Marshal

By Caleb Swift

Brad and Randy are two Federal Air Marshals from Texas. Both men have different backgrounds and different lives, however both men are put to the test against a hijacker on an escort mission of a Senator flying from Austin to Atlanta.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365201806

Book preview

Marshal

Marshal

A Novel by Caleb Swift

Everywhere that freedom stirs, let tyrants fear.

-George W Bush

Dedicated to my Dad, who humbly and honorably served the American people for as long as I can remember.

Chapter 1

The small, white pickup truck pulled into the driveway of the San Antonio home. The familiar slam of the door outside made Sara turn towards the entrance.

Randy was home.

Randy Thornton reached his hand down to turn the gleaming brass knob on the front door, but before he could touch it, he heard the door open from inside. Before he knew it, Sara was in his arms once more.

He felt her warmth as she kissed his cheek and pulled him by the hand through the front door.

The smell of roast potatoes and sirloin filled the house. He felt as if he was coming home to a feast as the smell caressed his nose. 

I made your favorite. she whispered in his ear.

You’re too much. He smiled and kissed her forehead.

How was the flight? She asked with her soft, inquisitive, blue eyes.

Like riding in a pillbox with smelly foreigners. Randy chuckled as he tried to forget the flight from Los Angeles in the hot, cramped jet.

You going anywhere anytime soon, again? was the usual question that came after that.

Sara was as perfect as Randy could have ever hoped for in a woman, but she did want answers for everything. He could never go without her attempting to figure out his thoughts.

That night, both lay on the small leather couch in the middle of the living room. It was late but the cool, night air came through the window, making them hold each other closer.

They want me on an important one next week. Randy muttered in her ear, her rich red hair curled just over her upper earring.

They’re always telling you it’s an important one. Sara was not enjoying the lifestyle he had chosen. She had accepted it, but he needed to know how she felt.

I know but it’s actually an important flight, Senator Gillespie’s on it.

Dave Gillespie, from New Jersey? her voice trembled.

Yes, he’s riding back to D.C., it’s a small 737, but he needs protection.

And why are they tasking only you? You just started. Sara turned and faced him.

Randy knew that look. It was the look of despair at the current state of things. Sara wanted kids and a gentle life ever since they married, but had accepted Randy’s gung-ho lifestyle, she called it.

I can’t do anything accept fight the enemy; you know that, I can’t manage a business, I can’t teach, all I can do is fight and protect. Randy remembered his conversation with her in the apartment two days after their engagement.

I promise, I’ll do a few years, then I’ll leave, then it will be all over. Randy thought it over and over in his head but he couldn’t say it.

I’m sorry. Sara turned away from him.

I love you. he kissed her cheek softly.

She smiled.

I love what you do. You keep people safe and I love that about you. It just gets hard sometimes. She whispered softly.

I know. It’s not easy for me either, love. He stood up and held her hand. Smiling, he began to lead her back to the bedroom by the hand. Her smile grew more pronounced with each step she took with him.

Chapter 2

The bar was empty by eleven that night. The sound of closing tasks inside and outside seemed to create an atmosphere of peaceful chaos as noises chimed from all directions.

Brad Heywood sat at his almost reserved stool at the end of the bar with a half-finished glass of Jose Cuervo sitting, facing him. He could see small bubbles still rising to the surface every once and a while through the glass.

Hey Brad, not trying to rush you but we closed shop about twenty minutes ago.

Neil, the long-haired bar owner had known Brad for four years, when this became a victory bar for when Brad had