The Waterfall Coup

By Andie Alexander

*** Book 5 in the Extreme Travel Series ***

The vice president and his family have been kidnapped in Venezuela. It's up to Kes and her team to rescue them, accompanied by some Secret Service agents. However, they also accidentally get involved in a rebel coup, making their lives a lot more difficult.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andie Alexander
• Release date: Nov 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781938350368

Andie Alexander

Andie writes mysteries and adventures, and also writes as all the author names on SweetTaleBooks.com. Writing is escapism, at its finest.See more at http://www.AndieAlexander.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

The security alarm for our home beeped. My head lay on my husband James' lap, while our friends Ben and Anita visited with us in the family room of our very large home.

Ben and James grabbed their guns from the end table and jumped out of their seats, running into the formal living room next to us. As soon as my human pillow left, my head hit the couch with a thud.

Lower your weapons, an unknown male voice yelled. It's just me. James, you changed the code again.

I glanced over Anita, who was terrified.

Don't worry, I said. It's just a friend of ours. He's trying to see if he can break in again.

The alarm tone changed to a screech but stopped after a split-second. James, Ben, and two of our friends named Ian and Jerome entered the room.

Ian was a very good-looking surgeon and computer genius, with blond-haired, brown eyes, and tons of muscles. As he stepped closer to my couch, he laughed while on the phone to our security company. Yeah, Harry, it's Ian again. How's the family? He listened for a moment and smiled. Yes, James changed the code to his anniversary. I should've guessed it. He listened for a minute more and chuckled. I'm sure it's still Madrid from when James changed it this morning, but if you want to talk to him, he's right here beside me.

James put his hands on his hips in anger, moving beside Ian.

Madrid was my maiden name, and James had just changed the password for the security system to that name. I was very sure Ian had hacked into the security company's files and found the new password, just for fun.

Everyone in the room was a CIA agent except for Anita, but very few people on the outside—including family, friends, and supposedly Anita—knew it. We all had cover jobs, to keep our real jobs classified.

James scowled and left the room when Ian handed him the phone. Ben, Jerome, and Ian all sat on chairs near the couch. I pulled down a pillow from behind the couch and laid my head on it.

Ian shot me a concerned look. Are you okay, Kes? Ben and Jerome stood on either side of him.

I really wanted to slap Ian's face, just because. He'd been promoted because he was the highest-ranking member of the Denver CIA office, making him the one in charge of everyone.

I had to get rid of him. I'll be fine in a day. It's just the flu.

All three men laughed while Anita cast a glance at me. She seemed to feel as I did, and these men were just annoying.

Yeah, right. The flu, Ben said with a chuckle. Kes, we all know what's wrong with you.

Ben, who was blond-haired, blue eyed, good-looking, and muscular, had a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology. His best skill was in reading people because of his minor in psychology.

My husband James had a Ph.D. in psychology. Ben and James were writing a book together about me. I was so lucky to have all these jokers in my life.

What's wrong with her? Anita asked Ben. "It does look like the flu to me."

Nothing that a few days won't cure, Ian said. I figured you'd have a problem, so I'm prepared. Is it cramps or a headache this month?

I sat up a bit. "It is the flu and I know it." I fell back to the pillow and closed my eyes.

Ian was extremely bright. He not only had multiple degrees in computer science, but, since he had that medical degree, had assigned himself to be my personal physician. I hated him for it, too.

James returned to the room, lifted my head, and removed the pillow from under it. He threw the thing at Ben, who caught it on the first try. James sat down and rested my head back on his lap.

How long has it been this time? Ian asked James.

James stroked my long hair. About a day.

You know, Kes, we can take care of that, Ian said. I have something to help you.

Anita glared at all the men and addressed me. Are you going to put up with this sexual harassment?

I smiled at her. No, actually. Thanks for reminding me. I sat up and covered my face with my hands for a moment. Once I was certain everyone was watching me, I stood up and walked out of the room. Yes, I was acting, but no one else needed to know just yet.

Ian joined me with his arm over my shoulders. He was also infatuated with me, like Ben, Jerome, and James, which made this more difficult. It also made James very jealous.

I'm here for a reason, Ian whispered. It's not what you think.

Anita hopped to her feet and followed behind me. Kes, if you want rid of this guy, let me know.

I don't think we've been formally introduced. My personal physician turned and shook Anita's hand. I'm Ian and you must be Anita. Now, aren't you supposed to be taking care of Ben or something?

Not when my friend needs me, Anita said. And from what I see, her husband isn't going to protect her from you, so I'll have to.

I walked up the stairs toward our bedroom. It seemed as if Ian was outnumbered, so he turned back toward the downstairs. Ben! he yelled.

I heard running up the stairs just as I turned the corner to our bedroom. While ignoring my guests, I headed toward the king-size bed, pulled down the covers, crawled in with the covers up over me, and closed my eyes.

"Kes, we need you, now," Ian said.

I removed the pillow and placed it over my face, then peeked out of my 'cave' to see who had followed me upstairs. Ben stood beside Anita while Jerome and James leaned up against the bedroom wall with crossed arms. I glanced at Jerome who'd seemed to find it all very amusing for some reason. He was a gorgeous, muscular, black man with a very white smile and a heart of absolute gold.

Sorry, Ian, I said. Not a good time. Can't you see I'm sick?

He pulled the covers and the pillow off me.

I opened my eyes, ready to give him my full wrath.

You're not sick, he said. You'll survive. Team Kes has been called and we need to talk.

Ben turned to Ian with lowered eyebrows. Team Kes? Are you sure?

What's Team Kes? James asked.

Ian shot Ben a knowing look. Two hours. He glanced toward Anita and Ben nodded.

Ben looked down at his watch. Will you look at the time? Anita, we have to go.

I had no idea what Team Kes was, but it was nice of them to name a whole team after me. You can all go if you ask me. I shut my eyes again. "It is after 10 and I need my beauty sleep."

What's this all about? Anita asked, making me open my eyes. What's Team Kes, and why are all of you men in Kes' bedroom? She glanced at James. Except for you, Mr. Hamilton, of course.

Anita was beautiful with long flowing chestnut hair and brown eyes. She worked in the personnel department of James' newspaper. He was the owner and everyone at the office called him Mr. Hamilton to his face. Behind his back, though, I knew they called him other less-desirable names, because he could be very controlling when he was at work. I used to work for him as a reporter and a photographer until the fateful trip to Zimbabwe with him and his ex-fiancée. That was when I saw a different side to him and eventually married him.

Ben grabbed his girlfriend's hand. Anita, sweetheart, Team Kes is a codename for all of us at Kes' new travel agency. James wasn't told yet, because he's been working at the newspaper. It was just formed today.

James didn't want me working for him fulltime at the newspaper. Instead, he had this bright idea to start a travel agency and make it a cover for our agent friends. I still wrote some freelance articles for the newspaper, published under the 'Extreme Travel' section once a quarter. Ben was my 'employee' even though the travel agency didn't even exist. I was sure he'd told Anita that all our other agent friends were employees of mine as well.

Ben shot Ian a look of silent male communication, before continuing to speak to Anita. We have a lead for Kes to go on an Extreme Travel trip. It's an opportunity she doesn't want to miss.

Yes, I do want to miss it, I said with my eyes still shut.

Kes, cramps or headache? Ian said in a low tone. I brought meds for both.

No. Sleep.

Ian and Jerome pulled me out of bed and stood me on the floor. Jerome laughed the whole time. I almost joined him, but had to keep up the façade.

There's plenty of time for sleep, Ian said. He reached into his pocket and took out two bottles. Which one?

Both, actually. I crawled back into the bed.

All this time, James just watched. Ian, is this wise? He had very light blue eyes, medium brown hair, and a very sexy slightly British accent.

"James, Team Kes needs her now. We have two hours to catch a flight." Ian gave James a funny look like he should understand.

James finally nodded, walked to my side, opened both bottles, and grabbed some of each of the tablets. He went into the bathroom, got a glass full of water, and returned to our bed. He shoved the tablets into my mouth, sat me up again, and poured the water down my throat with a determined look on his face. Water dripped from my lips and onto my favorite polo shirt.

Now, get up, he demanded. We need you and you know it.

I wiped the water that drenched my shirt and frowned. My favorite shirt, too.

It'll dry. Now get up.

You men are brutes, Anita said. If someone treated me that way, I'd…

Ben thrust his hands onto his hips. You'd what?

Get really upset? she asked in a meek tone. She even stepped back a bit.

Anita, we're going home, Ben said. We need to have a little chat on the way, too.

No, Ben, Ian warned. Not yet, and you know it.

Ben nodded, looking more than frustrated. Yeah, I get it. Just make sure you wait for me.

They left amidst Anita's complaints and I fell back to the bed again. I closed my eyes and rolled over to my stomach, burying my head into the pillow beneath me.

Oh, no you don't. James returned me to a sitting position. You're needed and you know it. Now get up and get packed. It's a matter of your job and probably someone else's life.

As soon as Ben gets back, I'll explain everything, Ian said.

James picked me up from the bed and placed my feet on the floor, holding me up the whole time. He could be such a control freak if he wanted to be, and since there was no changing the controlling nature in him, I let him rule. It was better than arguing when he was in this mood. I pushed my hair back from my face and yawned.

James and Ian stayed at my side and directed me back downstairs. Jerome followed behind, just laughing. Whatever he thought was funny was probably the truth. I could never fool Jerome.

Hey, nice place, Kes, Jerome said. I think you could house a whole small country's population in here. This place is huge.

I looked back to see him behind me. It seems really small to me right now. I can't even be alone in this mansion. I forced tears to my eyes and wiped them away with extreme drama, just to prove a point. I looked forward again, amazed at my acting ability.

We'll get you a nice cup of tea and you can relax, Ian said. After that, Ben will be back and we can talk all about it. Okay, Kes?

He could be really annoying, ticking me off more. Not okay and quit patronizing me. I'm really tired and my leg isn't even healed from the last mission.

On the last mission, Ben had decided the only way he could get a kidnapper to let go of me was to shoot me in the leg. I'd recovered but was taking the time to make sure it'd healed completely.

You were fine about a week ago, Ian said. You're well enough to be on active duty again. It's been about a month and a half since the Philippines, and you've been lying around doing nothing.

We'd just entered the huge open kitchen. I stopped walking and glared at him, so I could give him my full wrath. He had to know I wasn't happy from my set jaw and narrowed eyes. "I have not been lying around doing nothing. I've had a course in German from the CIA, I've started the plans for the tourist agency, and Wilson's been sending me more than 30 reports every week to rewrite because all of you agents are completely illiterate. I pointed at his chest, moving closer to his face. Don't you dare say I've been doing nothing. I crossed my arms and stared at him with my chin stuck out. You have no idea what you're talking about so knock it off."

He raised his hands and backed off with a grin. I stand corrected.

James stuck a cup of water in the microwave with a teabag. I was sure it was decaf, also irritating me. I needed coffee, but because of Ian and his idea that I had low blood sugar, he limited my sugar, carbs, coffee, and caffeine—enforced by James, my personal food guard. I plopped onto a stool and dropped my head onto the counter.

Did she eat today? Jerome whispered to James.

I picked up my head and rested it in my hands. James placed the tea in front of me and leaned on the other side of the kitchen bar across from me. All CIA agents in the entire world knew everything about me because of a book Ben had written about my personality and the distraction work that I did for the CIA. They also knew I had to eat or I'd be mean.

She ate a little bit, James said. She really has been sick and I'm not sure it's all what you think it is.

How sick and why didn't you call me? Ian asked.

James crossed his arms, staring at me. She wouldn't let me. It seems she has a phobia of shots and doctors now, because of all the needles you've poked into her.

I waved my hands in the air. You know, guys, I'm right here if you want to talk to me.

Jerome leaned up from his stool and grinned at me past Ian, who was between us. We know.

Where does it hurt? Ian asked me. I probably jumped the gun, because we don't have a lot of time.

Everywhere.

That's not very helpful. Let me know if the meds James just forced down your throat helped at all. If not, I'll find something else. He rubbed my back and studied my face. You are kind of pale.

I turned to see him. Think so? I'm actually better than I was this morning.

He grabbed my chin and turned my face toward him. Better? You were that bad? I hated when he behaved like a doctor. He pulled on my chin to make me open my mouth and pulled my eyelids open wider to look at my eyes. I moved away from him, grabbed my cup of hot tea, and ignored him.

She was worse than now? Ian whispered to James.

I could see James nodding out of the corner of my eye, so I picked up the hot cup and carried it back to the family room, followed by my male harem.

Ian stepped up beside me. I can find you more meds if you want.

I'll be fine. Now, what's this Team Kes stuff all about?

As soon as Ben gets here, I'll tell you. I don't want to have to repeat myself.

I almost laughed. Lazy.

Yep.

Ian continued to watch me while I sat down on the couch. James sat in his usual seat and flipped on the television. I put the tea on the coffee table, then plopped my head back onto his lap. He surfed through the channels until he found the news. We all watched the weather and sports until the door opened and the security system chirped once again. I knew exactly who it was, too. Oh, boy. This should be good.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

The alarm chirped for only a moment more before it stopped. Ben ran into the room and jumped into a chair with a thud. What did I miss?

What did you tell Anita? Ian asked.

Not much. She's mad at me because I wouldn't answer her questions. She'll get over it.

No, she won't, I said. You've been dating her since March and this is July. When are you going to get engaged so you can tell her and stop sneaking around behind her back?

I'm not ready to make that commitment until I'm sure James isn't going to die any time soon.

James turned off the television. Make the commitment and elope right away. It's not going to happen with you and Kes, even if I do die.

How do you know? Ben asked him.

I've put it in my will. So, marry Anita and get on with life so we can all be happy and don't have to lie to her anymore.

Ben crossed his arms. I'll think about it.

I smiled at my wonderful husband as he leaned down and winked at me. He was so good at handling Ben. I found it very sexy.

Here's the deal, Ian said. Team Kes was formed today by Wilson and the president. It consists of all of us. He pointed to everyone in the room. It's a code name for the president's favorite CIA team at the moment.

I sat up. Really? The president knows about us?

Sure. We're considered the best of the best because we all have our roles, yet can improvise, be diplomatic, and professional all at the same time.

Wow. I lifted my tea. That's sounds more impressive than what we really do.

Sure is, Ian said. Here's the problem. The vice president and his family were visiting the capital city of Caracas, Venezuela on a diplomatic mission two days ago. They're all now missing. A ransom note was sent through their embassy but we don't know who sent it. We think Venezuela's commander-in-chief, President Pedro Raul, had them kidnapped so the U.S. Congress won't vote to impose sanctions against Venezuela. We'll have about 72 hours to rescue the vice president and his family before that vote, or Congress will be forced to postpone it. If they do vote for sanctions, the vice president and his family could potentially be put to death. It's all hush-hush right now, but only a matter of time until it gets out to the press.

He has a three-year old son, I said. How can they do that? I took a sip of the hot tea.

James shook his head. Heartless.

Weren't they protected by the Secret Service? Jerome asked.

Yes, but were left alone at just the right time, we think. Ian shook his head. The Secret Service isn't telling much because it was a problem with their jobs. Must've been coincidence, or they were being followed and knew when to strike.

Or an inside job, Jerome said.

Ian shook his head. Doubtful.

Are we being joined by any others? Ben asked.

Yes, Ian said. There will be four Secret Service men assigned to go with us, since they're really upset about dropping the ball. Their job will be to take the vice president and his family back to the States. We may have more missions after that.

Uh-oh, I said. That doesn't sound good.

Ben seemed frustrated. What are the other missions?

I don't know yet, Ian said. We have to wait for the fallout of the rescue first before I'm told. So, we rescue the vice president, his wife, and son, then wait somewhere in the south where we won't be found.

The south of Venezuela? Ben asked. That's a flippin' rainforest.

Ian shrugged his shoulder and nodded. Pretty much. I don't like it either, but we have to hide. The Venezuelan government is really nasty right now, with various threats to the U.S. I'm in charge of this one, Ben, so I'm assigning you team leader.

Ben nodded. Right.

Ian looked at James next. You're going to learn the ropes and work directly with Ben. Jerome, you're working with Kes, and I'm the one who gets all the injured, computer stuff, and backup for everyone. Agreed?

Wait. I set my tea back on the coffee table. I thought James worked with me? I darted my eyes at my buddy. No offense, Jerome, but James helps me with my hair and everything.

Ian addressed me. He'll still be working with you, but when it comes to the mission details, you and Jerome will be distracters and information gatherers this time. I want Jerome to have some practice and you're a great teacher, Kes. I also want James to learn how to lead a group, so he's going to be working with Ben.

Wow, that's going to be different, having to actually take orders from James. Sarcasm dripped from my tone.

James seemed irritated. What do you mean? You do it now.

"I only make you think you're in charge. Now I actually have to do it. I turned to Jerome as the men all laughed. What kind of clothes do you have packed to be a distracter?"

The usual, according to Ben's book. You know, shirts, pants, dress up, bum clothes. Nothing strange.

I think you're going to need formal, too, Ben said. I'm going to add a section in the book for dealing with high-level officials. After I heard what James and Kes had to do for the congressman in Zimbabwe, I'm going to add a formal suit or tux.

A tux? Jerome asked. I don't have a tux.

I do, James said. It probably fits. I'll put it in my suitcase.

Jerome reached over from his chair and patted my arm. Looks like we're a team again.

I grinned. "I just love working with you too, Jerome. This is going to be good, especially if you can help me do