The Unexpected Spy: The Extraordinary Life of Amy Winston, #4

By Liza O'Connor

Having come so close to Parliament falling into a foreign country's hands, Amy wishes to help keep her country safe by being the finest spy Chavier has ever taught.

Since no one but Chavier, and those who know her well, perceive her to be anything but a charming, but silly young girl, she will have easy access to those who are apt to cause trouble, since they will think her harmless.

Amy is the finest spy that has ever existed. Her ability to hide in plain sight is almost magical. Her ability to heal is beyond what should be possible. Her hearing is acute as is her ability to smell. Thus, she can throw a knife with accuracy in the dark and hit her targets with precision. In addition, she now knows ten languages: English, French, Scottish, Dutch, Russian, German, Portuguese, Finnish, Spanish, and Swiss. Thus, if, someone whispers in a different language she not only has the acute hearing to hear it, but it is very likely that she will understand what they are saying.

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Authors Online
• Release date: Jul 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393690160

Liza O'Connor

   Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens in a myriad of genres. http://www.lizaoconnor.com/   

Book preview

Chapter 1

Amy hurried downstairs with her tiny, mix-breed dog, Patience. Now fully grown, Patience remained only a foot long and eight inches high with white curly hair that never shed. Her bark sounded like hiccups, and her bay sounded like a confused owl. Her mother was a miniature poodle, and her father was a bloodhound.

Amy loved her pup dearly and took it with her, whenever she could. She had wanted to bring her baby boy, Sinclair, as well, only Gunter insisted the boy would be happier with him, and given Sinclair’s squeals and giggles, she had to agree with Gunter. Sinclair was growing like a weed, and while Gunter could throw him six feet in the air and then catch him, she could not. So, she came to an agreement with Gunter. He could exhaust her boy, but once the boy was tired, Gunter must pass him over to her and Chavier to be loved with soft words and kisses.

Today, Amy had managed to arrive for their mid-day meal before Chavier. Thus, she was able to fill her plate with her favorite meats, fruits, and vegetables. She even made a little plate of meats for Patience, which she held in her lap.

Chavier entered and smiled at her full plate. Did you leave me anything to eat? he chided.

Shall I ask the head server to bring out more? Amy asked. I’m sure she will, if I ask.

Chavier gripped her hand and kissed her knuckles in a sensual manner that made her hungry, but not for food.

I will share my food, if you wish, she offered and moved her chair closer to the corner.

I believe you are sharing sufficiently with your pup. I will manage with the scraps you’ve left.

Her forehead wrinkled. Truly, I do not want you to go hungry.

That will never happen. Since the head server adores you, she ensures neither you nor I ever go hungry.

She does. And I will share if you like. She stabbed a thick chunk of roast with the serving fork. Would you like this strip? I’ve already eaten two slices.

Chavier laughed. I have no idea how you remain so thin given the quantity of food you consume.

Truly, you may have this slice if you wish.

No, I’ll just take the scraps you left me. He then stabbed the remaining cut.

Just then, the head server entered with a fresh plate of roast strips.

My, but you two must be starving. When was the last time either of you ate?

Yesterday, Chavier replied.

Me too! What were you doing yesterday? Amy asked.

We’ll discuss that later, he promised Amy.

She smiled, hoping that meant she was going to do more spy work. Her first attempt at spying had gone very well. Chavier had hidden documents in the library and she had found them all before the hour was up. However, this time she wanted it to be a real event. That would be ever more exciting.

Chavier smiled at her happiness but refused to say more as he finished his lunch and moved to the library.

When Amy entered the library, she smiled at the sight of Antonio and gave him a great hug. I have not seen you forever! How is your little girl growing?

Like a weed. And we have another one on the way. I pray it’s a boy so my father-in-law will back off. I swear the man has lost his mind.

What has he done now? Amy asked.

You don’t need to know that, Antonio assured her.

Actually, she does, Chavier replied. While you may protect your wife all you want, I will not be leaving mine ignorant of potential dangers to her life.

Your father-in-law wants to harm me? Amy asked in shock.

No, but he has threatened that he will kidnap your son if the next baby isn’t a boy.

Oh no he won’t! Do you know how painful it is to have a baby? She then turned to Chavier. How long have you known about this?

The matter came to my attention yesterday. So, I had a serious conversation with the damn fool.

And you couldn’t bring him to his senses? Amy asked in surprise.

No, it seems he has left all his senses behind.

Well, that explains why Gunter is spending all his time with our baby. I just thought he liked the little fellow.

Oh, he definitely likes our son. He asked to protect him.

Well, he is the best protection one can have. Just look at me. I lived in a house of people who wished to kill me, and due to Gunter and the others, I survived my childhood. And better yet, we live in a fortress where everyone loves us.

Antonio chuckled and grinned at Chavier. Well, I see you were right in this matter. He then focused on Amy. I feared you would be unnecessarily upset over this threat, so I didn’t wish you to know about it at all.

I find that very insulting, she replied.

Why? Antonio asked.

Because I am a spy now, and I intend to become the best spy that Chavier has ever had. And your efforts to keep me in the dark about a danger to my son, is belittling and indicates you don’t believe I will best you. But mark my words, I will become the greatest spy Chavier has ever created.

Antonio chuckled. Give it your best shot, Little Bit. But be aware, I won’t go down easy.

Amy growled. I don’t expect you to go down easy. But you will go down!

Chavier spoke up. Hold on! I do not wish to have the fiasco that went on earlier this year to restart. You may improve as many of your skills as you like. However, you will not harm each other as you did during the debacle this spring. I am very serious about this. Do I have both of your assurances that neither of you will harm the other?

They both nodded.

"Glad to know that, given the two of you will be working on the same situation tomorrow at Bishop’s gala.

Doing what? Antonio demanded.

Antonio, you will romance Lady Bishop. Just don’t use the library. Amy will require that. Chavier turned his focus on Amy. Amy, you will search Bishop’s library for missives being sent to Count Valesky.

I thought the count was no longer a person of interest, Amy protested.

As did I. But it appears there has been communication between Lady Bishop and Count Valesky.

What did they say? Amy asked.

I don’t know. It was written in code.

Do you have the paper? I may be able to decode it.

That’s highly unlikely, Antonio replied.

If the count uses the same code he used for Catherine, then I am certain I can decode it.

Chavier frowned. When did Catherine teach you this code?

She didn’t teach me the code. She just mentioned it. But she explained it sufficiently that I can probably break the code.

Chavier’s frown deepened. I don’t have the paper. She slipped it in her pocket a moment after I saw it. Feel free to search her library as well. Antonio will keep Lady Bishop occupied, and I will keep an eye on Bishop. However, be ready to hide if you hear me speaking loudly outside the room you are in.

If you only saw it for a brief moment and it was in code, how can you be certain it was a communication from the count? Amy asked.

I recognized his stamp on the wax seal.

Antonio spoke softly to Chavier. She’s not ready for this. Allow me to search the rooms.

The hell you will. Amy protested. This is my job! I am far better equipped to do it than you are!

Chavier nodded. I agree with Amy. You stay with your job and Amy will stay with hers.

Chapter 2

Amy entered the ball on Chavier’s arm. However, once introductions were made to Bishop, Amy wandered off. She soon spotted a kitten sitting on the stairs. She set about making friends with the kitten and soon cuddled the sweet baby in her arms.

Chavier kept an eye on her, but he made no effort to refocus her back to her duties. Lectures would wait until the evening was over. A few minutes later, he noticed her opening various doors and closing them after peeking inside.

Bishop noticed as well. What is your young wife looking for?

Chavier smiled. I believe she has lost the grey tabby she had acquired on the stairs. My wife adores cats and puppies.

Bishop rolled his eyes. Well, I don’t expect she will find it in the hall closet.

Actually, given that is a coat closet, I would think it a most practical place for a kitten to hide, what with people opening and closing the door all the time. Chavier admitted.

We’ve more important issues to discuss than a damn cat. Have you made any progress getting me returned to Parliament?

I still don’t understand why you are asking me to do this. I supported your removal. I should be the last person on earth you should ask.

I am well-aware you sided with Peel. And it is precisely that reason why I wish you to assist in my return.

Chavier grimaced as if he had an excruciating headache. And why would I do that?

Because I hold information that will destroy you.

Chavier huffed. I seriously doubt it. But feel free to tell me what you think I have done.

Bishop sneered. Not a chance. However, I do hold your future in my hands, so you will see that I am reinstated in Parliament, or you will lose your position. Your choice.

Chavier noticed Amy slipping into Bishop’s library. Fortunately, Bishop was focused on him with his back to Amy.

Bishop, I have a clean conscious. You will need to clearly state what you believe I have done.

If you wish. I have it on good authority that your son is not yours, given you are no longer ‘up for the dance’.

Nonsense, the boy is definitely mine.

No, the boy is Antonio’s.

You may ask Antonio if you wish, but he will tell you the same. The boy is mine.

Well, evidently no one but you, believes that.

All the same, it is true.

Well, Mr. Campbell intends to take this to court, where he will doubtlessly win, unless I change his mind.

Let him waste his money. The boy is mine. The belief that I cannot bear children has been incorrect.

Do you have any proof of that? Bishop asked.

Yes, in fact I do.

State it then, Bishop sneered.

Chavier chuckled. I have no need to share my proof with you. Suffice it to say, I speak the truth.

Then I will tell him to continue with his suit.

Do as you like. But I must say, I’m a bit disappointed to think you came to me with such foolishness. I would have enjoyed this evening far more dancing with my bride than discussing false accusations.

It appears your bride prefers my son over you.

Chavier had not seen Amy leave the library, but there she was, clearly in Bishop’s son’s arms. Well, he’s young, handsome, and a fine dancer. What woman wouldn’t wish to be in his arms?

Do you not fear you might lose your young bride?

Lose her, no! She’s having a pleasant time, I dare say. But rest assured, I will be the one who takes her home, Chavier stated proudly. He hoped she had achieved her objectives before Bishop’s son showed up.

Once the dance ended, he claimed her hand and walked her into the garden. She chattered on about the ball and the nice young men as she continued to stuff his pockets with documents. He wanted to ask her why she didn’t just read and remember the items instead of stealing them, but she was so happy he couldn’t chide her.

Amy grinned. Now, I’m going back in and will kiss the young man who showed me the location of the documents. He’s very angry with his father, due to their situation now. He was sent down from Cambridge, and he holds his father responsible.

So, you asked him for the documents?

No. He just gave them to me to give to you. I had intended to refuse them, until I discovered what they were.

What are they? Chavier asked.

Encrypted letters between Bishop and the man who almost destroyed England last year, Count Valesky. It turns out the count was the one in charge of last year’s fiasco, not Carlos. Worse yet, Catherine is not living with her husband anymore. She is with Count Valesky. One of the letters I just gave you discusses the possibility of using her in their next attempt to destroy England.

What is their plan? Chavier demanded.

They believe she is your child, not her father’s. They are certain that you will not fight them if they hold your daughter captive.

If that is true, I will need you to stop me from strangling Ann. Let us return to our carriage at once, he ordered.

Yes, that seems a prudent idea. I suppose I must kiss the young man on another day.

Once they located their carriage, they both climbed in. Before they could leave, a soft whistle sounded. Then the carriage tilted as someone climbed on top. It’s just Antonio, she assured Chavier.

Are you absolutely certain? Chavier asked.

Yes, sir. I recognized his soft whistle. And if that’s not proof enough, then we can always ask Gunter who he let sit beside him.

You have made your point well. However, I’ve noticed your vest seems to have a life of its own presently. Can you explain that?

"Oh, the kitten, yes. She was so helpful that I brought her with me. However, if you wish, tomorrow I can return her with sincere apologies. It will provide me time to return the documents to their son, if you want them returned so they don’t miss them. I wasn’t certain which would be better: returning them before they even look for them or keeping them as proof of what they planned to do.

And which would you do if I were not here?

I would take them to my guardian, if you were not here. But you are here, so allow me to say, I am very worried for Catherine. She is under the count’s thrall. While I believe he likes her, he clearly does not love her, or he would not use her as a pawn.

Chavier sighed heavily. I agree. And if she turns out to be my daughter, I might damn well strangle Ann!

Since you aren’t denying the possibility, may I assume you and Ann did have a romantic moment?

Yes, but only once. It was the day after her husband died. I attempted to comfort her, and matters got out of hand. And before you judge Ann and me, this will certainly happen to you as well, for you are as passionate as Ann.

Well, it’s less possible since Antonio is in love with his wife and I am in love with you. But if you ever assign me to work with another man of great character, I suppose it might happen.

It will more likely be a criminal or a foreign spy, such as Count Valesky.

I hope not, for I have no defenses to protect me from the count.

I am aware of that, but fortunately, Dr. Benson has perfected the antidote, so while you might play the part of a besotted lover, you will, in truth, have your wits about you.

How is Dr. Benson? Amy asked.

He is in love and doing well.

He had better be in love with Diana, Amy warned.

That he is. Since Diana has no family, he asked me for her hand in marriage. I gave him permission and they will be married tomorrow.

I’ll want to attend their marriage ceremony. Where will it take place?

In their home. Diana does not want a public marriage. However, all the little soldiers and her friends will be welcomed.

Amy leaned back with satisfaction.

So, let us see what you obtained through Bishop’s son. Chavier then paused. You are aware Bishop may have ordered the boy to do this.

It is possible, but I think the boy is genuinely trying to get his father arrested so his mother will agree to return to her family estate and his grandfather can have him reinstated at Cambridge. But decide for yourself.

I never actually saw Lady Bishop today, he admitted. He thumped on the roof of the carriage and demanded Antonio to join them.

Thirty seconds later, Antonio sat on the bench across from them. Problem? Antonio asked.

Did you find Lady Bishop? Chavier asked.

"Yes, she was locked in her bedroom. So, I picked the lock, and entered. She had been badly beaten, so