In the Shelter of Protection

By Andie Renee

Special Agent Hannah Davenport, of the United States Secret Service, loves the Lord with all her heart and craves a deeper fellowship with Him, but at every turn in her life she is pushed to the limit. Including the perpetual appearances of the elusive CAT guys. However, with one look her heart instantly starts aching for the shelter and protection of one specific man on their team. But how will she ever be able to allow him in her life when it goes against everything her father had always taught her?

Special Agent in Charge Luciano Moreno, of the United States Secret Service Counter Assault Team, will not accept anything less than Hannah in his life. Frustrated beyond belief, she’s a woman that is making him even more protective, and he is determined to use everything within his power to see that Hannah remains right where he wants her. But he soon finds out that Jesus is even more protective of her, and Luciano is forced to come to terms with his own walk with Jesus before he can even think about continuing to share his life with her.

Through unforeseen trials, Luciano and Hannah both learn a valuable lesson: Circumstances don’t dictate your life when you are living in the shelter of God’s Protection.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andie Renee
• Release date: Dec 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310292644

Andie Renee

Under King Jesus’ reign, our physical blood is fortified with His blood, our heart beats within His commanding Hands, and our ears are attuned only to His Truth, while our mouth is under our Savior’s authority, and our eyes ache to only see Him.As one of Abba’s daughters passionately declaring His Love, His Guidance, and His Protection, I’m only able to write as the Holy Spirit guides my fingers. May our novels give you a few hours of enjoyment as well as inspire you to have a deeper fellowship with King Jesus as you actively live in His presence, and He intimately Shepherds you.

Book preview

Protection Series:

#2 ~ In the Shelter of Protection

(each Novel in this series does stand-alone, but they also relate to each other)

By Andie Renee

Copyright 2013 Andie Renee

Smashwords Edition

In regards to my Protection Series:

I have more than surpassed the required waiting years, in regards to writing, which I had agreed upon at the time of my resignation from the United States Secret Service. I have not divulged any top secret, classified, or sensitive information regarding the government, nor any government agency, nor have my books revealed any specific names. They are not meant to disrespect any particular person, agency, or representatives. They are fictional characters involved in fictional and imaginary, life-changing events. I am hoping that you enjoy the unique family bond that this agency actually has amongst its agents. This set of books may be really different from what you normally read, but I am hoping that you can enjoy the uniqueness and interesting situations that they all find themselves in and how Jesus heals their ways and works in each of their lives.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

eBook Cover Designer~Andie Renee: Panther: CanStockPhotoInc./ dagadu (csp7909419) Photos ~ Tunnel and Sea: CanStockPhotoInc./ badmanproduction (csp16259323)

Star Image Designer~Andie Renee: Panther: CanStockPhotoInc./ dagadu (csp7909419); White House: CanStockPhotoInc./ Alperium (csp1845848)

Chapter 1

Hannah fell to her knees at the altar. Silent tears streamed down her face as she poured her heart out to Jesus. She tried to discipline her mind to not ask why, but couldn’t prevent a few from surfacing.

Why can’t what I’ve already sent my sister be enough for her? Why can’t she grow up and provide for herself? Lacey is older, if only by a few years, but she still should be the wiser one. Jesus, please help me. How could Lacey have turned away from how we were raised? Did I do something that caused her to distance herself from me, or to behave as she is? Forgive me if I did, and please help me to change that. May all that I do be pleasing to you.

Her head hung down while she thought of her sister. She missed her so much. Their parents had raised them both the same. They had been so constant, and concise in showing them both love, and discipline. They had never shown favoritism. Their mother was so powerful in leading them both to Jesus because her relationship had been so strong with Him. And what a beautiful woman of God she had been on earth. She had led them more from example than anything else.

Hannah’s chest tightened. Her sister and she had always been so close. Lacey had once been the strong one of the family. However, with Lacey’s successful international modeling career and then the death of their mother, it seemed that their roles had drastically changed. Hannah wanted the best for her sister in her career, but at what expense? Her heart ached for her sister, she missed how her sister used to be. With both of their parents gone, Hannah really needed her in her life.

She swallowed back her sob and forced her mind to turn back to praising Jesus. She was rewarded with an amazing peace, the peace she loved with all of her heart and soul. You are the lover of my soul, thank you for being my Lord and Savior. She was so caught up in praising Him that she didn’t hear anyone enter the empty, candlelit sanctuary.

Hannah raised her hands as the Holy Spirit guided her. She was in a world all her own as her tears continued to flow, and she lifted her heart to Him. His amazing strength deeply cleansed her, and forced her to acknowledge and give voice to a problem she was having lately.

I have never felt so alone in my life. I don’t like this feeling, and I don’t think I should feel this way because you are right here within me. Forgive me, my Lord, I’m so sorry that I let your precious peace leave me. May you change me and teach me not to allow that to happen again as I continue to live in your presence? Bring my life into a deeper walk with you no matter what I have to go through. I give my all to you, every fiber of my being. Please cleanse me of all things not of you. She lowered her hands, Thank you for promising to never leave me nor forsake me. I love you, and please give me your patience as you heal my loneliness.

Minutes passed, and Hannah smiled as she rose to her feet. Her sparkling hazel eyes looked again to the beautiful cross. Thank you for you! She turned and silently walked out of the sanctuary unaware of the mysteriously dark eyes watching her every move.

Shockingly, not once was his Hannah aware of him sitting in the back row. He wasn’t trying to hide from her anymore. Unable to take his eyes from her, amazement washed over him as she walked past him. His heart fiercely beat in his chest. A wild beat that was so much a part of him that he missed it when it wasn’t there. Each opportunity of watching her had created that beat. The doors closed and he looked back to the cross. He slowly stood up, and walked towards the altar while his thoughts were on her and how she loved Jesus.

Couldn’t he receive that same peace and love, again? Or that same inner joy? His eyes darkened, couldn’t I help with that loneliness within her? He hesitated, he had no right. He took one more step, then his feet stopped, his chest constricted, and guilt attacked him. He looked up to the cross, I have no right to ask. Swallowing the sudden heartache in his throat he quickly looked away, and ran back down the aisle.

Hannah unlocked her government car and slid behind the wheel.

‘Agent Davenport. Duty Desk.’

Grabbing up her mic, she responded, Duty Desk. Agent Davenport. Go ahead.

‘We just got a call from Sgt. Myers, he has a counterfeit bill in hand, and suspect in custody. Can you stop by there on your way back to the office? The agents from the counterfeiting squad are unavailable.’

Sure. I’m on my way.

Her lunch break was officially over. Hanging up her mic, Hannah tucked a loose strand of dark blonde hair behind her ear, and making her way out of the parking lot, she sighed. Her days were so busy, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you Jesus it does take my mind off of Lacey.

Hannah was buzzed into the field office and an uneasiness raced through her while she smiled at her Special Agent in Charge (SAIC) who was just standing there staring at her.

Hi, Hannah.

Hi, Mr. Richards. Her insides were a mess as she quickly retreated to the hallway.

Hannah?

Y-Yes, sir? She turned, trying to portray the same degree of confidence that she did out in the field.

It’s Bill, remember?

She nervously smiled. Sir.

He shook his head in amusement. Great work on your recent PI case.

Oh, thank you. She stood waiting. Anything else, sir?

He tilted his head. She was one of the best field agents in his office and he could not help but be amazed at why she was always so nervous around him. As if she was afraid to make a wrong move. Even after the few years she had worked for him, she was still nervous. No. Do you have any plans this weekend?

N-no, sir. Just resting and church.

Okay. Well, have a great weekend, and get some rest. I’ve noticed you’ve really been helping out a lot of your fellow agents as well as doing your own cases. You need to take some time off and rest.

Thank you, sir. Have a great weekend, too. Her brow furrowed, and she continued to stand there.

He chuckled, You may go now.

Thank you, sir.

While walking to her desk, Hannah frowned. Jesus, please help me with this crazy nervousness I get around bosses. She shook her head. Why couldn’t she look like some of the other agents, so confident and secure in front of their SAICs and ASAICs and all of the other bosses around the agency while they carried on personal and fun conversations with them? Someday I will be free from it. Please show me the way.

Two hours later, Hannah turned off her computer and smiled. Thank you Jesus that all of my cases are up to date and a few are even finished.

She looked up from her assault bag on the floor when she heard a file hit her desk.

Just put it on my desk when you are done with it. I’ll check it on Monday morning to see if you need to make any more changes to it.

Hannah stared at Agent Anderson’s retreating back. Tiredness rolled over her while she looked down at the document he expected her to type for him. As always, it was his case. She looked to the clock on the wall, she only had an hour before she had to meet Agent Brown for his stakeout. Moaning, she turned her computer back on and started getting back to work.

But for the first time she found her fingers hitting the keyboard with a little too much force as she heard the unmistakable sounds of him enjoying himself down the hallway. This was his case, not hers. What would he do if she strode down the hall, gave him his report and said do it yourself for once? She didn’t mind helping her fellow agents, but this had gotten to be a continuous occurrence with him. Growling, she stood and walked out of her office towards the break room.

Are you done already?

Hannah stopped and her back tensed, No.

Oh, well you better get to it. Don’t you have to meet Agent Brown across town within the hour?

Her jaw twitched. He had known and he had still given her the file to deal with? And what was with his voice? It really grated on her nerves. She hated to feel that way, but over this last year he had become even more demanding with her. I love you Jesus, but I can’t deal with him nicely on my own. Give me your strength, patience, and wisdom to deal with him, as well as the ability to finish the report and not be late to meet Agent Brown.

Ignoring Agent Anderson, she continued on towards the break room to get a coke and then hurried back to her office to finish the work. Hannah sighed. Thankfully he was gone, and the hallway was deserted.

Sitting back down at her desk, her fingers flew with a renewed speed, and within minutes she was placing the file on top of his desk. Jogging down the hall she yelled goodbye to the duty agent and left. However, upon entering the parking garage Hannah stopped when she saw Agent Anderson joking around with a few Postal Inspectors as if he had all the time in the world. Anger arose within her and she immediately prayed for calm.

Oh, Agent Davenport. Did you finish?

Yes, Agent Anderson.

Good. Should I go back up to check it so you can make the changes this weekend and I can turn it into Bill on Monday?

She unlocked her car door and frowned, Go ahead Agent Anderson, but you will be doing your own typing and corrections from now on. I have my own cases to work on.

Hey, you selfish woman. My cases are really important, and much more than yours that’s for sure.

She looked to him, I’m sorry, I meant nothing by it other than you should really do your own cases. Especially as they are so important to you. That way you can really make sure your reports are done to your satisfaction. Have a good weekend gentlemen.

Shaking, Hannah quickly got into her vehicle and drove away. She really hated confrontations. Her eyes darted to her rearview mirror and she saw him expressively talking to the other men. They were shaking their heads and looking her way. She could just imagine what he was saying about her. She never can do right in his eyes and there was nothing she could do to change that. Please give me the peace to not worry about what other people say about me, and may you alone validate me. And may there be a safe ending to Agent Brown’s case tonight without us having to pull our guns out.

With five minutes to spare, she parked her car across town next to Agent Brown’s and then walked over to where he and a few of the other policemen waited.

Chapter 2

Hannah briefly rested against her car. She was so tired, and all she wanted to do was go straight to bed. Her recurrent loneliness surfaced. Maybe she should call Eric, and tomorrow they could do something together like old times. Sadly, she shoved away from her car and started walking towards her apartment. The only problem with that was that she had no money to do anything with him.

Hearing her name being called, Hannah swiftly turned around and from the light of the parking lot she saw Agent Miller waving like a lunatic from a black SUV strategically parked behind her vehicle.

How in the world had she not heard them pull up?

Hannah tentatively walked towards him. This was the fourth time she had seen him this week. From the very beginning, which had been well over five months ago, he had made it quite clear that he wasn’t interested in her, so why did she keep seeing him? As a member of the Counter Assault Team it was possible that he would cross her path whenever she was involved in a site advance for a protection detail, but she stayed away from protection details at every possible opportunity and she hadn’t had to do any lately. And the number of CAT guys, including him, that she had previously met in her whole career could be counted on just one hand. Maybe it was finally time to ask him what ‘all systems a go’ meant when she had told him that she was single? Those four words still flabbergasted her.

Her arms crossed as she smiled. Yes, Agent Miller?

Well, Hi, Hannah. Are you alright?

She lifted her eyebrow, Yes. You?

I’m fine and I’m glad you are good, too. But you see, we have a problem and we were hoping that you would help us out. He laughed, It’s really embarrassing, but may we use your landline phone?

My phone? She sized up the vehicle, but the tinted windows gave nothing away. Who’s we?

Oh, just me and a few of the guys. He motioned to the driver, who just smiled and waved.

Okay, you really want me to buy that? Hannah laughed, Maybe in the late 90’s when cell phones were few and far between and beepers were the go-to-thing, but today? Come on guys.

Hey, our chargers are broken.

The driver and a few of the other guys reached out their arms dangling broken cords. "And we just don’t want to run into a local store dressed in our gear. Come on, help your fellow agents out. We didn’t know what to do and then you drove by us and wham...perfect timing! Not to mention that a few of us really have to go to the bathroom." He smiled and shrugged.

Hannah just stared at him. Right. I don’t believe a word of it. She looked to the driver who politely smiled and waved again, then to the ones she could see who were still holding out their broken cords, pouting. Her eyes narrowed for a second.

You know what, why not? I mean it is only past 2200 hours, and I am exhausted. I really hope you hear the sarcasm in my voice. She laughed and rolled her eyes. Come on.

Turning, she walked back towards her apartment and left the door open for them. Immediately walking into her little kitchenette to put her bag down, Hannah turned on the light and once she turned back around, her mouth dropped open.

Eight men stood in her living room, filling it completely. Her eyes grew large as she looked to her closed front door and then down the hallway where the light had been turned on.

Uh, please don’t tell me there is more than you all in front of me.

A dark haired agent, taller than she was, stepped up to her, Okay, we won’t. Shrugging, he looked around her countertops, and started to thoroughly look around her kitchen, opening up her cupboard doors and even looking behind her refrigerator.

She placed her hands on her hips and stared at him, I am not a suspect, and I’ve done nothing wrong. She continued to watch him quickly look at her black assault bag, but when he opened up her trash can, she fumed, What in the world are you doing? Am I in trouble?

He smiled, his green eyes full of amusement, Why not at all, my fellow agent. Not at all. He walked into the living room, In fact, far from it.

This was not happening. Her mind spun as she watched him lazily stretch out on the bigger couch making himself at home. She looked around, but only saw four agents now.

Her bedroom door shut. No.

She took off and ran down her tiny little hallway towards her bedroom. Opening it up, her eyes glinted when she saw two men thoroughly inspecting her room, and walking into her tiny little bathroom rooting through her other trash can, too. What are you all doing? This is crazy. I’m an agent, not some suspect.

Growling, she turned and ran into two more guys just leaving her tiny little office, and another one leaving the hallway bathroom. Impatiently following them back into her living room, she stood her ground.

"Miller! Wherever you are, get in here. Right now!" Her commanding voice carried through the tiny apartment making all of the men chuckle.

Miller casually walked in from her kitchen eating an apple. He lazily smiled to her while a few of his friends stretched out on her other couch.

What are you and your ‘pack,’ or whatever you guys call each other, doing here?

He looked puzzled, Well, you said we could use your phone and restroom.

She covered her face and fought for calm, please help me Jesus, please. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes, and two more new guys came in through her front door. Her mouth dropped open. This was just way too much. There was no way this was really happening, she definitely had to be imagining it.

How in the world had this many men, at their size, with weapons strapped to them, fit into that one SUV? Pushing a few of the men out of her way, she walked over to her living room window. Pulling back her curtains, she felt faint. Two more black SUVs were newly parked off to both sides of the one parked behind hers.

Do you see anything important out there? A blonde headed guy, also taller than her, looked out. His wide shoulders shrugged. Nope. All clear. Here, let me help you close them up again. We sure don’t want your neighbors talking. He wagged his finger at her and frowned.

She turned around just as three more agents walked into her apartment. She really wasn’t worried about what her neighbors thought now, she was just wondering how in the world she would be able to even walk again in her tiny apartment.

Her phone started ringing, and her too familiar, laughable, but hated ringtone sounded through the room. She moaned, Lacey. She really didn’t want to answer it, but she knew that if she didn’t, the phone would just keep going on and on.

I have to ask, what is this ringtone so I don’t ever make the mistake of getting it?

A ringtone, that’s it. Can I please have my phone back? Unsure of how he even got it, she held her hand out to the blonde agent that had just closed her curtains.

Sure, but why do you have one of these models? How in the world do you even text on this thing? It’s ancient. Look Techy. Ha ha, bet you can’t even work one of these.

Bet I can. Give it. The man named Techy looked it over, and whistled. Wow, Lawrence. This is a dinosaur.

It works. That’s all I need. Please?

Who’s Lacey? Techy quizzed her as he past her phone to another guy.

Hannah wiped her sweating brow, It’s my older sister.

Oh, well in that case, give her the phone Peterson.

The phone was thrown through the air and she caught it. Hello?

Well, it’s about time. Anyway, did you send the money today that you promised me?

Not now, please, not now. Feeling all twenty-four plus eyes on her, Hannah quickly responded, Lacey, I really can’t talk right now. Closing her phone she put it in her blazer pocket and pointed to the door. Out. All of you out. I’m sure you have already used my phone and bathroom. So you can all leave now. It’s been a long day, and I want to go to bed. No one moved. Out.

The few that looked her way just stared. All of the others started looking really busy by picking up different things from her very sparsely non-decorated room, or looking at everywhere but her. Oh, this is not happening. Her phone started ringing again. Opening it up, she said again, I really, really can’t talk right now.

The dark haired, green eyed man who had thoroughly searched her kitchen looked to her, You know I’m really surprised at your apartment. I mean most women really decorate. And yet, you don’t have a picture hanging on the wall. You only have that vase there, the beautiful black Bible over there, and no television. Even your bedroom doesn’t have any decorations. Why is that?

Hannah shrugged, This isn’t my permanent home. Less to dust, less to pick up, and cable is way too expensive. I work a lot and well, it would just be a waste.

Growling when her phone started ringing again, she picked it up, I really, really can’t talk right now Lacey.

Two more agents came in from her hallway. Seeing there wasn’t much room to sit, they unstrapped their rifles, leaned against the wall and slid to the floor. Then they looked to her and smiled.

Hannah giggled, then closed her eyes and prayed when her phone rang again. Please Lord, give me strength. Like a robot, she opened it and repeated her words, then shut it off and put it down on the window sill.

She looked towards her kitchen as Miller came out holding a glass of water.

Hannah, why do you not have much food or drinks? Don’t get me wrong, water is good, but you are way too skinny to be on a diet.

She was going to lose her mind, she really was.