no sense to go in that direction. Instead, Andy took to the alley that ran alongside the marketplace and headed in, what she thought, would be the direction the thief was going. She reached the back of the market and made a left turn at the same time the crook exited and made a right turn out the back. They stopped, face to face with each other. The young thief took out his knife and pointed it at Andy. He didn’t know, but that was the worst thing he could have done. In an instant Andy spun around, raised her leg, pointed her toes and sent all her inertia into his solar plexus. The man doubled over, dropped her purse and held his stomach. A split second later, before he could topple over, Andy came in close to his body, took her right knee and forced it upwards into the man’s jaw, shattering it and destroying several teeth in the process. The man fell, unconscious.

Well, dear, I guess I should’ve stayed at the bar and finished my beer, smiled Mike as he looked at the man passed out and bleeding profusely in the alley. You can handle yourself.

Andy looked up at Mike. She was panting from the run and attack, was bent over and had her hands on her knees. Yeah, well, if I can kill a black bear I can deal with this. Anyways, Ginger, my karate teacher, told me I need to practice more.

After regaining composure she gave Mike a big hug. Time for a Kodak Moment. Take my picture. Andy walked over to the man laying face down unconscious in the alley and put one foot on his buttocks. Just like when I killed that bear! She smiled wide, spread her arms out while Mike captured the moment on camera. After calling the police they walked down the alley back to Main Street.

I need to check my email, said Mike. "There’s a McDonald’s, let’s stop in and I can use their free WI-FI.

Okay. I’d like a Coke. When you come back I’ll show you my ring.

While Andy sipped her Coke, Mike checked his email on the iPhone. There were a bunch of messages from friends and family congratulating them on their marriage, especially a long one from Janet Vasquez that he quickly deleted. One message, however, from his friend Vince intrigued him. Vince, after congratulating Mike and Andy, wanted to know the name of their catamaran. Vince never asked stupid questions, so he texted back, the Dream Catcher.

Back on board they met with the captain and told him their shopping story. He was quite impressed with Andy’s skills. Over drinks the captain opened a map and reviewed their itinerary. They would stay in the Lesser Antilles for a few days then head on to San Juan, Puerto Rico for one evening. After San Juan they would sail to the Dominican Republic and spend the night in Punta Cana. After that it would be mostly at sea with a brief stopover at Turks and Caicos then a straight run up to Miami. Typically, charters began and ended at the same place, but lucky for Mike and Andy, the Dream Catcher was due in for its annual dry dock cleaning and inspection and Miami was where the work had to be done.

Over the next several days they had the time of their lives with lots of Kodak Moments. One day it was Virgin Gorda and the Baths, an area of beautiful beaches, tidal pools, rocks and caves to explore, another day they were in St. John, snorkeling in the underwater state park. They swam with the dolphins, went zip-lining and parasailing. When they arrived in San Juan there was gambling and touring Old San Juan during the day, and at night a salsa bar where they danced the evening away. In Punta Cana they rented dune buggies, and Mike had cigars made especially for him. In the privacy of their stateroom they had wonderful moments exploring each other, as well.

The Antilles islands are quite close together so they were never out of sight of land for very long. But when they left the Dominican Republic they would be venturing into the deep Atlantic Ocean, whose waves could sometimes be daunting. Luckily, no bad weather was in sight. It gave one a strange feeling, though, seeing nothing but water in all directions, especially late at night with no moon, the only light coming from the stars.

* * * *

The next evening was especially dark. Cloud cover blanketed the skies. About eleven Mike was sitting on the bed with Andy’s head on his lap watching a movie from the library when, of all things, his cell phone rang.

Mike, here.

Mike, Vince.

Hey, it’s my honeymoon.

"I wouldn’t call if it wasn’t important. By the way, Janet and I really enjoyed your wedding. What a surprise. I asked her to text you thanks, did she?"

Yeah, she did. What’s going on to bother me at a time like this?

Mike, I’ve been working with the Navy, Coast Guard and CIA on something for the last six months. You know I wouldn’t let you in on it unless you had a ‘need to know,’ and you do.

Okay. Gimme a minute to grab a pen and pad. Andy was asleep so he quietly removed her head from his lap and slipped off to the library. He sat down and switched on a reading lamp. Shoot.

"Mike, it started with our fly boys. They were tracking some drug smugglers out of Colombia and Venezuela. They’ve found a unique way to get their cocaine and meth into the US by skirting customs.

Just cut to the chase.

I am. Listen, six months ago there was a sixty-five foot schooner out of Miami. A sailor and his wife were enjoying retirement on their dream ship sailing the world. One day their schooner was discovered in Miami harbor but the man and woman were not on it. After a week the harbormaster got concerned and contacted the Coast Guard. CG brought their drug dogs on board and discovered traces of cocaine and meth. No one had seen the couple, but they really didn’t start looking for them until a week after they docked. Here’s the interesting thing, Mike, our flyboys were out scanning the area around the same time this couple would have been heading back into their slip at the harbor. They noticed flames on the sea and took the best photos they could but didn’t identify any craft. They dispatched the Coast Guard to investigate but they found nothing. One thing the Coast Guard did see was a large sailboat heading towards Miami.

I think I’m catching on, said a very alert Mike.

Well, here’s the thing. I think these smugglers are about ready to repeat the operation. We’ve been tracking a fifty foot cigarette boat for a time now, and it’s damn close to you.

How do you know?

Mike, you are right now north twenty degrees fifteen minutes and thirty seconds and west sixty nine degrees fifteen minutes and forty seconds.

How’d you know that? He paused. Never mind.

That boat we’ve been tracking is coming towards your location.

What do you want me to do, Vince?

If it’s like the past, they’ll overtake your catamaran, eliminate the passengers, transfer the drugs over, and then sink their boat. That way they’ll enter the country undetected.

Fuck, Vince. I figured that out! What the hell do you want me to do? I’m sure our captain has some arms, but what are we dealing with here? Three people? Ten?

Well, Mike, I don’t think you’ve got to worry about that right now. I’ve got you covered.

Covered?

"Yeah. I’m saving the best for last. Right now you are in about one thousand feet of water. One hundred feet beneath you is a Virginia class sub. I actually have us on a three-way call with the skipper of the submarine. He’s on the line now. Mike, meet Captain Rodgers. He’s the skipper below you in our sub."

Uh, hi! responded a surprised Mike.

Hi, Mike. Captain Jim Rodgers, here. We’ve got some logistics to work out. You probably know this class of sub was designed to accommodate special operations forces. My SEALS are getting suited up and are getting ready to go. I know we can pull this off with minimal casualties.

How imminent is the danger, sir? asked Mike.

Well, the boat is about fifty miles south of you. It’s traveling at about thirty knots, but it’s capable of speeds over a hundred miles an hour, which means it could reach you in less than thirty minutes.

What do you want me to do topside?

Have your captain maintain a steady northerly course at about ten knots. No running lights. We’ll stay below and release the SEALS as soon as they are suited up.

Then what? asked Mike.

I’ll launch the SEALS. They’ll be on board your ship in about fifteen minutes. I plan to have them transfer you and the crew to their dingy. I’ll put you out of harm’s way by bringing you to the sub while the SEALS deal with the smugglers.

I’ll alert everyone, said Mike. We’ll be waiting aft for your SEALS. I need to get moving. Gimme a way to contact you. When he got the number, he hung up.

He made his way to the captain’s cabin and knocked on the door. "We’ve got problems. Wake the crew now. I’ll meet everyone in the library in five minutes. And Captain, if you have any weapons have them ready and bring ‘em with you."

Mike turned on his heel and left to warn Andy, but before doing so turned back to the skipper and pointed at him, Have your wife maintain full speed.

Mike burst into the room. Honey, wake up!

What is it, darling? yawned Andy.

We’ve got some problems. We think someone is trying to hijack our cat.

"Who’s we?" she said while throwing on a top over her sunburned back and some jeans.

While we were watching that movie I got a call from Vince. He quickly briefed Andy on what he’d learned.

Sounds like Uncle Bill, said Andy.

Could be.

James, Carley, Henri and Blanche were waiting in the library when Mike and Andy arrived. The cat was on auto-pilot.

Mike addressed a very confused crowd, "I need to be quick because we’re in danger of being hijacked. Please, just listen and don’t panic. I’m recently retired from the Air Force as an intelligence officer and I worked closely with organizations like the CIA. Tonight I received a call from Langley. It appears they’ve been tracking some pretty mean