Forced Move

By Mel LeBrun

Responsible for exposing rogue CIA agents and bringing a Russian mafia to their knees two years ago, Michael and Jessica Cailen are trying to adjust to their new quiet home life. However, when Michael is called to help an old friend rescue his niece from kidnappers, it sets in motion a string of events that turns their new "normal" lives upside down and places them in a unique position to take down one of the most villainous men on the planet. In this riveting sequel, follow Michael and Jessica as they dare to pick apart a vast criminal empire that no one has been able to touch until now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mel LeBrun
• Release date: Jun 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463474846

Mel LeBrun

I started writing in my early teens, mainly for my own entertainment. After getting laid off from work some years back, I found myself with lots of time on my hands and decided to bring to paper a story and characters that have lived in my imagination for many years.I chose to self publish for a few reasons. For one, I want to focus on writing. I'm not out to make a name for myself or get mega rich. If I make enough to get by then I'm content. More would be nice but it's not my main ambition. By self publishing online I can get my work out and then get on with the next piece, which makes me happy.

Book preview

Forced Move

By Mel LeBrun

Text Copyright © 2013 Mel LeBrun

All Rights Reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

Dedicated to my friends and family for all their loving support, encouragement and input.

In memory of my dear aunt Bonnie. I could not have done it without you.

Chapter 1

Michael rolled his eyes at his buddy Josh as the teenage girls they were guarding giggled and pranced in front of them. Michael was in his mid-thirties, six feet three inches and in near perfect shape with gently tanned skin and brown eyes. His short haircut frustrated the large curls that wanted to break free from his medium brown hair.

Josh was just a year younger than Michael and a few inches shorter with thick blond hair and ice blue eyes. Equally attractive, he too was in great shape. Michael was wearing a white button down shirt with the sleeves partially rolled up, jeans and loafers while Josh spiced it up with a light blue golf shirt, khaki pants and Docksiders.

Heather was the daughter of the billionaire who had hired them. Her friend was Kasey. Barely eighteen, they were doing a day of shopping on Newbury Street and then catching a movie in the evening. Josh and Michael were to tag along and make sure nothing happened to them. Both men were ex-military and worked for Josh's private security company.

Heather had unsuccessfully hit on both Josh and Michael. Frustrated that she wasn't getting her way she had decided to ditch them, which was proving much harder than she had thought. Michael and Josh were getting increasingly irritated and decided that they would allow the girls to think they had lost them. The girls were driving them nuts and the distance might do everyone some good.

Stay close to me and follow my lead, Heather whispered to Kasey.

It's not going to work. We've tried everything, Kasey whispered back. We can't lose them.

They're not perfect. Heather abruptly stopped and turned to the guys. Did we pass Dooney & Bourke?

No, Michael answered without hesitation.

Heather gave him a look.

I'm sure we passed it. I remember it being back there somewhere.

It's not. Josh smiled insincerely.

Josh got the same look of veiled irritation that Michael did.

I know it was back there. Can you see it? Heather pretended to strain herself looking back at the stores they passed.

They were standing in front of a multi-service spa and salon that Heather frequented. She was familiar with the labyrinth of service rooms that led to a window with a fire escape. She just needed to get a head start.

Michael and Josh looked at each other, knowing she was about to make her move. They looked back at the stores behind them and as soon as they did, the girls were off. Josh turned back around and saw them just as they entered the salon. He sighed loudly and tapped Michael's arm, getting his attention. They just shook their heads.

Heather and Kasey laughed and giggled as they celebrated their newfound freedom. They looked all around as they walked quickly down the back alley behind the salon. They didn't see the guys anywhere.

What are we going to do? Kasey asked. Won't your dad be mad?

I'm not afraid of my dad. What's he going to do, ground me? Heather rolled her eyes. We're going to get a cab and then we're going to see this guy I know. He has some pretty good stuff.

"What do you mean stuff?"

Ecstasy, pot, whatever you want.

Heather! Kasey slapped her arm. We can't do drugs!

Why not? Heather stopped and looked at her like she didn't know what she was talking about.

Your dad will kill you.

My dad doesn't know everything I do. She brushed it off and started walking again.

The pair turned down Exeter Street. They were lost in conversation when a large black van came to a screeching halt beside them and the door was flung open. Startled, they jumped back as two men leaped from the van. They were wearing pantyhose over their heads to disguise their identities. Kasey screamed and tried to run, but was in the clutches of one of the men before she managed to get more than a few steps away. Heather was frozen in total shock as she was forced into the van. Kasey fought and kicked to get away. She bit her captor's hand and started shrieking again when he pulled it away.

The driver of the van screamed, Leave her!

Two shots rang out and suddenly the van was sloping to the side. Both tires on the driver's side had been shot out. The driver turned to look just as his window shattered and his face met the back end of a gun. He was stunned as his door opened and he was pulled from the vehicle. He wouldn't remember anything after that as he was quickly rendered unconscious.

The two remaining men, realizing their vehicle and driver had been taken out, decided the next best course of action was to flee. The man holding Kasey let go and tried to run but something stopped him. Michael had grabbed hold of the back of his shirt and flung him into the side of the van. He wrestled the man to the ground and subdued him quickly. The man in the back with Heather promptly abandoned her and jumped from the van only to be met by Josh, who put him on the ground just as quickly. The girls were in hysterics. Kasey was screaming and wailing while Heather was crying numbly, as if in a fog.

Heather, call 9-1-1. Michael tried to get her attention while he and Josh were pinning the kidnappers to the ground. Someone else needed to call the police, as he and Josh were a bit occupied. He could tell she wasn't registering anything. Heather! Michael shouted. She finally looked at him. Call 9-1-1. Tell them what happened.

Coming to her senses, she nodded rapidly, pulled her phone from her pocket and dialed. She frantically relayed what happened to the operator and was assured that police were on their way. The operator stayed on the phone with her until they arrived, much to Michael and Josh's relief. An ambulance was called for the driver while the other two men were arrested. Michael collected the traumatized girls while Josh called Heather's dad to apprise him of the situation. He glanced over at Michael as it was ringing. It was days like this that made them wonder which was worse, being a bodyguard for teenage girls or their old black-ops days fending off enemies who wanted to kill them

Chapter 2

Michael pulled into the driveway of his peaceful suburban home in Newton, Massachusetts, just west of Boston. He was perplexed to see an extra car in the driveway. He stepped out of his black Chevy Tahoe and walked over to the strange car, a silver BMW M5. He glanced in the windows then walked to the house wondering who the owner was.

He opened the front door and could hear Jessica, his wife, talking to someone. That someone was a man. He followed their voices into the living room where he found Jessica sitting on the couch next to a man he'd never seen before. Two laptops were set up in front of them. Jessica looked up and saw him standing in the archway.

You're home early, she remarked. Eight years his junior, Jessica was stunningly beautiful with long dark brown hair and amber eyes. Five feet seven inches tall with an hourglass figure and gorgeous skin, any man would want her and many did.

The man seated next to her looked about Michael's age. Not as physically fit but attractive. His medium brown hair, cut on the long side, hung down above his hazel eyes.

Am I interrupting something? Michael asked, somewhat unnerved by the presence of a strange man in his home seated next to his wife.

Not at all, Jessica said as she got up to greet him. Are you hungry? She gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

No, Michael answered and looked over at the man sitting on his couch.

Hi, the man said nervously.

This is Ben. He works for Gen Tech, Jessica introduced him. This is my husband Michael. She hung on his side and patted his chest as she said it.

Didn't you just do a job for them? Michael asked.

Yeah, Ben answered as he stood up to shake Michael's hand. I'm the head of cyber security.

Michael reluctantly shook his hand. So, she wiped the floor with you.

Again, you are correct. Ben laughed.

Jessica grinned. She worked as a computer security consultant. Companies hired her to try and hack into their systems and tell them where they needed to improve. She was extremely good at what she did and fetched good pay for her skills. It was a rare occasion when she wasn't able to hack a system.

So, what happened? she asked Michael. I thought you weren't going to be back until late tonight.

Michael said, Well, after the attempted kidnapping, the girls decided to call it a day.

Oh my, Jessica remarked.

Kidnapping?! Ben exclaimed.

Michael does private security, Jessica replied.

Like a bodyguard?

In a nutshell, Michael answered.

What happened? Jessica asked again.

Three guys pulled up in a van and tried to take the girls we were watching. They were pretty shook up and went home after giving their statements to police, Michael said.

What happened to the kidnappers? Ben asked.

One is in the hospital, the other two are in jail, Michael replied.

Wow. Ben was stunned. You must have had some kind of special training for that?

Sixteen years in the military just about does it, Michael said.

Oh, right, replied Ben. Jessica said you were in Special Forces. Remind me not to piss you off. Ben laughed, a bit nervously.

Michael smiled. He didn't like Ben and didn't understand why he was in his house. He was waiting for Jessica to explain herself. Why did she invite this guy over when she knew he wouldn't be home?

Well, thanks for coming over. I need to talk to my wife about something privately, Michael said.

Ben's smile vanished and his blissful expression was replaced with a confused one. Oh ... alright. He looked at Jessica who seemed just as bewildered and then back at Michael who was still smiling politely. He started to feel uneasy and decided maybe leaving was for the best. I'll just get my laptop.

Jessica stepped over towards Ben and glanced back at Michael with an unhappy expression. She looked back at Ben as he zipped up his laptop bag and then turned to her.

Thanks for all your help. Ben reached out to shake her hand. I appreciate it.

She smiled and shook his hand. Call me if you have any questions.

He nodded then turned to Michael who hadn't moved from the spot he'd been standing. He was still smiling politely, but Ben could tell he wasn't happy. He said goodbye and left.

Jessica closed the door after him and turned to Michael. What was that about?

Why would you bring a strange man here?

He's hardly a strange man, Jessica replied indignantly.

Michael raised his eyebrows and cocked his head. Oh? Is he a friend?

She frowned, but didn't say anything.

I thought I knew all your friends.

Michael. She closed her eyes and shook her head. What is your problem?

My problem is my wife is inviting men to the house when she knows I'm not going to be around.

Jessica was exasperated. He was here to talk about hacking. I said I would help him learn about some of the newer threats out there. You being gone was exactly why I invited him to come over. Why would I take time away from being with you to talk about hacking?

He sighed and looked down at the floor.

She walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him. He put his arms around her and looked down into her eyes. She smiled and he leaned down and kissed her.

Are you hungry? she asked again.

Yes.

She grinned. I wish you wouldn't get so insecure.

We'll see how secure you feel when I start bringing girls home from work.

Fair enough, she laughed. "I think you know how well that would go over."

I know exactly how well it would go over, he said, knowing she wouldn't stand for it.

You're right. It's not fair. I won't do it again.

He squeezed her tight and kissed the top of her head. She broke away from his arms and started heading into the kitchen to get him something to eat when the phone rang. Michael answered it.

Hi Michael. It's Martin.

Oh, hi Martin, Michael responded cheerfully. How's it going?

Not good. I'm calling in my favor.

The words wiped the smile off Michael's face. What happened?

Can you come over?

I'll be right there. Michael hung up the phone.

Jessica stood in the doorway to the kitchen looking at him. What's going on?

With a very grave expression he answered, Martin is calling in his favor. I have to go to his house.

Oh. She looked surprised and concerned.

Martin Lavene was ex-CIA and Josh's cousin. Two years ago, he had been instrumental in helping Michael not only get his life back, but also in keeping he, Jessica and Josh alive when they had run afoul of a rogue CIA agent and the Russian mob. Michael owed him big time and they always joked about the favors he would have to do to repay him. As of yet, Martin had never cashed in on any of them, and Michael was beginning to think he never would. The fact that he was calling one in now meant that something really serious must have happened.

I'm going with you, Jessica announced as she stepped towards the door.

Maybe it's better if you don't. He wasn't sure he wanted Jessica knowing what he was going to have to do. She tended to worry a lot and get really emotional over things - not the best mind frame in a crisis situation.

Whatever he wants you to do, it's probably going to affect me somehow. I want to know.

Okay, fine. But if he doesn't want you to know, then you're going to have to back down. We both owe him. He looked at her sternly.

She sighed and avoided eye contact. She didn't want to agree to his demand.

I'm serious. Agree or stay here, he said firmly.

Fine, she huffed.

UPON ARRIVING at Martin's house, Jessica and Michael noticed Josh's car in the driveway. Martin was waiting at the door as they stepped out of the car. He looked so much like Josh, with the exception of being a little taller, they could have been brothers.

Thanks for coming. Martin said as he walked up the porch steps.

What's going on? he asked.

He glanced at Jessica then back at Michael. Come inside.

They passed through the entry and kitchen on the way to the family room in the back of the house. Once there, they saw Martin's wife, Helen, sitting on the couch fighting back tears. Josh was sitting in the recliner next to the couch looking troubled and anxious. The mood was tense to say the least.

Michael didn't want to ask again what had happened. He just looked at Martin and waited for an explanation.

It's Katie, Martin finally declared.

Your niece? Michael asked.

Katie's father was Martin's brother. He died unexpectedly of a heart complication when she was very young. Both Martin and Josh sort of took over the role of father for her. The Lavenes were a close knit family to begin with but because of Katie's tragic loss they were even closer with her. They loved her like she was their own daughter.

Yeah. Martin sighed. A few weeks ago some guy claiming to be a modeling scout offered her a job.

Michael stiffened knowing what was coming next. Not a modeling scout.

Martin shook his head no. He told her the job was in Sweden. Her mom said no, but she decided to go anyway behind her back. He paid for her ticket.

How could she leave the country? Isn't she just seventeen? Michael asked.

She just turned eighteen, Martin explained.

Michael frowned.

Her flight had a stopover in Amsterdam. She never boarded the plane to Sweden.

Do we know anything about this guy? Michael asked.

Martin was silent for a minute, Helen started crying harder and Josh fidgeted in his seat. Michael had a bad feeling about what was coming next.

I reached out to everyone I know. He paused again. His name is Raymond Pierce. He's a recruiter for human trafficking.

Helen began sobbing uncontrollably. Jessica quickly sat next to her and tried to comfort her. Josh leaned forward, holding his head in his hands.

Where is her mother now? Michael asked, wondering why she wasn't there.

Heavily sedated in the other room, Martin answered. Josh hadn't said two words since they arrived.

Do we have any idea where Katie is? Michael asked.

I have four possible locations. They're all in Germany, but the clock is ticking. They're only holding locations before the girls are sold or shipped off to somewhere else.

How much time do we have?

Less than thirty-six hours.

When do we leave? Michael asked.

Not soon enough, Josh finally spoke even though he wouldn't look at anyone. Everyone shared that sentiment.

Our flight leaves in three hours, Martin answered.

Michael nodded. I'll get packed. He looked over at Jessica who was sitting with Helen. She had one arm wrapped around her shoulders and the other squeezing her hand. You can stay here if you want. I won't be long. Jessica nodded and rubbed Helen's back.

Michael returned in a little less than a half hour with his bag packed, ready to go. Jessica prepared something for them to eat while he was out so they wouldn't have to leave on an empty stomach. No one really felt like eating but they downed what they could.

After the light dinner, Martin and Josh began loading their bags into the car. Jessica approached Michael, looking concerned.

I'll be fine, Michael assured her.

Will I hear from you when you land? she asked. Or when it's over, so I'll know you're safe?

You're going to worry the whole time if I don't get in touch, am I right?

She shrugged. I could lie and say no.

Michael smiled then reached out and caressed her cheek. You're a terrible liar.

I know.

He wrapped his arms around her and tenderly kissed her. As soon as I get a phone, I'll message you with the number.

She kissed him back. Thank you. Please be careful.

He grinned. I'm always careful.

Now who's the liar? she retorted.

He kissed her again and squeezed her tightly before tearing himself away. The men left for the airport while Jessica stayed with Helen and spent the night to make sure she would be okay.

Chapter 3

Their flight landed in Dusseldorf, Germany after a brief stop in Amsterdam. Martin, Josh, and Michael wasted no time getting to work. They got plenty of sleep during the ten and a half hour flight and were ready to go once they landed. Martin rented a car with the help of Michael, who spoke fluent German, and the three were soon on their way.

Where's the first location? Michael asked.

Not far, but we're meeting someone first, Martin said. I have a contact here who is going to go with us. He knows the area and agreed to help. His name is Luca Weber.

What does he do? was Michael's next question.

He's kind of like an arms dealer, Martin answered. Deals mostly with very specialized and specific weaponry and technology.

Like sniper rifles with night vision scopes? Michael asked, thinking back on the rifle Martin had given him two years ago when he needed his help.

Martin chuckled, realizing Michael made the connection. Yeah.

Josh had hardly spoken since they left Martin's house. He sat quietly in the backseat. Martin and Michael knew he was having a difficult time with the situation. It was just as trying for Martin, but he was better able to distance himself from his emotions. Josh was more sensitive and it was harder for him to do that.

After a brief stop to buy disposable cell phones, they soon pulled up to a small bookstore. Martin entered the store alone. A few minutes later he emerged. On his heels was a short man with thinning blond hair and deep blue eyes. Martin got back in the driver's seat and the man following him sat in back with Josh.

Guys, this is Luca. Martin introduced him. Luca, this is Michael and my cousin Josh.

Once the pleasantries were out of the way, Luca spoke to Martin with a pleasant German accent. I found out some more information on your niece. At least I'm pretty sure it is her.

What is it? Josh asked anxiously.

An American girl was smuggled in. She is being held at this location. He handed Martin a piece of paper.

How exactly did you get this information? Michael asked.

I called in some favors. He paused. And maybe threatened a few others.

So you owe Martin, too? Michael turned to him with a grin.

Doesn't everyone? Luca joked.

I appreciate this, Luca. Martin thanked him as he put the car in reverse.

Can we just get going? Josh's patience was wearing thin.

Take it easy, Josh, Michael admonished him.

I'd like to see how easy-going you'd be if it was Jessica in there, Josh snapped.

Michael shut his mouth. Josh was ready to blow and he didn't want to send him over the edge.

A minute passed and Josh calmed himself down. I'm sorry.

No need to apologize, Michael consoled him.

I just can't stand the thought of... He couldn't say it. He was in agony over what might be happening to Katie.

Don't think about it, Martin urged him. It was what he himself was desperately trying to do.

Josh ran his fingers through his hair and stared out the window. Michael glanced back at him and then exchanged a look with Martin. They drove in silence until they finally came upon the location where Katie was supposedly being held. It was a large farmhouse. A giant barn sat in the back of the property line along some woods. The house was settled in the middle of a sizable field. Approaching it without being spotted would be very difficult. There was hardly any cover, only a couple large trees scattered between the barn and the house.

They parked down the street. Luca pulled two pairs of night vision binoculars from his bag. He handed one to Michael and the other to Josh. They looked around the buildings. There were two guards circling the house, one standing guard in the driveway and two more by the barn.

Heavily guarded. Michael handed the binoculars to Martin.

I say we just kill everyone and search the property, Josh spoke out from the back.

Not gonna happen. Michael shot him down. I'm willing to bet there is a small army in that house and we don't know where the girls are being held. They could get hurt.

What do you have in mind? Martin asked.

Still working on that. Michael turned to Luca. What is this place? It's too elaborate to be just a holding facility.

Luca took a deep breath, nervous about how Josh might react. This is an auction house.

Josh didn't react at all. He just stared out the window. Michael looked back at him. He knew Josh was not coping well.

Josh. Michael addressed him, but he just kept looking out the window. Get your head in the game. We can't do this without you.

Josh sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. We could pretend to be a buyer. Find out where the girls are and if Katie is there.

That might work. Martin seemed optimistic.

I'm afraid it won't, Luca interrupted. At least not fast enough to save your niece. The man who runs this place is Felix Meier. He runs operations in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. He is very careful about his buyers. It takes weeks to get a meeting and he probably already has buyers in line for the girls here.

The tree line, Josh blurted.

That's what I was just thinking, Michael agreed.

I'm sorry? Luca didn't understand.

We'll have to approach from the tree line, Michael explained. We can use the few trees between the barn and house for cover as we close in. It won't be easy.

Do we have any weapons? Josh directed his question mostly at Luca since they hadn't brought any weapons with them.

Luca sighed. This is another problem. Meier has some of the local police on his payroll. You can get the girl out. They can't exactly file a missing person report on a woman they kidnapped, but you cannot kill anyone. If there are dead bodies, it will get very complicated very quickly.

I'll try my best, Michael said insincerely.

He knew Luca was right though. It wouldn't take corrupt police long to focus on them. Martin and Josh being related to Katie and just arriving in the country would be a dead giveaway. Leaving the country would be nearly impossible if they were wanted for murder.

I think only two of us should go. Any more than that will be easier to spot. Martin and I will go scout the house and see what we can find, Michael finally announced.

Like hell, Josh protested. I'm going.

No. Your head's not in the game.

Michael, you know I can do this. Martin may have had training and can handle himself, but there are only two soldiers in this car and you know who they are. I'm better equipped, and you know it.

Michael looked back at him and grinned. That's what I was hoping you'd say.

Josh let out a sigh of relief.

Let's go. Michael opened his door and stepped out, strapping on his small backpack.

The air felt cool and there was a slight breeze. Josh joined him and they started snaking their way to the tree line using anything they could find as cover. Once in the woods, they stealthily moved towards the barn. As they got closer, they could hear the two guards stationed by the door talking. They crept up to the back wall of the barn and took a moment to prepare themselves mentally for what they were about to do. Once they attacked the guards, they were committed. There would be no going back. If things got ugly, they would have to deal with it.

Michael gestured for Josh to go around the side of the barn while he went around the opposite way. They snuck up to the guards, and took them both out at the same moment. They dragged the unconscious men off to the side of the barn and out of sight. They were about to advance on the house when they heard someone cough from inside the barn. They looked at each other and then back at the barn. They stepped over to the door.

Are you sick? Michael spoke through the door in German, hoping to get some kind of response from inside telling him who or how many were there. He was expecting another guard to answer but instead heard a woman speaking English.

What did he say? the woman asked.

I think he asked if she was sick? another woman answered.

Josh and Michael couldn’t believe their luck. They promptly opened the door and entered, closing it back behind them. The women quickly huddled together in fear, not knowing what to expect. Michael handed Josh a flashlight from his bag then grabbed one for himself. He shined his light around the room while Josh shined his on the women. They turned away, shielding their eyes from the bright light. Josh panned the room until the light stopped on one girl. She was petite with the trademark Lavene blond hair and blue eyes, just like Martin and Josh. The family resemblance was uncanny.

Katie! he exclaimed.

Who are you? she asked, blinded by the sharp lights as he rushed towards her.

It's me, Josh, he answered, taking her in his arms.

Josh? It couldn't possibly be him, she thought.

Michael shined his flashlight on Josh so she could see his face. She was overjoyed when she finally realized it was really him.

Josh! She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him in a death grip as she gave way to tears. She couldn't believe he was there.

He squeezed her back just as tightly. We're going to get you out of here.

How did you find me? What's going on? Questions were rushing through her head faster than she could vocalize them.

Easy, Michael stepped in. Let's get out of here first, then we'll talk.

Your voice is familiar. She wiped some tears