Secrets, Lies And Betrayal

By Annagail Lynes

Someone wants to replace Jessa “Peacock” Masters’ father as the head of the Intergalactic Intelligence Bureau. Jessa and her partner and husband Nate “Jaguar” Masters have been charged by President Madeline Ashton to stop this person, or people, by any means necessary. Nate’s parents seem to be leading the charge. When Jessa and Nate finish their mission, someone in Nate’s family will be hurt. Either him or his parents. Will Nate change sides to help his parents, or will he remain loyal to Jessa? What about all the people who have stepped up to help them? Can all of them be trusted, or are some of them working for the other side? Find out in Secrets, Lies and Betrayal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9781387880928

Book preview

A person walking on a sidewalk Description automatically generated with low confidence

~one~

Bang!  I heard the gunshot as I eased the black helmet off my head.  I shook my chestnut brown hair out of it and looked over the race track I’d just sped my jet-black motorcycle around.  I spotted Alyson, my contact and friend Ladder’s wife, slumped over her motorcycle a few feet away.  I rushed over to her and felt for a pulse.  I found a faint one.  I called out to the two doctors gathered in the distance. Victoria!  Amanda!  We have a medical emergency over here.  I caught my husband and partner, Nate Masters’ cappuccino-colored eyes and gestured for him to join us.

Nate and I served as the commanders of the Freedom Alliance’s flagship StarVessel Liberty at the frontlines of the war with the Crimson Fleet, an organization who wanted to take over the galaxy and create a one-world totalitarian government.  In addition to being Freedom Alliance officers, Nate and I solved crimes as Federal Agents with the Intergalactic Intelligence Bureau (IIB) on Earth and in space.  We’d been partnered so long that we referred to each other by our codenames.  His—Jaguar.  Mine--Peacock.

When Nate approached, I told him, Can you gather all the agents here and search for the person who shot Alyson?  I noticed a red-haired man who kept moving in between the spectators sitting on the bleachers. He spotted me staring at him.  Then he took off.  I hopped on my motorcycle, pulling on my helmet.  I tore after him, speeding around to the exit.  I parked it in front of the entrance as he flew out of it.  I blocked him as I cut the motor on the cycle.  What do you know? Because I guarantee you aren’t running because you are innocent, Drake.  Why would you do this?

Drake’s steel gray eyes darted from me to the entrance, searching for a way to escape.  I ran my eyes over him in his black muscle shirt and tight jeans.

You know me.  It doesn’t matter where you run, you know I am coming after you.  You are in trouble, and I need to know what possessed you to do this.  Alyson is your step-mother.  The woman who raised you.  How do you do this to her?  When he didn’t talk, I grabbed his arm and said with grave deliberation, You either start speaking, or those agents behind you are going to take you down to IIB HQ and interrogate you.

Drake glanced behind him and sighed.  He looked to me and begged, I am sorry.  I didn’t mean to hit her.

Then who did you mean to hit?

You.  You all looked the same in those black helmets and jackets.

Me?  Why?

Because my boss wants you dead.  I was going to graze your arm, then ask you to stop your investigation.

I twisted my mouth and countered, What investigation?  We aren’t starting our new case until Monday.  Who is your boss anyway?

He fell silent.  I motioned for the two burly agents to handcuff him.  I watched one move Drake’s arms behind him and slap cuffs around Drake’s wrists.  Drake shot me a sad smile as they led him away.  I slammed my hand on the bars of my cycle.

Wow!  You caught the shooter and got a confession out of him all in one foul swoop, Nate observed from behind me.  I’m guessing by the way you called him Drake that you know him.

  I turned to rake my eyes over Nate’s thick black hair I ran my fingers through in more intimate settings, to his cappuccino-colored eyes I got lost in at the dinner table or in meetings, his slightly overgrown nose, then his lips that kissed me with such passion that every fiber of my body awakened.  Then I moved my eyes over the muscles bulging out of his white t-shirt.  I frowned, then admitted, He is Ladder’s son, Drake.  Who is his boss?  And what does his boss want me to stop investigating so bad that he sent a twenty-year-old to shoot me?  I shook my head and decided, No, we are not going there.  I made reservations for us at that B and B we spent our honeymoon at.  Three glorious days.  Just you and me.  Mom and Dad are taking care of the kids.  I twisted my mouth and decided, But first, I want to check on Alyson. 

I saw Brett, the organizer of the race, approach us with his graying dark hair shaved close to his long, heart-shaped face.  He wore a long, broad nose that added character to his typical boyish good looks.  He sported a white t-shirt under his black leather jacket he’d coupled with a pair of pressed jeans.  Alyson is fine.  It was just a graze.  Your Doctors Amanda and Lex performed the surgery to remove the bullet and created her a make-shift sling.

I wasn’t sure if bringing my Chief Medical Officer to this race was a good idea, I admitted, studying Brett’s face.  You and his girlfriend are working on that children’s hospital, so she insisted on attending the race and bringing him with her.  He already thinks I take too many risks, but I am glad they were here.  I touched Brett’s hand and asked, How are you doing?  Have you thought anymore about what we last discussed?

We’ve signed the paperwork, Brett answered, running his fingers through his hair.  I don't know why we were hanging on.  She’s moved on.  I’ve moved on, but it was almost as if we thought that if we didn’t, we were…

Keeping her memory alive, I finished for him, squeezing his hand, but you and she do that every year with this race.  You do it with the children’s hospitals that you build.  You give children the opportunity to get treatment when their parents can’t afford it. 

He nodded.  I am glad she has, we both have, someone like you in our corner.  Then he hugged me.  He turned to Nate and said, Your brother James is driving the kids back in the van.  He gestured for Nate to follow him.  Jessa is going to ride her bike to the B and B and thought you might want to follow her on this.  Brett led Nate to a 2038 Deluca Phoenix motorcycle with a helmet hanging on the handlebars.  Happy Birthday, Man.

Nate looked from Brett to me and back again several times.  Is it a loaner?

I shook my head and corrected, No, I bought it for you.  We are taking it with us to the Liberty.  We can ride them around the track…and take them to nearby planets for those getaways I promised you.

But this bike must have been expensive, Nate protested, running his hand over the motorcycle.  Not that I don't love it.  I do.  He looked up at me as if he needed an explanation.

If I want to buy you an expensive motorcycle, I will buy you an expensive motorcycle.  We are not hurting for money, I countered, catching his eyes.  We own a stake in fifty-two jazz clubs and my book is becoming wildly successful, but I got a deep discount on that bike.  Lou Deluca is a friend of mine…and the kids and I put it together for you.  James drove it, so we know it is rideable.

It's a great bike, Brett mentioned, looking over at Nate.  I had my mechanics put it through all the paces.

Nate closed the gap between us and moved his lips across mine.  He hugged me and exclaimed, I love it!  Then he rushed over to the bike and removed the helmet.  He donned it and hopped on the motorcycle. Let's go. 

I straightened my helmet as I rode my bike next to Nate.  I waved.  Bye Brett.  Talk to you later.  Then I drove toward the street, making sure Nate followed me.

When we reached the B and B’s lobby later that afternoon, Nate pressed me up against the wall near the doors and gave my lips a long and lingering kiss.  Thank you for my birthday present.  I love it. 

I returned his kiss before asking, You mean the bike?  He nodded, then kissed me again.  Okay, first of all, we need to move this out of the lobby and second, that bike was only part of my birthday gift to you.  You and I have three days booked in this place.  We kissed back and forth for a few minutes.  I touched his shoulder and whispered, Jag!

Newlyweds, observed the blond behind the counter, dressed in a burgundy blouse.

I broke away and looked at her.  I shook my head and stated, No, we’ve been married four years.  We have seven kids—four biological, three adopted.  Three others who are in our charge.

Wow!  I hope me and my fiancé are that hands on after four years, she remarked, looking at her terminal.  What is the last name?  She studied me for a moment and decided, You are Colonel Jessa Masters, aren’t you?

I countered, glancing back at Nate, I guess that depends how you know Colonel Masters.  I walked closer to the counter.

A man came in here earlier today.  He was tall with grayish hair and violet eyes.  A really charming older gentleman, she advised me, meeting my gaze.  He said that you and your husband, the Lieutenant Colonel, would be staying here.  He said I would know you by your motorcycle gear.  Were you in the charity race today?  Brett Beyer’s race?  It’s terrible about his daughter Harper, isn’t it?

I closed my eyes and sighed.  Yeah, I don't know how I would handle something like that.  I am friends with Brett and the mother.  I noticed her name tag and wondered, Are you his Kenzie?

She nodded and said in a low voice, raising her left hand for me to see the solitaire diamond ring, Thank you for trying to talk some sense into both of them.  They have--

Congratulations!  Brett is a great guy.  I hope you two are very happy, I exclaimed, motioning Nate to join me.  I lowered my voice and asked, What did Johnny want?  The older gentleman?  Did he leave something for me?

She slid a manila envelope across the counter, then tossed back her hair.  You are in the penthouse suite.  The doors are activated by your thumbprints.  Both of you.  Please enjoy your stay and if there is anything I can do, let me know.  The words barely left her mouth before Hail To The Chief played on my CommLet, a wrist-worn communication device. 

What does she want, I wondered, looking over at Nate.  She is supposed to be on her honeymoon.  I picked up the envelope, waved to Kenzie and headed to the doors of the TravelTram.  Once inside, Nate nibbled on my neck as I pressed my thumb to the center and asked, Aunt Maddy, shouldn’t you—

Have you read through the envelope I gave you for your next case, came her response.

I’ve looked at it.  We will do a deep dive on Monday, I advised her, then I heard her clear her throat.  Oh, what just upgraded the situation?  Does it have anything to do with the information that Johnny dropped off at the B and B for us?

I don't know what information Mister Rhemini had for you, but this just got upgraded from a Priority Charlie to a Priority Alpha.  For me to have a good honeymoon, I need to know that you and Nate are on this.

We'll compromise, Nate said into my CommLet, a wrist-worn communication device.  Jessa and I will fire off a message to our contacts to see who has information.  We will work our contacts until dinner, then we will have a nice meal and spend the rest of the night together, then we will work the case until dinner tomorrow night.  The same the following day.

Aunt Maddy remained silent for a moment and then agreed, Okay, but I want you guys to head back to the Liberty on Monday.  There are too many corn and potatoes around DC to do a thorough investigation.  Keep me updated.  Then the transmission ended.

What did you do that for, I questioned, meeting Nate's eyes.  I leaned against the back of the car.  I promised you three glorious days--just you and me.  I pressed the button on the side panel.

You are curious about the rumors in the envelope she gave you.  You wouldn't have my full attention because my mind keeps wandering to it...and I know I won't have yours.

You always complain I am a work-a-holic, I maintained, pressing him up against the wall.  I brushed my lips across his while fingering his t-shirt, then added, I thought you would enjoy three days alone with me.  I kissed him as he drew me closer to him.  He returned my kiss, deepening it, just as the doors opened.  I guess the honeymoon really is over.  I walked off the TravelTram and located our penthouse for the next few days.  I put my thumb to the doors and heard it click.  I turned the handle as I entered the foyer, spying our luggage toward the right wall.  The bellhop must have brought it up earlier.

Nate turned me around and decided, Change of plans.  He moved my head and traced the side of my neck with kisses.  We are going to spend some time together, then we will work  our case.  He eased my jacket off me and tossed it on a nearby chair.  Even when we are in our nineties, I am still going to have my hands all over you.  He started to unbutton my white, long-sleeve blouse, moving it off my shoulder.  He kissed it.  We left a trail of clothes as we went in search of the bedroom.  Once to the bed, we climbed onto it.  Nate grabbed me and gave my lips a deep and passionate kiss sure to wake up a fifty-year-old corpse.  We exchanged kisses for a few minutes before Nate pulled the covers over us.

An hour later, I donned my blouse and moved back toward the foyer, looking for the manila folder Johnny left for me at the front desk.  I’d admit I had been curious.  More than curious but didn’t curiosity make the best agents?  I also reached into the pocket of my motorcycle jacket and retrieved the information my godmother, President Madeline Ashton, gave me a month ago.  I moved back into the bedroom and slipped into bed.

Nate pulled himself into an upright position and put his arm around me.  He tapped the envelopes in my hand.  You were thinking about what was in those envelopes. Me too.  I was starting to think something was wrong with you when you prioritized being with me over this case.

How can I not think about it? From what I have seen of the information from Aunt Maddy, this affects one of our livelihoods and the livelihoods of so many of our friends and family.  This is my family's business.  My inheritance.  I cannot let this happen.

We cannot let this happen.  This means as much to me as it does to you.  It is where we met, fell in love and have fought side by side for justice and truth.

I nodded and suggested, Why don't we order room service and work our contacts?

Just then over the CommSystem, I heard Colonel Masters, this is Kenzie Robinson at the front desk.  I have four guys who call themselves Fireball and the Fire Squad and a girl named Ace who are insisting on seeing you and the Lieutenant Colonel about that envelope.  Nate and I exchanged an amused look.

Kenzie, can you send them up in ten minutes, along with a variety of sandwiches and sodas, I questioned, swinging my legs around to touch the ground.  I moved through the bedroom, through the sitting room to the foyer where I opened a suitcase.  I quickly pulled out a set of clothes and dashed into the facilities to change.  When I emerged in my black, short-sleeve t-shirt and jeans, I picked up our trail of clothes and threw them down the laundry shoot. 

I liked you better a few minutes ago, Nate observed, wearing a maroon-colored t-shirt and jeans.  He took me in his arms and held me to his chest.  And I liked it better when you and I were working on this case alone, but considering the severity of it, we can use all the help we can get.  If they can help us stop this, I am all for it.  Nate kissed my head, then wondered, But does he have to be involved in everything we do?

I thought you were trying to be friends with him.

I have been asking him to play basketball, to have lunch, even to go ice skating.  He declines every time.  I don’t think he likes me…and I don’t know what I did to him besides being involved with you.  And that can’t be it because he loved Ben.

For years, I’d been Nate’s brother Ben’s wife.  Although Nate and I had been partnered long before Ben and I married, we were too afraid to admit our feelings for one another.  I dated Ben, and when Ben proposed, I accepted after giving Nate one more chance to admit his feelings for me.  Ben and I married and had a daughter, Regina.  Ben died in a car crash a few years ago after overhearing a plot to take out the entire Freedom Alliance. 

Ben had a unique way of turning even his harshest critic into his biggest fan…except that monster who raised me.  Harrison hated Ben.

Just then a knock came at the doors.  I broke away from him and opened the entrance to let in our guests.  A woman who looked as if she were in her teens, early twenties, with long red hair swept into a ponytail and freckles led the group into the room.  She carried a silver tray heaping with sandwiches.  Hey Ace!  A muscular man of