Twin Missions

By Andie Alexander

Determined to take down a black-market baby ring, Kes and James are willing to have a child to go undercover. In the meantime, they’re thwarting terrorists who are ready to level the economic playing field. Watch out world, because Kes is on a huge mission!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andie Alexander
• Release date: Aug 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9781938350443

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

I leaned closer to my good buddy, Ian, who'd moved up beside me in the hallway. How long do I have to wait to take a test? I whispered.

We both stood outside a CIA conference room in Langley, Virginia, which was just west of Washington, D.C. We were waiting to have a meeting with Wilson, our boss, who worked high up in the CIA.

Ian's eyebrows indicated I was being cryptic, the brat. Test? What test?

I leaned up to his ear with my hand covering the side of my mouth. A pregnancy test.

He pulled me aside from the rest of my team of CIA agents. Kes, when do you think you got pregnant?

I thought back to the last few days. Last night or maybe the night before. I paused for a moment. It may have even been the night before that or twice during the day before that. I'm not exactly sure.

His eyebrows lowered even more. Weren't you staying in the Lincoln bedroom at the White House last night?

I nodded.

You had sex in the White House? he yelled.

Shhh. I put my finger to my lips and glanced around us.

My whole team laughed at me, except for my wonderful husband, James. The team joined us at the far wall.

It's not what you think, James whispered in his sexy slightly British accent. He was very good-looking with medium brown hair and light blue eyes.

The whole team huddled together with me at the center.

No, it's not what you think, I said, agreeing with James. We didn't do it in the bed.

Ian shook his head in disgust while Ben, Anita, and Jerome laughed aloud. I didn't see the humor.

Kes, didn't I ask you to wait? Ian said.

I nodded, staring at his brown eyes. Yes, you said to wait six months, and it's been exactly six and a half months.

James glanced at everyone in the group. We had Wilson's approval, too.

What? Ben whispered. You had to get Wilson's approval to have sex in the White House…but not in the bed? He shook his head in disbelief while his wife Anita chuckled behind her hand.

James continued. We had intelligence on the upcoming mission and had been in closed door meetings when the subject came up.

Jerome crossed his arms. Who was in these meetings?

I thought back and ticked off my fingers for each person that had been in the room. Wilson, the president, the vice president, members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, the Director of National Intelligence, and various other members of government.

Wow, James, when you do it, you do it big, Jerome whispered. Getting permission to have sex from that group is quite a feat.

Anita laughed aloud. Ben put his arm around her waist and pull her mouth toward his chest, muffling her laughter.

It was a requirement for one of our missions, James said.

Ben's expression turned confused as he held onto Anita, who was still laughing. Huh? How can sex be a requirement?

Anita laughed again, making Ben smile and hold her head against him even harder. I was worried she might suffocate, but Ben didn't seem to care. That was typical for him.

Not sex, I said, getting irritated. Having a baby.

My team went silent. Even Anita was tongue-tied as she backed away from Ben and stopped laughing. Everyone's mouth hung open in surprise, while James, Ian, and I stared at them.

Ben was speechless as he studied me. Are you—

Too early to tell. Ian glared at James and me. I just wish someone would've talked to me first.

James crossed his arms, seemingly amused. What for? Did you want to give us directions or something? I think we've had tons of practice in that area.

No doubt about that, Ian murmured. But the timing is awful. Team Kes is at the top. What's going to happen now?

Relax, buddy. Ben patted Ian's back. We'll work something out.

A polished, good-looking man with deep brown eyes and short wavy dark brown hair approached us.

Ian shook the man's hand. Dr. Singer.

Ben and Jerome also shook his hand and all three went silent. Dr. Singer shook Anita's hand, before he turned to me, examining me from top to bottom. You must be Kes. The long red hair and green eyes were a dead giveaway.

Yes, sir, I'm Kes. And you are? Like I didn't already know, considering Ian had said his name. But I didn't like the guy already. I intended to make him forgettable somehow.

I'm Dr. William Singer. You and I are going to become good friends on this trip. His smirk was downright nasty. I immediately put a mental toxic signal next to his name in my head. He and I were going to be major enemies. From his mean expression, it would start immediately.

I thrust my hands on my hips. "Excuse me?" I'd put extreme attitude in my tone.

He didn't answer me but instead, turned to my husband and shook his hand. James, we need to have a little talk.

Dr. Singer and James walked down the hall to the right, discussing something. James glanced back at me with his right eyebrow lifted, meaning he was wearing his psychologist's hat while listening to the man. Ever since James got his Ph.D. in psychology, he loved analyzing every situation.

Who is that guy? I asked the rest of my team.

Before Ian could speak, a blonde-haired woman with dark glasses joined the group. Her hair was pulled into a tight bun, making her appear much older than she was, which I would estimate to be her mid-twenties.

Ian. She shook his hand. How are you doing today? She carried a clipboard, studying it often as she spoke.

Ian took a deep breath and met her face with his brown eyes. He ran his hand through his blond hair as he smiled. I'm doing well, and you?

It was obvious he really didn't like the woman. His hand through his hair clinched it.

Everyone I knew had a 'tell' of what they were thinking, and Ian's was with his hair. When he hated something, he ran his fingers through his hair. James' 'tell' of lifting his eyebrow meant he was using psychology. He had other tells for indicating different thoughts. Even Ben, who had great insight into the psychology of dealing with people, had some tells. I had quite a few, myself, usually by using my words and giving people my bad attitude. I liked my tells the best.

The snotty-looking woman checked her clipboard and scowled. We'll just see how I'm doing.

Ian swallowed hard and appeared to almost be embarrassed. Ian was extremely bright, with degrees in computer science from M.I.T., and medical and surgical degrees from Stanford. If this woman could make him swallow hard, she must be a nasty one. Thus, I mentally made a note about the woman. She was in big trouble in my book.

The woman turned to Ben. Are you up to this mission, or do we need to have a little chat about your guns again?

Ben, a handsome model-looking man with muscles, blond hair, and blue eyes had this terrible habit of checking his gun when he was under stress. One would think he'd figure out how to handle the problem, considering he had a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology with a minor in psychology. But it was just a bad habit, not condemnable.

This woman was pushing my buttons but I held my temper, for now.

Ben pulled Anita to his side. I couldn't be better. As a matter of fact, my wife Anita will be joining us.

The woman glared at Anita and didn't even shake her hand. It wasn't my decision. She's a hindrance to your performance.

Anita's mouth dropped and tears formed in her eyes. I made a fist with my hand and was ready to deck the blonde witch, whoever she was. That was just nasty and uncalled for. I took a step toward her, but my friend Jerome, a huge black man with a killer white smile and a heart of gold, moved behind me and held my arms down at my side. Let it go, he whispered.

I wanted to say something but Jerome was right. This wasn't the time.

Ben walked away with Anita. He stroked her long brown hair while he whispered into her ear. Anita wiped away her tears and tried to laugh at Ben's comments.

The mean blonde woman with the tacky black glasses checked her clipboard once again. Jerome. She looked up from her clipboard. Are you up to this task, or will you be on the phone the whole time to your wife, Maria?

Jerome let go of my arms and moved to stand beside me. I'll be fine. I don't even have a phone this time.

She nodded and smirked at him. I didn't like this woman one bit. I just needed one reason and I'd put her flat on the floor. I could see four reasons right in front of me—well they had been in front of me—Ian, Ben, Jerome, and especially Anita, who'd been hurt the most.

The nasty witch turned toward me and shook my hand. I gave her my best 'don't mess with me' look while clenching my teeth.

We haven't met, she said. My name is Dr. Ross and I'm a staff psychologist at the agency. You must be Kes.

I kept my expression solemn and stared the evil one down with my best nasty look. She just needed one flaw to remind me of my arch-nemesis and British agent, Olivia, and I'd shoot this woman—and not with a dart gun.

I crossed my arms and clenched my jaw. Yes, ma'am.

No, call me Dr. Ross. We need to be friendly on this trip so I can see if you're holding up well to do your mission.

I nodded and saw Ian and Jerome move behind her with their heads bowed. I wasn't sure if they were praying they'd be spared her formalities, or worried that I'd kill the woman. Either one was fine with me.

Before I could ream this woman out, James and Dr. Singer returned from their walk and joined us. James didn't look happy. This wasn't going well, for sure.

Anita and Ben headed back toward us from my left, and she was smiling. I assumed it was because Ben had threatened to take down the snotty psycho witch standing in front of me. If so, count me in.

The door to the conference room swung open. Wilson smiled as other people left the room from the previous meeting. We all entered and found our seats.

James sat beside me, put his arm on the back of my chair, and leaned up to my ear. Please don't kill these people. They're just doing their jobs.

I glared at him. What wasn't he telling me? But before I could even whisper a word, Wilson stood at the front of the table, not more than a few feet away from me. He'd hear me if I replied to James, so I had to be quiet.

I intended to find out what he was talking about. It sounded like I had to take care of a few people already. Thus, the mission had already begun and I was ready to take them on.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

I removed some paper and a pen from my purse while Wilson began the meeting. After writing down the irritating people's names, I actually listened to the boss.

I know Christmas isn't far away, Wilson said. But we have a serious situation brewing in Europe. Kes and James have been on a mission trip to India for James' newspaper, and they uncovered some disturbing information while there. A man by the name of Thomas O'Neal just happened to be in India at the same time as James and Kes. They met him accidentally at a restaurant with their friends and found out he's a terrorist who wants to plant bombs in Europe. James and Kes volunteered to help him. They're going to play bad guys, finding out where the bombs are located before they go off. The rest of you will be backup for them. You'll also have help from two British agents named Colin and Charlotte.

The seasoned agents seemed happy enough to have the two British agents helping us. I didn't know the pair, but if my friends trusted the British agents, it was good enough for me.

Wilson continued. The plan for the terrorists—who've named themselves Euro-Free, or EF—is to destroy a mall in Berlin with a few bombs. We're going to get on their good side and see what they're doing. We don't know about any other EF plans yet, so we need to find out. That's mission number one.

I watched my friends writing, but since I'd been debriefed for the past three days, I didn't write a thing.

Wilson glanced down at his notes and looked back up at us. The next mission is to stop a baby selling ring in England. They're recruiting mothers to sell their babies for big cash. When it comes time to pay, the mothers are killed so the agency gets the money. The babies are then sold over the Internet. We don't like that type of illegal behavior one bit. The British government has been working with us to take down the ring. Wilson glanced at James and me with a smile. Kes and James have volunteered to become one of their victims. Kes will try to get pregnant so we can appear to be legitimate.

Already on it, James said, grinning at me.

Wilson stared at us, seeming to be in suspended animation. What? You just found out about this in the past three days with confirmation of it yesterday. He thought for a moment and I saw his anger build. Weren't you were staying at the White House? Don't tell me you had sex in the White House. He seemed annoyed, but I couldn't imagine why.

It's not what you think, I said. We didn't do it—

James slapped his hand over my mouth and my team hid their laughter.

Wilson wasn't amused in the least. "Spare me the details. I really don't want to know. He turned his attention to Dr. Singer. Most of you know William Singer. He's a staff psychologist and a medical doctor with a degree in obstetrics and gynecology. He's going to become a doctor in Great Britain and make contact with the illegal adoption ring so he can be Kes' doctor. We don't want her health or the health of the baby compromised by poor health care. He checked his notes. The story behind this one will be that Kes has been raped. Her husband, James, doesn't want the baby. Ian, I want you along for all their meetings with the adoption ring. You're their lawyer. That way, we can be covered two ways for the medical side of things. If they recommend a different doctor, I want them to be swayed, legally, to Dr. Singer."

Wilson turned toward Ben and Anita. I have a special mission for you two. Assuming Kes gets pregnant, I want you to put a bid on the baby when it's on the Internet. He looked over at Jerome. You're their lawyer. I want you to be ready to represent them if anyone needs to talk to them. You're all from the States. He paused and glanced at both the new 'lawyers.' Jerome and Ian, I want you to study big law terms and sound official. I don't want the baby or Kes harmed in this. After the baby is born, it'll be Kes' and James' child, so make sure they can keep it, legally, from the adoption agency's standpoint. They'll be taking time off afterward to take care of it, then we'll renegotiate their contract and figure something out to take care of the baby when they return to duty. I don't want to lose either of these agents, but realize family matters should take precedence, considering they're doing this for the good of the world.

Wilson glanced at the blonde witch, sitting across from me. I'd also like to introduce Dr. Amy Ross, who has been on the psychology staff for some time now. She's doing her annual review of all agents, and because you'll all be in the field, she's decided to join you on your journey. I want each of you to keep her out of harm's way. She's never been on one of these missions, so remember that when you're walking through swamps or being eaten by large animals. He smiled at me. Everyone knew I hated animal confrontations. When I scowled, Wilson almost chuckled and continued. She wants to get a feel for what you go through on these missions and will be evaluating each of you to check on the stability of your personality.

I looked down at my paper and put a big 'X' through her name, even digging a black pen out of my purse to make it bolder, writing over and over again. I'd show her what stability meant.

Next, we all have different last names, Wilson said. Kes and James, your last name is Adams. Anita and Ben, you're the Stevens. Jerome, you're Danielson, and Ian, you're going to stay Kent, since you requested it.

Thank you, sir, Ian said.

Every time we went on a mission, we'd change our last names so we couldn't be found in the U.S. afterward. Our real last name was Hamilton. I wasn't supposed to know the last names of the rest of the group because it was confidential. I'd learned, though, through working at the agency when I was retyping reports for semi-illiterate agents, what all the last names were. However, I was supposed to keep it confidential.

Wilson continued. You all need physicals, and Kes, you're to see Dr. Singer for yours. I frowned at Ian. I hated physicals but he was so much fun to play with when I went to him. He smirked and shook his head.

The plane leaves for Berlin at five tomorrow morning, Wilson said. Your luggage is already packed and onboard, for everyone who will be on the flight. We have three flight attendants this time and a co-pilot. We've gotten more funding for this trip; thanks to the three days we've been in meetings with Congress. Also, each of you will have a satellite phone and a credit card, so you can divide up for the missions. Are there any other questions?

I nodded. I have a question. Will we be bugged for the trip and are those items packed? I looked over at the psych people. I had to explain so they'd understand what kind of danger we always encountered. That way our conversation will be monitored when working with the terrorists.

Yes, Wilson said. Kes, you have a few necklaces with microphones, and James, you have a ring with a camera and a microphone. You won't need to wear those when working on the baby mission, at least at the beginning, because we really don't want that part taped. Wilson laughed. What a joker.

The rest of the agents lowered their heads, hiding their chuckles. Dr. Ross didn't get it, because she seemed fairly stupid. Dr. Singer kept a straight face and I doodled while watching them.

Are there any other questions? Wilson asked.

Ben put his hand in his pocket. Guns and ammo? It figured Ben would ask something like that. He loved his military might.

Wilson nodded. Yes. More than usual, too. If we're up against a bunch of terrorists from the Euro-Free group, we want to be armed. We might be calling in more military. Milo will be in charge of that group.

Milo? My Green Beret buddy? I grinned at James and he returned the smile.

Wilson continued. As soon as Milo's done with his tour in January, he's applied to become an agent with us. He wants to be on Team Kes. We may have to break it into two teams because it'll be too large. The two teams will be traveling together, when possible, and we'll have the same job positions on each team. They'll be working together in the States so both teams will become our top teams.

I couldn't believe it. You're breaking us up? I didn't want to lose my buddies.

Wilson shook his head. Don't worry about it, Kes. Your team is solid and I'll keep as much of it together as I can. I may even mix the two teams up at times just to keep them both on top. We have other good teams, but for some reason, Team Kes gets the job done fast, doing more than they're asked to do. I want more teams like your team. However, if I break the team up, I'll be losing too much. So, I'll keep it as intact as I can when you come back from leave, if the baby mission is a success. Does that make sense?

Yes, sir. What was he planning, anyway? I knew better than to ask, though, but even my team seemed to be surprised.

Wilson looked at each of our faces as he spoke. You all need to be onboard by 4:30 in the morning, no exceptions. It's a long trip, and thanks to James' and Kes' travel agency—which has now moved into the same building as the Denver office—you'll have travel books for all of Europe. If you have any other questions, please refer them to Ben. He'll be mission lead again, and Ian's still the top-ranking agent. It seems to work well that way, and on this mission, we have no room for problems or mistakes. You're dismissed.

We all stood from our seats and walked out of the room. As I walked away with my friends, Dr. Singer approached me. Kes, I need to see you right away.

Yes, sir. I gave James a glance. He winked, left my side, and walked down the hall with the rest of my team.

Dr. Singer took my arm and led me down a different hallway. He directed me into an examining room, shut the door, and pointed to the big paper-covered table. Have a seat. His dark psychology eyes were nasty looking, trying to get into my head before he even said anything of value.

I sat up on the table, but I was ready to take this guy down, just for fun. I could tell this wasn't going to go well.

He stood in front of me and put his hands on his hips in a total intimidation move. I need to talk to you before we do this physical. I need to know your complete medical history. I've started reading over everything Ian's written. It'll be very personal and I need you to promise you won't get angry at me for what I'm going to ask you.

I crossed my arms, not ready to fall for his garbage. What are you saying?

I don't want you to be my enemy. I've read enough of your files and know you somewhat. You have a very solid personality, but you also have a tendency to want to get revenge on people in the worst way. You handle stress well, but I'm worried I might get shot in my sleep.

I crossed my arms even tighter, hoping he'd understand my irritation. Good observation. I promise I won't shoot you. I don't get back at people by killing them. I thought back with a smile to the many revenge missions I'd done. I find new and creative ways to teach people lessons. It makes life more fun.

He wasn't amused. I don't want to be your victim. After medical school, I went back to get my degree in psychology just so I could understand women better. You're going to be a challenge, I can tell. Please promise you'll work with me on this?

I tightened my jaw and crossed my legs, making sure he knew I really wasn't receptive in this conversation. What exactly do I have to do for you, anyway?

His hands fell from his hips and he crossed his arms in almost a boastful way. I want you and James to have intercourse more than once a day. We have to get you pregnant or this mission will fail. We can't fake this one because it's mission critical. You'll be saving lots of lives, so you have to get pregnant right away. When do you think you could get pregnant anyway?

I thought for a moment. Right now.

And you and James started last night?

We started a few days ago. We put the birth control away and started the mission. I hated these types of conversations.

All right. I can give you something to make sure you're fertile, just to be sure. We won't know anything for a while, but we do have some new technology to determine if you're pregnant earlier. It won't hurt you or the baby. It's a simple blood test.

He had no idea what he was dealing with. I have to warn you I hate needles.

The evil man grinned and tightened his arms, as if he enjoyed this conversation and intended to win. I already know that. I've requested straps for any exam tables just for you. We'll be taking blood on the plane and once a day, any time you're not undercover.

Great, I murmured, rolling my eyes. I wasn't impressed with him at all.

He set his jaw. Since I outrank you, I expect you to be professional during this whole ordeal.

He was trying to win, but he was in for a rude awakening. However, I had to play the game for now.

I sighed. Yes, sir. I'd show him professional. I could hardly wait.

We can still be friends, right?

I was tempted to deck the guy but wanted to wait for the timing to be right. Yes, sir. No way would I ever be friends with this man.

You're to call me Dr. Singer. That way, you'll keep up the façade when you meet me in England.

I uncrossed my arms and legs. About that. Do I have to see you for every doctor visit in England? I hoped not.

He uncrossed his arms and let them fall to his side. I'm going to talk the top brass into letting me return to Denver since you'll be there. I'm going to 'discover' a rare problem with your pregnancy and you'll become my prime focus. He used his quotey fingers, so I knew it wasn't a real problem.

How about when I deliver?

I think we'll have to go back to England for delivery. That'll take place at least a month before you're due, so you won't be traveling and chance giving birth on the plane.

I hated this whole idea. Who will be in the delivery room?

James and me, I think. They may require more people there, but don't worry. Our first step is to get you pregnant. We don't have time for in-vitro fertilization and the risk of multiple births is higher, so we'll try this way first. He stared at me. You're ready for this, right?

Sure. I didn't have much of a choice, since James had volunteered me.

He studied me for a moment. You don't sound very sure of yourself. Was this your decision?

Not exactly, because I like what I do and don't want to take time off to have a baby. On the other hand, James wanted a kid yesterday, so it'll all work out, I guess.

He pulled a small pad of paper and a pen from his pocket. What exactly do you do during off-missions? He held the pen, poised to write.

Using my fingers, I ticked off my list of jobs as he wrote them all down. I type up reports for the CIA, write extreme travel articles—

He looked up from his paper. What are those?

They're for James' newspaper. Whenever we go on a CIA mission, I have to write an article that's been watered down for the public to enjoy about how much trouble I can get into when I travel.

I see, he said. What else? He returned to looking at his paper.

I help run the travel agency, and now, James has us visit different missionaries around the world to report on the good things going on.

Dr. Singer kept looking at the paper. That's how you got the intelligence for this mission, right?

I nodded. Yes, sir. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

He looked up at me. What else do you do with your time?

Well, I started a new job, working undercover for the Denver Police. I've only done one thing for them, but it was very successful.

Dr. Singer wrote some more, finally crossing his right hand—holding the pen—under his other arm as he studied the list. I hoped the pen cap wasn't on the pen in his hand so he'd get ink all over his expensive shirt. That would make my day.

Hmmm. He finally looked up at me. "From what