The Brain Wars

By Andie Alexander

After escaping from the government, Team Kes is found in France and forced to take care of a major threat in Asia, from someone who’s psychic. Terrorist groups are coming together under one leader, threatening to destabilize the entire world. It’s up to Team Kes to save everyone or die trying...with at least one member’s life on the line.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andie Alexander
• Release date: Aug 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9781938350474

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

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Notes

When reading psychic discussions, be aware that the font has been changed to be bold and italic. For incognito listening through psychic means, the font is just bold.

~~~~~

Dedication

To everyone who fights for the rights of others.

~~~~~

Chapter 1

Ah, the beach. This wasn’t just any old beach, but one on the French Riviera.

It was nice to be married to a multi-millionaire, but just a pain that our two homes in Colorado were currently off-limits. Actually, the whole United States was off limits to all of the Denver CIA Extreme Risk teams, but I tried to stay focused on the positive, in the here and now. Sitting on a beach with our families was pretty sweet, even if we’d only been there for a short time.

I rested on my towel on the sand, wearing a thin button-down shirt covering my bikini since I was fair-skinned and a redhead. It was early April, and since we had a problem with our jobs back home, we were forced to flee for our lives. The teams had split up, deciding we needed a vacation in different locations so we wouldn’t be found as easily.

Team Kes—aptly named after me because I thought I should rule the team—had headed for the beach. Since three of our members—Marc, James, and I—had extra-sensory perception, we figured we’d be safe since one of us would always be on guard.

The five members of Team Kes were lounging around with our spouses and children, just enjoying our time off when our daughter, Emma, ran up to me. Daddy said we have to be careful.

I opened my eyes, shielding them from the sunshine, and watched the adorable twin standing over me. The little girl looked just like me with long wavy dark red hair and green eyes.

Mommy’s asleep, I said. Tell Daddy he’s in charge. Good way to get rid of a kid so I could daydream.

She leaned down and pulled on my arm. No. Daddy needs you. He said we have to be careful.

I stood up and headed toward my husband, Dr. James Hamilton. What is it? I asked.

As Emma ran off to play with the other kids, James stared out to the water. The sky was clear, so I was sure he wasn’t referring to the beautiful weather when Emma had told me we had to be careful. He shook his head. Something was really wrong. From his demeanor, my hair stood up on the back of my neck.

He looked around at the other agents. Team Kes, pow wow.

The other three men—Ben, Ian, and Marc—left their posts and all crowded around us.

Something’s not right, James said in his adorable slightly British accent. I have an extreme feeling of dread. I’m sure we’ve been found out.

Ben crossed his arms, addressing James. Is it your psycho sense?

No, I’m not reading any minds, James said. I just feel dread and lots of it. I can’t describe it, but I’m pretty sure we’re in trouble. I think we’ve been found.

I scanned the area. You’re right, James. We’re being surrounded. I returned to my towel and pulled it off the sand. Time to go.

Ben raked his eyes over me. You’re really hot in a bathing suit. Are you ever going to model for the CIA?

I pulled my button-down shirt closed. Idiot, I whispered, even though he was my boss. Your wife is right over there and you’re flirting with me in front of James. I think you’ve hit a new low, and considering we’re in trouble, rock bottom.

I’m being serious, he said, still checking me out. Are you running at night or something?

No, are you?

Guys, Ian said. I think we need to get out of here without alerting any of our family members to potential danger. If we’re found, it means someone told where we were, since we don’t have tracking devices anymore. I don’t want to endanger anyone. Let’s just go.

Marc lifted his binoculars and scanned the horizon. James is right. Someone’s got a boat offshore.

A tourist, maybe? Ian asked. It’s close enough to summer. Maybe we’re overreacting.

Not quite. Marc lowered his binoculars. I agree with James. I get the same feeling of foreboding.

Fine. I picked up some of the kid’s toys. Three psychics agree. Let’s get out of here. I had a glimpse of something evil and my face paled. I think it’s too late, I said in a low tone. If they get here before we can leave, I’m going to make a run for it. It’s my fault they’re coming.

No, Ian said. It’s not your fault. We all did too good a job for the CIA, so it’s everyone’s fault.

You and Ben aren’t even psychic, I said. Why would you two be at fault?

Ben grinned. We’re good. The U.S. government doesn’t like good. Isn’t that what Wilson said?

Wilson was our big boss back in Washington, D.C. He’d told us to get out of the country before Congress grilled us, two weeks earlier. We’d fled to London to also get away from other bad guys, and met the rest of our teams and families. Once there, we were protected by two of our counterparts, Colin and Charlotte with MI6. We’d explained the whole problem to them, even telling them we were psychic. They hid us for a week in eastern Scotland and made arrangements to split up the teams. We were sent to the beach in France.

To describe the rest of our team, James Hamilton—my husband—had a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He had brown hair and blue eyes and was quite sexy. He’d been born in England but moved to the United States with his father after his mother died. He was also an extremely brilliant businessman who was mega-rich.

Ben had a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology with a minor in psychology, was model-adorable with blond hair and brown eyes. He was married to my best friend, Anita. They had one daughter who was almost three and a perfect child, with a son on the way.

Ian was the highest-ranking member of the Denver CIA teams, and also a surgeon and a computer expert. He didn’t like to lead the teams but wanted to work in the background. As an attractive man with blond hair and brown eyes, he was also a family man with a wife, Donna, and two kids. Their son, Patrick, was a two-and-a-half-year-old child genius, while their daughter, Alyssa, was about two months old and had been colicky.

Marc, the only single member of our group, with Ph.Ds. in linguistics and psychology, had brown hair and small brown eyes. He was also psychic but could inflict mental pain if necessary. His identical twin, Matt, worked with Team Jane, another one of the Denver Teams and was psychic as well.

We were all CIA agents working out of Denver. Between Team Kes, Team Jane, and the Ds—two single men named Dave and Doug—we were considered to be the best in our area of the CIA. Thus, when the bigshots talked about us, they named our teams Team Denver, even though other agents also worked out of Denver.

With more prompting from me to hurry this along, we all got our things together, told the kids to stop digging for hidden treasure in the sand, and headed for our hotel. A group of men dressed in black and holding guns suddenly ran toward us from the town, so I spun away from our team, toward the surf. Some other armed men came out of the water with scuba gear and wetsuits, heading toward us. They didn’t even wear those big fin things on their feet, but only what looked like a type of water shoe. I wished I had shoes at that very moment.

I dropped everything in my hands. We’re surrounded! I glanced at James. "I love you," I said in his head.

He nodded and took the hands of both of our children while Ian, Ben, and Marc just stared at me.

Don’t go, Ian said to me. We’re in this together.

No. I have to save everyone. I ran to the right, where there were no men coming for us, and made a sudden mad dash away from the area. My two children called for me, but I could tell James and Marc were silencing them. It broke my heart, but I had to get away. I was the real reason we were being sought, because of my many talents. I hated my abilities, but the CIA seemed to think I was the one who would be the answer to all their problems.

I ran along the coastline with my bare feet in the wet sand as fast as I could, knowing I could outrun any of these men since I’d been training for marathons for a long time.

An engine started rather far away but seemed to be moving closer. If I could just run up to the next group of hotels, I could get lost in their lobbies or something. Granted, I only wore a bikini and a shirt, but I had to try. Maybe I could use my green eyes as a feminine wile or something. I’d worry about that when I got there—if I got there.

As the sound of an engine grew louder, I glanced toward the water and saw a small motorboat heading for me. I was fairly far away from the hotels, so I decided I’d better pick up my pace and head for the buildings.

I ran as fast as I could in the dry sand. The wet sand was easier to negotiate, but this stuff was nastier than ever. I didn’t have far to go so I had to run harder. Just as I stepped on something sharp, I felt something else pierce my shoulder. I reached back and pulled out a dart. They’d hit me and I was going down.

~~~~~

Someone patted my cheeks. I think you need to wake up, a male voice said.

I opened my eyes a crack to stare at my evil nemesis in the CIA, Dr. William Singer. He was a psychologist and doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology for the CIA, and also the doctor who’d delivered our twins. He wasn’t that bad looking with dark brown eyes and wavy dark brown hair, but I knew he was nothing less than evil when he wanted to be.

I think I’m having a nightmare, I moaned. It’s the worst nightmare ever, too, because you’re in it. I’d just found out that he and a member of congress were looking into our abilities that we’d tried to hide. Therefore, this guy was on my very nasty evil list at the moment.

Singer stood beside where I lay. Back to your usual antics, I see?

I crossed my arms. I don’t know what you mean.

Running from your own men and your own country. Tsk-tsk.

Who says ‘tsk-tsk’ anymore? I mean, aren’t you supposed to be a professional and act like one? I sat up and looked around the room. I was in a bed in a small room and we seemed to be moving. Where am I?

The evil doctor put away his medical toys that lay on the bed beside me. On a plane.

No, you don’t say, I said in a very facetious tone. Why am I here?

You’re going to a meeting. Some people want your autograph.

I hated this guy. Even his humor was lacking. I highly doubt that. I’ve already done autograph signings and you didn’t even show. You let me down.

Dr. Singer laughed. Never a dull moment around you, Kes. He put his evil doctor bag on the floor.

I glanced down at my clothes, which now included a t-shirt and jeans. Where is my bathing suit?

We’re hanging it off the tail of the plane for a parachute so we can stop.

I rolled my eyes. You’re sick. It was a small two-piece bikini.

But too big for you because you seem to have lost a little weight. You know, I could’ve had Marc and James just leave you naked.

I pulled the blanket up over me, trying to cover myself. Marc was here? He helped undress me?

Anita and Donna wouldn’t let their husbands do it, so I assigned the only two other agents available.

And you didn’t help?

No, I got to hold you down and watch. He waggled his eyebrows at me, so I shot him my worst mean look.

I moved the cover off my upper body, so I could have a quick getaway when the plane landed. I intended to yank it off my feet right as we touched down. Always have a plan.

But I had to keep to the discussion at hand. You’re lying and doing it badly. Where are James and the rest of my group?

They’re a little tied up at the moment. He laughed again, making me sigh. Dr. Singer was such an idiot.

My poor team. Tied up. I’m assuming literally, and probably in the other room, I’m guessing?

Yep. We had lots of fun with that one. It took six armed guards to make sure your four guys would cooperate. At least we didn’t have the brains of the group to contend with.

I was hardly the brains, but more like the one who had to do most of the work. However, he didn’t mention the rest of the team’s families, making me take notes in my head.

Are you calling me smart? I asked. With all those doctors out there? I pointed toward the door to give him that male visual indicator, or MVI, that all men needed. Sometimes men were just dense, so I had to give them a visual clue as to what I was saying.

He sat down on the chair beside the bed. You have street smarts and they don’t teach that in school. He looked down at my feet, even though they were still under the covers. You can’t walk right now, so don’t try to get to your team.

I looked down at my legs. I can’t?

When you were running away, you stepped on a rusty nail.

Ah. So that’s what pierced my foot. I thought it was just a crab or something.

I moved the cover away and pulled my foot up to my face. The thing was wrapped in a huge white bandage. How rusty was it?

Pretty bad, he said. Ian and I had to pull it out—it was in over halfway. He put stitches in it, cursing up a storm about how you never do anything minor.

Sounds like him. Getting away would definitely be a challenge, but I was up for it. And I can’t walk?

Not unless you want to lose your foot. He said to stay off it for a day and he’ll check it again. We also gave you another tetanus injection, just in case.

My hands flew to my upper arms, where I felt the pain in both arms. They probably gave me more than just a tetanus injection, but I didn’t really care. Nice of you to do that while I was asleep.

We aim to please.

I definitely had to get out of there. Can I see my team?

You’d have to crawl. We don’t have crutches here. I should probably stock something like that, but when we land, they’ll have a wheelchair for you.

I hated things like this. You know, I hurt my foot before—

Ian already told me, and I’ve read your file. You even tried to escape from him when the infection was probably affecting your brain.

I had to change the subject. He’d go off on a tirade otherwise. Where are the kids?

Dr. Singer grinned. I was wondering when you’d ask about them.

I figured you took them away from us, so I was trying to psych myself up for the answer.

You’re right. We sent Donna and Anita with the kids somewhere that you can’t find them.

Nasty. Why?

A smirk covered his face. We’re kind of holding them over your head. Your questions will all be answered soon enough.

That’s scummy, I said, feeling sadness. Were they upset about us leaving them?

He almost laughed, the brat. Actually, Emma’s so much like you, she was excited to go on another adventure. Andrew was happy as soon as we told him he’d have trucks to play with, and ran away from James. It’s funny how we can tempt them and they fall for it. He shot me a devious and very evil grin.

Now I was royally ticked off. They’re only three-and-a-half. That’s nasty.

He seemed to dismiss my comment with a wave of his hand. Don’t worry. They’re very stable kids. I intend to conduct psychological studies on them while you’re away.

I narrowed my eyes. Don’t touch my kids. He’d just riled Momma Bear. Everyone knew not to do that.

Considering I knew Singer was conspiring with U.S. Congressman Brent Rice, from Oklahoma, this made me even angrier. Brent wanted us investigated, to cover up his own illegalities. He was a bit paranoid, worrying he’d be found out. So, he employed Singer to find the evil psychics. Some other members of congress were hunting for dirt on old Brent. They’d find it soon, because we’d made it very apparent to many of them without implicating ourselves. If Singer and Rice even considered using our children as pawns to stop us from doing our work, they’d pay in the worst way.

Dr. Singer crossed his arms. I just want to see how far advanced your children have developed, as junior agents.

He was definitely pressing my anger buttons. "My kids will never be CIA agents. Got it?"

He almost seemed to be amused. Kes, you underestimate yourself. They can speak quite a few languages and are naturals for mini-agents. You and James have done a great job in training them. We’ll have fun taking it further.

I couldn’t believe this. Are you saying I’ll never see my kids again?

We’ll see, he said. They didn’t seem to miss you much, so from their point of view, it won’t matter.

This man was scummy from every angle. He’d kidnapped my children and I was being forced to do whatever they wanted me to do, to protect them. I should’ve listened to Colin, who’d offered to keep the kids safe in another country.

"Colin," I said in my head. Silence. "Colin."

He and Charlotte, both MI6 agents that I’d nicknamed the Cs, were getting married in a week or so. We’d practiced talking in their heads after we’d flown to London. I knew I could reach them, too, but for some reason, nothing was working. This wasn’t going to be my lucky day.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

A tall man with light brown hair and light brown eyes entered the room. He sat down beside Dr. Singer and leaned up to his ear, whispering something.

Dr. Singer nodded, raised an eyebrow at me, and grinned. Trying to call your buddy for help?

Singer seemed to know what was going on and that new guy had probably told him. I had to play dumb. What are you talking about?

"Let me introduce someone who was supposed to work in the Denver office with you. This is Dr. Joe King." Singer pointed to the man.

Joe wasn’t that good looking, but average in his appearance. He wasn’t muscular, wasn’t heavy, but wasn’t thin. If I’d see him on the street, I’d forget him instantly. That was probably why they’d chosen him to work for the CIA. That, and he was psychic. Not only had Singer verified it for me, but I’d heard about the new guy who was supposed to join us. His job was to prove we were psychic.

So, you’re jo-king? I asked the man.

Very funny, Joe said. Like I haven’t heard it before. You know, Kes, I don’t think I like you very much. You and your team lost my job for me in Denver. I’d even put a down payment on a house. I don’t think I like that.

Exactly who are you other than a bad joke? Your parents should be committed for that kind of—

Joe’s eyebrows lowered in anger. Pain filled my head. I thrust my hands onto my temples and lowered my head almost down to my knees. My eyes shut because the pain was so nasty. It felt like the first time I realized Marc was psychic and couldn’t communicate, but just hurt people. He’d come a long way since then.

That was just a warning, Joe said.

I glanced up at him with only one eye open, the other shut from the pain. You’re horrible. Why did you do that?

It’s my job. It’s also my job to block your psychic ability. How many abilities do you have, anyway?

I sat up and leaned against the wall behind the bed, because the pain had subsided as quickly as it had begun. Let’s see. I ticked them off on my fingers. "I’m a mother, I’m a wife, and that’s about it right now, since I’m on vacation."

Joe frowned. His jaw set and his eyebrows lowered. I was certain he planned on squeezing my brain again, but Dr. Singer touched his arm. It’s not going to work with her, Singer said in a low tone. She’ll never give up anything if she doesn’t want to and I wouldn’t get her angry. She gets revenge in the worst ways.

I certainly intended to with this guy—actually, both of them. It was time to figure out Joe’s method of brain pain, his range, and ability.

Joe’s an expert in the field of telepathy, Dr. Singer said. But you already figured that out. He’s blocking you from contacting anyone by ESP, so don’t try. He’d also been sent to the Denver office to study all of you, like he said. But since the Denver teams figured it out and ran away, we thought we’d just bring him to you. Now, tell me, Kes, how did you all know to get out of the country?

Very interesting. They didn’t know and I wasn’t about to tell them the truth, either in my thoughts or with my words. We wanted to go shopping and heard France had the best deals on clothing. I think they were having sales or something. Why?

Liar, Joe said. I can feel it.

Duh. He was a genius, too.

What else can you find out? Dr. Singer whispered in Joe’s direction.

Joe shielded the side of his mouth with his hand. Nothing. None of them are giving me anything, he whispered. They’re really good at hiding their thoughts, even when they’re asleep.

He was right, but I wasn’t about to explain how we’d studied and perfected it, even knowing when he was in our heads. I didn’t like being blocked, but fortunately, my team could operate just as well without telepathy. He also didn’t need to know our other talents, so I decided to taunt him. I thought of the beach and the waves going in and out. I filled my mind with visions of sexual positions in the book James was working on, just to harass him. I could keep this up all day long and probably enjoy it.

Joe laughed. He did that with you?

I studied my nails. What are you talking about? I tried to appear calm and nonchalant, so he wouldn’t realize I knew he was in my head.

Sexual positions. You and James.

Maybe. Or they might be fantasies, too. I turned my thoughts to killing both of the men in front of me by very brutal torturous methods, grinning when Joe’s face paled.

What is it? Dr. Singer asked.

Can’t he project my thoughts to you? I asked the evil doctor. I thought he was an ‘expert’? I used my quotey fingers just so Singer would get the message that Joe was nothing but a sideshow clown.

Can you do that? Joe asked. I don’t know anyone who can project thoughts. Isn’t that like including others in your heads?

We did it all the time. This guy was nothing more than an amateur and knew nothing. I was going to enjoy this more than ever and decided not to tell him anything. I just had to figure out how to mirror the pain he inflicted back to him.

Can you do that? Joe repeated. Can you bring people into other’s heads?

I crossed my arms. I’m not answering any questions. My brain’s on vacation.

I could torture you.

You can’t keep it up for more than a few seconds, I said, assuming it was true, from what Marc had explained to us. I can handle that and might even enjoy it if I think about more fun positions. I put the sexiest expression on my face. Hurt so good. I even licked my lips.

Dr. Singer laughed. I believe you, too. After you worked hard to get pregnant for that mission, I don’t doubt anything with you anymore.

You don’t? Joe asked him.

You have no idea who you’re working with here, Dr. Singer whispered. Every rumor you heard about her has been underestimated. She’s taken on more people than you can imagine and always wins. He stared at me. I bet she’s even figuring out a way to take you down right now. I’d watch my back if I were you, Joe, and that’s not just an idle warning. From that expression, you’re a marked man.

I shot the same grin at Singer, with my arms still crossed.

Um…so am I, Singer muttered. More than he knew. Brent Rice was included, too.

We’ll see. Joe stared at me with a snotty grin. I always win, too, so I have a feeling we’re going to make quite a team once I do.

A team? No way would I ever team up with this guy. I even showed him I was upset by talking with my hands, which was never a good sign.

Sure. Didn’t William tell you? William was Dr. Singer’s first name. When I thought about him, the name came with a skull and crossbones. I’m your new team member, Joe said.

A slow smile curved my lips as I put my hands on my hips. Good. I can’t wait to sacrifice you to the enemy. They’ll make mincemeat out of you. I’ll cheer them on and even give them a medal.

Dr. Singer laughed. She will, too.

That’s not funny, Joe said. Threatening a coworker could put her in jail for 20 years.

Hurting other members of the agency would land you in jail for even longer, so you’d be right beside me for squeezing my brain. I leaned back against the wall with my hands resting behind my head. I’m not your coworker. I’m on vacation and don’t even work for the CIA right now but I’d make sure the charges stuck for you.

Yes, you do work for the agency, Dr. Singer said. I haven’t told you what we have in mind. We’re going to visit a few people. Play nice and you’ll see your children again. Play mean and you’ll spend the rest of your life in a metal-lined room with a guard watching over you.

Very nice threat, I said. However, I highly doubt you’d do that to someone who can— I lowered my hands and sat up to talk to Joe. You’re reading my mind again. Quit it, will you?

His expression turned confused. How did you know that?

Practice. Now stop it. I’m not giving you anything.

"I see