Reaching High

Inc.

They have my position, are moving in. Her voice barely came through over the sound of shooting. Permission to take out Wang.

Take your shot.

He heard a high scream, for an instant thought it was Tè, clamped his teeth against a volley of curses, before rational thought returned. Tè wouldn’t scream, even if hit.

I can’t get the shot. I’m pinned down. A volley of automatic weapons firing cut off her voice.

Mullet, Jordon, Zebec report your position.

We’re taking heavy fire. Zebec’s voice came over the mike.

Team alpha, cover that water tower dammit. He re-directed his team. He couldn’t let Wang get his hands on her. Had she been hit? He pushed the thought aside and, with cold calculation, took out the last guard by hitting him on the back of the head with the stock of his rifle. Another shot rang out from Tè’s rifle.

Wang tricked me. She yelled over the noise of men firing in the streets, firing at her. He’s the woman in the dress. I shot the man I thought was Wang. Wang’s getting in the helo. I’m taking the shot.

Stay down. Abort. Abort. RG ran faster than a line of gasoline hit by fire. He rounded the corner, saw Tè rise and aim at Wang. Bullets sliced the air around her, she fell sideways and disappeared.

Praise for Madelon Smid

"HIGH GROUND is a gripping read featuring characters at the height of their careers, who need each other more than they know."

~Clare O’Beara, Fresh Fiction Reviews

~*~

"[In CLIMBING HIGH] Smid has a way with words that holds you captive from the first sentence. She writes beautifully with passion and spirit and is a master at description. Smid creates characters that are so believable you expect to meet them in your daily life."

~Arlene McKenzie, Southwest Booster

~*~

"In a world where there is a focus on ‘looking out for yourself’ it is awesome to read a book [HIGH SEAS] with characters that ‘look out for others.’ It’s a fast and wholesome book with heart!"

~Kate Thrasher, CEO Selling Success

Reaching High

by

Madelon Smid

The Daring Heights Series

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Reaching High

COPYRIGHT © 2016 by Madelon Smid

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: info@thewildrosepress.com

Cover Art by Diana Carlile

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Crimson Rose Edition, 2016

Print ISBN 978-1-5092-0785-5

Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-0786-2

The Daring Heights Series

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

I dedicate this story to soldiers around the world who are suffering post-traumatic stress disorder

Because of their defense of freedom,

and to their families and health care workers

who fight to save them.

Let’s win this war.

~~

And to our RG

with thanks for his quiet presence

and wise counsel.

Chapter One

RG Gribbs made his nightly round of Jake Ingles’s estate. The high-tech security in place made a breach of Jake’s acreage outside Toronto theoretically impossible, but finding ways around the impossible made up a big part of RG’s life. He never took anything for granted, systematically checking the security cameras, the codes, the heat sensors and motion sensors, the motion activated lights and night cameras. In silence, he moved from room to room, testing the security of windows and doors.

This late in October, dark lay over the vast estate like a magician’s mantle, hiding what existed. Soon snow would pile high and another long winter would hold the grounds in thrall. Something like my life, he thought, going on and on in endless gloom. He shook his head, pushing the self-pity away. He hadn’t wimped out over eight years of doing penance, why start? Because of Tè. Because you want her, and you can’t have her. You’ve been moping like a grounded teenager since you re-assigned her. You removed the temptation of her physical presence, but you can’t get her out of your mind. Nice try.

Squaring his shoulders, he took up his duty, moving with a soundless tread into the next room. As he neared Jake’s immense office, he registered a soft rustle and froze in place, listening. A clink, then the sound of liquid pouring into glass followed. Jake’s low tenor sounded a series of coos and baby talk.

RG grimaced and entered the room, observing the man who’d helped him out of the biggest mistake of his life. The man who’d hired him on as head of security and become his closest friend. He held his five-day-old son along the length of one forearm, like he carried a football. With the other hand, he filled a glass of scotch from his decanter.

He looked up and clamped his lips together over the newest batch of baby talk. You’re back. He stated the obvious.

Got in a shower and meal ago. RG knew Jake would already have the information, as nothing, or nobody, entered or exited the estate without his knowledge. His friend’s comment was a distraction from the baby talk. Automatically, he accepted Jake’s cue, and crossing the room, stared down at the newest member of the family.

Did you get the woman out? Jake settled into the luxurious depth of a leather sofa and stretched the baby down the length of his thighs.

Yeah, she’s in tough shape, not the inner strength needed to get through a hostage taking. Too young, too spoiled. Why these politicians go for arm candy over character beats me. RG knew he sounded cynical and world-weary. He felt both. Lately, everything took too much effort.

He’d stored up a stockade full of distaste after cleaning up other people’s messes, usually caused by ignorance or idiocy. This latest hostage had accompanied her husband on a tension-filled goodwill campaign in the Middle East. Whoever came up with that idea needed first class idiot tattooed on both sets of cheeks.

Is the baby okay? RG knew he’d been born almost a month early and that Siree and Jake had worried about his development. He looked down at the squirming body, mewling softly in Jake’s lap.

He’s great. The doctors say everything checked out. Siree lost a lot of sleep worrying she’d brought on his early birth. Now we know there will be no lasting effects, she’s getting some much needed rest. Thought I’d bring him down here for company.

He waved his glass at RG. Help yourself. Glad you came along. We’re overdue for a talk.

RG passed on the drink. He hadn’t touched alcohol since… But Jake knew that, even though he always offered. He didn’t see RG’s problem as addictive, and the few times the subject came up, he reiterated RG’s loss of control had been an aberration of character brought on by stress, not booze. But RG could never forget what he’d done, what he owed this man.

As if guessing his thoughts, Jake spoke, It’s time you let yourself off the hook. I forgave you years ago. You’re the only one insisting you wear that hair shirt.

RG flinched. Jake saw him as some kind of martyr itching under his shame? He wanted redemption, sure. He hoped serving Jake and others would get him there. Jake sounded like he didn’t want his service any longer.

Again as if reading his mind, Jake spoke, "I can never thank you enough for all the times you’ve saved my life, more importantly for saving Siree. Then there’s rescuing Josh and Cat when the rogue agents at NSA went after them. You put your life on the line in San Salvador just a few weeks ago, helping Sam and Marin free her siblings and take down Qiang’s tong. You’ve committed a huge amount of your time and energy heading my security for eight years. I never felt you owed me, RG, but in your mind, you still do. You’ve kept my two best friends and the women they love safe. If there ever was a debt, you’ve paid it in full many times over.

The security system and personnel you trained and put in place keep us safe. I’m traveling less and keeping a low profile these days. Any threat of kidnapping or attack is now minimal. You’ve protected us from every eventuality. Put yourself first for a change, go for a holiday. Between your work for me, the U.S. Army Reserves, and your company, you’ve taken minimal time off, even for sick leave, since I hired you. You need your own life, RG. You deserve pleasure, love, and relaxation as much as I do.

You’re firing me? RG sank onto the sofa across from Jake, flummoxed by this unexpected hit.

In the first place, I don’t employ you, so I can’t fire you, Jake said, his voice wry as his frustration over years of the same argument weighed in. You own Safeguard Securities, Inc. solely and have built its reputation as one of the best security firms in the world. I contract you to provide my security. And if I enjoy your company because you’re underfoot all the time, that’s a bonus I like, but don’t expect.

Sorry, I didn’t know I was crowding you. RG tried for neutral, but his voice went gruff, crowded by the hurt filling his throat.

Oh for Christ… Jake looked at the baby and lowered his voice. For cripes’ sake, RG. You know that’s not what I mean. Siree and I love when you spend time with us, even if you do stick to your own quarters too much. We just think we’re being selfish, hanging on. You’re pushing forty and, have spent so much time protecting me and mine, you don’t have a life of your own. Siree is worried you’re burning out. You deserve everything we have, a chance at love, a woman of your own, a family.

Both the men looked down at the infant, lying wide-eyed in Jake’s lap.

RG cleared his throat, attempted speech, but stalled out. A man of few words, who led soldiers with terse commands, he picked his way through the social graces like a blinded warrior. When a conversation turned emotional, he froze, isolated in a vast minefield.

Uh, nice of you and Siree…uh, feeling concern for me. A silent I think hung heavy in the air. I’ll buy a place and move out next week.

Jake set his glass down and curved his hand around his chin, brushing his forefinger back and forth over his lips as he gave RG a steely look. He pointed that same finger at RG. Don’t talk crap. Christ! Hastily, he covered the baby’s ears. Cripes, twaddle. I’m suggesting a holiday, not giving you an eviction order. You’ll always have your quarters here. I’ll always call on you for help, and for friendship. We’re letting go so you can have a life. Picture us pushing a full grown, hunting eagle out of the nest.

A picture of Tè standing on the tarmac as he flew out of El Salvador flashed across the screen of RG’s mind. Tiny, beautiful, lethal. He’d agonized over leaving her behind, while he rushed Sam stateside for medical treatment. She’d touched a lonely spot he hadn’t acknowledged for many years. He wanted her. Do I dare reach that high?

As a result of his lengthy silence, Jake drew the baby up into his arms, rose, and moved in front of RG. By the way, we named our son while you were away. Meet Robert, your godson. His friend settled the child into RG’s arms, before he could react, and stood back with a take that expression on his face.

My godson…Robert…named after me. RG sat, stunned. Not for one second, at any time with the birth of their two children, had he considered himself pivotal in their lives. Yet, they’d named their son after him, not Josh, not Sam—Jake’s closest friends—but him. He, RG Gribbs, would be this little guy’s godfather.

It’s what we want. Will you be Robert’s godfather? We know you’ll keep him safe, like you have the rest of our family and friends. You’ll help make him a man who loves his country, one who reaches his potential, like you have the hundreds of soldiers you’ve trained?

RG looked at the tiny child, lying so trustingly in his arms, and felt like someone was crushing his throat. He blinked rapidly before he met Jake’s eyes. I’m honored, Jake. You and Siree can count on me. I’ll watch over your son and help him every way I can. He nestled his godson closer, taking in the smell of innocence, the bonds of commitment.

They sat in comfortable silence for a short time, each immersed in thought. When RG looked up from the baby, a few choices had shifted in his life. As if he’d just been waiting for Jake’s signal, he loosened old bonds, making room for new priorities. I think I will take your suggestion and book some time off. I’ll stay in New York for a few weeks.

Sounds like you’ll just make a b-line for your headquarters and more work, not a break, Jake growled.

No, I’ll check in at Safeguard, but I have a good staff in place. The operations are all running smoothly, mostly just bodyguard work at the moment. There are no extractions, special missions, or government favors on the books this week. I’ll take the time and kick back. Colonel Riley at Fort Dix requested my presence at the annual Veterans’ Mess Dinner on November 11. They’re honoring Afghan veterans.

I heard they were honoring you and the work you’ve done through Safeguard, Jake stated.

Yeah, well… Uncomfortable, RG searched for a new direction. Cat mentioned she and Josh would be attending. She’s hooking up with the remaining women in her unit.

Cat told me you’d recently hired one of them as your Personal Assistant. Jake hung onto the topic like a steel trap closed around its kill. You’ve helped a lot of retired soldiers create a good life.

Sandra suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and needed a lot of counseling after the attack on their unit and being taken prisoner by the Taliban. She’s doing a great job as my P.A.

Like you’re doing a great job of rehabilitating veterans, Jake reiterated.

RG, struggling free of Jake’s determined continuation of the topic, threw out another red herring. Yet, Cat went through the same experience and came out stronger. I’ve often wondered what traumas in her early years made her so resilient. If she had PTSD, she hid her symptoms well, when she worked for me, RG mused.

Cat’s one of a kind, Jake agreed. I’m so happy for Josh that he found the woman he believes was created just for him.

Finally. He’d pulled Jake off topic and into an area he did want to investigate. Do you believe that? RG cleared his throat, but removing gravel from what remained of his Texan drawl meant doing the impossible. Do you believe there’s one woman created for every man and fate will bring them together?

While I’ve never approached the theory as esoterically as Josh, I’m certain there isn’t anyone I could love more than Siree, or who could match me better. Something happened the second I saw her. Maybe Fate slapped me up the side of the head, but whatever, I was never the same after that. I re-evaluated my position on a lot of things. Having Siree, Miles, and Robert challenges me. I work harder at being a good man, so I deserve having them. Would I apply the same single-mindedness with another woman? Doubtful.

RG mulled over the words, recalling the smacked alongside his head feeling he’d had when he’d first set eyes on Tè. He’d been overcome by her beauty, impressed by her strength, and awed, unfortunately beyond words, by her calm presence in his office. He’d invited her in for an interview, after he’d checked her out at Cat’s request. A read of Tè’s resume ensured she was the type of operative he wanted for his security firm. She had a lot of undercover experience, spoke six languages, could handle every weapon, was a computer whiz, and had an IQ that jacked up his sense of inferiority, before she’d answered his first question.

He’d struggled through the interview, thinking he sounded like a grade school kid playing grown-up. Longing for Jake’s sophistication, Sam’s charm, or Josh’s brilliance, he faced the tiny woman meeting his eyes squarely. A quizzical look had come and gone on her face a couple of times, as he choked out his questions and scribbled illegible notes on her answers. He had no doubt he’d hire her, but with a line of sweat running down his back, he conducted a complete interview before making her the offer.

Caterina Duplessis’s reference, alone, would have convinced him. If his former top agent felt hiring Tè was a plus, he’d agree, but the thought of never seeing Tè again if he didn’t hire her, added much more weight.

He’d circled the whys of her effect on him. During her first assignments, he’d kept closer tabs on her than his other operatives and edged cautiously around the reason why she held so much of his attention. His curiosity and concern escalated when Tè went undercover in Qiang’s tong, searching for the twin siblings of Sam’s lover.

Tè’s brief texts and intermittent phone reports highlighted each day. When he’d carried her, limp and drugged from the airport in El Salvador, the snug band around his heart tightened painfully forcing a new awareness. He had invested emotionally in her, at a much higher degree than in his other female soldiers or agents. The ache in his chest wasn’t from compassion or concern for a downed comrade. What he’d felt when she was out of touch, when he wondered if Qiang had broken her cover, had been gut-wrenching anxiety.

When are you putting that new operative of yours back on active duty?

You can’t slip anything past Jake, RG groaned inwardly. I sent her out as bodyguard on a Trade Mission. She’s not back yet.

Siree and I haven’t met her, or thanked her for her work on Sam’s behest. He told us she was as exquisite as the most prized Chinese concubine and twice as lethal. She sounds fascinating. When she’s back in the country, why don’t you bring her here for a few days, let us show our appreciation.

No way in hell would he approach Tè with Jake and Siree looking on.

Maybe, after I get back from my holiday, he grunted, trying for an I-could-care-less attitude.

Holiday. Putting the idea into words lifted his spirits, gave him a sense of weightlessness he hadn’t felt in a long time. He’d leave his second-in-command and his new PA in charge at Safeguard. Time he tested their ability. He’d go where he wanted, do what he wanted, without thinking of duty, for the first time in eight years. As Jake had so brusquely pointed out, he had redeemed himself—saving lives and helping as many people as he could. Time he pulled off his hair shirt and scratched the itch.

****

RG came awake before the first soft brrrring of his smart phone finished sounding in the darkness of the night. Tè’s call sign formed in the lit up screen, and the hairs on his body stiffened with alarm when he read the one word text—brechd.

As he hurtled from the bed, dragging on the clothes he’d folded over the chair back, his mind went back to the last time he’d received the same message. Then, Cat informed him the small Florida key where she’d hidden her principal, Joshua Chandler, was under attack. Though RG had raced to her aid, he’d assessed the situation as under control. Cat had been the best of his agents, resourceful, intelligent and he’d known she’d have a back-up plan.

So why did he feel so much more…fear for Tè? Yeah, he admitted it.

Tè was by far the best agent he’d ever worked with or employed. Highly trained by first the Hong Kong police, then Chinese intelligence, she was fearless, resilient, and skilled in every area. She could hack any computer program, wire a building to implode, hit the eye out of a dragon at two hundred yards. Yet, she’d sent the message.

He raced down two sets of stairs and through the weathered door of the rickety building where he’d rented an apartment. As he tore down a back alley, he ran schematics through his mind. Thank God I cased Tè’s rental when I arrived. He headed for a side door into the five-story warehouse. The lock was smashed open. Looks like someone else cased the building.

He pushed the door wide and entered, distributing his weight lightly, for a soundless approach. A long, dark hallway ended in a caged elevator. Shoulder pressing the wall, Glock reassuringly heavy in his hand, he wound up the stairwell at one side. He wouldn’t risk the noise of the elevator or being trapped inside when the doors opened. Silence hung in the air like phantom children playing hide and seek, their heart rates escalating with anticipation, their soft breaths swirling around him. Wood