Forgotten Child: Refton & Thomas, #2

By Joshua Kern

Another member of their elusive family has been revealed. The organization makes their move. How much of the world will still be standing when they're through?

From the moment Lexie discovers Jay has disappeared, a chain reaction no-one could have seen coming is set off. Three months into their separate training programs to be spies for a private extra-governmental agency and he vanishes without a word.

Except, maybe someone did. In fact, maybe everything was a setup from the beginning.

It turns out being spies is not as easy as everyone likes to think it is, especially when you haven't finished training. Long sleepless nights and being constantly active are the only constant staples in their new lives.

The stakes have been raised as players are revealed. Will they be able to stop plans that the organization has spent decades putting into motion? Read and find out now.

A fast-paced, page-turning novel of secrets, assassins, and a romance that just won't quit from returning author of the Refton & Thomas series Joshua Kern.
Book Lightly Re-Edited on 08/2023

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joshua Kern
• Release date: Sep 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9781393150015

Book preview

Prologue

L ucas, I have a job I need you to do. Lucas Brochard was quiet as he held the small phone to his ear, listening to the voice of his boss. There is a potential for a conflict of interests with an asset of ours. I need you to take care of it! Do not harm the asset, however!

Lucas was silent for a second longer as he made sure his boss was done speaking. Who is the asset and what needs to be done?

I believe you have had previous dealings with this particular asset in the past. His name is Daniel. Lucas felt his lips withdraw in an involuntary tooth-baring grin. He did indeed have a history with Daniel, more specifically he owed him for what he had done to his brother. It seems that Daniel has become involved with a woman. I am afraid that his… Loyalties may no longer lie fully with us. I want you to take her out of the picture temporarily.

Temporarily? Lucas asked, daring to interrupt his boss.

For now, yes, Daniel is an important asset. It would not do to do something rash where he is concerned if he proves himself, then I want to be able to return her to him unharmed. Lucas ground his teeth angrily as he listened to his boss tell him about the girl and where to find her. He wanted revenge, and they were waving it right in front of his face but telling him he could not have it! He knew that if he did the job himself, he would not be able to stop himself, and everyone knew what happened to someone that disobeyed orders.

No, he had someone else in mind, someone that was nearly as twisted as himself. More importantly, this person owed him a favor.

Lucas pulled the contact information up on his phone. His call was connected immediately, as he knew it would be. Martin, this is number nine. I have a job for you.

Chapter 1

Jay

D oes the name Hidden Order of Nations have some kind of specific meaning? Jay asked, lowering his arm from where he had raised it to ask his question.

Jay was sitting next to Lexie in Rinet’s office who was their contact with the Bank International organization along with Betty who worked for the CIA.

If there is, we do not know it, Rinet replied, leaning back in her chair, her arms folded across her chest. You have to understand. We have been fighting them since the last World War ended and we still know next to nothing. Lexie’s parents knew more than we did about their plans. We never knew who their contact was until now.

You mean Pascal Alizare, right? The man that is my real father? Jay asked, as he interrupted her, wanting some clarification.

Yes, I mean Pascal, your father, Rinet replied before sighing. Which unfortunately brings us to another problem. You, Jay!

Me? How am I a problem? Jay asked in confusion, swiveling his head to look at Lexie to see if she understood. Lexie shook her head, just as confused as he was.

To be more precise, you being in danger will cause a problem. We cannot approach him right away because he will want to see you.

But because I am in danger, he can’t. Jay interrupted again, beginning to see where she was going with this.

Exactly! Rinet agreed, not seeming to mind his interruption. We will need to wait until you are trained to approach him. Normally, we could just take him into custody and talk to him. However, since he is a public figure with authority, we cannot do that.

Is there any other way to let him know and maybe let them meet in secret? Lexie asked, leaning forward.

Possibly, it is something that we will be looking into, Rinet told them as she stood from behind her desk. For now, let us concentrate on other matters first. Since you will be joining us, we will need to begin your training right away. You’ll be separated so you can fully concentrate on your individual programs. Since you will undoubtedly want to be partnered together when you are done. Rinet paused as she confirmed this with them.Seeing their heads nod, she continued. Since you will be partners, it will be best if you are trained in separate specialties. Specialties that will complement one another and make the two of you a force to be reckoned with. We need to move quickly though. Time is going to be against us. When we are done here, your training will begin immediately.

What about our families? Lexie wondered, watching as Rinet moved from behind her desk to stand beside Betty.

Our friend here will take care of getting them to safety, Rinet said as she rested her hands on Betty’s shoulders.

I will? Betty asked, craning her head to the side as she struggled to look at Rinet.

Yes, you will! I don’t believe it will be a problem for Lexie’s family? Rinet asked as she looked at Lexie.

No, I don’t believe it will be. The house we are staying in right now isn’t even ours. It belongs to a friend of my grandfathers that said we could use it. Most of our belongings are still either in storage or in boxes. Lexie told them, surprising Jay.

I didn’t know that! He said as he turned to fully face her. I knew that you had just moved there, but nothing else.

Lexie shrugged as she replied. It never came up. We moved around so much that there was no point in buying a house every time we went to a new place and besides, can you imagine how much money that would have cost?

Rinet waved a hand in the air, dismissing their conversation. That is beside the point right now. The problem is going to lie with Jay’s grandfather.

Jay sighed heavily as she spoke of his grandfather. You’re right. My grandfather has owned that house for as long as I can remember. I can’t imagine that he will leave without a complaint.

Oh, I don’t know, Lexie said as she rested a hand on Jay’s leg. I don’t think you give him enough credit. As long as they explain everything to him properly, I think he will be alright. He should understand the reasoning behind why he has to leave!

If you think so? Jay questioned doubtfully.

Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to make him understand the gravity of the situation, Betty told them firmly. I’ll make sure that they all understand why they need to be moved. Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to keep them safe!

We will keep them in the States for now! Rinet said as she stepped away from Betty.

Where do you plan on taking them? Lexie demanded, her hand gripping Jay’s leg painfully.

We have several locations where they will be safe. You must understand, though, everything that I am saying right now is something that will have to be approved by my superiors. I do not believe that they will object, especially in light of the information you have, but you need to understand that it is still a possibility. Rinet stood in front of the frosted glass of her office, not looking at them as she spoke.

Jay sighed as he stood, taking Lexie’s hand in his own as he pulled her to her feet beside him. It doesn’t sound like we’ll be able to do anything either way. We will just have to trust that you will do the best you can. In the meantime, we can call them and let them know everything that has happened.

He’s right! Lexie said as she leapt into the conversation. If we call our families, then they can be prepared for anything. It will be better if they heard this from us instead of people they don’t know in any case.

Rinet turned to face them before looking to Betty, who was still sitting quietly.

They are right. It would be better if their families heard it from them first. They can introduce me over the phone, so they know who to expect as well. Betty said in response to Rinet’s unspoken question.

Very well, do as you wish. Just make sure that they are safe! Rinet said forcefully as she opened the door to her office, pulling a passing guard into her office as she did.

I need these entered into the system as quickly as possible and then brought back to me! Rinet told the guard as she handed over all the papers she had strewn across her desk.

The guard took the documents and with a crisp, quick nod left the room, hurrying to accomplish what had been requested of him.

While we are waiting for him to return, you should take the time to call your families and let them know what is going on. Make sure you introduce Betty as well! Rinet told them, smiling as she said the CIA agent’s fake name.

Jay moved next to the desk, letting Lexie’s hand fall from his grasp as he reached for the phone. Pulling it close, he looked at Lexie before dialing his grandfather’s number, taking care to include the international code, as did so.

Everyone was silent as the sound of ringing echoed softly from the phone in Jay’s hand. The phone continued to ring as no one answered before going to the voicemail greeting them with Jethro’s message.

Hanging up, Jay said nothing as he began dialing again, this time using a different number. Wordlessly, Jay handed the phone to Lexie as it began to ring.

Hello, who is this? The soft voice of Lexie’s aunt Tracy asked over the phone.

It’s me, aunt Tracy. It’s Lexie! A squeal of excitement screeched loudly from the tiny speaker in her hand, as Lexie quickly pulled the phone away from her ear.

Calm down, I can’t understand what you are saying! Lexie said loudly, holding the phone directly in front of her mouth. Now hold on while I put you on speakerphone! Lexie pushed the speaker button and put the phone back in its cradle.

Hello? Tracy’s voice echoed loudly through the room once more.

We’re here! I have Jay with me, as well as some other people. Lexie told her as she reached for Jay’s hand once more.

Jay encircled her hand with his, letting his thumb naturally begin to caress the back of her hand.

I have Jethro and Dad with me right now, so we are all here. Jay sighed thankfully at Tracy’s words.

Lexie smiled at him before responding. That is good to hear. We tried calling his house first, but no one answered. It’s good that we can tell you all everything at the same time this way.

Hold on, Tracy said stopping her from saying any more. You are both safe, right? We haven’t heard anything from you since you left that message from Germany. Where are you right now?

Jay quickly pulled their chairs closer as she was speaking. Pushing Lexie lightly back into the chair, he sat beside her and answered Tracy’s question.

We’re back in Versailles at the Bank International. We have a lot to tell you, but we found the information Lexie’s parents left behind. Talking as fast as he could, Jay told them everything that he could, leaving out the details that would endanger them.

Lexie spoke up every once in a while, clarifying certain details when he forgot them, leaving the bulk of the talking to him.

Unfortunately, it seems that us coming over here has brought their attention on all of us. Rinet and Agent Betty from the CIA both believe that it would be best if you went into hiding. Betty is going to fly out there and take you somewhere safe. Jay finally stopped speaking, breathing quickly from the fast rate of his talking.

You said that this Rinet lady and Betty from the CIA are both there with you right now, right? Jethro’s voice finally came over the speaker after a long, tense silence.

We are here, Rinet said, speaking up for the first time.

Good, tell me then. Are they going to be safe if they do this? Putting aside us going into hiding for the moment, I want to know about them! Jethro asked them as Tracy and Alex agreed in the background.

Lexie and Jay shared a soft smile at their families, loving concern for them.

I am unable to answer that question, Rinet replied, looking directly at Jay and Lexie. What I can tell you is that if they come with us, they will get the training they need to survive! Anything more than that, though, is up to them.

And you are telling us that we can’t just go back to living the way we were before all of this happened? Jethro asked with a sigh, causing Jay to wince at his grandfather’s question.

No, that is no longer a viable option. They will be hunted for what they know. There are, of course, ways that we could hide them, but I fear that they would still be found. By keeping them separate from you like this, we will keep the focus on them and not you. This will help you stay safe, but we will be training them so they can protect themselves. Rinet told them, making sure they understood exactly what they were agreeing to do.

There was a slight commotion in the background as the phone switched hands. Lexie, Jay, are you sure this is what you want to do? Tracy asked, her voice cracking and breaking as she struggled to hold her emotions in check.

It is! Lexie said firmly, as she leaned forward in her chair. Gripping Jay’s hand tightly in her own, she continued. We want to keep you all safe, and this is the best way to do it. There is so much more the two of us need to learn. My parents began something over here with the help of Jay’s father. It is our responsibility to continue their work! Lexie informed them all, her voice allowing for no contradiction on their part.

There was a knock on the door to Rinet’s office as everyone thought about what Lexie had said. Rinet opened the door as quietly as possible and accepted the documents that were handed back to her. They had finished entering the reports into the system quickly, just as she had requested.

I understand. I’ll go along with what you are asking us to do, Jethro told them, breaking the silence.

So, will we! Tracy agreed as well.

Rinet caught Jay and Lexie’s eyes, pointing to the documents and then them before pointing to the door.

Lexie nodded in understanding as she stood. Jay and I have to go do something, but Agent Betty is here and you need to talk to her. She will be able to tell you what you need to start doing before she gets there. We’ll talk to you later if we are able. Bye, and I love you!

I’ll talk to you all later as well. Be careful! Jay said before following behind her as they left the office.

We should put these documents back into your safety deposit boxes, for now, to keep them safe, Rinet told them as they walked swiftly through the hall. Pausing at the door to the Safety Deposit room, she looked at Lexie. Would it be alright if you left the other boxes open for now? I would like to enter the rest of your parent’s reports into the system as well. What they knew could help us.

As long as you put them all back, I am fine with that. I do mean all, though. When I have time, I am going to go through them all and learn everything that my parents knew. I don’t want to find any missing or changed in any way. Is that understood? Lexie said, stepping up to Rinet and looking her firmly in the eye.

I will make sure that nothing is changed or missing. Rinet agreed thoughtfully, even though she knew that Lexie would not be able to verify it either way.

Opening the door, she let them enter the room first before following and walking quickly to the same pedestal that she had stood at before.

Lexie followed her example, placing her hand on the sensor for the second time that day. The pedestal flashed green, and she stepped back as the doors to her Safety Deposit boxes appeared and opened in front of them.

Jay moved to pull out the box they needed as Lexie gently took the documents from Rinet.

Glancing behind himself quickly, Jay made sure that Rinet was focused on Lexie. Keeping his arms and hands hidden, Jay reached into the box and withdrew two of the guns and their magazines that were hidden within it. Carefully, he tucked the guns into his pants and put their magazine clips into his pockets.

Standing as Lexie moved away from Rinet. Lexie carefully placed the documents back in the box, covering the third gun at the bottom. Jay winked at her as she closed the lid and put the box back into its opening, closing the door firmly behind it.

Jay watched the seal to the door fade away before turning to Rinet. What now?

Rinet moved over to the door and pushed the same button Jay had previously deliberately stumbled into before. I have more documents that need to be entered into the system. I need a team sent to me immediately! She said as she let go of the button.

There was a confirming chirp, and then silence as they waited.

The sound of booted feet reached their ears as the door opened, allowing the requested team of fourteen people to enter.

Rinet pointed to the four doors that were now visible. We have four Safety Deposit boxes filled with documents. Everything in them needs to be entered into the system and then returned without any changes made!

Moving quickly, the boxes were removed from their secure locations in the wall and carried out the door.

Rinet looked away from the door where she had been watching everything get carried away and focused on Lexie. Do not worry, they will follow my orders. Nothing will be changed, and everything will still be waiting here for you when you decide to return. We should return to my office now. I believe that Betty has had enough time to brief your families.

With that said, Rinet opened the door and walked out, leaving them alone for the moment. Springing to Lexie’s side before she could move, Jay put his hand on her shoulder to hold her in place.

Here, take this gun and hide it! I want us both to be armed from now on. There is no telling what could happen to us. It’s better to be prepared. Jay pulled out one of the guns and its accompanying magazine, handing them to Lexie.

Lexie took them without a word, hiding them as he had asked. Putting the clip into her pocket, she threaded the gun into the waistband at the back of her pants. Making sure that her shirt covered the gun, she looked at Jay.

You’re right. We do need to be careful no matter what. Just… Don’t go looking for trouble. We’re here for each other. Smiling softly at Jay, she walked to the door and held it open for Jay as he walked past her and into the hall where Rinet was waiting for them.

Seeing them join her, Rinet led the way back to her office.

Chapter 2

Lexie

3 Months Later

S o, have the two of you started dating yet? Tracy asked Lexie over the phone.

Lexie’s answering sigh was audible over the phone. Honestly? I don’t know what we are doing. I like him, and I know he feels the same way about me. He has just never asked. Lexie told her, frustratedly.

Well, it goes both ways, honey! The two of you are best friends and only reconnected a few months ago. I’m sure he is terrified of doing something wrong and losing you. So, ask him first and be happy already! What the two of you are being trained for is dangerous. You don’t want to miss out on having something with him because you waited too long. Tracy told her firmly.

You’re right, Lexie sighed. I’ll do it next time I see him. They have us in separate facilities though, so we can’t see each other that often. Lexie pulled the phone away from her ear for a second as it beeped at her softly. Someone was calling her. Seeing a number she did not recognize, she hit the ignore button and refocused on the conversation she was having with her aunt.

Lexie could practically hear her aunts’ eyes roll over the phone. I know you don’t get to see him that often right now, but that will change when you finish your training. Soon enough, you’ll be seeing him all the time. You need to ask him before you settle into a new routine with him and it becomes too hard to do so.

Lexie pulled the phone away from her ear as she rubbed her tired eyes. I understand, I’ll do it. Don’t worry. I’ll talk to you later though. I need to get to sleep. Bye!

Make sure you do! Sleep tight sweetie, I’ll talk to you later. Bye! Tracy echoed back as they disconnected.

Lexie dropped the phone onto her bed as she fell facedown onto it. She was