In the Line of Duty: Endgame

By Lisa Arnoux-Brown

The heroes of In the Line of Duty and In the Line of Duty: Vendetta return for another adventurous romp in this suspenseful tale of love, jealousy, conspiracy, and crime.

Emma Solano knew she had her hands full when she married her husband, British agent Earl. But now that they've had a child, she's expecting their life to settle down. She couldn't be more wrong.

When Earl agrees to fly to England to help the Bureau track down a double agent, Emma has every confidence that he will return quickly. But when an urgent news flash announces that Earl has been shot during an attempted assassination of the Prime Minister, all bets are off.

Emma flies across the ocean to help care for Earl, but shortly after arriving, she realizes she and her husband have fallen into a dangerous and life-threatening trap. With Earl's wounds a liability, Emma must use all her wits to destroy the enemy before it's too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 15, 2007
• ISBN: 9780595895076

Lisa Arnoux-Brown

New York City native Lisa Arnoux-Brown currently lives in Massachusetts with her family.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Duty or not, Earl Solano didn’t particularly want to serve Her Majesty, the Queen. He had applied for American citizenship recently and fully expected to be naturalized soon and once he was, England would no longer have a hold on him. The life he used to lead in England as an agent seemed so long ago, but here he was sitting in an airplane flanked by two other agents reading a short brief on what was expected of him. In his mind, he could still see the look of bewilderment and finally acceptance on his wife’s face when she kissed him goodbye.

Emma had been exceptionally cooperative when he was fully expecting her to put up a fight to make his leaving difficult. His newborn son Noah was another reason why he didn’t want to leave. He felt that he barely got to know him. If anything went wrong with this assignment, he had arrangements in place that would ensure that his wife and family would be compensated. He had full assurance that the Bureau would make sure his family would be looked after. He was torn between doing his duty and settling down to a normal life. Settling down meant being with his wife and children and working a regular nine to five, that’s what he craved. Normal.

He felt confident that once the assignment was concluded satisfactorily, he would once and for all end this chapter of his life. Once upon a time, working as an agent and all of its trappings had given him purpose and had made him happy. However that life no longer fulfilled him as a person and yet he couldn’t honestly deny the thrill he felt being active again. Sir Winthrop was right in calling him in. He would get the job done. He would flush out the double agent and the Prime Minister of England would continue with his work.

Police detective Paul Derek who was his partner and friend had consented to keep an eye on his family while Earl was away but Earl had his own watchful eyes in place. He smiled a little, remembering Emma’s reaction when he’d confirmed that he was a British government agent. She had asked him then if their house was bugged, or if he was going to have people watching her while he was away. That had surprised him. She was so perceptive that it was hard to fool her for very long. The fact of the matter was that he did add a few modifications to the security system in their house, especially around the bedrooms upstairs and in their basement which he had set up as a small gym. Emma had been using it a lot lately, practicing the self defense moves she had learned at their local gym. His son, wife and stepdaughter would be safe. And as for the listening devices, like the super cool ones from the James Bond movies as she had phrased it, he had a few in his son’s room where Emma spent most of her time caring for and talking to him. Samantha’s room was ‘bug-free’ but secured. Their bedroom however, was fully rigged.

Everything was in place and short of anything going wrong with this assignment, he should be back home with his family very soon. And then he wanted out.

CHAPTER 1

The airport was an overwhelming place if one didn’t know how to navigate it, but Earl wasn’t a novice. He knew his way around and he also knew that since his escorts had somehow vanished, that it was show time. He was on his own and Sir Winthrop had warned him that no one was to be trusted. He wondered if the agents were truly from the Bureau or goons sent to thwart him. If they were from the Bureau, Sir Winthrop had more than one rotten apple in the barrel. Sure that menacing eyes were on him, Earl made his way to the rental booth to see about a car and waited on line for his turn for service. This was a public place and there were entirely too many people around for anyone however accomplished to make a move. That was just the way he wanted it until he could get his bearings.

After inquiring about a car, Earl followed the signs to the baggage claim area to get his luggage, all the while keeping his demeanor nonchalant and people around him. His assignment was extremely sensitive in that no one but Sir Winthrop knew what he was about. The brief he had read on the airplane only stated his involvement in the security detail for the Prime Minister.

Earl frowned as he counted his luggage. There was a suitcase missing. What happened to it? He went to file his complaint and found that most of the passengers from his flight were already on line for the same reason. So maybe it wasn’t anything covert, and maybe it was just a computer error. Later he found that his cases along with that of the other passengers he’d traveled with, had been delayed and would be along shortly. Confident that all was in order, Earl left word with the security office where to deliver his suitcase since it would never be cleared through normal channels, then he made his way toward the exit.

As he neared the exit, Earl felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Trusting his instincts he veered away from the exit changing direction. He managed his way toward the security office once more and flashed his badge. He explained that he wanted to secure the rest of his bags along with the one they had to clear and left with the understanding that his luggage may or may not be sent along to his hotel that day. Earl felt that he had no choice since he wanted to be able to move about freely.

Earl left the security office and caught sight of the men’s room and pushed through the door. Freshly cleaned, it reeked of disinfectant. The floor tiles were still wet and he almost slipped as he cautiously walked further in. Earl counted four vacant stalls and a large window. When he reached the window he tested it to see if it would open easily. It slid open noiselessly and he hoisted himself up.

The drop to the ground was negligible but he did land in a heap of black bags. Earl stood up and checked out his surroundings then he reached up and pulled the bathroom window shut. He walked along the wall of the building keeping his back flat against it. Closing the window didn’t certify that whoever was following him wouldn’t come through. With the bathroom floor wet, Earl was certain that he left a trail that was easy to follow. That was what he wanted. If there was to be a confrontation, he wanted it kept private and he wanted room to maneuver.

The gun he had retrieved from his case felt comfortable in his hand. When he had reached the end of the wall he could hear the sound of engines from one of the hangar bays. The huge door was open and he could see the men working there. In his mind he went over the steps he would take if his pursuers were still after him. Earl cut across the hangar and hid behind a huge trailer to watch out for them.

Sure enough pursuer number one appeared brandishing a gun. Earl watched as he slowed down and scanned the area. From his vantage point Earl could see his every move. The guy was a professional and Earl realized that he wasn’t from the Bureau either. Sir Winthrop had more than a rogue agent on his hands. Whatever was going on was bigger than someone playing both sides of the fence. Earl wondered if it had anything to do with what the Prime Minister wanted to accomplish.

Earl realized that the other guy wasn’t coming. He figured that he was waiting for Earl out front if Earl circled back. Putting his gun away, Earl turned to lean on the trailer to think. He needed to get away from both men without attracting attention. He peaked around the trailer again and was surprised that now both men were out there. They were talking and Earl quickly walked along the trailer away from them back toward the bathroom window. When he reached the other end, he looked around again.

You know Solano, you are hardly a challenge at all, pursuer number two said.

Earl sighed hugely, So what do we do now? he realized that while he was walking along the trailer to get to the other end, so were they.

We have instructions to detain you indefinitely. Indefinitely being the operative word. We could tie you up and dump you somewhere or kill you all together, pursuer number two stated.

Earl didn’t like neither choices and told them so. Inwardly he was embarrassed at getting caught so easily. He realized that he had gotten rusty.

I like option number two best, pursuer number one said and pointed his gun at Earl.

Earl raised his hands and wondered if pursuer number two knew that he was about to be shot. Just as he finished the thought pursuer number one turned his gun on his partner and shot him right between the eyes.

Earl lowered his arms and shook his head. For a minute there you had me going. I thought I recognized the tie but I couldn’t be sure. The black and gold stripe tie was a signal of friendship between the Bureau’s agents.

I was gambling on the fact that you’d remember it. I didn’t know how else to warn you. I was sent to escort you alone and met this bloke at the airport. He said all the right things and handed me a brief with instructions to detain or kill you. It didn’t seem right. I tested him in the bathroom. I told him that whenever I killed someone I always wore my lucky tie. He snorted and told me to do whatever felt right, the good agent explained.

So how do we proceed, we can’t leave him here, Earl stated pointing at the body on the ground between them. The sound of the engines camouflaged the gun shot noise but it would cause a stir if the body was found.

You go on ahead to your hotel. I’ll take care of him. Solano, it was a pleasure to finally meet you. You are a legend at the Bureau a real gentleman, the agent put out his hand and Earl shook it and left him to do whatever it was he was going to do to remove the body. It was also understood between the two gentlemen that their paths would not cross again.

Earl made his way back through the airport and out. He caught a taxi to his hotel. When he arrived he found that his luggage had preceded him and was waiting for him at the information desk. Earl questioned the clerk about who had delivered the luggage and he was informed that airport security brought it. He also said that the security officer had insisted that he sign for it and had to get the manager to do it since he wasn’t allowed to do that sort of thing.

Earl took possession of his cases, declined a porter and took the elevator to his room. He unpacked immediately and changed into more comfortable clothes. He wasn’t sure if he would be required to do anything more than taking the leisurely walk to headquarters or if he had to run a marathon to it. He donned comfortable shoes and left the room.

It was convenient that he was staying so close, the walk cleared his head. He entered the building and felt that he had stepped backward in time. Nothing had changed. The building was older than dirt but efficiently maintained. The elevator creaked along as always to the fifth floor. Earl stepped off the elevator and made his way to Sir Win-throp’s office.

Sir Winthrop saw him right away. The elderly gentleman stood up and walked around his desk to greet Earl. It was evident that he was glad to see him. Given his age, one would think that he was past his prime but Sir Winthrop was as sharp as they come. His slivery hair was slicked back just as always and his steel gray eyes shone. Earl had great respect for him. After exchanging pleasantries Sir Winthrop slid an envelope toward Earl. It was understood that he was to view it privately and he placed it in his jacket pocket.

Agent Solano, I have every confidence that this matter will be cleared up quickly. I have taken the liberty of attaching you to a partner to make things easier for you. What is happening with the Prime Minister is big news and will overshadow your true mission. The Prime Minister has asked the Bureau to help with security since Scotland Yard hasn’t been able to stem the attempts to ruin the summit. You’ve worked with Agent Thorne before so it really shouldn’t be a problem getting reacquainted. The support we are giving Scotland Yard is your cover Solano. Agent Thorne was briefed about you joining her as she had been with this case from the beginning. However, I hadn’t told her about my concerns nor the real reasons you are here. No one is to be trusted, Sir Winthrop reiterated raising a bushy eyebrow.

Earl nodded and noted that the office had been changed drastically. It seemed that it was undergoing some sort of renovation. He opened his mouth to speak and swallowed his comment when the old man raised his hand to stop him.

It is good to see you Solano. I trust your flight was uneventful, he began as if he hadn’t already said a mouthful.

It is good to be here sir. The flight was fine but my welcoming committee wasn’t too thrilled to see me I fear. There should be a report on your desk describing the turn of events shortly, Earl stated.

The old man raised both eyebrows. Tell me about this welcoming committee. Would you be able to describe him or her?

Of course sir, Earl said and went on to recount the events that happened at the airport.

Sir Winthrop tapped a finger on his desk and shook his head. "That explains why I didn’t hear from you. I was awaiting final confirmation from you. I didn’t send two escorts, but I did send a memo along the usual route. It all seems so clear now. The memo got re-routed and the other guy took it’s place. As you can see the office is in shambles. Just before I contacted you, I found a bug. Two days ago I had the whole place swept and was utterly disgusted to find the place was infested.

There is an internal investigation going on. Three other offices had been serviced as well. We’ve been busy making adjustments you understand. By God man, it is good to see you."

Earl nodded and wondered exactly what he had signed up for. There had been times in the past when things had gotten messy like they were now but never had it gotten so complicated. The director’s office had been bugged! What was next? The person or persons they were dealing with meant business. To what end he couldn’t say at the moment but now he felt fully committed to do his very best to put an end to this infiltration.

It was late evening when Earl left headquarters. Out on the street, he felt exposed and hurried to his hotel. Sir Winthrop asked him to rest and to report to him first thing in the morning.

Earl took a shower as soon as he had gained his room. He felt confident that he was safe for the moment. He understood that he was being watched and the near attempt at the airport was only a message telling him that they knew all about him and possibly the real reason he was in England.

Sir Winthrop hadn’t actually said anything damaging in either of his official letters sent to him in the States, nor during any of the conversations they’d had on the telephone. This was the first time they’d actually said anything aloud and it wasn’t much. When he was first approached, he had read between the lines and deduced for himself that he was being assigned to rid the Bureau of a double agent, especially after the body of his friend had been found.

The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became that the agent they were after was a lone rogue, who hired out help to do his or her dirty work. There was also his cover case, where he would be able to move about and work fairly undetected. It was brilliant that Sir Winthrop thought of it. He would work with the agent assigned to the boys from Scotland Yard doing security detail for the Prime Minister’s upcoming summit. The only thing that bothered him about it was the fact that he had to work with his old partner. Agent Thorne and he hadn’t parted on the best of terms and he wondered how she really felt about working with him again.

Earl realized that the next few days were going to be nothing if not stressful for him. He hadn’t counted on having to work with anyone let alone with his old partner. Agent Thorne was someone he wanted to keep in his past. She was the one mistake that still bothered him to this day. They’d been partners and then had become lovers. It had been the ultimate faux pas. For many months after it all came out and after the rumors had begun circulating, he had felt awful. Not awful because he had hurt her feelings, but awful because he had been unprofessional. He had prided himself on being the consummate professional, but had instead broken every rule in the book by having an affair with his partner. They’d taken drastic steps to keep it under raps. It wasn’t until after three years that they had gotten careless. In one evening it had all fallen apart and if Earl had wanted to be honest with himself, he had been unhappy in the relationship by that time. He was still fond of her but something had gone stale. So he had taken the fall for the mistake. There hadn’t been any open reprimands or anything of the sort, it was just that the atmosphere had changed at headquarters.

No one had said anything to him but he could tell that they’d been talking. The women quickly averted they eyes when he walked into a room and the men cleared their throats. And also by that time Earl had begun to feel unfulfilled with his work. He’d been craving something different. Sir Winthrop had been there then, helping him to sort things out. Earl didn’t know if he ever knew about the affair, but Sir Winthrop was the sort who helped without prejudice. His help came in the form of a special dispensation. He was able to grant a partial decommission where he was still considered an operative but not actively working. Earl didn’t know how he managed it but two weeks after he had sat down with the old man, he was pulled in to be debriefed and a few weeks later, Sir Winthrop gave him his blessing to go to America.

Five years later, he was back and ordered to work once more with agent Sophia Thorne. There was nothing else to do about it. An order was an order and Earl was going to be objective and professional. Feeling that he could approach the matter with confidence, Earl took out the envelope his boss handed him and read his instructions.

It was a short and concise report about what has happened so far with the Prime Minister and his summit. The Prime Minister had been campaigning for a solution to the crisis in the Middle East. The war on terror was getting messy and complicated. The Americans were