Book 1 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!  Lyssa Kordenay; ballerina, model, spy, assassin.  a woman haunted by memory, possessed by the thirst for revenge. WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

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CHAPTER 1

The door opened and the two men looked up as a maid came in bearing a coffee service. She smiled and quietly set the tray on the low table and poured two cups then set them down on each side with an adjustment to the tray, smiling again as the men thanked then dismissed her. Quietly backing out to close the double doors behind her she smiled to the imposing men stationed outside the doors and walked down the hall feeling their eyes locked to her backside as carried herself down the hallway.

Once around the corner she stepped closer to an alcove and out of the modest shoes, stepped into a pair of very high heels then pulled the maid's uniform away to reveal a strapless mini-dress. She concealed the disguise into the alcove then walked away to the main lobby letting her hair down.

As upon her entrance earlier, many heads turned at her exit slipping the designer sunglasses into place and taking a slip of paper from the top of her dress; a valet ticket passed to the the young man who had a very difficult time focusing on his task but managed to bring the low slung sports car around. A quick sweep of her fingers along the dress's neckline again liberated a bill slipped to the young man along with a dazzling smile as she deftly slipped down into the car, flawlessly easing away as if unknowing of two men choking and collapsing from poisoned coffee not to be discovered for another half hour while she was passing through security gates at the airport.

Collecting her purse and carry on then stepping back into her shoes then proceeding to the jet way when the cellphone toned. Stepping out of the way of others embarking the plane she answered to confirm departure and arrival times then disconnected and boarded the plane. After take-off she drank from a bottle of water and read from a novel, the latest romance from a popular writer until the plane landed 10 hours later.

A few minutes to clear customs then reclaiming her car from the long term parking. 45 minutes later she pulled into a parking space at non-descript office plaza. A nod from the receptionist carried her forward into a hallway and an outer office where a secretary pressed a buzzer as she reached for a door that opened to her touch and stepped inside.

"Welcome back Lyssa, we have confirmation; both eliminated and you're clean," the man seated behind the desk spoke as she took a chair facing him.

" Things usually go well when i do my own planning, Sir," Lyssa acknowledged.

"yeah well the powers that be still have their reservations," he reminded.

"Major they can doubt me as much as they like, it just shows how weak they are," she retorted," I can still do my job as I was trained to do, plus more now."

"yeah well, 50 successful missions later......you know how it goes; one 'oh shit' wipes out one-hundred 'atta-girls' and we both know that just as well as they do," he cautioned.

"yes Major, I won't forget, just as I won't forget that those same powers that be can be blackmailed into burning me all over again," Lyssa admitted grimly.

"Yes, a sorry damn fact if there ever was one, and still no closer to who that was either," he seethed.

"That information will come. And when it does, action will be taken. When they are seeming to be on top, I'll take them down then out," Lyssa stated flatly.

"Sergeant, and I'm using that term loosely, cut that loose, there will be no gunning for politicos and that's final," the Major fumed at her.

"Bullshit, Sir, I find out who and they belong to me! The only thing keeping me from going full-time on that are these missions. Give me jobs or I find myself a hobby," Lyssa snarled in return,"now is there anything else or am I dismissed...Sir?"

"That is all. Don't forget to sign for your pay," the Major said.

He returned her salute when she stood, both of them from habit. The secretary gave Lyssa a sympathetic look as she signed a receipt and took possession of an attache case. A quick look inside satisfied her to which she turned and left. Once outside she opened the trunk of the car, transferred the money into another case and set the empty behind the retaining wall bordering the lot then got in and drove away.

At the corner she reviewed her security system confirming nobody had done anything to her car. Lyssa learned the very hardest of ways that no one could be trusted, not anymore and not by her. Lyssa learned her lessons well, especially when taught the hardest of ways.

~*~*~*~

Two hours later Lyssa studied the end of the driveway, no tracks disturbed the smooth sand she had smoothed over when she left. After a few more minutes she restarted her car and drove on to park in front of a small cottage. Taking deliberate steps she crossed the porch and tapped a spot on the doorjamb then unlocked the door and stepped inside. A glance at the small display on the alarm pad counted down from fifty-nine seconds but it was a ruse; actually she had twenty seconds to key in the ten digit code on the keypad under the staircase then the four digit code beside the entry door, once both were done she was safe from her own security. Returning to the car she retrieved her bags and set them all down in her bedroom where she removed her dress, heels and underwear then stepped into a steaming shower. The water streamed down followed soon by her tears as she sank down and wept in frustration of things beyond her grasp.

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CHAPTER 2

To say things were bad would be making an understatement, without putting a fine head on it things had gone beyond disastrous thought the soldier. Bad guys-4, good guys- nothing; the DEA agent lay dead across the room and he was tied to a chair in between sessions with a car battery and cables.

POW training had been extensive but this was no-holds barred, and the best that could be hoped for was a quick death. Death itself didn't frighten the sergeant, that was an acceptance, dying badly was the issue. An issue that had become a prominent reality. Still how things had gone so bad and by the numbers that was the real question, almost as if they had known the team was coming and when they would get there. those thoughts could wait, break time was over and here came 'sparky' and his pal. it was frying time again.

"Still you are silent," snickered the taller of the two.

"Not for long," laughed the other passing one end of a jumper cable.

A metal rod clamped in it then dowsed the soldier with a bucket of water and stepped back. The rod touched his leg and the current shot through locking his body then making pain wrack through breath bellowing out a howl of pain til the rod withdrew his breath caught he smiled inciting the shorter to let go with a vicious punch making blood spray away from impact.

He laughed and spat at his captors,"That all you two pansies got? I been slapped harder by waitresses than that!"

That wrought another punch to the face followed by one to the stomach. that was working, they were easily goaded. He gave them both a feral grin as the rod came down again and the current flashed through locking his body and expelling another scream of pain. hours of off and on sessions continued, during one of the lulls they were talking among themselves.

he heard one say " Our Washington friend made good perhaps we should fund a re-election? the information is certainly valuable."

another answered with a laugh," that would be too easy! Give the politicians things that make them fat and lazy, they will give us their country to slaughter, with their special military first."

another round of laughter echoed back to him but now all senses were red-lined. The team had been sold out, but by who? That was something to fight for, and fighting was all he knew how to do and now the cause was revenge for treachery

~o~O~o~

Six days of torture later neither party learned anything new from the other. The methods were primitive and brutal, nothing technical about it, just all out pain from electricity and beatings when the wall blew inward. Yells and gunfire drifted to him through the haze of semi-consciousness, then voices of confirmation and hands freed his own. The last things he heard was that he had been secured and the DEA agent along with the four other team members were toast, then the lights went out completely.

~o~O~o~

The lights came back on slowly and things were definitely different, the place was comfortable though he personally was far from it and the voices in discussion weren't male and foreign, they were american.

"Sergeant? can you hear me," asked a very familiar voice.

forcing open swollen eyes proven to be of little help so he tried to nod bringing a grunt of pain.

"Steady son, you're home and safe. Rest easy now and we'll deal with things as we get to them," the voice reassured him as sleep once again claimed him.

A week later a good deal of swelling had reduced though what vision he had was very blurry. From time to time someone stepped into the room but never said anything, late that night the footstep came again but not alone.

An orderly whispered,"Sir I can get a court-martial for this, the man is still uncleared to leave the bed much less the room."

"You let me deal with that specialist, now get him into that wheelchair so I can get him into a SCIF," demanded the voice.

This sounded very serious he though, a SCIF was a special room for high level briefings and debriefings; basically a box within a box and completely sound secure, but why drag him into one now? A half hour later he looked at the man in a civilian suit with a seriously hard expression.

"There will be no record of this conversation," the man said without introduction.

"One of those 'we ain't here and this didn't happen' type things," he asked rhetorically then winced.

"Correct," the man answered.

That answered that he thought, a spook. A high level spook being that this was happening at one in the morning in a SCIF with nobody else in the room. Also that this was a conversation not to be repeated. Ever.

A moment later the spook read from a notepad, "sometime during semi-consciousness you made the statement the team had been blown and the compromise came from a seat in Washington. Is that correct?"

"yes Sir, the op had been compromised all the way down the line by a political figure in Washington. my...hosts... were very amused by that," he answered.
The spook asked, "Did you get the name?"

"Negative Sir, I tried every reverse interrogation trick I know of and got nothing. My best guess is that they personally didn't know who," he gritted out then felt light headed.

"Stay with me soldier, just a couple more things," The Spook said firmly," first; the DEA agent was he already dead or killed during your confinement?"

"During my confinement Sir, he was murdered in front of me because he had no information about any contingency plans of the team's failure, Sir," he managed to grumble out, his throat still raw and he was thirsty.

"Second; did you hear any information pertaining to the whereabouts of Ramone Padosa," the Spook continued.

"No Sir, only that he was in contact with them," he stammered out.

He was starting to see double again and it seemed like the lights were dimmer than before.

"Something else....what did you mean by 'you don't have to worry about being pretty' Sergeant.....Sergeant?" the Spook asked but the lights had gone out for him again as he slumped forward and went face first to the tabletop.

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CHAPTER 3

The dawn had come and the sun rose fast and now at mid-morning, Lyssa stood on the back deck drinking cold juice. The five mile swim down the beach had been followed by a five mile run back up then a ten mile round trip bike ride. An hour of ballet positions then a shower of alternating hot and cold water after spending time with the heavy bag and speed-ball. Walking inside she passed pictures along the wall; soldiers, ballerinas, athletes and models. Breakfast was simple; mixed fruit, muffins and coffee. The sun flashed off the ribbons on the wall catching her eye; the silver star and purple heart among them.

~o~O~o~

People came and went from the room, Officers and Agents. All with unending questions but the mysterious Spook never returned. Pending medical review he was put on extended leave. Getting around was getting easier but a lot of things still hurt especially the muscle spasms, it seemed electro-interrogation had some residual effects. every alphabet agency had questions about that as well every moment remembered were relived over and over for the sake of future agents and operators.

Everybody and their subordinate had questions but nobody had any answers even though one question of his was yet to be asked; who was the politician that sold them out. To give peace and quiet a condo had been leased in the nearby town and now PT consisted of a slow walk around the cul-de-sac. One night the doorbell rang very late, dragging himself out of bed and limping down the hall seemed like a blessing considering the nightmares were about to begin. Opening the door he still debated on whether to thank or swear at the visitor when he realized it was the Spook.

"Oh yay...mr.Late-nite excitement puts in an appearance," he grumbled and stepped back to let him in.

"Now that's an original moniker for me," the Spook commented.

"Well its too late for beer and too early for coffee so what do you want now," he asked.

"Nice place, you know your done in spec ops," Spook asked looking around the main room.

"No I didn't, my review is pending whoever the hell you are," he snapped back at him.

"Its all over but the shouting Sergeant, they'll tell you you're done in spec ops and you have your choice of permanent desk duty outta sight-outta mind til you R.O.A.D or you can medical out," Spook said flatly as if commenting about the weather.

"We both know your answer to that," Spook continued," you'll tell 'em to shove the desk up the collective sphincters in the pentagon."

A very long and colorful line using the word fuck took up the next three minutes. Spook waited calmly for the tirade to subside.

"Ok so I'm done. What's your damn pitch," he demanded.

"When you're officially done you have an option," Spook extended a card. just a number, no name.

"Yeah.....I'll think about it," He studied the card, "how long are they giving me."

"Two more weeks Sergeant and then they give you a dog and pony show," answered Spook," Think about it Sergeant. Good luck with the nightmares."

The spymaster turned and walked out closing the door behind him.

~o~O~o~

True to word, two weeks later the review came down. It was a dog and pony show alright, basically as the Spook as said it; a nothing desk job until retire on active duty- R.O.A.D. or medical out now. Medical it was. A week to process out later and he sat looking at the card. No name, just a number. the Spook. The phone rang twice and was picked up.

"yes, Sergeant," Spook answered.

"I'm ready to talk now,Excitement," he said flatly.

"Ok," Spook replied then disconnected.

He hung up and considered taking a nap being that Spook had a habit of interrupting so-called normal sleep patterns. yeah a good idea he decided. Sometime after one in the morning the doorbell rang and true to form the Spook stood in the doorway.

"So what do I call you besides Late Night Excitement," he asked allowing him inside.

" Dannigan will do....Major if it really matters," Spook answered.

' Major Dannigan', he thought.

More than likely it was an alias, a cover name with appropriate credentials if somebody bothered to poke around and would turn up a supply or recruiting officer at the most but the guy wreaked of high level black ops through and through. Serious tradecraft that only another Operator would recognize. Rangers, Special Forces, Delta; no academy ring meant Dannigan came up the hard way. a Mustang. Enlisted turned officer, translation this guy was all business and didn't take time for bull, the tiger had serious stripes.

"Ok Major, so what's the deal? Job offer," he asked point blank, he could play 'No shitter rules' too.

"Yeah, there's a job offer, but there's gonna be a catch," Dannigan answered.

"yeah yeah....I get sheep dipped, I know," He said unconcerned.

"More than that, Sergeant," Dannigan said idly," you gotta disappear in more than just adminstrative capacity."

Now that was new. Most agencies just white-washed the paperwork and poof, a new asset was brought to bear. This sounded more involved.

"How far does it have to go Major," he asked puzzled.

"New face, new prints, you get the idea," Dannigan answered casually.

"What about.......more than that," he continued.

"Define 'more' Sergeant," Dannigan said pointedly.

"Complete Sir.....whole body change," he said flatly," say...If I cover the cost you bury the paperwork, the process would take three years and during that time I could be retrained with additional skills."

"if I understand the implication correctly, not many would go for this," Spook stated, "to be blunt; nobody would sanction nor volunteer such a radical measure."

a few moments passed in silence then Dannigan looked back to him and said firmly,"Done."

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CHAPTER 4

Lyssa worked the speedball with a fury of quick strikes that lasted for 15 minutes then launched to the heavy bag for a series of kicks that rocked it, various forms were utilized with no definite style, the latest technique dubbed Evolution, it incorporated Karate, Kenpo, Tae Kwan do, Krav Maga, Sambo, Akido, Kickboxing, Boxing, Savate, Capoeria and Jui Jitsu. Even a street fighting style that employed using one's surroundings.

Most practicioners made it seem mostly brutal but with Lyssa's dance training it took on a grace that had never been seen before. Ballet and ballroom dance training gave her a refined sense of balance and position, commitment to the move until finished that then led into the next. Fluidity was a more accurate summary.

The hour ended with various Katas to put more emphasis on the techniques and to cool down and stretch the muscles. Finally stepping over to the wall mounted ballet bar she stretched more thoroughly then ended by raising up onto the ball of her left foot and pirouetting. Not traditional but fun she thought. Now for a shower and then the evening.....

 

More than one conversation stopped as the blonde in the midnight blue dress cleared the door followed by waves from familiar faces. Lyssa stepped to the bar and sat greeted by the bartender setting down the glass of zifandel in front of her.

"so how was Milan Lyssa," asked the chipper bartender.

"Rome, Becky, Milan was last month," Lyssa answered with a smile," and it was great. two pairs of shoes are on the way, but I doubt I'll be on a cover this time."

"oh well, at least you get the shoes,"lamented Becky,"I still say you should go for Victoria's Secret."

"No way, its the grand finale for a model. Le Perla would be a different story," Lyssa joked drawing more than one glance her way.

The soft piano music belied the patrons of the bar; cast of various productions, local gallery owners, basically the arts and entertainment crowd. Though local, they were all recognizable, a new face was odd and a reputation always accompanied it. Lyssa had danced in productions and modeled for a few magazines all overseas to keep things pretty quiet.

Most assumed she did so to keep herself desirable and maintained a lifestyle as someone's very discreet mistress. She encouraged that perception by turning down all local offers to pose or dance, yet took interests overseas that usually went unnoticed in the states. A useful illusion it also kept most of the dedicated skirt chasers at bay as well. Appearing to be super-high maintenance had its benefits. Lyssa dated occasionally and only when it suited her but never serious or lengthy, which was wise.

A few jokes from Becky and a charming producer kept Lyssa entertained for a while when out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of a girl with a basket of roses. The girl made a round through the bar arriving at Lyssa and presenting her a single white rose.

"from the gentleman," she murmured but didn't indicate one.

Not surprising, no man inside the bar had purchased the rose for her. The girl wasn't there to actually sell the lovely roses but to signal Lyssa that she was expected at a pre-arranged place later that evening.

Three hours later Lyssa stood looking at the fountain lit with multi colored lights. Dannigan stepped beside her.

"Its time," Dannigan said without preamble," Padosa has been spotted."

"Where," Lyssa demanded.

"Rio," Dannigan replied and passed her an envelope," you're clean so you're a go."

"About damn time," snarled Lyssa as she turned to walk away.

"Kordenay," Dannigan called to her and said when she turned back, "This is more than just payback, its for all the marbles. Get everything. Do Not Fail."

Lyssa nodded grimly and faded into the shadows with only a tap of her heels and slight drift of perfume then was gone. To hunt down the man that destroyed a young man's life.

 

Book 2 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Lyssa Kordenay; Ballerina, Model, Spy, Assassin. How does one avenge a destroyed life?  find out as Lyssa travel to Rio in pursuit of that vengeance.  in a secret world.....she's an Operator with secrets of her own! WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

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CHAPTER 1

Lyssa spun closer to Rodrigo and leaned back draping across his arm for two beats then straightened and two crossed steps forward to pivot as he swung his hips in place. The music pulsated as the crowd danced in a flurry of colors and flashes of skin. Samba was a dance of passion and beauty. The club was the hottest in Rio, patronized by the beautiful people, and the dark as well. high level criminals rubbed elbows with politicians, athletes with call girls and models with fighters.

'Fun for the whole bunch,' mused Lyssa as she pranced a circle around her dance partner; Rodrigo, the current capoeria champ. He was a hot dancer and even better fighter. Other benefits too, he knew just about everybody in the club, during the last slow song he pointed out the table of gangsters. they ran the mid-range car theft ring and also the major players in the street-racing scene. that info would come in handy later on. Also he pointed out the three stars of the world league soccer team along with the youngest of the Gracie boys.

A quick change over step and the music faded then slowed again. Perfect timing.

"oooh champagne...Rodrigo that looks like a good idea,"Lyssa's Portuguese was flawless.

"yes it is but I must drink water, lovely," Rodrigo chuckled.

"Oh yes, hot stuff," she agreed," can't have the champion in less than top form."

Rodrigo laughed and let out a loud yell, many echoed his call and saluted him with raised fists and glasses, then still holding Lyssa's hand he guided her through a twirl and steered her towards the bar. She emphasized the swing of her hips as they walked drawing more attention to herself, fair hair and light tan complexion stood out against the sea of traditional dark hair and tans of the brazilians.

Being seen on a traditional modeling spot on Ipanema beach with two local models and photographer cemented Lyssa's credentials as a returning model. a few phone calls to Italy had gotten a shipment of a dozen of the latest swimwear out of Milan arriving at the same time she did. Ana was ecstatic when Lyssa called asking for the favor; some of her latest swim line modeled for only the cost of the photographer and the two local models but it had to be in Rio in three days. Ana had no problem with that and gleefully sent an assistant with the pieces to insure proper fit.

Lyssa met Lucia at baggage claim. the two chatted waiting for their luggage and rode together to the hotel. Lyssa got her settled in and made preliminary inquiries as to two local models and a photographer then the weather and possible locations for the shoot to which the hotel had been more than accommodating for that. That night the serious work started with obtuse questions to the bartender for the questionable night life led her to Club Cattalaya and tonight's present company guiding her away from the bar and to a corner sofa area.

Champagne was poured and the talk was festive mostly about the capoeria match the following night. The manager of the club boasting a large wager he would be placing on Rodrigo to win.

Lyssa looked thoughtful for a moment then asked, "well the manger knows who to bet on but what about the owner? who would he trust his betting money to for a bet on the champ?"

The manager guffawed, "anyone would give two to one odds on Rodrigo but only Ernesto would cover the boss' bet," pointing to a table of three men and five scantily clad women.

Lyssa stood up, "then i should go see a man named Ernesto then about a wager...Look tired Rodrigo. Maybe i can talk him into five to one odds."

That comment got a round of laughter from the group as she stepped towards the table putting the extra swing to her hips as before drawing the men's attention soon enough.

"Aiyeee, look at you! What brings such a pretty girl to our table," one of the men asked with a shark-like look.

"I came to talk to Ernesto, isn't he the man to talk to about a bet," Lyssa answered brightly.

Another of the men snickered, "sure.....give you fifteen to one odds on Antonio."

Lyssa faked a puzzled look as she said, "But i was going to bet on Rodrigo. I was hoping for maybe four to one because he's been so exhausted lately. I have to bet on him because he's so nice but he's so tired...."

They casually looked over at the sofa area and caught his eye to which he then winked and gave an exaggerated yawn and sprawled over the cushion.

"Just look at him, he's just so wiped out, he doesn't think he can even make it home to get his rest so I suggested he come back to the hotel because he said its closer," Lyssa played the blonde to them.

that got a few nods and nudges among the men.

Finally one said, "ah you a kind soul and for that I will give you the four to one odds on our great Rodrigo but you must ensure that he recovers in your care and triumphs."

"Oh I will, senor Ernesto, I'm at the Ipanema Grand. Lyssa Kordenay," she slipped a one-hundred bill from her top and slid it across the table giving them her bright smile then skipped back over to her group and pretended to fuss over Rodrigo.

And now she had her underworld contact; Ernesto.

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CHAPTER 2

Ramon laughed coldly reading the report from the DEA agents to their superiors in Washington. Presently they had no idea he was in Rio assuming he was still in the tri-border area. that was good. His leverage over the congressman was still holding sway, the weak man cared not for the safety of his own family but more for the scandal if the video of his wife trading sex for a few lines of cocaine came to light. The politcian would do anything he demanded to keep that a secret. Ramon had worked six months to get the woman addicted and it had worked, Ramon Padosa was untouchable by the american agencies now. and so he would remain even if someone else took the congressman's place he would be able to manuever that one the same way in short time. Even slaughtering a DEA agent and members of the military rescue team went without serious reprisal, though one that had been captured and tortured was rescued but would never be a thorn in anyone's side again.

According to another report that soldier had been so badly damaged that the need to be medically dismissed ended that one's career. That highly entertained him, the part that didn't was the amercian soldier never broke, most people including police and agents broke in less than a day but the soldier had withheld for 7 days with nothing but taunts to his captors, why he didn't know or understand, it was as if he had been testing them, what they were willing to do as much as they were testing to see how much he could endure before trying to make deals for death or the sparing of his life. None of that mattered right now he had money to make, the championship was tomorrow night and many were betting on the champion who was sure to win. Perhaps not this time Ramon thought. the odds were very alluring if he wanted to interfere, he thought with a cold smile.

~o~O~o~

The crowd around the shoot wasn't too bad as the models posed in the skimpy bikinis directed by the photographer. the light was adequet enough for the shots but time was flying by and they were mostly focused on the event later on making everyone distracted. there were the usual leers and catcalls from the beachgoers but mostly they watched for a few moments then moved on. Many of the women lingered though commenting enviously of the new swimwear and its origin, even in Rio Italian design was highly coveted.

a few more minutes splashing around in the ankle deep water and the photographer called an end to the session. Lucia collected the bikinis from the two local models who quickly donned their own personal swimwear and then took up chatting with several of the men who'd spent time watching the shoot, as a favor to the girls Lyssa had Lucia shout encouraging things in Italian towards the end which really made the two more popular. Such distraction would work more in her favor as some of the more swarthy type were taking more interest in her, locations of parties later on were shared and with a little enticement the noted names of guest lists were also revealed. When the name of a high level Padosa cartel member was mentioned she knew then which one to be at.

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CHAPTER 3

The crowd cheered at the flurry of punches and sweeping kicks followed by daring acrobatics in perfect time to the drums, many clapped to the hidden beat that was the secret to the fighting style.

Lyssa stood with a small group of supporters close to the ring chanting "Fly...Fly...Fly" in support of Rodrigo 'The Hawk' as he battled fiercely against Antonio. in a stroke of inspiration Lyssa gained one of the trainers' attention and signaled for one of the towels to be thrown to her, which he did a bit puzzled and then saw her add a print of her lipstick then encourage the other women of the small group to do the same then passed it back to the trainer who smiled and during the next break made sure Rodrigo took note of the support by all the lovely ladies behind him.

Spurred on by such seductive support Rodrigo went back in and viciously attacked bringing his opponent down , The count ended and he executed a dramatic back-flip before raising his arms in victory then helping his fallen adversary and embracing him in a show of sportsmanship he was known for. a turn and blown kisses to the group of female admirers then handshakes to rival trainers ended the match with a roar of cheers.

Music blared as the celebration was in full swing when Rodrigo stood atop a table, an offered glass was held up and he sent out a toast to his family and trainers and friends for their support as well as wishes for a quick recovery to Antonio for a future rematch and finally to God for seeing him through to an honorable victory which many echoed then drank with him and then he was swept away by a crowd for comments and autographs.

"Who is she," Javier asked the host pointing to blonde woman wearing a light purple dress handing a glass to Rodrigo as he stood on a table.

"Her name I did not catch, but I do know she is a model here for a photo shoot. they were on Ipanema most of the day," he said.

"models you say," Javier prompted.

"Oh yes. An Italian designer if I heard right, quite.....stylish," he said with a wink.

That said volumes, the implication clear; designs that were barely there even for Rio's standards. Javier noticed also that Ernesto approached her then kissed her hand and smiled with every bit of charm the man possessed as he counted out four large denomination bills that he gently pressed into her hand as she kissed his cheek then tucked them into the top of her dress. he would have to find out more about this model Javier thought to himself. should be rather easy...all models enjoyed parties. he signaled a server to bring her another glass of champagne.

 
Lyssa thanked the young waitress as she took the glass and looked to the "gentleman" she pointed out and walked over to thank him personally.

"thank you senor for the drink," she said slowly marking well the face of Javier of the Padosa cartel, "most kind of you."

"Ah a lady as lovely as yourself should always be...attended to," Javier leered.

She was even more attractive up close he thought,as well as how on earth could she move so easily, not deliberately catty like most models but more like a dancer after great sex.

Lyssa had made her way over casually. a smile to a designer here and a nod of recognition to another model there both returned with grace and the signal from a noted male model to call him was noticed as well until she stood in front of Javier.

"hello senorita, good evening," Javier greeted her with a smoothness.

"Good evening to you as well senor," Lyssa paused for his introduction.

"Javier Rojas, Senorita," he asked politely taking her hand.

"Lyssa Kordenay," she answered easily, then looked him up and down.

Ha, he thought, she was sizing him up; determining his importance based off appearance. He knew his suit was of upper echelon Italian design as were the shoes, of a different designer, while his jewelry were of noted american designers and his hair of the latest euro style, she was a different story. Her hair fell in gentle waves not curls and her jewelry in silver looked to be local or western american, her dress and heels undetermined but her perfume was subtle enough that it enticed a man to come closer just to investigate it and her with it.

Her Portuguese was flawless and without accent but she was definitely an american a quick hello to a passing girl in equally flawless french mildly surprised him, not that she spoke french but how well. A necessary skill he gathered, being a model, yet a recognized as she had been by the insiders of that circle he was surprised he'd not seen or heard of her before. After a few minutes of small talk that really gave him no further information than he had before she excused herself to the ladies room he went over to a local model of note and inquired about her.

The information he got was that yes she was an international model but preferred runway to publication though had more than one cover on European magazines and catalogs also that she was indeed a dancer, ballet of the most rigid discipline, Bolshoi specifically and had danced in productions in Moscow, France and Australia but had turned down many projects that would easily make her as Americans say,'a household name'.

The implication was subtle yet understood; she modeled and danced to keep herself in the right social circles more than likely to maintain the right relationships with benefits. A mistress. That would explain the ease around somewhat powerful men and the casual sizing up. Javier wasn't a 'somewhat powerful man', he was second only to Ramon himself in the largest and most feared cartel in south america, a woman like this Lyssa Kordenay would definitely learn that later on tonight.

---

CHAPTER 4

"Do not worry my dear, I assure you we are quite private here, " Javier called to her from the bedroom.

He concealed a wicked looking knife under a pillow and then checked the chill of the champagne. A quick stop at her hotel to pick up an overnight bag in preparation for the next days shoot sealed her agreement to a stay at his villa just outside the city.

"That's good, a girl's reputation can be priceless Javier," she called back from the en suite bathroom.

"Ah on that I completely agree..."Javier froze in mid sentence, the smile slowly fading.

Gone was the sexy model in a stunning designer dress to be replace by a wraith in form fitting black with a face streaked by black grease paint but more importantly a silenced auto-pistol in her hand that now bear down on him. Without a word the pistol chugged once sending a bullet into his knee bringing him to the floor to howl in pain. Lyssa grabbed a clutch of his hair and dragged him over to a chair and secured him; ankles, wrists and mouth then slowly opened the door and slipped out.

Pain throbbed in Javier's knee from where she had shot him. Who in the hell was this woman he wondered furiously until the soft click of the door opening brought his attention back, he thanked god silently until instead of the voice of one of his men spoke but the soft honeyed voice of Lyssa whispered in his ear.

"Now we're completely private,I assure you. Javier Rojas; of the Padosa cartel,"Lyssa hissed.

She then stood in front of him, odd streaks of blood mixed with her black facial stripes. she removed her gloves then pulled the tape from his mouth.

"You bitch," Javier spat at her, "you will regret this."

Lyssa turned and went into the bathroom returning with a small bag that she unzipped revealing a hypodermic needle and two ampules. Drawing a measured amount of clear liquid from one she showed him the needle then jammed it into his neck and pressed the plunger slowly while he bellowed in anger.

Lyssa leaned in close and said with pure hatred in her eyes, "past the black gates. Before the Devil's throne. I've been to hell already, I taking you somewhere worse.....much worse."

Half an hour later amid screams of pain Javier answered her questions of Ramon Padosa, where he was, when he would be moving, whom he would be seeing, how strong the defenses around the hacienda both here in Rio and at Tri-Borders. Even the concealed escape passages of both. the drug wore off shortly before dawn. he had even confessed his plans to threaten her with the knife under the pillow until she allowed his every carnal wish. that same knife now held loosely in her right hand as he looked up with hooded eyes from pain and hallucinations induced by the drug.

"Welcome back," Lyssa hissed a coldness in her voice and eyes.

"you have what you want,now what bitch," he wheezed out.

"Just this," She hissed.

Lyssa then used the knife to slice open his pants and underwear then used light strokes of her nails to elicit an erection while whispering all the things he had planned to do to her. to his horror he swelled for her then the knife slowly stroked across opening the delicate skin and hot blood pumped. he looked up speechless in terror into her cold eyes.

"Don't worry Javier, this is nothing compared to what awaits Ramon," Lyssa said with a voice of pure iced fury.

Javier looked down to see blood running all over himself he looked back up into her eyes. Eyes that never wavered as the lights went out behind his.

An hour later Lyssa slipped back into the hotel the same way she had slipped out with no one the wiser. She dropped her bag into the closet then went to the bathroom and showered. a nap for two hours then a call to the photographer to stall the day was pointless. The photographer had left a message for his voicemail stating that he was incapacitated for the better part of the day. No doubt hung over she thought, a quick call to the local models confirmed it as they were too, the continuing shoot was postponed two days.

The Lyssa Kordenay Missions continue with
Latin Lethal Action!

 

Book 3 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Revenge may be at hand for Lyssa as she finally goes after the head of a narco-cartel  Is vengeance finally within her grasp? WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 
CHAPTER 1

Ramon Padosa roared with anger slamming down the telephone. Someone had dared to attack his organization, and worse had killed his second in a horrible way. In fact everyone at Javier's villa was dead. His source within the police said that there was absolutely no evidence. No bullets, no shell casings, no unknown fingerprints; nothing. 'Extensive counter-measures had been taken to conceal the identity of the attackers' was the phrase used.

When Ramon demanded to know what that meant, he was told how extensive; bullets were dug out of the bodies and two walls. Blood pools were contaminated with bleach and ammonia, surfaces were dowsed with the deadly mixture as well; doors, windowsills, counters and switches. The empty containers had been burned in the driveway which was concrete so there were no shoe prints not matched to those on site, but the worst was Javier. Javier had not had a gentle death. Drugged, wounded and emasculated. This was a message to him. Someone was either brave or crazy enough to threaten him and still be unknown. Someone must know he thought as he started dialing.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa woke up again a few minutes before noon a glance at her cellphone revealed two messages and the blinking light on the bedside phone indicated a message at the desk as well. The cellphone were both text messages which were no rush to be answered. A quick rinse off in the shower then bare make-up and a simple dress and sandals, she was ready. Downstairs the message was simple, both the local girls were upset that they got carried away at the celebrations and wanted forgiveness. Lyssa smiled and had them called with the message that if they could meet her within the hour lunch was on her.

Forty-five minutes later they joined her both looking still slightly hung-over. Lyssa assured them that all was forgiven but as a one-time thing, other jobs would't be as forgiving but tomorrow had to be top form as the designer was anxious to see the photos that would be air-shipped as soon as possible instead of developed locally then sent off and copies of the best would be sent to them for their portfolios. they hastily agreed that such leniency wouldn't be taken for granted. The lunch lasted an hour due to conversation of the after-parties attended then Lyssa advanced them a third of their pay to carry them til the next day then paid the lunch check and left to see a friend she claimed, earning giggles from both models as they left as well.

A rental car provided the means to get to a secluded cove outside the city. Just under the water's surface Lyssa dragged up a container. Once on the beach she opened it and removed the resupply bag of ammunition, additional weapons and explosives. Using the box lid she dug a deep hole and placed the empty box, lid and some debris into it then ignited it. It burned quickly into non-recognition then she back filled the pit and drove back to the hotel with a stop-off at an isolated villa.

Back at the hotel she went over the latest satellite imagery and reports that had been shuffled through a dozen various agencies before being compiled into a packet and loaded out like the weapons and ordinance onto naval transports then a british submarine carrying royal marines that were conducting training exercises for amphibious infiltration mapping. Nobody came out of the water nor lingered in the area and none of the other agencies in Rio had been contacted for assistance of any kind. The loop was closed with Lyssa alone.

If you couldn't obliterate a trail of bureaucracy completely this was the best alternative, single things moving in a myriad of directions but no real destination. Only an operator with years of contacts off the books could make that happen and no over-sight committee would ever be able to cash in enough favors or bully their way through the set-up that got her resupplied. Nothing to take for granted though, no contact to anybody official on anything that could be traced back to either her or Dannigan.

---

CHAPTER 2

The congressman burned up every phone number he had and still nobody knew anything about the murder of Javier Rojas in Rio, other than what the local police knew. Ramon Padosa was frothing at the mouth for answers and nobody knew anything, just the speculation that another small cartel might possibly be trying to move in by making a bold play but neither the DEA nor the CIA could confirm anything. The pre-paid cellphone rang in his pocket. Padosa would not be happy with nothing but he answered anyway as the voice on the other end started immediately screaming demands.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan hung up the phone and stared out the window. Someone on the hill was putting out feelers and they were very good at it; three agencies and five subsidiary had been contacted about action in Brazil. Inquiries were made and the ball got rolling, passive and extremely quiet questions were to be asked but no direct actions, back channel feeds only. The resupply went without a hitch thanks to an old friend in the royal navy totally outside american channels that owed no favors to anybody else in U.S. service.

Lyssa was on her own, her only hope if blown was a concealed poison release on the side of her lower gum. Normally a cyanide derivative would be held but it could be traced back to american service, the one in hers was actually a combination of poisons invented by the KGB and Mossad. A neat trick that she thought of herself, the same poison she'd used twice already to everyone's confusion. Lyssa deliberately keep herself in the dark as to which agency she actually worked for. No traces, she was alone. Exactly how she wanted it.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa stood on the balcony watching the ocean as her hair dried on its own. Brazilians habitually had late dinners so she was in no hurry she could wait at least another hour before getting ready for the evening. Tonight would have to be early due to the next day's shoot schedule they needed to be done by early afternoon so that the film and swimwear could be on the evening flight to Rome. She'd already established that she was also in Rio to play as well as work so staying around for a week would go without raising eyebrows. Provided Padosa didn't tuck tail and run back to Tri-borders, she'd be exfiltrating to Monaco in seven days for the film festival, she even had an escort with passes to the premiers. But that was then...this is now and now was Padosa.

Padosa was the job, Padosa had always been the job. As the night settled down she went inside and started putting on her make-up and styling her hair then slipped into the Le Perla lingerie and a cocktail dress in pale blue and a pair of silver stilleto heel sandals. After dinner she would visit Ernesto, as he would have the feel of what was going on in the Padosa camp. Stepping into the elevator she focused her self and the facade she needed for the night then stepped out when the doors opened. Lyssa stepped out and ventured into the waiting city. The smiles directed at her were plenty and some even charming; unknowing that a predator far more dangerous than any local now moved through the city. A pale golden haired hunter of men with steel colored eyes.

~o~O~o~

Ernesto Laughed as the blonde on the dancefloor did a double-take then smiled and waved to him. He waved back and signaled invitation to join the table. She nodded but signaled "a moment" indicating she would finish the song with the man she was dancing with then come over. Which she did, walking up to the table smiling.

Lyssa allowed him her hand to kiss, "Ernesto! how are you?"

"Oh I always am doing well when a beautiful woman comes to see me," he oozed, "you are having much fun?"

"Very much so, but I'm afraid it'll have to be an early night tonight," she somewhat pouted.

"Oh? why is that lovely Lyssa," he asked.

"well we all partied too hard last night so today was canceled,"She admitted ruefully, "the designer is a little put off but I promised we'd shoot tomorrow and get everything to Italy on the evening flight out."

"Ah, well then at least one drink and dance and I will see you personally back to the hotel to make sure," Ernesto proposed pouring a glass of champagne for her.

"Oh I'd like that a lot Ernesto, I have to keep my promise. Ana is a good friend and Lucia is anxious to get back home. A newlywed you know," Lyssa explained.

"Well then let's not waste any time," Ernesto chimed his glass to her's.

---

CHAPTER 3

Ramon slammed his fist to the desk. Nothing; nobody. Someone took out a high level member of his organization and there was no information at all. In fact the Americans were distancing themselves even further away from it. Ordering their people not to investigate actively. As if they either wanted no part or that he no longer mattered to them. His sources in the Brazilian government knew nothing, the Americans knew as much as the Brazilians and apparently didn't care to know more.

This was infuriating, the only other threat was from Interpol and his source in their regional offices turned up nothing as well insisting that Interpol didn't do such work. Ramon picked up the phone again and barked orders when his local man answered.

"Offer a pay off for information about whoever took out Javier and his men last night," Ramone demanded.

~o~O~o~

Ernesto listened close then hung up his cellphone as Lyssa passed him a glass of champagne.

"Business never ends,"she asked coyly.

"Ah a gentleman never discusses business when sharing a pleasant drink with such a lovely lady," he said smiling then sipped after touching his glass to hers.

They talked about the current fashions for men and which designer would best compliment him. Soon Ernesto's eyes grew heavy and Lyssa steered the conversation to the night before....bets placed, by whom and how much. When Javier's name was mentioned she held him to that line. How much had he bet, and if he'd won. Then when Ernesto said that he wouldn't have to pay him off Lyssa inquired why to be answered with the fact that Javier had been killed by someone.

"Oh really," Lyssa said softly, "now who would do that."

"Nobody knows,"Ernesto admitted, "but he was high up in the Padosa cartel. Ramon Padosa is quite angry over it, even offering a reward for information about it."

"Oh that's interesting, but he sounds like quite a dangerous man Ernesto," Lyssa pressed further.

"Oh he is Lyssa," Ernesto continued sleepily, "but you are far too sweet to worry about Him and besides he would not frequent the busy and lively places you go to."

"How frightening! Now where would such a dangerous man like that be? I want to make sure I am safe from him," Lyssa whispered seductively.

"He is at a northern road mansion outside the city and will be until he finds out who killed Javier. It's almost a palace with all its white stone and walls but don't worry Lyssa. You will be quite safe," Ernesto reassured her.

"That's very good Ernesto, I won't worry now, but its very late and we've had such a good time. Did you leave your man downstairs?" Lyssa asked.

"Oh yes he will stay until I am ready to go home, yes I am so tired," Ernesto nodded.

Lyssa called downstairs for the driver and asked him to come up as Ernesto had unfortunately drank too much and should be taken home just in case anything happened that might be embarrassing to a gentleman. A few moments later a soft knock at the door signalled his arrival. Lyssa let him in acting as if she too had drank more than intended. He smiled and assured her that he would convey that his employer had indeed been a gentleman who simply enjoyed the drinks too much but otherwise had been enjoyable company. After they left; Lyssa locked the door and carefully cleaned the glasses then went to bed for a few hours.

 
The weather cooperated excellently during the shoot, the local girls in top form posing and giving their best alluring 'come hither' looks for the camera. By noon they were done and changed back into their own personal swimwear enjoying the snacks provided by an impromptu visit by Ernesto who promised that as a personal favor, Lucia would be driven directly to the airport to be seen onto her flight by Lyssa as an apology for the night before. Even though she assured him he had been perfectly behaved and not embarrassed either of them, he insisted that his honor demanded such apology to her and made good on it.

---

CHAPTER 4

Lyssa had studied all the diagrams of the mansion in great detail to prepare for the late night penetration. A promise of dinner with Ernesto the following night had secured the night free of any distractions to run the recon on Padosa's compound, she set up the cameras and the linked burst transmitter then faded back and left undetected. Fourty-eight hours later she was back and slithering through the foliage.

The guards heard nothing as Lyssa slipped behind them then silently thrust a knife between the base of the skull and jaw below the ear. They died instantly from the blade slicing through their brain soundlessly. She eased into the additional men's barracks and silently made sure they would never wake up then entered the main house. Knowing that all inside were deadly she took no chances in eliminating the staff first then finally making her way up to the master suite and slipping inside the darkend bedroom.

Ramon Padosa dreamt someone was looking at him, a dream so unnerving he woke. As he reached over to turn on the light, that's when the shadow came closer.

"Insomnia?" Lyssa hissed as the light clicked on.

Ramon screamed for his guards as he reached for the gun on the table, the shadow didn't move as he brought it up and sighted at the head smiling as he pulled the trigger to be rewarded with a resounding click.

"Disappointed Padosa," Lyssa asked stepping closer looking intimidating in the form fitted black suit and swirls of combat paint across her face.

He bolted from the bed but fell back from the kick to the side of his head. Lyssa stood looking down then grabbed him and dragged to a chair and using tape to secure him by ankles and wrists to the chair.

~o~O~o~

His head hurt. alot. Then he remembered why as he realized he was in a chair and couldn't move.

"Oh you're awake now," a honeyed sweet voice said from behind him.

A woman. He hadn't noticed before that it was a woman. Ramon bellowed for his guards but she just dragged the chair to the window and leaned him forward.

"No one is coming to save you from me Ramon Padosa,"Lyssa said flatly directing his gaze to the lawn below.

All of his men laid out across it in death then turned the chair back.

"I'll have your head for this you bitch! Slowly you'll die without even the benefit of being shown the proper place of a woman...ON HER BACK UNDER ME," He screamed at her.

Lyssa ignored him as she brought out the small zippered bag and the needle then slowly filled the syringe with the clear liquid and cleared the bubbles with a tap.

"I gave this to Javier. Its called Inanna. Inanna was the anti-muse, inspiring fear and despair," she said then fixed him with a look of pure hatred," Past the gates and before the throne; I've been to Hell, where I'm taking you is much worse."

He struggled for a moment then froze when she slammed the needle into his neck and pressed the plunger down. Within moments he felt hot as her fist slammed into him then cold as the vision of the black clad warrior slowly began to look like a horrific demon looming closer.

Ramon came to and slowly looked up with hooded eyes to look into Lyssa's rage filled eyes.

"I know everything now and have taken it all away, your accounts in the Cayman islands, panama, Zurich, Dubai. Even the combination to the safe in this very room, and this," Lyssa held up a disc, "Congressman Alkowitz' wife. So that's how you knew all the actions against you."

Ramon looked at her with rage still suffering from the pain and hallucinations induced by the drug.

"I'm far from done with you though," Lyssa said softly bringing forward a car battery and cables.

"WHO ARE YOU," he demanded.

Lyssa doused him with a bucket of water then came closer with the cables and held one to his leg.

"You destroyed my life," she said coldly then brought the other clamp down.

Sparks flew and Ramon screamed as the electricity coursed through him from the battery as she moved strike points for over an hour alternating that with beating him with a bat she'd found somewhere in the house. Bones broke from his legs, feet,arms and hands then she cut the tape and dragged him onto the table and brandished the knife closer.

Lyssa growled, "now I'm going to get creative with you."

Ramon watched in terror as she slowly drew a slight line at his ribs then held the skin against the flat of the blade and yanked downward. Ramon thrashed and howled in pain that seemed amplified as Lyssa worked for over another hour before stopping, leaving him a bloody, shredded mess.

"Please......please whoever you are, just stop this, I'll give you anything you want," Ramon begged.

Lyssa slammed a punch to his mouth knocking several teeth out then hissed, "I'm the one your men couldn't break! Four years ago! The one that held out for six days!"

A look of pure wild horror flooded him, Ramon now knew he would never survive. There was only one thing left to do.

"Please. Please in the name of God end me. I beg you,"Ramon pleaded.

"Very well. In the name of God," Lyssa said icily.

She secured him to the table then showed him a chunk of plastic explosive on a timed detonator. Ramon felt her press the small charge to his mangled scrotal area and heard a beep. Then he watched her pour gasoline all over the room.

"Please...please...I hurt so bad...please Senorita," Ramon begged.

Lyssa ignored him as she picked up the bags of money and intelligence as she walked out. Ramon cried and prayed as the occasional beep sounded after she left then suddenly there was a loud pop and he saw blood splatter outward. Pain set in as he saw flames begin to spread around the room. He was going to hell and this was only a glimpse of what was to come he thought as the flames finally caught the table licking at his body.

Lyssa sealed the packages and sent them out by courier, the intelligence sent to Dannigan, but kept the disc. The cash she kept minus the expenses of the trip and paid for the villa in full. She had plans for the congressman, very soon. Lyssa finished at with the hotel then caught a private flight out to Rome, this was how she traveled off the grid. Using private terminals for planes and boats it was easier. Some of the cash she still carried after a stop in Grand Cayman. After all, she needed to go shopping for the film festival starting in a few days in Monaco.

 

Book 4 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Lyssa goes way off the reservation in pursuit of a traitor. Is it revenge, or long overdue justice? Other problems are presenting themselves. Will Lyssa be reached to solve them in time?   WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Dannigan checked the reports for the fifth time. Sources in Department of Justice, FBI, DEA,ATF, Customs and Immigration and of course various local and state police but nothing from the CIA,NSA,DOD or his own agency the OICA, Office of Immediate Covert Action. So the question still remains; How in the hell did Padosa stay a step ahead all that time.

The techs also note that some information had been deleted but non-retrievable by disk reconstruction. That meant Lyssa had taken information, the kind she intended to keep for herself and it apparently wasn't financial.

Dannigan swore as he snatched up the phone,"Get me the reconstructions again. Then find Lyssa, Now!"

He slammed the phone back down knowing that Lyssa must have the Washington leak. Ramon Padosa would never have been allowed to die if she didn't. Lyssa would get the cartel leader into a private hospital if she had to just to keep him alive for that information.

His phone rang and he answered,"yes?"

"Reconstructions Sir, how can we help," a young voice asked.

"Tell me everything you can about what was missing from that computer," Dannigan said very slowly.

"Only that it was a video file. About 4 hours of video sir," the tech said.

"That's all," Dannigan asked.

"Yes sir, 4 hours of video titled.....C.A. party, that's all," the tech read, "oh and we tracked down the skype, it jumped 18 different computers to dial from a burn phone in Houston to somewhere on the eastern seaboard, Washington/Maryland/Virginia/Delaware one of those areas sir."

Dannigan resisted voicing his frustration instead he thanked the techincian and hung up.

Walking to the door he leaned out and asked,"Where is she, Madison?"

"Not sure sir, the Brazil number is inactive and the Monaco number isn't active either,"the secretary read from her screen.

"Stay on it Madi, She'll come up soon," he told her then went back into the office and closed the door.

Madison thought to herself aloud, "Lyssa whatever you're doing and wherever you are, surface soon."

The secretary had a very bad feeling. Lyssa wasn't known to go completely off the grid like this, though that's how she traveled. She always kept a phone number active for emergencies, but not this time. She was way off the reservation this time.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa finished sending the email.

"Gotcha now you sonofabitch,"she snarled and ejected the disc from the laptop.

In a few days she'd be in Monaco but tomorrow she'd be in Greece. She'd bought a burn phone in the Rome airport and a laptop from a local shop was keeping her off normal grids. Lyssa was way out this time but it was neccessary. Corrupt politicians ran dime-a-dozen, all career politicos were to some point but this went beyond appropriations and simple dollars. She needed the whole of Alkowitz' network that he used to burn agents and soldiers in South America and who else knew where. He had to go down, hard and as an example.

A day of shopping in Rome had gotten her outfitted for the trip to Greece. A few italian boys got her the equipment she needed, the funny part was if this all worked out the most it was going to cost her later would be strategically posed nude on the latest Lamborgini for its ad campaign and that was the downside. It was either that or marry the VP of design. He wanted twenty kids so that was out. His mother called him three times during a meeting asking about the women attending so he definitely was out. Lyssa couldn't hold back a chuckle about that so she didn't as she grabbed her bags and went downstairs.

What the agency didn't know was that she had been setting up her own series of safe houses since her first runway job and could drop off the grid anytime she wanted for as long as she needed; either stationary or mobile she could become almost invisible. A hop on a friend's private jet took her from Rio to Johannesburg where she hopped another to get Cairo where Ana had been on a textile trip and was able to bring her into Rome itself. The Italian designer agreed to lend her the plane to get to Athens.

Lyssa's clock was ticking, do the job before anybody figured it out enough to stop her. Lyssa took a powernap during the hop from Rome to Athens and hit the ground running. She would be going full tilt til the very end. She wondered if Dannigan's words would come back to haunt him; this wasn't payback, it was for all the marbles and she could not fail.

~o~O~o~

Congressman Mitchell Alkowitz stared in rage and horror at the computer screen. The scandalous video playing, the accompanying message was simple; the amphitheater in Athens at midnight. There was no threat stated in the message, there didn't need to be. Ramon Padosa was dead and apparently someone else now held his leash. He picked up the phone and called a service that provided discreet flights and made arrangements to go to Athens. As he came back downstairs from packing his wife stood over the computer, the sounds of violent sex coming from the speakers.

"Shut that off Carolyn," he said.

"You said this would go away, Mitch," she whined, "you said it was taken care of."

"Just shut up, you and your damn habits have caused enough problems," he spat back at her.

Carolyn rubbed her nose unconsciously at the mention of habits. She stumbled past him and up the stairs. In their bedroom she opened the hidden drawer of the vanity table and took out a packet, razor blade and a slender silver tube then cut two lines and loudly snorted them quickly. A few moments later as the tingling feeling crawled through her she fumbled in another drawer and brought out a vibrator and thrust it roughly inside herself, turning its intensity to high.

Mitchell slammed the door as he left closing himself off from her drug enhanced orgasmic moans and shrieks to drive to the private airfield. Ever since that one night ten years ago he had been under Ramon Padosa's thumb. Somehow his wife had ended up at a party that quickly turned into a cocaine enhanced orgy on a hidden camera. In no time at all she had bcome addicted to the white powder and multiple rough partners. The sadistic drug lord had held that over Mitchell's head in blackmail for information about actions against the cartel. Padosa was now dead and someone different held control. He'd find a way to deal with this threat, nobody could worse than the columbian had been.

---

CHAPTER 2

Lyssa smiled and waved at her friend Arianna as she passed through the private customs gate.

"Finally you come to visit Lyssa and I am on my way out, shame on you,"Arianna teased.

" Oh but I am only in for a couple of days on business then I'll see you in Monaco, I promise," Lyssa assured her friend.

Arianna looked around then frowned, "Why is no one is waiting for you?"

"Don't worry, I'm doing for myself today. I'll take a taxi to where I need to go," Lyssa answered.

"Oh please," the Greek socialite and model rolled her eyes," I didn't drive myself here. My driver will take you where you need to go. Look there he is now."

Tanned and in a casual dark suit, the driver stepped up and nodded.

"Well then, by all means, lead on to my friend's grand chariot," Lyssa joked earning a laugh from Arianna.

At her nod the driver switched lyssa's bags from the cart and place Arianna's on it then took Lyssa's to the limo outside and held the door for her. She mentioned the address to him as she slid into the car. It took a little over half an hour to get to the safe house then she was alone again. After settling her things and the call to a friend in London, a designer that had asked a favor. Favors for favors, the designer would provide her certain pieces of wardrobe for the time in Monaco in return for a favor Lyssa would ask in the future. Lyssa turned and looked out the window to watch the sunset, now was the waiting game.

A week of Hell and four years of angry frustration were coming to hand quickly. The number of lives lost couldn't be estimated, but it was only a handful that truly mattered to her.

"The world as you bastards know it is coming to an end," the beautiful blonde said flatly at the last light of day,"if they're smart they're already blowing their brains out. I hope they're too cowardly as they've always been. Washington will feel like its been hit by nuke."

~o~O~o~
The President's daughter checked her disguise again then laughed to herself, "pretty good. Nobody recognized me so far, I can finally have fun!"

It had taken six months to get everything just right so she could slip away from the secret service and right now as far as they knew she was in a spa in Virginia. Away from the United States and all officials she would need only the wig just in case a paparazzi crossed her path. Tonight would be great, a rave in Mykonos; the party capital of Greece and the mediterranean. Who knew; she might even be able to sneak in a quick fling and some ecstasy.

A little fun never hurt anybody, besides she was still young and not even the president so why should she have to be cooped up forever. She was 'supposed to go out and have fun' she thought as the elevator stopped. Beth stepped out, the platform heels making a hollow sound as she walked across the lobby with the occasional tug at the hem of the micro dress. Beth smiled at how clever she'd been, in three days she'd walk back through customs re-entering the states without the disguise and make everybody go ape-shit. That would show them they couldn't run her life. She flagged a cab from the curb and rattled off the address to the old driver. The night was young and so was she, party time had waited long enough.

~o~O~o~

"There, walking out now dressed as a slut with brown hair," a dark woman in the passenger seat of the van pointed at the girl in a micro dress flashing anybody that happened to look as she stepped into the cab.

"I see, we will follow her and watch for the time to strike," the driver said pulling away from the curb.

The information had been right, the President's daughter had slipped away from all protection to attend a decadent rave party and that would be her father's undoing. For too long the movement of the rebel Phillipine people had been ignored, now that the Al Queda fools were no more, the true cause would prevail. No more false religious pretenses, the Phillipines would become truly free and a nuclear super power.

The muslims had subjugated the cause long enough but no more, all they cared about was the death of all non-muslims, infidels they called them, Rani didn't care for their religion. He didn't care for any religion to be honest, the only thing he believed in was a future for the islands without being forced by bigger nations even if it cost the use and death of a silly girl who ignored measures to keep her safe from being exploited in such ways. Yes, undoing indeed.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan slammed the phone down again, just what he needed, now the President's daughter was missing. Supposedly she had gone to a spa in virginia, yet nobody knew anything.

"MADISON," he simply bellowed instead of wasting a walk to the door," Has any way to contact Lyssa come online yet?"

"No Major, I sent out a message to each phone number and email account. I even called some of the hotels that she's stayed at before but nothing. She hasn't been seen," Madison said exasparated.

It was unlike her to be rendered unproductive and she was starting to take it personally. Lyssa was hiding from everybody and she was needed now. Madison had never asked Lyssa how it was she got around outside U.S. borders, she'd always flown in and out commercially and as of late; first class. For the past six months she had been able to move all aroud the globe with no footprint until returning to the states. London, Bahamas and Hawaii were where she would resurface to return to the states all depending on her direction of travel.

It was great when it served to protect them all from enemy counter-agents, but it sucked rocks when Madison couldn't find their own Operative when needed. Madison was going to have a long talk with Lyssa when she popped back up. Everyone social, film and fashion related were converging on Monaco and Lyssa should have been there by now but she hadn't passed through the customs in Monte Carlo's airport, or any other for that matter.

Though a unorthodox attempt, she even checked the gossip websites of european tabloids just to see if she had been sighted. no luck, everyone was either in Monaco or on their way there except Lyssa it seemed. Madison sent the round of messages out again to all sources for Lyssa.

---

CHAPTER 3

Mitchell Alkowitz stared angrily at being ignored by cab drivers that were paying more attention to the obviously dressed tourists, finally one pulled up and asked in english if he wanted a taxi. He jumped into the backseat immediately and asked for to be taken to the Hilton. He checked in wanting the penthouse but had to settle for a small suite as a japanese business delegation were using it and had paid in advance. Apparently American politicians had the reputation for being very cheap when traveling without a committee on a fact finding tour.

Normally He'd have waited at the terminal until the Ambassador showed up with a detail of drivers and security men in tow, but he didn't want any of those around, he'd never get rid of them if they were. Embassay people all knew that if they wanted a better assignment the way to get it was to make the Secretary of State look good, and one did that by finding dirt on embassy staff or visiting dignitaries such as a congressman or senator. Promotive relocation via creative distribution of sensitive information. Well any information about his visit to Athens was going to be keep to himself, away from embassy staff.

~o~O~o~

'What an idiot,' Lyssa thought of the congressman as she drank coffee with a photographer discussing a possible shoot on Mykonos in two months.

Dimitrios even had his own yacht that would serve as transport to the island and also living quarters during the shoot which would only be four days.

"So you will be with Marco for the film festival," the Greek photographer asked.

Lyssa smiled, "you know its nothing serious. He asked as a favor."

Dimitrios chuckled," Lyssa's favors. What do you get from this I wonder?"

Marco was a film producer of moderate fame. He owned a very nice yacht as well. The yacht was currently in Monaco, his private plane would be transport to Monaco. First things first though, business then playtime. Lyssa said goodbye now that she all she needed. She had taken note of which suite he'd been given and finished her coffee then thanked Dimitrios and made her way out. It was late morning and there was alot of waiting to do. She needed to stop at an internet cafe though.

Two blocks away she stopped inside and paid for an hour of time. Lyssa had forwarded all of her phones and emails to one central account, by using a public access, it was a special loophole that didn't allow any tracking programs through. Over fifty messages were stacked all demanding her to contact the office and Dannigan. The last round of messages were different, subject line read "Princess in the wind, call office."

Princess was the radio callsign for the first daughter, Porkchop- the President and Pickle for the First Lady. The callsigns had been around since the Secret Service started using portable radios for each agent on the security detail. If the First Daughter really was in the wind then there was going to be serious hell to pay, starting with the team of agents assigned to her and the girl's handler. That wasn't her priority, besides she hadn't seen her. Didn't expect to either. Somebody else would handle that situation, she didn't babysit anyway and had more important things to attend to. On that note she left to get started preparing for the evening.

~o~O~o~

Beth was having a ball. A little ecstacy went a long way and she was dancing with the best now up by the dj booth. An older guy tried to slip into her dancing clique but the younger men had easily shielded her, after a couple of minute he backed off. She managed to slip out for a few hours to rest and eat then was back on the platform strutting and shaking in front of the dj.

an hour later when the next dj took the booth, he waved her down. They stepped out into a hallway then into a side room containing boxes of liquor and a small bed. The Dutch dj guided her down then gripped her panties and yanked downward as she struggled to reach for his pants. He took charge and shoved his pants and boxers down then held himself steady and pushed into her.

Beth yelped then moaned,"ooooooooh....YES! can have my panties if you make me cum hard!"

The young man took up her offer and powered into her harder and faster holding her legs wide and in no time Beth was screaming from the orgasm wracking through her body. Luckily she managed to compose herself enough to push him back in time as he came. She reached down and pumped him by hand as he spilled his semen on her thighs and hips. The young man groaned in pleasure then watched as Beth slid down to the floor then took him into her mouth licking and sucking him clean. Beth picked up her panties and wrote her first name on the front and stuck them into his pocket.

"later again," he asked her.

"Oh yes, again later," she giggled stroking his length gently then gave a lurid lick and stood up to go back out to the rave.

He whistled as she stood in the doorway with her feet apart and bent over making the micro dress ride high exposing herself then stepped out. Half way down the hall she found a bathroom she could clean up in then rejoined the rave as the clock showed midnight.

~o~O~o~

The taxi let Mitchell out just down the street from the Amphitheater. Moments later, after the taxi left, he was almost inside when someone hit him from behind making lights explode behind his eyes as he fell to the ground. Lyssa dragged him to the car then manuevered him into the trunk. She secured his wrists, taped his mouth and bagged his head then she searched his pockets and pulling his PDA, passport, roomkey, wallet and some loose local money. She also took his watch, belt and shoes to bag them all then hid the bag and drove out to an abandoned industrial area.

When she stopped and shut the car off she could hear him thumping and screaming in the trunk for attention. Lyssa opened the trunk and hauled him halfway out then let him fall the rest of the way out and slam to the floor. Roughly she got him back up and over to the other end of the building and into a chair then slammed the door. His eyes were wild with fear when she yanked the head bag off and he saw her. Slowly she pulled the tape from his mouth. Mitchell launched into demands but was immediately silenced by a pistol shoved into his mouth.

His silence continued as Lyssa pulled the pistol from his mouth then turned and walked over to the table. He watched silently as she laid the gun down, turned on the laptop and selected a file. Ramon Padosa, secured to a chair just as he was. The Congressman watched the video of the blonde woman in all black and facial paint loaded a syringe and said something in either spanish or portugese then jabbed him in the neck amid his screams.

An hour of video passed as he watched the woman use a car battery and various other things to torture him then practically skin him alive. Tied to a table and a small explosive used to emasculate him and set the room on fire, the video cut out as his screams dulled from being burned alive.

Lyssa set up to record and then turned around and walked toward Mitchell, a syringe in her hand.

She said softly,"your tab is due. I've been to hell thanks to you, but where I'm going to take you is worse.......much worse."

The Congressman fought the bonds to try getting away but was held fast as Lyssa grabbed his hair to hold him still to jab the needle into his neck and press the plunger down.

"Never before have I done this and enjoyed it. I'm actually going to this time," Lyssa hissed in his ear.

Alkowitz remembered what he'd been told about truth agents. None of that instruction was going to help him he knew as first he began to feel warm then hot as the first punch slammed into his gut. When the heat left and coldness set in while pain began to amplify the vision of the beautiful blonde blurred and turned into a creature so hideous.

It leaned closer to snarl," tell me all about your contacts. The ones you use to get information you know you're not supposed to have."

---

CHAPTER 4

Rani nudged Nilia. Nilia watched as the disguised President's daughter snuck back downstairs with the dj, very likely to have sex again. They both noticed that she returned from the first time without any underwear on. How typical. Now was their chance. Nilia had found another way downstairs and led Rani. They waited a few moments then could hear the moans and cries of sex. Rani rushed the door, kicking it open.

The two stopped and looked behind them in confusion just as Rani's fist impacted with the dj's face, slamming him across the bed and almost taking Beth with him. Beth looked up and screamed as Nilia covered her mouth and nose with a rag. Beth went limp within moments from the chloroform. Rani picked the girl up and carried her out as Nilia led the way from the club back to their van.

Beth was dumped into the back followed by Nilia who began handcuffing and gagging her as Rani climbed back behind the wheel and drove them away to a small house high on the cliffs. As soon as they arrived they took beth inside and stripped her of make-up, the wig and dress then took several photos and emailed them to their faction's communicator. Demands would be issued within the hour.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa stood firmly still as Mitchell finally lifted his head still shaking from the pain and hallucinations. He knew from the video earlier that he must have surely told the woman everything she wanted to know, no matter what it was she asked.

"are....Are you going to kill me now," he asked meekly.

"No congressman, I'm going to destroy your friends first and then ruin your wife and when I'm done with that," Lyssa leaned in closer," I'll start killing you."

"No.....please," he begged," do it now, please. Why are you doing this?"

Lyssa looked at him coldly," Demon Wraiths. 4 years ago. I was the one Padosa couldn't break."

His jaw dropped as she simply walked from the room taking the laptop. An hour later, her creative editing done, she emailed the interrogation to the directors of the CIA, DEA, FBI, ATF, NSA, Homeland Security and Congressional Committee of investigative Actions along with the Senate Sub-Committee on internal Sercurity. She also sent out the video of his wife to 27 various media outlets. It didn't take long, the wildfire spread fast spurred on by the media.

Lyssa came into the room hours later and set down the laptop where he could see and pulled up a news website and brought up the streaming feed. The reporter announced that the Congressman's wife had been found overdosed on cocaine and also that two congressman, four senators and numerous members of the intelligence and law enforcement community were being brought in on federal indictment, treason. Congressman Alkowitz himself sought for high treason.

That was when he noticed the rope being lowered to swing in front of him. He was suprised when Lyssa took that free end and tied it to the chair instead of around his neck then started hauling him upward. A large round tub was rolled underneath and a small rod of metal was dropped inside the liquid. The clear liquid immediately began to bubble and froth around it. He knew then it was acid.

"No one comes here, you will be completely alone," Lyssa said flatly then put a loop of rope in his hand then released the tension.

The tips of the chair skimmed the surface making the acid sizzle.

"when you can't stand it anymore, just let go Congressman," Lyssa looked up with cold eyes.

Mitchell started crying as Lyssa picked up the laptop and placed it on the edge of the container on a slanted stand and turned the sound up louder. She had looped the news feed then turned and walked away. Just as she started the car she heard a loud bang then a scream. She had led him to believe that it was deep, it wasn't he would slowly dissolve into the tub but be so damaged he'd not escape. Lyssa drove out as the sun rose, going back to her safehouse.

Lyssa went in, stripped and got under a scalding shower. I t took a couple of minutes then all her feelings came to the surface. Anger, happiness, relief, disappointment and grief had her going from crying to laughing to screaming after she sank to the floor of the shower. There would always be missions. Lyssa would always take missions. It went beyond obligation or duty. it was her purpose. She wasn't just a soldier, a spy,an assassin. Lyssa was an Operator. She never know peace until she'd served her life fighting mad men. Dancing and modeling brought her joy and provided a means to be where she needed to, but there were always missions to complete. Always.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan and Madison stood there in front of the tv in his office staring in shocked horror. Lyssa had been so thorough there was no escape for the network of turncoats, traitors and fools. Already there had been twenty-four federal indictments for treason. One count of High Treason. The name Alkowitz would go down as the modern day Benedict Arnold, last known sighting was the Athens Hilton. Lyssa had not been confirmed or denied in the area, but they knew she was there. More than likely hiding in plain sight.

"Madison, try raising her again, she might answer now,"Dannigan said quietly.

Madison knew that quiet demeanor was hiding a seething rage. She went to her computer and pulled up the list. Sure enough, Lyssa's phone number for Monte Carlo was active. Madison dialed in, Lyssa answered on the first ring and waited for the transfer to Dannigan.

He didn't bother with pretenses,"I could have your fucking head for this stunt."

Lyssa gave no quarter though," The hell do you want Dannigan, I'm busy."

"Have you found the First Daughter," he asked.

"Why should I be looking for her, I'm here and she's there," Lyssa said sounding annoyed with the conversation.

"Negative Kordenay, we have reason to believe she may have went to Mykonos for a rave but she's no longer in the wind, she's captured. Move fast and get her back," Dannigan ordered," do that and I might be able to keep a lethal finding off of you for that stunt with Alkowitz. I won't even ask where the body is."

Lyssa was quiet for a few moments then answered,"oh for fucksakes.....alright. I'll see what I can do," then hung up and called Dimitrios...she needed to get to Mykonos immediately.
 
 
 

 

Book 5 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Its a Race against the clock on Mykonos, can Lyssa find the President's daughter in time? WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Beth woke up and knew instantly things were about as wrong as it gets. She was handcuffed naked to a bed in a strange place. Slowly she opened her eyes and saw her own hair, not the wig and her face felt oddly clean. A man appeared in the doorway after a few minutes and looked straight at her. His look of total disgust made her want to cover herself but due to the restraint all she could do was squirm then turn her head away feeling very much ashamed. A woman walked in and roughly turned Beth to look at her.

Beth tried to cringe and asked,"May I have a blanket, please?"

"A slut like you needs no blanket, you are lucky to have a mattress to lay on! A dog like you should be on the dirt," the woman said loudly then slapped her bringing a yelp from Beth.

She debated for a moment about yelling out who she was then decided against it. One of the Secret Service men had told her before,' unless they call you by name, don't tell them who you are. Don't offer anything and most importantly; don't give up. Somebody will come for you.' Beth silently apologized for pulling such a disappearing act and being caught by the wrong people. She then sent a prayer for whoever was looking to find her very soon.

"Please hurry,"she whimpered to herself.

~o~O~o~

Dimitrios answered Lyssa's call on the fourth ring, and she wasted no time asking for the favor. she needed to get to Mykonos fast. He didn't understand why but told her the plane would be ready when she arrived at the private terminal. True to word, the lear sat on the tarmac waiting and the pilot greeted her then took her bags to the plane personally. The flight took an hour and she was met at the terminal by a local partygirl who virtually knew everybody worth knowing and more importantly knew everything that happened within minutes of it happening. Simply known as LaLa, she was THE premier party person on Mykonos. if it had anything to do with a club or house party Lala was the one to know and best of all, she owed Lyssa.

LaLa squealed and hugged Lyssa,"I thought you would be with the pretty people in Monte Carlo, don't tell me you are finally running away from all that?"

Lyssa laughed," No my sparkly friend, but we need to talk, let's go."

Outside the terminal LaLa pointed to multi colored car and got in.

Lyssa chuckled shaking her head joined her, "Lala...the car is definitely you."

The Mykonos party girl giggled as they drove to the address Lyssa gave her. LaLa looked at her friend then drove to a place just back from the cliffs and followed Lyssa inside after being waved in. Lyssa opened her carry-on, pulled out a laptop and booted up. The partygirl looked confused as Lyssa worked fast but watched quietly.

"LaLa, what parties and raves are happening right now," she asked.

"A bunch of parties, its Mykonos, there are always parties Lyssa but only three raves, there were four. I guess you could call one a rave, it was only for one night and the music was blah...." LaLa rolled her eyes in disgust," why?"

"I'm looking for a rave that would draw an international crowd, a girl might have gone missing from it," Lyssa said.

"Oh I know it, the dj a girl had been with got beat up. he even has her purse still, I think he's in love and hoping she gets in touch," Lala exclaimed.

"Ok, I need to know if he got any pictures of her," Lyssa said.

"Oh they are all on his Twitter page," Lala gave her the website and watched as it loaded quickly then pointed out the girl, "that's her. She's ok looking, but would look better with blonde or pink hair."

"Damn...that's the girl alright. LaLa, I have to find her, it's important. Lala.....this is important like you wouldn't believe," Lyssa fixed her with a hard look.

The partygirl squirmed for a minute, "Ok Lyssa, chill, I'll find out if anybody saw anything."

A few phone calls spoken in party code later and LaLa caught her attention," a blue van......sharks painted on the side, blacked glass, wagon wheel rims and took the northern road."

Lyssa found then ran satellite footage and found the van leaving the rave. She backed up and saw three people. Zooming in more, a brunette girl being carried by a dark haired man followed by another dark straight haired woman. Lyssa scanned forward through the archive and tracked the van to the northeastern part of the island then watched that site until the satellite orbit shifted out of frame. she'd found her. Lyssa's phone rang then, it was Dannigan.

Lyssa wasted no time, "I'm not alone."

"Any luck yet," Dannigan asked point blank.

"I think so, I'll find out shortly. It'll be dark in an hour. I'll go look personally,"Lyssa said flatly.

"Ok. There's an aircraft carrier battle group in the area. Let me know when you something,"Dannigan said signing off.

Lyssa hung up her phone then stripped out of the white dress and sandals. She then pulled on the black one piece outfit and boots then picked up a black backpack. LaLa looked very puzzled at her friend as she readied herself. the outfit looked as if it had been sculpted to her very body and went up her neck almost to the jaw. Guns and a few other went into the backpack Lala didn't see too clearly.

"Let's go find a girl," Lyssa said walking to the door.

Lala blinked then walked out and got behind the wheel. As they set out for the other side of the island Lala thought to herself, 'something is very wrong. This isn't normal for Lyssa. She is a ballerina and a model, so why does she look so scary right now?'

~o~O~o~

Dannigan cradled the phone as Madison stepped in with some files.

"Did Lyssa find her," she asked.

"Maybe," he answered," she isn't confirming or denying anything. she's not sure."

"Translation: she's going to wait til she has the girl before saying where she is," Madison asked pointedly.

"Pretty much,"Dannigan replied,"Lyssa's smart not to do the 'get people's hopes up thing'. she's not gonna gives a false hope. For her it's a sure thing or nothing."

Madison stepped out and after closing the door she sent a silent prayer out,"Wherever you are, find and bring that girl back safe."

---

CHAPTER 2

Rani spoke to his communications man in the Philippines, "Have you sent the pictures and the demands?"

"Yes, but the power has been out because of the storm so I don't have the answer yet," the man answered.

Rani spout off several curses then demanded the man contact him as soon as he had the response. One thing was for sure though, no one knew where they were. He went in to check the girl once more. He held her face tightly as he looked into her eyes then was satisfied she was acceptable he turned and left the room, slamming and locking the door behind him again. Still no one knew where the girl was, and if tracked the messages would lead them to the Philippines and not the greek island. They'd foolishly search for years and never know.

Their plan worked so well he was almost laughing. The stupid girl's classmate who had suggested the tricks and got the tickets to Mykonos and even helped with the disguise was actually his own cousin. A plant, so far she had been questioned twice and played dumb well. The agents didn't suspect her at all and she was able to keep him well informed. This operation had been practically flawless. They would still succeed despite the american claim of not negotiating. The government would negotiate for the return of the President's daughter. The ultimate bargaining chip for everything. Rani laughed to himself, before she would be released she could provide him some additional entertainment as well, just to flaunt to them he could do as he wished.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa had Lala stop the car half a mile away from the suspect house and hide. The partygirl watched as Lyssa applied black, dark grey and light grey color to her face in a complex pattern of swirls. Lala was mesmorized as skillfully painted her face without a mirror. The pattern was both beautiful and frightening. It was more than obvious that Lyssa had done so many times. A black bandanna as a dew rag concealed her blonde hair in the dark.

"Stay here. I'll call you when I'm coming back so you will be ready," Lyssa told her.

The Mykonos girl watched, still enthralled, as Lyssa took out a harness and slipped it on. Two holstered pistols along the sides of her thighs and a strange looking knife down the back of her right thigh, another knife hung upside down on the left shoulder strap along with grenades on both. Pouches for pistol magazines circled her waist except for a small bag at her back. A coiled rope went over her shoulder as she slipped into the dark night.

Carefully she worked her way in, taking her time and searching well for alarms and booby-traps. She neutralized several trip wires and finally made her way to the wall. Like a living shadow she started slowly peering into windows. No sign of the girl on the first floor but it appeared that the hostiles numbered only four. Outer security wasn't a concern to them. Climbing up a tree beside the wall gained her access to the roof and the ability to lean over and check the windows on the second floor.

After two windows Lyssa hit pay dirt...Beth lay handcuffed naked to a bed. She looked mildly roughed up but not severely abused. Bad news; the window had both an alarm and anti-personnel device on it. Good news; both were amateur. Lyssa didn't see the need to take chances though. This would take some finesse, but first the girl had to be made to sleep. Lyssa started gently pulling tiles from the roof, listening carefully for any clue that she'd been detected. Within a few moments she had an opening big enough to slip through. after tying off a rope to the chimney she silently released a mist above the girl.

When her breathing had become rhythmic Lyssa slowly lowered herself into the room and picked the cuffs then stepped back. It took only a minute after Lyssa stepped to the window and disarmed the grenade wired to the window sill and bypass the alarm. Lyssa owned the room and secured it by wedging the chair at the door after filling the lock with epoxy resin. She listened close to make sure things were still as they were downstairs. All sounded casual so she continued, dropping the retrieved rope out the window and lowering the unconscious Beth to the ground. Lyssa then wired her own explosives to the door and climbed out the window.

Once on the ground Lyssa pulled the rope free and recoiled it. She picked Beth up in a fireman's carry and slowly moved away. Lyssa was almost to the car when she grabbed her phone and hit the redial.

Lala answered on the first ring ,"Lyssa what's happened?"

"Get the car started, I'm almost there,"Lyssa said quickly.

The headlights immediately came on and Lyssa ran faster. LaLa saw her coming and jumped out to open the back door for her.

Lyssa eased Beth down onto the back seat then jumped in, "Go Lala...go. Get us to a west beach fast!"

The partygirl did exactly that as Lyssa made a call.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan's heart finally started beating and his brain kicked into high gear.

He called out, "Madison, get a ping on Lyssa's phone fast, then connect me to the Ronald Reagan battlegroup! She got her!"

Madison let out a whoop and started typing on her computer. A moment later she called out the coordinates then started dialing. It took a few minutes, but she had the captain of the aircraft carrier on the secure line and announced it.

Dannigan snatched it up and spoke fast, "Captain this is a national security matter. The First Daughter has been located. Currently en route to an extraction location. This is a 'hot extract'. Get a Pavelow or a Seahawk with SEALs in the air now. Also two Hornets to do some dirt work....my authorization code is 'Texas Vermillion' Captain."

The Captain verified the code phrase and came back on the line, "Ok whoever you are. Code checks out. I'm scrambling the crews now where do I send them?"

"Mykonos Captain, pick up will be the western beach. The dirt work is this location," Dannigan relayed the coordinates of the only building in the area Lyssa had been in.

The Captain acknowledged the coordinates and gave clearance to the aircraft launching off the deck. Dannigan relayed the beach coordinates for the extraction team along with status; one friendly, unconscious, after receiving those same coordinates from Lyssa who confirmed them. He kept the line open and Madison stood by his desk while they all waited.

~o~O~o~

Lala heard planes streak overhead but kept driving, they were almost to the beach.

Lyssa looked to the frightened partygirl and said calmly," doing good LaLa...just get us to the beach."

"Ok," she stammered but drove on.

Lyssa reached around and found a sparkly dress and started putting it on Beth, "LaLa I owe you a new dress but don't worry, I'll get something really special to replace this one."

She simply nodded trying not to wonder why her beautiful model and dancer friend was wearing all black with guns strapped to her thighs and having her drive an unconscious girl to the beach in the middle of the night. There were things about her she didn't know and they were very scary to her. The beach came into view of the headlights so Lala stopped before getting stuck in the sand. Lyssa climbed out and took the sleeping girl with her.

"Lights off Lala and just sit tight. I'll be back soon," Lyssa instructed her.

Lala nodded then watched her walk off into the dark again. A couple of minutes later she could see two chemical light sticks begin to glow down on the beach.

---

CHAPTER 3

"Camelot, this is Pongo. Approaching target, confirm weapons orders," the lead pilot of the two F-18 Hornets called in.

"Roger Pongo, You are both cleared for weapons release, time on target," the operations center answered.

"Copy that Camelot, Weapons are hot, acknowledge Bones," the flight leader confirmed.

"Roger Pongo, weapons hot, tally ho" the second pilot answered.

The flight leader sighted in and relayed the target zone to the second.

"Time on target Pongo," the operations center confirmed.

"Roger Camelot, Fox three," the leader called out as he fired the missile," go get 'em Bones"

"Roger Pongo, targeted and....Fox three," the second announced as he fired his missile.

They orbited the ruined house once and confirmed destruction then turned back for the carrier, passing the helicopter as it began its approach to land on the beach.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa held up the two glowing chem-lights and directing the Seahawk down to the sand then knelt with her arms crossed over her chest. Beth lay at her feet, asleep. The Navy SEALS bailed out and ran toward Lyssa fast.

"Let's go," the team leader said as he bent down to pick up Beth.

"She goes, I stay, get gone SEAL," Lyssa said then turned and started walking away.

The SEAL called in,"Camelot this is Posse, confirm extraction package."

"Posse, extraction of one, status unconscious. Do you copy," the operations center asked.

"Copy Camelot. Posse is extracting one, unconscious," The Seal Leader said then signaled the team back to the Seahawk.

They loaded in and lifted off as Lyssa disappeared back into the darkness.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan reconnected as the captain of the carrier announced that the girl was now onboard.

"Thank you Captain. I'd advise you to contact the White House...the Man will be anxious to hear she's been recovered," he disconnected from the carrier and reconnected to Lyssa's phone, "I can't believe it, you pulled off a miracle."

"Anybody escape the location," Lyssa asked.

"No, they're done....well done to be exact," he answered.

" We still got issues," Lyssa asked coldly.

"Pull shit like that again, we will. Enjoy monte carlo," Dannigan said then disconnected leaning back in his chair.

Madison stood in the doorway, "she did it. She found her and got her safe."

"Yeah, well don't forget that not even twenty-four hours prior she executed a United States Congressman. Granted he was guilty of treason, he was still a Congressman," Dannigan pointed out.

"Let me ask this," Madison posed to him," if she simply just turned over the evidence, what would have really happened to him?"

"He'd have been removed from office. His wife probably still would have overdosed, but he'd have pulled in beaucoup favors, used his money and connections probably to serve time under house arrest," Dannigan said flatly, "None of that is the point Madison. Yes Lyssa saved the taxpayers a fortune on a trail for treason that he would have gotten a slap on the wrist for because he's connected. He was still an elected official and just because she is out there in the shadows doesn't mean she has no oversight."

Madison stood silently thinking.

Dannigan continued," remember this well. What she did was wrong, ethically, morally and legally. It all boils down to this; there was no lethal finding against Alkowitz."

"Yes sir," Madison answered.

"Madi, I've been dealing with things like this a long time. Politicians sell out everyday; money, another term in office, comforts, influence and clout. It runs the gamut Madison but nothing changes; without a lethal finding we can't take lethal action," Dannigan explained.

Madison looked down," doesn't sound right sometimes though."

Dannigan sighed, "does it suck, hell yes. Do I personally hate it, yes. On a personal level can I find fault with her actions, no. Its not about being personal. Ego has to be omitted from the equation or we become worse than them. Can anybody prove she did what she did; no. She covered her ass, and ours, very well. So I can't officially pursue it. Unofficially, I won't pursue it. It was personal for her. With his death its done and I have no doubt in my mind that he is indeed the deadest son of a bitch on the planet. So that being said and done, we move on. Since its the end of the day; we go home."

Dannigan shut down his desk and picked up his jacket, tie and briefcase, "have a good night."

"Good night Sir," Madison echoed as she herself collected her things to leave.

~o~O~o~

"Mr. President, the captain of the Ronald Reagan is on the hotline,Sir," the military operator called over the intercom," you WANT to take this call Sir."

Confused he answered,"Go ahead Captain."

"Mr.President, we have your daughter on board now. She's being seen to by the doctor and is asleep. She appears to be fine, will know for certain in a few minutes Sir," the captain reported.

"DO WHAT? HOW THE HELL DID SHE GET ON THE REAGAN," the President jumped out of his chair causing everyone in the room to freeze in place.

He shouted, "Everybody drop what you're doing; scramble Air Force One. We're going to Helicon Air Force base, Greece. Wheels up in thirty minutes."

"Mr.President we can't.."the head of the Secret Service detail began.

"NOT ONE MORE WORD," the President yelled, "In fact there will be NO Secret Service at all on this trip. General....get me a detail of SEALS, Delta troopers and PJ's. Full combat gear and meet us at the plane. Any attempt by Secret Service to board the plane, their orders are to shoot on sight!"

The President stormed from the Oval Office. The Agent of the Presidential Detail reached for his phone when the JSOC Commander stopped his arm.

"Hold on there son,"the general said.

"Tantrum or not we have the job to do," the Agent reminded.

"Not this time. And to be honest, you know your entire detail is being reassigned. Yes," The general asked.

"Reassigned my ass," The Agent retorted.

Just then his phone rang, a text message. The message was short;
entire detail report immediately to the office of the Director.

The Agent swore loudly then looked to all the protective detail Agents and signaled them to follow.

---

CHAPTER 4

Lyssa spoke quickly to the main designer at Yves St.Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, as her friend LaLa gaped, "Karl I need a dress. Size 4, super sparkly, backless, lots of pink, purple and blue. A dress a girl at a rave would wear. Uber sexy Karl. Pretty please for me," Lyssa talked sweetly over the phone.

After a laugh she thanked him and hung up after giving LaLa's name and address.

"Just like that," Lala asked stunned.

"Just like that, with conditions of course," Lyssa added," Lala you know people owe me favors. I do favors and have favors done for me. This is one of those favors. You've now done one for me now and that makes us even. What you saw and heard. Didn't happen. Ever. Forget it all."

The party girl considered that for a moment then shook her head," no Lyssa. Not even. You kept me from being drugged and taken away by those guys a year ago. This girl you went for, she had the same problem. I won't say anything, ever. You're my friend."

Lyssa knew she had always wanted a designer dress and now she was going to get it. Contrary to her image, the partygirl was actually poor and had very few things. she had established a good reputation as a party girl and her presence ensured high attendance; which is how she made what little money she had. LaLa had no problem whatsoever keeping her friend's secret, and said so.

While she was in the bathroom of the villa Lyssa logged into one of her swiss accounts and transferred several thousand euros to the account held by Lala. A frown crossed her face when she saw the poor girl had a single digit amount of money before the transfer.

Lala emerged from the bathroom," you need to go back to the airport now?"

After leaving they stopped at a local cafe which Lyssa paid for breakfast and left a generous tip and dropped a large denomination euro-note into Lala's bag without being noticed.

Lyssa whispered," the dress isn't the only gift. You'll find out later."

She hugged her friend goodbye then boarded the private plane bound for Monaco. The attendant asked to serve her and Lyssa asked for fruit juice and a cup of coffee. She laid down on the couch falling asleep quickly.

~o~O~o~

The different feel of things brought Beth to full wakefullness, especially the southern drawl from a woman. Beth opened her eyes and looked around then felt the room move slightly and whimpered thinking it was whatever had been given to her.

"Oh you're awake now," a woman in a khaki uniform stepped close and peered at her, "I'm Commander Newellton, a doctor here aboard the Ronald Reagan. You're safe I promise."

Beth started sobbing and hugged the Naval officer," thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

The ship's Captain entered the exam room but was immediately waved to stop by the medical officer.

"I'm sorry Miss, but I have to ask some questions," Commander Newellton tried to comfort the emotional girl," I had to take a rape kit on you. There was evidence of intercourse but no semen. Please be honest, were you raped by your abductors?"

"N..no..I had sex with a dj at the rave, but the people that took me didn't do anything like that. They just handled me rough and slapped me a couple of times. They didn't.....hurt me like that," Beth stammered out.

"Are you sure Miss? I have to ask for the official record," the Commander asked directly.

She nodded.

"I wasn't raped Ma'am. Can we keep it quiet though? My dad's gonna go ballistic that I'm not a virgin," Beth asked.

"Sorry Miss, it has to be official," the Commander explained as she made the note of consensual sex prior to abduction.

"The ship's captain is waiting to see you. Are you ready for a minute or two of the formality," She asked.

"I'm on a ship? Do I have ask permission to board or something like that," Beth asked unsure of what to do.

"No request necessary Miss," a decorated man stepped into the room nodding to the medical officer then stepped in closer and offered his hand," Randall F. Dalton, Miss. I'm the captain of the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan."

"Thank you for finding and rescuing me Captain," Beth shook his hand.

"About that.....we didn't find you. Somebody else did and called for us to pick you up. Do you remember who they were," He asked.

"I remember wanting to go home and saw it get dark outside. I got really sleepy after it got colder in the room and then I woke up here," Beth recalled then looked confused, "you mean some SEAL guys didn't come get me? They're like, really sneaky right?"

"They are miss," the Captain assured her," but they just met you at the beach. We actually don't know how you got there. We think there was a woman there with you, an American, but we don't know for certain. Are you sure you don't remember anything else?"

"Sorry, no," Beth murmured confused," I never talked to any Americans around me the whole time. They might have figured out who I was."

she sat confused then asked,"Captain when can I go home?"

"The President is on his way. We'll fly you to Helicon Air force Base in Greece to meet him there. When you get back to Washington he will insist you go to the hospital to be thoroghly checked out even though Commander Newellton is a more than capable doctor and with HER permission we'll send you to get you properly cleaned up and presentable to meet your father," The captain explained.

Beth looked to Commander Newellton who nodded then nodded to the captain who exited the room to secure the needs of Beth before her departure. A few minutes later Beth was taken to a state room and given what she needed to shower. when she got out an Ensign waited to help her with hair and make-up. The Ensign also gave her a change of civilian clothes and shoes commenting they were close in size. Beth quickly got the young woman's name and mailing information with the promise of sending her very nice replacements.

~o~O~o~

Air Force One had never seen such heavily armed contingent before, but likewise had never launched a flight that had not been pre-planned a month prior. The President struggled not to be a backseat driver as he managed to keep himself sitting at his desk onboard and worked. Another call from the Reagan had him even more puzzled. Somebody had located and rescued the First Daughter then delivered her to an extraction point to be picked up by the Navy. Who and how were the questions. None of the intelligence agencies had a clue and those directors wouldn't lie.

Apparently there were resources available that weren't exactly at his command. Not suprising now that he thought about it. Such resources were classified above his clearance due to deniability. Super dark black ops. The kind that idiot Alkowitz couldn't compromise when he was selling out agencies and military strike teams to a coke lord. The kind that probably took him out since neither he, nor his body has been reported anywhere in over three days.

Beth watched as Air Force One landed and taxi'ed to a stop, drowning out the irate Ambassador arguing with Air Force MP's securing the flight line. Though traditional that the U.S. ambassador to a host country greet the President on his arrival, orders had been issued that all formal protocols were temporarily suspended. Only military personnel were to be on line to deliver the First Daughter, who would be immediately flown out. It was not a political or social visit of any kind and every agency except for DOD were in the doghouse as far as the President was concerned.

Beth ran up the stairs and slammed straight into her father's arms who guided her into the plane.

He got her settled and called to the pilot, "Colonel I have my girl. Let's go home."

The flying symbol of U.S. presence turned and immediately took off heading west. A mid air refuel tanker standing by off the coast of England.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa opened the box on Marco's yacht. Inside were evening gowns, party dresses and swimsuits along with pumps and sandals to coordinate.

"Those all look beautiful Lyssa," Marco commented appreciatively.

Lyssa nodded," very, The gowns are loaned but the rest i can keep if I want to."

Marco laughed," more favors. Lyssa's favors. One day I think you may call in all who owe you and rule the world."

Lyssa kissed his cheek as she passed to hang the clothes up," not yet. Next month maybe."

Marco shook his head laughing as he went to answer a call, starlets and lingerie models be damned; he had Lyssa Kordenay as his date for the whole film festival. Favors for favors; She would be his date, she would collect on that at a later date. The wardrobe she would wear would garner attention for a designer she knew in London and in return she would get to keep certain items and be owed a favor. Lyssa had smirked at the mention of some starlets and models being paid for their company. She had even made the statement," money is for working. You can do me a favor one day." He had no problem with that.
 
 
 

 

Book 6 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Monte Carlo is a city of glamour, but can Lyssa find a mole among all the beautiful people? WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Lyssa took her escort's hand to steady herself as she stepped from the sleek cigarette boat onto the ornate dock, her evening dress faded from dark grey to cobalt blue to almost white with seed-like crystal beads scattered across the white skirting very much like the ocean's surf along the beach and reflected more light as the staccato of flashes from the event photographers took pictures of the celebrated producer with the moderately known model.

The producer,Marco, was widely known for heart-wrenching dramatic films also for not dating actresses at all had occasionally been seen with semi-well known models while avoiding those that predominately modeled lingerie. Marco liked people that possessed vision and Lyssa was one who believed in vision being very selective in her modeling, choosing what she wore and for whom she wore it like the dress she wore now.

The Storm-Water dress on loan from a little known but incredibly talented English designer and friend. Tonight was the premier of a highly anticipated musical of a woman searching the sea for a lost lover. Tomorrow night would be Marco's premier and she would steal the limelight of the carpet for her friend by wearing an even more striking creation, the Skyfire gown would be perfect for Marco's tale of a pilot racing home to attend the birth of his second child and remembering all the events leading to the current journey.

Only the producers and director and editors knew exactly how the film ended; a secret to be revealed at the premier. they could all hardly bear the wait. Anticipation was a wonderful thing sometimes, but Marco was being an incorrigible git teasing everyone about the true ending. Lyssa had ended his teasing the day before while they strolled pool area of the grand hotel by whispering very erotic suggestions into his ear then remarked at the emerging effect inciting him to immediately dive into the pool then find her smirking at the pool's edge while many others looked on in curiosity. Some were rather quick on the up-take and realized the exchange with a giggle or two. That had put an end to his taunts though revenge was promised after his premier.

Paparrazzi and the more fabled Glitterazzi lined the carpet vying for their attention with shouted compliments and attempts for any remarks. A scandal monger yelled out the question where was Marco's last romantic interest to which Marco smiled and turned to look at the woman in question walking up with the star of his film making the gossip columnist look sheepish for a moment. A round of cocktails inside to take up the remaining arrival time of the other celebrities then they all proceeded inside to watch the new film. they both chuckled to themselves as more than one up and coming starlet disappeared from sight for several minutes in the dim light, having a box seat in the theater afforded an excellent view of both the screen and the audience.

The President fumed at the director of the Secret Service. A girl not even 17 had outwitted all the intelligence agencies and law enforcement services except one and the one was playing mystery men by not coming forward. Security clearances be damned, he wanted to know firstly how she managed to elude them all and secondly how was she found and by whom.

The strangest thing was Beth had only one person in confidence of the plan and now that girl was missing, a Philippine classmate and it seemed that the questionable girl had been considerably backstopped but a more pointed investigation reveal small holes in the legend that once scrutinized became deep. The CIA were currently investigating the leads in the Philippines and the FBI were investigating the people here in the states. He needed the team that had found Beth to head this investigation up but nobody knew who it was and if anybody did know they weren't telling.

"Damn it Bob just level with me, who found my little girl," the President demanded of the National Security Advisor.

"Sir i have asked everybody. I even questioned the captain of the Reagan and all I have is that whoever it was that called it in had a clearance so high the list of people with that clearance is higher," the Advisor answered,"hell he probably lives at the new area 51 location or he's in the basement downstairs. All i know is nobody is gonna take credit because you'll demand it be backed up and that ain't gonna happen by the real people."

"I'm the President damn it if anybody should know, it should be me," he steamed on.

"After that fiasco with Alkowitz nobody in the DOD or alphabet soup want anything to do with politicians....President or not," The Advisor reminded him. "Don't go there," The president said sharply," its not the same thing."

"Isn't it," he asked then continued," you'd use clout to bully your way for information that you have no business knowing? just like Alkowitz did? cause if you are you might as well get up and walk out now."

"whoa," the president slammed his fist to the desk," don't talk to me like that."

"I can and I'm doing it because I have to. The line is drawn in the sand. you don't have the clearance and any inquiries outside of channels could result in operators being burned, do you want to go down as a president that committed treason," the Advisor leaned in close and asked,"So you better think about it. Impeached is one thing; prison and death sentences are another."

"Hell we don't even know who told the press about Alkowitz either," the President sighed.

"I'd say it was somebody extremely pissed off that he snooped in on one or more of their ops, now that we know; the list is extremely long from the staff here to damn postal service," the Advisor admitted.

"In short the number of people with an ax to grind is too long, we may never find out who did him in," the President asked.

"that's it....point blank and period, he's off the grid and a sure bet that he's been eliminated,"The Advisor admitted.

The President sat for a moment then nodded and dismissed everyone. Alone he sat and thought, it seemed so out of place to be told no about something. Usually the answer 'yes but give us a little while to sort it out'. Treason was a serious thing; no President had ever been accused of it. Then again, most presidents knew when to accept no for an answer. He should work on that himself.

Dannigan stared at the computer screen and muttered," so much for a quiet week."

It seemed a project at DARPA had been compromised. DARPA projects ran from new menu MRE's- Meal-Ready-to Eat to tactical aircraft. even satellites for recon and communication. basically if it had a military or intelligence application they created it or funded it with oversight.In short, DARPA played umbrella more than anything else and right now one of their projects had been stolen; a new helicopter turbine schematic. a turbine that could run on vegetable oil and outperform standard turbines using JP-7. Initial testing had been more than promising.

Dannigan wasn't an aerospace wizard but he understood enough to see how important it was that the information be retrieved. and fast. an afternoon inquiries brought the quest to a ticket to Monte Carlo.

"Madison...is Lyssa still in Monte Carlo at that film festival," Dannigan asked through the intercom.

"Yes Sir and she seems to be stealing the red carpet away from all those actresses. Her date is a real dreamboat and a half," Madison chuckled back.

"Simple 'yes' works for me Madi. send a message for her to make contact; an important one just came down the pipe," he said dryly.

"Will do but she might take her time, he's gorgeous and a movie producer," Madison giggled.

Dannigan shook his head, if it was the same producer he thought it was there was nothing to really worry about. Favor for favor at least that's how she explained most things like that.

CHAPTER 2

Jasmine tried to stay calm as she answered the customs agent,"my visit is vacation, nothing to declare."

The agent nodded then stamped the passport,"Welcome to the Principality of Monaco, enjoy your stay."

"Thank you," she said then collected her things and made her way through the terminal stopping at the news stand. She asked for a copy of the previous day's Washington Post evening edition. The vendor reached down under the counter and brought out a copy and passed it to her. Jasmine thanked and paid the older man and walked to the concourse, sitting down she looked through until she found a small envelope containing a simply printed card instructing her to check in at Grand Casino and blend in.

She flagged a taxi outside the terminal and was at the Grand Casino in short time. a reservation had been made along with payment for a week's stay, all she had to do was check in. once in the room she noticed several bags hanging in the closet containing evening and cocktail dresses again a note card stating "blend in". Jasmine showered then made-up and dressed in the new wardrobe went down and wandered the casino after buying one hundred euros of credit chips. the occasional head turned as she wandered from table to table.

Never gambling before she felt overwhelmed. Finally she found a blackjack table a simple game she moderately knew how to play. Just get twenty-one and not go over....simple. Five minutes later her chips were all gone, the game wasn't so simple after all. She decided to just wander around more, there seemed to be something exciting going on. At least until she was contacted again. Maybe tomorrow.

Lyssa walked slowly holding Marco's hand as they meandered the pool area, wearing a vivid red monokini instead of a bikini typically worn by the eye-candy. Translation: barely there but sparkly. They were there to be discovered or in some cases, rediscovered. The established actresses were all out on yachts or in private villas during the day with the exception of being out for the purpose of being seen. Deals were made in private not public. Anybody spending more than five minutes sitting together were considered to be in negotiation for something. there had already been one surprise wedding so anything could happen at any moment.

Speaking of surprises: a message just came through, the office wanted contact, urgent. She'd call in later, right now her purpose was to draw attention to Marco and the best way to do that was to seem untouchable hence her choice of the monokini. Untouchable for her meant approachable for him and that was what she was here for. To that end a few couture designs drew attention and her attitude directed it to Marco. Nice trade out.

Favors for favors and that's how she got things done, using her contacts she could travel under the radar using private terminals via plane and yacht, attend closed door functions without being on any guest list, even go unnoticed during a lot of suspicious activities. The plan was working; a tall brunette in a skirt suit strode toward them currently. a tap of his thumb was the subtle signal, she conveniently noticed a friend and waved, Marco gave her an obvious nod and Lyssa walked over to her friend as the brunette stepped up and greeted Marco, inviting him for a drink in a cabana. A few quick words to her friend then the excuse of needing a visit to the ladies' room got her clear of the pool area and she dialed into the secure server that connected to the satellite.

Afternoon in Monte Carlo meant morning in Washington. Hopefully they'd be in the office by now.

Madison answered on the second ring and coded in to secure the line then jumped right in,"hey gorgeous. you look like you're having a blast."

Lyssa laughed and answered,"Not hardly Madi....this is work you know."

"Trade jobs.....I'll go wear the pretty clothes and honey up to the movie people and you can come do this," Madison offered.

"Won't work, I'm illegitimate...can't spell," Lyssa teased back getting a good laugh from Madison then was transferred to Dannigan.

"So good of you to call," Dannigan said dryly.

"I had a few minutes, what's so important," Lyssa asked.

Dannigan didn't beat around the bush explaining what had happened and all the details would be in her secure email, time was critical. Mission was three fold: retrieve the data, liquidate the seller and identify then dissuade the buyer, all with extreme prejudice. Lyssa confirmed her understanding and would get started immediately then disconnected.

Walking back through the cabanas Lyssa came face to face with reality in the form of captain Billy Chandler. Chandler was a Nemesis operator, quick retaliation on the ground nuke handler. Anytime a tactical nuclear device was deployed it was handled by a Nemesis operator, top operators from every branch of the military were taken out of service and their records were obliterated to conceal who they were and what they did. Nemesis operators gave up their lives to become that. No family, no friends for real, not even a CIA NOC went that extreme. They were never out of the loop. Ever. They would be watched until confirmed dead and cremated. they paid the price for freedom in a way nobody could be expected to. And here he was, here in Monte Carlo.

Lyssa went on full alert, slowly scanning the crowd. Operators don't wear signs or uniforms but their tradecraft signaled their presence, by being still and calm and very disinterested which was a deception; They would be hyper-aware and would be positioned for the best vantage points to see and not be noticed. She really started noticing then; a group of four SAS soldiers at a director's table, the SEAL with an actress, two retired FBI agents with a group of actors, a Delta trooper talking subtly with a well known action star. the MI-6 woman pretending to be a secretary reminded her to look for the intelligence agencies too.

The young woman that practically glowed in the dark wearing a full coverage standard blue bikini was all wrong, drawing smirks and sneers. She looked out of place and very aware of the fact. She marked the face well. Marco was obviously done, he slowly looked around then caught Lyssa's eye and nodded. She rejoined him and whispered that now would be a good time to return to the yacht and start preparing for the evening. Marco agreed and commenting that calls needed to be made. Dannigan needed to know about Chandler being on-site. Lyssa made sure that her walk had just a bit more swing to it without appearing intentional as they left.

CHAPTER 3

"Sir, this is a nightmare. There's operators everywhere,"Chandler informed his NSA handler.

"That's a given Captain, a lot of action movies this season and action movies need consultants thus the abundance of former and current operators, both U.S. and foreign," The NSA agent confirmed.

"Yeah and that's bad for me, we all know how to identify each other and I'm really worried about being recognized from my SF days," Chandler warned.

"Don't worry, you've got full backstopping for this then you go back into the cold. You've been out of the loop long enough to act as a consultant or a private security provider,"he tried to assure him,"Eye on the ball chandler.....find the mole that bailed with the engine specs."

"I know the mission Sir but this is different, a damn film fest and we still don't know who the mark is,"Chandler reminded. button button button, who the hell has the button.

Billy booted up his computer and started running the facial program of known agents against entries through customs Interpol agents came up quickly but had to be dismissed they weren't spying, they were pursuing drug avenues within the movie industry and possible human trafficking along with antiquity smuggling. a known MI-6 whistle blower and several retired KGB agents, retired Stazi colonel and his aid were flagged. This was going to take forever. A red carpet event would be in a few hours, maybe he'd see something indicative there; Besides just more movie people showing off.

Madison heard Dannigan swear loudly. 'not good,' she thought.

"Madison," Dannigan leaned out his door," Find out who the hell authorized Nemesis;Billy Chandler to be moving around in Monte Carlo."

Madison immediately turned to her computer and began accessing the secure networks. There were only twenty Nemesis operators in service and their activities and whereabouts were critical information to DOD and NSA. it took half an hour to get to the information; Nemesis:Captain William Andrew Chandler currently tasked to NSA operation MAD HATTER. Mission Overview:Data retrieval; DARPA project-GREEN LIGHTENING prototype biofuel powered turbine. She transferred the screen from her desk to his eliciting another stream of profanity followed by the closing of his door.

Dannigan dialed the director of the NSA who answered after several rings.

"Who in the hell authorized this operation James," Dannigan demanded. After seeing the mission overview the NSA director swore then slammed the phone down. Dannigan opened the door and leaned out,"Madi activate the Hubris protocol, find all the Nemesis operators." Madison launched the program and had the results in five minutes.

Dannigan looked over her shoulder and his mood got even worse, he returned to his office and closed the door, within moments the shouting began and continued for the better part of an hour. The Nemesis Project was about to get a complete overhaul from the sound of things. Heads weren't about to roll; They were about to be severed.

Jasmine found the envelope on the floor of the room when she returned from the pool. again the message was simple; Fountains at three am day after tomorrow. That answered that, now to get ready she'd attend the premier tonight. Too bad she had no date, its supposed to be a very good movie. She could hold it together two more days then make the drop and get her money and hide in the Caribbean forever. She took her time showering then getting made-up and dressed. a simple ankle length red sheath dress would go good tonight.

The sun was setting as she took a place along the red carpet where the spectators with tickets would be able to watch then enter after the A-list entries. She watched in excitement as the lead actor and actress made their entrance from the dock with their spouses followed by supporting actors and actresses with their spouses and escorts then the director with her spouse followed by the producer with his escort. Jasmine held her breath in awe. the producer was with the same blonde as the afternoon but she was absolutely stunning in the evening dress that seemed to be catching the evening light and taking fire against a soft blue fabric. It seemed that all of the photographers were as drawn to her as she was and after all the beautiful actresses that was saying something. The crowd started moving and she followed into the theater.

Lyssa once again stepped from the cigarette boat onto the dock and immediately the flashes began along with several ooh and aah's down the carpet. The Skyfire gown had its designed effect, her friend would be overjoyed. At the interview area she dropped the designer's name along with the name of the gown. she had intentionally went very sparse on her jewelry to not draw attention away from the gown. Her shoes and jewelry weren't on loan and therefore not going to be plugged for exposure.

The pale woman in the red dress caught her eye; she remembered her from the pool, simple blue off the rack bikini, yet a evening dress straight out of the Macy's catalogue and costume jewelry. Again, she looked very out of place. The Nemesis Operator was dressed appropriately though in an Italian suit of subdued color and tie. He wasn't here for the premier, he was searching for somebody. His posture telegraphed it loud and clear that he was hunting and it was clear what he was looking for; another operator by the way he took note of the concealed weapons under fitted jackets and attitudes that didn't belong, but he was only looking at men. That would be his undoing, forgetting women. Speaking of; the out of place tourist definitely bore closer scrutiny. Later tonight.

CHAPTER 4

The premier had been spectacular. Jasmine loved the movie and had cried at the end. Afterward was lucky enough to stand close enough to hear the woman with the producer being interviewed tell the name of the gown and its designer. Jasmine thought for a moment. With the money she was about to be paid she could buy that gown. Some designer shoes and jewelry to go with it as well.

That bolstered her spirits, she could hardly wait for the exchange now. her eyes wandered as she walked to the bar and asked for a glass of champagne, not easy to do with the rather imposing man in the dark suit beside her. A look at him gave her a chill up her back yet a very warm feeling in her hips. He was probably a stunt man. His mouth quirked at her very feminine appraisal of him. Very suprisingly he invited her to dinner. Jasmine thought to herself that he was too yummy to pass by and accepted.

The dinner was nice, he wasn't a stuntman but in personal security now on vacation after a previous evening's premier. he named off some exotic locales but no names which made sense to her. clients were confidential he explained and that sounded right to her. She claimed to be a simple assistant now hoping for a new contract hence her presence at the festival and he seemed to buy that. she flirted and teased enough to convince him to invite her back to his room which she she accepted with a very feline smile.

Lyssa had faked an excuse to miss the after party and slip back to the yacht and changed into a short black dress and grabbed a bag to put what she needed for her incursion at the Grand Casino. A quick hack of their concierge system got her the room number on the fourth floor. A wink to the VIP concierge got her the favor she wanted. Use of a room two floors above. He suspected she was having a quiet rendezvous with someone other than her current date. Good cover she thought as she quickly changed into the black fitted bodysuit and harness with silenced pistol and a few other sundries.

The window had been left unlocked and she slipped in with ease and quietly searched the room first for surveillance then for the plans. ignoring all the obvious places she went immediately for the woman's cosmetics and found the flashdrive disguised as a lipstick. Lyssa took out her small powerpad and plugged in the device and accessed it with the decryptor.

The prototype plans were there. Lyssa downloaded and deleted the plans then uploaded the device with the plans for the old JU-58 ramjet specs, the engines for the vaunted SR-71 Blackbird along with a special tracking virus just in case. She attached a tracking microdot good for seventy-two hours. Lyssa then used a micro syrette of a clear liquid that she injected into the tube of toothpaste. She quickly planted her audio bugs then quietly exited back to the borrowed room.

Back in the little black dress she made her way back out, as she passed a firebowl she snuck the used syringe and needle into the flames to be destroyed cleanly. She pretended to smoke a cigarette she obtained from the concierge to ensure nobody discovered the syringe before it was destroyed then left. She needed a nap and things could get busy anytime.

An earbud with the volume maxxed woke her when the woman returned four hours later.Chandler had apparently showed her a good time from her giggles and humming to herself confirming Lyssa's suspicion that he was looking for a male suspect than a female. A message from Dannigan told her that Chandler was being recalled. He was really going to hate himself when he finds out he slept with his target.

Speaking of the target, her phone was ringing. the crisp voice on the other end said the time had been moved up. meet in an hour. Lyssa grabbed the bodysuit and boots along with her bag and ran for the cigarette boat. 5 minutes later she tied up at an empty slip and started moving to follow the girl via the tracking dot.

Within minutes Lyssa found a building to scale overlooking the grand fountain. After waiting twenty minutes, an Asian man approached and simply asked for the flashdrive. The girl asked for payment and was given a bag in exchange for the flashdrive. They both left.

Lyssa left following the Asian to a villa on the hill. It wasn't long before she heard very angry shouting in Chinese. Lyssa set up her small silenced rifle and waited. She wished she'd had time to get her other rifle but this small caliber would have to do. The wait was short as three men and two women left to get into a car. As the car rolled back down the drive way Lyssa pulled the trigger and took out the driver.

Doors started opening but too late as she triggered again, dropping the passenger. The rest now spread out in a defensive formation as Lyssa moved in closer. She triggered off a double-tap from the silenced pistol dropping another. one man and one woman remained they took position back to back. 'Dumb move,' Lyssa thought as she triggered off a round from a silenced pistol again that passed through both. Quickly she policed her brass then set to work on the gruesome task of retrieving the slugs from the bodies and the flashdrive. she had an hour and a half of privacy before the paparazzi started setting up for the day so she climbed the outside of the grand casino and peered into the girl's room.

Lyssa observed that she lay unmoving on the floor of the bathroom. Lyssa climbed into the room and checked the body, the woman was verified dead. Lyssa retrieved her audio bugs and squeezed more toothpaste out into the toilet and flushed it away. Lyssa found and picked up the bag from the exchange and checked it. True currency. She exited with the bag and slipped unnoticed back to the yacht.

"Major," Madison buzzed the phone," incoming from Lyssa."

Dannigan opened the window and read the message. "Mission complete." Dannigan downloaded the attached data file and left to send it back to DARPA.

 

Book 7 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   The hunt is on for Lyssa and company by an officer from a rival agency, but will Lyssa have to turn hunter into hunted to ensure they remain in the shadows? WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

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Desert Butterfly

CHAPTER 1

The Director of the NSA slammed the door closed after the two men walked in then sat behind the desk.

"So tell me, which of you two geniuses have anything substantial to contribute to this operation that can only be summed up in one compound word. CLUSTERFUCK," he demanded.

The two men didn't flinch nor did they say anything yet.

"let's surmise," The director continued," You pull a dedicated deep cover nuke specialist out of the cold and send to Europe among hundreds of other known operators and agents of both friendly and hostile nations on a mole hunt. And you, the aforementioned operator; are so obviously not meant for that type of assignment that not only are you blown and looking in the wrong direction, YOU FUCK THE TARGET AND LET HER GET AWAY!!!!"

"We don't understand, who the hell knew I was there,"Chandler asked," I saw nobody that i knew on a personal basis. Everybody there i knew from dossier information and according to you and DOD I don't exist anymore so how was I blown?"

"Contrary to popular belief Captain there are agencies that supercedes this one," The director pointed out," believe it or not there are still agencies that still believe in classifications. Such as; confidential,sensitive, secret, top secret. Whoever it was that knew you were there is in an agency that hides their presence from me and before you ask, yes they can do that. You two idiots need to find a deep fucking hole to hide in because right now Nemesis is going for full review and I mean every swinging richard is compromised, so both of you. stand down and you're on leave til further notice, see my secretary for your assignments."

Taking that as their dismissal they stood and exited the room, in the outer office the director's secretary passed them each an envelope. As they stepped into the elevator chandler asked," So what now?"

"You go where they told you and wait til they say do something else,I'm going hunting. Nobody slams my operations and hides from me," The agent hissed.

"what i don't understand is how they knew me without me knowing them," Chandler complained," that they knew who the target was the whole time. Can't believe i got played like that."

"I didn't know it was a woman either but we'll feel better when I find out who it was that torpedo'ed my OP and they'll wish they'd never gone operational," The agent snarled.

Madison flipped through the tabloid and stopped to look at the pictures of the red carpet premiers in Monte Carlo. She chuckled at how Lyssa had been mean to the photographers by tilting her head down or to the side at the last second. Apparently she wanted more focus on the dress than herself, reading a caption underneath one of the photos explained it. The dresses were loaned by the designer, a favor. Favors for favors.

Dannigan peered over her shouder and commented,"Those kind of publications will rot that wonderful brain of yours Madison, next will be soap operas on your DVR and romance novels in the top drawer of the desk here."

For effect dannigan reached and pulled open the top right drawer to reveal two paperback romance novels making Madison blush and Dannigan chuckle,"Oh no....its too late. This warrants serious action Madison."

She facepalmed in mock embarassment let out a muffled,"Am I beyond salvation? is there no amnesty for this?"

"No, I'm sorry there isn't. You've been a real asset and you'll be missed....action pending: Death by BonBon's," Dannigan stifled a laugh as he set a box of Godiva chocolates in front of her along with an envelope,"Happy birthday Madi...you're done for the day, have some fun."

Dannigan went into his office as Madison opened the envelope and saw a certificate for a two day spa retreat. She practically squealed her thanks as she hurried to go enjoy the gifts. Later on at her townhouse the doorbell rang, Madison answered the door and was presented four packages to sign for. She sat in the middle of the floor and opened one from Paris that turned out to be a elegant jewelry set of her birthstone, the next package opened to be a pair of sleek stiletto heels in black patent from the latest designer The next box had her blushing and giggling as it turned out to be a very sexy set of lingerie with sheer stockings and also a peignoir and robe set in the same color. The final package contained a seductive black cocktail dress that would just barely hide the lingerie set. An envelope in the box with the dress was a card from Lyssa herself along with an autographed photo of the latest heartthrob actor just for her and in the card was several hundred dollars with the instruction that it would cover the cost of a bottle of Bollinger champagne, of a recommended year, and dinner for two at a suggested restaurant. Reservations were confirmed. Madison shrieked with delight and called her best friend for the evening's plans.

Lyssa stepped out of the jet and walked to the private terminal of Grand Cayman. The customs agent slipped a stamped slip of paper into her passport without a question as she gave him a dazzling smile then collected her bags and flagged a taxi from line at the main terminal. Within minutes the taxi pulled up in front of a house mostly concealed by landscaping and let her out. Lyssa dropped three of her bags in the bedroom but carried one to the garage. She started a low slung sports car and drove back into town. Lyssa turned down a side street to a corner building with no signs. It took only a moment to park across the street and walk across passing a couple on the walkway as she made her way inside.

"Welcome back Ms. Kordenay, how may we help you today," a man wearing a vested suit minus jacket stepped over and gestured to an office.

"Thank you Dominic," Lyssa smiled then sat as he closed the door.

When he had taken his seat behind the desk Lyssa began," Deposit today Dominic and a few payments," then set the bag on his desk.

Dominic signaled and an assistant stepped in and took the bag he nodded at then came back a few minutes later with a slip of paper and left.

"Four point seven million Euros Ms. Kordenay minus fees of five percent,"Dominic reported," what would you like done?"

"The private terminal fee, housing accounts and mail service paid then even distribution across my numbered accounts and also transfer the contents of this account into mine," she answered and then passed him a small card.

Dominic took the card and began the tasks, taking ten minutes to complete then printed up a statement which he handed to Lyssa. She stood up and thanked him then left.

CHAPTER 2

Dannigan didn't know whether to laugh or swear. Somebody was putting out feelers about Monte Carlo and the answers were to be back-channeled directly to a junior grade agent. The same one that pulled Nemesis operator Billy Chandler out of the cold. The guy had some nerve....all balls and no brains. Dannigan would give him a few more hours then deal with it. Give the jackass a shovel and he'll dig his own grave. He pulled up the list of phone numbers and emails for Lyssa. The Carribean number was active so he sent a text message: stay put for a few days, possible ripple in the pond.

A response was immediate: quit throwing rocks. Dannigan had to laugh then. Nothing changed, unless it was a crisis things could wait until she was done tanning or whatever. He may have to send Lyssa after the agent but he'd rather deal with the problem himself. He thought about of that for a moment then started checking flight plans and found two hops. Norfolk to Key West and Key West to Puerto Rico via Cayman Islands. It took a few minutes to print up the proper documents then grab his bag and lock up the office. He had 20 minutes to catch the hop. No problem.

NSA agent Jeff Tyler stared at the sheaf of papers and grew even more confused. Every agent and military operator of the U.S. and allies in Monaco were accounted for the entire time and none had any connection to Nemesis. In fact nobody there had any professional or social connection to Chandler at all. CIA, DEA and NSA communiques out of Monaco were all routine.

Until the discovery of the five Chinese agents and the DARPA file clerk...all dead from unknown sources. The agents were all shot, but no ballistic data. The clerk from an unknown toxin, after having sex with a Nemesis operator. Chandler would never recover from that but Tyler didn't care, He could still pull a rabbit from the hat. All he needed to do was verify the agent/operative from Monte Carlo. He could then bully or blackmail that agency into bringing him on-board for a nice pay upgrade. Chandler was on his own. Jeff had brought in the Nemesis operator because they were untraceable. Or so he had thought. Didn't matter, Chandler was a soldier. A disposable tool just like everybody else including the agency that blew his OP. His chance to show he could be a top agent had been sunk like the Titanic, but he wasn't done yet. Somebody knew something and he'd find out who and what and use it to launch himself into the high ranks of the spymasters. All he needed was a thread to pull on.

Lyssa relaxed in the lounge chair listening to the soft footfalls approaching across the sand,"Welcome to grand cayman Major."

"very funny Kordenay, How'd you know it was me," Dannigan asked.

"You didn't ring the bell," she replied finally turning to look at him.

"Lyssa this is rather involved...." Dannigan left the sentence hanging.

"Right.....ok," Lyssa stood up.

She wrapped a towel around herself to cover up the fact she had been tanning nude then gestured him to follow inside. Lyssa picked up a robe and slipped it on in place of the towel. She stepped behind the bar to pour a glass of ice water, offering the same to Dannigan who nodded as he opened his case and brought out a file.

That really got her attention, first he had come here unannounced and secondly not an electronic file.

Dannigan passed a photo and began,"Chandler, William. formerly of special forces now a Nemesis operator, currently on hiatus due to being possibly compromised and missing his mark in a big way....he was looking for the DARPA mole as you were but missed out and instead of apprehending or eliminating the target..he slept with her and allowed escape."

"Oh jesus, he's done,"Lyssa commented,"he'll never get out of the dog house over this."

"yeah, if he's lucky he'll get reassigned to iceland or antarctica for ten years or so,"Dannigan agreed then passed another photo.

"Who's weasel," Lyssa asked snarkily.

"He belongs to the NSA. The genius that pulled Chandler in to try for the mole, without any authorization,"Dannigan continued," Tyler...Jeffery C. grew up Richmond Virginia. Semi-old money, went to Harvard. Mediocre grades for an aspiring agent, which means outstanding for a rich kid, but there was something off. Extensive investigation into his academia was suspended by the CIA, the initial recruitment...."

"NSA went further yes," Lyssa asked.

"Yeah,"Dannigan answered," a three month deep look revealed that he was romancing grades out of two professors personally. Bribing two more and blackmailing another."

"Naturally those jackasses were impressed," Lyssa rolled her eyes.

"Everything in his background said the same thing..." He said," network from the ground up. It wasn't that he didn't have the intelligence nor the knowledge to earn the grades. He preferred get those same grades those other means. So yeah; they were impressed and brought him in after graduation."

"Figures," Lyssa passed the photo back,"so what's the story?"

"He's trying to find us, three guesses why," Dannigan answered.

"To use us or neutralize us if not both," Lyssa surmised.

"Pretty much. Even though he's been put on unpaid leave; he thinks he's off the grid enough to search for us. All he did was draw my attention faster but he's gonna have to be dealt with Lyssa," Dannigan finished.

Lyssa looked outside as the sun had begun to set for a few minutes then turned and said," First on the right. Dinner reservation is in an hour and a half. Jacket and tie required. There should have something to fit in there."

She went down the hall and closed the door behind her. That struck Dannigan with curiosity. Lyssa had dinner reservations and bringing him along wasn't a problem. Dannigan wondered what role he may have to play tonight in explanation of his presence.

CHAPTER 3

The President looked at the NSA director in confusion,"What do you mean you've got a loose cannon James?"

"One of our handlers; Tyler handles existing networks temporarily between station chief changes. He has been aspiring to move up and to that end when he heard about the theft of that new helicopter turbine design. He went John Wayne and pulled in a Nemesis operator. Together they both blew it...bigtime." the director explained.

"Nemesis? refresh my memory and then clarify on 'blew it bigtime'," the President said still perplexed.

The director did, gaining an 'Oh my god' and several other expletives of varying profoundness.

Finally with his face in his hands the President asked,"Tell me there is something good to hear today."

"The plans were retrieved, the mole eliminated, buyers identified as north korean and nobody knows who did it....not even me," the Director surmised.

"Our mystery agency again," the president ventured.

The director shrugged,"Probably but that's not the problem. The problem is my eager beaver idiot is trying to find out who they are. Best guess is: he's going to find them and either serve them up to us on a platter. Or Tyler will try to exploit them to make an advancement."

The President dropped his head to the desk. Everyone else cleared the room. once the door closed the president pressed a button that ceased all surveillance.

He asked directly," will a lethal finding need to be issued on your man?"

"Actually Sir I think we shouldn't," the director posed," If that agency is as good as they have been, they know all about what he's doing. They'll take action."

"Ok and this helps things how," the President asked.

"They make a trail for him to follow and he will. Right into the lion's den. They'll take him out and then we'll know who they are by following him," the director explained.

"you know your simple plan can backfire, they've been invisible all this time,"The president reminded.

The director nodded,"that's why I'm going to run the op myself and do things directly. no coordinated tasking."

"Bring me answers James," the President leveled,"or your resignation."

The director nodded then left.

Dannigan sat at the candlelit table with Lyssa very surprised. No date, no meeting, no plan. She had standing table reservation every night with the best view; both aesthetically and tactically. He was impressed with her, a move he would flaunt if he'd pulled it off in Washington. An intimidation tactic out of the cold war MI-6 book that if didn't intimidate; it certainly impressed the receiving party. Dannigan was the receiving party and was certainly impressed and said as much, causing Lyssa to chuckle.

As she finished her dessert of white and milk chocolate covered strawberries injected with champagne she asked Dannigan,"So what do we do about the pain in our ass?"

Dannigan laughed,"well we could ignore it or deal with it. The problem is how do we deal with it with everybody and their brother watching?"

"We make them watch somewhere else that's soooooo very interesting," Lyssa drawled.

"Where's a good place to headquarter a super-secret, mega hush-hush spookville," He snickered.

"Moab Utah,"Lyssa said idly," meanwhile the rat will follow the smell of cheese to Death Valley. However, we gotta worry about something...another NSA yahoo trying to pull out of your book and tasking things directly, his eyes and ears only."

"Oh, I'm actually hoping one does,"Dannigan smiled.

That took Lyssa by surprise. Dannigan signaled for the check to which the waiter came over and whispered that there was no charge. Lyssa chuckled and stood then walked out ahead of Dannigan.

Tyler had been searching for days when he finally found the proverbial bread crumb. A receipt of a microburst transmission. A facility designated Phantom Group 4 was the end point. More pointed digging revealed Phantom Group 4 was tasked with deep cover operators in the European theater; some including former Nemesis Operators. He'd found them! In the Moab desert, but what was this one ticket? The delivery of a flash drive to a grid point deep in Death Valley. The location in Moab had routine patrols by helicopter and fighterjets with no tail numbers. The point in Death Valley was a restricted no-fly. That was it....Death Valley. Make it look like there was nothing there and that's the place to hide. He compiled everything onto a disc and sent it to a holding company then grabbed his laptop and pistol. Now to hop a flight to Bakersfield then borrow a helicopter. These jokers would be his. He'd just make sure they thought he was going to Moab.

The NSA director laughed. Tyler had done all the hard work and now he'd bird dog, and when they took him out, the NSA would have them. Tyler would disappear into the Moab...a desert training exercise. Lost to a flash flood or better yet; a cave in while seeking shelter during the cold night. Yes, that sounded plausible. Took shelter in a cave and the fire for warmth weakened the above stone; causing a cave in. A quick call to Hollaman Air Force base brought a U-2 up for tasking. Then the re-tasking of a KH-12 and KH-14 satellites one with and one without infra-red capability. Finally a Globalhawk. Every square inch of Moab would be covered. He'd almost bit the hook about Death Valley but there were no power transmission lines to that location but the Moab location had lines pass within half a mile. That's where they were.

CHAPTER 4

Lyssa lay totally still inside the small fissure of a butte, watching through a spotter scope facing the canyon wall with a cave opening twenty meters in width and fifteen in height. She'd taken the position thirty-six hours prior and would remain for another fourty-eight. Agent Tyler should be on site within the next three to five hours unless he simply barreled in blindly, which wouldn't surprise her. More what she worried was him trying to be sneaky and find her sniper nest looking for one of his own. This was the delicate time now, she was accustomed to the area and more importantly it accustomed to her. No creatures to bolt away suddenly from her hiding place. The birds avoided the cave now deliberately and no coyote or mountain lion could climb up. Only the spiders and scorpions were a threat to her now. It was a waiting game and she had come prepared.

She had various long range motion sensors, seismic sensors, two remote controlled battery powered lights, a small hand held radar emitter, thermal scopes and the Barrett .416 sniper rifle with armor piercing rounds. Mostly it was her. Her ability to endure the harshness that would or would not mean success. Just as the sun was setting a soft beep interrupted her thoughts. A motion sensor in a cave close by had been tripped. A heat sensor in the same cave went off followed by an ammonia sensor. Tyler had arrived and went exactly where she knew he would. Now he would wait for nightfall to cover the remaining quarter mile to the large cave entrance. Lyssa drank some water then rested her eyes, it was almost time.

Dannigan again launched his decoys: a patrol of three F-15's and two F-model Predator drones along with some local dirt players on their four-wheelers and sand rails they thought they were auditioning for a movie; a sequel to the late 80's action film MegaForce. He had to laugh at that. Already there had been overflights by a U-2 and a couple of satellites had taken up a stable locked orbit. There was going to be Hell when appropriations came around. Tyler should be in the canyon by now. Lyssa would signal within twenty-four hours. Then the real fireworks would fly. Dannigan had covered Tyler's tracks for him, the NSA would think he was delayed in Salt Lake City. A neccessary thing this was...a message to other agencies; clearances were there for a reason.

Tyler smiled as he applied the dark streaks across his face and neck. The sun had long since set but the moon hadn't risen completely yet, affording him considerable darkness to move around in. He'd used a pair of shielded high power binoculars and found the cave. After dark, heat dispersed in erratic but steady patterns from it, typical anti signature countermeasure.

Jeff had found the place and now with his sophisticated kit, he would gain access and steal all the data he could to show them who was the spymaster. Gingerly and carefully he worked his way across the canyon floor, disabling the vibratory sensors just below the surface. He was impressed and stayed low to the ground to remain undetected from the low radar field which would detect anything above two feet. Not a bad set up but it had flaws and he was exploiting them. Two hours later he eased into the cave entrance and peered into the darkness. Slowly he stood up. Suddenly lights flared. High intensity lights directed outward, blinding him.

Tyler screamed obscenities as he staggered then silenced, he'd been set up. They knew he was coming and were prepared. He feel a sharp pressure then pain in his chest. A moment later he heard a rifle shot, then another pressure with pain followed by a rifle shot. His vision cleared and he looked down at his vest, the latest tactical armor. Two holes were precisely within a half inch of each other. Blood slowly dripped from them, he looked up and saw a butte in silhouette then a wink of light halfway up it. A pressure again but it was his face this time and pain was immediate. Excruciating pain as the ground rose up fast but it wasn't the ground coming up, it was him falling down.

Jeff Tyler felt the grit of sand working its way into his face. He wanted to cry out from the pain, but all that came out was a gurgle. He tried to take a breath and felt the blood go into his lungs. He was going to drown in his own blood. A coyote howled in the distance. A disturbing sound then no more sound. He couldn't hear his own heart either, which he had a moment ago. Jeff knew he'd never leave the canyon. Never be found. This was the price of a spy gone rogue.

The Director of the NSA sat in front of the President who held a single sheet of paper in his hand. After reading it silently he extended it to him. The Director read slowly then without a word signed it and handed it back and stood. The President said nothing as he watched the man walk out.

The Chief of Staff asked afterwards,"what now....we need a director of the NSA."

"Yeah," answered the President," Hopefully one that can keep his agency in check and not be stupid to challenge other agencies that are obviously higher on the predatory chain."

"I'll make some inquiries Sir," the Chief of Staff said then walked out quietly.

Lyssa held her position on her toes as she slowly turned in place. It had been two weeks since she left Death Valley. Lowering herself down she stepped forward to pirouette then a graceful curtsy. The clapping behind her didn't even make her jump.

Lyssa looked into the mirror and said without smiling, "I should charge admission, Major."

"I've paid ticket price before, when you danced,"Dannigan spoke from the doorway.

"So what brings the bad humor man to my house again," she asked picking up the towel from the ballet bar.

"Back-channeled message: there will be no more informal inquiries made of certain agencies; end message," he said flatly.

"Good," she replied," now get out of here...I need to work on my tan and have a hair appointment later. Tomorrow I leave for Miami."

"Miami," Dannigan asked.

"A favor," Lyssa replied with a smile.

Dannigan turned and left. Seeing her smile as she said the word favor reminded him of a predatory cat about to pounce on something.

 

Book 8 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   A favor in Miami provides a great time for Lyssa, but will strange goings-on in the Hawaiian islands spell disaster? WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

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CHAPTER 1

Madison stared at her screen puzzled. a girl flagged as missing for two years just popped up on the grid in Hawaii, but it wasn't her it was a girl from the Philippines in the customs entry photo and she was a suspect in kidnapping, human trafficking and of late the group responsible for the kidnapping of the President's daughter. Madison sent the information to Dannigan then went into his office.

"Major...."she called as she entered.

"What is it Madison," Dannigan asked.

"On your screen something strange," she explained.

Dannigan pulled up the window and studied it for a few moments then nodded for her step out. Madison went back to her desk closing the door behind her. After a moment of thought she then pulled up the list of Lyssa Kordenay's cell numbers. The U.S. number was active so she pinged it and saw Lyssa was in Miami. She made a mental note, closed out the list and waited.

Models, waitresses, dancers and attractive women in general were everywhere. Basically any female that looked good in a skirt or bikini had been brought in. The Miami International boat show was in full swing. Lyssa meandered looking around drinking a bottle of water smiling and waving to the occasional familiar face.

"Ms. Kordenay," a voice from behind asked.

Lyssa turned to see a middle aged man in a charcoal suit waving for her attention. She stopped as he stepped closer,"yes?"

"I saw you at the theater last night, a wonderful performance," he said smiling brightly.

"Thank you so much," she replied with a smile,"I'm glad you enjoyed, its a wonderful production."
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a folded over pamphlet that opened to be the program of the production with a photo of Lyssa on the cover, the principle dancer in a pose high on her toes a look of pure seduction on her face.

He took a pen from his other pocket and offered both to her,"would you mind please?"

Lyssa smiled taking note of his name tag and wrote,' thank you, Brandon for such warm applause. am so glad you enjoyed watching us all dance. Lyssa K xxoxx', then after a moment to notice no ring she placed a print of her lipstick below her signature, a frosted berry color.

He blushed as he thanked her then made his way off leaving Lyssa to smile as she continued to wander around looking at the small yachts and boats inside the massive building. She chuckled as she passed several younger girls wearing very familiar bikinis providing 'decor' to a group of three cigarette class boats. One took notice of her then whispered to her friend who turned to look and then waved to another and directed attention to Lyssa as she slowly walked by.

The group of girls then all started clapping and looking directly at Lyssa knowing that she, herself, had modeled that same swimwear for a photo shoot in Rio recently; having seen the catalog. Lyssa stopped still, smiling and gave the girls a slow, very graceful curtsy. Someone close by asked who she was.

One of the models answered, "That's Lyssa Kordenay, she modeled these bikinis for the designer..Ana Carlucci."

A person from the crowd added,"She's a ballerina too, I saw her last night in 'Dove's Flight', it was beautiful!"

Much applause followed as she curtsied to the small crowd. "Thank you thank you. Let's not forget our beautiful and charming hostesses working here today," Lyssa said.

She turned gesturing to the girls on the boats and clapped for them followed by more applause from the crowd in support. She then picked up a beach-ball from the display and tossed it to one the girls and nodded that they should interact with the crowd, which they did tossing the ball back and forth drawing out laughter and participation from the crowd.

Lyssa slipped to the back and noticed the representative fo the company looking very disturbed.
"Now you've got real interest....after all fast boats are fun....and girls like fun....give them a few minutes then go out and start answering questions," Lyssa said with a wink then walked away with a wave to the girls.

She declined an offer of champagne from a hostess by a high end yacht cruiser but accepted a strawberry from a tray on the table. The downside to being in productions; she had to monitor her food and drink intake before the night's performance. Lyssa then walked out the large doors slipping her sunglasses down from her hair and wandered the lot with much larger boats. Her crisp white sundress reflecting much of the heat back yet complimenting her gold tan. She toured a few boats then left to relax for a few hours before the performance.

Sali got off the inter-island boat onto the dock in Kawaii and walked to the end. A bulletin board on the outside wall of the shack held business cards and flyers. she saw one with a Philippine phrase in the bottom left corner. 'Fighters of the Free'. She lifted up to look at the back, a phone number in small writing in ink almost matching the paper.

Sali wrote the number on her hand and went to the payphone. An answering machine gave an address in Philippine. She found a taxi two blocks away that dropped her at the end of a dirt road. she paid the fare then started walking and didn't stop for four miles when several men and women stepped out of the brush holding assault rifles.

Sali stood still then said clearly,"We will be free or we cannot stop fighting." They lowered their weapons then gestured her to follow. A mile further stood an old house with a few more men and women fighting hand to hand in pairs outside. She passed them by and walked inside to the kitchen where three men stood around a table of maps and papers drinking coffee.

"What news Sali,"one asked.

"Rani is dead. the house was bombed," she answered flatly,"they are all dead and the girl was rescued before."

She took a newspaper from her bag and dropped it on the table the front page showing the President along with his wife and daughter. One slammed his fist into the wall, another stormed out swearing while the remaining, who had asked the question, simply rested his fists on the table top then spat on the photo.

"We will continue, we have a plan that will work. the raw power of the earth will strike the blow for us and avenge your brother," she snarled fiercely.

CHAPTER 2

Lyssa slowly stood from her curtsy then stepped forward and took the large bouquet of roses from the man standing center-stage and dipped low for another curtsy then rose to blow a sweeping kiss to the audience. She then stepped back into the line and took the hand of the male principle as the entire cast bowed and curtsied. The curtain came down to standing ovation.

Backstage they all hugged and laughed happy with the final show the producer came out and thanked everyone and congratulated them all. As they separated to return to dressing areas the producer spoke quickly to the principles of a celebratory dinner in an hour and a half. They both nodded then hurriedly changed to go to hotel rooms to shower and dress to make the reservation.

As the main cast entered the dining room of the restaurant they were rewarded with applause as many stood in recognition. They smiled and thanked the admirers en route to the table and took their seats. Champagne was poured and a toast of praise offered after the meal as the dessert was being served.

Lyssa sipped then stood and with the remainder of her glass toasted the producer, director, male principle, and the others at the table and drained her glass with them then sat. The production would move to another city, but Lyssa wouldn't follow. The originally cast dancer would rejoin them, she'd needed to be absent for the wedding of her sister a former national pageant queen. Lyssa knew the sister as well and had been happy to dance in the production.

As a favor, of course. It had been some time since she'd been in a production and enjoyed this one as it was an original composition. She just barely managed to keep a charming composure when a high ranking but not well know drug trafficker walked into the dining room and went directly to a far table.

He wasn't on her official radar and she wasn't tasked currently, so she tried to ignore his presence. a waiter set a glass of champagne with a strawberry in it in front of her then directed her attention to the bar. The rep from the cigarette boats at the show saluted her with his own glass.

Lyssa excused herself from the table then walked slowly over to the bar with her glass.

"Ms. Kordenay as lovely in present as you are on stage. Jim Sutton,"He introduced himself.

"I remember you Mr.Sutton, Eclipse Sportmarine," Lyssa smiled,"How'd the show go for you?"
"Orders for ten boats this afternoon, Thanks to you,"He smiled.

"Mmm, not me. Those lovely fun girls in the bikinis I'd say," Lyssa reminded coyly.

"Plans for the rest of the evening," he asked.

Lyssa arched an eyebrow,"what'd you have in mind.....moonlight boat ride, Mr.Sutton?"

"Jim.....and If you'd like, but I was thinking more of a walk along the beach," he answered.

"Lyssa...." she smiled and set the glass down then walked out beside him.

"Madison...find Lyssa fast," Dannigan buzzed from the intercom.

"She is in Miami Sir," she answered immediately.

"Miami," Dannigan asked,"what's she doing in Miami?"

"Principle dancer in that production; Dove's Flight. The Miami show closed last night. Lyssa was filling in for the original dancer who's sister was getting married. In Colorado,"Madison elaborated.

"Oh. Right. Have her call in," Dannigan said.

"Yes sir," Madison answered.

A moment he buzzed back, "Madison.....was the show good,"he asked.

"Four stars in the Miami Herald," she answered.

"Wish I'd had the time...would have gone to see it," he said to himself. a few minutes later Madison buzzed in to say Lyssa was on the line.

"Lyssa? we've got something, are you committed to anything immediate," Dannigan said quickly.

Lyssa made a sleepy purr then answered,"Morning to you too Major. What time is it?"

Speechless for a moment Dannigan looked at the clock and replied," quarter of eleven, since when do you sleep that late?"

"When I'm in a good mood. That you happen to be ruining, what's up," she asked.

"Need you to head for Hawaii, you'll get a packet in L.A.," Dannigan went on," this is serious Lyssa. Your flight leaves in four hours."

"M'kay." Lyssa disconnected just as the shower cut off and Jim Sutton stepped out, toweling off.

"Morning," he smiled then looked her up and down.

Lyssa laughed,"wish I had the time but I have to leave in a couple of hours."

"I'm already late," he chuckled then started getting dressed as Lyssa watched him.

He leaned down and kissed her asked her to call him whenever she was in his area setting his card by her phone on the beside table then carefully stepped around her dress on the floor walking to the door and let himself out. Lyssa stretched languidly then got up, collected her clothes and went to shower.

Malo nodded to the woman beside him and she counted down from five then pressed the button of the small silver box in her hand. A basketball sized object suspended from a rope between two poles exploded. Cheers called out.

Sali yelled,"this is good! now we must make ready. we will need many more but larger much larger so that we will set loose the power of earth on these dogs that keep us from freedom!"

More cheering and whoops answered her as she turned back to Malo and said,"Freedom....and revenge."

"Yes. My brother, your husband. He will be avenged as we teach the Americans a vicious lesson. They have no clue what is in store. Hell of earth shall be unleashed by our hand," he snarled.

Lyssa walked through the concourse after picking up an envelope at the VIP counter. Stepping into the lounge she had to chuckle, Madison sat at the bar.

"Lyssa! Great to see you....wow nice tan," Madison greeted her.

"You look great too, that spa must have been really nice,"Lyssa answered exchanging hugs with her,"Let's get a table and catch up."

They sat and talked about Madison's birthday, Lyssa's recent production to which she slipped Madison a DVD of the closing night performance. Madison slipped her a disc saying it was the main celebration of a party then stood and gave her another hug, claiming her flight being called.

Lyssa said goodbye then took out her phone and switched it from the U.S. number to the Hawaiian number and dialed.

"Mahalo, this is Leila,"a woman answered on the third ring.

"Mahalo hulagirl,"Lyssa giggled.

"Lyssa! how are you? where are you," Leila asked then giggled.

"L.A., on my way to the big island,"Lyssa answered with a laugh.

"Cool, when does your flight leave there," Leila asked looking at her watch.

"Half an hour. Can you meet me at baggage claim,"she asked.

"No problem, fun or work,"Leila quipped.

"Why don't we see what I can get into, see you then," Lyssa chuckled.

Leila assured her she would be there and disconnected. Fifteen minutes later she walked down the jetway and boarded the plane for the first class section. After take off she booted up her laptop and ran the disc from Madison, a briefing packet.

CHAPTER 3

Leila stood in Baggage claim waiting as Lyssa came around the corner then waved. Leila smiled and wlaked over to hug her friend, "wow....you look great."

"You too. A true daughter of Pele herself,"Lyssa complimented her friend.

Lyssa caught her bag as it came around the carousel then they walked to the doors.

once outside Leila asked,"Which hotel you want to stay at?"

"I'm not staying at a hotel this time Leila,"Lyssa answered.

Leila looked at her puzzled. She knew Lyssa did alot of favors for favors and that's how she moved around the world alot. One girl joked that Lyssa might be the occasional private mistress which allowed her to drop out of sight from time to time. Once for three months leading to rumors that a discreet boyfriend may have gotten rough with her or that she had gotten pregnant.

Both were dismissed when she broke surface again in a ballet production in Australia in top form. That led to two new rumors of either plastic surgery for enhancement or the more logical: intense ballet training in preparation for the two week long production. Leila also knew that Lyssa kept a house on the big island but rarely stayed in it, mostly Lyssa lived in hotels or stayed with a friend wherever she was.

The drive out to the hillside beach house went quickly though. Puzzled Leila stayed in the car as Lyssa went inside for a moment then came back out and retrieved her bag. Leila followed her in.

"Nice place, never think it belongs to a howli girl," Leila blurted out then noticed Lyssa's side glance,
"Sorry Lyssa, didn't mean it like that."

"Its a word you grew up with Leila," Lyssa remarked flatly.

"Yeah but not nice, and especially when its a friend," she apologized.

"No sweat hun,"Lyssa said as they took her bags into the bedroom.

Leila watched as Lyssa unpacked then slipped out of the silk dress not surprised that she wore only panties under it. She wrapped a sarong around herself and tied it behind her neck then put the dress away.

"Staying long,"she asked curious.

"Not really, I have a runway show in Paris next month but nothing else on the book til then,"Lyssa replied as they went back into the kitchen and she poured two glasses of wine.

"Lys...I know you do favors for people....is that why you're here...to do somebody a favor," Leila asked bluntly.

Lyssa took a sip from her glass slowly then looked at her friend, "yes, I'm doing a favor for a very old friend. Its very important and I was asked."

"Oh," Leila replied.

"Leila I'm looking for some people. Philippino. They're not nice and are keeping to themselves," Lyssa said pointedly," I mean real low profile Leila...they're even avoiding the established Philippene settled here."

Leila thought for a moment then said,"Well not here but over on Kawaii my cousin said there's some strange stuff going on."

"How strange," she asked.

"Well you know how locals have places...secret places.....tourists don't know and aren't told about," Leila started.

"Yes and very territorial about them too, surfing and places for the kahunas to practice their native medicine, etc." Lyssa commented.

"Right, you get the idea. Well there's this one place were the local boys and girls go. You know. Its a pretty place and well, they hook up there. Its a very long road to get to it and there's a beach there,"Leila explained.

"A lover's cove," Lyssa supplied.

"Yeah,"Leila continued," well for the past month there's some Philippene guys along that road now, with guns. They beat up a my cousin's niece's boyfriend and his friend. They were taking the girls out there to go swim and...you know."

"Oh," Lyssa asked,"then what?"

"They went out there with more guys and when they came back they wouldn't talk about it but started whispering not to go back out there among the other teens. That means they had guns..serious guns Lyssa. Some of the boys out there don't play around. You know," the Haiwaiian model said.

"I get the picture,"Lyssa said,"looks like i need to get over to Kawaii."

"I dunno Lyssa, this sounds dangerous," Leila said worried.

"I can take of myself, and anybody else that comes along," Lyssa answered then took another sip of wine," show me what you know." Lyssa took out a detailed map of Kawaii.

Dannigan sat in his office as Madison walked back in smiling."How'd it go," he asked.

"Without a hitch and I got a bonus,"Madison answered brightly and held up the disc then passed it to him.

"What's this," he asked taking it.

"Enjoy, I'm heading home," she chuckled and walked back out.

Dannigan looked at the blank disc then loaded it into his computer then smiled as the opening title cleared. He reached down and took out the bottle of bourbon and poured some into a glass then leaned back to watch the ballet with a smile.

Sali looked over the devices. They had fifteen and would need more. Each the size of a large suitcase and packed with one hundred pounds of their special blend of explosives. The fishing boat sat outside the cove ready to transport them and their cargo to the main island. No one could stop them now and revenge would be theirs. She would bring the Americans to their knees then demand lives of sacrifice in return for her husband's. But first, to get the attention of the world.

CHAPTER 4

The inter-island hop took no time at all thanks to Leila's pilot friend. Lyssa lay concealed within a cluster of ferns as she watched the people moving large cases by zodiac raft to the fishing trawler just offshore. She used her rifle's scope to view closer then activated its camera feature. After plugging a cable to it from her laptop to her phone. She took several stills then uploaded them to Dannigan.

a few moments later a message came back. He'd brought an attacksub from Pearl Harbor up on tasking. The trawler would be boarded by SEALS once out of sight. A detachment from the original Naval Security Coordination Team were currently running exercises at Pearl Harbor. The vaunted and notorious Red Cell were back in business. Disbanded for conducting entirely too realistic simulations, they had humiliated too many Admirals for their incompetence and beauracracy. They "played beyond rough." The SEALs had not only "blown air force one off the map", they had also successfully penetrated Camp David and "leveled the Presidential Cabin". The Commander paid the price for stressing such realism with a serious witch hunt, followed by a dog and pony show trial. This was good news for her though, she needed serious bad boys for these fanatics. These SEALs earned respect by bodycounts and damage. They'd enjoy the chance to do what they truly did best; take out terrorists.

The group finished Loading the cases and pulled the raft aboard. Not good. They were leaving several behind at the shack. She heard the roar of the trawler as it started then slowly powered out of the cove. It appeared destined back to the big island. Lyssa dialed out her scope further and scanned slowly.

She found it. The periscope of the trailing sub. That was in their hands now. She watched them for fifteen minutes then set a charge on her equipment set for four hours then slowly moved in.

Sali smiled coldly. The boat was well on its way now, underway for an hour. They would contact her in the morning after completion of the setting of the explosives at the volcano. Four would give their lives to place the charges at the weakened wall and unleash the lava.

A muffled sound outside drew her attention, likely one of the clumsy men stumbling around outside looking for a place to pleasure himself since she had declared the women off limits to them. A floorboard creaked. The Philippine turned to see who dared to disturb her and saw a woman in form fitted black with streaks of black and grey greasepaint across her face. The markings concealed her identity well, but the blonde hair in a ponytail gave away the clue that she was American.

She glanced at the picture on the wall of Rani then back to the lethal looking woman expressionless.
"My husband will be avenged dog,"Sali hissed at her.

"I think not,"Lyssa said softly.

In answer a very loud explosion was heard in the distance. Lyssa's expression didn't change as she commented in an icy voice, "the best laid plans......" then gave her a cold smile.

Sali drew a long knife from the sheath on her thigh,"I'll send your head to your President American whore!"

She launched herself leading with the wicked looking blade at Lyssa who spun at the last moment and pulled her past, dropping a chop to the base of Sali's skull. She then grabbed and catapulted her into the doorway. The loud slam masked the snap of bone and cartilage in Sali's nose. With a scream of rage Sali spun sweeping the knife as blood streamed from her smashed nose but gained nothing as Lyssa had already stepped back out of her range.

Like a banshee Sali shrieked and charged Lyssa again bringing the blade down in a slashing arc but was intercepted. Lyssa's boot heel connected to her knee causing it to snap bringing her to the floor screaming.

Lyssa gave no inch as she dropped her knee on Sali's right shoulder then wrenched her arm by the wrist, snapping the joint. Sali screamed and thrashed in pain that climbed an octave when Lyssa took her by the hair and dragged her outside then dropped her in the dirt.

Sali's vision cleared to see the eight bodies of her remaining comrades laid out in a row in front of her. Lyssa stood silently, watching her struggle up to sit kneeling then swiftly slammed her own knife deep into Sali. She had dipped low to bring the Marauder's blade in at angle from the stomach through diaphragm making a small slice into the heart.

Sali froze feeling the cold blade deep inside her chest. Lyssa's steel grey eyes looking deep into hers.

"Past the gates of hell; Before the devil's throne. I've been to Hell, my regards to your husband. Enjoy your rewards," Lyssa whispered then yanked the knife free making blood gush from the wound.

Sali looked from the wound and her blood soaking the dirt to the sky and pleaded softly," Noooo."

Lyssa stepped closer and whispered into Sali's ear, "I'm being kind. The death you deserve shouldn't be this quick and clean."

Sali sang her death song; a loud and long pitched wail that trailed off. She slumped then. Out of breath, out of life and was still. Lyssa quickly retrieved her rifle and other equipment then took photos of all papers inside. She also took the five laptops and cellphones then set a timed incendiary and slipped back into the jungle.

Dannigan had been waiting all night and the better part of the day when the messages came through. The SEALs had overtaken the boat and seized all the terrorists on board then would be detonating all the explosives on board, rending safe.

Two hours later another message came through: Data and electronics retrieved from the hardsite would be shipped in for further investigation. same group responsible for abduction of "princess"...end message.

A news service from the islands ran a broadcast that a shack fire had brought attention to a cluster of bodies under false identity to gain U.S. entry. All had been killed by an unknown gunshot, sharp blade or in a martial arts maneuver, very suspicious circumstances. Dannigan had to chuckle at that, it was a message very loud and extremely clear to the remaining terrorists; "cease actions or pay the price, along with failure"

Leila watched in horror at the news footage from Kawaii. A shack burnt to the ground with dead bodies laid out in the dirt in front. There was alot more to her friend than she really knew...things to be frightened of she thought as Lyssa walked in wearing all black, looking more like a creature of jungle vengeance than the model and ballerina she had laughed and joked with.

Later on Lyssa came from the shower wrapped in a towel and poured a cup of coffee then faced Leila, her eyes like a winter storm she'd once seen in Europe.

"I don't have to say that what you now know is to be kept to yourself. Do I,"Lyssa asked.

"No Lyssa, they were bad people and you had to do it and I don't need to know anything more,"Leila answered.

Lyssa nodded," Good. It would be a bad idea for anyone to try entering my house without me. They wouldn't live to regret it."

The Haiwaiian model nodded,"I'll make sure peope stay away Lyssa."

After a couple of moments Leila asked," Were you like this before or after you became a Prima?"

Lyssa sipped the local coffee and looked out the window," Its going to be a beautiful day. Too bad I have to leave tomorrow."

 

Book 9 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Lyssa's off to Rome for a runway show that's a blast from the past, though some are there to do more than just look! WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.**scenes of sexual assault**

 

 

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CHAPTER 1

Donatella was pleased. The models were perfect for the collection. All were lining up perfectly. She looked at the last piece, a long gown that shimmered and sparkled with a deep plunging neckline and almost non-existent back. Her brother Gianni's final masterpiece in ghostly grey. It reminded her of platinum and diamonds.

"All that is left is Legacy Senorina," her assistant Veronika said.

"Bring me the photos again, she must be special," Donatella remarked.

Donatella took the folder of photos and slowly picked through them three times then pulled one and showed it to the assistant,"her. Lyssa Kordenay she looks right."

"She is not in our scheduled line-up Senorina," Veronika checked the call sheet.

"Find her. Tell her I want her to wear Gianni's final gift to us all," Donnatella ran her hand down the length of the gown in reverence and whispered,"you are not forgotten my brother, we will all enjoy your last gift to us, the beauty of your life."

Her assistant dialed the number on the sheet attached to the photo and left a voicemail. Ten minutes later her call was returned, after a brief conversation she disconnected and turned to Donatella.

"She is honored you chose her Senorina, she will be on the next flight she can get from America and be here tomorrow for fitting,"she announced proudly.

"The final creation of Gianni Versace will be magnificent Veronika," Donatella said triumphantly.

"Si Senorina Donatella," the assistant smiled.

Lyssa disconnected the call and walked to her bedroom. The Versace show hadn't been the same since Gianni's murder but this year would be a memorium to him because of this "lost design" and she would have the honor of wearing. It didn't get any bigger than that she thought as she selected summer clothes and matching shoes and a couple of go with anything handbags.

She still needed to pose for the new Lamborgini promo. Maybe Donatella would allow the gown to be used, it would certainly look more glamorous than just posing nude, besides Rafael had been a great admirer of the Versaces and still wore suits designed by Gianni. she started laying her wardrobe into her suitcase its bottom carefully concealing the form-fitted black combat suit and non-metallic weapons and other equipment in case something came up. she had three hours to catch her flight and would take an hour to get there. She'd make it with time to spare.

A quick shower then styling of her hair she made up and slipped into a soft pink dress and sandals with four inch heels then was on her way. In the lounge she switched her phone from the American number to the Italian number. all calls to any of her other numbers would go into a voice-mail and alert to the number she was using. anybody that needed to get in touch dialed her number in that country and if she wasn't using that number she got a voice-mail, anyone sending a text message had to know which number she had active to get through though. all text messages went to an email account specifically for them and she checked it twice daily.

Most people she knew used twitter or facebook so it wasn't a problem it saved on international calls, so did skype. Checking her's revealed several models she knew would also be at the show then laughed to see that her friend from mykonos, the party-girl LaLa would be there in the audience. Lyssa replied to all that she too would be there for the show and looked forward to seeing them all. minutes later the boarding call for first class tickets was called and Lyssa walked to the jetway, it would be morning when she got to Rome she calculated then hoped it would be a smooth flight so she would be able to sleep a bit. 20 minutes later everyone was settled and the plane taxied out. She drifted off an hour after take-off.

Vasili stared at the huddled women in the room,"How many Draga?"

"we have 12 now Vasili. They will bring a nice profit from our buyers in the middle east if we don't lose any," he replied.

"These are all good but we need some real beauties to call for high prices, some models maybe," Vasili remarked.

"Those are getting harder to come by, girls are getting smarter about that," Draga answered.

"Then don't lure,"Vasili said,"we just take some. where are models plentiful right now?"

"The papers say Rome this coming week, a fashion show,"the henchman answered.

"then that's where we need to go. Find a boat...we can keep the girls on it and hold the sale there as well,"Vasili smiled coldly.

This would be fun he thought to himself and very profitable. The Arabs would pay well for a model and after a couple of days they would struggle no more. If they behaved and served well they may even have resell value. Most models had a birth control implant he'd read somewhere to insure no accidental pregnancies. That merely confirmed his view of them in his mind. Besides, there was always a new face every year that claimed to be the best. It would take no time for one or two to be forgotten.

That put him into a mood, he walked back to the room and looked around. One of the women looked up and her eyes flashed a look of disgust at him. Vasili walked over and slapped her, making her yelp. Others scuttled in retreat as he reached down, grabbed her by the back of her neck and hauled her up.

"Let us see how good you are," He sneered then dragged her into another room.

The other girls covered their ears and sobbed trying not to hear the repeated slaps and ripping of clothes over her protests and then guttural screams as he raped her for almost an hour. Finally her dragged her back out by her hair and dropped her limp body on the floor, spots of blood dripped from between her legs.

"Keep yourselves pretty and thing will not as bad for you," he chuckled harshly then left locking the door behind him.

LaLa danced around the waiting area. a passenger asked curiously what had her so excited.

"I'm going to a fashion show in rome, my friend is a model and letting me stay at her place. isn't that exciting,"LaLa answered brightly.

The passenger agreed that it did sound exciting and didn't blame her for being so boisterous, as an elderly woman she remember some exciting times in her youth and even mentioned meeting a big name actor once. LaLa giggled at the woman's blush as she remembered and asked to hear the story keeping her entertained even during the boarding of the flight to Rome.

CHAPTER 2

Madison stepped into the office,"Major, there's a lot of traffic between Interpol and ICE they're having a fit."

"What do you mean," Dannigan asked.

"Well it seems a serious human trafficker dropped of Interpol's radar they think he may be moving from the Balkans to Europe,"she answered.

"So what's his story? the usual,"Dannigan guessed.

"Yes sir, lure girls out of the former republics with promises of job in the west then put them to work in underground brothels or outright sale to big money clients all over the world." she summarized.

"Any Americans to his credit," he asked.

"Nothing solid according to ICE," Madison answered.

"Well let's keep up on the chatter in case something does come up," Dannigan said.

"ICE put in a request to the NSA for Big Ears with voice ID on cellphones around the Mediterranean," Madison added.

"That'll help, maybe we can connect a dot or two for them," Dannigan said.

Madison nodded then turned and walked back out. Dannigan watched her retreat and took note that she'd been more cheerful the past couple of days and was wearing a different perfume than she had been. He smiled to himself, so; Madison had a new boyfriend it seemed. That was good, she had been single for months now. It would be good for her to be dating again. Just as long as her new beau didn't bring attention to himself. He turned back to the window on his screen, a new collection to be shown in Rome from the Versace name. If he was a betting man, and he was on occasion, he'd wager Lyssa would be there. Maybe this trafficking thing was something she could quietly look into.

Lyssa smiled at the customs officer as she passed over her passport.

He studied it for a moment and asked,"What is the purpose of your visit?"

"Business. Modeling; here for the Versace show,"She answered clearly.

"Ah," he then stamped a page,"Welcome to Italia Senorina Kordenay enjoy your stay and may all go well."

Lyssa thanked him then passed through. A few moments later she saw LaLa fidgeting at a table in the cafe who spotted her immediately and ran to her.

"Lyssa! its been forever,"she exclaimed.

"You been here about twenty minutes LaLa," Lyssa laughed,"I promise you haven't missed anything."

Lyssa followed her friend back over to the table to get her suitcase then head for the exit.

"Lyssa you do this all the time, I've never been to Rome before much less a big fashion show like this,"LaLa was almost running to the doors.

"Settle down party-girl and maybe we can go for a ride in a special car," she chuckled.

Outside at the taxi line Lyssa waved at a driver and told him their destination making LaLa gape after her flawless Italian. The driver welcomed them both home making Lyssa laugh as she told him they weren't roman and were in town for the show. LaLa giggled as Lyssa translated the driver's remark that such fine girls were the exact kind his mother would enjoy meeting were he not married 10 years to a woman that had grown up across the street from him as a boy.

LaLa gasped in amazement as they pulled up to the address a hilltop villa on the outskirts of the city. As the driver took out the bags he remarked that the house was too big for girls to live in by themselves and that he had a couple of younger cousins. Lyssa laughed and assured him they were quite capable of taking care of themselves and that she enjoyed her traveling too much to settle down. LaLa hurried from room to room once they got inside exploring and had to be called back to get her case from the foyer so Lyssa could show her to a room.

After freshening up Lyssa got her to the car and they rode back into the city to meet Donatella Versace. At Donetella's studio Lyssa was hurried into the fitting area and shown the gown. She slipped out of her dress and sandals and put on the ones the assistant handed her then carefully got into the dress and stepped out for viewing. Donatella turned around and gasped. LaLa, who had been allowed in, gaped in awe.

"Dona....its beyond belief,"Lyssa sighed looking in the mirror.

Donatella looked in approval the finally said as Lyssa turned for her,"No fitting needed its perfect on her."

LaLa stepped closer and said something in a hushed tone still looking on in awe.

"What did she say," Donatella asked.

"She said 'it looks like it was made in heaven' Dontella,"Lyssa smiled,"She does speak english."

"Thank you, LaLa is it,"Donatella asked.

"Its so beautiful. Lyssa said she would buy a dress here for me to wear for the show," LaLa said excitedly.

Donatella smiled,"no need.....Lydia take Lyssa's friend and find something pretty for her to wear....something sparkly to match her personality."

LaLa gaped in shock then rushed off with the assistant practically skipping calling out her thanks.

Lyssa smiled,"My thanks for indulging my friend Dona, please though, I'll be happy to purchase whatever she likes."

"No Lyssa she said it as it should be. The gown looks like it was made in heaven," Donatella said.

"Your brother is happy. I'm very sure," Lyssa said softly then laughed hearing a squeal of delight in the distance.

the fitting concluded with Donatella herself giving the bagged dress to LaLa and assuring her she could watch the rehearsals and have a seat at the end of the runway during the show. The party-girl quickly hugged the designer and thanked her profusely until Lyssa finally guided her out.

As they were leaving Lyssa heard Donatella," even if she wasn't as attractive as she is I would still have her wear the legacy. Look how she comes...looking like a model should, not like most: escapees from laundry baskets. some even came reeking of a night with boyfriends!"

"Donatella, Lyssa is not like other models. she is highly disciplined, a ballerina also," an assistant commented.

"The boat is secured Vasili," Draga informed his boss.

"So this is Rome.....we will take what we please from these pigs," Vasili scoffed followed by his underling's laugh.

"Find out where these models can found Draga, we have orders to fill," Vasili ordered with a sneer.

"Right,"Draga answered then took five men and went to the dock.

A few hours later they were in a club reputed to host visiting models. Draga waited until one left her glass unattended to dance and walked by dropping a small pill into it then stood off to the side waiting, a few minutes later she returned and drank. within ten minutes the drug had taken effect and as she wandered the club his men were able to guide her out a side door and into their car to take back to the boat followed by Draga and the rest of his crew.

CHAPTER 3

LaLa was having the time of her life, even going to the Lamborgini manufacturer and saw the brand new model. True to her word, Lyssa had even talked the president into allowing them to take one for a ride around the test track. The party-girl couldn't believe how surely Lyssa drove the super-car around the track at over two-hundred-fifty miles per hour then when done stand calmly and talk to the mechanics and designer about its performance as LaLa's knees still wobbled from the heart pounding ride.

The party-girl quickly asked where a ladies' room then rejoined just as Lyssa was mentioning the gown she would be wearing for the show and commenting herself at how stunning it was. The president of the company, a great admirer of Gianni Versace, began to consider the idea of Lyssa posing next to the new car wearing the gown. The fact that he himself would be at the show swung him more in that direction and as the conversation ended he agreed that with Lyssa's introduction he would ask Donatella if she would allow it.

LaLa almost fainted when Lyssa stated that if the photos of her wearing the gown next to the new Lamborghini turned out as well as she thought she would buy it that day, with some fine tuning to suit her personally. The lead mechanic said he could have it the adjustments made in fifteen minutes if she cared to wait. The president turned to the mechanic and instructed him to do so then said he would loan it to her for the time being. The party-girl silently thanked that she had just gone to the ladies' room for she surely would have wet herself that moment.

The ride back to the villa was surreal sitting in the passenger seat of the super-car. She could barely sit still until Lyssa put her foot to the floor up-shifting and the car rocketed forward pressing LaLa firmly to the seat for a moment. The engine went from a growl to a shriek at Lyssa's command. She was having so much fun though there was the news that one of the alternates had not shown for reheasrsals. a couple of other girls that weren't models but were about as pretty had also gone missing. Lyssa seemed concerned about it too, especially about the alternate. no model would leave the opportunity to be a such a prestigious show without word, moves like that were career enders and modeling was as high competition as it got.

When the show itself started LaLa was so excited she couldn't sit still. Lyssa would be the last out. Many were saying it was rush of the old days as the lights flashed and the music pounded. LaLa's favorite song started; Kasabian's Clubfoot. A hard driving mix the grabbed and held you up. She couldn't resist moving with it then she saw the two models stop at the returning end of the runway as a cloaked figure came out and made the turn. As the song gathered more intensity the two caught the cloak in passing and unveiled Lyssa who tossed her hair.

Within two steps the song crescendo-ed as the announcer proclaimed that this was the Legacy gown but the crowd had already risen to their feet and roared as Lyssa strode down the runway with a fierce look. At the end she stopped and posed holding her position for a count of ten then turned once. As she came back around to face the crowd her expression had change to that of pure wanton and she held her pose again for the ten count then turned and strode back down the runway waving the crowds roar upward. Lyssa returned, behind Donatella, for the final walk closing the show to standing ovation. Even the Lamborghini President after seeing the gown insisted that the photos would be perfect. Donatella agreed having seen the new model when Lyssa and LaLa had been arriving in it.With that agreement Lyssa made a call and had the payment wired to pay for the car. They were all looking forward to the after-party.

Draga slowly looked around the club there were models as far as the eye could see. A blonde that everyone seemed to be fawning over would be a real prize. It would be difficult though, they had already taken two. He slowly walked past the table and dropped the pill into her glass and continued a few more steps away then turned and waited watching as she continued to talk to a small group of men and women. She picked up the glass and almost drank but then got more involved in the conversation. A moment later she set the glass back down but too close to the table edge and the glass fell spilling on the floor. Draga swore silently to himself but continued to watch as she parted from the group and walked over to the ladies' room walking in behind another blonde with light purple streaks in her hair.

Lyssa was enjoying the party when she spotted LaLa waving subtly at her. She made a drinking motion then shook her head. Odd, She was telling Lyssa not to drink. With a casual glance down, she noticed a column of bubbles coming from the bottom of the glass, no sparkling wine did that. Someone was trying to drug her. She made a convenient accident to spill the glass then made her way to the ladies' room and followed her friend inside.

"What did you see," She asked the party-girl.

"At first I thought I was imagining that he passed his hand over your glass but then he stayed too close and watched you real hard. I wasn't sure until you spilled it, he got mad,"LaLa informed her.

"Is he alone," Lyssa asked pointedly.

"That kind are never alone but I don't know who is with him," LaLa said looking angry.

Another woman in the ladies' room spoke Greek and followed the conversation. She said she'd mention to the women she knew to guard their drinks from now on. Lyssa translated to the other women in the restroom and they echoed the sentiment,'women guard your drinks.'

"Ok LaLa, show me mister bad guy," Lyssa all but growled.

Outside the mood the women subtly changed. Drinks were no longer being set down then picked back up. More were being abandoned. A man whispered something into Donatella's ear and her mood immediately changed which reflected to the security men moving around much more being watchful. Lyssa became much more watchful herself keeping the dark man pointed out to her always in her line of sight. He betrayed his companions by giving them a nod.

LaLa hovered close to Lyssa and brought unopened bottles of water for them both. Other models noticed and followed suit. Donatella called the party to an end an hour later instructing the security men to observe the models leaving with special attention paid to Lyssa. LaLa looked around as they got into the car and eased out of the parking area.

"What are we doing Lyssa,"she asked as they made a circuit around the block.

"Getting attention," Lyssa remarked watching behind them.

"But they will follow us no,"She asked confused.

"If we're lucky they will,"Lyssa answered drawing a frightened look from the party-girl," bingo..they bit"

Lyssa powered out heading for the outer edge of the city with both of the black Maserati sport sedans on their tail. LaLa turned on the mp3 player and pulled up some of her favorite club mixes then apologized turning it down. Without a word Lyssa turned it back up to blare as the two sedans drew even.

"Come and get us boychiks,"She said over the din then up-shifted bringing the Lamborghini from a growl to pitched whine.

Draga bellowed,"Stay with them, I want both!"

His driver gave chase. Lyssa upshifted again as the songs changed to Too close by Alex Clare. LaLa held her breath as Lyssa slipped gears and brought the engine to a shriek then rocketed between two large trucks then smoothly weaved through the few proceeding cars . Lala turned and looked behind them,"Go Lyssa GO! they are still chasing us!"

"Good, If i make it too hard they'll give up. I want them chasing us," Lyssa smiled coldly then powered through another cluster of cars.

LaLa gave her a more frightened look then was pressed deep into the seat as Lyssa took the next curve like a professional racer. the Lamborghini maintained a significant lead as they turned off onto the lane leading up to the house.

CHAPTER 4

"THERE! TURN THERE! DO NOT LOSE THEM," Draga bellowed at the driver."

"Draga this woman drives like professional,"the driver spouted back.

They saw the car turn in at a house on the hilltop then go dark.

"GO! WE HAVE THEM NOW," he all but screamed.

As they turned in suddenly, Draga saw flashes in front of them as the glass punctured. The driver slumped covered in blood from his head the other car slammed into their side. The other driver slumping over as his own, Draga froze in horror as the blonde cut across the headlights with two large auto-pistols in hand and fired again. He felt a wet spray from behind him. He called out to his men when the roar of the guns stopped digging into his coat then felt heat come to his head and very cold feminine voice.

Lyssa hissed the command,"you are mine. get out! slowly."

Draga dropped his pistol to the floor then slowly opened the door, eased out and saw the beautiful blonde model's face. Cold and expressionless with bright eyes that almost glowed in the dim light. She took a pair of handcuffs brought by the smaller girl and cuffed him to the front end of the car. After searching him like an expert, the blonde then went into the house and returned a few moments later clad in form fitted black and boots.

"Go inside. He and I are going to have a chat,"Lyssa said softly staring intently at Draga.

He knew she was going to interrogate him. He knew this wasn't going to be a police matter when she pulled a long bladed knife from the back of her thigh.

She closed in and hissed," Answers. You speak or scream them."

Lyssa eased out of the Lamborghini,"Stay here LaLa and keep quiet."

She closed the door then faded into the shadows, working her way to the boat tied to the dock. Within moments she pulled herself up the bow rope and slithered to the deck then silently rose up behind the guard. He heard only the water sloshing against the boat and dock when Lyssa plunged the Marauder knife between his jaw and the base of his skull up into his brain. A slight twist of the handle and she pulled it free as he collapsed. She eased him to the deck and moved on to the other guards.

The final guard turned at the last moment, Lyssa slashed the blade down across his neck directly the blood down into his throat then simply pushed him over the side. the stairways were clear but she found four more were playing cards at a table below, she unloaded both her auto-pistols into the group. The only sound from the suppressed guns was a slight cough. She quickly reloaded then stalked down the passageway.

Further into the ship she heard human sounds that became muffled screams as she opened a hatch. On the other side of the hold two men stood watching a huddled group of women as another man held a girl by her hair bent over a crate, ripping what looked to be a party dress to shreds. He was taking his time laughing at her shrieking protests, her nose already bleeding. With steps so soft a ghost couldn't have heard she worked her way around other crates and boxes then stepped out between them and triggered off a head-shot into each guard then spun and slammed the butt of one pistol against the base of the rapist's skull and dragged him into the jumble out of sight.

He stirred as Lyssa draped him over a crate then sliced his pants open. He came to his senses too late as he felt something cold and metal press the shaft of his penis to the rough wood then heard a spitting sound followed by searing pain. the sound echoed again as his thumbs were pinned to the crate top by industrial staples. Vasili faintly caught the scent of a sweet perfume. A feminine voice gave an icy whisper," I know who you are Vasili, I know everything there is to know about you. Beg police to kill you because if you ever get out of prison I'll come from the darkness. Past the gates of Hell and before the Devil's throne you will know misery like no other man on earth Vasili."

She took his phone and dialed the number to local Interpol the slid it over to the huddled women. One snatched it up and launched into panicked italian begging for police to come and save them as Lyssa slipped back out and made her way back to the waiting car and her friend.

Danigan looked up as Madison stepped into his office,"What is it?"

"Something strange in Rome, Interpol got a tip and raided a boat at the dock and found Vasili and a group of girls, some from Baltic states but the rest were locals," she reported.

Danigan gave a non-plussed look indicating to continue.

"All the goons were dead and he was found 'Stapled to a packing crate by his thumbs and....penis," she finished.

Danigan's eyes had widened with that last part.

"what haven't you mentioned," he asked pointedly.

Madison frowned, "some of the girls are models. Connected to the Versace show.....Lyssa was confirmed to be at that show."

"I think that answers all the questions of who,how,why, etc.," Dannigan surmised.
Madison nodded then turned and walked back to her desk.

LaLa couldn't believe it, her friend wasn't just brave, she was dangerous and had rescued all those girls but didn't let them get a good look at her. They were sharing glasses of wine in the villa's kitchen after taking showers.

"I wish I could be brave and strong like you Lyssa," the party-girl confessed.

"LaLa you can be anything you want to be," Lyssa said directly as they sat at the table glasses of wine between them,"I'm proof of that.I wasn't born a model or a ballerina or anything else for that matter"

"But.."LaLa started.

"I had to work for it,"Lyssa cut off the protest, "and work hard. very hard. you can too, but you have to want it so bad though. you said once I didn't have enough fun. now you know why." Lala nodded slowly then turned to see the first rays of dawn filter through the window and sipped her wine.

Lyssa began to slowly run her fingertip along the rim of the glass making it sing. Slowly ebbing and pitching for a couple of minutes until Lyssa said," Its a beautiful sunrise. reminds me of the the time we first met.

LaLa's eyes began to grow heavy,"I made a great friend that morning."

"As did I. I kept you safe,"Lyssa said softly," safe and relaxed. Like sleeping and dreaming."

The party-girl from Mykonos slightly nodded as Lyssa held the note of the glass.

"Dreaming," Lala echoed.

Lyssa had her now and spoke softly," so much excitement last night. Those two cars hitting like that. They shouldn't have been drinking and driving."

Lala nodded sleepily," that was dangerous for them."

"Its a good thing the police came and took care of them. Breaking the glass and getting them out. That one man was very hurt and had to lean against the front of the car," Lyssa prompted.

Again Lala nodded," He was hurt badly from the accident."

"But we did a nice thing going to tell his friends on the boat what happened," Lyssa said calmly," the police came to escort them."

"yes. You're so nice, even to strangers in trouble," Lala commented.

Lyssa then said almost sadly,"its too bad your flight leaves this afternoon. You should go take a nap before you go."

Lyssa reached over and patted her arm, bringing her back around.

The party-girl yawned then stood up,"I think I'll go lay down until I need to get ready for my flight Lyssa."

Lyssa nodded and smiled,"I should do that too. sleep well."

Lala went upstairs, leaving Lyssa alone in the kitchen. Staring out the window, her hand clenched, shattering the glass. Lyssa glared at nothing then cleaned the broken glass and spilled wine. With a look of anger she went up the stairs to her own room and went to bed.

 

Book 10 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Columbia has produced a new and savage cartel, Can Lyssa face the mission or will demons of the past come back to haunt her? WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.**scenes of sexual assault**

 

 

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Butterfly and the Dragon's Den

CHAPTER 1

Dannigan stared at the screen. The Director of the CIA was quietly backchanneling a request for help and he didn't care from who. Five deep cover agents tortured and killed in Columbia by a serious narco-terrorist cartel. It made him think of the Padosa cartel and the havoc they had wreaked.

These cartels had a tendency to get out of hand. Perhaps they could be taught a lesson since the example of Ramon Padosa had faded from memory too quickly.

He knew just the person to do it and buzzed the intercom, "Madison."

"Yes Major,"she answered.

"Where's Lyssa," he asked.

"Her U.S. number was active this morning, I'll call her right away," Madison said then dialed.

Lyssa answered on the third ring. Madison told her that she was needed immediately then noted a tme and hung up.

"She'll be here in two hours Major,"Madison buzzed back to him.

He replied with a brusque thank you then started gathering information.

Lyssa disconnected and walked back inside. She showered then dried and styled her hair. After putting on her make up and perfume she picked a lightweight blue skirt suit,cream colored blouse and black pumps. Lyssa took up her purse and keys as she walked out and was on her way in moments.

Traffic was light and she pulled into the parking lot with minutes to spare.it took only moments to pass through the safeguards to get to Madison's office and she buzzed her in with a smile.

"Afternoon Lyssa,"Dannigan greeted her.

"Major..." she replied then looked to the screen on the wall he nodded to.

The first photo came up and he narrated," Calderone, Eduardo; head of the Coyote Rojos cartel out of Columbia, bloodthirsty, vicious, etc. this next guy is his top enforcer; Alvarez, no other name known. Eduardo's wife; Marianna she's just as bad as he is. Sister: Carmellina, now she takes cut-throat to a whole 'nother level. It's confirmed that she had a priest dragged out of the church and burned alive because he didn't give her absolution."

"Jesus......"Lyssa muttered.

"That's the high-lights. These men and woman were deep cover CIA. She was grabbedcoming out of the embassy, the group's control. They were rounded up within minutes. That was last month, the team's bodies were recovered two days ago. Power drils, blow-torches, electric, cutting and that was just the men," Dannigan stated as those photos came up.

Lyssa had stood and walked over to the screen, her expression had become stoney as the photos continued.

"The woman was obviously sexually assaulted repeatedly; including trauma to the rectum, any evidence vaginally had been obliterated by 'an extremely hot object inserted deep inside repeatedly' and semenal fluid recovered from both her stomach and rectum.....some of it non-human. Her eyes had been completely removed by and i quote 'extreme force'. To date there has never been this aggressive of actions," Dannigan concluded.

"My god this rings of Padosa,"Lyssa said angrily.

"A connection was searched for, but no. These people are new, independent and wanting to really make a name for themselves savagely," Dannigan finished.

Lyssa turned back to face him,"ok Show is over...now give me Tell."

"Backchannel request and these are just your type," Dannigan said without humor.

"I'll go in,"lyssa said after a moment.

"One thing though. Apparently Padosa wasn't a good enough example. I want you to go....strange, on this one," He added.

"How strange do you want,"She asked tilting her head slightly.

"Get really creative. Something nobody's ever seen before," Dannigan said then passed over a disc.

Lyssa took the disc then walked out with a wave to Madison. If she hurried she could make the evening flight to the Caymen Islands.

Danigan sent a secure untraceable message to the director of the CIA: action underway.

He then buzzed Madison,"Start monitoring columbia, eyes, ears, every bit of chatter to and from."

"Yes sir,"She answered. Madison said a quick silent prayer, Their butterfly was being sent into Hell. the Steel Butterfly. Hopefully Lyssa could withstand the fires again.

Carmellina laughed coldly looking down at the Embassy secretary,"you are going to provide us so much entertainment. Paco...."

A man off to the side lit a torch then held a rod in the flame for a minute, when it took a red hue he turned it off and approached her. Through swollen eyes she saw him coming closer and started begging for him not to get closer. Slowly he waved the heated rod in front of her then pressed it to her upper arm causing her to thrash on the table and scream.

Carmellina leaned down beside her head and waved off the brander and signalled another to come forward.

"You serve those gringo pigs so well...show us how you do it....spread your legs like you do for them," Carmellina hissed into the woman's ear gripping her hair.

Crying, the secretary did as she was told. Another man that had been waved forward unzipped his pants and freed himself then climbed onto the table and savagely thrust himself into her. She screeched in pain as he raped her, pausing occasionally to sniff up some cocaine then continue for over an hour until her wails dulled to groans of misery.

He climbed off of her then cut the cords keeping her to the table. Another man came up and roughly flipped her over then rammed himself deep into her rectum. The brutalized young woman lost her voice before he had finished in her.

Carmellina stepped up again,"our property should be marked clearly so there is no mistaking," she chuckled then pressed the sizzling brand to the woman's right buttock.

"Yes....you will provide us with so much fun," Carmellina chuckled into the woman's ear before she slipped into unconsciousness.

Lyssa walked through the concourse of Grand Caymen International Airport then took a taxi to her house on the beach arriving just before midnight. Once inside she walked to the phone and dialed a satellite number from memory, It was answered on the second ring.

"Yeah" a male voice answered.

"Good evening; we are currently running a survey to all VIP gold members of the Mile-High club," Lyssa said in a seductive voice gaining a roar of laughter on the other end.

"Well how are you Gorgeous," he chuckled.

"Busy Rodrick and maybe able to put some business your way. Any commitments," she asked.

"Hell you know me...I have issues when it comes to commitments, though you could definitely make a man rethink the course of his life," Rodrick flirted.

Rodrick thought back to the weekend they had been together. They had met by accident when a modeling assignment turned out to be a ploy by middle eastern human traffickers.

Lyssa laughed and flirted back, "such sweet talk. When can you be in Cayman flyboy?"

"Since its you, 9 am local," he replied.

"Meet me at the Golden Reef. Breakfast is on me. And Rodrick....bring your blacklist," Lyssa said.

"Sweet thing for you; I'll even bring flowers," Rodrick quipped and disconnected.

Lyssa made a few more calls and soaked in a bubblebath for for a while then went to bed.

tomorrow would be along soon enough.

CHAPTER 2

Rodrick Mason walked out onto the deck and crossed over to the table and gave a low wolf whistle at the blonde wearing a strapless aqua dress. Lyssa laughed then stood up, hugged the pilot and took the small bouquet of roses then sat back down as he held her chair before taking his own sitting opposite her.

"You never change...always 'off the cover of a magazine' and twice as sweet," He commented.

"And you...'daring as Howard Hughes' with ten times the charm," She chuckled back.

Breakfast was ordered and they made small talk before and during. After she paid the check they walked out onto the beach. Lyssa unfastened the ankle straps of her heels and held them in her hand as they walked along the edge of the damp sand just back from the surf.

"So what's the gig Lyssa, you have other means of getting around," Rodrick asked.

"Destination: Columbia," Lyssa said as they stopped and she turned to face him.

That got his attention so he asked,"Columbia? Seriously?"

"But I need to do something else first, Indonesia...island of Flores to make a pick up," she said flatly.

"Flores? there's nothing on Flores but.....what the hell do you want with those big-assed lizards," Rodrick asked in disbelief.

"That's my business Rod. I need to go get the dragons and get them into Columbia. Unnoticed Rod, completely off the grid," she answered.

"You mean use a drug strip in the jungle," he baited her.

Lyssa turned and looked at him again then took off her sunglasses. The look she gave him was all business.

"Don't play me Rod, you and I both know you have your own airstrip in every third world country. If you wanted to, you could not only refuel but also rearm most jet fighters and attack helos. Guns and missiles," she said flatly.

"Ok, its like that..the gloves and panties are off.... vicious Lyssa. How'd you know about that anyway," He asked.

"You talk in your sleep. Rod...this is serious....I need it,"she replied then kept along side as he started walking again.

They walked ten yards before he stopped again and looked out to sea.

"This isn't one of your classic 'favor for a favor' gigs is it? Like you said; don't play me," Rodrick leveled.

"Its a real job Rod and its important,"She admitted.

He stood there and thought for a minute then finally said,"Ok, you know my usual deal but triple fuel cost."

"Rod, I'm not playing around here. You can have a hundred K for this," Lyssa answered.

"Damn Lyssa. do I wanna know what the hell you're up to this time,"Rodrick exclaimed.

"Let's just say Morocco was a walk in the park compared to this on my end,"She chuckled.

Rodrick smiled, not at the memory of a desparate get away from angry mercenaries chasing Lyssa and a several models as they were escaping from a human trafficker, but of the weekend the two of them shared in Nice afterward.

He laughed,"ok deal but I need a favor."

"A favor," Lyssa asked arching an eyebrow.

Roderick mocked a serious look,"yeah I need a new suit. You got an In with Hugo Boss?"

Lyssa rolled her eyes pretending exasparation then laughed as he picked her up and spun once," I have an in with Giorgio Armani."

"So when do we have to get going," Rodrick asked then kissed her slowly.

Lyssa relaxed in his arms and smiled," how about tonight? Gives us a few hours."

"Good thing I got a room on the way over," Rodrick scooped her up and carried her towards the nearby resort.

The sun had just set as Rodrick's cargo plane lifted off from the runway of a private Bahamian island heading east towards Africa.

"Madison, update Lyssa about the embassy secretary,"Dannigan ordered.

"Yes sir. Any additional instructions," She asked.

"Use her own discretion on site," Dannigan added.

Madison closed her eyes at the finality of that statement. Translation: retreive if possible, liquidate if neccessary. A Senate sub-committee had already met and issued a lethal finding on the cartel. Lyssa would carry out the liquidation mandate under three agencies' umbrella; CIA, DEA and State Department. Though it was untraceable Dannigan's message had been taken seriously.

Everybody had pulled back and since the abduction of the secretary the embassy was on lock down. The cartel would be angry; they had tried and failed at kidnapping of one of the marine guards. Anybody and everybody that could be had been issued weapons to protect themselves. The marine had. The embassy guard detail was reinforced by a special anti-terrorist detail from Guantannamo Bay along with undercover SEALs from TEAM 6.

Eduardo looked at his sister,"So you failed at your idiotic ploy to take one of the embassy marine guards."

Carmellina retorted,"he got lucky is all. we'll pick up another."

"He got lucky..."Eduardo echoed standing up and pouring a drink,"he.....got...lucky......"

He threw the decanter at the wall beside her smashing it,"HE GOT LUCKY? NO! YOU GOT STUPID! AND NOW THE AMERCIANS HAVE STRENGTHENED THEMSELVES!"

"Who cares, by tomorrow I will have the Ambassador. We will use bank trucks to smash in and drive back out," she smiled.

Eduardo pointed at her angrily,"we need solid leverage on the Americans. Take the whole family from the embassy. DO NOT FAIL!"

Lyssa walked into the cockpit and sat in the navigator seat rubbing her eyes, "Where we at Rod?"

"We'll be landing outside Johannesburg again in ten minutes sleeping beauty," he smiled.

They were on the ground once more at his private airstrip for an hour to refuel then take off again, another refuel stop just outside Marakesh gave them enough fuel to make Argentina then up to Columbia.

Rod threw in a bonus, a truck big enough to haul the crates containing the giant lizards that were getting angrier by the hour. They were fed once on the plane, but only enough to settle down. They couldn't be fed again or they wouldn't be aggressive enough. A few hours later she had driven to within three miles of the compound.

After sunset a small convoy pulled out. Lyssa spotted the sister Carmellina in the lead SUV. She slipped down to the road and lined a twenty yard section with claymores then placed anti-vehicle mines in the road itself followed by a snare-trap. there were several guard towers but within range of her rifle even with the supressor, a spray of acid separated the fence to allow her access.

Silently she made her way into the barracks and used a silenced MP-5. The twenty guards barely hear the clacking of the bolt or loud 'cough' of the reports over the rattling air conditioner in the window. One by one she silently cleared the bungalows with her pistol and the Marauder knife then stole into the main house.

Within half an hour she had complete control of the house. Lyssa secured the Cartel command then searched lower. The sight in the basement stunned her. She'd found the secretary. Lyssa stepped close, reached out and touched her hair gently. Barely holding back a whimper the ravaged secretary slowly opened her legs. Lyssa shushed her gently, taking note of the bruises, lacerations and burns. Her arms were both at unnatural angles. It was the lack of the woman's eye that sickened her the most.

With a voice that was more a hoarse croak than a whisper she begged,"please make it all stop. please make it all stop."

Silently Lyssa took a micro-syrette from a concealed compartment in her boot then leaned down and kissed her softly on the forehead and whispered,"I'm so sorry."

Lyssa injected the syrette into the trembling woman's neck. Within seconds she became still then exhaled what little breath she'd had left. Stiffly Lyssa took a sheet from nearby and draped it over her body, gently tucking it underneath then quickly turned away and doubled over. She wretched and heaved until her stomach was as empty as her soul now felt. Lyssa stood and rinsed her mouth with water from her canteen then went outside, she had a pit to dig. The explosives she'd found would solve that problem quickly.

CHAPTER 3

Carmellina laughed as her men loaded into the trucks from the bank then watched as they sped away. She had her driver park down the street so she could watch. The Americans thought they could hide behind the walls and shoot at any threat, they would learn soon that if she wanted something nobody would stop her from taking it.

The first truck turned the corner followed by two more as then sped up, at the last moment it turned, barreling towards the gate. The men behind the wall didn't bother to shout warnings they just opened fire. the night shattered with the sound of assault rifles
and machine guns but the trucks still plowed through the gates. They didn't make it very far when Carmellina saw three firey streaks travel from the roof of the building and slam into the trucks blasting them into the air followed by several smaller explosions.

She screamed at the driver,"GET ME OUT OF HERE NOW!"

Too late the watchers had already discovered her. Several shots pinged at the Mercedes SUV as he started the engine then slammed it into reverse and screeching backwards down the road. As they sped through the streets heading back to the compound she planned to collect more men and the Russian rockets from the storage and return. She would teach the Americans not to stand in the way of the Calderone family and its goals. She would own the American Embassy before the sun rose.

Eduardo looked around then realized he was handcuffed to a chair facing his wife and second lieutenant; Alvarez. None of them were able to speak due to the strips of tape across their mouths. His phone rang. To Eduardo and his wife's horror a woman answered it and sounded very similar in tone and attitude to Marianna.

She instructed the caller," hurry back. What you need will be ready when you get here."

The source of the voice stepped into view. A woman in all black that outlined every curve with dark streaks across her face hiding her identity perfectly.

"That was your sister, she failed again and is on her way back. She wants more men and the rockets from storage," she said.

The woman turned and walked from the room. Some time later they heard an explosion then after a few minutes three smaller ones and several screams.

Lyssa waited until the SUV almost cleared the minefield then triggered one off, blasting it tail over nose forward to land on its roof. Slowly three men and one woman struggled out. One of the men started to lead them back down the road but Lyssa hit another remote and one of the claymores went off shredding him. He had enough life in him to scream, the two others ran up to either pull him to safety or give a mercy shot but Lyssa didn't give them time to decide hitting the remote twice more setting off two more claymores. The woman turned and bolted, running to the compound for safety from the unseen enemy.

Lyssa watched her run for a good ten yards when the concealed rope noose snatched her off the ground by the ankles. The drug lord's sister's head smacked the ground hard knocking her unconscious. The last thing she saw was a dark form materialize from the jungle and approach then the lights went completley out.

She awoke later handcuffed to a chair at the edge of a very large hole by a tractor with its bucket overhanging the edge. Several large metal boxes were at the bottom with strands of barbed wire to them. Loud banging came from inside the boxes.

"You brought dogs for us to fight," Eduardo taunted.

Lyssa said nothing but looped a rope around the chest of Alvarez then hauled him upright from the chair and lowered him down into the ground below. He smirked at her then looked puzzled with something small hit his head. Looking down Alvarez saw it was the key to the handcuffs. He bent down and picked up the key and managed to unlock them. Lyssa said nothing but slowly pulled one of the strands of wire lifting the gate on the box.

"Here poochie poochie poochie," Alvarez called and made kiss noises at the box until it opened and something slowly came out.

The Columbian stopped taunting and started backing away. Eduardo and company starting looking at each other in confusion. Seeing something dark moving out of the box had made him go silent and stare in terror. Alvarez was fearless and had even wrestled pitbull dogs before but whatever was down there made him afraid.

They heard a hissing then saw him run for the opposite side then around; moving and jumping, finally fighting it with kicks until whatever it was had him. They heard him bellow and scream trying to free himself. It continued for fifteen minutes then a loud wail
hitched up an octave then trailed off.

Lyssa leaned in close to Carmellina,"Are you entertained?....no? I'll change the channel then..."

She hoisted Marianna up then lowered her into the pit and dropped the key to her. Marianna whimpered and swore to herself trying to get the cuffs unlocked. As she finally managed to get free, two doors slid up and she saw two more come out and move toward
her. The high pitched screaming stopped after 10 minutes while the woman and Eduardo whispered.

Carmellina looked up after having the back of her head slapped. The woman in black had been gone a long time. She leaned down to Eduardo and whispered into his ear. He spoke softly and quickly, staring into the hole. Three very large lizards feasted on the two bodies as bangs could be heard from the remaining crates while she wrote on a small pad of paper then left.

Twenty minutes later she returned and whispered into his ear again," you're sure that's it?"

He nodded his head," for the love of God that's everything. I swear it."

The woman didn't use the rope to lower him, instead she simply pushed him into the pit and pulled five strands releasing more of the creatures. Eduardo's screams stopped after a few minutes.

The woman in black stood in front of her and looked down," and now its your turn Carmellina. Let the fun begin, I hope you enjoy it."

The drug lord's sister was hoisted up with the rope and lowered into the pit but not entirely. Carmellina jerked to look up and saw a large container of slowly leaking water holding her up. The two remaining crate doors slid up and she heard a clear voice.

"Past the gates and before the devil's throne, I have been to Hell. You deserve much worse. This is it," Lyssa said.

Carmellina looked down as the first dragon licked her foot then bit, ripping her toes off. She looked back up and screamed as the two remaining komodos clambered to tear strips from her legs. For twenty minutes they fought and yanked at her kegs then pelvis. Finally the rope sagged all the way, dropping her fully into the pit. Hoarse from screaming already she could barely squirm as the dragons moved in, ripped her open and feasted.

Lyssa got into the borrowed truck and drove back to the secret airstrip. After a few minutes staring straight ahead she dialed a number on the hidden satellite phone. She told the voice on the other end,"I'm done. Come get me."

CHAPTER 4

"Sir, the reports are all in," Madison said standing in front of the desk.

"Just leave them there Madison thank you," Dannigan replied staring out the window.

"Lyssa's Carribean number is active, Cayman Islands,"she added.

"Thank you Madison, that'll be all," he said.

Puzzled Madison went back to her desk.

A few moments later Dannigan walked out and closed his door,"We're done for the day Madison. Tomorrow is a personal day, do whatever you like."

She'd not seen him like this in all their time working together. Her curiosity finally reached its limit, she went into his office and picked up the two discs one marked with a red X and the other with a black X. She played the black and watched in horror the systematic torture of the young embassy secretary.

She next loaded the red X'd disc. Someone had erased a segment of video because it went from static to a clear feed of the same basement and again the secretary. Lyssa walked into the frame. The sound was fine but Lyssa's footsteps were silent. Madison stared on in shock as she heard the abused woman's plea. Tears streamed down her face as she watched Lyssa grant her final request, ending her life, then move to the side and empty herself. Madison shut the video off and put the disc back. Dannigan had left his Instant Message screen up. It was from Lyssa; Leave me alone for a while.

Lyssa walked out of the incoming surf and picked up the towel on the lounge chair.

"I want to be alone," she said to the man reclined on it.

"Bullshit,"he muttered.

Lyssa patted herself dry, "no games Rodrick and I'm not gonna ask how you found me either."

"Wasn't easy. The house in Virginia is your official home, but you weren't there. Twenty-seven shell companies own this place. Not bad," he commented.

when she didn't say anything to that he stood up and looked at her.

"You waking up screamin'," he asked then he shook his head," come on baby. Talk to me, I'll understand. You already knew I'm an ex-SEAL."

Her punch was lightning quick and connected solidly with his jaw. Rodrick rolled with it and brought his arms up to block the follow through kick but didn't see the leg sweep behind that. He rolled backwards, coming back up trying to weave the series of punches but missed one and she slammed him back to the ground.

Lyssa gave no ground. Deadly silent and continually advancing. Another kick sent him sprawling across the sand but he came back up fast and moved quick, softening some of her next punch's impact. The elbow under his chin was a surprise, along with the knee into his gut. Lyssa went at him for fifteen minutes. Rodrick now knew she was more dangerous than previously thought and wasn't using any fighting style he had ever encountered before.

Normally he'd have found it impossible to keep his mind on the situation with her wearing a bikini like that one, but he had to. She wasn't pulling punches and the ones that connected seriously rocked him, he had his hands full just trying to keep out of her range. A quick elbow to the high gut caught him off guard and the following uppercut dazed him. Rodrick threw himself to the left fast making the kick land at his shoulder, causing it to pop, but not dislocate. He shook his arm to bring the feeling back into it then saw her pivot and knew she was about to spin in close.

Rodrick moved in closer then just wrapped his arms around her and pressed her head to his shoulder and sat down on the sand.Lyssa struggled for a minute as he held her.

He said softly to her, "That's it....it's done and over with. Talk to me Lyssa, I'll help I swear."

She stilled for a minute and he felt his shoulder getting damp then she pushed herself away and walked back to the water's edge.

Rodrick stood beside her," I've known for eight months about this place. You've been in my brain since we met in Morocco and I can't get you out. Especially after Nice. I know you come here when you have cash to store and disappear for a little while. I don't have the full story out of Columbia but I know enough that it was eighteen different kinds of fucked up."

When she said nothing he continued,"Oh sure things went through or you wouldn't have walked out there. Something went wrong, and its tearing you apart. I know what that's like. Now if you're a good girl and get dressed you can have some of the dinner I made
while you were swimming. It's Italian."

Rodrick woke to the sound of a soft keen. He knew that sound, a soul beginning its descent into private hell. Lyssa thrashed several minutes protesting then let out an earsplitting scream. She bolted upright and sat with her eyes open, but unseeing as she
started to rock back and forth sobbing.

Rodrick slowly sat up and brought her into his arms as she cried softly,"I'm sorry.....I'm so sorry I came too late.....I'M SORRY I COULDN'T SAVE YOU....I'M SO SORRY!"

He said nothing as he held her until the first rays of light filtered through then laid back with her.

"I'm not going anywhere Lyssa. I can't stay away from you," he whispered as her eyes drifted closed.

 

 

Book 11 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Lyssa is still struggling post mission, but what of the mysterious Rodrick? WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Rodrick sat down heavily into the seat of the golf cart, Lyssa didn't even look up from the Arts & Entertainment magazine.

"You know could at least watch when I'm putting or teeing off," he said.

"Birdied the last hole and you're two under par for the course so far,"she replied casually turning a page.

Rodrick chuckled as they came to a stop at the next tee and lean against the side watching the other men hit down the fairway.

"You must be bored. Reading Arts&Entertainment,"he chuckled.

"I'm a classically trained ballerina, I would read Arts&Entertainment,"Lyssa remarked.

"Please......" Rodrick scoffed choosing a driver," you turned down the Sports Illustrated swimsuit shoot along with two shoots for European covers and the Gauthier runway show in Paris, but showed interest in the Death Valley marathon and a triathlon in San Diego."

"You've been reading my emails," Lyssa said sweetly.

Rodrick turned back to see if she was smiling. She wasn't, he was going to pay for snooping later. He needed to find her a ninja to spar with, the soreness of his jaw was fading unless he bit down on something really hard. He swung and put the ball almost a third of the fairway. Two more strokes and he was on the green.

"Still don't see what the big deal is Rodrick, you could skunk the living hell out of these guys,"She stated.

"C'mon Lyssa you know what I'm after with these computer wonks,"Rodrick watched the other men working their way to the green.

"Get them what they really want honey and you'll get that new Gulfstream,"She turned another page.

"Yeah? What's that oh sagely one with the luscious legs," he quipped.

"Laid, dumbass. What else would computer wonks want in the Caribbean," Lyssa had slid her sunglasses down and looked at him over the lenses.

"I know you are soooooo not volunteering," Rodrick said snarkily.

"What's in it for me on the information fly-boy," Lyssa asked.

"Dinner at The Beacon," he offered.

"Not even to get you off the hook about my email," she said flatly.

"New shoes, a box of chocolates, breakfast in bed and dinner at the Beacon,"Rodrick added.

"That might do it this time," Lyssa looked up," Now about the information...."

Rodrick got his putter and walked toward the green,"now that's just fucking mean Lyssa. mean."

He stopped when he heard her say softly to herself, "I've done worse."

Rodicrick waved to the party to wait a moment then he walked back and leaned down. With a finger under her chin to lightly lift her head up from the magazine.

"Everybody has baggage, nature of the business. There's a time to carry it and a time to set it on a cart. I'm not going anywhere," Rodrick said flatly

He leaned down and kissed her lightly then walked back to the group and finished the hole and game.

 
 
Back at the beach house Lyssa checked her emails and messages. One stood out...a name that sounded vaguely familiar but she couldn't place right off so she opened it. Lyssa read then smiled, an old friend from her ballet training was in the Bahamas and had come up with an original production but needed a principal dancer. One up for a challenge.

Rodrick came in, "I get a test flight tomorrow."

"Ok....I'll entertain myself," she said not looking up from the laptop.

Rodrick stopped smiling and began to back slowly out of the room warily.

~o~O~o~

"Madison," Dannigan called from the doorway.

She turned,"yes sir?"

"Is Lyssa still using the Caribbean number,"He asked.

Madison brought up the list,"yes sir, the Caribbean number has been active for over a week but it shows her in Nassau."

A few more key commands and Madison looked back, "She was on a commercial flight from Grand Cayman to Nassau... returning to Grand Cayman this afternoon."

Dannigan looked at his watch then returned to his office. He walked out twenty minutes later and headed for the door, within the hour he was walking up the ramp of an Air Force C-5 that would take him to Florida from there he would catch an off the book flight to Cayman. If things worked out her would meet up with her at the airport.

Columbia had reminded them all of the fact that not every mission went without a hitch, he didn't blame her for having problems. The video of the secretary was horrific to say the least. Lyssa's part was heartbreaking. They all had blood on their hands, but some stains couldn't be ignored. Whether she'd come to terms or not, he needed her. As long as she didn't try to kill him outright he'd be doing good.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick whistled as he walked across the tarmac. The Gulfstream G-10 was an awesome bird and his would be delivered the following week to his private airfield in the Bahamas where he kept his other aircraft. Lyssa had finally found something to do besides train. Her morning triathalon would run most SEALs ragged.

He accompanied her one morning and regretted it for a day and a half. He didn't mind being the occasional punching bag as long as she didn't get really nasty but he drew the line at her morning bout with self-inflicted masochism, the iron triatheletes would think twice before taking her on daily.

In no time he was pulling his rental into the driveway then walking through the door. Wandering around he found Lyssa in the studio watching a video intently with a remote in her hand. This was new. She never watched anything in the studio/gym.

She noticed him as he walked in and turned off the video,"enjoy your flight?"

"Handled like a dream, what's up," he asked nodding to the video she had been watching.

"Old friend wanted me to look at a project," she answered casually, "Well now that you're back let's get dinner."

"Sounds good but i want Italian,"Rodrick agreed.

Lyssa stepped into her heels and picked up her purse then preceded him to the door. The affectionate pat on her butt made her laugh but it was cut short when she opened the door and saw Dannigan about to knock.

Rodrick was the first to speak," You look vaguely familiar."

"Good evening Lieutenant. Its been a while," Dannigan answered.

Dannigan looked at Lyssa, her face was a mask.

'Better than outright hostility,' Dannigan thought to himself.

Rodrick Mason didn't remember the man's name right off the top of his head but he knew a super-grade Spook when he saw one and if he had to guess by Lyssa's immediate change of demeanor the man wasn't a Handler; he was the Control or better. That became a very sobering thought, that Lyssa was such an operative she didn't have a handler. Translation- she was a high level liquidation specialist, not listed as an asset. The only question remaining now was why.

"We were on our way to dinner,"Rodrick said.

"I'll be happy to buy if you don't mind a third along,"Dannigan offered.

Lyssa didn't immediately protest so he took that as acceptance from her.

Rodrick nodded,"ok but you'll have to follow us."

"I have plenty of room in my car, where to,"Dannigan asked.

"Giovanni's Garden," Lyssa prompted in a flat voice .

 
 

CHAPTER 2

Dinner was pleasant with Dannigan and Rodrick chatting about the new aircraft in production. The new Eurofighter and helicopter gunship looked promising. They joked about the rumor that a test pilot got sick during the maiden flight. Rodrick hid his concern at Lyssa's silence, she was playing 'eye-candy'.

Finally as dessert was served Rodrick asked,"You look very familiar but I can't really place the face."

Dannigan chuckled and said,"Tangiers. '07."

Rodrick rolled his eyes and face-palmed remembering,"Oh hell, don't mention Tangiers, I remember now. Jesus what a mess. A walking one-man goatfuck that finally found a place to happen."

Rodrick had just started his charter service and as a former SEAL he'd been asked to run a black flight to pick up an Operative. That Operative turned out to be an former Army Captain named Paul Dannigan with a renegade CIA case officer in tow. The extraction hadn't gone well with Rodrick and Dannigan barely making it out with their lives.

They both laughed. Dannigan paid the check and then drove back to Lyssa's house.

"Didn't come all this way to take us to dinner and make small talk Captain. C'mon in and get to the point before she kills both of us," Rodrick said getting out of the car.

"Actually I retired as a Major,"he chuckled following them inside.

"Where's the justice,"Rodrick joked pouring two bourbons and a glass of chardonnay,"I need to go outside?"

"No Mason you can stay. Actually; I'm glad a former SEAL and pilot like you is around. Surprised but glad. I've got a problem and need both of you," Dannigan said,"Rod you still run your service out of that Bahamian island, right?"

"yeah, why,"He asked warily.

"There's an object we need,"Dannigan led, "Lyssa its at the Chinese consulate in Nassau."

"Wait! Whoa......."Rodrick held his hands up," Embassies are strictly no go areas, Major. Not even the NSA can pull stunts like that. Even if its verified there's a nuke involved."

"Its beyond risky yeah," Dannigan admitted.

"Risky my ass. Tangier was risky, 'Act of war' is how it can and would be taken Major and you know it,"Rodrick leveled.

"What do you want Major," Lyssa finally spoke.

"Its a vial. A biological agent. Some nutjob crossed Ebola and Hemorrhagic fever. As if that wasn't bad enough, then mutated it,"Dannigan answered.

"Holy shit,"Rodrick exclaimed," either one of those will kill in no time at all."

"Very true Lieutenant, but this stuff is so bad it can kill in three hours. What's worse, it has neuro-toxic effects thrown in. I'm talking spasms that snap the bones of the victim then, without getting overly technical, their insides turn to blended jello and they bleed out via any outlet. We're talking eyes, ears, mouth, nose, rectum, there's even been rumors that the exposed victim could possibly 'sweat blood'."

Nobody spoke for several minutes then Lyssa stepped to the doors and looked out to the darkened sea. Dannigan stood and walked over to stand beside her.

"Bad guys do bad shit to good people Lyssa. Columbia was bad, I understand. You've got problems and you want to deal with it. I don't blame you,"Dannigan confessed," Hell that would've slam dunked anybody, but you're the best. If anybody else had a chance at pulling this one off I'd get them, but you're it."

Rodrick's anger took over finally. He stomped over and spun Dannigan around.

"I thought you showed up to check on her, NOT throw her back into the fucking lion's den, for Christ's sake Paul she isn't ready," Rodrick swore at him.

"Mason I need her and if it wasn't this bad I wouldn't have asked much less come here myself to do it. She can't do this alone either. She's gonna need you, Rodrick," Dannigan explained.

Lyssa stepped out of her shoes and walked out to the beach. Tears welled in her eyes but she refused to let them fall as the fingers of her right hand flexed slowly into and out of a fist.

Rodrick's raised voice fading as she walked further out,"She still wakes up screaming in the middle of the night you sadistic sonofabitch!"

~o~O~o~

Chang double checked the seals on the case holding a vial in the special safe. This was an embassy, not a biochem lab, and if what he heard and read was true that vial was the last thing on earth he wanted around. There was no other place to keep it though, it could be found and stolen anywhere else.

Embassies were sovereign territory, any attempt to violate one was as blatant an act of war as dropping a nuke on the capitol city of that country. The Vienna convention outlined that categorically among other things. Terrorists didn't recognize such things and that was their primary concern but in the Bahamas they had only to worry about pirates out on the open ocean. mostly those that would steal boats for drug-running activities.

He didn't agree with the precept that if they could make such a destructive thing everybody else had it already. That was just paranoia and had no real place in a government. Others thought differently and so now here he was babysitting a vial of the most lethal substance on earth and not happy about it. Taking spy classes was one thing, and a necessary evil in the foreign service game, but this was different. Discovered spies were formally asked to leave a host country, caught ones were traded. Foreign powers harboring a weapon of mass destruction, especially a bio chemical agent of this magnitude, may just be an unforgivable act in the eyes of the world. even china's friends would probably demand inspection or demanded to vacate countries.

A week to secure proper transport they had assured him yet very hurriedly left. Just two weeks he had been promised. He'd seen the effects of the Ebola virus, he was afraid of it. Nobody deserved such a death. It had no honor and the sample in the vial was reputed to be easily one hundred times worse. Mysterious men that didn't exist and carried high level orders, they would bring the end of the world he had no doubt. They would stockpile such a thing and claim it was 'in case of the need for retaliation'. They were worse than the Russians had been back during the cold war.

The worse thing was there was no antigen to fight exposure to the substance if there was an incident. The Americans or Cubans would have to drop nuclear bombs practically to render the island safe. Even the head of security's shark pool didn't bother him as much as that small vial did. It had been him that welcomed them with open arms, a praise seeking ladder climber. The Ambassador would be glad when he rotated out as well. The only good news to come across his desk was the announcement of a very original ballet production that would be opening soon with its premier here in Nassau.

His mother had been a dancer and had taken him to see many performances. Over time he grew to enjoy the art. Never had beauty and discipline been so perfectly combined in his mind. It truly was an expression of peace. The news gave him something good to look forward to.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan felt like world-class slime and Rodrick Mason's punch to his jaw only punctuated it. The shattered glass coffee table resulted when he fell over from the second punch. That had stopped them both. Rodrick would defend her, but destroying her house and its furnishings weren't a good way to do it.

"I won't deny I deserved that," Dannigan admitted.

"You deserve more than that Paul! You're gonna help me clean this up too before she kills us both," Rodrick said hotly as he brought a trashcan over and they both started picking up shards of glass.

Rodrick and Dannigan both froze when Lyssa muttered from the doorway,"wonderful. leave you two jackasses alone for a few minutes and you trash my house."

Neither said anything but continued to collect up the glass as she stepped back into her shoes, walked over to the bar and drank some of her wine. A few minutes later Rodrick ran the vacuum over the rug while Dannigan picked up the mangled frame and set it outside. They both sat down and took a drink.

Several moments passed in silence then Lyssa finally spoke, "You two are going tomorrow for a new table. You're gonna pick it out Rodrick and you're gonna pay for it Major."

She drained her glass then walked to her bedroom. A few minutes later water could be heard running into the bathtub. Several minutes later Rodrick heard the muted splash of Lyssa settling in. They finished cleaning up and he pointed to a spare bedroom then locked the outer doors and walked into the main bedroom closing the door behind him.

Dannigan looked at the door Rodrick and Lyssa had went through and said in a low voice to himself," I've got no choice but ask her to go in. There's nobody except you and me for her to talk to. She's too deep and dark for anybody else. God damn us all, but this is the way it is."

 
 

CHAPTER 3

Kwan sent the encrypted email: verified. All secure.

There would be no response unless a problem had presented itself or the timetable had been moved up. A spy trawler would be passing through to pick up the vial and take it to a secure lab off the coast of China. He would be accompanying the vial and then onto a very good assignment. Something where his skills would serve him very well.

The fool ambassador thought that all problems had a peaceful solution. That was the downfall of those who studied Arts, Literature and Political Sciences. Kwan had studied at the university at Beijing while Chang had went to Oxford and UCLA, the westernized fool. His kind were the downfall of every nation but luckily outnumbered by ones like Kwan who would make sure china dominated. He had thought of many ways this new tool could be used.

That's all it was, a tool. Like weapons or currency or information, a tool that when correctly used brought any problem to a solution immediately. He definitely knew how to use tools correctly. Beijing would find at least one of his ideas alluring. A nap for two hours and then he would start the day with the rest of the embassy at six a.m.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa's scream echoed through the house as she bolted upright in the bed. Rodrick slowly made her aware of his presence by a soft whisper of her name then gentle touch. Slowly he eased up to sit beside and bring her into his arms as her shivers started.

Over the years the condition was being clinicalized and made to seem less devastating. Post-Traumatic Stress, Delayed Stress, Combat Exhuastion,Battle Fatigue all were the names used to make it less hurtful to doctors, lawyers, loved ones. Didn't matter what you called it, Rodrick knew Shell Shock when it woke him up in the middle of the night. When the beautiful woman in his arms woke him up screaming.

He hear the soft click of the door. Dannigan had been awoken.

'Serves him right,' Rodrick thought.

The previous nights had been better; waking to a gasp and turning to him quickly. Not this time. It was back full bore. It took a while to bring her back, like being back to those first nights back. Finally her shaking stopped, she was back and eased out of Rodrick's arms. He let her go silently.

Putting on her bikini, shorts, t-shirt and running shoes she then slipped quietly out of the house. He clenched his fists but otherwise didn't move, he didn't have to. She'd ride the bike fifteen miles out then back and then strip down to the bikini and run the beach and swim back. Her time was coming down daily. Rodrick was slowly starting to hate himself for not being able to stop her.

 

Rodrick woke again at seven-thirty and got out of bed. A quick shower and shave then dressed and walked to the kitchen. Dannigan joined him just as the coffee finished brewing. Rodrick set out three cups and poured two. The first few sips were in silence.

"Where is she,"Dannigan asked finally.

Rodrick glanced at the clock and answered,"probably swimming back now."

"How far,"Dannigan asked glancing to the doors that now stood open to the beach.

"Twenty-five miles. Biked thirty round trip, ran twenty-five out, swimming twenty-five in," Rodrick listed.

"She training for a triathalon," he asked puzzled.

"No," He replied," I tried to keep up with her for a while. No, she's torturing herself over whatever went on in Columbia you asshole."

Dannigan sighed,"she tell you?"

"No and don't insult her like that again or I'll do more than just throw a couple of punches,"Rodrick warned coldly, smacking the cup down.

"No insult, just asking,"Dannigan said flatly,"You don't know, I'll fill you in."

 

Half an hour later Rodrick walked out onto the deck. Now he remembered why he gave up being a SEAL to fly. Most loads were legit, a handful here and there were questionable and then the occasional black load for the various government agencies but for the most part that world was behind him and he liked it that way even though he couldn't help be drawn to Lyssa.

She was a different kind of operator, the kind that went deeper and deadlier than his kind. That adage of those old Blackbird pilots came to mind, 'Alone and unafraid'. she did work alone and she had been unafraid. Now the price was being paid, you can be successful and still fail.

Mission accomplished versus mission success, there was a world of difference and he knew it. Everybody knew it, even though the office jockeys tried to deny it. He'd been there and understood but not like her. She was the kind of operator that worked in front of everybody, hiding in plain sight, borderline or outright suicide missions that absolutely could not fail.

The kind of operators that worked like that did so for one of two reasons, either they were so unstable they couldn't do anything else, and therefore didn't last long, or they believed they were almost created for to serve a higher purpose such as honor. Not the bullshit concept of honor that most flaunted; real honor. Freedom and justice, 'The duty of the mighty: to defend the weak,' That was the oath of the Knights of Camelot or so he'd heard.

It wouldn't matter what the mission was, she'd take it. She'd always take the missions. No matter how well she danced or who's clothes she modeled that would always be a means. The missions were her life and now he knew it. He'd buried enough teammates in the past and it jaded him into leaving. This was different though. The more he learned about her, the less he understood. Each new piece of the puzzle left a bigger gap in the picture of Lyssa Kordenay. Long ago it was the girlfriend looking in from the outside and he complained that she'd never understand. Now he was the one looking in, even though he had a key to the door.

 

Lyssa was walking up from the surf, exhausted. Fifteen minutes faster than yesterday. Driven by rage, frustration and most importantly; shame she turned her self-imposed punishment into accomplishment. The former SEAL walked down to the lounge chair and wrapped a towel around her.

Lyssa looked up,"I'm sor.."

Rodrick pressed his finger to her lips cutting her off.

"No Lyssa, don't apologize. Not to me," he looked into the dove grey eyes that allowed the real pain to show through from the exhaustion,"i'm here because i want to be. You don't owe me anything. My choice."

Tears welled in her eyes and Rodrick tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. The tears fell then and continued for a while. when she finally calmed he kissed her gently then wiped the tears with the pad of his thumb then helped her up,"C'mon you need to eat."

Dannigan disconnected the call as they walked in.

"Madison says hello,"Dannigan said.

Lyssa nodded as she poured coffee for herself then started making breakfast with Rodrick. After she set the dishes in the racks and turned on the dishwasher Lyssa turned to look at Dannigan.

Her steel colored eyes bored into him, "I'll do it."

Rodrick silently closed his eyes in anger then opened them and said,"Not alone. I'm in too."

"There's a ballet going to premier in Nassau in a week and will run for four nights,"Lyssa said.

"Oh? Now that's perfect,"Dannigan remarked,"The Chinese ambassador is big on arts especially ballet,his mother danced."

"Ok, I'll call Andre and tell him I'll dance,"Lyssa said.

 
 

CHAPTER 4

Andre was thrilled. Everyone had taken to the music, a techno-mix, and were dancing with classical discipline. Lyssa herself was at top form. Hours of rehearsal barely showed and she was enjoying the music. Especially one solo set to a remix of Delerium's After All featuring Jael. She kept saying the music wasn't loud enough. Four of the speakers had been laid face down then, making the music vibrate through the stage and the response was great. That resulted in better timing and precision. Various people of stature had asked to watch these late rehearsals but he denied them. Strangely enough the one person that he thought would insist on watching didn't ask. Lyssa's new boyfriend. As protective as he seemed, he wasn't smothering her or flaunting possessiveness like some do. Boisterous yet confident of himself and of her as well.

Andre had to admit though, the man was roguishly charming and wore a tuxedo as if a second skin. A reception thrown by the ambassador of China had been amazing. Lyssa had been very enthusiastic meeting him as his mother had been a dancer trained of the same discipline as she and Andre. The photos and programs were a surprise treat they both enjoyed.

~o~O~o~
 

Lyssa crouched just inside the embassy wall it was just after two a.m. The guards would change at seven and dawn would break at just before six. The new guard shift would conduct P.T. at six. She would have to be out before four-thirty. Rodrick waited close by with a helicopter equipped with a long cable hooked to the underside, a STABO rig, to pick her up off the roof if she needed a fast extraction.

Her glasses showed where the laser trip-wire grid was as she moved across the ground slowly through the few shadows. Carefully she climbed up the side of the building. It took several minutes to disable the alarm on a window then the pressure plate underneath. Slick move on their part she thought but she'd found it during the tour.

Another twenty minutes gained her a position just under the camera facing the security room. She placed a signal modifier underneath it which duplicated what the camera saw. Like taking a picture and holding it infront of the lens, but more reliable. The pressure plate inside the door was harder to negotiate.

Finally she was decrypting the safe. That took ten minutes. A tripwire inside was anticipated, but not the thermite charge. A burn safe. She managed to disable it then took out the case and verified the vial inside. Retracing her steps went by the numbers until a random guard roving the interior stopped to look out the window. The same window she needed to exit through.

A lifetime in three minutes waiting. Lyssa focused on the wall behind her and let it fill her mind, masking the projection of her presence. The guard searched his pockets, produced cigarettes and a lighter then moved down the hallway. He then lit the cigarette and continued on. Lyssa breathed slowly then made her way to and out the window resetting the systems as she went.

Three roving guards approached her position by the wall. One stepped on a discarded garden tool. It wa like an old slap-stick routine; the handle came up hitting him in the face. Unfortunately his finger had been on the trigger of the assault rifle, several rounds went off. Lyssa tucked in closer to a shrub as lights came on and guards shouted.

She whispered into her comm to Rodrick,"Start engines."

 

Several men came running to the area, including the man she recognized as the head of security. The joking and laughing stopped immediately when he demanded to know what happened and where was the intruder. They all pointed at the ground.

Kwan looked down and saw only the discarded hoe. He picked it up and started screaming at the man, then holding it by the head started beating him. Three blows and the handle snapped. The men scattered as he stomped around the circle berating each one until he stood alone.

Lyssa held her breath and filled her mind with the image of the shrub. Kwan finally started picking up the discarded tools then walked back to the building still bellowing at any man he saw. the Lights clicked off.

Lyssa immediately slithered from the shrubs, launched herself up the wall and was over it in moments. Quickly sliding into the ditch on the other side of the road. She had crawled to the corner,bolted up and started running when the alarms went off again. apparently he checked the safe and discovered the loss of the case. Lyssa made her way through the business area at full speed apprising Rodrick of her location and status.

As a set of headlights turned onto the street she felt the rotorwash from over head and the cable dropped beside her.

She quickly snapped the ring to her harness and yelled,"GO!!"

Lyssa was yanked off the ground then felt the wind rip past as Rodrick sped them both to his private airfield on a nearby island. Once on the ground Lyssa unsnapped the carabiner and ran to a F-117 nighthawk. a ladder propped against the side allowed her to hand the case to the pilot then she jumped down as a ground-man took the ladder away. Two minutes later the stealth plane was rising off the runway and heading north.

~o~O~o~
 

Dannigan sat in a top box watching the ballet. Though he couldn't see, he knew Rodrick waited in the wings. Though the music was far different from what was normally played for ballet, the production was the best he'd ever seen. As Lyssa took her final bow he joined the rest of the audience standing to applaud.The Chinese ambassador was conspicuously missing. He'd been seen boarding a plane along with several members of the security staff.

Dannigan used his phone to order fresh roses to be delivered to her house on Grand Cayman the next day, the arrangement would be waiting on the doorstep. Maybe now the Steel Butterfly could find some peace and come to terms with the past. Her meeting Rodrick Mason had been a fluke. Dannigan didn't even know she'd met him, but it was working out better than if he'd planned it. They had the rare gift of understanding each other, for the most part. Right now though, they were both seemed happy. Paul Dannigan was, but Madison would be upset. He saw the live performance, again, and she'd have to settle for a dvd.

 
 
 

 

Book 12 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Lyssa's preferred currency, the omnipresent favor, brings Rodrick's past slamming to the forefront! WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Lyssa chuckled looking at her facebook page. The cigarette boat rep Jim Sutton wanted a callback. Why not, Rodrick would be doing his pilot thing for another day transporting some cars to an auto show. Lyssa searched and found Sutton's number and dialed.

He answered on the second ring,"Jim Sutton."

"Hey Jim, its Lyssa, what's up," she asked.

"I'm in a really bad spot and need help," Jim said.

"Well what's the problem, need models for a new ad campaign," Lyssa chuckled.

"Oh god I wish it was something that simple, you wouldn't happen to know anybody that does repo work do you, " Jim pleaded.

Lyssa asked "Repo work? you mean somebody isn't paying for their boat? where at?"

"Yeah Lyssa I'm really in a bad spot. The guy I sent to go get the boat....well they put him in the hospital, its in the Keys,"Jim explained.

"Wow that is bad, who's trying to make off with a free boat," she asked.

Jim answered,"Randall Kagan."

"Oh hell.....you're lucky your guy only got sent to the hospital,"Lyssa admitted.

"You know him," Jim asked shocked.

"Not personally. His reputation precedes him," Lyssa sounded bitter.

"Reputation," Jim sounded puzzled,"I'm going to hate this aren't I?"

"yeah, not alot of models that work more than one season in the Miami area will go near him or his parties. Mention his name backstage and the girls hide,"Lyssa said flatly.

"Oh great," Jim groaned,"Lyssa please tell me you know somebody, anybody that might be able to get the boat back."

"Send me the location and I'll see who I know and how much they'll do it for," Lyssa said then wrote down where he said then disconnected.

She went to her computer and pulled up the location. Not bad, she knew a photographer in Key West that could get her close enough to swim in. A quick peek from a civilian satellite presented a different story. There were too many bouys around the guys place. Something about Kagan's place said stay away.

The ringing of her phone interrupted. It was Rodrick Mason, he was on his way back early. The client had to remove himself from the auto-show; he'd had a heart attack. Rodrick was quick to claim it wasn't from the sight of his bill making Lyssa laugh. She assured him that she'd found something diverting to do when he got back. Rodrick groaned, remembering the last time she'd found something for him to do. It consisted of going around the island with her control, Dannigan, in search of a suitable coffee table to replace the one they'd broken. Lyssa laughed and disconnected then called the office.

Madison answered on the first ring.

"Hey Madi, I need a favor,"Lyssa said.

"For you anything," Madison quipped back delighted to hear her voice.

Lyssa asked for any and all information on the Florida key and its resident. Turned out he had a DEA and a customs file that was rather thick but the theme was pretty much the same, a smuggler with absolutely no scruples. That and he had a thing for boats and playing rough with his dates. Of Late a non-substantiated assault charge by a local boat re-possessor. That meant either he had local LEO's on the payroll or one serious pitbull of a lawyer if not both. From the file Madison sent were higher resolution satellite imagery.The strange part was the small objects surrounding his boat docks. Their position changed randomly. She'd need to get more "eyes on" intel. Maybe Rodrick knew something about this guy.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan stepped out,"was that Lyssa earlier?"

"Yes sir, she wanted to know about a guy in the keys....DEA and Customs have files on him," Madison answered.

"And Lyssa wants to know, why," Dannigan asked.

"Not sure but I think it has to do with a boat repo. The guy sent for the boat got put in the hospital. Maybe she knows him," Madison ventured.

"Maybe but I have the feeling this may be one of her 'favor for a favor' exchanges," Dannigan speculated.

That made some sense to Madison. Just as long as Lyssa was doing something and not closing herself off. A European tabloid showed a picture of Lyssa with some man and they seemed very close. Dannigan had been down there around that time but other than being cheerful about a mission being successful he'd not mentioned anything like that. He'd seen her performance for himself. She was miffed about that, because he'd seen her dance several times and all Madison had seen was one recital. Any other time was on DVD. She was going to take some personal time when Lyssa danced again.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick walked in and had to laugh. On the table was copy of German Vogue open, but the tv was on to a show dubbed in Portugese with Russian subtitles. Dinner definitely smelled latin. He stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

Rodrick sniffed over her shoulder,"Sure that's enough?"

Lyssa laughed,"yeah, that's mine, what are you having?"

"Yours? I thought you ballerina model types did the whole 'I'll just have a salad and bottle of water' routine," He chuckled.

"Only to fit french designs," Lyssa commented,"you wish I was such a cheap date."

"Yeah well after what you pulled on Paul. I definitely want to be on your good side when it comes to dinner," Rodrick replied.

Lyssa gave him an impish look. Rodrick washed his hands then set the table. They joked as they ate, then Lyssa collected the dishes and cleaned up. Rodrick watched her with a combination of puzzlement and lust, then it dawned on him. a set up, she wanted something.

"Ok so what gives," He asked.

Lyssa smiled then asked," Know a Randall Kagan?"

Rodrick lost all humor,"That's not a name to be casually tossed out Lyssa."

"I'll take that as a yes," she remarked.

"Yeah I know him, "Rodrick said as his face hardened.

Lyssa decided not to beat around the bush," a friend is a sales rep for a cigarette boat company, Kagan bought the boat but he's only made the down payment. A local guy was sent to repo the boat. He's in the hospital."

"Lucky guy," Rodrick said,"Tell your friend to write boat off."

"Ok, you're a SEAL and you're giving this guy a side-step, what's his story," Lyssa asked.

"He's a smuggler and merc. Gives both professions a bad name," Rodrick remarked with undisguised hostility.

Lyssa gave him a look that said she knew he wasn't telling as much as she wanted. Rodrick got up and went over to pour a whiskey and drank then poured another.

"This guy is super bad juju, used to be a SEAL. Specialty was ship to ship ops, still is. Hell he's pretty much become a pirate," he said with a look of distaste.

Lyssa set out a satellite photo,"tell me about his place."

"aw shit! You wanna do this, look...these things in the water. Those are sharks and yes they are known to have eaten people," Rodrick explained," he's got low level radar but modified. he knows when somebody's coming by air or sea and as for underwater, well you can't get in there for obvious reasons swimming around."

"What about a HAHO jump,"She asked.

"You ARE nuts! You'll have to glide in, at least twenty miles, and land on the boat itself," he exploded.

Lyssa simply sat back and smirked at him.

Exasperated Rodrick asked," Ok smart ass. Let's say yes; you did glide all the way in. And yes; you are a member of the lucky club landing on the boat itself. Yippee. Good for you. How, fucking pray-tell, you gonna get it out?"

Rodrick pointed to one of the photos, "those buoys? Not there for decor; they mark a fence that rises 5 feet out of the water and there's no remote to open it."

"I have a boyfriend that's an awesome chopperjock and we can slingload the boat and me out," Lyssa giggled with a smile.

Rodrick groaned, "finally I have a girlfriend that understands the lifestyle. But she's turning out to be fuckin' crazier than I've ever been."

Lyssa walked over and kissed his cheek," baby. You don't even know the half of it."

 

CHAPTER 2

Jim Sutton's boss just got through ripping him a new butt. Not only had Kagan stopped paying on the boat, he'd put the only repo man that would try in the hospital. From shark bite. Luckily he got away fast enough to keep his limbs and life. Kagan left a message, short and simple, 'the boat was his and there wasn't anything they could do about it'.

Maybe Lyssa could turn up somebody that could pull off the repo. If she wasn't certain then he'd have to tell her to tell whoever to forget it. He wouldn't lose a friend over this guy, wasn't worth it. He wouldn't mind some fun time with her either, but a friend down in Nassau said it looked like she had a boyfriend. A boyfriend with a reputation. Alledgedly he was a smuggler, not a whole lot of people talked about that, just that he ran a charter service. Maybe he knew somebody.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa checked her HAHO jump rigs; she had three. One for morning, evening and night. One of Rodrick's guys would fly the plane she would jump from while he waited nearby with a Chinook for the signal. Simple plan; she'd jump in and land hopefully on the boat itself or the dock then send the signal. While Rodrick flew in with the powerful twin rotor helicopter, she'd rig the straps and shackles and be ready with a static discharge wire running down one to the water. After pickup, the boat with Lyssa in it, would be flown to a lake so that even if there were a tracking device it wouldn't do Kagan any good. The lake didn't connect to the ocean above ground.

The boat could be retrieved only by truck or helicopter. Jim would be waiting with a truck and trailer. Not an overly complex plan. Too many moving parts and murphy could throw a wrench in it. Not so simple it was specifically countered. Anybody just showing up at his door was automatically suspect. Kagan was the type that would definitely look a gift horse in the mouth.

An ex-SEAL meant he probably had the boat wired with at least three trackers and two shape charges. The charges would be stable to handle the erratic sea so they'd have to be quick and probably need a signal jammer because he'd have a remote detonator. She would, so he definitely would. One thing for certain, she'd have to fight her way out.

Her load-out was complete: lead with a CAR-15, back up with two Jerichoes( .40 caliber automatics), six reloads, two microsyrettes in her boots, a garrote tucked into a pouch on the shoulder strap and finishing out with the Marauder knife along the back of her right thigh and a Fairbarn-Sikes knife slung inverted to the other shoulder strap. For party favors she pulled two DefTec-25 flash-bangs, a white phosphorous smoke grenade, a concussion grenade and four fragmentation. It was her basic "Hop 'n Pop" rig without any precision charges for breaching walls or doors.

All that was fine and good, the boat would be retrieved but Kagan would be beyond pissed off and he'd want to take that mad out on somebody. First guess would be Sutton because he was the rep and likely the one contracting the repo work, if he got his hands on Jim then it would only take a couple minutes to get her name. Kagan would have to be dealt with. He'd made alot of enemies; if a few were to find out that he would be in a certain place.....at a certain time......

~o~O~o~

Dannigan read the email a second time and was still as confused as he was the first time. Lyssa wanted to know the top five people screwed over by Randall Kagan and not any agencies. The list was very long but he pulled the five most vicious. Two drug distributors, an arms dealer, a high end smuggler and a pirate. He wondered what the hell she was up to. A call would put those pieces together....he hoped. Lyssa's carribean number was answered on the second ring and Danigan didn't waste time.

"What the hell are you up to now," he asked.

Lyssa laughed,"afternoon to you too."

"Does Rodrick know what you're up to," Dannigan asked.

Lyssa answered,"uh-huh. He'll be helping me with this."

Dannigan asked warily, "Is this one of your favor for a favor things?"

"yeah, a boat sales rep sold a boat to Kagan. He made the down payment but nothing else, sent the repo guy to the hospital, I'm gonna creatively take him out of the picture," Lyssa explained.

"Too bad he can't be brought back in," Dannigan lamented.

"What's his deal anyway, Rodrick got really tight-lipped about it," Lyssa asked.

"A lot of bad blood between them two. Rodrick was on Kagan's team once," Dannigan said.

"Kagan sell out," Lyssa asked.

"He started running his own ops, dummied up mission plans,etc. Two of the boats he uses now he got from those bogus missions. When the brass got wise Rodrick got tapped to take him down. Rodrick got sold out by one of the others and it went nasty. the team was divided about it. Three killed and your boy spent a month in the hospital. He resigned his commission when he got out. He was already rated to fly so that's what he went with. The rest is history," Dannigan finished.

"That the candy-coated version,"Lyssa asked.

"You could say that. Look the Navy isn't thrilled about it and I even tried to recruit Rodrick once. He runs the occasional black flight for agencies but that's as close as he gets to working for us...well the thing between you two," Dannigan replied.

"The 'thing between us' I still don't know what to make of it," She commented.

Dannigan sighed,"Look. You both got raw deals. Rodrick was betrayed by people he trusted, you were betrayed by people you didn't even know. For him its an issue of trust, he lost his faith in people and left. You pulled a lone ranger and do everything by yourself. One day you two might work things out between each other. I know one thing though, you look and work good together."

Dannigan disconnected leaving Lyssa with more to think about than just tactics and strategy. She'd noticed the three round scars on his back long ago and recognized them for gunshot wounds. Now she knew their origin. That changed things. This favor just became free. Lyssa started studying the Keys and picked one thirty miles away. No houses but a small cove. She could spend the day prepping that little island, in fact she would.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick flew low and fast. The small seaplane touched down then slid into the cove and onto the beach. Lyssa climbed out and stepped lightly out of the surf as Rodrick followed.

"Ok, what's the grand plan here,"He sighed.

"Follow me. Watch and learn well," Lyssa said.

Her beautiful face like a mask of stone as she walked inland through an opening in the scrub. Rodrick watched as she began setting up the first set of tripwires to a simulator. Further down she dug a pungi pit and lined it with the sharpened sticks. Directly to the opposite side a grenade attached to a palmetto with a stick pressed to the spoon that when kicked or stepped on would release and detonate. Then she started working in rings, alternating harassing and debilitating and killing sets.

Rodrick couldn't believe what he was seeing. Traps and triggers he'd only heard of and many he knew nothing about. Very few were standard. Those he recognized were the kind they were taught in Army's special warfare school by green berets. SEALs used different set-ups from Special Forces he knew. A couple looked they came straight off the Ho Chi Minh trail. What Rodrick did know was he was watching a true expert at work. Rodrick frowned and began to wonder if the rumors of women in Special Forces were true.

Hours Later she finished with a ring of assault rifles around a clearing. Rodrick had heard that was a trick Delta Force used. He frowned again; every time he got another piece of the Lyssa's puzzle, the picture became more out of focus.

 
CHAPTER 3

The back ramp of the plane lowered, Lyssa looked out and saw the stars. Overhead the red indicator light came on so she stood up and walked slowly to the doorway. Rodrick was standing by with his Chinook. He still didn't like the operation even though he was very impressed with the island set up.

The dark sky looked peaceful as Lyssa looked out. The light turned green and the Loadmaster Carl called out,"GO!!!!" Lyssa threw herself forward out of the plane. The wind ripped by as she fell. A glance at her displays and she corrected her course then watched as the altimeter counting down to the deployment.

When the numbers flashed Lyssa pulled the handle and felt the hard slam of opening shock. She looked up and saw the canopy billow with all risers intact and even. The quarter moon and light cloud cover wouldn't silhouette her dark grey Vector paraglider and the carbon-fiber oxygen tank wouldn't reflect any radar signals. Literally there was no metal presentable to reflect light or signals.

At two thousand feet she was on final approach and unhooked the tank and helmet to drop away into the sea. A pull on the right toggle spun her back inland. At the last second she saw a figure standing on the dock and lined up on him.

Too late he heard the snapping of the canopy and turned just in time for Lyssa's boot to slam into his chest as she cut away the chute. It wasn't Kagan. She gained her footing then searched him. The remote on his belt was quickly snatched away. a spare bootlace secured his wrists and she dragged him onto the boat then radioed to Rodrick.

It took only seconds to set up the signal jammer then hook the lift straps and drop the static discharge wire into the water. She checked the time, the Chinook would be inbound in two minutes so the mooring lines were cut.

Lights came on around the compound as the sound of the helicopter's rotors broke overhead . Lyssa snapped the lightsticks to show she was ready and Rodrick dipped lower. A tap drew off the static charge coursing down from the rotors and then she snapped the shackle onto the hook and waved to the crew chief. Lyssa then ran forward to the bow of the boat and hung on as it was lifted up. Several men opened fire at the big helo.

Lyssa brought the CAR-15 up and triggered off several short bursts then she palmed a flash-bang and pitched it. Two 180 decibel bangs followed by a one million candle power strobe. a float helicopter bobbed at the end of the dock. Lyssa pulled the pin and dropped the white phosphorous grenade. It popped just overhead and globs of the burning phosphorous dropped over the helicopter and dock setting both on fire. Moments later the fuel tank of the helicopter exploded. Kagan and company were now restricted to the water as the Chinook flew fast out of sight.

~o~O~o~

Kagan bellowed at his men,"Where the hell is Mcquire, he has the damn detonator!"

None indicated they knew the man's whereabouts. He stomped down the dock followed by his men. The float-copter was a total loss.

"Who was on the radar," Kagan demanded.

A man stepped forward,"I was Skip."

Kagan immediately shot the man's knee out then pushed him into the water. The already agitated sharks swarmed and attacked taking him underwater.

"While the sharks are busy get the gate open and fire up the boats,"He ordered, "Grab everything that kills!"

Moments later engines roared as men jumped onto a boat carrying assault rifles and wearing vests for ammunition. Kagan didn't know who pulled this or how but when he caught them they'd be mailed back to that idiot salesman, postage due. Whoever they were, they were good; the only possible way in had been to swim through the shark teeming water or come in from the air. Nothing had shown on the radar except the Chinook. Ian paid the price for that failure. The tracking signal was steady though, they'd be on them in half an hour.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick set the boat down gently in the cove and the crew chief unhooked the shackle. His the crew chief ran up and took the controls. Rodrick ran down to the back ramp and jumped, landing in the water like a javelin then popping back up and climbing aboard the boat.

Lyssa had already started searching the boat but Rodrick found the charges and the trackers then froze seeing her captive. Tom McQuire. Lyssa sat and looked on, her face bearing her unique pattern of black markings. He thought they were beautiful when he'd seen them before. Even more so now.

"Familiar face," she asked with a steady voice.

"oh yeah,"Rodrick answered," hey there Hi-wire Mcquire, long time."

"Hi-wire," Lyssa asked,"don't tell me this guy came from the circus?"

Rodrick answered,"So said his mama was an acrobat and his alledged daddy was a wire walker. The guy fell and died so nobody really knows for sure."

They moored the boat to a chain attached to a coralhead.

"Kagan's comin' Ramrod,"McQuire sneered,"gonna get you're little sweetie there too."

Rodrick sputtered with laughter,"You're lucky I'm here to save you from her and by the way, she did a 18,000 foot HAHO jump to get to this boat and you don't wanna know what she does for a hobby. It involves wiping out entire cocaine cartels in a matter of hours."

"Awwwww. You make me blush," Lyssa smiled coldly," Let's get him ashore. A proper hostess should be ready to greet our guests."

Rodrick chuckled as he pitched McQuire overboard then dove in and dragged him to shore as lyssa eased into the water and waded to the beach.

"Put him further in. Make them work for him,"Lyssa instructed.

Rodrick nodded then set out down the trail walking McQuire in front of him. Lyssa sanitized the back-trail and arming all the traps then concealed herself in a spider-hole at the edge of the scrub. It was disguised as a pungi pit.

 
The wait wasn't long. She heard the deep roar of the engines as the boat came into the cove. Lyssa stilled herself and filled her mind with the mental picture of the trail above her. It wasn't verifiable fact that such technique really worked, but many experts swore by it. Mentality was always a major factor in battle so why not utilize the technique. She had to stifle a giggle hearing Kagan and his men angry that the boat wouldn't start and chained underwater to a coral head below. She pressed the button on the remote. The two charges they'd relocated from the boat went off sending up water and sand. Right on cue, Rodrick let out a bellow and then a quick burst from his assault rifle.

Kagan immediately took charge,"Slow down guys....McQuire may or may not bought it but we ain't about to run down the snake's throat."

The pointman took two steps forward then leaped back as his footing had started to give way. He signaled 'danger immediate' and they all froze. Kagan moved forward slowly to look at the spot of sand his pointman indicated. He pressed down with the barrel of his rifle. A sand covered grass mat gave way to reveal the hole lined with sharpened sticks.

"Gloves are off, no more screwing around," Kagan ordered, "I want these fuckers!"

 
CHAPTER 4

Rodrick watched quietly waiting for anyone to show themselves. He'd secured McQuire to a palm tree and booby trapped him with a grenade. A twig snapped in the distance, it was one of them not Lyssa. A moment later another noise caught his attention: a scream cut short. A flare went off then shots, a moment later a grenade exploded then somebody screamed loud and long until a single shot silenced him. A flash-bang went off next then a volley of auto-fire.

Suddenly he felt a presence and heard a whispered,"shhhhh. its me."

Rodrick relaxed, the woman was a ghost. Gone into the scrub again. Another grenade went off followed by burst of auto-fire. He knew she was leading with a CAR-15 and they favored MP-5's. The last burst came from Lyssa. He swore he saw a nearby bush move then someone elsewhere stood up and started running towards it, firing from the hip. Rodrick triggered off a burst and the figure cartwheeled.

Lyssa watched as someone stepped wrong and their foot went down into a pungi pit. He drew a lot of attention yet no gunfire or investigators. They were waiting for her to go in close then they'd spray the area with their subguns. Lyssa knew their tricks better than they did. She circled wider and removed one with her knife. She found another crawling to what he thought was a better position. He found himself facing the muzzle of a suppressed pistol. Lyssa stroked the trigger, the auto-loader chugged once.

Rodrick heard a concussion grenade go off on the far side and saw more bushes move. He understood now, she was driving them to the small clearing. Someone slithered close to the edge of it, then two more and another three. On impulse he flattened himself to the ground. A group of claymores went off.

"When the hell did she set those up," he asked himself.

A minute went by, then another. Finally someone stood and called out for Kagan. The only response was a short burst from an MP-5 and he dropped. Two more grenades went off in the distance. a snap and then a scream followed by a single pistol shot.

All became deathly still for a few tense minutes then McQuire yelled out,"HERE!!! I'm over here! Kagan over here!"

Rodrick moved closer then saw the large silhouette of Randall Kagan slowly rise up facing the palm McQuire was tied to then bring up his MP-5. Suddenly the dark figure had a shadow. It moved on its own, bringing the rifle butt hard to the back of Kagan's head and they both dropped to the ground.

Two minutes later he heard a whisper,"all clear."

Rodrick watched as Lyssa slowly stood up close to him. He had to chuckle.

"Follow me honey, mama brought home the bacon," Lyssa said coldly.

They walked over and there was Kagan, face down bound wrist and ankle.

"Wow, who should we give him to," Rodrick asked.

Lyssa shrugged,"I just gift wrap, you're the delivery guy."

They both laughed but were cut off by McQuire swearing at them.

Rodrick looked into Lyssa's bright eyes,"we need both of them?"

Lyssa pulled her right pistol and detached the supressor,"is he the one?"

"Yeah, he's the one," Rodrick said grimly taking the Jericho from her.

Lyssa untied Kagan's ankles and dragged him up,"I'm not getting paid for this so don't tempt me into creative expression asshole."

Just as Lyssa and Kagan reached the waterline; the first shot was heard with several more intermittently as they waded out to the boat.

Ten minutes later Rodrick waded out and climbed up onto the boat,"thanks."

"better now,"she asked.

"Yeah, that was a long time coming. So what are we gonna do with him,"Rodrick asked.

" A coast guard crew is inbound, they'll get him to shore and then Dannigan will take over. This boat will be given back to the company,"she explained.

"Oh. what about that other boat," he asked pointing to the sport boat.

Lyssa answered, "well he killed the owner of it to get, so I'd say: one for me. I know a guy that can do some interesting things with boats."

A searchlight then lit and played back and forth across the cove. The coast Guard announced itself a moment later. They took possession of the cigarette boat and the Rogue SEAL and left without asking questions.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan watched the live stream. A sniper took his position then chambered a round into a Barrett sniper rifle then a split screen came up. He was seeing the sniper and what the sniper was targeting.

a voice came over the speakers," target acquired, standing by to fire."

Dannigan typed in a single word.

Another voice came over the speakers,"sniper you are cleared to fire at will."

He replied,"Firing."

A moment later the rifle bucked. The picture distorted then cleared as the round slammed into Randal Kagan just below his neck. The head almost completely severed as blood blasted backward from the round.

"Solid hit. target is down; hard. Traitorous bastard," the sniper announced.

Dannigan shut down the video then gathered his coat and briefcase and left.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick stared as Lyssa reclined naked on the lounge chair on the deck of the small yacht.

"you look entirely too comfortable here,"he commented.

"Not yet,"She replied then held up a bottle of tanning oil.

Rodrick took the bottle and proceeded to smooth some onto her.

"If it bothers you, we can sell the boat and buy one or donate to a charity or something," Lyssa said.

"That's not it. A lot to process; Kagan, McQuire. How damn good you really are at what you do. I mean yeah you're a great dancer and an Operator the likes of which I've never seen before. I've never been to a real runway show before but I can make a safe bet you're awesome at that too," Rodrick listed.

That got her undivided attention, she sat up,"Rod you aren't intimidated are you?"

Rodrick sat for aminute then looked at her and said,"well.....yeah I guess maybe i am a little."

Lyssa smiled,"Don't worry baby, I'll keep you safe. all you have to do is love me and tell me I'm pretty."

Rodrick smiled back," that's easy enough because you are and I do."

Lyssa raised up and kissed him," I'm all your's hotrod."

They both laughed and relaxed the rest of the day.

 
 
 

 

Book 13 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Its off to Paris for a runway show, but strange things are going on around The City of Lights. WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Lyssa answered on the third ring running from the studio to the living room, "hello?"

"Lyssa," asked a very familiar voice.

"John? John Galiano," she asked.

"yes Lyssa so glad I got the right number, today has been...let's not talk about that. Lyssa I know this is very short notice but I really need you for a collection," John spoke quickly.

"How fast do you need me john,"Lyssa asked looking at the calendar.

"I need you to be on the next flight to paris from whereever you are," John said flatly.

"Good lord John! are you serious," Lyssa exclaimed.

John hesitated for a moment,"Lyssa you don't know?"

"Know what," she asked confused.

"It's Mirabella, she was killed last night in a car crash. I've been trying to find a replacement all day that is close to her size. Please tell me you can come Lyssa,"he pleaded.

Lyssa had already started checking the airlines, "John there is a flight that will arrive in paris at 6 a.m. local. if i hurry I can be on it," she answered.

"Yes yes, please save the information and I will personally reimburse your tickets. see you in the morning," he exclaimed.

Lyssa disconnected, she had 4 hours til the flight left. Strange though, it was too late for the summer show and too early for the fall/winter collection. Lyssa had only walked the spring/summer, fall/winter shows and knew the schedules. This show was out of the blue for her. She hurried through a shower then styled her hair, made-up, dressed and packed. Lyssa had Andrea from her restaraunt to the airport. In the First Class lounge she had a salad and called Rodrick. He didn't answer, not surprising.

 

Rodrick was flying his C-130. They were super-reliable but the noise was the one thing that had never been fixed. She called his service and left a brief message including her Paris number. After disconnecting she switched the phone from the Caribean number to the Parisian. Twenty minutes later Lyssa was taking her seat in the First Class section. In Miami she caught the connecting flight to Paris via New York and London. Taking off from New york she took off her make-up and fell asleep quickly, which was odd.

As of late going to bed alone usually led to restlessness for some time. The attendant woke her up just before London. Lyssa went to the lavatory and rinsed her face with a mix of juice from cucumber and some strawberries mixed with a little champagne followed by ice water then put on fresh make-up back at her seat. Both flight attendants asked for Lyssa's trick after seeing its effects and she was happy to share. Clearing customs took no time at all as most were leaving not arriving. A driver stood on the other side holding a sign with her name. Lyssa rolled her eyes, John must be beside himself waiting for her to get to the studio.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick touched the C-130 down on the old jungle runway in thailand. All over the world there were such runways used by arms and drug smugglers. Rodrick had many himself but had to use this one as it was closer to where the team wanted to go. a joint task force of CIA,DEA, Interpol, MI-5 and AFP, the Australian Federal Police started unloading from the plane in two jeeps.

The task force had been formed due to the resurgence of heroin originating out of the Golden Triangle again. Opium, and its resulting heroin, had been majorly produced in the 50's to the late 90's when Afghanistan began exporting in bulk followed by latin america. Since the numerous operations to crack down in those areas suppliers had once again looked to border area of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand; The Golden Triangle.

 

That area had many problems. There was the environment itself, deep triple canopy rainforest filled with the usual assortment of venomous reptiles and insects. There was also the occassional predatory cat. Leftover undisposed bombs, landmines and anti-personnel booby-traps from three major conflicts along with numerous unpublicized ones were scattered everywhere still.

If all that wasn't problem enough, there were also bandits that roamed preying on small villages. Some of those were fifth or sixth generation vietcong fighting enemies long since gone. All of that had to be dealt with and then finally, if you were lucky to find them, an operation would be able to engage the opium producer's forces.

 

One jeep pulled a trailer. He watched them unload then make their way into the jungle on an overgrown road. It wasn't his airstrip so he couldn't refuel. a quick hop down to Phuket would sort that out. Rodrick would overfly the task force's site every two weeks for a supply drop, they would be on station for three months.

~o~O~o~

They took off and were touching down in Phuket in less than two hours. While the plane was refueled, the crew grabbed some local food so he called his service. there was three messages including Lyssa letting him know she was in paris for a show and her number there. That sounded very tempting, he'd never seen a runway show before. If you didn't count the victoria's secret show on tv, and he didn't, not since he'd met Lyssa almost a year ago. he really didn't count it since they'd started pretty much living together a month and a half ago.

His place in the Bahamas wasn't much compared to her house in Grand Cayman. he had to laugh at himself, how quickly he forgot she was more than a model, more than a ballerina. Ironically the woman was an Operator. She looked to have all the training of Special Forces A-team in one person and augmented with the counter-insurgency training of a Delta Force trooper. If that wasn't enough to make her impressive, throw in espionage and assassination tradecraft too.

It'd been a long time since Rodrick had been to Paris. The crew showed up just as he was finishing pre-flight. He told them the plan, they were for it since neither had been to Paris before. He filed the flight plan and they were in the air after a five minute wait. They refueled in India followed by Dhubai, Turkey and Italy then flew up to France.

Rodrick had napped on the plane which was strange. Strange that he could fall asleep quickly and not be fitful on the plane. He had tried to sleep at his place next to the hangar. He'd tossed and turned for over an hour then slept for only a few hours and was up again, in a bad mood. The flight crew were noticing it as well; the longer he was away from her the grumpier he got. Rodrick would ask if she was the same but there was nobody to ask. One thing though, she'd probably give him that self-satisfied sleepy look and purr then say yes. The problem was he couldn't decide if that was good or bad.

~o~O~o~

Mara worked the dial of the safe and heard another click through the hypersensitive headset then slowly spun the dial the opposite direction to catch the next disc then turn it until she heard the next click. Two more times for a total of five then she heard the snap of the pins. A quick turn of the handle and the door opened. She reset the the combination then locked it and started over.

She cracked the safe repeatedly until she had her time down to ten minutes. Pleased, she thought to herself the vault would be no problem, only the station occupants would pose a threat. For that she had the team; Reese for electronics, Antonov for surveillance, Gal and Miki were the weapons crew and Cyrille would drive them anywhere and everywhere they needed to be. They would only have half an hour to get in, open the vault, retreive the files and then get out. The files would fetch quite a price. they would start in twelve hours. first they needed to put things in motion. Starting at the british and american embassies.

Cyrile drove them to the British embassy first. In twenty minutes they had one of the alarm lines and made it trip. The fire alarms sounded and people filed out onto the lawn. By the time the fire department arrived it had been determined to be a false alarm. A jewelry store was next and then a bank. Finally the american embassy.

It took an hour to get into their lines but instead of the fire alarms they set off the carbon monoxide alarms. Not what they wanted but it would do. Making the sytems questionable was the goal. In four hours they'd make the circuit of locations again adding the interpol substation. then again in another four hours. She chuckled to herself watching the people hurry out, some even stumbling down the steps. everyone seemed slightly frightened or highly agitated.

Everyone except a blonde talking on her phone. Mara looked closer, phone blonde wore an aqua colored dress that moved with the breeze too much as she walked on a pair of high heeled sandals. A man in a suit carrying a book or something similar approached her. She showed something and the man wrote in the book and then she wrote as well. An american visitor, she was checking in. Not many tourists did that so she must be in for business. From the way she was dressed and seemed non-plussed Mara figured she must be a model.

Mara sneered then stopped. The woman did something strange. She was taking off her shoes and walking onto the grass. Several people were watching her and clapping. Mara understood now watching as the blonde danced on the lawn. She was a ballet dancer. A few moments of dancing then a sweeping curtsey. Ballerina or model, all the same to Mara. A woman with more looks than brains and probably some rich man's pet. The blonde would be perfect for a ransom if she didn't have something going on already. Perhaps there would be opportunity afterward.

 
 

CHAPTER 2

Dannigan's bedside phone rang three times before he answered it sleepily,"This better be good."

"I woke you up.....that's so cool," a feminine voice giggled.

"Lyssa," he grumbled and was answered with another giggle.

"Kordenay its the middle of the night. Where the hell are you to be sounding so chipper," He growled.

"Paris. The Embassy. They have a problem," she commented.

"Its an Embassy Lyssa. Problems are inherent. I blame it on the state department," Dannigan grumped.

"Not this problem...carbon monoxide alarms went off all over the building," Lyssa said.

"Ok, so use your incredible talents as the highly trained specialist you are and tell them to open the windows for a while," he said sarcastically.

"They don't have carbon monoxide sensors according to the DIA girl here," she replied," and the British Embassy had fire alarms go off. Outside the building."

"Outside the building? That makes no sense....even when talking about Embassies,"Dannigan commented.

"Should I look into it,"Lyssa asked.

"Tread carefully Lyssa, you know the assholes over at State hate Operators. Hell, if they had their way there'd be no CIA, FBI, DEA, DIA or DOD presence at all in the Embassies. They regard anytime those have been needed as a break-down of communication to be blamed on any of the agencies," He warned.

"I'll keep it quiet," Lyssa assured him.

Dannigan disconnected then looked at the clock and went back to sleep for a few more hours.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa sat on the edge of the fountain and fastened the ankle straps of her sandals after dancing for a couple of minutes on the lawn, at the request of the Cultural Attache. The Ambassador called it 'a charming diversion from the current electronic fiasco'. The local spies were entirely too easy to spot, standing around in separate groups talking in hushed tones and looking around at people then nodding or shaking their heads.

She'd checked in with the Embassy. Not something she did frequently but she'd come in on a commercial flight. It was highly encouraged that visitors on vacation or business check in with their Embassy on the day of their arrival and check out the day of departure. Not something she usually did. It gave a trail to follow. Models usually did it when on photo shoots in questionable countries. The problem with that was it actually made them very easy to target. She wouldn't have gone but the driver had been instructed to take her there by John Galiano then to a hotel after the studio.

As Lyssa walked out the gate she got an appraising look from the Marines on guard and rewarded them both with a smile. A cafe across the way looked very convenient. The patrons talking very animated and craning their necks to watch the excitement at the embassy, except two tables with five people. A woman and four men, the woman and one of the men watched intently while the other three men pointedly ignored everything going on.

 

Lyssa walked over to the cafe then ordered a bottle of juice. The woman looked at her a couple of times with some hostility in her eyes.

"Could you be anymore obvious," Lyssa muttered under her breath to herself, "Why don't they just wear matching t-shirts with 'Bad Guys' written on them."

Question was; what were they up to, making alarms that don't exist malfunction. Maybe that was the catch. She'd visit the Sir Geoffrey at British Embassy after meeting John. Lyssa got into the waiting car and rode to the Dior studio.

~o~O~o~

Silk, satin and lace was everywhere making lyssa smile, but all of it was in shades of white. Cream, bone, ivory as far as the eye could see. And flowers, lots of flowers. Specifically roses. Lyssa groaned inwardly as the puzzle fit together. The Dior wedding collection. She'd never bothered with bridal collections, others were more enthusiastic about it than she was.

Formals, business, casuals, swimwear, even lingerie were fine but never bridals. She'd pretty much avoided those all together. Too late, John spotted her.

"LYSSA," he called out and waved her over.

"JOHN! You could have told me it was the bridal collection. You know I don't do bridals. Maternity either," Lyssa said crossly.

"Lyssa, Lyssa...please! You are almost, if not the exact same size as Mirabella," he then whispered," I'll double your runway fee. Please, Mira was the primary model of the collection."

John walked over over to where four gowns hung on the forms. Lyssa caught a glimpse of some fabric behind them. It was very colorful, she had to look closer. It was a white chiffon with a print of butterflies in various colors.

"John.....make a dress for me. Overlain with this; strapless, a basque waistline and knee length hankerchief hem with the underskirt just above midthigh and double fee and I'll do it. But ONLY just this once john," Lyssa glared.

"Oh you are vicious Lyssa but for you yes and thank you,"he said as he hugged her,"now will you try these on,please?"

He guided her to a curtained area then brought the first gown to her.

"I want faux pearl buttons down the center front John...." she called out gently putting on the gown making him laugh.

~o~O~o~

It was early evening as the C-130 touched down at Charles De Gaulle international airport and taxied to the private apron. a Customs team were waiting to inspect the plane and process the crew. An hour later they rented cars and the crew proceeded to a hotel. Roderick called Lyssa to find out where she was, somebody else answered her phone but gave the address to some studio. He hurried over and went in. the receptionist offered a drink in the waiting area. He tried to look but all he saw was white material everywhere.

 

Two hours Lyssa finally came out,"They just told me you had called and were out here."

Rodrick hugged and kissed her just as John walked out.

"Oh? Who is this Lyssa,"he asked.

"John this is Rodrick Mason. Rod meet John Galiano. Lead Designer; House of Christian Dior,"Lyssa made the introductions.

"OH? Has the elusive Lyssa finally had her heart captured by this dashing man here,"John teased her.

After recieving a blush in response from her and chuckle from Rodrick himself.

"Ah its TRUE, he HAS," John exclaimed," you've done the IMPOSSIBLE! You have my congratulations!"

"I'm just a pilot," Rodrick chuckled shaking hands.

John signalled his assistant,"see to it Lyssa's gentleman has a pass for the show and on the list for the party."

"Party," Rodrick asked,"hope its casual."

"Not to worry. Jazelle will take care of you," John said pointing out a young woman.

Fifteen minutes later Rodrick had a tuxedo and two suits and they were on their way out.

"Hmmm excitement in the big city," Rodrick commented seeing people all but running out of a jewelry store across the street.

Lyssa asked a bystander what was happening and was told the fire alarm had gone off. It was the fourth time but no fire or even smoke. Lyssa slowly scanned the crowd until she found the familiar faces she thought might be there and wasn't disappointed. There they were.

"Ok what's up, you've got that 'I see a senator going for a dip in the secretarial pool again' look," Rodrick commented.

"See that bunch over there, four men and one woman,"she nodded.

"You mean the ones trying desparately to look like they're not up to anything; and failing at it," he asked snarkily.

Lyssa chuckled,"That's them."

Rodrick stood looking at them and asked,"so what you think, casing the place?"

"They were across the street from the U.S. embassy when alarms that don't exist went off,"She said,"word has it the British embassy has a false alarm too."

"Two Embassies and now a jewelry store. Sounds like they want the service unreliable,"Rodrick speculated.

"That would make sense, but the problem is why," Lyssa mused.

"Fucked if I know. What's the local spooks and mooks say," he asked.

"Didn't ask, but one of the secretaries said she'd be glad when the section chief change-overs were done," she answered.

"Well let's see where they go and what they do,"Rodrick offered opening the door of the rental car.

 
 

CHAPTER 3

Mara had Cyrille drive them back to the warehouse they were using for a staging area. All was going to plan. They would all sleep for three hours then repeat the circuit one more time then make their run on the real target. A quick stop for food then back to the warehouse. The crew thought the real run would be in the morning before dawn. Good; they would be relaxed until then. Everyone napped except Mara as she practiced the safe once more then took a nap.

Hours later she awoke them all and announced it would be a rehearsal and to bring everything. The van was loaded and they rolled out to cause their mayhem once more. they would start with the jewelry store this time.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan looked at the list that made no sense, the places that used the same service for their alarm system. Two embassies, one bank, four stores and an Interpol substation. Chatter intercepts revealed that the British and American Embassies where viewing these events as probes and increased security. A second hand store was ignoring it. The one store considered high risk had already called in guards from a different service, four false alarms in one day; they wanted somebody different. He started digging on Interpol to find out what was so special about the substation. This was going to take time. Hopefully Lyssa would come up with something. The Dior bridal show was pending so figuring out what she was doing there was a no-brainer.

Madison buzzed in,"Lyssa on line one."

He snatched up the phone,"Got something?"

She answered, "staging area in a warehouse. Looking at the planning boards, they've been hacking the service and setting off random alarms. Doesn't matter what, just as long as there's a response. Five places are marked."

"What are they," he asked.

"Both the Embassies as we knew already, a bank, what looks like a thrift shop, a jewelry store and an Interpol substation," she listed.

"Ok everybody you said has had problems. What else you got on location," Dannigan continued.

"Rodrick says there's a decent sized vault mock up, too small to be for a bank though," Lyssa repeated.

Dannigan chuckled," why am I not surprised he's with you."

"He said the flight crew was complaining about him being moody or something like that," Lyssa said casually,"I think he just wants to watch me do a runway show."

Rodrick could be heard distantly and Lyssa relayed,"hold on he found something."

She switched to speaker.

Rodrick announced,"I found some building plans."

"Which building Rod,"Dannigan asked.

"Interpol substation Paul. This bunch has some balls,"Rodrick commented.

"Ok, I have no idea why they'd want to go there. Go ahead and shut 'em down, but do it sneaky. Get 'em caught in the cookie jar,"Dannigan said.

They looked at each other."uh....ok," Lyssa said then disconnected.

 

Rodrick stood at the car and asked,"So how are we gonna do this? Impersonate James Bond and his chick?"

That got a laugh from Lyssa as she opened her travel bag and pulled up the false bottom.
"Too bad they didn't leave any weapons and ordinance behind," she commented.

"Hey I say we're lucky to find what we did," he replied.

"True. I have my battlesuit,boots, a MadDog Frequent Flyer, my Marauder and two Glocks,"Lyssa said.

She pulled out the form fitted black suit then took off her sandals and slipped out of her dress. Rodrick made a low appreciative noise.

"Time for that later hotrod,"She remarked pulling the suit on and zipping it then pulling on her boots and tied the top lacing tight.

Rodrick himself was already wearing black jeans so he simply changed his shirt to a black long sleeve. Lyssa assembled both the Glocks in minutes then loaded the three accompanying magazines each and passed to him one loaded pistol and two reloads keeping the other for herself.

"You know if you ever decided to go into the globe trotting terrorist business you'd be super scary,"He quipped.

"No way. I have to have weekends off. Boyfriend is a sexmaniac," she replied making Rodrick double over laughing.

He was still laughing as they got back into the car.

"You want the MadDog," she asked holding up the knife.

Like many of the new knives under the MadDog brand it had a core of ABS plastic and surrounded by carbon fiber honed razor sharp. He shook his head and pulled up his right pant leg to show his dive knife concealed inside his boot. They set up close to the Interpol substation.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick used Lyssa's combat paint to streak his face concealing his identity after she painted her unique pattern on herself.
Facial markings among regular troops were standard stripes or smudges but Operators like Special Forces, Delta troopers, SEALs and Force Recon Marines more often than not had a very unique pattern. A pattern that would be recognizable to teammates but no one else. Patterns so well practiced that they could be performed without benefit of mirrors or even light.

This was the third time Rodrick had seen Lyssa's pattern and he was beginning to appreciate the beautiful, yet deadly looking design. They waited for an hour and a half then saw the van finally arrive. Ten minutes later the group bypassed the lock on the door and went inside.

Rodrick slithered underneath the van. Using a multi-tool he disconnected the starter then crawled back out and gave Lyssa a thumbs up.

"So how we gonna do this," he asked.

"Let's keep it simple," Lyssa answered, "get the cops over here then instigate a cross-fire."

Rodrick nodded and followed Lyssa as she walked over to a bank. He chuckled as she picked up a sizable rock and hefted it at the door. It didn't break the laminate glass.

"Try again,"he chuckled at her.

"I'm not trying to break it dumbass, just make the alarms go off," Lyssa replied.

She hefted the rock at a window again with the same result then walked across the street and rattled the doors of a store very hard. Rodrick followed suit now understanding. They met back at the car.

 

"One of us needs to get this out of sight," Rodrick stated.

"Your rental, I nominate you to the office of valet parking......honey," Lyssa smirked.

"Oh that's mean," Rodrick chuckled then swatted Lyssa on her ass and got into the car.

He parked two blocks away then ran back. a siren could be heard in the distance.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa re-checked her Glock,"cops or robbers?"

Rodrick thumbed the safety off and answered," dealer's choice babe."

"You take the bad guys this time, can wing 'em if you want. we want 'em super mad," she replied.

A single police car approached. Lyssa crouched and triggered off three rounds pinging the car harmlessly, but definitely getting the officers inside to pay attention. One of the break-in crew looked outside then ducked back inside to dodge rodrick's bullets.

Rodrick yelled, "ARMED POLICE! SURRENDER NOW!"

Somebody fired out the door with an AK-47 spurring Rodrick to dive to the right. Lyssa shot twice more at the police car then moved low and fast through a section of shadow crossing the street. More sirens could be heard now.Somebody else poked their head out the door and the real police took shots at them. the door burst open and they fell over each other onto the sidewalk as a lone figure from behind them tried sneaking off to the side.

"Breakaway! Drive her back inside," Rodrick said quickly.

They both fired shots that ricocheted just left of the figure that retreated back. Ten police cars pulled in to join the shoot out as two AK-47's opened up. The woman tried moving again using the auto-fire for cover. Rodrick swung his aim to the van but held his fire when lyssa spoke out.

"Don't shoot the van, make them think it still runs," she instructed.

"Got it," Rodrick answered chasing the shooters with a couple of bullets.

Lyssa tapped his leg,"extract quietly," she said as she started moving into the alley.

Rodrick moved backward then stood up inside the alley. The team had started shooting at the police now who quickly returned fire. The woman could be heard screaming for someone to start the van and get them out of there. Lyssa and Rodrick both triggered off rounds going high into the van making those inside stay low.

"Grab your brass and let's go," Lyssa ordered as she picked up empty casings.

He did the same then started easing back deeper into the alley. They froze as the police officers passed the alley, one quickly playing the beam of his flashlight around then moving along as the rest concentrated on the van.

 
 

CHAPTER 4

Mara didn't understand. The van didn't work and somebody kept shooting first to keep them inside the substation then driving them to the van and now keeping them inside the van. How had things gone wrong so fast. Glass shattered and guns were pointed at them all. Gal and Miki nodded to each other. Mara watched as they raised their AK's and pulled the triggers shooting each other in the face. Doors were wrenched open, she and the two remaining men found themselves staring down numerous gun barrels. They did the only thing they could do, surrender. An interpol agent found the drive with the files on it in her bag and knew what it was instantly. she was done, prison forever for her.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa pulled make-up remover wipes from her bag and handed two to Rodrick and using two herself to wipe off the streaks of face paint then quickly stripping off the battlesuit and boots. Her dress went on as quickly as it had come off earlier followed by the sandals. She sat down and flipped down the vanity mirror of the visor and quickly put on some make-up. Rodrick started the car and casually drove away.

"Skip the hotel go north,"Lyssa said settling into the seat.

"What about dinner," he asked.

"Get Mcdonald's or I cook,"Lyssa asked.

"I take it you have a house here too," Rodrick ventured.

"Of course. Pull in here real quick," Lyssa replied then pointed to a brightly lit parking lot.

Rodrick pulled in and parked. Lyssa took her purse and went inside, she returned five minutes later with two bags.

"groceries, let's go," she announced.

 

Rodrick followed the directions as she gave them and soon found a driveway concealed by hedges. Minutes later Lyssa turned on the lights inside and came back out to get the food bags. Rodrick brought in the luggage. She rinsed cookware then started dinner. Rodrick returned and sat at the counter with both pistols.

"Cleaning kit," he asked.

She pointed to a drawer as she stirred something in a pan. He found the kit and started cleaning both Glocks.

"Ha...finished before dinner is ready," He exclaimed.

Lyssa came over and looked at the trigger assembly then handed it to him,"You suck."
"What? where," he asked looking then saw what she meant,"nevermind I see it."

A few minutes later he announced,"now I'm done."

Lyssa looked at both assemblies, the barrels, slides and handed the barrels back to him,"you suck less, keep at it."

Rodrick gave her the 'I am a professional not a recruit' look. She saw it but couldn't quail under it.

"Baby this is not an inspection for the brass, I need those guns absolutely spotless. The sniffers will pick up the scent of cordite if they aren't and I'm blown,"she said.

"Damn. I know better. Sorry. After dinner I'll reclean both," Rodrick said solemnly.

Dinner went by quickly then the cleaning up followed by the cleaning of weapons and clothing then to bed.

~o~O~o~

Two days later, bright sunlight streamed through the windows as soft romantic music played. The show's narrator spoke in english first then repeated her dialogue in french. Sporadic ooh's and aah's as the models walked the runway. Rodrick sat between a columnist for Japanese Vogue and the head of a modeling agency. It took him two seconds after walking in the door to figure out it was a bridal gown show.

Not exactly what he expected but as the first two models walked down the runway he understood the allure. Apparently a wedding day was every female's chance to be a princess. He did a double take and realized the fifth model was Lyssa. She looked beyond stunning in a gown that left no curve to the imagination, in fact he was mesmorized as she passed. She saw him sitting awestruck and smiled brilliantly.

Rodrick couldn't help be impressed as the show continued and the collection became more elaborate. Satins, silks, lace with embroidery, sparkling stones, ruffles and bows. roses were everywhere. that gave him an idea. he told an assistant what he was doing and disappeared. Lyssa walked the runway again but he was gone, probably to answer a call.
When Lyssa made her third walk he was back and smiling then his smile changed again. A smile that made any compliment backstage pale in comparison. It reminded her of when she danced once with a group of children from a local hospital in the front row. The look from one of those girls was as if looking at either an angel or a moving statue. Rodrick had that same expression.

As Lyssa walked the final time he wasn't in the seat again. He surprised her at the end of the runway as she turned in place then took her pose again. The surprise was the double bouquet of Fire and Ice roses. Lyssa leaned down and kissed him as the cameras flashed. John Galiano walked out then followed by the rest of the line-up straight to the end and shook Rodrick's hand and kissed Lyssa's hand.

~o~O~o~

At the party after the show John gave Lyssa a box but said very loudly that she was not allowed to open it until the next day. Many of the gossip columnists tried to get interviews or other sources of information about Lyssa and Rodrick. The questions were dodged and the comment made for the record was by John Galiano, remarking that they did look quite attractive together. Finally Lyssa saw an opportunity to make a stealthy exit and led Rodrick out. They laughed all the way back to her house.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan buzzed the intercom,"Where's Lyssa and Rodrick?"

Madison answered back immediately,"Paris, both of them."

"Send her a message for them to stay put," he said then started coordinating the military hops needed to get to Paris.

Twenty minutes was all it took for him to find the flights and print up the orders to be on them, if he was lucky he'd be there just as they were having breakfast. the first leg was Andrews airbase to Rammstein in Germany then a NATO hop to Charles de Gualle airport in Paris, early morning. A rental car got him to the house to which he knocked on the door. Rodrick answering the door wasn't surprising. The fact that he was naked was.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick groaned then let Dannigan in. The big spook followed his nose after the smell of coffee and found the kitchen. A couple of minutes later Lyssa in a negligee and Rodrick in a pair of shorts came into the kitchen. He'd never seen Lyssa like this before and couldn't resist the smile.

"One comment out of you and you'll wear that coffee Major," She warned him sleepily.

"I'm here on business. I've got a serious problem and only you and Mason can solve it. due to his recent.....travels," Dannigan stated regaining a serious look.

"My travels," Rodrick asked.

"Thailand. That task force has missed their second check in,"Dannigan answered.

"what task force,"Lyssa asked.

Dannigan showed her the file," International task force on narcotics. Opium trade in the Golden Triangle."

"Shit. Somebody got all nostalgic I guess," Lyssa commented.

"Get ready for jungle ops, at best a rescue. At worst a recovery," Dannigan pulled up the file on his laptop.

Lyssa and Rodrick went through the briefing packet with growing looks of alarm between them. Lyssa finished her coffee then left the room, minutes later the shower could be heard upstairs.

Dannigan handed Rodrick a page,"the gear is being delivered to your plane right now. Good luck Ramrod. And don't let anything happen to our Butterfly."

Rodrick nodded, not missing the use of his old call-sign then watched Dannigan leave. Butterfly he called her, interesting. Butterflies were delicate yet resilient. Able to migrate thousands of miles yet could be crippled with the single stroke of a finger across its wings. He suddenly remembered an old term: Iron Butterfly. It was the old term for when a tomboy grew out of that phase and became more feminine. Lyssa was indeed a butterfly. He'd seen both sides of her and couldn't resist either one. So a shower and off to Thailand. It was go time, once more.

 

Book 14 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   An international task-force is in jeopardy deep in the jungle, so Lyssa and Rodrick are going into the most dangerous part  Southeastern Asia's Golden Triangle!. WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Pete couldn't believe the Paris trip was being cut short to go back to Thailand. Hopefully Rodrick was in a good mood now, They knew Lyssa was there and that's why they were too. He'd finally got to see the Eiffel tower and a few other tourist spots. His girlfriend would be upset but He'd make that up to her with the perfume he got for her, he had blended it himself with help from the master perfumer. For five hundred dollars an ounce she'd better like it he thought to himself. Right now though he needed to concentrate on the loading of the two totes that some guy in a U.S. Army uniform dropped off. He didn't have to sign for them so obviously they had to be weapons.

 

He saw Rodrick walk out of the hangar, Lyssa was with him. No suprise there but she wasn't dolled up like usual. Jeans and a t-shirt and boots. Odd to him. He'd never seen her so casual, shorts and running shoes didn't count. Hell the woman wore high heels with bikinis around her house. The guy in the suit with them was an unknown. Pete got the feeling the big man was a spook, probably the reason they were heading back to Thailand. Kinda strange though. Lyssa gave off the impression that she was coming along. they were heading this way now and without suit guy.

 

It was good to see Rodrick with somebody cool. the last girlfriend only cared about money, wanted him to sell off the aircraft to pay for her lifestyle. Made no bones about it either; always showing catalogs of jewelry and ugly clothes that cost thousands of dollars. It was funny, Lyssa is what the last one wanted to be but without the snotty attitude, she was actually really nice. He even had standing reservations at her restaurant in Grand Cayman and never got a check, any meal for two was on the house. She didn't hover and nag either. Rodrick respected her, which was new. Not that he treated any woman bad, but Lyssa was different. something about her required you to respect her and he got the feeling that if it wasn't given that respect could and would be taken.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa stood hand in hand with Rodrick on the tarmac.

"We'll get there as fast as we can Major," she said.

"No mistakes Lyssa. this is indian territory all the way and neither of you are safe until out of Thai/Burmese airspace," Dannigan warned.

"We'll tread carefully Paul," Rodrick said.

"Good luck and take care of each other out there," Dannigan said.

"We will," Lyssa said then she and Rodrick turned and walked toward the plane.

"Looks like Pete has us loaded and ready," Rodrick commented.

"When's Pete gonna breakdown and pop the question to his girl,"Lyssa asked.

"When I get good and damn ready Lyssa," Pete answered as he walked back off the ramp.

She laughed, so did Rodrick as Pete grumbled about meddling bosses and their girlfriends.

Lyssa raised up on her toes and kissed Rodrick's cheek," go ahead and do your pilot stuff so we can go."

Rodrick patted her butt as she stepped up the ramp then took the clipboard from Pete.

"Speaking of bosses, girlfriends and questions; what about you and Lyssa," Pete asked.

"Don't go there," Rodrick said marking off the boxes on his checklist.

"C'mon Rod, I saw the newspaper pictures. Those were bridal gowns she was wearing and definitely roses you gave her. Don't blame you, saw the one of the kiss...that dress was class A superstar and I've seen movies and kissing pictures. Nothing fake about that one," Pete said.

"Don't you have shit to do so we can get in the air," Rodrick asked with a sideglance.

"Nope. Been waiting on you, slacker. Now about that kiss. Hey my parents married at 18, still hold hands and shit. I know when I see it man and you two have it for each other," Pete commented.

"Pete go pre-start or I'll call your girlfriend and tell her you went to Crazyhorse," Rodrick growled.

"Oh you're cruel boss.....really fuckin' cruel," Pete grumbled walking up the ramp.

"Wash the windshield and check the oil while you're at it,"Rodrick jokingly yelled back.

 

Pete was a former Marine therefore they had to antagonize each other. They both knew where the lines were and wouldn't cross them. Rodrick smiled to himself, he'd seen the tabloid photos himself and was rather taken aback by what he saw. He'd never seen the expression he had before. He remembered the thought in his mind clear enough; that he'd remember that moment forever. Rodrick almost dropped the clipboard then, he'd never used that word in such context before. Forever. He'd never had thoughts like that before.

Pete's yell brought him out of the space odysses.

Rodrick finished his pre-flight and walked up the ramp. Lyssa looked up from the tabloid and smiled. He winked and climbed up to the cockpit.

"Can we go now," Pete asked sacastically.

"Spin on number one,"Rodrick said putting on his headset.

"Spinning on one," Pete confirmed starting the engine.

They were all business now. The second engine was started and brought up to speed followed by the third and fourth. Carl, the crew chief called over his headset that they were buttoned up and ready to pressurize. Rodrick called the tower and was told to taxi out. Three minutes later take off was granted. The C-130 climbed fast and pulled hard to take the outbound heading. A mid-air refuel would meet them over Iraq but they'd land in India to refuel.

~o~O~o~

As they flew over the Mediterranean Rodrick came back and started to sort gear with Lyssa as she had already started loading magazines. They'd both be leading with CAR-15 assault rifles but for sidearms they differed. Lyssa carried her twin Jericho .40 cal automags and Rodrick carried two Colt Deltas, 10mm automatics. Both added the party favors; four frag grenades, one concussion, two smokers and one incendiary.

 

Lyssa slid the Marauder knife into the sheath down the back of her right thigh and the Fairbarn-Sikes knife into the right strap of her combat harness.

"Lyss...what's the story on that knife? I never seen one like it," Rodrick stated.

Lyssa pulled the Marauder and handed it to him,"its called a Marauder. Had some popularity back in the 80's. I saw it a gun and knife show once. The advert said it was 'The ultimate combat/throwing knife'. I don't know about that, but I do know its always lodged whenever I did throw it."

Rodrick had noted before how the hand guard consisted of opposing spikes and the pommel had the same opposing spikes with another directly opposing the blade. He now felt the balance of it and understood. Double bladed, double-edged; a single flat piece of steel jet black and razor sharp. A knife of only one purpose; killing.

"Not even gonna ask why you choose to carry it," Rodrick mumbled to himself," we're gonna need to talk sometime."

 

Two microsyrettes went into her boots. Rodrick checked his blow-out kit, a small first aid kit used by SEALs, then put it into his thigh pocket. She handed him two of the micro-syrettes.

"Here and be careful with these, they're poison. Fifteen second effect,"Lyssa cautioned him.

"Right. Sentry removal," Rodrick nodded.

He looked up when Lyssa said softly,"no. they're for us. One for you; one for me. Inside is a special lining, once its been used and air gets inside it'll burn itself up."

 

He stopped and looked at her and saw a sadness in her eyes. Rodrick decided he would ask about that when the mission was done and tucked the syrettes into his boots. They completed with survival gear and then filled their packs with rations and ordinance then filled their water pouches. Lyssa changed into that familiar form fitted black suit then pulled on her boots. The refuel over Iraq went without a hitch as did the one over Dhubai then an hour long stop in India.

~o~O~o~

Matt couldn't believe it. Leader of the joint task force and he'd dropped the ball. Second night in, some bunch slipped into their camp and had them all at rifle point. He spoke Thai, Burmese, Laotion, Cambodian and Vietnamese plus French just in case. He knew that this bunch was made up of both Thai and Burmese. Either bandits or opium traders. Once they talked enough he'd know what they were and then how to bargain with them. For now it was simple; keep quiet and do as they say without causing problems.

A glance at his watch told him they were thirty hours in since check in time. twenty-six hours since action had been initiated. Rescue if possible, recover if needed; liquidate if necessary. Army Special Forces would be sent after them. because they weren't expected to be close enough to the river for SEALs to be sent in, the Green Berets were the best option.

 

The guy in charge was Mao. Or at least the guy giving the orders for now was Mao, a Burmese. If he was the top of the ladder then things would be simpler. One thing for sure, everybody better jump on his bandwagon fast or it could cost them all their lives. Also, they needed to make sure the trail they left was obvious enough without tipping off the locals. Subtle signs that wouldn't be erased by countermeasures. At least the food and water had been brought along. Matt and company stopped when Mao called a break. He demanded to be shown how to prepare the MRE's. Matt very slickly had the team show how to prepare them that way they'd be able to eat as well. The ploy worked, everybody ate. Mao decided to camp there. Perfect. the longer they stayed still the better.

 

"We're past time," Matt whispered, "help is on the way."

Billy, the Australian, muttered, "all we have to do is stay alive long enough to pulled out."

Vincent, the Interpol agent nodded," we are alive now. That means hope for us."

The team settled down as best they could, watching the bandits in case they got a chance to turn on them.

 
 

CHAPTER 2

Rodrick walked off the ramp to join Lyssa, "All set. They're gonna fly down to Phuket to refuel then go hang out in India until they hear from us or Paul."

"Ok. Go ahead and send 'em out. Been here too long," Lyssa replied.

He knew Lyssa would have preferred to jump in than land the plane but Dannigan wanted a check in before the plane left. Rodrick put the sat-phone away then shrugged into the straps of his pack as did Lyssa then picked up their rifles and walked into the jungle. They walked the trail for a few minutes then Lyssa took point she led off the trail for fifty meters and followed it parallel. Rodrick noticed she had taken a drink of water as they entered the dense foliage but not since. It didn't take long to realize why. She would hold that water in her mouth for three hours before swallowing it.

 

The evening came and night fell but Lyssa stayed on point leading the way moving for four hours then resting for fifteen minutes. Rodrick knew it was a LRRP march, Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol, but he'd never used it. SEALs didn't move over land like that. Special Forces and Delta did. That and the fact that she wasn't hacking through the underbrush. It was like she knew exactly how to move through it like a snake.

~o~O~o~

Dawn came; Lyssa finally stopped and whispered," we'll eat here and break for an hour then you can take the point for a while."

Rodrick all but collapsed, "now I see why you do triathlons everyday."

"That's different baby," Lyssa spoke in a hushed tone.

She stood up and walked over to him and kissed his lips lightly," we have to push hard, alot of ground to cover and we have no time to waste."

"I'm out of shape," he chuckled.

"You don't do this anymore," Lyssa remarked.

"yeah," he admitted," when we get back let's take some time off."

"Ok," she smiled," get some sleep."

Rodrick nodded then leaned back against a tree and fell asleep.

 

All too soon Lyssa awoke him," Time to go."

They both stood up and stretched for a minute or two then he struck out taking point until noon then she took the point again. By evening they found the first campsite. Rodrick checked in with Dannigan via the satellite phone then headed out after eating, with Lyssa again on point. They moved through the night until dawn then stopped again to eat and sleep for an hour. Rodrick had noticed her mood change, she was becoming much more intense. Talking less and less, he was seeing the Operator now. A hunter of men.

 

Late in the afternoon they found the second campsite. Her movements reminded him of a predatory creature. Steady, careful, with absolute purpose and deadly silent. It took only minutes for her to pick up the outbound trail. She led off paralleling the trail at 30 meters, criss-crossing back and forth every so often, keeping them on track. Not too hard, somebody was blazing for them and being sneaky about it.

Rodrick had counted out eight separate tracks, Lyssa counted twelve plus the task force. Lyssa led on through the night again and they took a break at dawn. She gave Rodrick two hours, the strain was really showing now. When she awoke she froze. An Asiatic cobra had taken place between them.

 

Lyssa called softly,"Rod....Rod! freeze!"

He opened his eyes and saw what she meant. The former SEAL moved slowly, drawing the swaying snake's attention, reaching for his dive knife. Lyssa moved as well, refocusing its attention on her. With reflexes like lightning he swept his knife, severing the cobra's head. They both sighed with relief. After stretching again they moved out, with Rodrick on point until the afternoon. That evening she determined they were fourteen hours behind them.

Lyssa took them through the night and by morning they were only three hours behind but it would be five hours after a break. Rodrick slept fast and hard,but awoke at her whisper. They had the day to narrow the gap even closer. He led the way out slowly and carefully. Before sunset they had gotten close enough twice to hear voices. The group were making camp, this was good for Lyssa and Rodrick. They moved a mile ahead to make camp themselves and slept for four hours before checking in with Dannigan.

~o~O~o~

Matt felt uneasy. The jungle felt different now. Like a dangerous animal was close by. He whispered to the others to be on guard. They all nodded agreement. He'd already discovered that Mao was a bandit that crossed back and forth over the border. He preyed on anybody that couldn't fight back. The Burmese knew that at least one of the task-force was American and was hoping to ransom them back. The problem was he needed to get to a safe village with communication. They had all eaten again then pretended to get comfortable, as if settling in for the night. Mao as usual had four guards.

 

It was around two in the morning when Matt was awoken by Billy, the Australian. He whispered to Matt, "wakey wakey mate. Something is up, it don't feel right."

The guards were getting tired. Matt noticed it too but froze. Slowly a black form materialized behind one and he immediately dropped. A coughing sound was heard and another fell. They heard another coughing sound and guard number three also fell over.
Number four was already downed as well. It then seemed like large creatures were moving around.

One of the two shadows slithered in close and whispered,"follow me silently."

~o~O~o~

The others were already awake nodding quietly. They crept out after the larger of the two shadows for almost one hundred meters then the shadow stopped and counted them.

"Good, everybody's here," Rodrick said.

"Are we glad to see you Yanks," Billy said.

"Everybody good to travel right? nobody hurt,"Rodrick asked.

"Yeah, we're good to go. Hey aren't you the pilot," Matt asked.

"Yep. I'm here to get you boys back home,"Rodrick smiled in the darkness," we just need to wait a little while longer then we'll move out."

They all murmured their assent and waited silently.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa had moved slowly from one man to the next, the Marauder filled her hand. Silently she thrust the blade between each man's jaw and base of his skull into the brain; a slight twitch was their only reactions. One to the right stirred and started to sit up. Lyssa rolled over then slammed the edge of her hand to his throat and he fell back. Like a sledgehammer she thrust her blade down into his eye. One lay sleeping on his stomach with his arm under his head; a quick double twist making the bones of his neck crackle and he stopped breathing.

 

Finally there was only one left. The one that had seemed to be the leader from his position in the camp. Lyssa gingerly lifted away his rifle, pistol and machete then nudged his head lightly with the muzzle of the suppressed pistol. His eyes snapped open and saw a shadow crouched in front of him.

 

"Who are you," Mao asked in Burmese then French.

He heard the ominous click of the hammer being locked back. Lyssa took a cord and moved slowly behind him, tying his wrists behind the tree then stepped back in front of him. The bandit watched as she pressed a sticky grey block just above his groin and pressed a button. Red numbers started flashing.

"Who are you,"Mao demanded in Thai this time.

Lyssa stood up and and replied in Thai, looking down at him, "Past the gates and before the throne; I've been to hell. Where I'm sending you......is much worse."

she faded back into the jungle and disappeared. Three minutes later the charge went off pop blowing his pelvis open. Pain was instant. Mao looked down then screamed long and loud as his blood flowed out soaking the jungle floor. None of his men moved. The Burmese realized he was alone and dying slowly.

 

CHAPTER 3

Dannigan pounced on the ringing phone startling Madison,"Yeah?"

"Paul? that you,"Rodrick asked.

"Yeah Rod its me. what've you got," Dannigan answered.

"We have the package," he answered,"Good for extraction in 3 days. I think 3 days."

Dannigan sighed in relief, "What's the Butterfly say?"

"Hanging back. cleaning up the mess," Rodrick replied.

Dannigan was silent for a moment, "Keep our Butterfly hidden Rod. Nobody sees, got it?"

"I hear you, Paul. Do my best," Rodrick signed off and disconnected.

Dannigan turned to go back into his office, "Madison alert Mason's flight crew. Let 'em know their starting back now."

"That's great,"Madison exclaimed and then started dialing.

~o~O~o~

Pete answered on the fourth ring,"Hello?"

"This is Control. Ramrod is returning now. You have a three day ETA," Madison said.

"HOT DAMN! Acknowledged Control; three days inbound," he confirmed.

Madison disconnected with a smile. A quick glance at Dannigan's door then she pulled up the European tabloid website again and scrolled through the pictures to get to the Dior bridal show. Lyssa looked so gorgeous in the gowns. Rodrick reminded her of James Bond in his suit giving her the enormous bouquet of roses she thought smiling.

Madison wondered aloud," is this a prelude to something? Lyssa never walked a bridal show before. She's always avoided those like the plague."

~o~O~o~

Rodrick heard a distant popping sound then saw the shadow of Lyssa at the edge of the clearing and crept over to meet her.

"Reported in. They know we have them and expect to be back to the LZ in three days. Paul wants you out of sight as much as possible," he said in a whisper.

"Ok. I'll take point from now on. Once we get back to the jeeps I'm going to have a problem staying out of sight so make them go really slow," she told him.

Rodrick nodded then on impulse hugged her tightly to him.

"I'm ok," she whispered,"we're all ok but we have to move baby."

Rodrick nodded and slowly let her go and watched her melt into the shadows.

"Psssssst...hey let's go guys. We got business," Rodrick spoke softly.

The group nodded quietly and followed him down the trail.

 

They moved steadily until dawn when they got to a small clearing and found four MRE's unopened on the ground stacked neatly. Rodrick looked in his pack and silently cursed himself, he had four MRE's left. The men dug into the pouches without reservation in quiet celebration. Lyssa had given all the food she had left to feed them then moved further out from the camp.

"Hey. Don't leave the area. I'm going to look around," Rodrick ordered quietly.

He followed the trail ahead for ten minutes and found Lyssa digging at the base of a bush.

A minute later she yanked, pulling up a root of some kind that she then peeled and sliced pieces off to eat. Rodrick walked up closer and passed her one of the MRE's from his pack. She shook her head but he gave it to her anyway.

"Eat damn it. You burn calories too and you're pushing harder than anybody else," Rodrick swore.

Lyssa gave him a nasty glance then took it. She opened it, took out the crackers and peanut butter packs then handed it back to him.

"More," he said angrily.

"Later. When I need it," she replied.

He took out the dehydrated fruit mix and the oatmeal bar and gave them to her,"We'll share then."

He leaned over and kissed her then went back to the group as they talked and joked about the close call they'd all had.

 

"Get some rest guys, we move in an hour," Rodrick told them.

"An hour? That's insane, we've been going all night," Vincent the Interpol agent protested.

"He's serious Vin, rest up now,"Matt advised.

Billy piped up,"You Yanks don't play around, do ya?"

Matt nodded," if I haven't missed my guess Rod's former Spec Ops."

"Ex-SEAL. And no....I don't play around," Rodrick answered then leaned back against a tree and closed his eyes.

They all followed suit and felt like their eyes had just closed when he awoke them again.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick nudged their feet, "Let's go...up and at 'em. We got business."

They'd been moving all day but the DEA agent had his mind on other things. Other thing actually. Matt could have sworn he saw something dark in the distance move, like a person, but when he blinked it or they were gone. Rodrick had to have at least a partner. He'd seen a second person back at the Burmese camp moving around. There was the stack of MRE's waiting on them as well. A partner that seemed to prefer being unseen. Everyone on the task force had high clearances and had worked undercover for at least ten years. It wasn't like they couldn't keep a secret so why the hush-hush routine. He personally had worked with Rangers and Special Forces before in South America.

 

Matt thought to himself, 'who was the big secret out front? Why did Rod look so angry as they ate the MRE's and guilty as he ate his own?'

Then it hit him; unless they had no more for the other teammate. The DEA agent wanted to slap himself as the pieces clicked into place like a thunderclap. The teammate had given up ALL their MRE's to feed them!

He signaled the rest of the group forward to him,"hey guys. We got a problem. Whoever is on point; Rod's teammate, gave up all their food to feed us."

"We have supplies left in the jeeps. Unless somebody else raided them," Vincent said.

"That's the thing. They may not take us back to the jeeps, might just bee-line it to the airfield," Matt amended,"That's provided Rod and his partner didn't destroy the jeeps and all the equipment on their way in to conceal our op."

Expressions hardened then, they hadn't thought about that.

"No more eating or snacking until we get where we're going. Rod and his partner pushed long and hard to get us. They're still running hard to get us out. So no bitching or whining. we move like they do," Matt ordered.

Nobody said anything in protest, just nodded their understanding and kept moving.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa moved steadily ignoring the slight pain in her legs, scanning the ground ahead for anything out of the ordinary back the way they came criss-crossing the main trail to keep them on track. She had no more supplies except water and the filter pump to refill her camel-back. It was tempting to just stay on the main trail and run. The problem was that it was too well traveled for concealment and they had a long way to go.

 

One of the guys may have seen her in the distance after she had sneaked in close to put the fruit packet and oatmeal bar back in Rodrick's pack. He didn't do this anymore and needed more intake than she did. One thing for sure; as soon as they got back to Cayman she was cleaning up and going straight to her restaurant, provided she didn't order to go from the airport and pick it up on the way home. that really sounded good. First things first, get everybody back to the plane and on their way home.

 

Lyssa moved at a steady pace until dusk then stopped for a few minutes.

Rodrick came up and said softly," the guys want to continue on through the night but did ask about picking up the jeeps."

"You tell them yes," she asked.

"Yeah but they are refusing to take any MRE's from me," he said and added at her confused look," Matt the DEA guy figured out you gave up all your supplies."

Lyssa muttered under her breath making him chuckle.

"They will be ready in ten minutes," he added.

"Ok, to the jeeps and then stay on the trail," she said standing up.

"When we get home....." he started but was cut off.

"When we get home I'm going to eat then take an hour long bath and go to sleep for two days," Lyssa said," then we'll talk or whatever you wanna do."

She moved onward melting into the foliage.

"Yeah.....when we get home a long talk," he mumbled to himself then turned back to get the group moving again.

~o~O~o~

At dawn Lyssa stopped again and marked subtly that she wanted them to stop there then moved on for another ten minutes. She was able to see through her spotting scope they had stopped. She slept for half an hour then drank as much water as she could then stretched out.

She eased back and woke Rodrick up then moved off again after telling him they would reach the jeeps in an hour, after that not see her until the airfield unless there was a problem.

"Don't run yourself to the ground. We have plenty of time but make damn sure you grab something to eat from the jeeps. Eat something. We'll go slow so you have the time to," he said.

Lyssa nodded, it'd do no good to argue with him. Almost an hour later she got to the jeeps and checked them. All was good. Lyssa took one MRE and refilled her camel-back from the jugs of water. She ate some of it walking down the trail. Maybe a fifteen minute lead was all she had left now and needed to gain more. Lyssa started jogging down the trail. When her muscles warmed up more she lengthened her stride, running. Hopefully Rodrick could keep them from barreling down the trail after her. Finally at sunset she slowed down, walking until night fell and the headlights of the jeeps stopped moving. She stretched again then ate more of the MRE. She slept for four hours then stretched and started moving down the trail more.

 

CHAPTER 4

The former Marine, Pete, feathered the throttles back as he brought the aircraft in on final and saw the green smoke. They were there waiting for them.

"Hot damn! A clear LZ. Carl hold on we're going in," he called over his headset.

"Set us down good Piper. I'm ready to drop the ramp on solid touchdown," the Californian load-master called back.

He came in low and set it down. The C-130 ran the length of the field as the ramp dropped then turned around.

"Lyssa's on board," Carl called out.

When she came into the cockpit Pete asked,"where's the boss, gorgeous?"

"Bringing up the rear with the tourists Pete. I heard the engines before I popped smoke," she said out of breath.

"Jeeps inbound Pete! Get ready to haul ass," Carl called out.

A minute later the plane shook as the vehicles drove inside and parked. Rodrick climbed into the cockpit and saw her.

"Be ready in just a minute then hit it," Rodrick said looking back.

The vehicles were secured fast as the ramp closed.

Rodrick all but jumped into his seat,"LET'S GO PETE!"

"Blasting off boss," Pete said ramming the throttles forward.

The plane lurched then roared down the runway. After the plane soared upward then leveled off the Burmese border was crossed in no time.

 

"Rod I know you're tired but let me get a quick nap of say two hours and I'll fly us all the way to Iraq. There's mid-air refuels gonna meet us over India, Iraq and Italy. We don't land until we get to Rammstein Air Force base, Germany. We drop off the tourists to get on a C-5 to go back to the states and we go home," Pete said.

"Ok,I'll take a couple of hours. Carl are you up," Rodrick asked.

"Right here boss," the load-master answered.

"Tell those guys to stay out of the cockpit. When I go to sleep the door will be locked to keep them out. Do NOT, repeat, DO NOT tell them anything about Lyssa. That's an order," he said.

"You got it boss," Carl answered.

Rodrick looked over and saw Lyssa slumped in the navigator seat looking very much already asleep. Three hours later he shook Pete awake. After he took the controls, Rodrick went over to the navigator's seat, gently wiped her face clean and sat down leaning up against the bulkhead to fall asleep. Pete was as good as his word and flew all the way to Iraq. Over Italy they switched again until Rammstein Air Force base but woke him up half an hour out from it.

 

Rodrick called tower services requesting ten gallons of water, two towels and four large pizzas with sodas. On the tarmac the task force unloaded as the plane was refueled. Rodrick paid for the items that were brought out. The task-force called out their good-byes and thanks as they rolled down to the other end. they had time to get cleaned up as their equipment was loaded into the C-5 Galaxy headed back to the states.

Rodrick wanted to get back into the air before Lyssa woke up for real. Take off was text book as Pete and Carl ate their pizzas and rested until they reached Heathrow in London.

 

Pete took over and Carl climbed into the pilot seat as Lyssa and Rodrick went to the cargo bay after closing the cockpit door. They used the jugs of water to clean up then sat down and shared one of the pizza's. Rodrick got Lyssa dressed in her jeans and t-shirt then laid down with her on the seats.

After they crossed the Atlantic Rodrick went back to the cockpit. He let Pete and Carl sleep and flew them down the coast. They refueled twice and everybody was awake coming in on his private airfield in the Bahamas. He and Lyssa transferred from the C-130 to his Gulfstream and flew down to Grand Cayman. The plane hadn't even parked when Lyssa called her restaurant and placed an order making him laugh. The detour to the restaurant took only moments and they continued on to her beach house. They carried the food in and sat down to eat. He went for a swim in the sea as Lyssa took a long bath then got into bed. Rodrick took a shower and shaved then turned both their phones off and settled in beside her.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan read the email. An eavesdropped report from the DEA component of the joint task force.
"it has been determined that the mission had not been compromised but had suffered random happenstance. Hot Extraction effected by private contractor that had also facilitated the team's insertion. Aforementioned contractor to be requested in the future if team re-deployment is authorized in three months. Private contractor: Rodrick "Ramrod" Mason of Ram-Air Charters. If team re-deployment authorized Mason to be offered twice initial fee for team insertion with bonus if team requires hot extraction again. end report."

That made Dannigan pleased with them both. There'd been no mention officially or unofficially of Lyssa; excellent. He dialed Rodrick's satellite phone and got a very nasty voice-mail greeting making him laugh. He dialed Lyssa's Caribean number next which went to voice-mail as well but with her usual greeting. He left a message for her to call, when up for more than an hour.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa woke up and went into the bathroom and stood under the shower to wake up, shampooed and conditioned her hair then ran the razor over her legs and bikini area and under arms. Finally she rinsed off thoroughly and stepped out, grabbing the fluffy towel to dry off with. After running a brush through her hair she wandered to the kitchen and brewed coffee. Shortly after pouring a cup Rodrick blundered into the room, shielding his eyes.

"Fuck its bright.....I feel like a vampire on a day pass," he groaned then poured himself a cup.

"Welcome to my world," Lyssa sighed and drank.

"No way in Hell could Paul be paying you enough to do that shit on a regular basis," Rodrick commented.

Lyssa didn't say anything to that as she poured herself more coffee.

"Baby, right now I kinda wish you had a housekeeper. I'm hungry and I know you are too but I don't feel like making breakfast," he said.

"I'll get somebody from the resturaunt to bring something," she replied.

A quick call and their breakfast would be delivered in half an hour. She'd checked her phone waiting for the coffee to brew but wasn't going to return Dannigan's call today. He didn't claim crisis so he could wait. The meal arrived and she tipped well for it. They ate then returned to bed and slept more.

~o~O~o~

The sun was low on the horizon when Rodrick rolled over and felt the bed empty again. He looked out the window and saw Lyssa on the deck looking out at the incoming waves.

Rodrick walked up behind and wrapped his arms around her. She made a purring sound when he pressed a kiss behind her ear then turned in his arms to face him.

"Now its our time, everything and everybody can wait til at least tomorrow," Lyssa said looking up into his eyes.

He picked her up and carried her over to the hammock and eased into it then set them into a gentle swinging.

"I've been doing a lot of thinking baby," he said softly.

"Anything in particular or you want me to guess all night," she asked.

"You....me.....us. The fashion show. The missions," he said.

"Yesterday, today and tomorrow," Lyssa remarked.

"Yeah, I mean. Well. Yeah," he vocally stumbled around.

Lyssa twisted around and looked at him now fully awake and alert.

"You've been thinking about our relationship," she said flatly.

"Yeah. A lot. Things have. You know; happened between us," he tried to continue, "We've done things. Together, we've done things."

Lyssa chuckled, "Yes. We've definitely done things Rod."

"Not just that Lyssa. I mean real things. Yeah we've had sex. Made love. But we've also fought together. Had good times, had bad times and we understand each other. You know where I'm coming from....I know where you're coming from. You know; THINGS," he still grasped for the right words.

Lyssa sat up and straddled him, "ok normally I'd tease you about the trouble your having but this is serious to you so its serious to me."

Rodrick closed his eyes for a minute then opened them again,"That's what I mean. We do the, you know...... communicating thing."

"Ok, you're really having a problem, just say it flat out Rod. Bluntly," Lyssa said.

"I've been thinking about," Rodrick paused in mid sentence, "love."

"Do you love me Rod," Lyssa asked.

He nodded slowly.

She leaned in close,"say the words. For you; for me. Say them Rodrick."

His mouth opened then closed then opened again.

Lyssa finally kissed him then looked intently, "you can say it Rod.....you need to say it as bad as I need to hear it."

Rodrick closed his eyes,took a breath and held it for a moment then opened them," I love you Lyssa Kordenay. I love you."

Lyssa looked at him for a moment," And I love you Rodrick Mason. With all my heart I love you."

 
 
 
 

 

Book 15 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   A forgotten squadron of jet fighters are being brought back online  Lyssa and Rodrick will have to split up to solve the situation!. WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

 

CHAPTER 1

'This was it. All or nothing,' Adam thought as he loaded the last crate of components.

It had taken two painstaking years to assemble all of the parts needed. Fifty million Euros in gold waited for him. All he had to do was to get off the ground and across the border into Mexico. The rest would be easy. He checked the pallet-ed crates then climbed into the pilot seat and started the engines one by one then closed the ramp. His co-pilot already settled in and ready they throttled up and taxied out onto the runway.

a moment later permission was granted for take-off. Pavement of the runway rushed by as the cargo plane lifted off. he was tense as they flew south to the Mexican border. An hour later he breathed easy in Mexican airspace. They flew down to Guatemala then to Columbia and finally Brasil refueling at each place then across to Morocco, Egypt and finally Tehran, Iran.

 

Several trucks waited at the end of the runway along with a forklift. the Iranian colonel looked inside the first crate and nodded. The lead truck pulled forward and was unloaded. Adam smiled at the bricks of gold inside the metal boxes. Pallets were slid down to the forklift then loaded onto a waiting truck. Finally the boxes of gold were on-board and secured. Adam and his co-pilot shaking hands with the colonel.

"Ha! we're rich now," he exclaimed.

"Yeah. I am," Adam replied then shot him with the pistol he had pulled from behind his back.

The colonel chuckled,"What kind of service would you like for your friend?"

"The ditch at the end of the runway is fitting," Adam sneered as he walked up the ramp back into the plane then closed up and started the engines.

Minutes later he was flying north on his way to Zurich. Fifty million to make and smuggle the parts needed to get that old squadron back in the air and he didn't have to share with anybody now. Life was good now.

~o~O~o~

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN THEY HAVE THE PARTS NOW," Dannigan demanded over the phone.

"All we can think of was it was all pieced together individually to make all the components. This wasn't an overnight snatch 'n grab job Major Dannigan. It took time. At least a year according to Naval Intelligence," the other end answered.

"And just what exactly do you expect us to do about it Admiral," Dannigan asked.

"You have highly specialized resources Major. Resources I'll never know the full capabilities of. Assemble a team to either steal those aircraft or destroy them. A squadron of F-14A Tomcats in the hands of hostile Iranians absolutely can not be allowed," the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs answered then added," One other thing Major. The persons that enabled this. See to it they are also dealt with; permanently."

"You're all full of wonderful news," Dannigan commented.

"If I didn't know you personally I'd be begging anybody and everybody to deal with this and probably have an international incident. Help me Major, please," he asked Dannigan.

"I'll try Admiral. Send me what you have," Dannigan gave him an email address then hung up.

He leaned out the door,"Madison find Lyssa and Rodrick."

"This morning her Caribean number was active," Madison answered.

"Send her a message then,'both of you need to be available within twenty-four to seventy-two hours', and confirm that she got it," Dannigan ordered.

"Sending it now," she nodded as she typed.

Moments later a incoming message pinged, Lyssa had received the message and was standing by but Rodrick was on a VIP hop and would return in 10 hours. Madison winced hearing Danigan swearing at the information he was reading.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa bolted from the bed when the alarm clock went off and pulled on a one-piece swimsuit and socks then her shorts and running shoes. Rodrick slamming into swim trunks and socks and shoes behind her as she wrapped the band through her hair tearing for the door laughing.

Rodrick yelled,"catch up with that cute ass of yours on the road!"

She ran the bike down the driveway and jumped on coasting onto the road and pedaled fast as Rodrick followed seconds behind. Lyssa shifted gears gaining speed down the road with Rodrick hot on her tail and gaining fast. When they got back he was in the lead as he rode back up the driveway and around to the beach behind the house kicking off shoes and socks and sprinting down to the water's edge. If he could maintain the lead he would win and she would have to cook the breakfast of his choice while he showered.

At the twelve mile mark Lyssa was less than one hundred meters behind. Rodrick ran for the incoming surf and dove over a wave to start swimming for home. Within the hour she had caught up to him. Lyssa reached the beach first and ran for the deck with Rodrick once again hot on her tail but not close enough. Lyssa had won again for the sixth time in a row. They both stretched and walked to cool down without cramping up.

Lyssa pranced around Rodrick,"I want french toast, crispy bacon, sliced strawberries and scrambled eggs with mimosas."

She laughed walking to the bathroom. After 20 minutes walked back out as he set her plate on the table.

"mmmmm you're so sweet," she smiled impishly.

Rodrick caught her before she sat and yanked the towel off and popped her on the butt hard making Lyssa yelp then laugh.

"Tomorrow is gonna be a different story," he growled as she sat down.

Lyssa giggled as she toasted," To victory."

They both started eating.

"So what's the deal with Paul? He ever say what he wants us hanging around for," Rodrick asked between fork-fulls of french toast.

"Not yet but its has to be serious, he said both of us," she answered.

"I've got a hop to Atlanta this afternoon, think it'll matter," he swiped a piece of bacon from her plate.

"I doubt it, HEY!" she tried to grab it back.

Rodrick chuckled.

"Just don't play around up there," Lyssa munched on the remaining piece.

Rodrick shrugged," pick up in Atlanta to here and back. I should be back in time for dinner."

"I'd have Pete standing by just in case. Call me when you're on you way back, I'll try to have dinner ready," Lyssa smiled.

Rodrick's satellite phone rang and he answered it, "You're timing is perfect. Oh your ears must be burnin Paul."

He switched it to speakerphone.

"Rod where will you both be at 8pm tonight," Dannigan asked.

Lyssa answered quickly,"Hopefully dancing at the Lighthouse Inn."

"I've got an Atlanta hop today Paul so what's up," Rodrick asked.

"Cancel the dancing. I'll see you both tonight, Rod pick me up in Atlanta for your return trip," Dannigan said then disconnected.

"Wow, and there went all the fun for the day," Lyssa commented.

"Hey at least we know he's coming this time," He smirked making her laugh remembering him answering the door naked in Paris.

They finished eating and Lyssa cleaned up while Rodrick took a shower and shaved. She styled her hair and put on make-up then slipped into a blue dress and high heels while he got dressed himself. Rodrick drove her car while she found a radio station that would mildly irritate him. On the tarmac she walked over to the plane and gave him a kiss then walked back, a sudden gust of wind earned her a loud whistle to which she turned back and blew a kiss to Rodrick as the ground crew laughed. Within minutes she waved as he taxied out then took off heading north. She got back into her car and drove into town to shop.

 

CHAPTER 2

Adam finished signing the paperwork for the numbered account. He'd be able to access it using any name from anywhere in the world and in three days he'd have a dozen aliases to use as he went between non-extradition countries for the next six months. He'd already found a buyer for the cargo plane he used. By the end of the week he'd have a new Learjet and be on his way to Bali for a month. He'd covered his tracks well and with the death of his former partner there would be no way to track him and he didn't have to share that gold either. Soon he'd be untouchable. Just a few days in a five star hotel and then he'd be off to paradise.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick stepped down the stairway after Dannigan and spoke quickly with the ground crew as he signed the checklist for them. The crew chief handed him a set of keys and pointed to Lyssa's car beside the hangar. The drive to the beach house took no time at all. Walking in, the smell of dinner reminded them it had been a long day. Rodrick walked up behind her,wrapped his arms around and kissed her.

"Good flight," she asked.

"Long one. Damn that smells good," Rodrick smelled the steaks and lobster tails.

"Wash up. One of you set the table and one open the wine," Lyssa instructed.

They crowded each other at the sink trying to wash their hands and ended up elbowing each other then slinging water until Lyssa called them down before a mop was warranted. Since Rodrick knew where everything was he was chosen to set the table while Dannigan opened the wine and poured it into a decanter. Salads were first and then the steaks with lobster tails and steamed vegetables and finally a Bavarian black forest cake with a rich cream glaze and black cherry sauce.

"Jesus Rodrick. When the hell are you gonna marry her. She cooks better than the White House staff,"Dannigan said.

Rodrick choked on his wine and Lyssa dropped her fork. Both looked at each other then Dannigan with a look of panic.

Dannigan looked from one to the other," people in love do that;well most people. You two being Operators the concept may be a bit foreign to you. Don't tell me you haven't thought about it."

Rodrick looked like a 5 year old caught raising his head out of the cookie jar with a mouth full of oreos.

Dannigan smiled to himself and thought, 'So Rodrick had been thinking about it.'

Lyssa's look of sheer terror was a different story though.

"I saw two mountain bikes set up for triathlons, he's driving your car and I bet if I look in the bedroom; his clothes are in the closet and not a suitcase. It doesn't take my twenty years of experience in intelligence to determine that you two are living together," Dannigan stated.

They both looked at each other as if this observation was news to them.

"Excuse me," Lyssa stood up and took her glass of wine with her out onto the deck.

She stood watching the waves come in.

"Give me a hand with this Paul," Rodrick got up and started clearing the table.

Dannigan helped him and afterward set up his laptop to the plasma tv, then walked out to the deck.

"What's the problem," he asked her.

"I'm not thinking about more than tomorrow, or I wasn't. Until now," she answered.

"Do you love him," Dannigan asked watching the waves with her.

"Yes," Lyssa said.

"You tell him so,"Dannigan continued.

"I did," Lyssa replied.

"I presume he said he does too," He asked staying on the topic.

"He said it first but had a hard time," Lyssa admitted.

Dannigan finally turned and looked at her.

"So you love him...he loves you...you both know it. So what's the problem? Just because you're both Operators doesn't mean you can't have lives with each other," Dannigan said pointedly.

Lyssa looked down at the sand silently.

"I was married once....didn't work out because she didn't understand," Dannigan said matter of factly," you don't have that problem; you understand him, he understands you. I think it'd work out."

"Not with my history," Lyssa murmured.

Dannigan looked at her again,"so he isn't your first boyfriend, you're not his first girlfriend but you're together now and enjoying it."

"Not what I meant," Lyssa said softly.

Dannigan looked puzzled for a moment which got him a very angry look from Lyssa.

"Remember before dumb-ass," she hissed.

"oh...OH! Sorry, I actually forget that Lyssa," he admitted," wasn't that kinda the goal?"

Lyssa said nothing.

"I don't think about that person anymore Lyssa. A plot in Arlington and memories are all that's left," he said softly.

"Facts are facts Major; I was not always as I am now and there are some things I just can't do," she whispered.

"Look I didn't come down here to tell you how to live, I was just making dinner conversation. I came down here because of a serious crisis," he said," but I will say this; you looked stunning in those bridal gowns and I'm not the only one to think so."

"Don't play Major, please don't play," Lyssa said.

"Hey. I saw Madison looking at the pictures of you and Rodrick with a wistful expression," Dannigan remarked then turned to walk inside.

 

"Have a seat Rod, we'll go over your part first," he said pulling up the file, "As you know The Shah of Iran was friendly to us and we allowed him to purchase a squadron of F-14A's a long time ago. Things started going south, along with his health, so when he fled the country, our technicians maintaining them did too."

Rodrick nodded as a series of diagrams of components went across the screen.

"They took with them some very key components, crippling the whole squadron. Since then those items under strict security to prevent that squadron from being restored to flight duty. This guy here found a way to rebuild those components and flew them to Iran. They paid him in gold. He killed his partner right on the tarmac there we've been told and bailed to Zurich," Dannigan explained.

Rodrick nodded, "Ok. so where do we come in at?"

Dannigan continued, "I'm sending Lyssa after him. You, I'm putting in charge of a team to go steal those Tomcats back. I have the team going to meet you at your airfield in the Bahamas at zero seven. Jump in and lead the team to steal those planes. You won't be able to land on carriers but a couple of tankers will be waiting to get you to Helicon Air Force Base Greece. From there all but one will return to the states."

Rodrick looked back at the big spook, "one?"

Dannigan nodded, "Yours will be listed as missing over the Med, fitted with external tanks and refueled. After you take off from Helicon you're on your own, but if you get that plane to Key West it'll be traded out for a G model."

"Damn! Are you serious? I can have an F-14 G," Rodrick asked.

Dannigan nodded.

"What's Lyssa gonna be doing," Rodrick asked.

Dannigan brought up the picture of the traitor again, "Tracked him to Zurich. There's a ballet running now. A Prima that trained with Lyssa is the principal dancer and owes her a favor. A big favor."

Rodrick looked at the picture of the dancer and remembered vaguely her picture and name; Katya Taliyenko. She was one of the top three in the world and very sought after. Rodrick wondered what the favor was. His puzzlement must have shown to Dannigan because he explained.

Dannigan said," During a production she and Lyssa were understudies to a Prima. That Prima was heavily negotiating the principal in another production but was running the tail end of a career."

"Define-heavily,"Rodrick said.

"She tried trading their rapes for the principal position. Almost worked but she didn't know Lyssa knew those things had a habit of happening and was ready for it. Because of that the Prima and the producer were ruined in the scandal. Katya and Lyssa became the darlings of Bolshoi. Lyssa prefers shadow more than spotlight so she keep putting Katya to the forefront when exposure was convenient and that's how Katya became a top Prima. She owes Lyssa big time,"Dannigan explained.

"Wow, that's really serious, but would she just drop out of a production just like that,"Rodrick asked.

Lyssa spoke from the doorway disconnecting from a call, "Katya will fake a sprained ankle in an hour and have a call made to me to fill in. I'll go pack."

She then went to the bedroom and packed her carry-on. Mostly dance clothes and toe-shoes along with a few other choice wardrobe pieces just in case she couldn't get to the Zurich house. Right on time her phone rang and knew she was on speaker. As it turned out she knew the Director and Producer. They were thrilled she could be on the next flight out.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick was puzzled that all she gave him was a hesitant peck on his lips for luck at the jetway then boarded the plane for Zurich.

 

CHAPTER 3

Pete picked up that Rodrick was in a strange mood. Something was on his mind and it had nothing to do with the bunch of pilots trying to sleep in web seats in the belly of the C-130 or the super-grade spook in the flight engineer seat behind them. He heard Rodrick come over the intercom.

Rodrick asked, "Paul. you awake?"

"Yeah, what's up Rod," he answered.

Pete saw Rodrick flip two switches then heard nothing else. Rodrick wanted privacy and isolated them both. not just from anybody else listening but from the data recorders too.

Rodrick turned in his seat and looked at Dannigan," I dunno what you two talked about on the deck but she's acting different now and I don't like it. When this is done I'm turning the phones off again. We're gonna talk and find out how you fucked up so I can take care of my girl!"

Dannigan sat for a moment then said, "Rodrick you hang onto that thought and do what you just said and you'll both be fine. Lyssa has issues; that's not news to you, but I have no doubt that you two can sort damn near anything out. She may work alone and do it well but she needs you Rod. More than you'll ever know and that scares the living hell out of her more than anything else. So think about it. Think hard man. You love her don't you?"

Rodrick answered," Hell yeah! How could you ask that?"

"Would anything ever change that," Dannigan asked.

Rodrick answered immediately," of course not."

Dannigan looked at him intently, "Checkpoint Zulu. The point of no return Mason; love her forever or cut her loose when this is done. Make up your mind because I'm the one that would insist on walking her down the aisle and I'll see to it there's a liquidation mandate on the one that breaks her heart. and carry it out myself."

Rodrick opened his mouth but Pete's slug to the shoulder definitely got his attention.

He flipped the switches,"WHAT?"

Several groans echoed back at the outburst.

"Iranian airspace boss. Whatever it is; wrap it up. Time to go to work,"Pete informed him with a look that said he needed to get his collective shit together.

Rodrick got out of his seat and headed back to the cargo bay to suit up. All the other pilots were double checking their equipment, night jumps were dangerous as they were but night jumping into Iran to land inside an air base was pushing it. The other pilots he vaguely knew by reputation. After dropping everybody out Pete would continue on to Turkey to refuel and then head for Greece and drop Dannigan off. He'd meet up with the pilots to debrief and Pete was free to return home.

 

Carl gave him a thumbs up on his equipment then held up five fingers. When he held up three fingers they attached their breathing masks and gave him a thumbs up. The cargo bay de-pressurized and he held up two fingers then pointed to the ramp. The lights inside turned red and the ramp began to lower. At one minute he pointed to the jump light and held up his fist. When the light switched to green and he saluted then waved them to go.

Rodrick led them out into the black sky. Immediately after exit they pulled their chutes. They were HAHO; High Altitude High Opening, jumping. They would jump high then glide the parachutes in using GPS. It was the only sure way at night landing in hostile
territory. Minutes later they landed inside the enclosure housing the squadron.

 

One by one the team silently removed the sentries. Rodrick gave a signal and they ran for the planes and overrode all fail-safeties to get them started. the Iranians had made the mistake of fully fueling the aircraft, also an even bigger mistake of having them armed. Rodrick led them out of the pen and headed for the runway. He'd be the last to take off as they did so in pairs.

 

Alarms and sirens blared, lights flashed and men ran everywhere but the fighters were taking off too fast for anyone to do anything to stop them as Rodrick and his wingman lifted from the runway. When the wheels cleared they swept the wings back and rammed
the throttle forward making the jets scream climbing into the sky. Afterburners lit as the squadron pushed past sonic speeds to get away.

 

Within minutes they flew past the shoreline and slowed down over the Mediterranean to meet the refueling tankers then flying on to Greece. At Helicon they fitted his plane with external tanks then fully fueled him and gave priority clearance to take off. Rodrick roared off into the pre-dawn sky. He would refuel in France, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland and Nova Scotia to Maine then fly down the coast to Key West to trade the A-model for a G-model with no numbers or other distinctive markings. Rodrick would then fly down to his own airfield to keep it. From there he'd return to Cayman and wait for Lyssa.

~o~O~o~

Adam verified the amount deposited and its nature then signed the final form. He had chosen the alpha-numeric account number as well as its corresponding passcode. He left the bank and was driven back to the hotel. Adam had the concierge make dinner reservations for him as well as an appointment with a tailor. Standing in the Tailor shop he listened to the conversation; the prima ballerina in a production had fallen and sprained her ankle during a rehearsal and there was two more nights of showing. He'd get a prime seating ticket for tonight.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa stepped out onto the stage and held her ready position, took cue from the music and danced to the segment then held her closing position as the curtain fell. The stage hands moved like lightning as she ran to the side. A quick drink of water as the curtain raised and the other dancers trooped out, took their positions and started dancing. She rejoined for the remainder of the segment.

Two of the other dancers had tried to frighten her off. A pathetically old prank; claiming that her hair would not work for the production and the Director would insist her head be shaved to wear a wig. She gave the two French girls a very cold look then spoke to them in flawless Russian that though she had a wonderful sense of humor, such antics would not be acceptable by any Balanchine or Bolshoi Master or Mistress. Both girls almost fainted when the Director walked up and introduced her as a Bolshoi Prima. Lyssa showed neither mirth nor malevolence at their reaction. They stood agape as rehearsal went flawless.

By intermission Lyssa had spotted her target in a private box watching the performance. Most of the troupe were French but Lyssa spoke to the Director and Producer in Russian, the wardrobe and make-up artists in French and Swiss respectively. She recognized him again at the small reception for the high paying VIP guests after the performance and made herself very noticeable.

~o~O~o~

Adam heard her easy transitions from Russian, French and Swiss and had to investigate the gorgeous dancer. He stepped up and greeted her in French. He asked her where she was from.

Lyssa answered coyly in French, "I live where I can be most comfortable."

That explained it all to him; she was a mistress currently between keepers. Adam gave her the name of his hotel, suite number and suggested a night cap. Lyssa said she'd consider it but implied that she would visit. After changing from costume an awaiting limo took her back to her house on the city outskirts. Katya was standing in the kitchen when Lyssa walked in.

~o~O~o~

"How did it go my friend,"Katya asked in Russian accented English.

"you are to be proud Katya," Lyssa answered in Russian.

"I still don't understand why you wanted to dance for this one but any favor you ask is yours. You protected me back then and gave me honor you deserved more. Lyssa you are of many secrets. One day when neither of us can dance anymore, will you tell one or two," she asked.

"One day Katya, but for now have you done as I asked," Lyssa asked her.

"Yes I have booked a flight to Hawaii as you said. Prima Marissa will meet me at the airport and hide me for two weeks to recuperate," Katya answered.

"Good. I will take you to the airport now. Keep up the charade until you are safely hidden at her house,"Lyssa said.

 

CHAPTER 4

Adam looked in the mirror and was satisfied. He'd taken a shower and shaved waiting for the ballerina to show up and now stood wearing his suit pants and unbuttoned shirt. He'd enjoy this. a night in bed with such a woman would be fun. Women like this ballerina would say yes to anything as long as there no visible marks he thought gleefully. a slight tap caught his attention but he ignored it. The window wasn't properly latched and a breeze made it move most likely. that was his thought when he felt a sudden snap of pain at the base of his skull and blackness enveloped him.

 

Some time later he awoke and realized he was tied to a chair in a dimly lit room.

"Oh. you're awake now," a vaguely familiar feminine voice said close by.

Adam turned his head and saw her. The ballerina, and she spoke english like native born American.

"This isn't what I had in mind," He commented.

Adam then saw she wore neither a dress nor some provocative lingerie. Instead she wore a form-fitting black suit and boots with a weapons harness.

"You're an American agency. Aren't you," he sneered.

"Yes. I am," Lyssa finally turned revealing her face streaked with the black combat paint.

"CIA? NSA? DOD? DIA?" he asked.

"Doesn't matter. I don't ask anyway," she said unzipping a small black case to reveal a syringe with needle and a vial of clear liquid.

"Sodium Pentathol has no effect on me, honey," Adam chuckled as she filled the syringe and tapped out the bubbles.

Lyssa stepped closer,"not Sodium Pentathol. This is called Inanna. Its named for the Anti-muse. I've been to Hell Adam Blake."

She inserted the needle into his neck and pressed the plunger slowly,"where I'm sending you........much worse."

He laughed as she took the needle out but stopped after a minute. He suddenly felt warmthen hot. His neck felt on fire then his head snapped sideways from a punch. The beautiful dancer, now in menacing black blurred and faded. The figure became his friend but there was a hole in his forehead and blood poured from it as another punch connected, flinging his head back.

A girl he'd beaten and raped in the Philippines leaned over his shoulder and whispered into his ear,"this will go on forever and its only just started."

Children he had tormented in school filed past slamming their fists into various parts of his body, the pain was amplified as the heat left and he suddenly became cold. No part of him was left untouched as he saw his father striking out followed by his brother. a moment later the heat came back and he saw flames licking around a dark figure that came forward. He saw a mangled face that gave him a bleeding smile then lashed out a kick to his knee and slammed a fist deep into his gut.

Adam lost track of time as the pain intensified. More and more tormentors came in and out of focus. He couldn't understand why wasn't he being asked anything. a long wicked looking knife flashed in the firelight and slowly drew a red line down his arm. Heat and cold flashed back and forth through his arm as he saw muscle and other tissue slowly move to the side revealing the bones.

Lights exploded behind his eyes as something pressed on the bone then scraped down it. He thrashed and screamed as the same thing happened to his leg realizing it was the tip of the knife blade as it dug a furrow into the bone. He started screaming what he hoped they wanted to make the pain stop.

"I have gold! Millions in gold and you can have it! Just make it STOP! ALL THE GOLD IF YOU'LL JUST STOP," he screamed.

The demon reached out its claw and opened up his other leg then dug into his bone with a sickening scraping sound. He screamed the account number and pass-code then he screamed the name of the colonel in Iran that paid him. He even named his contact in the states that had relayed to the Iranians. The smuggler that bought his plane. The forger providing him with false identities. Time had no meaning anymore as he saw flames dance in the open wounds of his flesh until he passed out from all of it.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan read the message from Lyssa. Iranian operatives in the U.S. without diplomatic covers to protect them. They'd drop from sight in a few hours. She'd certainly wasted no time and asked for a disposal crew pick-up at a cross roads in four hours. The strange part was the statement she'd included. She would return to the states and asked the exact location of the plot in Arlington. Rodrick had already dropped off his new Tomcat in the Bahamas and flown back to Cayman to wait for Lyssa. Time had finally come to interfere with her life.

"Madison....get Rodrick Mason on the phone. Tell him to come up here," Dannigan called out.

"Yes sir,"Madison answered then dialed.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa stood still in front of him as his vision cleared and focused through haze left over from the drug and pain. Adam realized he was sitting on the ground leaning against a signpost.

"Welcome back," she said softly.

"Am I dead," he asked in a hoarse voice.

She leaned forward and drew the Marauder across his abdomen. His organs spilled out onto his lap. He looked down and then back up into her dove grey eyes unable to make a sound.

"Not yet Adam Blake, but you will be," she hissed softly into his ear then swiped the tip of the blade inside his cavity slicing his diaphragm.

He couldn't breath anymore. Light and darkness shimmered in his vision as he struggled to take a breath. Tears rolled down his face as she draped a black plastic sheet over him. This was what it was like to be in a body bag. He didn't know when his eyes closed, but he couldn't hear his heart beat anymore and then nothing.

 

Lyssa went back to the house and cleaned up the mess in the basement. Her hands shook as she took a long shower then went to sleep until the afternoon.The final performance went without problems.

 

The next day Lyssa stopped at the bank and spoke to the manager familiar with her and gave the account number from Adam Blake then the pass-code. The manager then informed her of the current balance and asked how she wished to proceed. Lyssa had the funds transferred to her Zurich and Grand Cayman accounts along with a wire transfer to her friend Katya.

Lyssa arrived at the VIP lounge of the airport with half an hour to spare after checking in. She flew first class to Heathrow and caught the connecting flight to the states. A taxi from the airport to the storage facility to pick up her car. The drive to her house on the beach took an hour. It was late morning so she showered, changed into a plain black dress and pumps after styling her hair and putting on make-up.

~o~O~o~

Her face showed no emotion as she drove through Washington to park along a narrow road in Arlington National Cemetery. Carefully she walked across the grass to keep the slender heels from sinking until she stood in front of the marker she had come to see. A special section not many knew about, very few people visited.

Alone, she knelt down and traced the name etched into the marble with her fingers. A name not spoken in over three years then read the epitaph below the rank, name and dates of birth and death; A soldier can give no more than all of themselves to serve that which they believe in most. Below that; the insignia of Special Forces and Special Operational Detachment-Delta. At the bottom was a very small hooded and cloaked figure.

Lyssa didn't try to hold back the tears that formed and slowly rolled down to fall into the green grass for several minutes. She didn't look up to the voice beside her.

"I hope he liked the epitaph, it seemed to sum up his character,"Dannigan said then crouched down and pulled a weed or two.

"Its empty. Isn't it," She asked.

"Its not the only one like that here,"he answered.

"When I finally die will I be put in it," she asked looking at the grass as she stood up.

"I thought Lyssa Kordenay would prefer to be buried beside the man that loves her. Maybe even married her. But first she should come to terms with the fact that she can be loved and have a life within it,"Dannigan said.

"My history....."she began but was cut off.

"Its history and doesn't matter anymore," he continued," He does you know, love you. If you think it really makes a difference,tell him. If he walks then its him that's not worthy."

"Yeah....right..." Lyssa muttered.

"Hey! Of all the people I've ever known; nobody has earned the right to be loved unconditionally more than you,"Dannigan insisted," I wish we could declassify you. You truly do end all arguments about diversity in service both overt and covert so don't give me
that shit ever again. You made a believer out of me and I don't regret any of it. Closest I've ever had to a child of my own and damn proud of you too!"

Lyssa stood up and hugged him. Dannigan held her for a couple of minutes then eased her back and took out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes of the running mascara and eyeliner.

"He's at my office. Talk to him Lyssa. Take him home, go on vacation, whatever you want,"Dannigan told her as he walked her back to her car.

 

After Lyssa drove away he turned and looked down at another marker. The epitaph reading; The ultimate price of unshakable faith is; remembrance of courage. He turned to see a General walk up and saluted out of habit.

The General returned it then chuckled, "visiting your own grave again Major?"

"Somebody else's actually,General Singleton," Dannigan answered and noticed a procession approaching,"One of yours?"

"Yeah. Damn training accident. Just a kid at that. Take care Major Branton," the General said.

Dannigan sighed," damn shame Sir."

The General nodded then returned the offered salute and walked to join the funeral making its way to the reserved plot.

Dannigan got into his car and drove out, dialing his phone, "She's on her way Mason. All or nothing. Make it count."
 
 
 

 

Book 16 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   The confrontation has finally come; how will Rodrick react to Lyssa's past?  Major Dannigan has a problem out of the past as well!. WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Rodrick Mason sat in the chair after Dannigan's call. He knew Lyssa had a house an hour away from a search he did, but experience around her made him conclude it was more than likely booby-trapped. Unless she told him different he wouldn't assume that the passcode in Grand Cayman would work elsewhere.

He noticed the secretary, Madison kept looking at him with changing looks. One moment like she was fawning and the next like he was something strange she had never seen before. Normally that wouldn't bother him but he was distracted. Dannigan told him he knew where Lyssa was, but insisted that he be the one to go get her. Rodrick had a feeling that it had to do with Lyssa's past.

An Operator like Lyssa didn't torture themselves because it was a challenge and whatever they talked about had something to do with the relationship he and Lyssa had. She took missions that had a greater than ninety percent chance of death. She operated in plain sight like nobody else did. Rodrick knew that the price tag for having the new fighter jet would be using it on business. He didn't care. He took the mission because she did. No matter what she took the mission.

She was damaged somehow and it went deep. Very deep; the very core of her being. It was the foundation of who and what she was now. An equation he had never been factored in on. That was it; she never planned on having a relationship like they had now and it was evolving. That was the problem; she didn't know how to proceed. Well he knew how to proceed. and as soon as he got her in front of him he would.

Madison cleared her thought catching his attention,"Lieutenant Mason, Lyssa just pulled in. Would you like to meet her downstairs?"

"Is Paul with her," he asked.

She shook her head no. Moments later the elevator open and Lyssa stepped out.

"Hey Lyssa," Madison smiled.

"Hi Madi,"Lyssa gave her a slight smile then turned to Rodrick," Will you come with me please Rodrick?"

Rodrick nodded and followed her back to the elevator and rode down.

"You drive please,"She said walking out the door and pointed to his rental next to a dark grey Dodge Viper.

Rodrick opened the car door and held her hand as she sat inside then walked around and sat behind the wheel. The Viper wasn't there when he pulled in so it had to be hers. Not surprising but appreciated. Rodrick knew Lyssa loved her cars to move.

 

After an hour he parked in front of a house on the beach.

Lyssa handed him a slip of paper,"door and under the stairs."

Rodrick understood what both sets of numbers meant. He went in alone and entered the first set of numbers, walked under the stairs and entered the second set on the concealed keypad. She wanted him to see this place, but why?

Outside Lyssa sat in the passenger seat, staring ahead.

Softly she began singing in a whisper,"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Kory. Happy birthday to you."

 

Rodrick walked around the living room then the kitchen then the studio/gym. Pictures of her dancing and modeling were on the walls. In the small hallway he stopped and saw a picture of a soldier. Special Forces; Sergeant First Class. Underneath it was a display box of brass, the ribbons and other adornments for class-A uniform. After studying the photo and display he turned and walked up stairs.

Two bedrooms; one was obviously for guests, the other was her's. The closet was filled with her clothing and shoes as was the chest of drawers. In the jewelry box was the usual female sparkle. Except the bottom compartment; a men's high school ring, Special Forces crest ring and the award coins for Army achievements. Advanced infantry, jump school, air assault, rangers,Explosives and Ordinance Disposal, special forces, Afghanistan, Iraq, Delta force.

Serious , hardcore soldier. A lifer. Rodrick wondered was he her brother, her cousin, her lover? Was he her husband? The photo album on the shelf allowed no more answers, just the same questions. He flipped through it. The life of the soldier. Oddly he found no pictures of Lyssa in it. In fact there were no pictures of her at all. Again more questions than answers.

The only thing he could think of was Lyssa was connected somehow to the soldier and now he was no longer around. Perhaps that was it, she had been left alone. Rodrick put everything away and resecured the house and walked outside. Lyssa still sat in the car waiting.

Rodrick got in and Lyssa cut him him off before he could say anything.

"Drive to Arlington. one more thing to show you," Lyssa said in a heavy voice.

 

The car was parked along the narrow road among the graves. She got out and started walking carefully across the grass with Rodrick following beside her until she stopped in front of a marble stone. Rodrick crouched down and read the etched information. The same name from the coins and pictures.

"Sergeant First Class Kory Lyles. Special Forces, Delta. Oh hell. Today would have been his birthday. Lyssa I understand he was important to you and gone now. What I don't understand is who he was and why was he so important to you," he said.

"Rodrick the grave is empty," she answered.

"Lost on mission," he guessed, "Damn that's always so hard to deal with."

"No Rodrick. The grave is empty," Lyssa looked around then down and closed her eyes for a moment then locked her eyes to his and said, "The grave is empty because its mine."

~o~O~o~

Dannigan signalled the bartender for a refill. As the glass was set down on the napkin, a man sat on the stoll next to him.

"Long time. What brings you here Cantrell," he asked.

"Trouble Paul. The only reason to come see you," the man answered.

"I thought you were in the problem solving business Will," Dannigan chuckled.

"Not when the problem is one of my own, Paul," Will Cantrell said then ordered a drink from the bartender.

"How bad is it Will,"Dannigan asked.

"About as bad as it can get without being me. Its Trent,"Will admitted.

"Trent Sloan? He was with us back in the blood and mud days," Dannigan looked at him with disbelief.

"He went over to the North Koreans Paul. Its my fault. I left him out there too long," he said with regret.

"I'll look into it Will and if anything can be done. It will be," Dannigan said.

"Thanks Paul," Will stood and laid a couple of twenties on the bar and left.

The bartender commented,"Now that was interesting, never seen you drink with anybody before."

Dannigan looked over," Not to worry, it won't happen again."

The bartender looked puzzled for a moment then walked away to serve another patron. Dannigan had over twenty bars that he could frequent. This one would be taken off his list. All that was irrelevant though. His thoughts weren't on bars and old friends. His mind was on Lyssa and Rodrick.

No news since Lyssa met up with him at the office and they left together. He'd wait til tomorrow to call if neither of them called during the night. He found it hard to believe what Will said about Trent going over to the North Koreans. Not many knew that his grandfather had been captured by North Koreans during the war. Dannigan only knew because of a night of hard drinking. To say he had a hatred for North Koreans would be putting it mildly, but he had hidden it very well. So why would he jump in bed with them? Something was off, way off. First thing in the morning he start digging around in the dark places of Trent Sloan, see what skittered around to take cover.

~o~O~o~

Jung watched as the tall man walked into the office building. They knew he was an agent for the DIA but so far had no real evidence. He'd been living and working in Tokyo for seven years according to records. His business was basically a liason service for north american firms to asian firms. Japan, Okinawa,South Korea, Taiwan. Mostly domestic goods and sports merchandise.

He knew from the surveillance that the man spoke each language fluently as well as French. Some of the clients were French Canadian. Jung and his team had broke into the offices but found nothing remotely questionable. Taps on his home phone revealed nothing, They'd even monitored his internet activity and found nothing. Movie, television and music downloads. Monthly email to an ex-wife that harrased about alimony payments. Random chats from social sites and an online poker game once per week that he himself played in a few times and the routine golf games that were more business than actual sport.

Nothing stood out. Even his cellular traffic was consistent to a business man and no other cellular traffic came from his locations that were not accounted for. Erractic trips to strip bars and the occasional one-night stand when between girl-friends. He didn't even talk to, much less visit the American embassy. Either Trent Sloan was a true run-of-the-mill business man or the best spymaster Jung had ever encountered.

The only thing that did stand out was the man's obsession with a comedian that based his routine on having tools and modifying things to out-perform their original purpose to disasterous results and annoying his wife with it all. Jung did find it entertaining in the beginning but eventually became annoyed himself. Six months of surveillance had produced no confirmation of the information from the source in Washington.

 

---

CHAPTER 2

Trent Sloan took note that his usual watcher was on his tail as he arrived at the office.Not a problem, he was stopping off at a resturaunt for dinner then heading home tonight. The North Koreans had been on him for at least five months. One thing for certain, they believed him to be a spy for some reason.

Normal procedure for them was that if nothing discovered within sixty days that identified him as an agent they moved on. His routine hadn't changed in four years so why did they still have him under a microscope. His line of communication hadn't been compromised.
Every three to six months he would be contacted via a female courier posing as a one night stand for intensive updating and debriefing. He had chosen them all. Enough women so the same one never showed up twice within three years. It had been working so far. One wasn't due for another two months though. He needed contact but couldn't initiate it. Maybe his online poker contact could get a message through to somebody that could help. Tomorrow night he would be playing. For now he'd play things cool and routine. Dinner and a beer at a popular hostess club then home.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa stood very still watching Rodrick as he tried to fit the puzzle pieces together. He had heard the words. He may have understood them yet fully registering to him seemed to be a problem. Rodrick just stared silently at the headstone. Carefully she stepped away and walked back out to the road then started walking to the entrance.

She had her purse with her anyway so she would go to the gate and call a taxi to take her back to her car at the office. The old stigma. A lot of people just couldn't wrap their mind around such a radical change. The sun was giving off its last light as she approached the gate, as she walked through it a car came to a stop behind her.

"Lyssa wait. I'm sorry, this is seriously confusing,"Rodrick said as he walked behind her.

She stopped and turned around, "I'm going home. I don't know what else to do."

Rodrick replied immediately," get in. I'll take you anywhere in the world if you'll talk to me so I can understand."

He walked around and opened the door for her and held her hand as she got in then got back behind the wheel and drove back to beach house. Lyssa deactivated the system after walking in and then turned on the lights. Rodrick sat on the couch and waited until she came back in carrying the photo album and sat beside him.

"Open it,"She said then continued," until the sun comes up you can ask me any question and I'll answer it after I tell you some things first. At dawn I stop and we never speak of it ever again."

Rodrick nodded and opened the book.

Lyssa began haltingly, "today a long time ago in a city you never heard of. Kory was born. There was the usual basics of school and activities both scholastic and family oriented yet always something that didn't quite click and feel right. Even after learning ten different martial arts Kory had secret longings and jealousy. He hid 'unacceptable' pursuits. After completion of schooling He enlisted to service. Progression of ranks was fast and acquired skills as fast as they could be taught. Yet always that secret side constantly being repressed."

"School after school. Kory sounded like a lifer. I know about that. I would have been. Until Kagan went batshit fucking crazy," Rodrick stated.

"Delta selection came. You were a SEAL so you know about how elite selections go. After some time in Delta Kory was invited to another selection. He was given two weeks leave to do it and a civilian plane ticket. I can't tell you where," Lyssa opening a bottle of water.

Rodrick looked up puzzled, "a selection they didn't want Delta to know? Company or Agency?"

Lyssa shook her head, "neither. Army. Kory went through a selection for another unit. You know there is a public face for Delta and then there's the real unit itself. That's what I knew too. There is another unit. Buried deep with Delta. DemonWraiths."

Rodrick sat up then. He had heard rumors of a unit so classified it was more along the lines of urban legend. An Army unit that operated outside Joint Special Operations Command. Complete and total black operations. All he ahd ever heard was the unit was the ultimate in warfare. Any environment, any weaponry, any tasking. Hostage rescue, assassination, insurgency, counter-insurgency. The unit was rumored to only be an A-team in size but so skilled and efficient to be able to overthrown a third world nation in a week.

Lyssa vaguely talked about missions and finally the one that went horribly wrong. Tears streamed down her face as she told of failure. Teammates killed. Two of which right before her eyes. And then she told of the days following filled with agony and the strong wish for death as she was tortured with fists, boots and electricity until finally rescued at the cost of three more lives lost.

Rodrick stared in horror at the previously hidden photos from a hospital. a young soldier beaten and burned then some of a rehabilitation that looked worse than the cause for its need. Finally Lyssa told him of being put aside, thought useless and late night visits by a stranger and a bargain. Complete change more radical than anything ever attempted before. treatments. therapy and retraining. Old habits substituted with new mannerisms. Old skills augmented with new and hidden talents discovered. the beginning of the life of Lyssa Kordenay, deception and lethality combined with beauty and grace.

"So since you already had the physical build it didn't take much to transform," Rodrick asked.

Lyssa shook her head, "I had to lose weight and redistribute the proper body fat I would accumulate. That took some time but I was learning ballet. I already knew ballroom dance. I spent eight hours a day learning ballet. She had memory problems. She could remember stuff thirty years ago with no problem. If you ask her when she last went to the bathroom she would run."

"What about facial surgery," Rodrick asked.

"Civilian doctor. He had no idea what I looked like before. Thanks to the beatings I took I was still healing and lookd horrid. Instructions were simple; make me beautiful. I am now," Lyssa explained.

Rodricks eyes dipped down. It wasn't unnoticed.

"A civilian team finished me. The surgeon was flown to a location and given totally random assistants. None of them saw each other or exchanged names. Nobody saw my face, not that it would help them. Still recovering from the surgery for that. An experimental procedure was done for me. I have the best 'lower end assembly' in the world. The only thing I can't do is have a baby," Lyssa said.

"I relearned to live, found myself as I should have always been, even found revenge and now been found by love. Love now in question," Lyssa walked to the french doors leading out to the deck.

"Revenge? HOLY SHIT! That congressman; Alkowitz. The one that blew ops for a druglord because his wife was an addict," Rodrick put it together,"THAT WAS YOU! Fuck me that job was right up your alley."

A slight pinkish gold glow had started in the distance where sky met sea.

Rodrick asked tentatively,"What does it mean that I fell in love with you."

Lyssa looked out to the horizon and said,"if you believe love to be something trivial, easily dismissed. Love is love Rodrick. You didn't know me before so it doesn't make a difference. The me you know now, the one that matters, is the one you love and loves you. Other than the fact I can't get pregnant and have children of my own, I'm no different than any other woman."

"Well now I say contrary to that. Lyssa you're an Operator and there are no other women like you. You put every man I ever met, including me, to shame with your operational accomplishments. Lyssa if I drive you back to your car will you wait here for me for fourty-eight hours. I have alot to understand fast," Rodrick asked.

Lyssa nodded then stepped back into her shoes and picked up her purse to follow him to the car.

Back at Dannigan's office she slid into the Viper but rolled down the window when he tapped on it.

Rodrick said firmly, "I'll never say anything to anybody about your past. If nothing else, you have my respect and that would be the very least I owe you. By the way, tell Sergeant Lyles happy birthday late for me if you see him."

 

Lyssa drove away, she didn't want Rodrick to see her cry over this. After all she had ever done, she felt justified in this one selfish pursuit. The song by Delerium came back to her memory. She found it on her MP3 player and pulled into a parking lot. With volume so loud and her windows closed nobody could hear her screams drowned out by the song.

"She knows the voices in her mind
They tell her to leave
She's tired smiling madly
Until silence becomes very silently
A noise in her mind

After all she has nothing inside
No good to give, no meaning to live
The mist engulfed tonight
Every single star

After all they shared
Could he simply say no
After all they shared
He turned away from her to go
She said she wouldn't cry
That was really just a lie

She knows the noises in her mind
Nothings left but screaming silence
After all she feels numbness inside
The feeling's gone she's upside down
The pictures behind her closed eyes
This time you went too far

After all they shared
Could he simply say no
After all they shared
He turned away from her to go
She said she wouldn't cry
That was really just a lie

After all they shared
Could he simply say no
After all they shared
He turned away from her to go
She said she wouldn't cry
That was really just a lie

After all she's got nothing inside
No good to give, no meaning to live
The mist engulfed tonight
Every single star

After all they shared
Could he simply say no
After all they shared
He turned away from her to go
She said she wouldn't cry
That was really just a lie

After all they shared
Could he simply say no
After all they shared
He turned away from her to go
She said she wouldn't cry
That was really just a lie

After all they shared
Could he simply say no
After all they shared
He turned away from her to go
She said she wouldn't cry
That was really just a lie

After all they shared
Could he simply say no
After all they shared
He turned away from her to go
She said she wouldn't cry
That was really just a lie!"

~o~O~o~

Dannigan read the reports after decoding them. Sloan used an online poker game to make weekly reports. Not bad. pretty slick. even smarter was his annual updates/debriefings. Sixteen women had been selected from a DOD pool to make contact periodically posing as one night stands, he'd have to remember that one.

Dannigan set up an account on the site to be able to play later on.

Madison buzzed in,"Major......Rodrick and Lyssa just pulled in."

He answered back,"ok Madison thank you."

she replied back, "Sir Lyssa is leaving in her car and he's talking on the phone, walking in."
"Send him in as soon as he gets up here," Dannigan said.

Moments Later they heard Rodrick on his phone,"Look nothing's on the books so shut down for a week Pete. I'm stateside and a lot of shit going onso shut things down, lock up and take your girl to vegas or something. yeah everybody's on vacation. I'LL LET YOU KNOW! yeah later."

He disconnected the satellite phone and hooked it on his belt walking into Dannigan's office.

"Have a seat Rod," Dannigan said.

Rodrick looked around and finally dropped into the chair opposite the desk.

Dannigan stared at him for a moment then finally said,"This is the part where i ask ' what's on your mind' as if I don't know."

Rodrick stood up then closed the door, turned off the tv and leaned over the desk and switched off the computer monitor before sitting back down. Dannigan sighed then walked around the desk and sat in the chair beside Rodrick after turning it to face him.

"She told you everything. yes,"Dannigan asked.

"Paul how do I wrap my head around this," he answered.

"Oh that's easy. Do what I did. You make up your mind that the past is only applicable in certain aspects and then decide what's more important. That which you do know or some shit you don't that happened a long time ago and doesn't apply to you," Dannigan said.
"You say that like it's that simple," Rodrick commented.

"It is,"Dannigan replied and at Rodrick's glance he continued," Lyssa is a woman and like all women, like ALL people, she has baggage. You have baggage. I have baggage. Everybody does. You have to keep in perspective that most of it doesn't apply to you. I told her that if it were me I'd tell you. I give you credit for being a smart guy Mason, and having good taste in hooking up with her. She's special. Very special. If I could, I would jump at the chance to take your place but it doesn't work that way."

Rodrick's jaw dropped, "You would?"

Dannigan nodded, "Look Rod, I know everything and even I forget the past alot. I view that as a good thing. There trully is only one aspect that affects you. Lyssa can't have children of her own, that's it. Doesn't really matter, thousands of kids out there that need loving parents. Adoption's not off the table. Actually that might be a really good thing for you both. I can make arrangements with that you know."

"You think its really that cut 'n dry," Rodrick asked.

Dannigan looked him straight in the eye,"It is what you make it Rod. You want to complicate your life with bullshit and miss out on the best woman in the world that you could ever have? Or can you look beyond a minor issue and take up not a brass ring but one of solid gold? Strike that. Lyssa isn't solid gold. She's not even solid platinum. What she is has no equal in the universe. That's how special she is."

Rodrick looked hesitant so Dannigan added," this is it Lieutenent. This is the best that will EVER be. You won't find any better than her and I'd know. My advice; Marry her if that's where you were thinking of going. I'd be beyond happiness to walk her down the aisle if its you waiting for her."

"Just like that," Rodrick asked.

"Just like that,"Dannigan said flatly.

"Its alot to wrap my head around Paul," Rodrick said.

"Man you'll never, in a million years, find two people more suited to each other than you two. She understands you, you understand her. You fell in love. This new information really has no affect on you; or it shouldn't! You actually suprise me Rodrick to be having this kind of problem. I thought you'd be smarter," Dannigan leaned back in his chair.

"Wait, WHAT," Rodrick sat stunned.

The big spook nodded," Yeah, if I sit and think about it maybe you're not what I thought you were. Maybe you're not good enough for Lyssa. She's proven herself; time and again that she's the best. She should have the best and you might not be worthy of her. You have to seriously cowboy the fuck up to her challenge. Maybe you don't have what it takes. Yeah, that's what I'm thinking now."

Rodrick's jaw dropped as Dannigan stood up, walked over to the door and opened it.

"In fact you should just go back to the Bahamas. Like a chickenshit delivery boy hooking up with the occasional glorified hooker from time to time, bitching about it. You didn't have what it took back then. Lyssa had to clean up your mess for you. She's modeled million dollar designs. Danced for royalty alone. Wiped out entire narco-terrorist cartels untouchable by anybody else and even extracted the President's daughter from terrorists when nobody else could even find her. She did all that right in front of everybody's face and nobody knows she did it! What the fuck are you compared to her? Lyssa must have hit her head or something; taking interest in a washed up cry-baby don't wannabe a SEAL anymore because you can't clean up your own fuckin' mess!"

Rodrick spun and threw the punch but Dannigan moved subtly and he only connected with the door. Rodrick swore a blue streak grasping his hand making Madison arch an eyebrow.

Dannigan ignored him and said to Madison,"Get Lyssa on the phone. Tell her I have a trip to Japan for her. It'll take her mind off this LOSER tucking tail and running like a weasel. And when she gets back I'll arrange flight lessons so she won't have to slum around with him anymore."

"OH FUCK YOU," Rodrick bellowed and charged him.

Madison would have called for security had she not noticed Dannigan's wink before he said that. She sat quietly and watched them scuffle around and trade punches. They weren't using any of the nasty killing moves she knew they both had but preferred to go toe-to-toe and slug it out. Somewhere in the mix they both missed the chime of the elevator as Lyssa stepped out and stopped looking on in shock.

"C'mon Ramrod.....think you got what it takes to be her man? Chickenshit can't handle being a topdog anymore..."Dannigan goaded him between punches.

"So says the pussy behind the desk,"Rodrick challenged back slamming a jab to the gut then a quick uppercut.

"Pussy? At least I don't have to get my GIRLFRIEND to clean up my mess PLUS a pity-fuck afterward," Dannigan blocked another jab and popped him with a quick elbow.

"Piss on you! You send her into HELL. Over and over and over until she either snaps to go rogue or gets caught and worst nightmares come true. Don't give me that pity shit! I held her when she screamed all night long! Where the fuck were YOU? Back here trying to find some new way to push her over the edge!"

They traded a couple punches with Rodrick landing a good one close to Dannigan's nose.

"She's out there doing shit that makes Charles Manson look like Mary fuckin' Poppins, coming home to hide in the shower for three hours, puking her guts out from what she's done and do you care? Fuck no, you sadistic sonofabitch! Just send her on another mission. Abuse the hell out of her because that's all she thinks she's worth!"

Rodrick got in a lucky jab and blackened Dannigan's eye. Danigan faked a right and thrust his left fist into Rodrick's side.

Dannigan taunted, "what do you care? You're not gonna marry her or anything like that. You're gonna bail on her, you chickenshit knock-kneed no balls punk! Like you could even possess the love neccessary to keep her happy? Don't make me laugh that hard!"

"Oh yeah! If she were here right now; I'd take her to a jewelry store, get a ring and propose right there IN THE FUCKING STORE," Rodrick yelled.

Madison commented,"Well that's not how they do it in the romance books but I guess you kinda have to take what you can get sometimes Lyssa."

"This is about as romantic as these assholes get Madison," Lyssa said.

They both stopped and turned to look with stunned expressions. Lyssa wore the same black dress and looked tired. Her eye make-up was gone and her eyes were puffy. Rodrick knew she'd been crying and that was his fault, she deserved better. Rodrick snapped his fist back popping Dannigan's nose then walked over to stand in front of Lyssa.

"I got fucking stupid and I'm sorry. I won't do it again and I'll prove it if you ride with me," Rodrick said apologizing.

Madison looked at Lyssa,"This I gotta see."

Lyssa nodded to her then looked at Rodrick,"Ok Hotrod...let's see it."

 

---

CHAPTER THREE

Will Cantrell looked through the reports. nothing to reveal how contact would be made or when. How the hell Trent got through was unknown. the bi-annual update/debrief also unknown. Before he'd left to post in Japan he'd been very clear. Anybody showed up without his prior approval would be considered hostile and killed immediately for trying to compromise him and that had gone straight to the top and came back approved.

That's what really burned his ass. Sloan went over his head and got approval. North Koreans all over him for six months and nothing. His inbound/outbound traffic was airtight. He wasn't even leaving footprints in the sand. He had to crack this sometime soon or it was his ass on the line. Everybody except Sloan was impatient.

If Dannigan found out he was being used to ferret then it was definitely all over. Dannigan would do worse than make him disappear. Supergrades feared only one thing and Dannigan was one of the handful that could very well make it happen. There was a place where the embarrasments went. They went there and never came back, ever. If he was lucky that wouldn't happen to him, he'd be shot or stabbed and bleed to death slowly in a hospital parking lot.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa had to work very hard not to laugh as Rodrick and Dannigan both argued which jewelry store to go to. Madison finally chimed in with the local jewelers Chas Schwartz & Son and mentioned they were the oldest jewelers in the city so naturally had to be the best.
That settled the argument then started another, how big and what color of diamond for the ring. Madison cupped her hand over her mouth to hold back the laughter as Lyssa all but bit her own lip to hold it back. They arrived at the store and walked in with Lyssa and Madison leading the way inside.

The store manager gave a strange look at the two ragged looking men then asked how he could help them.

Rodrick answered, "I'm looking to buy my girlfriend an engagement ring diamond, of course in a platinum setting."

Dannigan interrupted, "It should be gold, eighteen karat."

"No way, she deserves the best and the best is platinum," Rodrick countered.

Sensing this could escalate the manager asked,"Which is the lady in question please?"

all three pointed at Lyssa.

"Miss Kordenay? An honor! Uh, apparently they both forget that it is you who is to be wearing the ring and should choose it. Perhaps if you select more than one they may be of help with the final decision," the mangaer suggested.

Rodrick and Dannigan looked at each other and stared intently then said in unison,"Show her the sets."

Madison couldn't hold back anymore and burst out laughing following Lyssa as the manager walked with her over to a long case. Both men trailed behind. Lyssa carefully examined the ring sets and taking note of Madison's reactions as well.

Finally she asked,"If I like the setting could the stone be changed to another cut?"

"Most certainly! And if you wanted, we could design something custom in house if you don't see anything you like here in the case. Though all of these here are one-of-a-kind designs," the manager said proudly.

Lyssa looked some more then pointed out three she liked. he set the displays on the top of the glass.

"I'd like a heart cut white diamond set in whichever can be decided on," She said then stepped aside.

Dannigan and Rodrick all but leapt to the case to look. In silence they stared at the three rings and finally pointed to the one in the middle and proclaimed,"That one!"

"Well chosen gentlemen. We can have it ready in a week,"the manager smiled.

Rodrick dug a credit card out of his wallet and snapped it on the counter,"Week my ass! We'll wait. And she needs earrings and a necklace to go with it. Right?"

The manger leaned in and said softly,"Sir you're looking at eleven thousand dollars for the set alone as it is, another six hundred for the stone she wants."

"I'll give you ten minutes or we can go to Harry Winston or Tiffany's in New York," Rodrick growled.

The man bolted to the back with the rings and returned to show Lyssa an earrings and necklace set that would compliment the rings.

Madison leaned in and whispered to Lyssa, "And I thought it was just going to be another day at the office."

Almost ten minutes later the designer herself came out and showed the rings to them already in a box. Rodrick took the box, looked at the rings then dropped to one knee in front of her and held it up to her. Everyone in the store quickly took notice and held their breath to hear.

Rodrick said firmly, "the SMARTEST thing I ever did was fall in love with you Lyssa. The dumbest thing was letting doubt come to that. Please take this ring, marry me and never let doubt show again. I love you and want the rest of our lives to be spent together."

Lyssa looked down at him as the whole store watched then finally said, "I'll let you be stupid just this once. Do it again and no matter how much I love you Rodrick Nathaniel Mason; I'll shoot you myself. YES!"

Lyssa held out her hand and he slid the ring onto her finger as the other customers applauded.

Rodrick looked at Dannigan,"Get a fucking tux asshole; because YOU'RE walking her down the aisle and I'LL be waiting at the end."

He turned, scooped Lyssa up, carried her out to the car and drove back to the beach house.

Madison giggled, "now that was cool. Major how are we getting back to the office?"

~o~O~o~

Trent Sloan had been playing poker for twenty minutes sending his messages via betting code and all was going well. There was new player; Paul91 he was pretty good, then he did something strange he blind bet 3 then opened at 91 then raised 101 and called at 311. Five minutes later he did it again.

Trent said in text, "serious hand you got?"

Paul91 answered, "gonna break out the MAJOR whup ass like you deserved it from a long time ago."

He laughed. Of ALL people; Paul Danigan had found him and made contact. He folded the hand.

Paul91 said,"next time you see me it'll be something really cool."

He answered back,"I can hardly wait."

Trent logged out. The code was easy enough; he would get a visit soon by somebody.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan played for ten more minutes then logged out. Seven different tracking programs had tried to find him but he'd been ready for them. All they got was some widower in Clearwater Florida. Two originated in japan, three in Korea and two in the states. One of which had been the Pentagon, the other the front for a Korean listening post in Los Angeles.
He back-traced the Pentagon and found the terminal itself. The DIA annex and slid in the interceptor. Dannigan snagged the one outgoing message from that computer to the listening post in L.A. which read,"nothing".

He buzzed to Madison, "get Lyssa and rodrick on the line. I need them to go to Tokyo now! I'll meet them at Rodrick's plane."

He pulled together a briefing packet in an hour then headed for the airport. They pulled in half an hour later.

"What's the emergency Paul," Rodrick asked.

He flipped open the laptop and pulled up the file.

"Trent Sloan. DIA deep cover. Completely blown but intact. The North Koreans know he's a spy but they got nothing on him, he's super slick. I need you two to go in and pull the Koreans off him and bring him home. Use whatever means neccessary but stay invisible. This will keep an elephant unconscious for 10 hours," Dannigan handed Lyssa a black tube with three preloaded syringes.

Rodrick filed a flight plan after turning in the rental and they took off. Hours later they landed in Tokyo at the Narita airport and passed through customs. Outside Lyssa hailed a cab and gave an address in the garden district. They both took a nap to counter the jetlag then prepared for the night then went out to the garage and started up Lyssa's car and drove back into Tokyo.

"You would have a tricked out Skyline. I bet its set up for drifting," Rodrick chuckled.

Lyssa just smirked and upshifted.

---

CHAPTER 4

Jung sat in the car watching the house. Trent Sloan was watching a dvd of a situation comedy featuring his favorite comedian. He'd fallen asleep watching it, again. Not unusual, he often did. Jung hated those nights almost as much as the nights when Trent Sloan brought home a girl. Jung himself had only one night with a prostitute since the assignment started.

That was a thought. He'd call a service tomorrow during the day while the other agent watched Sloan in his office. He wished he still had the three teams he'd started out with, but after two months of nothing they were pulled. Only his team of four to watch for another two months. The North Korean felt a mosquito sting his shoulder. A moment later his chest felt tight and hurt.

Suddenly a woman with blonde hair and a face streaked with black paint stepped into his view.

She looked at him and said in Korean, "Goodbye."

Jung tried to say something but his head felt heavy and he couldn't breathe. The last thought as he slumped in the seat was that he must have been poisoned.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick crept up to the porch beside Lyssa and whispered, "All clear, just the one you took out."

She nodded then slid carefully onto the porch and manipulated the lock. It softly clicked open. Lyssa didn't stand or even raise up to crawl on her hands and knees, she literally slithered across the floor. Good thing too, Sloan was slick and had installed an old trick called Nightingale floor. Certain boards creaked loudly when weight was put on them. Lyssa knew of it and two ways to bypass it. The fastest wasby spreading one's weight across the floor instead of narrow points. The boards wouldn't have enough weight on them to flex and make noise.

She slid herself into the living room behind the couch and rose up. One of the preloaded syringes filled her hand slowly she slid the small needle into his shoulder. He moved at the discomfort but she copied it and kept the needle in as she gently depressed the plunger.

Five minutes later she tapped the cushion next to his head and got no response. Lyssa stood and called softly to Rodrick. He picked Trent up and carried him out while she picked up the neccessary personal effects then turned everything off and locked the house. Within half an hour they parked close enough to the private tarmac to see Rodrick's plane.

A quick spray of acid and the fence parted and Rodrick dragged Sloan through then carried him to the plane. Lyssa repaired the fence and drove back to the house and cleaned up then repacked. She called for a taxi to pick her up and take her back to the airport.

Rodrick's Gulfstream waited refueled and already had the engines running when she walked out of the terminal with their bags. He met her and took the bags inside. After Lyssa was inside then closed up the doorway and settled himself in the seat. Three minutes later he had clearance to take off. In no time the plane streaked into the night sky heading to Hawaii.

They refueled at Hickham Air Force base and gave Sloan another dose of the knockout juice and flew on to Los Angeles for another refuel at Seal Beach Naval station then touched down at the private airfield just outside Washington, D.C.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan waited on the tarmac and helped Sloan out of the plane and into his car.

"Gear up you're gonna be busy tonight," Dannigan said to them then drove him to to the office.

Trent groaned as his senses started coming to him. He hadn't been drinking so obviously he'd been drugged by someone.

"Welcome home Trent," a voice said from across the room.

"Home? what the fuck," he grumbled trying to sit up.

"Well not exactly home, you're in D.C. Trent," Danigan said pouring a cup of coffee.

"Paul," Trent asked recognizing him.

"Yeah. Its been a while buddy," Dannigan took a sip then passed it to him.

He knew Trent wouldn't drink unless he had first.

"Sorry about the grogginess but my people stay invisible Trent," Dannigan apologized.
"You've blown me Paul," Trent said.

"You were blown six months ago Trent,"Danigan replied.

Trent Sloan stared at him in disbelief. Dannigan nodded to the plasma screen on the wall. Trent walked over and started reading and couldn't believe it. He'd been compromised from the ground up a month prior to his observation of the teams.

"FUCK! How paul.....how did they know,"he asked.

Dannigan punched a few keys and a single photo came up.

"Will Cantrell? That sonofabitch! Are you beyond positive Paul," he asked angrily.

Again Dannigan punched keys and the information came up. Sloan read it all thoroughly then turned around.

"I want him, I want him bad,"he said quietly.

"Things are in motion Trent," Dannigan answered.

~o~O~o~

Will Cantrell walked inside his house in Georgetown. Another day and nothing from the Koreans. they were going to want the money back, provided they didn't just take him out. he'd have to start keeping an eye out and step up his counter-surveillance, alot. He felt a sharp pain at the base of his skull and all went dark.

Lyssa walked out of the study, and looked at Rodrick standing over the unconscious man on the floor.

"nice one,"she commented.

"Thanks," he chuckled," You got everything?"

"Yeah, a stash hole in the bookcase beam. He had a laptop, satellite phone and cash in it along with some files," Lyssa answered.

"Too bad we can't keep the cash," He said bitterly.

"Says who,"Lyssa asked.

"You can't be serious,"Rodrick remarked picking up Cantrell into a fireman's carry and following Lyssa out the back door.

"Jet fuel, taxi fare,meals on the go, parking spaces for planes, engagement ring, matching jewelry, three dozen Fire and Ice roses, dinner for two plus drinks and a bottle of champagne," she listed off.

"I take it the roses and the dinner are hints," he remarked dropping Will Cantrell into the back of the SUV and securing him with cuffs, gag and head bag.

Lyssa got behind the wheel, "too subtle?"

Rodrick shook his head chuckling.

They drove to the office. Lyssa injected Cantrell with the knockout syringe and left him leaning against the door with the intelligence minus the cash. She called in as they drove away.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan and Sloan walked out to find their delivery on the doorstep. An unmarked van drove up and a man in black BDU's and hat stepped out.

"In here gentlemen,"he instructed and opened the back.

They dragged Will Cantrell inside and the man closed the side door.

Three hours later they felt the van lurch as it descended on an elevator then pull forward then stop completely. The door opened again.

A new man in black BDU's asked, "how long has the subject been out?"

Dannigan replied, "three hours."

They were instructed to follow a different officer while Cantrell was processed in.

"Paul I'm know I'm going to regret asking but, what is this place,"Trent Sloan asked after twenty minutes.

A door opened and a man stepped in,"This way gentlemen. Now entering Vault section 27."
Sloan felt true fear. he'd heard of The Vault. Traitors that didn't make the news were taken to the Vault. Rogue operatives too. The embarassments, the unredeemable and the unsalvageable were locked away in the Vault. Few people knew exactly where it was, even fewer wanted to. The fact that Dannigan could make this happen wasn't lost on him.

They followed the officer down a long hallway and stopped in front of an open doorway. Inside it lay a naked Will Cantrell with his arm laying outside the doorway with an IV drip running to a vein in it. Two more officers came down the hallway with a pallet of bricks and a wheelbarrow of cement. Trent now understood the rumors. A deeper level of fear set in.

He and Dannigan watched as the three officers proceeded to brick up the opening leaving only an opening at the floor twelve inches wide and five inches high. The cement would dry in an hour and harden within six. The IV drip would be removed in ten hours.

"I think they're ready for us to leave Trent,"Dannigan said.

Trent nodded very anxious to leave the place and never see it again. Another three hour ride back went silently. They were returned ot the parking lot. Danigan handed him a set of car keys and gave him an address.

"Sleep well Trent. Its a DIA safehouse. Your Director will stop in to see you in the afternoon. We aren't supposed to see each other ever again. Best of luck," Dannigan said.

Trent Sloan shook hands, "Paul you saved my ass. Thank you."

Dannigan went inside as Sloan drove away. A nap on his couch and then he'd go see the Director of DIA. Hopefully things would be quiet for the next few days at least. They all needed a break. Especially Lyssa and Rodric, they had details to work out. Good details. Dannigan smiled at the thought of walking her down the aisle to Rodrick as he fell asleep on the couch.
 
 
 

 

Book 17 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   There's a big event in Los Angeles for Lyssa to attend  but a new player in the narco-trade doesn't know who else is in town!. WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Mykayla gracefully curtsied low to the applause as she stepped into the reception. She had just graduated Julliard and returned to UCLA for this performance. As she approached the center table a line of women turned to face her, women with familiar faces. The five in the center most importantly stood out. Katya, Marissa, Danielle, Tamiko and Lyssa.

They were all Primas. Katya Taliyenko being the reigning Prima. They were all here. The dance Master came forward and announced in a loud voice.

"Mykayla, come and take your place," he made a sweeping gesture toward the group of women in front of the table.

Tamiko stepped forward and said in heavily accented English, "Mykayla. You have shown your great skill and love of our art. It is with great pleasure that I pass this honor to you. My place as Prima. It is with great sadness that I must stop dancing for a while, but I am hopeful that it is a future dancer that is my reason why."

The Japanese dancer rested her hand across her belly and gave a warm look to a smiling man in the crowd. Mykayla stood there dumbstruck as the crowd cheered and clapped. It was true that Primas only stepped down for two reasons, injury and pregnancy. This was thrilling for her. Each one took turn hugging Mykayla and Tamiko, congratulating them. She was really thrilled when Lyssa came up to her. She was wearing a beautiful dress with butterflies printed all over it.

Lyssa; the Ghost Legend. She danced like no other and had reset the standard of training. No one had ever trained as she did nor had anyone ever spoke as many languages. If she was your friend nothing bad would ever happen to you. Katya was the living example of that. Light flashed from her left hand drawing Mykayla's attention. She looked and saw the most gorgeous ring she had ever seen. She knew Lyssa also modeled but that couldn't be a loan from a designer.

MyKayla knew that Lyssa was also known for favors. Lyssa asked favors and granted them too. A month ago Katya had sprained her ankle during a production and Lyssa had dropped everything to be on a flight to take her place for the remainder of the production. Even took the place of another friend for a week while she attended a wedding. The unsaid rule was that if Lyssa asked for a favor, you didn't say no.

Some of the nastier dancers maintained the rumor that Lyssa was a mistress and danced only to keep herself desirable. A rumor that didn't last long after talking to Primas who would very quickly set the record straight. One thing for certain, no one dared repeat such rumor in her presence. Bad things happened to people that made Lyssa angry. Mykayla saw a tall man step up behind Lyssa and rest his hand at her hip.

 

"LYSSA! LYSSA! Is it true you're out of the singles scene now," a voice asked.

Lyssa appeared to melt to him as she leaned back against him and smiled.

"Surely nobody cares about such things today. There's so many important things to discuss," Lyssa admonished.

Mykayla watched in fascination as Lyssa's man's eyes softened for a moment then returned to an intense, almost predatory gleam watching each and every person for a moment. Another camera flashed and Lyssa stepped away from him, over to Mykayla and stood next to her redirecting the attention of the photographers to her. Mykayla blushed as Lyssa spoke gently, commanding everyone's attention.

"Mykayla; congratulations on your achievement. I know the world looks forward to seeing you dance on the stages in dazzling performances to come in the near future. Give your soul to each and every step and your heart will soar to the stars as the music sweeps you away in the stories you share with us all," Lyssa announced beside the new Prima.

Everyone applauded.

In a small voice Mykayla said, "Thank you all. I just hope that I can share the beauty of the art we love so much."

Lyssa turned and gave her a brilliant smile, "we know you will. Enjoy this, its your day to shine, Prima Mykayla."

~o~O~o~

Felipe picked up one of the packages and hefted it. it felt right to him as he set it back and picked up another.

"Check this one ," he said passing it to the man behind him.

"Si," the man answered.

He poked a knife blade in scooping out a small amount of white powder, tapped it into a small pouch and squeezed a capsule inside releasing a chemical. The contents inside turned a brilliant blue.

The drug soldier nodded,"its pure."

"Good," Felipe said then took out his phone and dialed," transfer the funds now. Yes, twenty-five million."

They all waited then a phone rang and was answered.

"we're good," another man said then waved for some of the heavily armed men to follow him.

Felipe turned to his own men, "Load up...we have money to make."

In a short time they had the container empty and were climbing into cars and the van then drove out of the warehouse heading back to Los Angeles. they turned into the driveway of the large estate then unloaded. Several men began repackaging the white powder.

"Hernando, make the calls. Tell our....customers....that we have the goods they want,"Felipe said with a shark-like smile.

Hernando gave a laugh as he turned and started making the calls. Felipe looked to the tv and saw it was on one of the entertainment channels.

Curious, he asked, "Enrique what is that nonsense you watch now?"

"Something about a ballerina receiving an honor of some type. She is being called a Prima. Whatever that is," he shrugged.

Felipe looked at him for a minute then asked, "If don't understand why are you watching it?"

"Look at them...see now?" he answered.

Felipe watched and a moment later saw what he meant. They were all beautiful and it was fairly obvious who was the center of attention as it was only one in a dance costume and not in a party dress like all the others.

"mmmm they do look delicious. Perhaps a few of those around the pool would be nice," Felipe said making them all laugh.

Various men commented on which one they would like to try bedding and speculations on how it would turn out to much more laughter. Felipe finally called them back to work then left the room.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan walked out of his office and saw Madison watching transfixed to her monitor.

"Important developement Madison," he asked startling her.

"EEP! I hate it when you do that Major. Its an event in L.A., a new Prima has been named," she gave him a dirty look.

"I bet Lyssa will know about her by the end of the day," the Spook remarked.

"Sooner than that. She's right there,"Madison pointed to her.

Dannigan looked and commented," Not suprising. I see Rodrick there too. hmmmm engagement seems to really suit them good."

"She looks gorgeous. OH MY GOD! I love that dress," Madison said.

Dannigan picked up a print out and read it walking back into his office. It was a DEA report. Seemed there was a serious move being made by a new unknown player in California. A load valued at over twenty million wholesale was either on its way or had arrived in the L.A. area. DEA had no further information as to identity, location or affiliation. He started running running snooper programs that sifted through text messages and phone conversation searching for keywording of the major players in the organized crime.

Two hours later he got a hit. A music manager known to enable bad habits was looking to make a purchase of some kind of high value. That meant one of two things; either a song or some chemical assistance. Dannigan backtraced the information and found the cellphone after another hour of sifting. Several messages had went out, all along the same theme, something for sale for a high dollar amount.

Finally all the tracing led to several phones in an estate. The owner on record was one Felipe Ortega originally of Vera Cruz, naturalized in the late 80's. A few juvenile offenses but nothing serious, possible connection to the gang Escorpiones Concretas, Concrete Scorpions. The current leader of which was serving seven years in Chino penitentiary for armed robbery. Dannigan launched his snooper programs at the twenty phones currently located at the address. A satellite in geo-sync orbit over California could focus on the address. He sat back then and waited for a glimmer of what he needed.

---

CHAPTER 2

Lyssa strode into the house angrily.

Rodrick commented, "Never have I been glad you went somewhere unarmed. I thought you were gonna kill that guy from the Globe."

"Gee I wonder, THE FUCK, why! The sonofabitch all but shoved his camera under my dress to get a panty shot....or lack there of he hoped. Nice choke slam by-the-way," she said.

"yeah I have this thing about slimebags mistreating my fiance," he replied.

"God I hate L.A.! All these idiotic poptarts that so said 'forget' to wear anything under short dresses. Then make sure cameras are ready when they get out of a car or walk down some stairs. Makes me want to strangle them," Lyssa fumed as Rodrick laughed.

She turned around,"unzip me please."

Rodrick unzipped the back of the dress before she thought to hold it, making it fall to the floor. Rodrick made an appoving sound as Lyssa turned around wearing only white satin thong panties and white stiletto heel sandals, then rested her hands on his shoulders.

"Damn Miss Kordenay....I dare say you look very molestable like that," He growled softly.

She hooked her leg around him and brought herself up to wrap her other leg around and cross her ankles behind his back.

"OH MY! This tall lecherous man intends to ravish and have his wicked way with me! Whatever am I to do," she coyly pleaded.

Rodrick laughed and settled them both on the couch muttering, "hell with the bedroom."

Lyssa giggled shifting to take his weigh comfortably. A kiss had barely started when the doorbell rang.

"WE AREN'T HERE COME BACK LATER,"Rodrick bellowed making Lyssa laugh.

"IS KATYA AND MARISSA," Katya called back in her heavy accent.

Lyssa giggled as Rodrick groaned and squirmed out from under him. She then walked to the door picking up her dress and held it in place over herself as she opened the door.

"We are sorry we interrupt," the Russian Prima giggled.

"They haven't been that far at it, she still has panties on," Marissa, the Hawaiian Prima laughed as they walked in.

Lyssa closed the door and followed them into the living room,"Ok what gives with you two crashing my honey time?"

"The hotel lose our reservation Lyssa. Can you find us place to stay," Katya asked.

"Upstairs but you'll have to share a bathroom. c'mon," she answered.

"Table for four," Rodrick asked.

Lyssa nodded then walked up the stairs carrying the dress with her friends right behind her.

"Tell us all about Rodrick Lyssa," Marissa said.

"Da! Tell us he has BROTHERS," Katya giggled making them all laugh.

Rodrick called out, "Do I need to find dates for them and make it a table for six?"

All three yelled back in unison, "YES!"

He laughed then picked up his phone.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan watched the streaming feed from the satellite. Ten armed guards wandered about the estate. Mac-10's and Uzi submachine guns seemed to be the main preference. he watched as a limo pulled in and tried to get the image of the occupants. The face of Ernie Martinelli came into focus. That settled it. Ortega was making a big move on the cocaine scene in a hardcore way.

Dannigan knew Martinelli wasn't one to play around. He had a FBI file that would stretch all the way to the elevator. Right now he didn't have anything new that the FBI and DEA didn't already know. If he read between the lines Ortega had well over a hundred kilos on hand and it would be going fast. Lyssa and Rodrick were in L.A. They could handle the situation quicker than anybody else. He'd call them in a couple of hours. Dannigan started assembling the briefing packet.

~o~O~o~

"Felipe you want to move your merchandise don't you," Ernie Martinelli asked pointedly.

"Ernie. You and I have been having a good business relationship but fourteen hundred per kilo doesn't even cover my cost. I'd be giving it away," he answered," if I am giving it away then why should I give to you. You want to make money don't you?"

"Of course I want to make money," Ernie smiled.

"Then I will give you the price of sixteen hundred, as an old friend, that will cover costs and not make either of us look like fools," Felipe said.

Ernie sat and thought quietly then smiled, "Of course. A fair price for twenty kilos my friend."

They saluted each other with their glasses and drank.

"Let's get you ready to go,"Felipe said then lead the way to the car.

Minutes later several small duffels were brought out and placed in the trunk. Ernie leaned in and counted the contents then brought back an attache case and counted out stacks of bills and handed several to Felipe's man.

"There. All settled my friend," Ernie smiled.

"you must visit again soon Ernie, socially of course," Felipe said shaking hands with him.

After the limo left he turned to Enrique,"What you think now, maybe we can buy a ballerina or two?"

They all laughed and Enrique shoved one of the men jokingly.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick took the ticket from the valet and followed Lyssa and her friends inside. He returned a wave from two men at the bar who stood to walk over to them.

"Huck....Banker. good to see you," he greeted and shook hands with the two men.

"Wow Ramrod you must be doing good," Banker replied tweaking the lapel of Rodrick's suit.

"Woooo....I'll say. Lookit him; fancy duds, expensive chow and my those are some lovely ladies. Think they showed up in a limo Banker," Huck drawled with a chuckled.

Lyssa knew immediately they were both SEALs.

Rodrick introduced them, "Guys, this is Katya Taliyenko and Marissa Addams and this is my fiance; Lyssa Kordenay."

The two men looked at her then him and Banker said, "Miss Kordenay I'm so sorry to hear you lost such a serious bet to wind up with this mook."

Huck chimed in,"My deepest sympathies Ma'am."

"Some friends......fuck you very much. The both of you," Rodrick remarked.

The maitre'd cleared his throat then said," Right this way to your table Ladies and.....Gentlemen."

All three men smirked at the phrasing and followed the ladies to the table. Katya and Marissa very subtly chose their dining companions as they approached the table. Huck seated Katya and Banker held the chair for Marissa as Rodrick seated Lyssa. After drinks were ordered and wines and entrees were chosen Katya asked the obvious question.

"Why are you Huck? From Mark Twain story nyet," she asked.

He surprised her by answering in Russian, "no. They call me Huck because I remind them of Huckleberry Hound."

Katya smiled brightly and chatted even more enthusiastically. Marissa then asked Banker the origin of his name.

"I was born in one," he replied with a straight face.

All conversation stopped and Lyssa commented,"Oh I have to hear this."

"Not a big story, Dad was a loan manager and mom came to see him to get some papers signed to get ready for the hospital and went into labor there. The ambulance didn't get there fast enough and she had me right there in his office. My real name is Buck," he explained.

Marissa exclaimed, "get out. Are you serious?"

He calmly took out his license and showed it to her. Katya looked confused.

Lyssa caught it and explained, "Buck is slang for a dollar."

Katya laughed, "if you had been girl they name you Penny?"

They all laughed at her joke making her smile. Dinner went by good spirits. After dessert Katya asked if the two SEALs were afraid to dance and suggested a club she had heard of. The men were familiar with the club and happily accepted the ballerinas' challenge.

---

CHAPTER 3

Dannigan had sent out the briefing packet and found Lyssa's U.S. number. His call went to voice mail. He called Rodrick's number and got no answer after ten rings. He laid down on his couch and slept until two a.m. when he awoke to a ringing phone.

"hello," he answered sleepily.

"We got the packet, you want this done tonight," Lyssa asked.

"Yeah, take 'em out and destroy whatever drugs you find. he's currently not on anybody's radar so you have a clear zone but restricted to hardsite only. This needs surgical precision," he said.

"Understood," Lyssa replied then disconnected.

Dannigan checked the time, just after two. He set an alarm clock and went back to sleep. He'd wake up at seven a.m. to shave, shower and change into a clean suit for the day.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa and Rodrick both chuckled as two couples both tried to keep their passionate noises down in consideration of others. Rodrick dressed in black BDU's and Lyssa pulled on her form fitted black suit and boots. He checked his assault vest as she did the same for her harness then quietly they left in her low slung sports car.

 

Rodrick parked two blocks away on a side street from the Ortega estate. At the base of the wall they checked their comms then separated. Lyssa made her way over the wall using a tree on the west side and Rodrick did the same on the east.

Once on the ground Lyssa moved from shadow to shadow until she reached the first guard. The Marauder filled her hand as she closed in. In an instant She clamped her left hand over his mouth and nose, kicked his left knee from under him and thrust the blade deep into the notch between skull and jaw into his brain. Silently she lowered his body to the ground and pulled her knife free. Lyssa keyed her mic twice then silently moved on.

Rodrick came face to face with a guard and slammed an uppercut to the man's chin then grabbed him by tucking the man's head under his arm and twisted sharply, snapping his neck. A quick twist in the opposite direction ground the vertebrae into fragments and severed the spinal cord. He keyed his mic twice then moved through the sadows until coming up behind another guard and withdrew his dive knife. A hard thrust and he guided the blade between the ribs into the heart as he clamped a hand over the man's mouth and nose and forced him to the ground. He keyed his mic twice again as he moved closer to the house.

Lyssa found two guards standing together sharing cigarettes. She pulled her Jericho and used the silenced pistol to trigger off two rounds into their faces. Lyssa picked up the empty casings, keyed twice then quickly dug the bullets from the wall. She waited at the corner of the building as another guard made his way around then stood up quickly behind him and slid the Marauder's blade between the jaw bone and base of the skull. The blade sliced deep into his brain. He twitched in her arms as she lowered him to the ground then pulled the blade free and wiped the blood on his shirt and keyed her mic again.

Rodrick found one standing in a lit area and had to use his silenced Colt to bring him down then dug the bullet from the wall behind him and picked up the empty casing.

"This invisible policy has its pain in the ass moments," he whispered to himself.

Angrily he stalked another guard, bringing him down with a thrust of his knife into the man's heart. Rodrick keyed his mic and heard Lyssa key her's as well. The perimeter was clear so he joined her at the back door and slipped inside after her. they cleared the rooms downstairs one by one then moved upstairs.

 

The master bedroom was locked forcing Lyssa to use her picks to get it open then slithered inside with Rodrick behind her mimicking her movements. They flanked the large bed and eased up the sides. Felipe slept with the sheets thrown back in only a pair of boxers. Lyssa pulled the Marauder from behind her thigh again and gestured for Rodrick to do the same with his own knife. They crossed wrists and pulled back fast slicing Felipe's neck open. Blood sprayed up to the ceiling before he awoke to trying stopping it with his hands and saw two dark figures with black streaked faces.

"Adios Ortega," Lyssa said softly in an icy voice.

"Via con un gemido," Rodrick hissed.

Felipe tried to speak but only gurgled as blood poured down into his lungs and soaked into the bedding. Lyssa walked over and switched off the ceiling fan then stood on the footboard the stop it.

"This should be interesting," Rodrick whispered watching her work.

She ran a length of paracord from the fan and tied the white phosphorus grenade securing the handle then pulled the pin. A book of matches with a lit cigarette tucked inside made a timed delay to burning through the cord releasing the grenade onto the bed. the 3000 degree sticky white phosphorus would splatter the room and start burning through everything.

They found a stockpile of cocaine kilos and bundled money in the basement. They took the money and left another Phosphorous grenade set similarly over the pile of packaged drugs then made their way out.

 

In the car they used Lyssa's make-up wipes to remove the combat paint then drove casually away. They heard the sirens of several firetrucks in the distance. The house was quiet when they walked up to the bedroom. A shared shower then they slipped into bed but Lyssa didn't sleep long.

~o~O~o~

Huck and Banker followed their noses after the scent of coffee downstairs. In the kitchen they found a tired looking Lyssa disconnecting from a phonecall.

"Somebody looks like they had a rough night," Huck commented as Lyssa passed them both cups of coffee, sipping from her own.

The two SEALS picked up real quick that she wasn't in a teasing mood. Moments later Rodrick walked in wearing jeans and a tshirt, sipped from her cup then pressed a kiss to her temple.

Banker remarked," ok...we give up. What the fuck were you two up to last night?"

"Four people having the fuck-lympics down the hall kept us up," Rodrick growled.

"WHOA, when did you go operational again Rod,"Banker asked.

"Who said I was," Rodrick glared at him then Huck.

They were quiet for a minute then Huck said,"We hereby shut the fuck up."

"Good; otherwise I'll make you both go sit in the shitbird tree,"Lyssa snarled.

Huck and Banker exclaimed in unison,"DAAAAAAAMMMMMN," then laughed.

Katya and Marissa wandered down and into the kitchen. Katya sleepily asked for juice in Russian and Lyssa answered in Russian that it was in the refridgerator. Katya climbed up onto Huck's lap to sit at the counter.

"Can we have a lazy day,"Marissa asked.

Rodrick answered,"This is a lazy day. 7:30 and we're just now drinking coffee...its a lazy day."

During the entertainment portion of the news Katya became excited,"Look! Is Mykayla."
They all clapped. During local news they announced brutal killings in the bel-air section, initial reports were of gangland style with a fire. Evidence on the scene indicated that it was drug related but there was a severe lack of evidence due to forensic countermeasures taken by the perpetrators.

"Lyssa our flights leave tomorrow. Are you staying here or going somewhere else," Marissa asked.

"Rodrick has charters so we're heading back to Caribbean tomorrow," Lyssa answered.
Katya said proudly,"I go to paris for production then back to Moscow. I know for Christmas I will be in Moscow for the Nutcracker."

Marissa said happily," I'll be in New york for that, what about you Lyssa?"

"I'll be in D.C. this time. or so Greg said," Lyssa said.

"Rod you still doing the Bahamas," Banker asked.

"Yeah, kinda sorta....That's where all my aircraft are but I don't actually live there anymore. Lyssa has a house in Grand Cayman and that's where we mainly live," Rodrick answered.
"What about wedding," Katya asked.

"We haven't decided on a date yet," Rodrick said.

Lyssa remarked, "he wants Valentine's day, I'm wanting it in May."

"Valentine's is a bad idea unless you're eloping,"Marissa commented.

"Good point," Rodrick said chuckling.

---

CHAPTER 4

Dannigan watched the newsfeed and smiled. Lyssa and Rodrick were getting better at working together. Forensics had determined that there had been at least six making the assault on the residence. He laughed at that. If they only knew it really was only two very well trained penetrators. They needed to slow down on some things though, not just missions. They hadn't even set a wedding date, yet. He was more curious as to the venue. The states, the Caribean or somewhere in Europe? He wouldn't be surprised if twelve different designers were arguing over who would make the dress, and the suit for Rodrick.

The spook chuckled to himself. where on earth could they go for a quiet honeymoon besides Antarctica. 'Oh now that would be a great prank,' he thought to himself. He laughed out loud at that. Maybe rental of a private yacht would be good, or a trip to Australia?

He buzzed Madison, "Madison co-relate all of Rodrick and Lyssa's missions. I want to know places they haven't been that are suitable for a honeymoon."

"Yes Sir," Madison sounded impressed with the idea.

An hour later she brough him a print out and they both started looking for an idea.

~o~O~o~

Katya stepped out of the dressing room and showed the dress to Marissa and Lyssa, "looks good nyet?"

"I like it Katya," Lyssa remarked.

"Me too," Marissa smiled then went into another dressing room with a selection.

A moment later she stepped out wearing a short cobalt blue dress," What about this?"

"You can stop shopping now, that's perfect Marissa," Lyssa smiled.

Katya added, "It matches your eyes Marissa!"

It was Lyssa's turn. She went in carrying a fuschia dress and came back out drawing ooh's and aah's from both.

"Think the boys are having fun,"Marissa asked.

"They know a former teammate that is L.A.P.D. so they went to the range," Lyssa said.

"Boys and toys, Da," Katya giggled.

All three laughed.

"Katya...Marissa I though about this alot. Katya will you be my maid of honor and Marissa be bride's maid,"Lyssa asked seriously.

They both squealed and hugged Lyssa saying yes.

"now for new shoes and we're all set for tonight," Lyssa announced.

~o~O~o~

Several officers watched in awe as Rodrick, Huck and Banker shot within tight circles on the index cards on their targets.

"this keeps up we'll be splitting the check tonight," Rodrick announced.

They all laughed and Huck asked,"Where's the reservation tonight?"

"Probably need to ask Lyssa," Banker chuckled.

"Wherever it is you can rest assured jacket and tie are required," Rodrick said flatly.

"Hey, dates with international ballerinas? I'd wear feathers and a beak," Rocket said.

"Don't let the wife hear that,"Rodrick chuckled.

 

Rocket had gotten married to his high school sweetheart back when they were in the teams and they'd never strayed from each other. He'd been given a medical due to a broken leg during the big team betrayal by Kagan. The Navy told him he couldn't jump or fast-rope again due to the strain but L.A.P.D. didn't care and took him on without hesitation. Several years and two kids later he was happy and it showed. And Janet was still a looker, in fact she was even more attractive than back then and the kids were fantastic.

Rodrick was almost envious, but was glad there was life after the teams for Rocket. He held his tongue between his teeth when Rocket told them about the major happening; apparently somebody took out a up and coming druglord. The incident had all the hallmarks of military precision but the guy hadn't been on anybody's radar according to the Feds.

They all talked about the old days and some of the close calls they had until the sun hung low. A quick call to Lyssa and they all knew where they'd be going for dinner.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa had just finished helping Rodrick with his tie when the doorbell rang.

"I GET DOOR,"Katya called out.

A loud whistle followed by Katya's giggle could be heard. The bell rang again a few minutes later as Lyssa and Rodrick walked down the stairs.

"I'll get it," Rodrick said.

He opened the door and Rocket with his wife, Janet, came in. Introductions were made in the living room. Vehicles were assigned. Rodrick,Lyssa, Katya and Huck would ride in Lyssa's SUV and Banker, Marissa, Rocket and Janet would go in Rocket's car. They arrived at the resturaunt half an hour later. Drinks were ordered then wines and entrees.

Conversation was spirited and light with the men constantly teasing each other about incidents during training and time off. The ladies talked about mishaps on stage and lecherous admirers both inside and outside the production.

Finally Rocket called them all to order,"Ok, we're all having a good time tonight. Old friends are great to see and new friends are wonderful to meet but we have a serious problem. Though Ramrod got lucky to get Lyssa to say yes to marraige; they have yet to set a date. Which leads me to believe they are both procrastinating."

Rodrick spoke, "Marissa was right in pointing out that Valentine's day was a bad idea so I support Lyssa's suggestion of having it in May. Why not May twenty-fifth? It should be a Saturday."

"No, is not Saturday but twenty-ninth is," Katya looked up from her phone.

"Then the twenty-ninth it is,"Lyssa announced.

The table cheered and they all toasted to the day set. Dessert and champagne finished the celebration compliments of the management. After dinner they all went dancing then returned to Lyssa's house for a final toast then Rocket and Janet went home while Rodrick carried Lyssa upstairs amid jeers that they weren't married yet and shouldn't be committing sin.The house became quiet sometime after midnight.

~o~O~o~

Everyone slept in until almost nine in the morning. Breakfast was pleasant then when they were all packed Lyssa secured the house and they all drove to the airport. They bid each other good-bye with promises to stay in touch made. Katya and Marissa boarded their flights then Lyssa and Rodrick went to his plane at the private terminal. Hours later they landed in Grand Caymen and picked up dinner on their way to the beach house.

~o~O~o~

Madison cheered as she went through the morning's message traffic, "WOOOOOHOOO!"

She printed up the email and hurried into Dannigan's office.

"They set their date," she announced passing him the sheet.

He read it quickly then said,"Outstanding. About damn time. Now they need to figure out where to have it."

Madison laughed, "that'll be another few weeks to settle on that. They can't have it at any military bases can they?"

Dannigan frowned, "No and that's a damn shame. They both deserve a big wedding with all the regalia. Canopy of swords and the whole nine yards."

Dannigan thought for a minute, "Maybe they can; not on Lyssa's side but on Rodrick's. Get Dane Thompson on he phone. He's the current commander of SEAL team four, and owes me a favor."

A few minutes later his phone buzzed and he picked it up.

"Dane? Paul Dannigan. Remember that favor you owe me from five years ago. Yeah that. I'm cashing it in. I need a detachment in full uniform with sabers for a wedding. Actually the groom is one of your boys; well he used to be one of yours and I owe him a small favor. Rodrick Mason. Yeah Ramrod. Well the bride wanted a favor from me too, walking her down the aisle. May twenty-ninth is the date. Will let you know the location as soon as I get it. Thanks Dane," Dannigan disconnected.

Madison smiled," I already sent a message: hurry up and pick a venue."

Dannigan chuckled, "good. Stay on top of that."

Madison nodded then walked back out to her desk. She was excited, Lyssa asked her to be a bride's maid.

 
 
 

 

Book 18 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   London is calling and its Lyssa's phone, the omniprescient favor,  a dancer is missing and she's not the only one. WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Lyssa flipped through the catalogue from Waterford for the third time and still couldn't decide on a set for crystal. Various other catalogues lay scattered on the coffee table. Bedding, china, silverware, kitchen appliances; even furniture was among them.

Rodrick was out on a transport flight. A car collector had hired him for a ten city U.S. tour of a few prominent of his collection. He'd left two days ago and now Lyssa was going crazy trying to figure registry out by herself. The problem wasn't deciding for herself, she had to decide for Rodrick too. So said, all she had to do was pick the line and register their names then people could order whatever within the line chosen. Simple? Not hardly.

She'd keep her own last name for professional reasons so no monogrammed sets. Rodrick said he and his parents weren't on speaking terms currently so she couldn't ask her future mother-in-law for help and as for her own family; they had died not long after joining the Army and she was an only child anyway.

Infantry, Jump School, Air-Assault, Rangers, E.O.D., Special Forces, Delta, DemonWraiths, modeling school, Juliard and Bolshoi, even office mangement and secretarial school. Yet here she was, going crazy trying to pick out china patterns and crystal sets. She growled tossing down the catalogue and snatching up another. This was frustrating, the silverware company even offered custom design sets. Lyssa growled again and tossed the catalogue onto the table with the rest.
Her phone rang and she all but pounced on it,"Hello? hey Brian!"

"Oh thank god you answered Lyssa. I need you immediately. Please please please say you'll come," the man asked in a panic.

"Whoa. slow down Brian, what's up," she asked.

"I'm in London choreographing. Our principal dancer hasn't shown up for the past two days. She left the hall and never returned to the hotel. Nobody has seen her. Please help me, we open in a week," he exclaimed.

"Well I really don't have anything going on, sure. I'll catch a flight out this morning," Lyssa said.

Brian breathed out, "oh thank you thank you thank you Lyssa."

"you owe me big Brian....real big," she commented.

"Brian chuckled,"Lyssa I owe you huge."

Lyssa laughed as she disconnected and went to go pack some basics into her flight bag. She called and made flight reservations while she packed and had five hours, another call to Rodrick's service to say where she'd be and why. Another quick call to Madison as well, she'd fussed about not being able to see Lyssa dance the last two times. Lyssa assured her a great seat on opening night. She checked in after a quick stop at the resturaunt for breakfast and boarded for first class. Lyssa would sleep on the flight and be ready to hit the ground running.

~o~O~o~

Yvette whimpered from the aches in her joints. She'd been tied tightly to the corners of the table for a long time. No clock and no windows to tell her how long she'd been there. The first thing he'd done was rip open her leotard and tights. Numerous welts marked her breasts and abdomen from the whip he'd used.

She couldn't see much in the dark room but the smell of something horrible filled the air making her more afraid. He'd filled her ears with wax from a candle; locking her into silence, but she could see movement off to the side if she strained her neck to turn. The light over her face suddenly came on and a man stood over her.

"Please let me go. I don't know who you are. I promise i won't tell, just please let me go," she begged in her heavily french accented english then again in french.

She saw him move then then whip came down across her torso with a sharp slap making her scream. Over and over he lashed her with it. Hatred filled his eyes as he whipped her and mouthed words she couldn't hear. All she could hear were her own screams. Finally he stopped then grasped her throat and squeezed. Yvette gasped and gurgled as he strangled her then released her.

Her head swam with fuzziness as she choked and coughed trying to catch her breath. He went back to whipping her for a while then strangled her again. She passed out from it this time and when she regained consciousness the light over her face was off and one in the distance was on but all she could see was his large form and it appeared to be beating something or someone else but she couldn't hear. She tried not to make alot of sound as she sobbed.

Yvette had no idea who he was or what she had done to make him so angry with her. He'd taken her as she walked out of the hall after rehearsal. It was the fourth day of reheasal and had gone well. All she wanted now was to go home and hide. The light went out across the room and she pressed her lips together trying to how back her sounds.

~o~O~o~

Edward stomped across the stage toward Brian, the choreographer, "Where is Yvette?"

Brian shook his head, "Still not at the hotel. Nobody has seen her since the other night."

"Well how do you suppose we are going to have a production without a principal dancer,"he demanded.

"I made a call and have someone on the way. She'll be here in the morning," Brian answered.

Edward scoffed," hmmmphf...and just who is this nobody. I need Yvette to make this performance. She is a star!"

"I called Lyssa...and she's not a nobody. She's better than Yvette anyday. The audience will love her," Brian said proudly.

"Lyssa? I don't know that name so she's a nobody. The production will be ruined by this Lyssa! pffffft," Edward spouted.

"OH DO SHUT UP! You have no idea what you're doing here. Yvette was the nobody! This is the first time you've had anything to do with ballet, all you've done is music videos for one-shot pop singers," Brian yelled back.

The director walked up, "Did you say Lyssa? Prima Lyssa Kordenay?"

Brian answered, "yes, she's on her way and will be here in the morning."

The director sighed with relief, "We're saved. Great job Brian. Edward, go and take your casting couch back to the recording offices."

Edward gave a look of shock then set his jaw, "Now see here! I'm the producer! How dare you talk to me like that! I should fire you and take the money back!"

"You can fire me but nobody else will work with you; and its in the contract that my pay is non returnable. Plus a percentage from the entire run of production. So stop pretending you have any idea what you're doing around here," Michael said very calmly then pointed offstage.

The producer stomped away glaring at dancers, stage hands and assistants.
"Michael, how the hell did we get involved with him," Brian asked.

Micheal said flatly, "I write a better contract than he does. Lyssa is coming so our worries truly are over."

A glance around the stage revealed pleased looks by the other dancers at the announcement of Lyssa. They knew her name and reputation. The highest of standard, nothing else would be allowed on stage with her. Now if only they could get rid of the producer.

---

CHAPTER 2

Lyssa's flight landed at Heathrow and she passed through customs quickly. A quick taxi ride to her house was needed since she didn't call anybody to collect her. Lyssa freshened up and changed for rehearsal. She doubted it would be neccessary but she checked the Jericho and Marauder that she tucked into the hidden compartment of her dance bag and clipped her hair back with a barette containing lockpicks.

Lyssa chuckled to herself, anybody else it would seem going overboard. Far better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. The strange thing was the newspaper on the flight stated that the body of a woman had been found. Investigators had determined that she danced professionally but had been missing for a month. One thing for sure the dead girl was a brunette and the missing dancer she was replacing was blonde.

Lyssa drove the BMW Z-4 straight to the Hall and parked in the back close to the stage door. Within moments Lyssa was being greeted by the cast. The wardrobe mistress chattered excitedly about the costume she'd wear. Lyssa assured her that she'd be able to take measurements by the end of the day and already had the white pointe-shoes needed for the performance. The hair-stylist was thrilled that Lyssa wouldn't need any extensions for the desired length of hair for the style.

Other segments were rehearsed while she stretched and warmed up then Brian worked with her to get familiar with the routines. By the end of the day she had the first segment almost to perfection. Not a worry, she would have it within a day or two Brian assured her. A quick stop off at wardrobe for her measurements to be taken and then she was walking out with several others of the cast.

Lyssa chatted in the parking lot for a few minutes then left. She stopped at a market for groceries then continued back to her house. Dinner was quick then after a bubblebath she called Rodrick.

 

"morning gorgeous," he said sleepily.

"Its almost bedtime baby," she chuckled.

Rodrick groaned, "you mean you're going to bed without me again?"

"Hey you left me with all those catalogues you sadist," Lyssa commented angrily.

"You're the more domesticated of the both of us. Until we hooked up I lived in my hangar. Remember," he reminded.

Lyssa laughed rememberig the spartan apartment at the hangar as well as his comment of never having slept so comfortably before spending the night in her bed. They talked for a few more minutes about current activities then said goodnight to each other.

~o~O~o~

He raged as he ripped apart the newspaper then stormed into the basement and snapped on the light over the blonde dancer, Yvette. She'd stopped begging him in English and only spoke French now; not that he cared. In a moment the whip filled his hand and he began. Over and over the whip fell across Yvette's body. When felt a twinge in his shoulder he dropped it and seized her throat. Smiling he began to squeeze until her eyes started to roll back then released her. The young ballerina coughed and gagged then turned her head to the side and wretched, but since he had not fed her, nothing but bile came out.

He returned to whipping her until his shoulder ached again then strangled her until she passed out. It did no good to punish the unconscious so he stopped. Swearing loudly he turned off the light and went over to the other and did the same. Just to experiment he brought out the stungun he'd bought the day before. He started with the lowest setting and held it to her leg first and triggered it. The brown haired girl shrieked and collapsed. He waited to see how long it took for her to come back.

Five minutes later she groaned so he began whipping her again then strangled her until she passed out. He made up his mind then. He would take this new dancer as well. This American; Lyssa Kordenay, would be his. A fitting replacement for the one lost two days ago. A glance to the far corner settled it; he'd take this new dancer. He went over to Royal Albert Hall and watched the back lot waiting. It wasn't long before a sleek black sportscar pulled in. A blonde woman in a pink leotard, white tights and white filmy skirt. He'd wait until she walked back out and take her then.

~o~O~o~

Michael held the door open for Lyssa as she walked from her car to the stage door. He was impressed. Instead of the usual rental from the airport, Lyssa arrived in style. No agency decals meant that she owned the car, not rented it. He talked with stage hands about lighting as the cast stretched and warmed up.

Lyssa went through the first segment with a few corrections then went through it again with no corrections. Things went smoother on the next. Brian called the cast together and walked them through another segment then let them go through it on their own. He called out instructions here and there then restarted them.

Their whole attitude had changed. As if now they had new dedication and focus. Lyssa led the way through the segment and they followed her example. Michael leaned on the edge of the stage and watched. when they all stopped he called their attention.

"Looking good everybody but I think we need to change the tempo. The music is not fast enough to keep up with you and I like your speed. we'll speed up the tempo of the music but you all stay the same," Michael observed.

They all nodded enthusiatically.

"Let's break for lunch then come back and try it that way," he announced.

Lunch orders had been taken before they started and the assistants brought out the packaged meals for each. They noticed Lyssa drinking from two different juices and a water as she ate a salad. The rest of the day went well after lunch.

 

Lyssa was pleased with the morning and the afternoon. The director's decision to speed up the music had been good. It had felt a little slow to her as well, but now was in perfect timing. Unless something came up they would be more than ready for opening night. A stop in with the costumer and she was done for the day. She walked out the stage door and two other dancers followed talking about current gossip. they bidded her goodnight and she returned it with a smile then settled into her car and drove out.

Traffic wasn't bad, arriving back at her house within twenty minutes. Without a beach or pool to swim in her morning workout had adjusted to a longer run on a treadmill and time on a stationary bike. Then again the climate was much cooler in London than Grand Cayman. After dinner she bathed then called Rodrick as she prepared for bed. The usual tossing and turning ensued due to Rodrick's absence before she finally dropped off.

Lyssa awoke at her usual time and execised; treadmill, stationary bike, heavy bag and speedball then breakfast and a quick shower. She chose a purple leotard and black tights that day with a sheer black practice skirt and tucked her purple pointe-shoes into her dance bag along with clean towels then stepped into black heels and went to her car but doubled back for a jacket.

She got lucky arriving at the parking lot early and was able to get a closer parking space than yesterday. Lyssa shook off a shiver as she walked from the car to the door. A honking horn drew her attention. It was the male principal dancer so she waved. Out of the corner of her eye she something move in the distance of the lot. it was low to the ground so she assumed it was a stray dog startled by the horn.

Suddenly a feeling crept into her mind; a sense of being stared at with hostility. On the pretense of waiting for the male lead Lyssa secretly scanned around. Nothing shouted sniper to her, but the feeling stayed. She was being watched.They both walked inside and began preparing.

Together they warmed up and stretched. By the time the rest of the cast were ready Lyssa had gone through her first segment with not one missed step, working from memory. When they played the music she got it perfect and was even smoother. They all worked on the second segment and rehearsed it several times then began on the third segment.

After lunch they rehearsed it as well and were smoothing it out so Brian had them all start from the first and work their way through. Michael called out various instructions to the stage hands and to Brian. The cast went through the sequences several times and after the solos the time was noticed. Rehearsal had run longer than usual. Everyone was satisfied with the progress being made. They were all released for the day and Lyssa stopped in at wardrobe again but wasn't needed.

She walked out followed by several dancers but they didn't linger as they had the previous day as it had become windy and cooler. they all hurried to their cars and drove out. Again she'd felt hostility directed at her. Not from any of the cast but from somewhere outside around the periphary. Lyssa felt like she was being targeted. The words of one of her trainers during Special Warfare school came back to echo in her mind.

'Niggling feelings and uneasiness actually do have substance to them many times. All too often if you FEEL it, its true and you may be fucked already. Remember this well for you jackasses will see this material again,' the voice a grizzled old Master Sergeant filled her head.

---

CHAPTER 3

He raged with frustration. This Lyssa Kordenay was not proving to be an easy catch. People didn't leave her alone. It was as if she was popular with them. He watched as she pulled in and parked then walked briskly to the door held by a stage hand.

That evening as she walked out her phone rang, she answered it and stood talking. Several other people left waving to her as she talked. He worked his way closer and closer then finally she disconnected and dropped the phone into her bag as she searched for her keys.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa had answered on the second ring,"Hey Madison. What's up?"

"You promised me I could watch opening night. I'm taking a few days off to come to London. I even booked a hotel room," Madison announced.

Lyssa laughed, "I haven't forgotten. I even have a box seat reserved for you."

"OH THANK YOU! I have a dress to wear. It's formal right," Madison asked.

"Yes Madison. The Brits go all out for productions. By the way, Try not to stare into the next box over alot. Royalty finds it distracting," Lyssa chuckled then held the phone away as Madison squealed.

"Later Madi," Lyssa laughed and disconnected.

Lyssa dropped the phone into her bag and reached in for keys when she heard the scuff of a shoe.

"AW shit,"She managed to get out, turning too late.

~o~O~o~

He rushed up and used the stun gun, knocking her out instantly. He ran with her to his van, threw her inside and quickly handcuffed her. Thirty minutes later he parked in his driveway. Another tag from the stun gun and he carried her inside.

Once inside the basement a chain was looped through the cuffs and locked, holding her upright but not fully suspended. He tossed her dance bag to the side. He returned to his van and ensured he'd left nothing behind then settled in to have a small celebratory dinner. He'd caught her and now she was his he gloated to himself.

He walked heavily down the stairs back into the basement and went over to the far corner.

He spit and then kicked the unmoving form and swore loudly, "ANOTHER IS MINE! THERE IS NO OUT! NONE WILL EVER LEAVE! MY BITCHES! MINE! FOR ALWAYS!"

He ran over and snatched up the whip and started beating the dark haired girl again. Groans of pain were the only noise she made as the leather whip lashed against her over and over then he cast it aside and grabbed a handful of her hair and then began strangling her with his free hand until her eyes rolled back and she passed out. The new one was moving around.

~o~O~o~

The pain in her wrists sped Lyssa to awaken. She heard the sounds of leather against flesh and opened her eyes trying to redline her senses to full awareness. A gagging sound caught her attention. A large dark shape in semi-light appeared to be choking a naked girl with dark hair. A candle was lit and the light over the dark haired girl went out.

A moment later another light clicked on, over a table. A blonde girl in tattered dancewear. She started muttering in French until the whip fell across her torso making her screech in pain then speaking again rapidly in French. Lyssa could understand most of her words but many were distorted by her shrieks and hoarseness.

Over and over the blonde girl said, "Whatever I have done, please forgive me God and take me from this place."

She tried to recite the rosary but he began strangling her until she passed out. He turned his head and looked over at her. Lyssa knew she was looking at pure sadistic joy now. Dark eyes looked like they burned with a fever, he reached up and snapped off the light and took the candle off the shelf. Slowly her brought it over smiling. He leered at her ferally.

Lyssa looked up at him with a cold fury and spoke in a low tone, almost a whisper, "you've gone and done the stupidest thing in the world. You won't be living to regret it."

Her voice was a hiss as she said it slowly and clearly. He leaned in and tried to turn her head as he brought the candle closer. Lyssa took the obvious route to open with and snapped her head back, as his hand followed her head she quickly lunged forward and clamped her teeth down on his wrist. The skin quickly parted between her teeth as she set her jaw then cinched tighter feeling tendons and muscles trying to shift.

He howled with pain and dropped the candle snuffing the flame and spilling the melted wax onto the floor.

"BITCH," the man bellowed.

He yanked her hair, slapped her face. He even tried to choke her but Lyssa turned, squeezing her jaws tighter not allowing him to grab her neck. Finally he started punching at her head and face. A blow to the temple stunned her for a moment and her jaws relaxed, he yanked his wrist free but her teeth had done a nasty job and ripped the skin. Lyssa gave him a cold smile ringed with blood.

"Come get some BOY. I'm FAR from done with you," Lyssa snarled.

He straightened then launched himself at her with an all too obvious punch screaming obscenities. Lyssa shifted at the last second making him punch the pipe behind her. She heard the crackle of his knuckles then lunged forward and slammed her forehead hard to the bridge of his nose smashing it. He staggered back so she grasped the chain and brought her legs up and thrust out connecting with his neck area launching him across the room.

"OH YOU'VE DEFINITELY GONE AND DONE IT! YOU'RE JUST EIGHTEEN DIFFERENT KINDS OF ATE THE FUCK UP WITH THE STUPIDS AIN'TCHA,'' Lyssa yelled out, taunting," C'MON BOY.....C'MON! NO WAY IN HELL I'M DONE WITH YOU!"

He rushed back at her and she dodged two more punches but a third connected soundly. She knew she'd have a black eye but didn't let it faze her as she rammed her knee up hard into his groin making him double over. Her shoes had already fallen off so she snapped a lightning fast kick to the side of his head making him almost fly across the room from the power of it.

He shook his head to clear away the bright swirling things swimming in his vision then ran over to the shelves, grabbed the stungun and thumbed the trigger making it crackle as he stalked toward her. Lyssa had felt moisture on the floor and rubbed her feet back and forth soaking through the tights. She got her feet as wet as possible, it would be a major factor.

When he got close enough Lyssa jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist, pressing her foot against him. she prayed there was enough to transfer through his clothing as well.

"PUNK! THINK YOU CAN HAVE ME," Lyssa snarled.

He jammed the stun gun against her thigh and thumbed the trigger. They both stiffened then passed out.

A couple of minutes later Lyssa came to and looked; he was out. Her tactic had worked. The biggest danger of of stun guns; not that they can be taken away and used against the wielder. The fact that it doesn't have to be taken away to be used against them. the moisture had ensured the current travel out of her and into him.

She wasted no time snapping open the barrette and pulling out a pick. Quickly shoving the spring steel tool into the cuff, pressing the ratchet up. A flex of her wrist yanked the end free and she unlocked the other the same way. She now was able to take the cuffs out of the chain's loop and used them to secure him. Memories flooded back. Her anger found new levels as she looked over at the girl on the table. Lyssa somehow managed to push the whispered plea from her mind as she approached.

The light snapped on overhead and Yvette started praying again until a blonde haired woman leaned over her and said something she couldn't hear.
In rapid french she begged,"Please let me go! please hurry before it happens again! Please!"

The woman mouthed something then kissed her forehead. Yvette started crying then felt the cords lashing her wrists to the table loosen then her ankles. She sobbed louder as pain set in as the woman slowly brought her arms down to rest against her body then leaned in to mouth more words to her.

"God help me; I am deaf now! I can not hear you! Please take me from this place," Yvette begged in terror.

Lyssa gently turned her head and saw the wax plugging the girl's ears then tried to ease her up to sit. Yvette sobbed openly from the pain but was happy to be untied. Lyssa looked around and saw a pad and a pen discarded on a nearby table and quickly took them. In large letters she wrote on the paper, "you have wax in your ears. I can't get it out but we'll leave here soon and go to a hospital."

Yvette understood and mumbled through sobs,"yes. please take me from here."

Lyssa cradled her then carried her up to the top of the stairs then went over and turned on the lights. A brunette girl hung naked from chains attached to the wall. Lyssa looked around and found a single key on a nail and tried it. The shackles opened one by one. She carried the brutalized girl up the stairs. Yvette held her as Lyssa went back down. Over at the far wall she saw hanging from another set of chains the decomposing body of another girl in shreds of tights and a mangled dance dress.

She turned and saw the dark haired man struggle to sit up. Lyssa's rage filled her. Calmly she walked over and slammed a punch just to the side of his temple that slammed him against the wall then thrust her elbow down making his head bounce against the floor. He fought to stay conscious. The last thing he heard before he slipped out was her cold snarl.

Lyssa whispered into his ear," now YOU are MINE."

---

CHAPTER 4

Lyssa watched as his eyes slowly opened to bright lights overhead and winced.

"Do you know who I am," a honeyed voice crept into his ear.

He thrashed against the ropes holding him and screamed. She had tied him to the table. From a shelf she brought out one of his own knves and started cutting away his shirt,pants and boxers leaving him naked on the table and she leaned closer with a look of cold malice in her eyes.

"You plugged their ears with wax. You enjoyed their screams, its a pity they'll miss out on yours," Lyssa hissed then held the blade in front of his face.

Slowly she moved the knife down, tracing the tip across him until she got to his pectoral muscles then pressed the tip inward under the skin drawing a thin red line. Pressing her thumb down to hold the small bit of skin against the flat of the blade. Lyssa jerked downward, ripping a wide strip off making him howl. She continued, showing him each piece before dropping it beside his head, working her way down to his waist then across to the other side.

His screams hitched up an octave as she went lower across his pelvis then thighs. Lyssa found a wadded towel and used it to prop up his head, then with him watching she carefully slit open his scrotal sac making one of his testicles pop out.

"Its too bad I can only do this to you twice," she said in an icy voice.

Lyssa angled the blade making it slide down the edge, slicing through the tube until it fell and then scooped it up with the blade and laid it on his bloody chest. He looked at it with widened shocked eyes as he shivered from the pain of being skinned alive. She repeated the process with the second testicle.

She then walked away and came back with a round cardboard container marked Iodized Table Salt.

"Maybe this will make a difference," She said coldly.

Lyssa opened it and poured the white crystals over his mangled chest then smoothed it across with the back of the knife blade grinding the sharp crystals into his raw flesh making him scream louder. She carefully circled the base of his penis with the edge of the blade then held the skin against the blade and slowly pulled.

He screamed at a higher pitch watching the outer skin peel back like a sock or stocking. Lyssa casually sprinkled the remainder of salt over the raw shaft. His eyes crossed as he screamed louder from the burning sensation. She walked away and returned with a red metal can.

"That didn't help? Here; I'll rinse it off," she said coldly.

She held the can up and poured the gasoline over him; starting at his legs and working her way up. His screams were animalistic by the time she reached his chest and head. Lyssa picked up her dance bag and slung it over her shoulder after taking out a pack of matches. She struck one and held it for a moment then looked over at him.

"Past the gates and before the throne; I've been to hell. This is the second time I have ever been happy to do much worse," She said then dropped it on the table as she passed.

He caught fire immediately and thrashed screaming louder as she collected both girls and got them outside.

 

Yvette couldn't stop crying. She was free, the monster was dead. She didn't know the blonde dancer but she was grateful. Minutes later policemen arrived and two ambulances. The blonde spoke to them and pointed at her ears. She held the other girl close and rocked back and forth gently as they both cried. she had looked at the other girl's ears; they too were filled with wax.

The paramedics came over and gently separated them then loaded them into the back of ambulances to go to the hospital. At the hospital the emergency doctors slowly and carefully scraped the wax from both girls' ears.

Yvette started sobbing again,"oh thank you thank you I can hear some things now."

Luckily the doctor spoke French and asked her to please be still so she would finish getting the last of it out as a nurse cleaned the raw lash marks. Yvette tried to be still as she continued to sob in relief. a woman came in after they were done and showed her an ID badge saying she was from Scotland Yard.

After many questions the Inspector left. The blonde dancer walked in and hitched her hip onto the side of the bed.

"Thank you so much," she exclaimed and hugged her," please tell me; who are you?"

"My name is Lyssa; Lyssa Kordenay," she answered softly.

"I know of you, you are a Bolshoi Prima. Thank you Prima Lyssa," she hugged her again, "I thought I would never be let out. I wanted to beg to die. I want to go home Prima Lyssa, when can I leave?"

"Soon if you want. Some people from your embassy are coming to see you," Lyssa answered, "you don't know the other girl do you?"

"No, she was there before me and I could not see good," Yvette sniffled.

"Ok Yvette just rest. When you get home you need to go see a counselor. A trauma and rape counselor," Lyssa instructed.

"He did not rape me, just hurt me very much," Yvette said.

Lyssa cut her off, "I understand that but the effects aren't much different so go talk to a counselor or your problems will be much worse."

"Yes Prima Lyssa," Yvette nodded.

The French Ambassador knocked then entered. Lyssa excused herself. Several police officer were in the hallway. Each one made subtle shifts to line the hall. They were all very leery of the beautiful woman with blood splattered clothing. Rumors already spreading; she was the fiance of an American Navy SEAL.

~o~O~o~

"And just where is your precious Lyssa Brian," Edward demanded.

"We don't know, her car is in the same place she parked in yesterday. Nobody saw her leave or return,"Brian answered.

Edward gave him an exasparated look,"Hmmmphf! Most probably laying up in some bed. Typical Americans; always thinking between their legs."

"Some people take things for granted," Lyssa announced walking out onto the stage with two uniformed police.

"The ability to chew solid food being one of them in your case," She stopped in front of him and glared.

"Oh I couldn't agree more," Rodrick said walking up the side steps from the audience seats, "I'd very much like to know where the idiot is that gave you that shiner babe."

"A bag. A very small bag," she answered not taking her eyes off the producer, "Some psycho decided to snatch up some ballerinas. He had the girl Yvette that I'm replacing and some other we don't know right off."

It was then that people started noticing the splatters of blood across her pink leotard, white tights and sheer practice skirt. Edward tried to give her a haughty look and was starting to say something when she instantly spun and snapped a kick the caught him under his jaw and threw him back several feet. Lyssa bent down and pressed her knee across his throat then snapped a quick jab breaking his nose then stood up.

Lyssa walked past the director and choreographer, "I'll be back tomorrow. I need a shower."

~o~O~o~

Madison sat beside Rodrick and watched as the curtain rose. The cast came out and danced the opening segment. The entire show went without a hitch. The make-up artist had worked wonders covering Lyssa's black eye and various other bruises. When the show ended several bouquets of roses of assorted colors were presented to her when Lyssa took her final curtsey. After the show Lyssa allowed a brief interview expressing her wishes for Yvette and the other girl a fast recovery.

A few strings were pulled via MI-6 and many details of the case were kept out of the official report and what was left of the body cremated. Rodrick made himself very obvious and his credentials were explored. It became an unsaid but accepted fact that he most likely had passed on some of his training to Lyssa to keep her safe when he was not available to protect her. The case was quickly swept under the rug.

Madison was happy, she'd finally gotten to see Lyssa perform live instead of on a DVD. Rodrick unfortunately had to accompany Lyssa to Waterford and Wedgewood to look at china and crystal. He grumbled about wishing she'd left the serial killer alive for him to take that frustration out on.

 

Book 19 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Plans for the wedding continue on  but where's Dannigan now? WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Rodrick was aggravated. He looked everywhere more than once, but didn't see a pattern in the crystal that he liked. It was the second time they'd been to Waterford and would be going to see Wedgewood after, again and they still hadn't found something they both liked. Madison was still there and trying to help but Lyssa was just a picky as he was and nothing was really grabbing her either. He began to think that maybe they could just skip this part.

"Oh that's perfect," Madison said excitedly.

Her exclamation catching Lyssa and Rodrick's attention so they went over to investigate. Madison stood with an older man that was holding a sketch pad when they walked over.

"Look at this. Its perfect," she said.

They looked over and saw a drawing of a butterfly and an anchor. They both looked at it and came to the same conclusion.

Together the couple said, "That's cool!"

The artist looked at them both and asked, "So this will be the design for your crystal?"

Lyssa and Rodrick stared for a moment then looked at each other.

"I like it. Looks cool to me,"Rodrick said.

"Yeah,it actually does. Can you make a copy of that for us to take to the silversmith and Wedgewood," Lyssa asked.

He nodded smiling and made copies for them to take along. The Managers at Wedgewood and the silversmith were both thrilled when Lyssa and Rodrick showed them the sketch and asked if they could accommodate them. The designers of both places affirmed they could with slight modification to the design to make it unique. Madison was rather pleased with herself for the idea; Lyssa's butterfly and Rodrick's navy anchor. They rewarded Madison with a trip to Burberry for a complete winter outfit with coat and then an elegant dinner.

 

Madison rode back to the states with Lyssa and Rodrick to be dropped off at National airport before they continued on to Grand Cayman. The minute they stepped in she immediately went over to the coffee table and snatched up the catalogs and threw them into the trash.

Lyssa said hotly, "those are taken care of."

Rodrick laughed,"good. What else is there to do?"

"That's it for the registry. Now we have to choose a venue and catering and all that stuff," she answered.

Rodrick checked his email and said, "Hey, Paul sent a message."

Lyssa groaned,"Oh hell! We just got back!"

"Not that kind of message," He chuckled," says he's got a surprise for us on the big day."

Lyssa looked puzzled for a minute, it seemed Dannigan was looking forward to the big day more than they were. She'd already gotten calls from Hugo Boss for the tuxedos for Rodrick and his groom's-men. John Galiano insisted that the bridal gown and bride's maids' dresses be from Dior. Why can't everything be this easy, she thought to herself.

One thing for certain though; they couldn't have the wedding in Washington. It would be too high profile. Having it in Grand Cayman seemed like a better idea everyday. She'd have to check into that she thought as she changed into shorts and a cami T. Rodrick told her over dinner about routine hops for the rest of the week; he'd be home every night.

 

The next morning they skipped their usual triathlon so he could get an early start. The ground crew-chief Jokingly addressed her as the Mrs gaining a few chuckles from the crew and Rodrick himself as Lyssa waved and drove off to visit her restaurant to see about finding someone to help with a venue for the wedding.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan sat watching the DVD of Lyssa's latest performance at his desk. He already knew Rodrick would be entering the country, he'd filed a back and forth flightplan with the FAA. Basically a day hop for a businessperson. Back to business as usual for Ram-Air charters it seemed.

By the end of the DVD he had several messages stacked up. One caught his attention. It seemed an old contact that had gone into Interpol was missing in Spain. An Australian Army intelligence colonel that had retired, went into Interpol and after a few years took a posting in Barcelona.

They'd met during an exchange where Dannigan spent a six month Temporary Duty, TDY, in Sydney. Dannigan taught the young officer back then to take on exchanges himself in order to set up his own means of backchannel lines. The young lieutenant at the time took Dannigan's advice to heart but instead of utilizing officers and non-comms, he went with officers only as that was what he was mostly around.

Dannigan knew that by going through officers incurred more and steeper return favors than with non-comms, slower results too. Several hours of probing got Dannigan a field report. The gist of the report was that Blair Connelly had heard a rumor of possible terrorists in the area but hadn't been heard from after updating that he'd found a solid lead. Another couple of hours turned up something promising.

He cut orders for connecting hops to get himself to Spain then compiled everything into a briefing packet and sealed it.

"Madison...." he buzzed the intercom.

When she came in he tapped the envelope, "I'm heading for Spain. I'll check in when I get there, then every six hours after. If I miss a check in; wait two hours then get this to Lyssa and Rodrick."

Madison nodded and stared looking at the envelope then picked it up. Dannigan walked over to the closet and grabbed one of four go-bags then picked up the stack of orders and headed to Andrews Air Force base. Within the hour he was on the transport heading for europe.

~o~O~o~

Blair Connelly tried to sleep. Not an easy thing to do in a straight backed chair with his wrists cuffed behind him. So far it's been only fists, they hadn't gotten serious yet but it was only a matter of time until they did and then he'd really be in deep shit. What was worse; nobody knew where he was or what he'd been up to.

He'd thought they were terrorists. He was wrong. Multi-national mercenary team in all actuality and that changed things. Drastically. The two Pakis that snatched him at the end of an alley were just pick-up guys, he was now in the hands of a former IRA gunner named Evelyn and an Italian named Giancarlo. Probably from a splinter group of what's left of the old Red Brigades. The bad part was she was starting to get bored and that never spelled good news. Speaking of, they were coming back.

"So darlin', Ya might want to be tellin' us some things about now," She smiled and tried to sound charming.

Blair chuckled," Ya gotta be kiddin' me. Your bloke there couldn't throw a punch to save 'is ass. Hits like a bloody sheila! Been takin' tougher knocks comin' out pubs. Not to mention playin' a bit o' football. Aussie rules mind ya, not that wimpy excuse for football them yanks play with all them pads and helmets."

The Italian snapped a quick punch then.

"How bout you be a sweet one, curl up here on me lap and pass a Foster while I wait for your boyfriend to butch up a bit," Blair smiled and wiggled his eyebrows at her.

Giancarlo leapt forward two steps and slammed a punch knocking him sideways to fall over. Blair spat a bit of blood then looked up, "Down here's fine too, love. Be a couple spoons we could."

Evelyn smiled then drove her foot into his gut.

Blair coughed and sputtered," Ah sweetheart, that doesn't mean you won't be takin' the baggy shirt off and gettin' all cozy now would it?"

Giancarlo gave him a solid kick to the head which knocked him out.

---

Chapter 2

Dannigan arrived in Barcelona and waited until two in the morning to visit the Interpol offices. Flashing Department of Justice credentials got him in without any problems. He found Connelly's office and picked the locks to get in. Inside he started hacking the computer with an automated program while searching through the desk and file cabinets. When that turned up nothing he then started taking things apart.

Finally he found Blair's real safe. A USB drive hidden in the top knob of the coat rack.

"Cloak and dagger; trenchcoat and a .45. Blair you really need to read more than Mickey Spillane," Dannigan chuckled to himself.

He finished searching, double-checked that everything was in its right place then locked the door behind him as he left. Thirty minutes later he was booting up his laptop in a Delta bolthole.

Many Elite units had safe places to run to in country and at least one out of country. Delta, Nemesis, DEVGRU a.k.a SEAL Team Six and select Force Recon Marines practiced this. In the states they would have a place to hide themselves, a place to hide as a family(if they had one) and a place to exfiltrate from. Outside the states they would have as many places as they could acquire and maintain long term.

After setting up his system to snoop he plugged in the flashdrive and slowly started to hack into it. Carefully he sifted through the data until he found the file that had been the last to be updated. Two pakistani men that had vague Al Queda ties. He checked their faces against his own database. They weren't in any terrorist group, they were mercenaries under somebody named Straga.
No photos, no sketches, not even a general description. Hell, gender was even unknown. Dannigan wasn't about to assume Straga was male. Working with Lyssa had changed that chauvanist mindset. He even chuckled to himself about it. The most deadly weapon in the U.S. arsenal was actually its most beautiful as well. If James Bond had come to life, she'd dance circles around him in all categories.

One day she might even be the top seat in the agency, but first she should be happily married. Maybe even a kid or two. Right now though she was going crazy with bridal registry and he had an old friend to find. Dannigan chuckled to himself. All the tradecraft and military training she'd acquired didn't prepare Lyssa for being a bride. If she didn't settle down some unlucky fool to make a bad suggestion will be shot, or worse.

The two Pakis were the key and he had an idea of where to find them. Very few places to eat in Barcelona specialized in that cuisine. Few translated meant five by his memory. Dannigan drove around to reacquaint himself and check in with Madison.

His memory needed an update though. Few now translated to three and he quietly checked all three but didn't see them. No problem, he 'd recheck them, after he checked in.

~o~O~o~
Madison sat noting the check-in. The Major didn't work the field anymore, he had Lyssa and Rodrick for that. So why was he on a field assignment. Madison back tracked through the message traffic and found the one that caught his interest but didn't see why. Col. Blair Connelly of the Australian Army's Tactical Assault Group, retired; now inspector for InterPol. What was the connection?

She called Lyssa's Caribean number and it was answered in the second ring.

"Lyssa....its Madison," she said.

"What's up Madi,"Lyssa asked.

Madison quickly explained what she'd been told and what she'd found.
Lyssa was quiet for a couple of minutes then said," Madi, this is a personal interest for the Major."

"Friends," she asked.

"If i had to guess; they met during an officer exchange program. Neither may have actually hosted the other but contact could have happened anyway due to proximity and they became friends then part of each other's network. I did the same thing when I was in but had to give all those contacts up when I went off-the-books,"Lyssa explained.

Madison thought about it for a moment, "you mean it really works that way?"

Lyssa laughed, "Its called back-channeling Madi. sometimes official channels become compromised and as you well know, bureaucracy brings everything to a grinding halt. That's why the U.S. hosts foreign officers for training purposes and we are hosted in return to see how things are different and how their U.S. training is incorporated into their system."

"Oh, now i get it," Madison blurted.

"Madi, does he want me to go there," Lyssa asked.

"not yet. He made his check in so just sit tight. I'm just worried because he really doesn't do this anymore," She explained.

Lyssa said," ok. Just let me know if he does miss one and I'll get the next flight out if Rodrick can't take me."

~o~O~o~

Evelyn looked in at the agent waiting for her and Giancarlo to return and start up on him again. He was tough enough when it came to a casual beating. They were going to have to get serious soon, the longer they waited the more likely someone would start looking for him. Interpol was known for that, they didn't make it a habit of leaving any agent out to hang. The final decision was Straga's and that's what she was waiting on.

Her phone rang. She looked and it was a text message. Short and simple; Whatever it takes find out everything. Evelyn grabbed a large washtub and dragged it into the room then brought in buckets of water, a rag and a coffee can with Giancarlo following. The Italian leaned the chair back to rest on the edge of the washtub weighted down with water.

"awwww, are we gonna share a bath Love," Connelly asked with a wink.

Evelyn flashed him a smile the wrapped the towel across his face and started pouring water from the can across it to soak it then refilled and started pouring again slowly. The agent sputtered and gagged soon enough so she just kept refilling the can and pouring it slowly onto the towel. After a few minutes she lifted the towel.

Connelly sputtered and choked then finally wheezed out, "Forgot the bubble-bath Love."

They resumed with the water until he gagged and tried to vomit. For an hour they watered him, then rested for five minutes and came back. It was only the two of them so the waterboarding had breaks in it. They hurried to keep him from recuperating too much. Not that it mattered to him. They didn't know he'd done this before.

For hours they kept at him but he refused to talk other than sarcastic remark and blatant propositioning. Basically he ignored Giancarlo and focused on her. At first it was mildly amusing but now it was aggravating to her. She unzipped his pants, reached inside and gave his balls a vicious squeeze. He shook his head vigorously so Giancarlo lifted the towel.

When Connelly finally caught his breath he said," You're supposed to say 'turn me head to the left and cough', You'll never determine a hernia doin' it that way."

Again she squeezed making his eyes cross then had Giancarlo resume with the water. They continued the rest of the afternoon.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan watched as the two men left the resturaunt and walked down the street to a car. He snapped a picture with digital camera of the men, the car and its plate along with the resturaunt sign then quickly uploaded to his computer and had it set for an auto-transmit then followed them.

They drove for almost an hour and finally parked at an apartment building. He snapped off pictures of them going inside then which lights came on. They were on the fourth floor west side. His laptop transmitted the data while he waited. Four hours later, the lights went out. He checked the action of his silenced Colt then went into the building after picking the lock. He worked his way up to the apartment and worked on the door's lock. Sixty seconds later he was inside.

Dannigan searched and found one bedroom occupied. A quick slap of tape across the mouth of the sleeping man and loop of zip-tie and he was secured. Dannigan went after the other. They both looked shocked when he asked them in fluent Urdu where they had taken the Interpol inspector. He injected one with a pentathol derivative and five minutes later had all the information. He used one of their own pistols to shoot them with then cut the ties, pulled the tape and triggered off two shots out the window with the gun in one's hand then reloaded two spare rounds into the magazine.

He quietly made his way out and drove to the location he had been told and took several pictures then uploaded and sent them off. He pulled a set of Interpol credentials and drove around the block to park, hidden. He set the laptop to update automatically.

Dannigan walked back quickly then worked on one of the ground floor windows. It opened enough, letting him inside. Quietly he made his way across to the opposite end where a single light shown around a closed door. Gingerly he nudged it open and saw Blair Connelly. Just as the spook stepped inside the room he suddenly felt a sharp pain at the back of his head then darkness enveloped him.

---

CHAPTER 3

Blair looked across and saw a large form in a chair. His vision slowly focused and he recognized him.

"So what brings you here Mate," he asked.

"Oh just looking for some jack-ass Australian idiot,"Dannigan replied.

"Ah, then the good lord hath smiled upon thee. I'm right here having a lovely time," Connelly chuckled.

"This is a step up from your usual digs Blair. Love the accomodations," Dannigan commented.

"Ah now don't be so harsh. The decor leaves a lot but the service is prompt and attentive. In fact here comes the maid. I wouldn't rate five stars but she is full service," Connelly said and winked at the woman.

"Singing my praises now," She smirked.

Dannigan answered, "I'm not big on slumming. I tend to demand alot of attention from the management went I stay somewhere."

"Hey give 'em a chance. They even have lap pool here Mate," Connelly remarked.

Dannigan looked up at her and asked," a lap pool is good but what about the gym? And Is the personal trainer an additional fee or is it included with the package for the weekend?"

"Oh he's one of them eye-talians. You might need to ask him yourself, but she's not bad for motivating if you use your imagination. Needs a few wardrobe tips she does," Connelly chuckled.

"Just as long as they keep things professional. I'd hate to crowd in on your game and steal the lady away from you," Dannigan said with a sincere look at her.

The Italian immediately slammed a punch into Dannigan's midsection.

Dannigan grimaced then looked up, "Maybe I shouldn't have ate from that cart on the street corner...reflux is a real bitch."

Giancarlo pummeled his face for a few minutes then gave him several body blows. He then noticed Connelly looking rather bored and went over to punch him in the face.

He spat out some blood then remarked," about time. I've been waiting forever. You know with service slowing down; you can forget even a three star rating on the traveler's guide."

Dannigan barked at him,"Hey! don't run off. I want the full session. I expect TOP service here!"

The sun had risen and there was a clock on the wall that seemed correct. Dannigan didn't ask. If the clock was correct he had half an hour to make his check in or Lyssa would be called. Knowing Madison she'd already alerted her and within half an hour past time she'd be calling her to head for Spain in pursuit. The Italian took a break to rest. Dannigan glanced at the clock again when he came back and smiled. Time was up. The cavalry had been called. Hell on Earth was coming to Spain, now all they had to do was stay alive long enough to be extracted.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick answered Lyssa's phone on the third ring,"hello?"

"Get Lyssa now," Madison demanded.

"Paul missed his check in," Rodrick asked.

"Yes," she answered flatly.

"We'll head for Spain now," Rodrick said and disconnected.

"We're cleared," Lyssa asked from the kitchen putting away dishes.

Rodrick nodded. Lyssa closed the cabinet then walked around securing the house as rodrick helped. An hour later they were lifting off the runway heading north. They refueled in Atlanta then New York before crossing over to Ireland then down to Spain to land in Barcelona.

 

A taxi ride from the private terminal to Lyssa's house outside the city didn't take long. Lyssa deactivated the systems then signalled for Rodrick to come in. He set their bags down and went to the garage to check the car while Lyssa pulled guns from the concealed cabinet.

Two CAR-15's, with a full load and ten reload magazines, her two Jericho .40 cal automags, the 10mm colt Deltas for Rodrick and climbing rope then went to work on personal kits. A blowout kit for Rodrick then his assortment of grenades and the microsyrettes of poison then her own kit of the Marauder knife, Fairbairn-Sikes knife, the microsyrettes, a small bottle of acid that activated in contact with air and her assortment of grenades along with four small explosive charges; precision cutters and kickers.

Lyssa added the small black bag containing the chemical interrogation drug kit. Rodrick came in and changed quickly into black BDU's and his combat vest as she pulled on her battlesuit, boots and harness. They both quickly loaded their equipment and covered it all with long dark coats.

Dannigan's satphone hadn't moved giving them a location to start looking. Rodrick drove them there casually as to not draw any attention from the local police. From the briefing packet Madison had emailed them they knew Dannigan had left the keys next to the engine block. True to report it was there and they used it to unlock the car then check the laptop on the floorboard.

All information had been sent to Madison. They knew he had either gained entry via a door or window so they'd use other means. Lyssa led the way up and across the roof walking slowly keeping her footsteps silent until she reached the place she wanted, beside a rafter. She used the acid to cut through the metal sheeting and Rodrick gripped it with a multi-tool's pliers then slid it out of the way.

Rodrick leaned in carefully and tied off the rope then gently lowered it down. She looped it through her carabiner and slithered inside to rappel down to the floor followed by him. Lyssa noticed a string running across the floor from a nearby window and visually followed it to cans.

She whispered into his ear,"spiderwire on the window. Eyes sharp for noisemakers."

He nodded silently and followed her as they crawled across the floor. They moved slowly and silently to the office section. They heard the sounds of water and a person sputtering and gurgling obviously being waterboarded in some fashion. Lyssa started reaching for the door when Rodrick tapped her boot. Using combat hand signals he advised her to check the door. She nodded then slowly peered into the edges around the door and saw Rodrick's intuition had been dead on. She found a spider-wire; a monofilament line ran from somewhere on the inside of the door to the wall, likely to some cans or other noisemakers.

Using a piece of discarded wire she pulled the spider-wire through the gap and cut it then tied it off on a protruding nail. Rodrick looked into her grey eyes that seemed to glow when set against the pattern of combat face paint unique to her. She nodded to him determinedly. They took position on either side of the door with their guns ready. Rodrick signaled that they would go on three then silently counted down then yanked the door open and bolted in.

 

Lyssa streaked past and launched herself at the man boot first connecting with his chin. The woman reached for an automatic in a holster on her hip but Rodrick snapped the bolt of the CAR-15 for effect.

"Too late, we have you," He said in French accented English.

Evelyn slowly raised her hands in surrender. Lyssa took her pistol then roughly sat her in a chair and used zip-ties to secure her to it by wrist and ankle. Rodrick did the same with the Italian after Lyssa finished then sat both Dannigan and Connelly upright. She leaned and applied a piece of tape over both of their mouths and said in Russian accented English," You two don't cause problems; I forget you here, Da?"

They both nodded.

Lyssa spoke to Rodrick, "bring woman. She is now."

Rodrick dragged the chair over.

Lyssa asked her in the accented English,"You wish speak now, Da?"

Evelyn smirked,"piss off bloody bitch."

Lyssa took out the small black pouch and unzipped it. From inside she took out the syringe and vial. Slowly the syringe was loaded with the clear liquid and tapped out the bubbles. Lyssa injected her in the neck and put the syringe away.

Lyssa said in Russian," Past the gates; before the throne. I've been to hell. Where I'm taking you; much worse."

The Irish woman's look of sarcasm faded into a look of puzzlement then alarm.

"What the fuck did you give me," she demanded.

Lyssa smiled coldly,"If you beg hard enough maybe your God forgive you and let you die quickly."

 

Evelyn felt herself getting warmer by the heartbeat. She realized the woman hadn't injected her with sodium pentathol; she was using something else. Something worse. Her wrists started to throb as did her ankles and vision blurred.

A man she'd killed long ago came into her vision, his throat cut from ear to ear with blood pouring down he told her through a hoarse voice blood spurting forth onto her that more were coming. The heat left and cold set in. Evelyn shivered uncontrolably then saw a girl she had taunted mercilessly lash out with a punch which snapped her head back.

Lyssa knew exactly when the effects were setting in. Time was limited though. Dannigan should appreciate this show. He was always curious to watch her methods first hand. It should scare the Interpol guy shitless as well.

Pain wracked through Evelyn's body as a boy she and her friends beat to death because they believed him to be gay slammed a punch deep into her midsection. One by one a group of dead Dublin police officers passed in front of her each throwing a punch. Hot and cold flashed as the pain reached new heights within her body. A demon came into view covered in blood with flames dancing from its claws and feet. It stretched out one of its long fingers tipped with a blacked claw and drew a line down her forearm slicing it open.

 

Blair watched on. He had no idea what the woman had given her but whatever it was; wasn't a regualr truth agent. This wasn't an interrogation, it was an information extraction. He had little doubt the woman would survive it. His objective right now was to draw as little attention to himself and Paul Branton as possible.

 

Evelyn stared in horror at the wound then as the claw gouged a deep furrow into one of the bones she screamed wildly.

Something growled at her ear,"Tell about one you serve."

Evelyn screamed, "Straga! A woman from the Balkans! She communicates only by cellphone! plans to acquire three dirty bombs and use them to force money from EuroBank, United States and the United Arab Emirates. Fifty billion in gold and the release of twenty terrorists in various prisons!"

Lyssa traced the tip of the Marauder along the woman's forehead making blood drip down across her eyes.

"More," The demon hissed at Evelyn.

Finally she gave up the last bit of information; the one place she knew Straga could be. The demon reached out once more and drew its claw across her belly; opening it up and releasing her guts into her lap. Evelyn shrieked wildly as they were draped around her own neck. Lyssa looked at Rodrick and nodded for the Italian man to be dragged closer.

She yanked his head back and made the cut. Blood sprayed outward, coating Evelyn's face and body. What life was left in the criminal left as she shrieked and thrashed in agonized terror.

Lyssa leaned close to Connelly, "when wake up. Leave this alone, nyet?"

Both men nodded. Lyssa applied a sleeper hold to both then uncuffed them before leaving.

---

CHAPTER 4

Madison answered before the end of the first ring.

Lyssa didn't allow for small talk,"Madi i need the location of the cellphone with this number."

Madison typed in the number and started tracing its information. The phone had no GPS, was prepaid and purchased at an airport in Lisbon. Madison tried a wild idea and checked the seller's records. Within a fifteen minute timeframe ten phones were purchased, but only three were paid for with cash. All three had used the same celltower recently in Madrid.

"Find her Madison! Use every trick and find her fast," Lyssa ordered.

Madison used Dannigan's terminal and accessed three satellites focused on that area. None of the cellphones were on. Of the cellphones on in that area she eliminated all non-prepaid phones and then eavesdropped the text messages and found one that stood out. She snooped through the traffic camera system and found several women. One face matched that from the Lisbon airport.

She'd found who Lyssa was searching for. From then on Madison tracked her to an apartment building. Lyssa and Rodrick were in transit heading for Madrid. She used another satellite to scan the building for heat signatures and counted eight then locked the other satellite to watch the building entrances in case she left.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan had been the first to awake. He and Connelly were free, he shook him and got a groan.

"C'mon Blair, get up. we gotta go," Dannigan tried to get him up.

"Paul? What happened," he asked.

"Chick put a sleeper hold on us. Not a bad deal considering the alternative," Dannigan answered.

Connelly shook his head trying to clear it, "we gotta make calls, bring people online."

Dannigan helped him up, "Forget it Blair."

"What? you're gonna ignore this Paul," Connelly sputtered.

"Blair, wherever they went; even if we knew, we're still at least eight hours behind them and we have no clue who they were," Dannigan explained.

They both looked at what remained of their captors. The sight was beyond grotesque.

Dannigan nodded to the bodies, "Blair this is beyond Interpol. Its beyond even me. That chick makes Charles Manson look like Mary fuckin' Poppins. Anybody, anytime, anywhere and you know it."

Connelly nodded finally then leaned on Dannigan to make their way out.

"I know a no-questions asked doctor that can patch us up," Dannigan said.

Connelly nodded, "good. I'll have to answer enough questions as it is I think."

~o~O~o~

Lyssa looked at the building Madison had directed them to. Looking through binoculars they eliminated the first two floors.

"Fourth floor is negative," Rodrick stated.

"ok. she's on three then. how many possibles,"Lyssa asked.

"Five apartments, two have no heat. One has multiples and two have singles,"Rodrick listed.

The sun had set and many lights shone through the windows.

"I'll take the outside, you take the inside,"Rodrick offered.

Lyssa nodded and passed him the rope. Rodrick slowly climbed up the outside wall using the recessed mortar brickwork for finger and toe-holds.

"I need to get some of those ninja claw things if I'm gonna be doing this kinda shit," he muttered.

 

Minutes later he used infra-red goggles to carefully look through the window. A single form sat in a chair against the far wall. With the exception of a table littered with papers that seemed to be the only furniture. He took off the goggles and used a small thermo scope and saw the form was female and armed.

Rodrick leveraged himself up to the windowsill and used a diamond tipped cutter to get to the latch then slowly open the window. He literally slithered inside and snaked his way over to the single form. Lyssa had given him a syrette of fast acting anesthetic.

Slowly he raised it up then jabbed it into her neck and squeezed. Straga leapt to her feet and tried to draw a weapon but the drug worked even faster with her speeding heartbeat and swooned once then fell. Rodrick checked her for more weapons then let Lyssa in through the door. They took only a few minutes to secure her then called Madison with the location and status before quietly leaving.

~o~O~o~

Connelly couldn't believe it, Straga had all but been delivered. Dannigan seemed very surprised that Straga turned out to be a woman and had been left alive for capture by person, or rather; persons unknown. Only a dark shadow in the night was all she knew and was furious about it. The pictures of her cohorts disturbed her, what was left of them.

He'd seen interrogations before, both in and out of the service but nothing like what he'd seen that night. Toxicology came up with an unknown chemical in Irish woman's system. Nothing from the United States, former Soviet Union or China. All he knew about it was there were definite hallucinogenic effects.

Whoever they were, they were beyond vicious, highly motivated and skilled. His good friend Paul seemed like he wanted distance from them. A lot of distance. Normally this would be the point where he pulled out all stops and searched why, but they had an agreement. Stay out of each other's business except to save each other's life.

Neither were in danger now so he stayed out of Paul Dannigan's business and instead flagged the methodology of the torture/interrogation, including the toxicology, for any future cases that came along.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick sorted through Hugo Boss tuxedo jackets while Lyssa and Ingo Wilts chatted about fall lines. He already had two black tuxedos. The greys were nice but he took interest in the white ones.

The white tuxedos reminded him of naval dress whites. That was a thought, he and his groomsmen could wear the white tuxedos in place of uniforms.
He whispered into her ear,"I think white tuxedos. It'd be like we're all in uniforms again."

"ooooooh I like that idea. You'd all be able to wear your budweisers and a few ribbons wouldn't you," Lyssa asked.

Budweiser referring not to the beer but the crest worn by all SEALs; an eagle, flintlock pistol and trident imposed on an anchor. Rodrick nodded making her smile.

Ingo overheard Lyssa and asked, "White tuxedos? Not a problem. Would I need to make any adjustments to anything to accomodate?"

Rodrick drew a circle with his finger around the pocket area,"could you reinforce this area; for our ribbons?"

"Ah, I understand now. Military medals, Ja," Hugo asked pointedly.

"Ja Herr Wilts," Rodrick answered.

Ingo replied with a smile, "I can do that with no problem and it will be invisible. Only you and your men will know about it."

Ingo stopped for a moment looking thoughtful then asked, "What military please?"

Rodrick answered,"U.S.Navy."

"Ah, your worries will be over. I will make sure you are all very happy with the white tuxedos. Inspired by your Navy. Yes, very dashing officers yes," Ingo clapped his hands .

Ingo turned to Lyssa, "Not to worry Lyssa. I will make sure that your heart will melt when you see him at the end of the aisle waiting for you. John Galiano will make your gown yes?"

Lyssa nodded, "John was the first to call and insisted."

"Then all will be perfect on the day, a stunning bride and handsome groom," the senior Vice President of Hugo Boss proclaimed.

"just don't forget to keep that weekend open so you can be there yourself," Rodrick pointed out.

The german laughed, "HA! Miss the wedding of the century? Not for the world, I think you say; because the world loves Lyssa and she loves you!"

Lyssa showed her truest grace and blushed.

Ingo looked intently at Rodrick, "I have seen Lyssa walk the runways of the world, wearing clothes envied by princesses. I have seen her dance for Kings and Queens that bowed to her afterward. The man that has won her heart must be the best in all the world. For certain, or she would not have him."

With that Ingo Wilts turned smiling and went to his studio leaving Rodrick and Lyssa staring in awe at his statement.

Finally Rodrick spoke, "Let's go home, we still have a lot of wedding to plan and I'll start helping more from now on."

Together they walked out, heading for the airport then Grand Cayman.

 

Book 20 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Life goes on until an old friend  calls, what's going on in Moscow? WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Dannigan swallowed the eight hundred milligram ibuprofen tablets and washed them down with coffee. All branches of the service called them the same thing; Grunt candy. It'd been a week since Barcelona and he was still sore all over, sporting a multitude of bruises including two blackened eyes. the doctor also pointed out he had two cracked ribs as well. He was better off than the irish woman though. Lyssa really did a number on her.

He'd read reports about her interogations but never watched before. She truly could make Charles Manson look like Mary Poppins and stay objective about it. The bonus was all the intel from Straga's apartment. It was actually a revised who's who of terrorist suppliers; weapons, smuggling, forgers, financiers. Interpol made sure that every agency in the world had the updated information.

The office would be quiet for a while. Madison had taken time off, she'd earned it. St.Louis was nice this time of year so she should be enjoying the visit with her family. Lyssa and Rodrick were doing well; the tuxedos were selected, they were registered for crystal, china and silverware. He'd already purchased the silverware for them on behalf of the agency and as a personal gift he'd reserved a yacht to take them around the euro-side of the Mediterranean. that should keep them both out of trouble and focused on
being newlyweds for ten days. All they had to do was get there.

A lot of time between now and then so anything could and more than likely, would happen. Murphy ruled the would, agencies just cleaned up after. He laughed at the analogy, and thought to himself that it would look good on a t-shirt. Nothing earth-shattering was jumping up so he decided to call it a day early and headed out for the weekend.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa and Rodrick sat looking through brochures and not liking anything. All tourist weddings, resorts mainly. The last thing either of them wanted was a bunch of tourists around.

The planner came back in,"sorry about that interruption, now Caribbean club will be perfect. We'll decorate the palm trees with your colors and have an aisle of smoothed, imprinted sand down the beach..."

"Whoa. Hold it," Lyssa interrupted,"once again; we don't want a beach wedding. I'll explain one last time; we're not tourists. A guest list of a hundred. We already have catering, including the cake and would like a chapel or cathedral please."

She sat with a blank look for a moment then pulled another brochure, "The Ritz-Carlton has a lovely spot along the water.."

"Let's go,"Rodrick stood up.

"Yeah. We need a professional's help," Lyssa replied.

"Excuse me! I am a professional," the planner huffed.

"What did Lyssa say we did NOT want,"Rodrick asked looking over the rims of his aviator shades.

"But this is the Islands; everybody gets married on the beach," she protested.

"Not EVERYBODY and just for your information my house is on the beach you fucking ditz," Lyssa said coldly then walked out as Rodrick held the door for her.

~o~O~o~

They drove over to the resturaunt and sat at the bar.

Adrianne, the Manager, set their drinks down, "How'd it go?"

"She about drove us crazy. Nothing but beach weddings and resort hotels, blah blah blah,"Lyssa fumed.

"Anything we said went in one ear and out the other...shortest trip in the Caribbean," Rodrick commented.

Adrianne looked shocked,"Are you serious? She came highly recommended."

"By whom,"Lyssa asked directly.

"Board of tourism," Adrianne admitted meekly.

"ugh. Adrianne that's the whole point, we're not tourists," Lyssa reminded her.

"Lyssa everybody local gets married in a church, but neither of you are members of one. Remember,"she pointed out," you two are here then gone and come back but out of sight sometimes days at the time."

"ok, we get it Adrianne. we live here but not locals,"Rodrick stated.

"well, to be honest; you aren't," She answered him.

They were all silent for a few moments then Adrianne said, "The only place that might be sort of what you want might be that new place, its actually made to look very old. almost gothic looking I guess you could say. Its on the bluff overlooking the bay. Damn I can't remember the name of it, but it is a church."

Rodrick looked at Lyssa and shrugged, "what could it hurt to go look?"

Lyssa nodded and they left.

~o~O~o~

Ekaterina couldn't stand it. She didn't want to be afraid anymore but she didn't know who to trust that would help her. Her prima called her out.

"Katrina! You must focus. Again you are out of position," she said firmly.

"yes Prima Katya," she replied.

Katya Taliyenko watched her and within moments her understudy was out of position again, "stop stop stop. Wrong again. Watch me Katrina and learn well."

Katya went through the set again then walked back,"now you."

Her understudy went through it with difficulty and had to be called down.

The dance Mistress finally stepped in,"that's enough for today."

Ekaterina sighed as she slipped off her shoes and stuffed them into her bag and left.

"Olga I don't understand, "Katya said, "I've seen her dance before. This should be easy for her."

Olga simply nodded then turned to go into the next room where several young girls worked on basics while Katya unlaced her pointe-shoes and put them in her bag.

Something outside drew her attention. Ekaterina stood talking with two men, one of which quickly slapped her. Katya Immediately jammed her feet into her shoes and ran for the door.

~o~O~o~

"You will do as we say Katrina," one man said.

"NYET," Katya yelled as she slapped the man,"HOW DARE YOU TOUCH A DANCER IN SUCH A WAY!"

"Prima Katya please no," Ekaterina pleaded and tried to pull her back.

One of the men started forward but the other held him back and shook his head.

"GO! ONLY THE HONORED MAY COME HERE! AND YOU HAVE NONE," Katya demanded.

They gave Ekaterina a menacing look then slowly left.

"Please Prima, I am in so much trouble now. I have to go," Ekaterina turned and ran down the street.

Katya saw the tiger tattoos on the men, she needed help. She hurried home and locked the doors. After watching for a few minutes she took out her phone and dialed the only person she knew could help.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick grabbed Lyssa's phone by accident.

He answered sleepily, "You better be dying."

"Rodrick? Where is Lyssa? I need Lyssa please," Katya said quickly.

She heard him mumble, "girl in Russian."

Lyssa asked sleepily in russian,"Hello?"

Katya launched into rapid Russian, "Lyssa I have no favor owed but I need you,please."

Lyssa was awake now, "Whoa slow down Katya I only caught like three words of that. start over and go slowly."

Lyssa slipped out of bed to talk on the deck so Rodrick could go back to sleep.

"Lyssa I need help, I have no favor owed but I need you," Katya said.

"What's the problem? Aren't you in Moscow,"Lyssa asked.

"Da, Lyssa my understudy. There is something with mafia. I have no one else to call you can do things. You protected us. I do not know what to do," Katya pleaded.

"ok Katya calm down, are you sure about this mafia bit," Lyssa asked.

"I saw the tattoo Lyssa. a tiger on his face," Katya answered.

Lyssa thought for a moment then said, "ok that's enough for me. I'll fly out in the morning."

"Thank you Lyssa, there was nobody to ask for help, only you," Katya sighed with relief.

"Get some rest Katya, I'll be there soon," Lyssa said then disconnected.

---

CHAPTER 2

Rodrick watched Lyssa pack, "Her understudy is having mafia problems? I don't get it, how does a high level ballerina get involved with Russian mafiosi?"

"Things are strange over there," Lyssa explained, "Mafia are everywhere. Maybe one got really smart and decided to fund a production to bring in some legitimate cash flow or rather sugardaddy an up and coming dancer. Unless she has or is connected to something they want."

She packed her pointe-shoes; black, pink, white and red then same color leotards, tights and practice skirts. Heels and boots went into the bag along with a few choice fall outfits and her makeup case and laptop.

"Still strange to me, It's not their thing. The only interest they show in girls are the kind they can market for sex,"Rodrick said.

"Normally you'd be right too baby, but things go from strange to bizarre over there faster than you can say 'what the fuck was that.' trust me," Lyssa commented.

Rodrick laughed then picked up the carry-on bag after she closed it. She smiled then glanced to the mirror; the black skirt and pink satin blouse looked fine for traveling as she stepped into a pair of black patent pumps then followed him out.

 

Rodrick accompanied her to the jetway.

She kissed him,"Call you when I get in."

"Sure you don't want me to come along,"He asked.

"I got this. You get the hard assignment; go talk to the good reverend about renting the church for the wedding," She chuckled.

Rodrick goosed her as she turned to board the plane. The two flight attendants chuckled as she passed them her ticket. They directed her to first class. Lyssa settled in and napped until Atlanta then again from New york to London where she had an hour layover for the Moscow flight.

 

It was early morning when she cleared customs. The officer that gave her cursory search had a daughter that trained for ballet and knew who she was.

"Welcome back Prima Lyssa," the officer smiled.

Lyssa replied in flawless Russian, "Thank you officer, I feel the chill of autumn already and I suspect the leaves are in their most brilliant colors."

The officer smiled as she passed Lyssa's passport back after stamping it.

"you must have a little girl that dances," Lyssa asked with a smile.

"Da, her favorites are Katya and you. Lyssa the Ghost Legend, she calls you. You came from nowhere and took the world by storm. only appearing when you are needed most," the Officer confirmed.

Lyssa smiled and told her that she would be found at the Bolshoi Academy then left to take a taxi to a house in a quiet neighborhood. She paid the fare and tipped well. She went inside the house and changed into dance-wear then drove her car to the Academy.

~o~O~o~

Katya walked in and took off her coat then her shoes and began to stretch and warm up. She then laced on her pointe-shoes to start practicing. She went through her basics then pointe-work after snapping a resin bead on the floor. Several dancers passed through calling their greetings to her when Ekaterina finally showed, with a bruise blooming on her cheek. Katya was about to speak when an old woman walked into the room and slammed the tip of her cane to the floor three times. Everyone stopped and focused their attention on the dance mistress.

"It has been a long time but an old pupil has returned to visit us," She announced in a very clear voice then slammed the floor thrice again.

Lyssa stepped out from the hallway and walked to the forward center of the floor then turned and curtsied to the dance mistress.

Lyssa held her curtsey and said ,"Thank you for that warm greeting Prima Olga."

"You are, as always, most welcome Lyssa. We are grateful to see you but I'm sure one is more enthusiastic than the rest," She remarked.

As if on that cue Katya ran forward and hugged her friend.

Many whispered in awe, "its Lyssa. The Ghost Legend is here."

Lyssa stepped forward, standing tall and proud, giving them all a commanding look. In unison all the dancers either bowed or curtsied to her.

"Since I've come to visit; show me what you can do," Lyssa said in a tone that was both soft and commanding.

The dance mistress slammed her cane twice. The dancers immediately took their positions and began. Lyssa stood motionless in a ready position watching them with a sharp gaze as they went through the routines.

Ekaterina was in the middle of the solo when Lyssa finally spoke.

"Stop," Lyssa called out.

Ekaterina knew Lyssa had seen her mistake. mentally she cursed herself.

"That was not a very convincing performance of Clara, ballerina," Lyssa said standing in front of her then circled around once.

Ekaterina suppressed a shiver. The way Lyssa addressed her as 'Ballerina' did not sound good.

She walked back to front center and stood in her previous pose, "Again; Ballerina."

Ekaterina noticed others shift uncomfortably, they had noticed the obvious too. Lyssa was becoming short-tempered with her for stupid mistakes.

Ekaterina started over and misstepped in a different spot.

"Stop. Enough if this train wreck," Lyssa called out again and walked to her, "I have no idea where your head is BALLERINA, but it is NOT on what you're doing."

Lyssa looked over to Katya, "Apparently she has mistaken your sweetness for being lax Katya, I see she needs.....personal attention, if she aspires to dance for christmas. You DO want to dance for christmas, Da?"

The rest had cringed when she had said 'personal attention', it didn't sound nice to them. In fact, even Katya almost looked away but caught herself.

"Da Prima Lyssa! I want to dance for christmas," Ekaterina answered quickly.

"Then what must happen to ensure that YOU do and not one of these OTHER fine dancers," Lyssa asked pointedly.

"I must work harder. No more mistakes Prima Lyssa," she answered without prompting.

"Perhaps it is an issue of discipline, your mind wandering, so I'll help you refocus your attention on dancing. You'll hold this position until I say otherwise. Just as Prima Katya and I learned about PROPER discipline," Lyssa stated.

She turned to address the group at large, "Playtime is OVER. Katya and I are your Primas. If YOU wish to take a place among us; you will need to impress us MUCH more than you think you have. Get started."

The dance mistress slammed her cane once calling Lyssa and Katya to the center front where they stood in a ready position and gave them all a firm look.

"Indeed our Lyssa has returned to us. Do as you know how Primas," Olga said firmly then left the room.

Everyone knew they were in for a very hard time now. Quickly they returned to first positions and began over again. It would not take long for them to start feeling correction by the two Primas.

~o~O~o~

Mikhail looked over at Nikoli, "so where are we with the distribution of the drugs?"

"The ectasy is selling well in the clubs," he answered.

"What about our ballerina friend how are her sales," Mikhail asked.

"No sales. She hasn't picked up any merchandise," Nikoli stated.

Mikhail looked at him silently for several moments then asked, "Why has she not? Her little sister is quite the little addict and if she will entice the others of the school then we will have a very exclusive clientele."

"Yes, but yesterday when I was telling her that she protested so I reminded her that its we that make the decisions not her," Nikoli said.

"How did you remind her Nikoli," he asked.

"Just a little attention getter," he said then amended when Mikhail gave him a fixed look, "a slap is all."

Mikhail slammed his fist to the desktop,"IDIOT! you slap a ballerina around! She's not some casual girl we turn out for whore! Hands off or I will handle her myself and find....other things for you to do."

Nikoli knew what that meant, working the desk at a low end brothel if he was lucky.

"I'll check my temper boss," Nikoli apologized.

Mikhail watched him for a minute then waved him to leave.

 

Nikoli checked his watch and saw it was almost time she would be finishing at the school and drove over to wait. Half an hour later he saw people leaving, some walking not so easily as they had been. Ekaterina gingerly walked out. Nikoli and his partner got out of the car and walked over to her.

He noted tears but hardened his expression and voice,"Katerina."

They both saw her wince as she stepped with her left foot.

"Looks like our little Kat has had a rough day, eh Dmitri," Nikoli chuckled.

"Please just go away I can not do this right now," she sniffed trying not to cry.

"She thinks to just leave forgetting business Nikoli," Dmitri smirked.

The big street enforcer grabbed her arm and pulled,chuckling malevolently. Ekaterina tried not to screech in pain from her sore feet.

"Please. Just let me go. I want to go home Nikoli," she begged as tears began to roll down her cheeks.

They both laughed at her protest. Dmitri didn't see the boot as it slammed into the side of his face. Nikoli spun to look but not fast enough as a follow through kick slammed into his face forcing him to the ground. He shook his head to clear the stars and looked up to see a tall blonde dressed in a black dance dress and pink tights with knee high black boots looking down at them both, a look of cold rage burned in her grey eyes.

"Before I start stomping the both of you into street-scum to be washed down the sewer; do you have any last words," Lyssa said in almost a whisper.

"Bitch! do you have any idea who we are," Dmitri spouted then bellowed in pain.

Lyssa had stomped down hard on his wrist, breaking it. Nikoli watched him tuck his arm close and try to roll away in an attempt to protect it. Lyssa stomped down on his knee to a rending crack as it snapped making him scream.

Ekaterina tried to slink away but turned to face Katya who slowly shook her head, slowly she turned back around and watched as Lyssa turned to the downed Nikoli. Lyssa snapped a swift kick into his groin making him curl up squealing.

"Are you the fool that bruised MY ballerina," she asked coldly.

When he didn't answer she fixed Ekaterina with a glare, "is he?"

Ekaterina looked down and nodded silently.

Lyssa dropped down with her knee across his throat and slammed four punches full force to his eyes blackening them.

"You will stay away from ballerinas or I will make you regret living," She stood up and walked over to Ekaterina and pointed at a sports car, "Get in, it appears you DO need personal attention."

---

CHAPTER 3

Madison walked into the office and sat down. It was saturday and hopefully the Major would be staying home. She booted up her computer and immediately went through the message traffic then pulled up the list of Lyssa's phone numbers. Her number for Moscow was active so she pinged Rodrick's satphone and saw he was in the Bahamas at his airfield. Odd they weren't together. Madison checked Lyssa's designation code and found no tasking. It was early morning in Washington but evening in Moscow so she called her.

"Da, Lyssa's phone," a girl with a heavy russian accent answered.

"hello. May i speak to Lyssa my name is Madison," she said.

The girl said something in Russian and Madison just barely heard Lyssa answer also in Russian.

She translated to Madison," Lyssa asked wait please. She is helping my understudy. We made her feet hurt today, I am Katya."

Madison replied warmly,"hello Katya. Lyssa told me about you, you both studied together at Bolshoi."

"Da. Lyssa is best friend but Ekaterina probably thinks not right now. We make her work hard today," Katya explained, "Lyssa is here."

Lyssa's voice came through,"Hey Madi what's up?"

"I snuck in to see if I needed to do anything before monday and saw you were in Moscow. Anything I need to know," she asked.

"no, I'm just helping Katya with her understudy," Lyssa explained.

Madison heard another voice in the background sounding very unhappy and Katya saying something in answer. Lyssa said something as well and it didn't sound as nice as Katya.

Madison asked," Are you two playing Good Prima/Bad Prima?"

Lyssa laughed at that,"Nice one Madison and you're not far from the truth."

Madison signed off chuckling, that poor girl will never be the same after being on the receiving end of Lyssa's toughlove approach to training. Nothing else grabbed her attention so she shut down and collected her purse and jacket then left.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa filled an empty coke bottle with hot water and came back.

"Roll this back and forth with your foot until its not hot anymore," she instructed the whimpering Ekaterina.

The young dancer did as she was told when Katya nodded her approval. Slowly she rolled the bottle back and forth on the floor with her sore foot. Lyssa brought back another for her other foot. Soon the pain began to ease and Lyssa emptied them and refilled with ice water. Ekaterina felt more relief rolling the bottles back and forth then stood to walk around at Katya's order.

"They've never hurt so bad Prima Lyssa, I will not be able to dance tomorrow," she gave her a panicked look.

"You can and you will, ballerina; because you must,"Lyssa stated as if there were no such thing as pain.

"You must listen to Lyssa. Obey her Ekaterina and you will never fail," Katya said gently,"you will never fail because Prima Lyssa will never let you fail."

"Prima Lyssa; the Ghost Legend," Ekaterina whispered to Katya.

"She is that for so many reasons, and always she is my idol," Katya said back, "For Lyssa there is nothing too much she could ask of me."

"I will try hard Prima Katya," Ekaterina sniffled.

"Good. You will begin with why those two dared to handle our ballerina," Lyssa said flatly.

Ekaterina looked down at the floor.

"She is a Prima. You must tell her," Katya urged her.

Ekaterina looked from Katya's gentle blue eyes to Lyssa's steel grey ones.

the dancer slowly said, "My little sister. She found a club that would let her in. Someone gave her pills. She liked them. She won't stop taking them, I have no more money. Our parents have no more money. The men want me to to sell the pills to dancers. I haven't done it Prima Lyssa! They slapped me and now they are angry because you hurt them."

"Name for me this worm," Lyssa said coldly.

"Mikhail Gretnekova, please Prima Lyssa, he is bad. Dangerous, stay away from him," Ekaterina pleaded.

Lyssa nodded for Katya to follow her back to the study.

Once inside she asked, "You know anything about this guy?"

"I have heard a little. He is a drug person, girls for sale too," Katya said.

"Where do I find him," Lyssa asked.

Katya thought for a moment, "I don't know but we both know somebody who would, Peter Iylovich. remember him?"

"Ah yes. Our favorite guy for all things," Lyssa smirked then dug a small book out of her desk and flipped through it until she found the page she wanted and dialed the number from it.

~o~O~o~

"hello Peter," a female voice said, "It's Lyssa."

"Ah, lovely Lyssa. I hear you are engaged now; or are you looking to sell that fabulous ring I saw in the photos," he chuckled.

"I'd like a private meeting in please Peter," Lyssa said.

"Not a problem, new club just open......" Peter offered.

"Private meeting Peter. Just you and me,"Lyssa cut him off.

Peter got serious quickly, "Da. you want private, you get private. Meet me at Lenin's tomb in an hour."

The fixer frowned to himself. Lyssa Kordenay was back in town and was being quiet about it. The American Prima made Peter nervous; even more so if her arrival wasn't in the papers or on television. He tried to remember if he'd done anything to her the last time she was in town.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa disconnected and went to the bedroom and changed into black leggings, a dark purple blouse and her boots; slipping the Marauder into her right boot and one of her Jerichos into a holster clipped to the back of a wide belt then shrugged into a long black coat.

As she walked back through she said to Katya, "get her fed and into a bath Katya. Then she can go to sleep."

"Da Lyssa, be careful. I'm sure Peter has not changed recently," she called back.

"I got it covered," Lyssa replied closing the door.

~o~O~o~

Peter stood blowing cigarette smoke rings for several minutes just inside Gorky Park when a voice as cool as the air spoke behind him.

"Still have those bad habits Peter," Lyssa asked rhetorically.

"Still playing in shadows Lyssa," he countered then slowly turned around.

Though he stood outside the circle of light from a streetlamp Lyssa had again bested him and stepped from the deeper shadows.

The Russian fixer walked close and leaned back against a tree, "so what do you want Lyssa? you've never asked for a meeting this private before," he stated.

"Mikhail Gretnekova," she said flatly.

"oh my. You've not picked up a habit of your own have you," he asked with a smirk.

It faded immediately when the moon shone through to reveal her stoney expression.

"He has made you angry; nyet," Peter asked, already knowing the answer.

She nodded slowly, making the Russian's blood freeze. Her anger was nothing to be taken lightly.

Peter thought for a moment then said, "Mikhail hangs out at Silk Kittens but he lives in a house just East of Gorky Park. He always has at least a couple of men with him until he goes to bed if he has a girl with him. He always has a girl with him, you can use your imagination about that. Three dogs are outside the house. Trained to kill but can not bark and he has the best security system on the market six months ago. what else?"

Lyssa reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a roll of bills and held them out to him.

Taking the money Peter asked, "Why do I get the feeling that if I mention this meeting to anybody I will not see the sunrise?"

Lyssa stepped back into the shadow, "You'd see it Peter. One last time."

Normally he'd chuckle at a comment like that from someone,but this was Lyssa. He'd even heard after her call that one of Mikhail's men had been taken to a hospital and wouldn't say how his arm and knee had been broken. Word on the street was that it had happened outisde Bolshoi.

Peter knew Dmitri was a serious fighter in the Sambo circles and had almost made it into Spetnatz but failed the mental tests. He enjoyed beating people and he didn't care who. Peter had seen Lyssa fight before. Quick and vicious, she took on men three times her size and had them screaming in less than a minute.

He didn't bother trying to see if she was still lurking, the breeze had shifted and he didn't smell her perfume anymore. A quick look at the roll and he was impressed with the money. Besides, he didn't like Gretnekova anyway.

Assholes like that came and went. People like Lyssa would always be around and it was best to best their good side; especially her. For some reason the night always seemed darker and colder when she was around.

---

CHAPTER 4

Mikhail locked the door and gave the girl standing in front of the bed a malevolent look that made her back up then fall back onto the bed. He slapped her back onto the bed then demanded she strip.

"Slow and sexy," he added with a harsh chuckle.

The girl stood up and started taking her clothes off as he said. She had just taken off her bra and was starting to push down her panties when he barely heard a soft click behind him.

"I did not call for anyone,"He snarled over his shoulder.

Something hard, cold and rounded pressed to the back of his head and he heard a loud click. The girl stopped and crossed her arms over her chest.

A cold sweet voice hissed from the shadow behind him, "How old are you girl?"

"Fifteen. Please don't hurt me. I promise I don't see you," she stammered fearfully.

"Leave. If you go straight home and never talk about being here I won't come after you child," the voice said.

The girl didn't answer; she just grabbed her clothes and ran from the room.

Mikhail sat very still as the shadow came around to stand infront of him in the dim light. A woman in black with streaks across her face stood aiming a pistol at his face.

He sneered at her, "go ahead, take my money or anything else in here. You won't make it out."

"Mikhail, tsk tsk. You really need to get with the program here. There is no one alive in the house that could try to stop me. Do you know who I am," she asked icily.

"You must be the ballerina. The one that took down Dmitri," he answered.

Lyssa nodded confirming it, "Yes. They call me the Ghost Legend. I am Lyssa."

They faced each other in silence for several moments until Mikhail said, "I'll be sure to remember you."

She thumbed back the hammer and said in a clear voice, "Past the gates and before the throne; I've been to Hell Mikhail. Where I send you; much worse."

The silenced autopistol coughed once, the bullet tore through his groin then two more trigger strokes sent more silenced rounds into his torso just inside his ribs. The blood that soaked out was almost black. Both bullets had ripped through his liver and lungs. Mikhail struggled to breathe then couldn't as his eyes swam in and out of focus.

Lyssa drew the Marauder and didn't wait for his eyes to glaze over. She set straight to work digging the modified hollowpoint bullets from his body as he shook violently trying to draw enough breath to scream. Lyssa lit a cigarette from his pack, tucked it into a book of matches and set it on the bed. She poured the high proof vodka down the corner of the bed and over to the wall then down the hallway and stairs. Silently as she had come, she walked out.

~o~O~o~

Katya looked to the door as Lyssa walked in, "I have been so worried, where have you been?"

"Out," Lyssa replied then walked straight over to the fireplace, tossed something into it and watched it burn.

"You have solved Ekaterina's problem haven't you," she asked as Lyssa hung up the coat then poured a glass of wine.

"She won't be bothered anymore Katya. Its late, go get some sleep," Lyssa said looking out the window as the first of snow began to fall.

"Lyssa, this is one of those things I'm not supposed to ask you about isn't it," Katya whispered.

When she didn't answer Katya said, "sometimes I am afraid and feel guilty. Guilty that you will go out to help us and afraid you will not come back. I heard what happened in London. A girl so afraid; she will not leave her house and another that will never walk, much less dance again. When I heard your name I was so frightened, but I saw you and was happy. I worry that someone's favor will be too much for you."

Lyssa sipped the wine then finally spoke, "you are the little sister I never had Katya. I will always come for you. You can worry less, Rodrick will always come for me. He was there when I needed him most. And as for the favors I do; one day we'll talk about that."

Katya hugged her.

"Go see to Katerina and get some sleep yourself. Tomorrow will be here soon," Lyssa said gently.

Katya nodded then walked quietly to check on her then into the other spare bedroom. Shortly after, she heard water running in Lyssa's bathroom but went to sleep.

~o~O~o~

Ekaterina finished her routines without any missteps. She had been working hard the past three days under Lyssa's unrelenting eyes with her right beside her dancing the part to ensure she understood it could be done.

The loud slamming of the dance mistress's cane three times caught her attention, she hurried to stand back and to the left of Lyssa in the same ready position.

"Well Prima Lyssa, is she ready to dance with the others now," the old woman asked sharply.

"Da Prima Olga! She has worked very hard to rejoin the cast; if she continues then she will be ready for christmas to perform as Clara," Lyssa answered.

The old woman nodded and Lyssa curtsied to her then moved to the side of the room and stood in the same ready position. Olga rapped her cane once to the floor. Ekaterina took that as a cue to begin and started her routines.

When she finally curtsied then rose to stand in the ready position.

After a few moments Olga looked to Lyssa and said, "another soon to be in your image. You are to be proud Prima Lyssa."

Lyssa stepped quickly over to stand beside Ekaterina and curtsied, "I have high hopes for this young one Prima Olga. I know she will not fail us."

Ekaterina tried hard not to show the smile at Lyssa's praise. First one then the rest of the cast began clapping for her at the doorway. Katya walked quickly over and curtsied to the dance mistress then to Lyssa and finally smiled to Ekaterina.

Katya firmly stated, "I know you will be stunning and flawless."

One of the young men led her back into the main studio to resume with them.

Three hours later they were released for the day. Ekaterina looked around then went to the changing room and glanced into the dance mistress' office then back into the main studio.

"Lyssa has gone ballerina,"Olga said.

She looked puzzled, "gone? But I have more rehearsals to do. She didn't say goodbye."

"Lyssa's task is complete,"Olga explained, "just as with she did with Katya and Marissa; Lyssa has shown you what could be done so that you would learn to believe in yourself. A dancer in trouble saved; you now owe her favor. Nyet?"

Ekaterina thought about it for a moment then nodded, "Da Prima Olga, I understand now. Yes, you are right, I have a debt. Anything Prima Lyssa asks will be hers."

The old dance mistress rapped her cane once, then turned back to her office.

Ekaterina knew she was dismissed and changed into her boots and left for home.

"Prima Lyssa. The Ghost Legend. I will never fail; because she will not LET me," Ekaterina said then smiled.

The young dancer now knew she was part of an elite sorority. Not only schooled by the imposing Prima, but also in her favor. Lyssa's favors; they too, were part of her legend.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick heard the front door open and checked his phone, no messages.

The sound of high heels in Lyssa's usual walking style made him smile as he turned on the lamp.

"Coulda called darlin'. I would've picked you up," He said as she walked into the bedroom.

"Its fine baby, go back to sleep. I'm going to rinse off real quick and join you,"Lyssa replied.

Rodrick sat up and waited while she did that then welcomed her into their bed when she walked out and slid in beside him. He switched off the light and held her close.

"Tell me you talked to that reverend about the church," Lyssa mumbled.

Rodrick chuckled,"Go to sleep my beautiful ballerina. we'll talk in the morning."

Lyssa playfully nipped his shoulder getting an 'ouch' from him and a quick swat on her butt then settled in and after a few minutes fell asleep.
 
 
 
 

 

Book 21 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Dannigan finds somebody interesting  Other people have their own plans though. WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 1

Dannigan sat reading a file. The list of skills weren't bad. eleven years in service; raw intelligence analysis, battlefield deception, some cryptography, electronic counter-warfare, field forensics, small arms. Languages were French, Russian, Spanish and German. Stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga. and currently under MPI investigation for conduct unbecoming with sub heading; suspected deviant sexual behavior. noted were the locations of two bars in Atlanta.

A quick social network search turned up that both were LGBT clubs; Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender. One even boasted to featuring the best DRAG revue in the south. Dannigan was reading between the report's lines.

Nobody really cared about gay or lesbian anymore. 'Suspected deviant sexual behavior' had been the terminology used to describe transgenders that had had been outed quietly. Most often they believed themselves safely closeted.

In short somebody doing something just as bad or worse blew the whistle if not out of professional jealousy, the reason why wasn't relevant. What happened next was.

Dannigan checked flights and cut orders for a hop to Atlanta. It was the weekend so it would be a strong chance of seeing the lieutenant out and about socially. Dannigan grabbed his go-bag and headed for the door.

 

Five hours later he walked through the door. He paid the cover charge and strolled inside. Many of the tables were occupied but he found a vacant one easily and sat down. He had a better view of the crowd than the stage which was ok, he wasn't there for the actual show.

A drag waitress came by, "What can I get you Handsome?"

"A bourbon on the rocks would be nice," Dannigan answered and dropped a twenty on the tray.

The waitress smiled and returned a couple of minutes later and placed a napkin on the table then set the drink on it along with his change.

Dannigan set the ten bill back on the tray, "big night tonight?"

She smiled big and answered, "Sure is Handsome! One of the performers was a big-time Las Vegas showgirl."

"Well then! I came to the right place for entertainment it seems," He remarked.

"Well of course you did, now what else can I do for you," She asked with a brighter smile.

He patted his pockets absently then frowned, "hmmm I had a cigar. I guess I left it behind, would there happen to be any for sale?"

"Sure thing. The bartender also works at a tobacconist. I'll see what he recommends," The waitress exaggerated the swing of hips walking back to the bar and returned, "He recommends this one. Its a North Carolina blend with a deep maple flavor and sized perfect for a gentleman such as yourself."

Dannigan ran the cigar under his nose and gave a nod of appreciation then handed it back along with another twenty bill. The waitress clipped the end, cut a plug in the center then handed it back. She struck a match to light it for him.

He drew in the smoke then let it out slowly, "I dare say the service here is exemplary, thank you."

"If you need anything; Karen is the name," she said then went over to take another table's order.

He slowly scanned the crowd and wanted to groan. Dannigan easily spotted a man with two women watching the door from across the room. Even though he sported a modified regulation haircut, he forgot to leave his 'I'm a military bad ass' attitude back
on base.

The two female MPs he was sitting with were doing better at not drawing attention even though they all stood out with the single bottles of water each and no interaction among themselves or other people. Not to mention the jeans and t-shirts. Most of the other patrons wore club wear or business attire. Nah; they didn't stand out. As inconspicuous as cub scouts in cat-house.

He had no idea why they called themselves investigators when the man set a small camera on the table top and pressed the top. Dannigan himself then allowed his gaze to meander to the other side of the room and saw who they were waiting for; the same person he was.

The lieutenant wore a modest cut blue dress and long strawberry blonde wig. Her date looked to him like either a professional fitness trainer or amateur bodybuilder. They took a table between his and the stage which was perfect for him, he could see everybody and still look like he was watching the show starting in ten minutes.

Twenty minutes into the show he asked Karen to hold his table for him, with the help of a twenty dollar tip, and slipped outside. It only took him two minutes to find the government car and another minute to flatten two tires. The spook then went back inside.

He mentioned to the waitress he needed the restroom and dropped a tracking dot into the lieutenant's open purse passing by then returned to his table a couple of minutes later. A drink refill request with another tip kept the waitress Karen accommodating. He also sent moderate tips to the performers via the waitresses then slipped Karen a twenty again, with compliment of service on his way out as the final performer took their bow.

~o~O~o~

Kim glanced around for the fifth time but nothing really stood out. Only her date Brendan knew she was in the Army that she knew of. The Army didn't like to send women into gay bars to investigate because they tended to be more sympathetic. Something felt off all night though, like she was being watched but couldn't see by whom.

The show was over so she told him she was ready to leave. They had a late dinner at an all night diner then he dropped her off at the apartment she secretly kept in Atlanta. She stood on the balcony. The air had cooled but it wasn't cold yet. Her cellphone rang and she saw a text message,

You and I should talk. The park is nice. No need to change Lieutenant, you're suitable as is.

Somebody knew.

With the feel of impending doom Kim picked up her purse and went downstairs to the small park across the street. A lone man in a dark suit stood looking at the fountain. she stepped up but said nothing.

"Penny for your thoughts Lieutenant," the man asked then tossed one in.

"Just two. who are you and what do you want,"Kim replied.

"Somebody that knows your career is just about over. It is Kim, isn't it," he asked.

"MPI? CID,"She asked.

"Does it matter," he commented.

"yeah, it does," she answered.

"Neither. I'm somebody that knows you have the code clearances: Arctic Blue and Iron Horse. You spent a week last year hanging out with Admiral Barstow's SweatHogs," He replied.

She was impressed, no check that. She was stunned. This guy had to be high level DOD to know all that. It wasn't even listed as a TDY assignment and as for the Iron Horse clearance, not even her DD 208 file supplemental mentioned she had it.

"So what do you want," Kim asked.

"You didn't see the three MPI investigators in the club tonight," he said flatly, "they took pictures of you Kimberly. I'm sure its not the first time; not that it matters. First time, last time. They took pictures to finalize the investigation. I'd say you have at the most a month left then you'll be called in for review and be given the choice; resign your commission for personal reasons or court-martial for conduct unbecoming: deviant sexual behavior."

Kim sat down on the edge of the fountain and buried her face in her hands.

"The world is not over Kimberly. Life goes on; if you want it to," Dannigan said then passed a card to her and left.

Silently she looked at the card. No name or affiliation, just a number.

---

CHAPTER 2

Lyssa stood on the deck drinking juice looking out at the waves coming in, a slow Monday morning. Rodrick was on a vid conference on the computer after their daily triathlon which he won for a change. Lyssa would be getting a video soon for the production of the Nutcracker in Washington.

Rodrick and his guys were gearing down for the winter. Not too many chartered around the Caribbean. They either flew commercially or had their own transport.

Normally he'd be settling in at the hangar for the holidays and she'd be making her way to wherever she'd be dancing for christmas. Last year had been London and the previous had been Moscow.

This year was different; they'd both be staying on Grand Cayman until the first of December then go to her main house to be close to Washington for the production but be back in time for new year's eve. It felt strangely good to be in one place for a long time.

 

Rodrick was changing though, he'd already worked on her car and yesterday she'd seen him inspecting the fence. if Dannigan were here he'd comment that Rodrick was becoming domesticated. She felt the vibration of Rodrick's footsteps across the deck and when he slid his hands onto her hips she leaned back against him.

"Well, service is pretty much shut down for the approaching holidays. The Gulfstream, Lear, C-130, Renegade and Bell helo will stay ready though just in case," he said.

"Pete looking forward to spending the holidays with his future in-laws," Lyssa asked.

"They broke up last night," Rodrick remarked.

"No way! what happened," She exclaimed looking back.

Rodrick grimaced,"well;she kinda spouted off. And your name came up. Apparently she thinks that she should have exclusive designer clothes, shoes and huge house on Nassau."

Lyssa rolled her eyes, "fucking hell. That idiotic airhead."

He shook his head then finished, "gets worse. An engagement ring worth thirty grand."

"Dear god, what the hell is wrong with her," Lyssa groaned.

Rodrick turned her around and looked at her squarely, "you still don't get it do you? She's jealous of you. She thinks I pretty much buy you anything and everything too. Pete's tried to explain how independent you really are but she won't listen and last night they really had it out in the middle of a restaurant. she left in the middle of the night to go home alone."

"oh no, what about Pete," Lyssa asked.

Rodrick shrugged, "He's moved in to the apartment at the hangar. All my things are practically here anyway."

The ringing of Lyssa's phone interrupted the conversation. Rodrick held onto her as she walked inside laughing then threw himself into a chair bringing her onto his lap with a light squeal.

"hello," she answered giggling.

"did I interrupt you two," Dannigan asked.

Lyssa laughed, "Not this time Major."

Upon hearing that Rodrick spoke loudly, "How the hell are we supposed to do anything much less each other when you call at any given hour Paul?"

Dannigan laughed and retorted, "get married and I might show some consideration."

"HEY; we're working on that,"Lyssa commented hotly.

"Speaking of working; aren't you dancing here in Washington for christmas," Dannigan asked.

"Yes, Madison should be quite excited unless she goes home for the holidays,"she replied.

Dannigan said, "Oh she already made plans for a christmas eve flight so she could see the show if you're in it."

"Box seats for three then," Lyssa remarked.

"might need to make it four," Dannigan told her.

Lyssa gasped, "you gonna have a date?"

Rodrick got up to answer the door after hearing the bell ring.

"what's up Major? you didn't call to tease us and pass the time of day," Lyssa asked.

Dannigan paused then said,"True, I didn't. I found somebody that I'd like you to meet but not right now. give a couple of weeks."

Lyssa went quiet for minute then asked, "are you recruiting?"

"maybe. too soon to tell," he answered.

"Something go south in a bad way," she demanded quietly.

"Not like what happened to you but there are, points of common interest," Dannigan said.

"Does Paul need you on a plane baby," Rodrick asked her, to which she shook her head. He held up a slim package indicating it was for her.

she nodded and took it.

"so what you're saying is; be prepared to make a social visit," Lyssa presumed.

"something like that," Dannigan said then disconnected.

~o~O~o~

"Morning Sir," The young soldier stood and saluted as Keith walked into the JAG offices.

"morning specialist, is Colonel Sanson in yet," he asked.

"I'll check Sir," the specialist said and walk back to the offices.

a moment later she returned, "The colonel has a few minutes, third door on the left sir."

Keith nodded and walked back to the open door and was waved in. He stepped in and closed the door behind him.

"Been awhile Lieutenant Thompson, what's on your mind," the colonel asked.

"I'd like to speak off the record Colonel," Keith said.

The colonel fixed him with a stare, "ok; off the record. sit down Lieutenant."

"Sir I'm going to ask a direct question and I want a direct answer; am I under investigation," he asked bluntly.

The colonel had been leaning back in his chair but now leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desk, "Thompson you know I wouldn't be able to confirm or deny that."

"with all DUE respect Colonel, don't sprinkle sugar on that shit and call it candy. if it weren't for me you'd never slammed the door on that captain ripping off the ammunition supply last year and I can prove that. Because of me you got those eagles on your collar. I can make them go away even faster," Keith said.

"You'd need video with audio to do that Thompson, don't fuck with me," Sanson smirked.

"I have it, now spill it or you'll live in the shitbird tree til hell freezes over," He snarled back.

The colonel no longer looked smug, "fuck. You'd do it too just for effect. Alright Thompson; the answer is yes. And before you even think about asking, no i can't make it go away."

Keith looked at him furiously,"I want the file. Who brought the investigation and why."

"you can get nuke codes faster, don't be a dumbass. MPI is stand alone and you know it. Look, you're under investigation for conduct unbecoming that's all I know," Sanson explained.

"Sonofabitch," Thompson snarled.

"Look Thompson, you're done from what they're saying. its airtight and nobody can stop it," Sanson said.

"Damn you," Thompson snarled again.

"Look I just fucking found out twenty minutes ago! Nothing came through this office at all until this morning. There's nothing that can
be done," Sanson explained, "They filed the charges this morning. Its now officially in motion. I'm sorry Thompson, you did me a favor and I would help but I can't. Its beyond me. Hell they won't even show me the file."

Thompson all but ripped the door open and left.

~o~O~o~

Madison sent the message from her terminal to Dannigan's then walked in,"Major...."

"Yes Madison I see it. They moved faster than I thought they would," Dannigan remarked.

"Its almost like a witch hunt Sir," Madison commented.

Dannigan looked at her, "like? No Madison. That is exactly what it is. Somebody has a serious mad-on for Lieutenant Thompson and wants him gone. The way this is going it means one of two things; pay off or payback."

"but who and why Major," Madison asked.

"I think I'll find out," Dannigan said and started pulling up programs.

 

It took six hours to sift through quietly to find what he was looking for but came up short. A tip off via burnphone. He kept digging until he found the number.

a burn phone that had a Columbus, Georgia number. the phone had been purchased at a national chain convenience store. By Five pm he was watching the video of the store's security camera footage. He hit pay dirt; within the time frame of the phone purchase. a man wearing civilian clothes with a ball cap and shades made the purchase. He switched to the exterior camera and forwarded to the time and watched as the man got into the passenger seat of a truck.

a quick run of the plate number revealed the owner to be a member of the same battalion as Thompson. He pulled up the still of the purchaser and ran recognition against all members of the battalion. Within moments he got a hit. a review of the soldier's record brought the puzzle together.

Reprimanded three times by Thompson for dereliction of duty and once for endangering personnel. Dannigan read the reports.

The guy came from upper middle class, played football but not good enough for a scholarship or to be scouted by a professional team. Parents were strictly religious though all indications were that he wasn't. Everything was spelled out in big letters.

Thompson had legitimate right to action against Benton, but Benton was being an ass about it. School records revealed barely mediocre grades, numerous write ups for class disruption, especially fights. Benton was a bully, but couldn't bully Thompson. so found a way to get rid of, rather than intimidate. this was all about revenge. Dannigan compiled the data onto a disc. Now to wait.

---

CHAPTER 3

two days after the call, Lyssa moved from room to room securing the house. Rodrick checked the outside then loaded the luggage into her car. Lyssa finally came out to join him.

"So why are we leaving early," Rodrick asked settling in to drive.

"I have this strong feeling that we need to be close to Washington," Lyssa answered.

"Ok. If you think that's where we should be then we'll go, never led us wrong before," Rodrick agreed.

He drove them from the house to the airport's private hangars and parked inside one. Half an hour later they were flying north and landed that evening at the private airfield outside Washington.

 

In short time they had picked up her car from storage and drove to her house on the beach. Lyssa switched her phone over to the local number.

"why do I get the feeling that our mornings aren't going to change even though we both know that water is colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra," Rodrick asked.

Lyssa laughed, "Because you know I'm not about to give you a minute of peace."

Rodrick gave an exaggarated groan as they parked in front of the front porch.

Lyssa hurried in and deactivated the systems then came back out to help Rodrick with the luggage and groceries.

"Answer me a serious question, "Rodrick said.

Lyssa was checking her messages, "Sure."

"what does that second system do," he asked.

Lyssa answered casually, "sixteen claymores and four containers of white phosphorous."

Rodrick sloshed some of the whiskey he was pouring and looked at her to see if she grinned. she didn't. Translation- she wasn't kidding! The house was a death trap to any who would be dumb enough to break in.

Rodrick turned on the tv while she was answering messages, "Hey! Monday Night Football!"

She chuckled at that then logged out of the website and went to start dinner.

They wagered a massage on the outcome of the game, which she won without even watching, opting to enjoy a bubble bath after watching the video of choreography for the ballet.

~o~O~o~

Keith Thompson couldn't believe it, who the hell could be ringing his doorbell at one in the morning.

Opening the door revealed the stranger from the park, "Well well...if it isn't Mr.Know-it-all. Its been a week now."

Dannigan walked in and immediately over to the central light fixture and pulled the bug from it then walked backwards to an air vent and yanked it open, pulling a video camera from it. Keith swore loudly.

Dannigan waited until he paused and simply handed a disc, "Today is the day they make their move. You don't have a snowball's chance in hell Lieutenant."

"Let me guess; you have a way to stop it. For a price," Keith said sarcastically.

"I'm not here to blow smoke up your ass Lieutenent. You're done in the Army and it came from within your own unit, seems they been compiling the 'evidence' for months and started logging it this past week. that's how I found out," Dannigan explained.

Keith sat down looking at the floor,"What can I do about this?"

Dannigan sighed, "I mentioned before; Life goes on. If you want it to. You may not be able to keep what you have but its possible to do better but its up to you Lieutenant. Today is the last day of your service in the Army whether you like it or not. Personally I hate to see a person as valuable as yourself go to waste. You know how to reach me if you change your mind; Kimberly. If it was me, I'd slam the whole lot on my way out."

Dannigan turned and left closing the door behind him and leaving the disconnected electronics in a box. Keith picked up his phone and made a call.

"Hey. You still have all that stuff from when you worked for that private investigator," Keith asked, "I'd like to borrow some of it and get your help tomorrow morning."

~o~O~o~

During the morning's PT formation Keith was called aside and told to skip PT and report to the JAG office in dress uniform at nine am. At the appointed time the doors opened and the MP walked inside with him then gestured to a table and chair. at the opposite table sat Colonel Sanson and three men he didn't know but all wore the shoulder patch of MPI. Five Generals sat behind
a bar desk on a raised platform.

"Be seated Lieutenant, we'll begin," the general seated center announced.

"I see no defending counsel General," Thompson pointed out.

The General ignored the protest, "You may present your evidence."

The MPI captain stepped forward and presented a file," Lieutenant Thompson was observed on multiple occasions frequenting social establishments in Atlanta catering to gay/lesbian/ transgender people in attire inappropriate to an officer of his gender; conducting himself in behavior also inappropriate to an officer of his gender, as well as forays of shopping in said manner to sustain such conduct. At this time such activities constitute the charges: Conduct Unbecoming of an officer; Deviant Sexual Behavior, Misrepresentation by an Officer and Gross Insubordination by an Officer. Grounds for discharge by Court Martial."

Keith surged forth, snatched the file and shuffled through the photos and found what he was looking for and held it up, "This was taken in my civilian apartment from inside! where's the civilian warrant Captain?"

The General in the center bellowed, "LIEUTENANT! You will return to your seat IMMEDIATELY!"

Keith reached behind his back and drew his personal pistol and thumbed back the hammer and pressed the muzzle to the groin of the Captain.

"Fuck off. You forgot to get a warrant from a civilian judge, shit for brains. Somebody thinks they have balls that clank it seems. I have no problem fixing that," he said coldly.

"HOW DARE YOU BRING A WEAPON INTO A HEARING," another General demanded.

"Hearing? What hearing? this is a bullshit kangaroo fuck-up in direct violation of military law that will not be recognized as official in any way. I'll have the name of the criminal son of bitch who authorized this illegal operation now, as well as the instigator of it or I'll pull the trigger Captain ClusterFuck and you won't have to worry about having those balls anymore," Keith replied coldly.

The General seated at the end answered, "I authorized it! We have enough problems with the fags and dikes as it is but I won't allow drag queens to prance around pretending to be worthy of a commission! I received the tip from private Benton whom you've harassed."

"Private Benton who has been official reported as derelict in duty by the Company Commander and for endangering troops by a Brigade Commander that I was under orders to document? I know he has a personal ax to grind because he's stupid and unfit for the uniform, but you have no excuse and are unworthy of those stars," Keith pointed out.

Keith smiled and showed the empty magazine well of the pistol, walked back to the table and lifted his class-A cap to reveal a video camera.

Keith picked up both, "This'll be on all the news networks by the end of the day. Its being uploaded to the internet now by a friend. Every single one your careers are over. You assholes may have killed my career but I'm taking each and every single one of you with me. I already resigned my commission; I refuse to serve with the same traitorous fascists I'm sworn to defend this nation against. I'm going to take those stars away you bastard."

Keith strode from the room as an argument ensued about why hadn't he been searched for weapons and recording devices and how to stop the news networks from running the story. He'd already removed all personal effects from his office during PT. Before reporting to JAG he went to the Division Headquarters and dropped off the time sensitive marked packet containing his resignation at the duty officer and received the confirmation of receipt.

 

He passed by the battalion and saw the private standing in front, laughing and making gestures in a group of other soldiers. Keith parked and slipped up close to them.

"Benton," Keith said from behind him.

The arrogant enlisted turned laughing, "what?"

Keith punched him squarely in the face then kicked him in the groin.

"I knew you were a no-balls pussy loser but you took scum to a new level," Keith snarled then grabbed him by the head and rammed his knee to the man's forehead.

Satisfied, Keith then left post via the main gate.

~o~O~o~

"HOLYYYYYYY FUUUUUCK! LYSSAAAAAA! YOU NEED TO SEE THIS," Rodrick called from the living room.

Lyssa walked from the studio into the living room and looked to the tv. the lead story of the evening news was the fiasco of an attempted court martial of an army officer for being transgender. Seemed there had been unlawful breaking and entering of a civilian residence to gather inadmissible evidence and no defending counsel as well as various other things including one general going on record using gay-bashing slurs.

The Pentagon was refusing to comment; which was really shooting themselves in the foot.

Rodrick looked to Lyssa, "You don't suppose this has anything to do with Paul wanting us to be stateside do you?"

Lyssa didn't even get a chance to answer as her phone rang.

She answered it on the second ring,"Hello. yeah we saw. ok, I'll get cleaned up and changed."

She disconnected and turned to Rodrick.

"That was Paul,"he stated.

"Yeah, he wants me at the office and you to go to Atlanta, Georgia to pick up that lieutenant and himself to fly back here," Lyssa replied.

Lyssa unlaced her pointe shoes and went to the bedroom to return wearing a pair of black heels and carrying her purse. Rodrick pulled on a pair of snake skin western boots, grabbed his satphone and keys. before they even pulled out onto the road he'd called the airfield and had them start getting his plane ready. Lyssa dropped him off and watched him take off then returned to the house to shower and change.

---

CHAPTER 4

Keith looked out the window after the pilot's announcement,"We're on final approach now, buckle up back there."

After landing and getting out, a tired looking well dressed woman greeted and directed them to a silver SUV. Keith thought to himself that she must be the pilot's girlfriend seeing them hug and he got into the passenger seat as the man who referred to himself as Major Dannigan settled in the back.

Curiously she didn't join them at the building they were dropped off at but the pilot led the way inside.

"You said things could be better if I wanted it," Keith said,"What did you mean by that?"

"well Lieutenant you can't serve in the military and no other intelligence service will go anywhere near you, but instead of taking your life back per se, what about taking on the life you want, with some concessions," Dannigan stated.

"Concessions? what concessions," Keith asked confused.

"I'd say its fairly safe to assume that you want to leave behind your male life and pursue the life of a woman. Wouldn't you," Dannigan asked as the elevator chimed and opened letting them out.

"yeah, I would. Not that it would matter now, all hopes for a career of any kind are done for thanks to the Army not to mention my stunt with the video," Keith answered.

Rodrick said casually, "what if somebody that had it worse than you had done exactly that; claim a new life and become not only become a great person but have three solid careers at the same time with nobody the wiser?"

Keith stopped in front of a set of double doors and looked at him," Yeah right. Like that could really be possible."

Dannigan gestured to the doors. Keith opened one and walked in, it was closed behind him leaving him alone. A blonde woman turned from looking out the window and walked forward.

"Hello Lieutenant. I understand you doubt the possibility of a successful life after such a disaster. I'll be happy to prove you wrong, I'm Lyssa Kordenay," Lyssa smiled.

~o~O~o~

Madison returned with a pizza box and passed it to Rodrick and fussed at him,"hey now....no butts on MY desk."

Rodrick chuckled and stood up then looked at Dannigan, "hey pay the lady, its your fault i missed out on dinner at home with my fiance."

Dannigan laughed as well and passed the money to Madison.

"What do you think Major," Madison asked.

"taking things alot better than Lyssa did. I find it strange though," Dannigan answered between bites of pizza.

Rodrick asked,"how so paul?"

Dannigan chewed for a minute then washed down the pizza with some coffee," Well you have to remember that Lyssa got the rawest deal ever. sold out, captured on mission, tortured for a week and then tossed aside because of that."

Madison gasped, "Dear god, that's why she was always so angry? I never understood."

Dannigan wiped his mouth with a napkin and explained," Now you know why Lyssa had a mad-on for Ramon Padosa; it was his cartel."

Madison thought for a minute then said softly," Congressman Alkowitz."

Dannigan and Rodrick both nodded.

"Lyssa got her revenge but it took years to get there," Dannigan reminded her.

She remembered the incident and said nothing.

Rodrick took over then, "Lyssa went from one of the top operators in the U.S. military to nothing in a matter of days and the shell shock from her capture was still working her over hour by hour plus the fact that the Army wasn't dealing with her at all. She was done. They'd pretty much wrote her off for dead when the mission went FUBAR. The only reason they rescued her to prevent the hemorrhaging of information. Rescue if possible; liquidate if necessary were the orders."

Madison looked shocked,"that's horrible!"

"That's the world of Black Ops Madison. We volunteered for it and know the stakes. Dying on mission isn't a problem for any of us. The problem comes not from the enemy getting lucky but rather our friends betraying us to them," Rodrick explained," That's why Lyssa kept taking missions, she believes its the right thing to do and she can do it. Better than anybody else, proved that too."

~o~O~o~

Lyssa stood silently waiting the initial shock to pass from Keith Thompson.

Finally Keith sputtered, "You? The Lyssa Kordenay? The model; the ballerina. I don't understand."

"I was once in the Army. Special Operational Detachment Delta team: DemonWraiths," she said.

The shock was replaced with confusion, "The DemonWraiths are only a rumor. Hell Deltas are all men still. How could you be one? oh. OH! No way!"

"That was a lifetime ago,"Lyssa smiled, "this is what was underneath. This is the real me."

"How," Keith asked.

"It took time, almost three years to change and train. Then another to establish myself internationally. I went operational again during that time and haven't quit, even found time to enjoy life. Found love too," she explained.

"That's unbelievable," Keith said in awe.

Lyssa stepped closer, "I may be the only one of my kind, but will someone named Kimberly be following close to my footsteps?"

Keith asked, "How do we get started?"

"Give Madison all of your keys and the addresses and phones," Lyssa instructed, "I won't lie to you. This process will hurt. I didn't do a normal transition and neither will you. This is excellerated. Because of your current appearance, you'll feminize faster than I did. By christmas you'll pretty much be done. except for final surgery. I will say that you'll have it easier and faster than I did."

"Lyssa this is fucking october the first," Keith stated.

Lyssa didn't blink. Keith now understood, apparently some project ended up having unforeseen side-effects that could be exploited for this purpose.

Lyssa explained," you'll be smuggled down to the Caribbean until its time for final surgery. You'll be on an island but not alone, somebody else will be there to kinda keep you company and safe. but first you'll get a series of injections and also a facial surgery. There's a house in Georgetown that you'll stay at while things are in motion, but know this; only the people from this office can know the whole truth. There will be no more contact with anybody, ever. Do you agree? Keith? or Kimberly? Take time and think about it."

Lyssa walked over to the doors and stepped out.

 

Dannigan watched as Lyssa sat on Rodrick's lap and stole his slice of pizza.

Madison giggled," What's her's is her's and what your's is her's. Get used to it"

Rodrick protested, "hey that ain't no where near being right."

Lyssa and Madison laughed.

"It may be two on two here but I feel outnumbered Rod," Dannigan chuckled.

Madison looked to Lyssa, "what do you think Lyssa?"

Lyssa dabbed around her lips with a napkin, "never assume."

Madison nodded at that, it was a phrase used often. She understood its meaning; just when you think its all figured out you suddenly realize you got it all wrong. the lesson: don't leave to chance, go with certainty. Lyssa was proof of that and was damn lucky to be alive to impart that knowledge. The moral of her story is; If somebody isn't going along on the mission then they don't need to know about it.

 

Dannigan looked to the doors as they opened and Keith walked out.

He looked to Dannigan and said,"I want in Major."

Lyssa looked at Keith intently for a moment then nodded to Dannigan.

"You're in," Dannigan stated then looked to Madison, "Take the Lieutenant over to the apartment in Georgetown and you can have the day off if you drop off some supplies by noon."

"I can do that," Madison answered then picked up her purse.

"See you later," Keith asked.

"yeah, you'll see me later on but not today. Do us a favor though, stay indoors while here, the backyard is private though; Kimberly Susan Moore," Lyssa said.

Keith smiled and nodded then followed Madison out, picking up the small carry-on bag.

Dannigan waited until after the elevator door had closed and looked over to Lyssa and Rodrick, "Project Chrysalis has restarted."

Lyssa said,"I'll work up a program and list of supplies."

"I'll have Eddie, my mechanic, get that spare trailer set up next to the hangar," Rodrick added.

"Sounds good, stop in tomorrow afternoon," Dannigan concluded.

Lyssa stood up as did Rodrick. They held hands heading for the elevator even though Rodrick snagged another slice of pizza making Dannigan chuckle.
 
 
 

 

Book 22 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   An understudy of Lyssa is in Chicago  but something terrifying is there too! WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 
 
 
CHAPTER 1

Marissa watched as the sheet was pulled back and gasped in horror at the face revealed. Her younger sister had dark marks around her neck, a bruise on her cheek. He pulled the sheet back up but not before revealing several marks on her chest. She couldn't help it and pulled the sheet further down and saw them. Cuts. Slits. Holes.

"Miss. Please.....that's not going to help," another man gently moved the sheet back up to cover the dead girl.

Marissa sobbed, "its her. its Jeanie.....Janine."

The Coroner started to slide the platform back.

Marissa grabbed at it, "Please don't! Jeanie's afraid of the dark!"

She looked back to the detective,"Please don't put her in there!"

The Detective gently steered her to the door and walked her out, "There's some things to take care of Ms. Addams."

The ballerina from Hawaii cried trying to focus her eyes on the sheets of paper being handed to her to fill out and sign. After the final form was signed a brown envelope was handed to her along with a slip of paper. As Marissa walked out cameras flashed and lights came on.

someone thrust a microphone at her, "Marissa! Marissa! How do you feel about your sister being raped and murdered by the Satin Slasher?"

Other microphones and recorders began pushing to get a response. People began shoving and pushing to get closer. Someone surged forward, slamming Marissa in the face, holding a microphone. An officer grabbed them and promptly started reading them Miranda rights.

"You can't arrest me! I have First Amendment rights," the reporter protested.

The officer stated, "You're being arrested for assault dip-shit, you just punched a woman in the face in public, multiple witnesses and cameras to confirm that. Oh and you can quote me on that asshole. Anybody else want a night on the City?"

The crowd began to ease back giving Marissa room as she held her hand over her eye and hurried to her car and sped away. She got to the hotel and rushed inside. Marissa rode the elevator up then ran down the hall and fumbled to unlock the door. Inside she fell back against the closed the door and broke down, all but screaming.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa looked up when she heard the newscaster open with the name Marissa Addams. She listened closely to the rest of the news report but had missed the bulk of it. Lyssa got up from the couch and hurried to her laptop. Easily she pulled up breaking news feeds using Marissa's name and read the story.

Lyssa wasted no time, rushing to the bedroom and grabbed clothes and threw them into her suitcase. Chicago was one of the few places she didn't have a house. After a minute of debate she called the airport and made a first class reservation on a direct flight to chicago. A second call to Madison to meet her at the office to pick her up and take to the airport. She passed off her car keys as well for Rodrick in case he came back from the Bahamas before she returned.

She checked her suitcase through and kept the carry-on case with her. It took twenty minutes to get through security then board the plane. The flight wasn't very long but she managed a nap easily and hit the ground in chicago running after sunset.

 

Lyssa rented a car then made a call to Madison who had traced Marissa's credit card to the James Hotel, a boutique hotel favored by the arts and entertainment crowd looking to be low-key.

Madison's search also got Lyssa the room number as well. Lyssa registered there as well but took the penthouse, she dropped off her luggage and went down to Marissa's room.

She knocked gently then again and called out,"Marissa. Marissa. Its me Lyssa, open up."

the door yanked open and the brunette bolted out crying, "Lyssa! I'm so glad you're here!"

Lyssa guided her friend back into the room and sat her down.

"Its not chance you're here. You came for me. Didn't you,"Marissa sniffed.

Lyssa nodded, "Tell me everything. including how you got that shiner."

Marissa covered her eye unconsciously then slowly started telling her everything.

"Lyssa you already knew Jeanie was here. She had only a month left at the university before she was going to Moscow to study under Olga at Bolshoi. Someone; no. Some monster took her Lyssa! She was raped. That. That disgusting, vile, inhuman MONSTER! Took my baby sister, raped her, and then cut up her body. Oh god Lyssa; there were bruises and knife marks all over her! I hate whoever did this Lyssa! I want them to hurt so much more than they ever did to Jeanie! Lyssa, I ask favor of the Ghost Legend; take me and Jeanie home," Marissa begged her mentor as she sobbed.

Lyssa hugged the young woman who once was her understudy, now a Prima herself, and nodded, "I can not grant favor in this. I will take you two home, there will be no debt. You will owe me no favor and no thanks for this."

Lyssa went down the hall and brought back some ice in a small bag which she wrapped in a towel and put over Marissa's eye.

"Marissa, how many people know you are in this exact room," Lyssa asked.

"I gave the police my cell number," Marissa answered.

"Ok. Grab your things. Come with me," she replied.

They collected the luggage and went up to the penthouse. Lyssa had her check out via the night manager.

"Now you have some privacy Marissa. Its not known to the press I am here. It won't last long though," Lyssa said then ordered some hot chocolate.

She secretly sprinkled a small amount of a sedative powder into it then gave to Marissa. Once Marissa was asleep Lyssa called Dannigan.

 

"Its late Kordenay," the spook answered on the second ring.

Lyssa spoke in an icy voice, "I'm in Chicago. I want some things."

Dannigan was wide awake now, "oh shit! What's the story?"

"Some idiotic fuck of a serial killer slaughtered Marissa Addams little sister here. I need Kimberly to start doing what she knows how to do. I'm going hunting. Send me an armament load here at the hotel I'm at. The sick fuck belongs to me now," Lyssa said coldly.

Dannigan sighed, "Marissa studied under you, I remember her name. You'll get what can be had on intel. You're shipment will be there soon. Full residential package."

It was understood what such a package contained. Several of her Jericho pistols, CAR-15s, Colt 10mm pistols for Rodrick, Heckler and Koch MP-7s, grenades (frag, concussion, incendiary, flashbangs, smoke and tear-gas), additional knives, claymores, plastic explosives, Det-Cord, Det-sheet, blasting caps, detonators, magazines and rounds. The exact same load out she had at each of her houses. The package would arrive as two large hard suitcases by special courier.

Lyssa disconnected and stared out the window, "enjoy your moment while you can. I'm coming for you. I'm coming soon and not a damn thing on this earth will stop what's going to happen to you."

~o~O~o~

Detective Todd Mulhearn groaned. The FBI criminal behaviour team were inbound. their plane had landed and they were on their way in. The whole case just went to hell as far as he was concerned.

The last time the FBI took over multiple murder in chicago; they blew it big time. The perpetrator stayed a step ahead and tried to run for Canada ending in a shoot-out with Immigration with another 5 people murdered in the firefight, including a transit authority officer, two federal agents wounded and a canine crippled and had to be put down.

The Transit officer had been his brother-in-law. His own sister still constantly blames him for the death.

The liason agent walked over,"Detective Mulhearn? I'm agent Harton."

Mulhearn looked up," I know who you are agent Harton. where's S.A.C. Williams?"

"I'm right here Detective," a dark suited man answered.

Mulhearn stood up and beckoned them to follow then led them down to an empty office, "Everything is in here and the coffee machine is over there. that's it."

The smirking Fed blocked him,"what's the attitude for? taking the case?"

Mulhearn looked at him steadily then said flatly,"No Special Asshole in Charge. Your last fuck-up here got a bunch of people killed. Including my brother-in-law. Now every sunday afternoon I repeatedly have try to explain to my sister why she shouldn't blame me for your incompetence that made her world go to Hell. She miscarried their baby when she got the call he was dead. No husband, no baby. Just misery and I get your blame for it because you wanted to grand stand to be in newspapers."

The Chicago cop's voice carried well, everybody could hear him. All had stopped to listen as the FBI team of profilers felt the urge to want to melt into a wall.

When Williams gave him a blank look the cop continued,"We HAD the sonofabitch! You OVER-GLORIFIED JACK ASSES took us off his trail and sent everybody in the wrong direction, letting him slip through our net. So you tell me fuckhead; why should I be anymore accomodating that I just was? You personally deserve a life altering ass beating just for coming back here! Hurry the fuck up and get out of town, you're not wanted here!"

Everyone was silent as Mulhearn stomped back to his desk. The Captain stood in his doorway and crooked a finger at him. Mulhearn walked over to the office and closed the door behind him.

"Sit down Todd,"the captain said.

"Captain don't start with the 'Bureau has jurisdiction' shit," Mulhearn said.

"This is off the record. I hate 'em as much as you do, Eddie was a good man, but they do have jurisdiction. The Chief called them in because the Mayor wanted them here. That doesn't mean we can't still work the case, but tread carefully and quietly. Got it," The captain asked.

Mulhearn nodded then walked out, "got it Bill."

---

CHAPTER 2

Dannigan had went back to his office and used every snooper program he had to gather all the information about the murders in Chicago then picked up the phone and dialed the number to Rodrick's hangar in the Bahamas.

"Pete's private portal to purgatory," a sarcastic voice announced.

"Nice one. Been practicing that for a week haven't you," Dannigan asked.

"oh its you. Ramrod ain't here super-spook. he had a hop but should be done tomorrow, want him to call you back," Pete asked.

Dannigan chuckled at the nick-name, "No; actually I need to talk to Kimberly."

Pete tried to cover the mouthpice and yelled for Kimberly to pick up on line one then came back,"No sweat. she'll pick up in just a sec in the office."

Pete put him on hold and a moment later the line picked up again and Kimberly spoke,"Yes?"

"hello Kimberly. I need that brain of yours,"Dannigan said.

"yes Major,"she answered,"What can I do?"

"I'm sending raw intel; a serial killer. Lyssa is going hunting," he replied.

Kimberly typed in the passwords and saw the file loading, "I'll get right on it Major."

"Moore I'm not gonna snow you. This is personal for her. Its your time to really shine so make it count," Dannigan informed her.

"yes sir; I'm all over it here," Kimberly disconnected.

Dannigan cradled the reciever then sent a message to Lyssa;

Kimberly working now, find something for you soon.

Lyssa read the message and confirmed it along with the request for the armament package. There was no reply, meaning she'd have it no later than the following morning. She then pulled up on her laptop house listings and made an appointment to view three that caught her interest.

~o~O~o~

Morning came quickly. By lunch she signed the papers on one and had the payment transferred from the Zurich account and arranged for utilities to be turned on with high speed internet as well then ordered furnishing and appliances and went out to purchase a car. a Dodge Viper, a Lincoln Navigator and the neccessary parts to modify the Viper. Luckily a local shop had the parts in stock and did the modifications.

That evening she returned to the hotel and found Marissa sitting on the couch staring out the window.

"Hey. How long you been up," Lyssa asked.

Marissa looked around then turned to her,"I dunno. I feel like i slept a long time."

Lyssa sat beside her and hugged her, "I forwarded your phone to mine, the police didn't call but an FBI agent did. They want to talk to you tomorrow. They'll come here to talk to you so you don't get hassled again. I'll be out during the morning so you have privacy but all you have to do is call."

Marissa nodded, "ok. Thanks Lyssa. Prima Lyssa, the Ghost Legend; who will never let us fail."

Lyssa smoothed a lock of hair back from her eyes," Go get washed up. Dinner will be here in a couple of minutes and no arguing, you will eat."

Marissa got up and slowly went to the bathroom to wash up then return just as Room Service announced themselves. Lyssa coaxed, badgered and even outright bullied Marissa to eatting the dinner of her favorite things then take a hot bubblebath. After getting her friend settled back in for the night then took one herself.

~o~O~o~

She woke up at six am local and went for a run. when she got back; the desk clerk informed her of the arrival of her delayed suitcases. Lyssa thanked her and returned a few minutes later with her rental keys. Lyssa took the suitcases to her Navigator. She rushed back up, showered and dressed then woke Marissa up for breakfast.

They finished their meal and Marissa was sent to get ready for the day. Someone knocked on the door after an hour, Lyssa opened it to two FBI agents showing their credentials.

"Come in. please have a seat, Marissa will be out in just a minute. She's getting dressed,"Lyssa told them.

"And you are," the male agent asked.

"Lyssa Kordenay. I trained Marissa," she gave him a side look.

"Trained? what kind of training," he asked.

Lyssa gave him a firm look, "I'll see your IDs again please. The both of you."

They picked up quickly that she wasn't requesting. The blonde woman's whole demeanor had changed in an instant. She was ordering them like a pair of probationary rookies. They showed their credentials again and Lyssa carefully examined them at great length.

"Why are we showing our ID's again," the agent named Mary Quintanera asked.

"Because any investigator worth their badge would know Marissa is a ballerina. a Prima that trained under me for some time at Bolshoi. FBI field agents wouldn't make such a careless mistake unless they aren't up to the standards of reputation. That is unless all you do is interviews for the investigating team," Lyssa gave them both a scrutinizing look.

"I'm Special Agent In Charge Williams Ms.Kordenay and comments like that don't set well with me," he glared.

Lyssa went ice cold and stepped in close, "Make no mistake. I've danced for old line Russian generals and the soviet cabinet. Command performances for the royalty of England, Norway and Monaco as well as heads of state and international corporations too. Don't think for one second you can stare me down and make me quail. You've never had what it takes to even think it. You'd better bring out your a-game or I'm quite sure I know somebody that will ensure a competent team of investigators are brought in to deal with the killer of my understudy's baby sister who was about to attend the Bolshoi academy herself. I hear the Attorney General is a great admirer of ballet...."

Marissa walked in and saw the intense look Lyssa was giving the FBI agent, "You'd better give up now mister. Lyssa goes toe-to-toe with producers and directors that make more money in one month than the both of you put together all year. I've even seen her make an ex-KGB guy sit up and bark. She ALWAYS wins."

Lyssa gave her friend a snarky look then went over and hugged her," I'll be back later. I have business."

"Da PRIMA Lyssa. Be nice to people today," Marissa said.

Lyssa picked up her purse and keys and left.

 

After she left the female agent asked, "Be nice to people?"

Marissa shrugged, "She's going to go tell Playboy no again. They found out she's in town yesterday. Its the second time they've asked her to pose and she won't do it."

That made the female agent raise her eyebrows. Women were rarely asked actively to pose for the iconic magazine and she'd never heard of anybody that said no to be asked again.

Agent Williams cleared his throat calling them both back to the subject at hand and began the interview. Fifteen minutes later they left.

Marissa had been interviewed for magazines and newspaper columns before. The agents didn't leave her with a comfortable feeling. In fact she felt more afraid than anything else when they left.

~o~O~o~

Even though she had only been on the island for three days Kimberly finished her summary then sent it back to Dannigan. Lyssa was going after a real monster. Kimberly had spent all night pouring of the raw data and found what she was looking for. She submitted a profile and possible location of his hunting grounds.

Most of the victims had two or three places in common but one really stood out. a coffee shop where each one got a coffee or a hot chocolate at least every other afternoon, at least the debit cards said that. More than likely cash was used by some.

All victims had last been seen wearing exercise apparel and in the latest victim's case, dancewear. Mister Bad-guy had a thing for young, fit, tan, light brown haired, blue-eyed girls. Not like the steel-eyed, blonde Lyssa.

The FBI were all over the place but dismissed the coffe shop connection, if it didn't connect all in a way that could be verified they omitted it. they didn't overlay victim travel patterns and see that the coffee shop was nearby to all whether they were coming or going to fitness facilities and in the dancer's case the college arts department.

The FBI field agents were being very accomodating by filing hourly reports which was how she knew of the dismissed coffeeshop. Unlike the Feds looking to prosecute, Lyssa was gunning for the guy. A stalker of women was about to meet the hunter of men. Kimberly closed out with an addendum message;

Good luck Lyssa, Kim.

Kimberly unconsciously touched her face. She had spent two weeks in a special medical facility undergoing treatment and surgery. DARPA had overseen a growth hormone project that ended up going sideways. Instead of muscular, high endurance soldiers; they had ended up with five very feminine looking subjects. Dannigan had found the discarded project information and utilized it for Lyssa's transition; Project Chrysalis. That project re-instituted for Kimberly Susan Moore. Designation: Lightning Bug.

Kimberly also had a teflon frame slid under her facial muscles and adhered to her skull to change her facial structure. Lyssa had not lied when she warned of pain. All in all, Kimberly would not be recognizable to anyone from her past.

Like Lyssa, her previous identity had been officially declared deceased with a funeral. Keith Thompson was no more. Kimberly Susan Moore was now very real and would even be able to go to Washington to watch Lyssa dance for Christmas. She was happy. Kimberly was doing what she did best and living on a private island in the Bahamas on top of that. She was even getting paid, too! Life was great.

~o~O~o~

Agent Williams had asked Research for all they had on Lyssa Kordenay and now read the file. It started with the usual information which was no suprise then he saw the listing of Juliard and Bolshoi along with an Italian modeling school. suffix notes provided told him those academies were the ones that generated professionals; long time professionals. High level dancers that turned into renowned teachers. The kind that aspiring dancers would give anything to train under.

The modeling was all European and some Asian. She maintained a residence outside Washington, in Virginia, but spent a lot of time in the Caribbean.

She was also engaged to a sketchy private pilot named Rodrick Mason, an ex-SEAL who's very slim file read in big bold letters, BACK THE FUCK OFF. Ok, that explained her attitude.

She wasn't lying about who she had danced for either; command and royal performances. Prissy ballerina with a pitbull boyfriend or not, he was still an FBI special agent. He'd make the papers again catching a serial killer. His plan was to run down all the staff at the gyms the women had in common.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa had finished with the domestic projects. Her weapons and ordinance were secure, now it was time to go hunting. Kimberly's packet gave her exactly what it was she needed. His hunting ground. A quick lunch with Marissa and two of jeanie's friends from the arts department at college got Marissa out of her stupor.

Lyssa encouraged her to go to the studio with them. she'd been saddened but seen what her sister had been doing and how hard she'd been training, Maybe Marissa could temporary mentor the class.

Lyssa ordered a hot chocolate at the counter then sat at a table and logged in using the free wifi to check her facebook and go through social messages then watch videos of up and coming new dancers from the area.

 

After a couple of hours she noticed a woman walking in wearing workout/dance wear. a redhead. Still Lyssa watched the men, you never knew when a psycho would flip preferences. She ordered a local version of a water with supplements then left. Nobody reacted as Kimberly suggested Lyssa to watch for, undisguised hatred or complete robotic automation.

The current barista wasn't a possible; he kept checking out the other guys, specifically office types. It was almost six when a girl withdark honey colored hair walked in wearing spandex and aerobic shoes. Lyssa redlined her senses and watched. The woman ordered a hot chocolate. Lyssa's hyper-awareness caught it. The reaction she'd been waiting for.

The guy by the window wearing chinos and a dark polo shirt. He didn't give her the casual up/down. He'd locked his eyes on her and had a stoney expression, but it was his eyes that gave him away. Intense hatred. While he watched her through the window walking down the sidewalk away; Lyssa stepped in close tossing her empty cup in the trash and slid a small tracker into his jacket.

She gave him a five minute head start then followed his signal in her car. a gym was the first stop. She watched him go inside then come back out a few minutes later. Next he went to the woman's apartment building and finally back to a four story building that definitely seen better days; over thirty years ago. Alot of windows missing and no fire escape. No lights. In fact there were no street lights for three posts in either direction.

'Kimberly should see this,' Lyssa thought.

The new intel specialist had all but given an address in the profile. She slipped out and installed a booster to relay information from the tracker. a quick call to check on Marissa as she drove back to her new house brought good news, she was out to dinner with the girls from the college.

Lyssa geared up with her usual combat rig then returned to the old tenement concealing her car a block away behind a dumpster. She climbed to the top of a neighboring abandoned building and settled in on the roof. Now the waiting began.

---

CHAPTER 3

He rammed the knife into the picture he'd taken and printed up. People called her Diane but he knew better, it was Heather again. Prancing around showing off herself to everyone without the slightest bit of respect for him. How quickly she'd forgot that it was him that encouraged her, worked beside her everyday to get the body she wanted. How dare she leave him for somebody else after she got it. He'd remind the ungrateful bitch her place was with him. With him or nobody.

Just after the sun had set he drove to the alley between the coffee shop and gym to wait. An hour later he stood next to the street, as she walked by he sprang slamming into her hard. Clamping a chlorophormed rag over her mouth and nose and holding her arms to her sides with his other carrying her into the alley.

Within moments she had stopped struggling allowing him to tie her wrists and ankles then press tape across her mouth in the back of the station wagon. He covered her with a dark blanket then closed the door and jumped behind the wheel. He fought the urge to rocket through the alleys and streets to hurry back.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa had seen him leave. She hurried down to the ground and worked her way across through the high weeds of the vacant lot to the derelict looking building. She flattened herself against the wall and free climbed up to the second floor to slither in through a broken window. Carefully she worked her way down to the basement and began clearing the building.

The third floor revealed what she searched for. Essentially a very large walk in cooler. Inside was a grotesque chamber of horrors, a large table covered with blood stains. On the wall were several long locks of hair tied with a strip of material and tacked to a photo. It took all she had not to empty her stomach in revulsion.

Lyssa recognized the photo of Marissa's sister Jeanie. underneath it a lock of hair tied with scrap of pink chiffon. It had been torn from her head, not cut. She stroked the clutch of hair through her gloved fingers. Lyssa felt the anger rise within herself. She felt her blood to run ice cold then turned to the door. Silently Lyssa moved back to the stairwell. Her boots were soundless walking down the stairs, the supressed Jericho auto-pistols leading the way. The arrival of a car signalled her to take cover.

~o~O~o~

The man had returned and he wasn't empty handed. A grim shadow silently followed him back up. At the insulated door he stopped.

The man growled,"Welcome back home Heather."

He yanked at the door then fell, pain bolting through his leg. A flash of fire and pain went through his other leg. He looked down and saw both knees were mangled. He didn't understand. Then it hit him, Somebody trying to take Heather from him.

"NO! SHE'S MINE," He struggled to get closer to her.

Two more flashes and he couldn't move his arms.

 

Lyssa stepped from deep within the shadows like a grim apparition. The swirls of facial combat paint obscuring her features and making her eyes seem to glow. She holstered the pistols and closed in drawing the Marauder from the back of her leg.

"In the movies, the characters seem to be all scared shitless and make stupid decisions running around trying to get away from a psycho with an ax, chainsaw or something like that as he just stomps around constantly behind them," Lyssa commented, "this isn't the movies. I'm not some airheaded bimbo that runs around freaking out. I'm going to introduce you to what pain and suffering really are."

First she dug the bullet from the face of the door then found a small hole in the floor and dug from it the second bullet. Lyssa pressed one knee down on his chest and pinned his wrist with her boot and then slowly pressed the tip of the blade into his shoulder and started digging the bullet out.

He screamed and tried to thrash her off but all it did was cause her knee to slide down to his throat making him gag and choke until she retrieved the slug. She shifted her position ramming her other knee down at the top of his chest and stamping her boot down on his other wrist then digging into his other shoulder with the wicked looking knife for the remaining bullet.

He screeched and tried to shake her off but all it got him was the shift of her knee to his throat again. She held up the deformed bullet she'd dug out of his shoulder and showed it to him. Lyssa then stood and started dragging him into the dark room that smelled of blood and death. A chain looped around his neck tightened as he was dragged up onto the table and secured.

Lyssa went back and checked the woman. The scent of chloroform was obvious. Lyssa gave her just a little of the same sedative she'd used on Marissa to ensure the woman would be out for another hour or two.

He tried to squirm away cursing but she slammed a punch to his temple stunning him then she brought the blade down the length of his torso slicing open his shirt, pants, underwear and some skin. Fire streaked through him causing him to scream out.

Lyssa leaned in and hissed into his ear, "the things I'd do if I had the time. you're lucky I don't. You won't like what I do with the time I do have."

Lyssa held his wrist up then rammed her forearm against the back of his elbow. The crack and resulting scream echoed in the death chamber. She repeated that with his other arm then both wrists followed by each finger joint. He was already screaming wildly as she then did the same with his toes, ankles and knees.

"Now for the main event," Lyssa said calmly, not even breathing hard.

She grasped the front of his hairline and pressed the blade against his forehead then pulled it hard guiding the edge into the skin and along his skull, essentially scalping him. From there she cut away his clothing and began slowly skinning him alive. Lyssa would trace the tip of the razor sharp Marauder under his skin then held the skin against the flat of its blade and pulled down slowly.

Arnold Robbins had no idea who the person was or why they were doing this to him. He wanted his Heather to understand she belonged to him. He thrashed and screamed as the black clad person ripped his skin off slowly and dropped each piece to the floor.

Finally, for effect, she emasculated him and held the severed genitals in front of him. She then turned his head to look at her eyes and sliced into his neck that would guide the blood down into his lungs. Cold steel grey eyes looked into his pain filled brown ones as Lyssa leaned close.

She whispered an icy hiss, "Past the Gates; before the Devil's throne, I've seen Hell. Tell them I sent you."

Lyssa melted away into darkness and all he could hear was his own gagging and choking from drowning in his own blood.

~o~O~o~

Diane heard no sounds and felt as it she were laying on a dirty floor. Everything hurt but she struggled to sit up in the dark, something fell from her and clattered. She felt around and found it, a cellphone, hers. She flipped it open and dialed nine-one-one.

"Nine-One-One what is your emergency," a voice asked.

"Please help me, somebody took me and I don't know where I am. I'm on my cellphone, my name is Diane Condelinni please help me I'm scared," she whispered.

"Please stay on the line, we're trying to find your location by GPS..........stay with me Diane, I'll find you just hold on and stay with me," the operator instructed her in a calm voice.

"Please hurry, I'm scared to even move,"Diane begged.

The line was quiet for a moment then the operator came back, "Diane we know where you are and police are coming, stay on the line Diane. Help is coming."

 

Minutes later, sirens could be heard in the distance and she whispered that she could hear them, then cars screeching to a stop. She could hear the officers shouting then breaking the door in and running up the stairs calling out her name.

"I'M HERE," She yelled.

The officers ran up the remaining stairs and approached her slowly checking for any hidden attackers.

An officer gathered her up and freed her hands and ankles,"We got you,Ma'am."

Diane sobbed to his shoulder as she was carried down, an ambulance's siren in the distance getting closer.

The last thing she heard was another officer, "HOLY MARY MOTHER OF GOD!!! Somebody call detective Mulhearn. Looks like a slaughterhouse in here!"

~o~O~o~

Mulhearn walked in and looked at the walls, photos of the recent victims, the souvenier hair, bloody knives, chains and ropes were there.

"Get this processed and packed up fast. Fuck the Feds. I don't want them getting wind of this," he ordered.

The forensics team did; they video taped, photographed every square inch of the large cooler then bagged and catalogued each item. The coroner took the body and the removed skin and scalp. By sunrise everything was done and he was sitting at his desk with a cup of coffee going over preliminary notes when Agent Williams stormed in.

 

"WHO THE HELL AUTHORIZED THE CONTAMINATION OF THAT CRIME SCENE," the Fed bellowed.

The Police Commissioner, the Captain and the Governor all stepped out of the Captain's office unnoticed by the agent as he reached down and grabbed Mulhearn by his jacket.

Williams raged, "YOU!!!! YOU RUINED MY CASE! I SHOULD HAVE YOU LOCKED UP MULHEARN!!!!"

Mulhearn didn't even smile, "Piss off Quantico. we need you less now than we did before."

Williams lost it and let fly with a punch. Officers all over the room jumped from their seats and shouted for Mulhearn to fight him. Two more punches then Mulhearn scooped him up and threw him several feet away.

The governor stepped in front of the agent looking down, "The Director will hear about this Agent Williams. Strike three I hear...."

The other agents blocked Williams from making the situation worse and herded him to the door.

---

CHAPTER 4

Marissa walked out of the bedroom sleepily rubbing her eyes.

"Morning sleepyhead," Lyssa greeted her.

"Morning," she mumbled back then took the coffee from her and sipped it.

"Hurry up and eat Marissa, Rodrick will be here in three hours. We're taking you and Jeanie home now," Lyssa said softly.

She nodded and ate the toast, some of the fruit and drank the milk and juice poured for her. After breakfast Marissa went to shower and dress. Lyssa had already made arrangements with a mortuary service to prepare Jeanie's body to be taken back to Hawaii via Rodrick's plane. All Marissa had to do was sign her out from the service at the private runway.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick and Pete both walked down the steps and hugged her then Lyssa walked her up into the Gulfstream so that Rodrick and Pete could assist the service loading the casket into the cargo space. Pete supervised the refueling while Rodrick filed the continuation flightplan and paid for the fuel.

Within the hour they were taking off flying southwest. Rodrick came back after they were at altitude and sat next to Lyssa.

Rodrick reached over and held Marissa's hand, "Honey I'm awful sorry that your first ride on my plane has to be like this."

Marissa nodded and sniffed, "What about Jeanie?"

"All taken care of," Lyssa answered, "your parents have somebody meeting us when we land to pick her up and they'll take home themselves."

"We'll stay for the service Marissa,"Rodrick added.

Marissa leaned forward and hugged Lyssa then Rodrick,"thank you both. I wouldn't know what to do about all this."

Lyssa replied gently, "Its what we could do Marissa. In trouble I'll always come for you, my friend."

Rodrick echoed, "Always."

Lyssa reclined Marissa's seat and Rodrick tucked a blanket around her. They both went to the back of the plane to talk.

"Heard it was a real mess," Rodrick commented.

"I took care of it. Its done and he won't be a problem to anybody," Lyssa said flatly.

"Feds are eighteen different kinds of pissed off, the locals are stumped but glad. Seems the lead detective on the case had an ax to grind with the Feds that got called in but he's happy they're out of his hair," Rodrick informed her.

Lyssa looked at him pointedly, "I'm clean. Nobody saw or heard anything."

He nodded then went back to the cockpit to alternate flying time with Pete. They refueled at LAX then continued on to Hawaii.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick brought the plane down gently then taxied to the private hangars where a hearse and group of people awaited. Marissa all but ran down the stairs when Pete lowered them and was taken into her family's hug. Rodrick brought out her suitcase and passed it to her brother and shook hands with him and their father.

Pete had went over to the mortuary service and asked them to wait until the family had taken Marissa and the women home. When the car pulled away he signalled the service to pull up. Pete and Rodrick helped them transfer the casket into the hearse while Lyssa spoke to the director about the family bringing the appropriate clothing then they secured the plane and took a rental to Lyssa's house. They rested that night and prepared for the wake the next day.

~o~O~o~

The following day was a saturday and the funeral was that afternoon. Several young women that had taken ballet with Jeanie stepped forward and placed keepsakes into the coffin with her along with telling the story behind it.

Lyssa stepped forward holding a pair of new pointe shoes, "Jeanie was getting ready for Bolshoi. She was so excited. I promised her new shoes to take for her training. I went ahead and sewed her ribbons and elastic on them. Dance with angels Jeanie."

Lyssa gently placed the shoes in next to her.

Finally Marissa herself stepped forward, "when I was named Prima; Lyssa gave me the tiara she wore for The Nutcracker in Moscow. I wore it for my first production as principal dancer, The Nutcracker in Royal Albert Hall. Jeanie was so proud. I promised her she'd have it."

Marissa carefully placed the tiara on Jeanie's head then started crying and had to be helped back to her chair. Lyssa leaned down and hugged her friend. A local Kahuna lead them all in a prayer and a family friend danced a hula of goodbye as the casket was lowered. Everyone filed past the family with hugs and handshakes with their condolences. After the burial many followed the family home including Lyssa.

Rodrick and Pete went into town claiming to go check the plane, she knew they were going to go meet up with old friends currently stationed nearby at Pearl Harbor.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan read the memo from the Attorney General to the Director of the FBI and the Assistant Director in charge of the behavioural unit at Quantico. it seemed that the resignation of S.A.C. Williams was being demanded at the insistance of the Governor of Illinois and the brass of Chicago police.

Also if the Bureau didn't up its standards of behaviour and performance for agents they'd be denied any cooperation by local and state authorities in Illinois.

Kimberly had noted in her packet to him:

Agent Williams has conflict with the practical application of his theoretical resources.

Lyssa's venacular was more to the point; the man was educated beyond his intelligence. Kimberly had also interfered remotely with several of the traffic cameras in the area blocking Lyssa's car from view so she was clean and clear.

He expected them back the next day after dropping pete off in the Bahamas. Kimberly was already proving her value brilliantly. He authorized a bump in pay to her. Lyssa's after action report had high praise for her as well. The future of the agency truly did look bright in all the darkness it worked in.

~o~O~o~

Pete walked into the hangar after helping to refuel the Gulfstream before Rodrick and Lyssa headed back to the States.

"Welcome back Pete," Kimberly called out from the office.

"Lyssa and Rod's apologies but they had to blast. a ballet she has to start rehearsing for but they left this for you,"Pete said holding up a box.

Kimberly hurried down the stairs and tore into the box to find a Hawaiian print sarong and a pink sweater dress with a wide black belt.

"Lyssa said you'll need that dress when you go up for Christmas," He said with a grin.

Kimberly looked up in surprise, "Christmas! So I will get to see her dance?"

Pete smiled big,"Box seats...Rod, you, me, Madison and the super-spook."

"WOOOOO," Kimberly cheered and took the gifts to her trailer happily.
 
 
 
 
 

 

Book 23 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Lyssa has fought on almost every continent and every condition  but she's never faced a situation like this!! WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 
 
 

CHAPTER 1

Dannigan answered the phone on its second ring,"Yes?"

It was odd for it to ring straight through bypassing Madison.

"You're a hard man to find Branton," the voice chuckled.

"Not hard enough General; you found me," Dannigan replied easily.

General Singleton got serious, "I need a face-to-face with you. Max's coffee in twenty minutes."

Dannigan tried to acknowledge but the General had already disconnected. He looked at his watch, if he left now he'd have time to spare. He grabbed his coat and hat and left. he watched outside for a few minutes then walked in and ordered a coffee and took a table. General Singleton walked in casually and in civilian clothing; jeans, brown bomber jacket, worn cowboy boots and black stetson. Dannigan noticed the grey t-shirt with the HK logo and resisted a chuckle.

After ordering a coffee for himself he sat at the table beside him.

"How's things Major," he asked flipping open a copy of USAToday.

Dannigan glanced around casually and remarked, "Pretty quiet today for me or at least it was."

The general slid over a section of the paper, hidden inside were two sheets of paper.

"Calling yourself Dannigan now," he asked.

Dannigan grinned, "Its a name that still has uses."

Dannigan glanced at the first page and read it. A police report of an abduction then subsequent finding of the body two weeks later. The second page read almost identical except for the name and time-frame, victim still missing. Thirty-six hours had elapsed.

"Ok,I give. Who is she,"Dannigan asked.

Singleton stared out the window, "My niece. we're not sure if this is random or somebody specifically targeting me. Locals think its a budding serial but either way it makes me vulnerable and D.O.D. can't have it."

"I understand that but surely the FBI are in on this,"Dannigan remarked.

"All civilian entities are out of the loop. DIA and CID are on it but it could go sideways. Or worse; get political," he explained, "you and your people don't do politics and couldn't care less if things go sideways. I need this done Major. I need this done your way, now."

"Sir, we don't work in the open like this. I don't work in the open like this,"Dannigan said.

General Singleton finally looked at him, "a team has scrambled by D.I.A. Not an investigation team."

Dannigan's face turned to stone,"Headhunters?"

Singleton answered with a nod.

Dannigan stood up, "we're gonna have a long fucking talk after this General."

He nodded then watched Dannigan leave.

~o~O~o~

Madison answered on the first ring, "yes Major?"

He didn't waste time, "D.I.A. operation: Next of Kin. Get everything they got and send it to Kimberly message as follows: time critical find missing subject, time essential find perpetrator end message. Alert Lyssa message as follows: time critical extraction situation compromised by D.I.A. liquidation team end message."

"Yes sir," she answered then disconnected.

It took ten minutes to get enough data gathered up and sent to Kimberly then called Rodrick's hangar in the Bahamas.

After five rings the phone was picked up and a growly voice answered, "Arrrrrr matey what be ye wantin' ere wit the island of Lost pilots and planes?"

Madison giggled, "Now that's funny."

Pete stammered, "Madison. uh. Hey; sorry, we had a pirates of the caribbean marathon last night. Kinda got stuck on it, I guess."

She chuckled, "that's cool. Please tell Kimberly she has work, a packet has been sent to her. She's needed to get on that immediately."

"Will do. We sure are looking forward to christmas. Box seats at the ballet is cool stuff. Never been to one before; Kim's marking off calendar days in the office," Pete commented.

"You're in for something really special then the Nutcracker is Lyssa's favorite. I've seen DVD's of her but this will be the first time I see her dance it live," Madison said brightly.

Pete asked, "so going to the ballet. That's formal isn't it? I have wear a tux don't I?"

Madison giggled, "most of the time yes. Since this is Lyssa and she's dancing in Washington and the President will be there, definitely. Men wear tuxedos and women wear evening gowns. Lyssa made sure I have the right gown to wear."

"Wow! I guess I better make sure my monkey suit is still good. We'll see you then," Pete said cheerfully.

Madison disconnected smiling, Pete was always good for a laugh. It was kinda nice that he always made her laugh with his greetings. She doubted the Major found them as entertaining as she did. For some reason she got the impression Pete and Major Dannigan didn't get on as well as Rodrick and the Major did. Then again Pete had been a Marine. Marines didn't have a reputation for playing well with the intelligence community or anybody else outside the Corps or Navy. Lyssa on the other hand didn't have to worry, she commanded respect on many fronts. Madison wondered what he was like off the job.

~o~O~o~

Kimberly started sorting through the packet. The D.I.A. were being very thorough. Left unhindered, they'd be on top of whomever it was within the week. She launched her various programs then sifted through more. Four screens began displaying information. Kimberly saw the tasking for the Headhunter team and swore.

Those guys were as blunt and straight-forward as it got; go in, kill anything that breathes and sterilize the site by burning it to the hard-packed dirt underneath. They were like turning loose a pack of pitbulls pumped full of steroids and pcp. The effect they had was like a runaway train on fire plowing through a port-a-john.

Most Headhunter teams were platoon sized. To say they were trigger-happy was an understatement. They weren't like Delta troopers or the Team Six SEALs of DEVGRU. Definitely not like Lyssa; she was a walking example of surgical precision in black operations. Headhunters were pretty much a last resort when nobody cared how it got done anymore. They left a big burning hole in the ground.

Pete keep her coffee fresh and brought dinner and a few snacks as Kimberly worked through the night. She took a break in the morning for exercise, a shower and breakfast then got back at it. It was late in the afternoon when she found a spore. Everything outside got ignored as she fixated her searching.

Long after midnight came she had it. Kimberly quickly assembled a packet then sent it to Madison and Lyssa. The D.I.A. hounds were narrowing as well so a quick slip of black information would keep them occupied for a while longer.

Pete came in as she leaned back in the chair, "Either you just slammed through or into a brick wall."

Kimberly smiled, "I got 'em. I GOT 'EM, THOSE RAT-FUCKED BASTARDS! The rest is up to Lyssa to do what she does best."

Pete looked thoughtful for a moment, "Kim when all is said and done; are you basically going to be another Lyssa?"

Kimberly sat up, "Pete, Lyssa is a one-of-a-kind. She can never be duplicated. You know she started out in black ops? Me, I started out in Intelligence. this is what I do, I crunch the data. She's an Operator through and through, a shooter. I can do surveillance and things like that, but not like her. Honestly I don't think I can look at killing the way she does. It has to do with mentality and I don't think I could ever possess the same that she does. Its what makes her the best."

Pete thought about that then said, "I know she has some kind of Green Beret or Delta type training; otherwise she wouldn't be able to run circles around Rod the way she does and he's a SEAL. I guess that makes the difference."

"A lot more than you know. A lot more than I can tell you," Kimberly said.

Pete took that as the line not to be crossed and gave her a smile then turned to go to his room to sleep.

Kimberly said softly to herself, "A lot more than anybody will ever know. She's an unknown national treasure. Maybe one day people can know what she's done. For all of us."

---

CHAPTER 2

Lyssa stood looking out the french doors, coffee cup in hand. She and Rodrick had long since woke, ran their morning triathlon, showered and had breakfast. They had tied again, something that didn't happen often. this was her last free week before rehearsals started so she was enjoying it.

Rodrick was occupying himself consulting to a small aviation company with two projects in the works; a sport plane and a luxury plane that they hoped would rival Gulfstream.

The ringing of her phone grabbed her attention from watching the waves and listening to Rodrick talk tech with engineers.

"hello,"She answered.

"Morning Lyssa, you have a packet awaiting you. good luck," Dannigan said bluntly.

"I'll do what can be done," she replied then disconnected.

 

Lyssa worked in her basement. Building plans lay spread out on the center table, white boards on one wall displayed notes. The other walls held racks of weapons, gunsmith equipment, her desk and large plasma screen. Rodrick noticed her personality shift. Seeing her in there working reminded Rodrick that she was more than her appearance. Lyssa had been one of a limited few of Operators totally removed from the norm, now she was the likes of which the world had never known.

It took an hour to go through the packet then she planned out her incursion and extraction. Lyssa mapped it out then reviewed it several times then called a cadence of it. It felt right to her so then she looked at from the other side and started picking it apart, how would she combat such an incursion. She took a lunch break when it seemed to be foolproof and afterward came back and tried to take the plan completely apart. Finally she laid down and took a nap for three hours then had dinner.

 

Lyssa pulled on a heavier weight version of her battlesuit and her boots. Rodrick checked over her equipment as she loaded her harness. The twin Jericho.40 cal automags with detachable suppressors were first along with additional magazines, next came the Marauder knife to slide into a sheath on the back of her right thigh. It was a knife not used by U.S. military at all, she'd found one once at a gun and knife show and tried it.

Deemed the ultimate combat/throwing knife, its unusual design ensured it would lodge everytime due to its handguard and pommel being spiked. next was the Fairbarn-Sikes knife, it was from a world war two design; smooth and double bladed, it too could be thrown accurately if necessary. Some operators used an updated version, the Fairbarne-Applegate but most used an
issued knife such as the M-9 bayonet or the Ka-Bar Field Fighter or a Naval issue dive knife. Several companies had versions that had become popular over the last decade.

A small five shot 9mm automatic went into her left boot and two microsyrettes went into her right. Lyssa rounded out with her munitions; two Def-Tec 25 flashbangs, two concussion and a white phosphorous grenade. After a moment of thought four shrapnel grenades. When Rodrick raised an eyebrow she replied something about minor parking problems during late autumn making him laugh. Finally she picked up a suppressed CAR-15 and magazines to lead with.

Currently Special Operations used a version made by Barret Arms; the M-4 but that would announce "U.S. Military" louder than the Marine Corps marching band on Memorial Day. The usual lead weapon for such an operation like this would be suppressed MP-7s, but the nine millimeter rounds would be ineffective against the body armor likely worn. The CAR-15 however was chambered for 5.56 NATO rounds. It had more power than the smaller pistol round. The bonus was the fact that aside from the suppressor, it was disposable. CAR-15's were all over the illegal weapons market, unlike the M-4s and MP-7s.

Rodrick strapped a throat-mic and earbud on her along with an encrypted radio despite her protest.

Lyssa griped, "what do I need this junk for anyway, who do I need to talk to?"

"That would be me you landlubbin', mud-rollin', stumblebummed, prissy prancing ballerina," Rodrick chastised her.

Lyssa remarked snarkily, "awwwww. Such sweet pillow talk from a dog paddlin', deck swabbin', moose-lipped, cross-eyed, knock-kneed, cornflake lookin' squid; with attitude issues."

He followed her out the door to the garage remarking, "when we come back from this OP I'm gonna spank you til you squeal."

Lyssa twitched her hips sassily then got into the SUV.

Rodrick closed the door mumbling, "Maybe I should bite your ass, develop lockjaw and make you drag me to fuckin' death."

Lyssa laughed at that remark.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan sat in his office and wondered how long Madison was going to stay. She had dialed into their comms and would be able to listen after receiving the message they were heading for the building. Now they waited in silence. This time was different from all the others; instead of just waiting for the messages like usual, they would be able to listen as it happened.

Madison ran in, "They're on station now!"

Dannigan turned up the volume on his computer just to catch Lyssa come up.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa keyed her mic, "comm check."

Rodrick answered her,"five by five, green light for soft probe."

she answered him back, "five by five. Penetrating perimeter now."

 

Madison sat on the edge of the chair across from Dannigan as he nodded to the large screen on the wall with a building schematic and a green light came up along with several red ones. there were two views of the building; from the side and from above.
They watched as Lyssa's green dot slowly moved across the vacant lot behind to the building then move inside.

 
Lyssa's hushed voice came across, "entry: window two ground, black six. Extract same."

 

Dannigan explained, "she's going in through the second window from the left on the ground floor, south side. she'll get out the same way unless something prevents her."

The narration was interrupted by the phone ringing which nearly caused Madison to fall from the chair.

Dannigan slammed the speaker button, "WHAT?!"

Kimberly's voice came through in a panic,"Major! D.I.A. got a break! Headhunters on station in twenty-five minutes with a drone in-bound in fifteen!"

"OH FUCK," Dannigan roared.

Madison frantically grabbed another phone and dialed Rodrick's satphone.

He answered on the first ring, "not now!"

Dannigan snatched the phone and barked, "HAUL ASS RAMROD! HEADHUNTERS AND A DRONE IN-BOUND, FIFTEEN MINUTES!"

Rodrick disconnected and relayed over the comms. Lyssa acknowledged by clicking her mic button twice.

Dannigan looked to Madison, "Lyssa understood. She's inside the building so she's gone silent, she'll only talk if necessary now. clicks are what we'll hear from her, single means negative, double means affirmative. triple means she's taken one down."

Madison walked over and watched the screen closer, "oh god; Lyssa please hurry."

Rodrick came over the comms, "Hostile approachin, five meters. Four. Three. He's yours."

The green and red dots merged then green moved forward leaving red behind and they heard three clicks.

Madison looked to Dannigan, "hostile down?"

The spook nodded grimly, "permanently."

They watched as Lyssa moved down the hallway clearing rooms one by one then up the stairs to the second floor.

"Have you on second floor proceeding white 11 to black 5," Rodrick announced.

Lyssa confirmed with a double click. her green dot moved slowly down the corridor.

"Freeze," Rodrick ordered,"one hostile moving.....heads up."

A moment later the green and red dots merged then separated with another triple click.

"You have a single. End of hall, stationary, clear to proceed," Rodrick stated.

a double-click was heard and they saw Lyssa move forward then take station outside the doorway then move inside.

"Hi!I'm Meghan. Who are you," a small voice came over the comms.

Dannigan and Madison looked at each other then the speakers in stunned confusion.

"Two to one. Uh, what the fuck over," Rodrick asked sounding just as confused as everybody else.

"I'm a shadow," Lyssa's voice was a whisper, "aren't you supposed to be asleep?"

"If I'm quiet I can play with Dolly. Would you like to play with Dolly shadow," the small voice asked.

"Maybe later. Have you seen a lady in here? She's probably very sad and wants to go home,"Lyssa asked.

Rodrick asked,"two to one; what's going on in there?"

The small voice answered, "there's a lady upstairs. She's very loud when she cries."

"Ok thank you Meghan. I'm going up there to see her. You wait here with Dolly and I'll be back,"Lyssa said.

Rodrick came over the comms, "this OP may be blown all to shit but you have seventeen minutes."

Lyssa answered audibly, "One to two; copy seventeen mikes. OP is still a go. Be advised, hellhole three to two."

"Roger that. Copy hellhole," Rodrick answered.

Dannigan explained, "a hellhole is a hole in the floor from the third to the second usually with mattresses or so on to cushion the landing of someone jumping through the hole. an old trick used when setting up shop in abandoned buildings or a tenement entirely controlled by occupying force."

Madison nodded her understanding as they watched Lyssa's green dot hurriedly move back to the stairwell and start moving up.

"Be advised; rooftop has comms and one set of optics," Rodrick reported.

Dannigan commented to Madison, "the group on the roof have communications gear and a scope or set of goggles for low-light or infra-red."

A double click answered him as the green dot gained the third floor then moved down the hallway slowly.

Rodrick stated, "have you white 11 to black 5 on three. Two hostiles red 2 and green 8."

Two clicks again. Lyssa moved to the first. She took station at the doorway then moved to center then the other side. A triple click then she moved further down and repeated the same movements further down the hallway then repeated the triple click again.

"Third floor clear, proceed to fourth. thirteen mikes," Rodrick reported.

Lyssa moved back to the stairs and moved up.

"Fourth floor moving white 11 to black 5, four unknowns," he reported again.

A double click answered.

Madison asked,"unknowns?"

Dannigan clarified, "he can't tell which are armed or not. The objective is on that floor if Kimberly is right."

Lyssa moved room to room the first room with two red dots they heard a triple click after the dots shifted position slightly then moved down to the next. Lyssa's dot centered itself in the doorway then moved inside.

Lyssa whispered, "for is clear. Hostiles down, I found the package."

They saw the two dots merge then move back down the hallway.

Lyssa reported, "I have the package. Extracting with additional."

"Oh good christ. Fuck, why not. Seven mikes, double time it," Rodrick ordered.

The two dots moved down to the second floor and down to the end of the hallway.

"Hello shadow," the small voice chirped.

"Its time to go Meghan, follow close because I can't carry the both of you," Lyssa instructed.

"Can I bring dolly," she asked.

"Of course you can. now we have to hurry," Lyssa told her.

They watched the three dots move downstairs and then out from the lower window and slowly across the empty lot.

"Meet you at the car," Rodrick said.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick was already there with the engine running when Lyssa arrived.

Lyssa said in a voice just above a whisper, "get inside and put on the seatbelt."

The little girl did as she was told then Lyssa set the unconscious woman on the seat beside her, buckled the belt and got in beside Rodrick.

---

CHAPTER 3

Lyssa called Dannigan," we have the package plus one."

Dannigan replied, "uh. yeah. we heard. Any fucking clue as to how we deal with plus one?"

Lyssa sighed, "no idea. Meet us at Chelsea's in twenty minutes. Bring a fingerprint scanner."

Lyssa disconnected after that. She turned around and looked to the backseat, Meghan was watching the scenery go by holding up the doll to do the same.

Rodrick looked into the mirror then whispered,"is it my imagination; or something, off about her? She's too happy about everything."

Lyssa whispered back, "not sure but I think she may have developmental issues or something. Either way I couldn't leave her with the Headhunters coming."

"Shadow. Me and Dolly are thirsty," Meghan said.

Lyssa took a bottle of water from the console and opened it then passed it back to her,"be very careful not to spill it on yourself or Dolly. Here's the top."

"Thank you,"she said sweetly.

Lyssa whispered back, "You're welcome."

The girl paid no more attention to Lyssa and Rodrick's facial paint than she did the fact they were armed total strangers going somewhere unknown to her. Shortly thereafter they arrived at the dark restaurant and saw the sedan with Dannigan waiting beside it and parked alongside.

"Good job you two. The drone didn't see anything and the Headhunters are going apeshit trying to figure out what happened," Dannigan said clasping their hands individually.

"Did you bring the scanner," Lyssa asked.

Dannigan reached inside and brought it out. Lyssa took it and walked around to the other side while Rodrick carefully transferred the injured woman to Dannigan's car.

Lyssa opened the door and leaned in, "Meghan will you press your thumb on this green square for me please?"

"Ok," she replied and did.

Moments later the message came back, No Data. Lyssa took out her cellphone and asked Meghan to smile for a picture then sent it to Kimberly's email with the message:

identity please, fast.

A closer look revealed that the girl was a child with Down's Syndrome. Lyssa checked her for injuries. A couple of small bruises on her upper arm was all she found, otherwise the girl seemed fine.

She rejoined Dannigan and Rodrick, "Meghan is a Down's child she looks about nine, maybe ten. Mentally; she's probably five or six. Maybe. If we're lucky."

"So what do we do with her," Rodrick asked.

Lyssa looked at the child in the backseat and sighed, "take her home with us for now. Hopefully Kimberly can find her family fast and we can make arrangements to get her to them."

Rodrick looked surprised, as did Dannigan.

Lyssa looked at them both angrily, "what?! I'm not going to just drop that little girl off at a police station or social services like a animal at the pound, that's cruel. I may be a lot of things but I'm not like THAT!"

Both men looked at each other as if one had been about to suggest doing so.

"Well we should at least get her checked out,"Rodrick said.

They all nodded their agreement. Dannigan stepped away and made two calls then wrote down an address and gave it to Rodrick. They left and met the off-the-books doctor, a woman that looked close to retirement.

 

"Hello,"Meghan chirped.

"Hello little one. Come inside and let's have a look at you," the woman smiled kindly.

"Shadow comes too," meghan asked.

Lyssa nodded and followed them inside. an hour later they walked out and got back into the SUV as Meghan yawned. Lyssa had been speaking to her the whole time in just above a whisper to hide her voice.

Lyssa told her, "When you wake up you'll be with some friends of ours. They'll look after you for a while."

"Ok shadow,"Meghan replied sleepily.

She fell asleep just as they cleared the D.C. area heading back to the beach house. Rodrick carried Meghan inside and laid her on the couch. Lyssa rushed through a quick shower then came back after running a bath for Meghan and carefully bathed her then slipped one of her own t-shirts onto her to sleep in and tucked her into the spare bed. They both went to bed but Lyssa took a two hour combat nap then was back up washing and drying Meghan's clothing.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick woke up, threw on some jeans and a t-shirt then wandered to the kitchen. Lyssa sat at the counter drinking coffee. He slipped his arms around her and kissed her when she tilted her head back to him.

"Morning," he murmurred.

She smiled and answered, "morning. I checked on her a few minutes ago, she's still asleep."

Rodrick poured coffee for himself, "so what ARE we going to do?"

"Kimberly is running facial recognition along with her DNA and physical description trying to find her family, somebody has to be looking for her," Lyssa replied.

"Plan A. What if they can't be found baby," he asked.

Lyssa got a sad look, "We'll have to find a family for her then. I believe we can do many things but I dunno about this. She needs a lot of care, in ways we have no knowledge about. This isn't a challenge. We can't take her lightly and hope for the best. Her best interests come first, not our egos. And certainly not my ego."

Rodrick thought about that then said,"true, Meghan isn't an objective or obstacle to be negotiated. She needs the best. We can find that for her if anybody can. That's something we can do."

Lyssa nodded. At that moment Meghan wandered in looking around.

Sleepily she said, "hello.I'm Meghan."

Lyssa slid off the stool and knelt down, "hello Meghan. I'm Lyssa and he's Rodrick, welcome to our house."

Meghan looked at her for a moment then leaned over and kissed her cheek, "Lyss..a. Pretty."

Lyssa smiled, "thank you Meghan. You're pretty too. Come sit and we'll have breakfast."

Rodrick leaned down and picked the girl up and sat her on a stool at the counter and was rewarded with a kiss on the cheek too.

"Thank you Meghan, good morning to you," he smiled.

"Rod....rick....Rod....rick," she repeated as if practicing.

He chuckled and kissed her forehead,"that's right."

Meghan looked around then frowned," no shadow?"

Rodrick froze speechless.

Lyssa smiled to Meghan, "well now what would a shadow be doing in the bright daylight. Shadows need dark places don't they? Everything has to be just right for a shadow."

That seemed to make a lot of sense to Meghan as she told her doll, "no shadow Dolly. Lyss...a and Rod..rick."

Lyssa asked her, "Do you like pancakes Meghan?"

She nodded her agreement so Lyssa brought out the pre-made batter from the refrigerator and stirred it as the skillet heated.

Rodrick poured a small glass of juice and set it in front of her, "there you go sweetpea."

Meghan thanked him in a sweet voice and drank some . Lyssa made three small pancakes for her, buttered them and passed the plate to Rodrick who had already brought out a bottle of syrup and cut them into small squares for her after drizzling the thick syrup over them then took the plate of full size pancakes Lyssa made for him. Meghan chattered during breakfast and after. While Lyssa cleaned up, she watched the cartoon channel Rodrick found for her.

The doorbell rang and Lyssa let Dannigan in carrying a small suitcase.

"Madison did some shopping first thing this morning as per your instructions," he told them then passed the case to Lyssa.

"Oh good," Lyssa said, "Meghan let's go see about getting you dressed."

The little girl took Lyssa's hand and went to the spare room. Lyssa gave her a more thorough bath and dried her hair then dressed her. Meghan ran back into the living room wearing a grey dress, black tights and shiny black shoes with her sable brown hair in a ponytail.

"Look Rod...rick," she said and turned around.

Rodrick smiled," very pretty."

Meghan smiled. Lyssa came back in wearing a sweater dress in grey with black nylons herself.

Meghan took Lyssa's hand and crowed truimphantly, "Same."

Both men chuckled.

Meghan walked over and stood in front of Dannigan, "I'm Meghan."

"Hello sweetie, I'm Paul Dannigan," He introduced himself.

Meghan scrutinized him carefully then said,"all. all. puh-all.puh-all."

She didn't look satisfied with her own results.

"Dan...gig..gan. Dan-gig-gan.....Dan-gig-gan," she tried harder and looked to Lyssa.

"That's fine sweetie," Dannigan said gently.

His reassurance seemed to satisfy her so she looked back to the television and focused on the cartoon then climbed on Lyssa's lap when she sat down and continued to watch.

"Kimberly has been working since you messaged trying to find who she belongs to but nothing so far. She's going through birth records now for any girls with the same name diagnosed with Down's," Dannigan informed them.

Lyssa looked at him squarely, "Somebody has to be looking for her Major and we have to find them."

"That's just it Lyssa. Anybody that would be looking for her might not be, available; to be looking," Dannigan replied uneasily watching for a reaction from the child.

"That's a prospect that's not been overlooked Paul,"Rodrick commented.

"If that's the case Major then we'll have to find somebody for her," Lyssa added," She has needs that we have no idea how to deal with and that means that we would more than likely present more problems than solutions . We don't want that for her."

Dannigan admitted, "you had me worried that your maternal instincts were overriding practical judgement."

Lyssa shook her head, "I dunno about maternal instincts but I wouldn't just palm such a child off so casually. We're better than that. For us not to make sure that she has the best that can be is unacceptable. I don't buy into fate-karma-destiny bit. She was a Murphy nobody could have ever foreseen, much less planned about. Now we have to confront and resolve her situation; even if it means she has to be with somebody else because they are better suited to provide for her."

Dannigan looked to Rodrick who nodded his agreement.

"I even sent money to Kimberly's account for all the work she's putting into this for us," Lyssa said.

Dannigan chuckled, "that's good. that young lady is burning up every database in the country trying to find her for you."

They all couldn't help smiling when Meghan began singing along with the colorful characters on the cartoon she was watching.

---

CHAPTER 4

Kimberly had been slamming through firewalls and pillaging databases to search records for five days when finally she caught something. Evansville, Indiana; a girl matching Meghan's particulars and diagnosis. Lyssa had been clever and sent Kimberly Meghan's footprints so she compared them as if they were fingerprints. She had a match; Meghan Ashley Vancil.

Kimberly shifted her priority tasking to search for the parents. within moments her hopes fell, both parents were found murdered and Meghan had been presumed to be dead as well. Kimberly became angry then. She wouldn't admit defeat so easily and began tracking both parental sides looking for relatives. Time passed as her anger increased at the lack of results.

"Kim.....kim....KIM," Pete called from the doorway.

"WHAT," she demanded.

"Come on. You need to take a break and eat. you look ready to use those computers for target practice," Pete said.

Kimberly looked at the computer screen with outright hostility then got up, "allright."

Pete looked at her, "Kim you can do some amazing shit with those computers but face a fact; if it ain't there you ain't gonna find it. Period."

Kimberly looked down, "we can't fail that little girl Pete. We just CAN'T!"

Pete followed her across to the kitchen, "Kim just because she may not have any family left to find doesn't mean failure. It means going to plan B. And there is a plan-B. Rodrick and Lyssa wouldn't dare not have a plan-B."

Kimberly nodded and sat down to eat with Pete.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick hung up the phone and looked to the kitchen. Lyssa was cleaning the dinner dishes while Meghan on the floor close by playing with the new doll they'd bought for her.

"Sssst," he softly called out to her.

Lyssa looked over, "news?"

He shook his head sadly.

Lyssa walked carefully around Meghan and asked quietly," No family at all for her?"

Rodrick said quietly, "her dad was an orphan and the mother had been an only child, parents deceased ten years prior. Baby she doesn't have anybody to come for her."

Meghan came over and patted Rodrick's leg, "Lyss...a sad. Rod..rick, no sad."

He bent down and picked the little girl up and held her as he put his arm around Lyssa," It'll be ok sweetpea."

Lyssa leaned over and kissed Meghan's cheek, "I'll be ok."

Rodrick said, "Kimberly is gonna get some rest and first thing in the morning she'll start searching through the Army and Navy for suitable family for her. She'll focus on the Spec Ops community"

"Ok. That sounds like a really good idea," Lyssa said.

Meghan squirmed and twisted in Rodrick's arms and reached out to Lyssa who took her to hold.

"No sad Lyss...a. No sad," she said adamantly.

"ok Meghan, I won't be sad," Lyssa said.

Meghan squirmed more so Lyssa set her down only to have her hand seized by the child and led back into the kitchen. Meghan climbed up the stool and reached over the counter to pull a jar close then reached inside to bring out a cookie, offering it up to Lyssa.

Meghan said, "Lyss...a no sad. Cookie!"

Lyssa smiled, took the cookie, broke it in half and handed it back, "there. Now neither of us are sad."

She reached inside and handed another cookie to her," Rodrick looked sad too didn't he?"

Meghan clambered down holding the cookie carefully and ran to Rodrick holding it up, "Rod...rick. No sad!"

He chuckled as he picked her up then took the offered cookie and one-handed broke in half to share with her. Lyssa finished in the kitchen as Rodrick sat down on the couch and picked up the book he'd been reading to Meghan for the past few days. Within minutes he had her giggling and laughing as he invented different voices for the characters of the story. Lyssa smiled then joined them and took her turn reading the next chapter.

~o~O~o~

Three nights later Dannigan looked across from the young naval commander and his wife. His file was impressive in the SEAL community and now transferring to staff duty at the Pentagon as a SweatHog; the Navy's go-to group for answers. It was his wife that made them sought after, her younger sibling was a Down's child giving her the experience needed to care for Meghan.

"Commander this is a very delicate situation, with your background you understand this. Mrs. Haddoway certain things of this will be new to you, I can't reveal how the child came into our care only that her best interests are at the fore-front and utilizing normal channels and procedures are out of the question for her future,"Dannigan explained.

She didn't flinch, "I understand that Sir and I agree, the child's care should be the primary concern. You say her history can't be discussed; I accept that. I'm a SEAL wife Sir, I understand that sometimes questions don't always have answers."

Dannigan considered that then buzzed Madison," Send them in."

A moment later the door opened. Lyssa walked in holding Meghan's hand followed by Rodrick.

"This is Rodrick Mason. Commander that name may be familiar to you. He was on TEAM Four. He does me the occasional favor. I asked him and his fiance to take care of our young charge until my people found you," Dannigan introduced.

Amanda Haddoway did a double-take then her jaw dropped,"Oh my god. You're Lyssa Kordenay!"

Lyssa smiled,"Yes I am, hello."

Amanda smiled proudly, "I saw you dance in New York for Giselle. I used to dance when I was young."

That made Lyssa smile brightly, "well I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Lyssa then looked over at Dannigan as if he were something to found in the yard, "I may not appreciate strange calls in the middle of the night from mystery men but I couldn't say no to the circumstances. I'd prefer it doesn't become a habit. MISTER Dannigan."

"Consider it a favor I owe you Miss Kordenay. In fact I may incur another but I think you'd be happy to accommodate," Dannigan replied.

"hello. I'm Meghan," Meghan said brightly.

Amanda walked over and knelt down,"Hello Meghan, I'm Amanda."

The Commander crouched low as well, "hello Meghan, I'm Patrick."

She rewarded them both with a brilliant smile," ah-man-dah....Pat...rick."

she then looked from Patrick to Rodrick, "Rod...rick, Pat....rick."

Amanda said proudly," so very smart; and so pretty too."

Lyssa knelt down,"Meghan. Amanda and Patrick are very lonely for a girl like you. Would you like to go stay with them? They'd love to be a mommy and daddy for you."

"A new mommy and daddy," she asked trying to make sense of that in her mind.

Rodrick crouched low, "Oh they'll be great! They like to read stories and color pictures and have a yard to play in and teach you how to swim. You'll have lots of fun."

Meghan thought about that then looked at them, "Mommy? Daddy?"

Patrick smiled, "If you want us to be."

Meghan smiled then looked puzzled for a minute.

She walked around the desk and asked Dannigan, "Shadow. What about shadow?"

Dannigan looked into her eyes and smiled, "I'm sure shadow would like it if you went to a new mommy and daddy."

That answer satisfied Meghan, "ok Dan-gig-gan."

Meghan walked back around and hugged Amanda,"new Mommy."

"Let's get you home Meghan, if we hurry we'll be just in time for supper," Patrick said cheerfully.

Amanda told her,"Let's tell everybody bye and then we'll go home."

Meghan nodded then went over and hugged and kissed Lyssa then Rodrick and finally Dannigan," bye-bye."

"Miss Kordenay. That other favor; I'd like to purchase three front row tickets to your christmas performance for them," Dannigan said.

Lyssa nodded, "done. And you were right; I'm very happy to accommodate that."

"Goodbye sweetie, you'll see us again," Lyssa smiled for her.

Rodrick chimed in, "Yeah, you'll get to watch Lyssa dance in the big show for christmas."

Dannigan added,"Even Madison and I will be there little one."

Meghan clapped her hands,"Lyss..a dance!"

They all chuckled at her excitement.

"I'll make sure of the tickets personally,"Lyssa said.

They thanked her for that then both holding Meghan's hands walked out with the file holding the adoption papers and necessary background information to learn. Lyssa watched them leave from the window looking down.

"You ok with this," Dannigan asked.

"Its the right thing. They're far better suited for her than any of us. No egos, only what's best for Meghan," Lyssa admitted solemnly.

Rodrick added,"We'll miss her Paul but they'll be better for her than us. We're not ready to be parents yet, Meghan taught us that but when we are ready we'll be the best that can be for whoever we get lucky to have."

"You two are serious Alpha-types. But the fact you could take yourselves out of the equation and put that child first proves that you're the best,"Dannigan stated," you know; I miss that lil' imp already."

Lyssa turned back to the window as a tear rolled down her cheek, "so do I."

Outside the first flakes of snow had started to fall as the sun flashed its last light.

 

Book 24 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Lyssa may be gearing up for Christmas   but she may have to gear up for other things too!! WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 
 
 

CHAPTER 1
Lyssa stood still in the darkened building and took a slow breath.

"You ready for this," Rodrick asked.

Lyssa nodded, "yeah. Now remember; beyond this point we'll be engaged."

Rodrick frowned, "any intel on their strength and affiliation?"

"Somewhere between a squad and a platoon. Definitely local. I know you're not trained for this kind of extract but its the only way to go," Lyssa reminded him.

Rodrick shouldered the bag and braced himself at the door, slightly to the side, "I'm just worried about how many ways this could go wrong."

"Ready? The zone is LIVE. Think fast, move with purpose and keep to the outside of their skirmish line. The perimeter is about as safe as it gets. Standby. On my mark," Lyssa instructed then adjusted the ribbon holding her hair in a ponytail, " GO!"

Rodrick popped the door open and Lyssa stepped out into the alley and immediately they were surrounded. Rodrick bolted backwards to the safety of the wall of the theater.

Lyssa smiled and strode forward, "well now. What have we here?"

The large group of ten to fifteen year old girls squealed in excitement and surged around her asking for autographs.

Lyssa laughed then waved her hands, "settle down. Settle down."

When they group calmed down enough she addressed them.

"Now now. This is hardly the way for aspiring Primas to behave," Lyssa playfully scolded them then said with a smile, "I'll be happy to sign whatever you brought and even take pictures with you, but let's be nice and form a line with the youngest girls first."

Rodrick shook his head. Jumping from high altitude, diving to possible equipment failure depths, slogging through swamps infested with various poisonous creatures, even storming middle-eastern villages full of insurgents was nothing compared to this. Being mobbed by adoring dance-wear clad little girls was something no SEAL had ever been trained for.

An hour and a half later the last girl posed with Lyssa for a picture then rushed away to meet her mother to leave happily.

"Looks like that's all of them. Let's go babe. We have a car to check out in the morning," Rodrick opened the door to the SUV.

Lyssa sighed, "I just want to eat and have a bubble-bath."

~o~O~o~

Elsewhere in Washington; a figure slipped under a paint splattered tarp on a rooftop and set up a rifle. Within moments the scope was dialed in for the target zone almost a kilometer away, a set of doors that only a select few used. Now was the waiting for one particular person.

---

Rodrick smirked as Lyssa slowly walked around the car letting her fingertips slide over its lines, her slender heels tapping sharply on the concrete apron of the track.

"As you can see Mr. Mason there's been several improvements; higher compression, fuel/air intake rate, exhaust release, torque, gear ratio, traction, micro adjustable suspension for finer tuning, reinforced composite body panels as opposed to single molded body, new lighter alloy frame," the engineer listed.

Rodrick watched Lyssa look under the raised hood then inside the passenger compartment.

He kept a poker-face, "think it should be tested Rob?"

The engineer gestured to the Ford GT," by all means Mr.Mason! The keys are in it and Jeff is out there to.....pace you."

Lyssa had slipped into the seat and plugged in her MP3 player then hit play; Matt Darey featuring Kate Smith singing See the Sun began to blare. She pulled the door turning the key then revved the engine twice and popped the clutch. Tires smoked and screeched as she roared onto the track in a controlled slide. Rodrick smiled as the engineer's eyes widened watching Lyssa, song blaring, sweep around a turn then take up a position beside the professional racer.

He shook his head and could just imagine her slide the pink shades down her nose then back up in challenge. They heard the engine pitch up twice more then shriek as both launched forward jockeying for the lead. Lyssa led into the next turn high then slipped gears, dropped behind and down then powered up again and launched herself around the smaller radius taking a greater lead. The race, the chase, WAS ON!

The professional racer apparently didn't care for such an unexpected manuever and closed in tight to the bumper. Lyssa forced him to slow as they prepared for another turn then cut across the apex; opening up taking the lead again. In the straight she gave him the opportunity to come around her but kept even with his back wheels, as if setting him up for a classic PIT manuever police used to make a pursuit car spin around, then drift back and come along his other side, taunting him by riding the blind spot then rocketed around in the next turn.

This continued for another five minutes and the other driver eased down into the pit area behind her.

He climbed out and pulled off his helmet, "Good Christ! Who the hell is that?"

Lyssa eased out of the car and stepped lightly over to Rodrick and purred to him.

"Baby; do you think you can somehow talk your friend there to dial up the air inflow a quarter after he advances the timing? Oh, and the right front needs to be a little softer. It felt like a brick on a rollerskate wheel," then she turned to the engineer, "does it come in a dark grey?"

It was all Rodrick could do not to laugh as he noticed the driver shift his helmet to hold in front of his groin then excused himself.

"I need a cup of coffee. Looks like the chick from the Lamborghini ads," the driver muttered walking off.

The engineer blinked then stammered out, "anything else Ma'am?"

Lyssa shrugged, "computer controlled suspension that can have presets. Adjustments made at the push of a button for each driver. Rodrick; myself, you get the idea. As opposed to having to make the adjustments manually taking almost half an hour. It can be for special edition models."

The engineer smacked himself in the forehead muttering, "why didn't I think of that? Be right back."

Lyssa turned and clasped her hands behind Rodrick's neck, "I really like NEW toys."

Rodrick looked down slightly, "sometimes I just can't take you anywhere."

Lyssa just giggled at him. Mornings were always fun

~o~O~o~

Late afternoon Madison walked in,"Major there's a call for you."

Dannigan nodded and picked up, "Dannigan."

"Hello Major. Its Singleton," General Singleton announced.

"How's the neice General," Dannigan asked.

Singleton paused, "She's fine Major, that's not why I'm calling. Its about Sam Whitacre."

Dannigan sat silently, Major General Samuel Whitacre was supposed to retire in a year, his current post as Commanding General of Special Forces. As a Colonel he'd been Dannigan's battalion commander as a green lieutenent. In fact before her great change-over Lyssa herself had been under Whitacre's personal command in Delta Force's off the books DemonWraith platoon.

He smiled at the memory, "Whipsnap Whitacre?"

"He's dead Branton," Singleton said bluntly.

Dannigan almost dropped the phone.

"I've been promoted to Major General and the post of CG of Special Forces," Singleton said.

"Commanding General. Its in good hands then Sir. Tall boots to fill but nobody better than you in the pipeline for it," Dannigan said, "I gotta know. How'd he buy it? I thought he had meetings at the Pentagon all week."

"A Goddamn rifle shot walking from his car to the door, almost a kilometer out; two hours ago," Singleton told him.

"HOLY FUCK," He exclaimed causing Madison to drop the coffee refill for him in the doorway.

She looked up and was about to apologize but Dannigan waved it off and covered the mouthpiece, "Get Lyssa and Rodrick, tell them to get here now. Everything goes on hold until this is done."

"Branton; I take from the sound of a fumbling hand over the receiver you're telling your staff to pull out all stops and get their collective shit wired," Singleton surmised.

Dannigan replied angrily, "Guessed fuckin' right....Sir."

Singleton paused for a moment then said, "Officially; I have no idea who the fuck you are and I have the wrong number because dead men don't answer the phone. Unofficially; this call isn't happening. Personally; you and your people watch your asses. There isn't an agency in the government that's not on this. Do what you all do BEST! Stay unknown and set the head of whomever is responsible on a pike in front of the main gate. The funeral will be two days from now."

Dannigan growled, "you'll have heads General. You'll HAVE them. WE WILL NOT FAIL!"

Madison was already calling and got Lyssa on the first ring, "Hey whatever you two are doing, drop everything and get here now! Something's happened, I don't know what but its bad so hurry!"

She didn't wait for acknowledgement and disconnected.

"MADISON. GET KIMBERLY ON THE LINE," Dannigan shouted.

She didn't bother to answer, just dialed the hangar office in the Bahamas.

Kimberly answered," Hangar Office."

"Hold for the Major," Madison stated then transferred to his phone calling out,"She's on the line."

Dannigan snatched up the phone, "Kimberly drop everything. now! General Samuel Whitacre was assassinated at the Pentagon two hours ago. Do what you do best; FIND 'EM!"

"Yes Sir," Kimberly snapped.

He disconnected then searched the newsfeeds and pulled up the Pentagon's security bulletin system. Nobody was talking about it at all. he found the DIA,CID scramble orders. Those were pretty straightforward; locate and liquidate. Somebody had even went all old school and included; EXTERMINATE WITH EXTREME PREJUDICE in the orders. Lyssa and Rodrick came barreling into the office fifteen minutes later.

"Sit," Dannigan said gruffly then looked directly at Lyssa, "Whipsnap Whitacre is dead Lyssa; rifle shot outside the Pentagon just over two hours ago."

Lyssa gaped then stammered," wha....how....do we know anything?"

"I've got Kimberly burning up everything right now. If anybody can get something fast; its her. That's not the problem. The problem is everybody and their brother wants in but they aren't gonna get 'em. Kimberly WILL find them and I'm sending YOU after 'em. Darrell Singleton was made CG of Special Forces," Dannigan told her.

Lyssa looked said,"Good man I hear."

Dannigan nodded,"he is. I know him personally. He'll do things right, but for now he wants US to find a way to get ahead of everybody else and take out these assholes."

Lyssa nodded grimly and stood up as did Rodrick, together they walked out.

Lyssa stopped and looked back from the doorway, "Eric Tinnington is the CG of SAS, he and Whipsnap worked together in an exchange...Delta and Pagoda. He should know about the funeral."

Dannigan nodded, he too knew the Special Air Service General having spent some exchange time with the vaunted Pagoda troop of SAS. He pulled out a small book and searched it then dialed a number which was answered on the second ring.

"MacTaggart," the phone was answered.

"Any whiskey left in the kingdom you great lush," Dannigan asked bluntly.

"Nay! Nary a drop left you old cur," the Scotsman chuckled, "how are ya there Paul?"

Dannigan sighed, "had better days Sean, I need a favor."

MacTaggart said casually, "name it."

"Sean how close are you with General Eric Tinnington," he asked.

MacTaggart laughed, "close enough he owes me twenty pounds. What do you need from him?"

"Five minutes on a private phone,"Dannigan said.

Sean MacTaggart replied, "aye; that I can do. Sounds important, hold on."

Minutes later another voice came on the phone, "Yes?"

"General Tinnington," Dannigan asked.

The General confirmed, "Yes. Major Dannigan is it?"

"Yes Sir. I'm sorry to give you very bad news General. General Sam Whitacre has been killed. Assassinated outside the Pentagon. I knew you were friends Sir. The funeral is in two days. I'm sure somebody else may call you to inform but I wanted you to know," Dannigan informed him.

The General sighed, "damn bloody shame. Top notch man Sam was. Major am I to presume that you personally will see to a bit of rubbish removal?"

Dannigan said flatly," take care General. I'll trust you to be discreet about the call," then disconnected.

Tinnington passed the phone back to the gruff colonel, "thanks Sean. Good friend you got there."

The big Scot shifted in the chair, "That he is but I suspect what he had to tell you wasn't pleasant."

Tinnington lit a cigar and leaned back in his chair, "You remember Sam Whitacre don't you?"

MacTaggart leaned back and chuckled, "that old gin guzzler? Aye I do."

"He's dead. Damn bloody shame, wasn't even in combat," Tinnington lamented.

"Got along well with the lads didn't he," MacTaggart asked.

"Ours and his," Tinnington confirmed, "what about that one of yours? Dannigan was it?"

MacTaggart chuckled, "oh he's a fair vicious one Paul Dannigan is. Everyone wants him under their flag until he goes to work then they want to be shot of him double quick."

That surprised Tinnington, "How so?"

"Oh make no mistake. For quiet operations of a highly compact unit; there's none better for counter operations. More than a fair hand at being pro-active but he tends to be more than a bit of a maverick as the Yanks say," MacTaggart commented.

"What's he up to these days," Tinnington asked.

"Fair question. Something tells me if asked the whole lot will say 'Dannigan who'. The last I heard he'd dropped out of sight," MacTaggart said.

Tinnington considered that then said, "All the same, let's get some of the acquainted lads together for the funeral. Be a poor showing if we didn't bid a proper farewell. Perhaps the Scot Dragoons could come along, the old boy deserves a grand sendoff."

MacTaggart grinned, "Aye General that he does, I'll make some calls."

---

CHAPTER 2

Kimberly sifted through data using two computers then added her own laptop to the effort. Pete had sat down to help watch video footage while she sorted out message traffic.

"whoa! Hold up there," Pete said then tried to reverse the feed.

"What'd you see Pete," she asked then looked over.

"Looked like somebody carrying a trombone or a rifle case. I need to back up and zoom in. I don't know how," Pete said.

Kimberly backed up the footage to the point he wanted then zoomed in and replayed at half speed. A man carrying a long case was coming out of a building along the trajectory line. Kimberly noted the time then checked active cellphones at the location then started tracking all phones for five minutes then used traffic cam footage to verify the owners of the phones and checked license plates and found it. She ran it and found the address.

Kimberly's fingers flew over the keyboard as she broke through the cyber defenses of holding companies and cross-referencing intelligence agencies and came up with the file. A north Korean.

Kimberly checked every database she could find and hit pay dirt, a sniper but no longer in service. Something was off with the guy. Kimberly kept at it until she came up with a payment to an account under his name. From Dubai to Zurich. The Dubai account was held by a Lebanese currently posted to the consulate in Washington,D.C.

Kimberly compiled all the data and sent it then called Madison.

"Madison. I found him! Call Lyssa and Rodrick and anybody else that needs to know," Kimberly said quickly.

Dannigan jumped on the line, "Kimberly are you sure you got him? You have to be dead on."

"I all but drew cross-hairs on his file photo and strung Christmas lights on the house," Kimberly said proudly.

"Good job, rerouting the packet to Lyssa now. Find out why though. This can't be a wild hair up the ass of some goofball," Dannigan ordered.

"Yes Major; if its there I'll find it," Kimberly assured him then disconnected and went back to her searching.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick disconnected from the call from Dannigan,"We got a green light."

Lyssa walked in carrying the two Car-15 assault rifles and passed him one and the bag of magazines for it. Rodrick snapped a full magazine into the well then used a clip to secure an additional magazine to it. Seven more went into the pouches of his tactical vest. He'd already loaded up with the Colt Delta 10mm and additional magazines along with his dive knife and garrot then finished out with fragmentation, concussion, incendiary and flashbang grenades.

Lyssa had geared with her usual twin Jericho .40 cal automags and the small hideaway pistol in her boot along with the Marauder knife in its sheath at the back of her thigh, the Fairbarn-Sikes knife in the strap of her harness then added her assortment of grenades as well. Finally Lyssa slid two microsyrettes into her boot then passed two to Rodrick then they went out to the car. He drove them to the house Kimberly had indicated in her report.

"Comm check," Rodrick keyed his throat-mic.

"Five by five,"Lyssa confirmed.

"Five by five,"Rodrick acknowledged of her.

He quickly painted on his facial camo pattern then looked to Lyssa who already wore her swirl of stripes masking her beautiful face. Silently they approached the house from opposite sides. a slim piece of spring steel slipped the window latch after she carefully checked for alarms. Slowly she slid the window up some and felt inside. a thin wire had been attached to the window.

"One to Two. Be advised; window here wired old school," she informed him.

Lyssa used a nightvision monocular and visually traced the thin wire and saw two sets of cans. One set would make noise if the line went slack. The other set would make noise if the line pulled too far, dragging them off a support.

"Watch out. Dual action rattlers on the spider wire," Lyssa whispered.

"Copy that," Rodrick whispered back on the opposite side of the house.

They crawled room to room downstairs then up the stairs. Lyssa disarmed the three tripwires to grenades on the staircase. Rodrick followed close behind then checked the opposite side of the hallway.

Rodrick waved to her in combat sign language, "enemy seen".

Using her knees, elbows and toes Lyssa slithered her body to the doorway and peered around it into the room. Silently they both moved in and closed to the man sleeping in the chair. His eyes flew open to feel two pistols pressed upward under his chin.

Rodrick said,"wake up dumbass, you're in the deepest shit there ever was."

The sniper looked at them blankly, "So. I have been found."

His English was perfect.

Lyssa hissed coldly, "yes and here is where you end."

They both pulled their triggers shooting up through his skull and blowing the top of his head out. Rodrick stood up and made to pull the body from the chair but Lyssa stopped him.

"No. Leave him as he is. Snap his neck," Lyssa said cautiously.

Rodrick looked at her in puzzlement then reached and snapped his neck in a loud crackle. Lyssa pulled the Marauder and sliced through the flesh then yanked hard pulling the head away. She stuffed it carefully into a bag.

"Let's go. We have one more stop to make. Bring his rifle," She whispered.

Rodrick nodded and took the rifle from its case then followed Lyssa with her grizzly trophy back through the window out into the quiet night.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan clenched his fist, "damn good. They got him."

He double checked the latest report from Kimberly. The Lebanese was still located at the apartment in Alexandria, not alone either. Lyssa had the address via a text message. He considered calling the general but decided against it, he'd wait a little longer.

The Pentagon had finally released to report of General Whitacre's death. Many were saddened by the news, everybody else was angry. Those that knew the full circumstances were beyond furious, word around the Hill was when the President had been told he'd flown into a rage and threw all the press out of the White House. Good thing too, it kept the press focused on him and off the military for a few hours.

All high ranking officers were now using a protected entrance now to enter and exit the Pentagon. A strong message was being sent out tonight; Nobody takes out a General on U.S. soil. As for the Pentagon, Kimberly was watching their progress by monitoring databases, they were currently twenty hours behind her thanks to Homeland security throwing everybody off track for five hours.

Things like that happened when every agency thought they knew who did it and badgering to take the lead. The Joint Chiefs finally shut all that down by figuratively throwing out all civilian agencies. As of early evening the only agencies currently tasked to the investigation were Army CID, DIA and NSA. The listeners in England picked up that the Commanding General of Special Air Service had issued a scramble order for a hand picked detachment to accompany him overseas and also took charge of the Scottish Dragoons for the trip.

Dannigan smiled at that, Scottish Dragoons were a contingent of bagpipe and drum players for ceremonial events. That pretty much answered any possible question about the relationship between Whitacre and Tinnington; not just acquiantances. They truly were friends. Friends with alot of respect between them. Madison lingered at her desk pretending to work, she never liked situations that required her to do literally nothing but wait. He had gotten used to that shortly after Lyssa went operational.

The secret to bliss was pick the best and make sure they had everything they needed to get the job done right the first time then turn them loose to do it. Micro-management was the detriment to any operation. Lyssa and Rodrick were perfect together, both on and off mission. No other agency could claim to having such a team and he was glad they were his every single day.

An update from Kimberly came through; DIA were now closely checking license plate to all vehicles within a two block radius of the sniper's nest. An instant message from Lyssa came through fifteen minutes later; they were on station at secondary location. he turned up the volume of his speakers as Madison came in and watched the big screen on the wall with the house layout.

~o~O~o~

Ahmad smiled coldly watching the newscaster reporting the death of the General. Finally his father had been avenged. Tomorrow the replacement would be killed the same way, the Korean would definitely earn his pay but that was nothing, he'd been accruing the money for years to pay for revenge. He laughed to himself as he poured the imported water into his glass. He looked to the hallway and saw one of his security men walking by that gave him a nod that all was well.

Not even the Embassy knew that for his personal security he had brought in Hammal gunners. they were patrolling the house and grounds, each carried a pistol and AK-47. He was perfectly safe though. No one knew about him, not even his own Embassy knew about his agenda. He chuckled to himself softly. he'd struck the heart of the americans in front of their fortress. He'd do it again as he flew back to Lebanon.

---

CHAPTER 3

Lyssa moved silently through the hedges inside the decorative fence then crawled across the yard in the shadow of a tall tree that stretched to the house. The smell of cigarette smoke betrayed the guard at the far corner. He crushed the concealed cigarette and pocketed the butt then slowly started walking back toward the front of the house. Lyssa rose up silently and drew the Marauder from the back of her leg. The triple click from Rodrick didn't even distract her as she simultaneously clamped her left hand of the man's mouth and thrust the knife blade into his head in the notch between jaw and base of skull.

A muffled grunt was all the sound he made then stilled after a quick twist of the blade sliced his brain killing him. She wiped the blade clean on his shoulder and gave Rodrick a triple click of her mic.

"Multiple movement inside,"Rodrick whispered.

"Target status," she whispered.

He whispered back,"unknown. I have access. ground floor."

Lyssa tested the lattice work against the wall, it seemed to take her weight.

"Standby. proceeding to second floor exterior," she replied then carefully climbed up and crawled to a window.

The window latch gave easily and slid up slowly.

"I have access on second floor. Make entry," she ordered then slithered inside.

The room across the hall was occupied by two men sleeping. She leveled both her pistols at their heads, she'd already attached the supressors and triggered of a single shot each. Quickly she used her knife to widen the wounds and pull the slugs out with pliers and picked up the shell casings. A quick check of the other rooms then she slowly slithered down the stairs.

A brightly lit kitchen was at the end of the hallway and a room that was mostly dark but flickers of light came from it. Obviously someone sat watching tv in the dark. She could barely hear voices so they were being cautious about the noise levels. A shadow moved beside the front door. Lyssa closed in moving along the wall.

He turned just as she moved up close so Lyssa struck hard punching him in the throat then grabbed his head and twisted hard. His neck vertebrae gave with a sickening crackle, then slowly slumped to the floor guided by her hand clamped over his nose and mouth. A shattered larnyx prevented him from voicing his death as his paralysis kept him from struggling. She triple clicked again.

Rodrick answered, "only the dark room and basement left."

Lyssa whispered, "copy. Proceed to dark room."

They took positions on the floor either side of the door then crawled in on her nod. The lone man in the chair was chuckling to himself watching the news report of the General's death when he felt the hard muzzle of Rodrick's Colt press to his head.

"Dumb-fuck gets wasted in Alexandria. Film at eleven," Rodrick said softly.

"I am a member of the Lebanese Consulate; protected by diplomatic immunity," he said smugly as if he had pulled the ultimate joke.

"Not from us,"Lyssa hissed.

Ahmad's eyes widened as a wicked looking knife appeared in front of him.

"The Vienna Convention states...." he sputtered but couldn't finish.

Lyssa had sliced through his throat. He grasped at his neck trying to stop the blood from gushing out. She shoved his hands out of the way and used the knife more until the blade scraped bone.

Lyssa leaned in close and said with a hiss, "Past the gates and before the Devil's throne, I've been to Hell; they're gonna love you."

Rodrick reached and savagely twisted the Lebanese man's head snapping the neck bones then yanked hard ripping it free of the body. The separated head was placed into a bag. Silently they left through the window Rodrick came in through and backtracked to the SUV three blocks away.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa called Dannigan, "We're done."

"Outstanding," Dannigan answered.

"Two heads and the rifle," she listed, "where do you want them?"

Dannigan asked, "think you can mount them at the main gate of the Pentagon?"

Lyssa sat quietly for a minute then stated, "gee you don't ask fucking much."

"How about Ft.Mead instead," he proposed.

She mulled that over then agreed, "That we can do. Tell Kim to fix the cameras. Call you shortly."

Rodrick stopped at a pile of debris along the roadside and grabbed two branches. In a dark lot he sharped both ends of the two sticks while the call was made to Kimberly. He then followed Lyssa close enough to the main gate and jammed the sticks into the ground. Lyssa slammed the heads onto the spiked tops and leaned the rifle against the Korean's head. As fast as they could they ran back to the empty parking lot and left using side streets. Lyssa called Dannigan back and reported their task complete.

~o~O~o~

General Singleton answered the ringing phone angrily, "You have no idea the deep shit you're in...."

"General this is Colonel Davies; CID. There's been an incident Sir at the main gate," a voice replied.

"I'm on my way," Singleton growled and hung up.

Moment's later he walked outside in BDU's and jump boots, a Humvee with driver waited at the curb. The Sergeant saluted and started to open the door.

"Never mind that Sergeant; its too early for bullshit...let's go," the general remarked.

"HOO-AAH Sir," The sergeant replied and ran around to jump behind the wheel.

In less than five minutes they arrived to the main gate and brightly lit area just outside it. He bailed out before it came to a stop. Several soldiers working in the area stopped and saluted as he passed.

Someone called out, "ATTENTION!"

"AS YOU WERE," Singleton barked out, "Where's colonel Davies?"

A man in an Army sweatshirt and jeans came forward then saluted him, "General."

Singleton returned the salute angrily, "the fuck is so all fired up important it can't wait til morning?"

The colonel pointed off to the side, "that Sir..."

The General looked over and saw two heads mounted on sticks with a rifle leaning against one.

"General that rifle is one of the possibles that killed General Whitacre. It may even be the one that did," The colonel reported.

Singleton stared hard at the grizzly scene and bit back a smile. Dannigan and his people made good. REAL DAMN GOOD!

"I don't mean to tell you your business colonel but get this squared away and confirm about the rifle. I want a copy of the report before you go before the Joint Chiefs," Singleton ordered.

"Yes Sir. Whoever did this was good; in and out under thirty seconds. The camera's got nothing and the dogs lost the scent across the road. We got nothing on whoever did this,"Davies ground out angrily.

Singleton looked around as if trying to decide on what to do then said, "verify if that rifle is a match that's about all that can be done for now and follow whatever procedures pertain Colonel, cases don't close just because we think they got resolved!"

Davies nodded,"Yes Sir!"

General Singleton addressed the area at large, "Carry on people. Do what you do best!"

Everyone in the group sounded off, "HOO-AAH!"

The General asked a cigarette from a young enlisted off to the side then waved the driver of his Humvee to wait. He pulled a cellphone from his pocket after he lit the cigarette and dialed Dannigan's number.

"Hello, how may I help you," Madison answered.

"Seems like everybody has insomnia tonight. It's General Singleton; put me through to the Major young lady," He said.

Dannigan came on the line, "Not even twenty-fours hours on the job and you're already losing sleep, You need to learn how to delegate things General."

Singleton growled, "very funny wise-ass. Is everything going to be confirmed?"

Dannigan replied, "if they stay on task and not get sidetracked it will."

"Good, hopefully your people will stay invisible Major," Singleton said.

"We had a five minute window to get in and out. They're clear," Dannigan stated.

"Out-fucking-standing," Singleton remarked.

"If you don't screw around you can get a nap in before PT, sleep fast General. Good night," Dannigan commented.

Singleton disconnected and pocketed the phone.

"Let's go Sergeant,"he said climbing into the Humvee.

It was a little after four am, he might as well get his day started.

---

Chapter 4

"That's it Madison....take the day off get some rest," Dannigan told her carrying his coat and briefcase and locked his office door.

She looked very tired as she grabbed her purse and coat and preceeded him to the elevator. They rode down and left. Her eyes were threatening to roll back into her head as she pulled into the assigned parking space at her apartment building. Silently she thanked being able to make it home without any problems as she walked to the elevator. It was almost five am, still dark out so falling asleep wouldn't be a problem.

Madison was so focused on herself that she almost missed the soft sounds. At first she thought it might be a stray animal looking for refuge from the cold night. She stopped walking to listen and heard better, a person. Madison walked over to the other side and saw a woman close to her own age sitting on the floor crying.

"hey. What happened? are ok," She asked stepping closer.

The young woman looked up and revealed a swollen bruised eye and dried blood from her nose. Madison saw her injuries and looked around carefully for strangers but saw none.

"Oh my god. Who did this to you,"she asked.

"H..he took my purse....I tried to stop him but he hit me when I wouldn't let go. I couldn't see and fell down and he just hit me again and again," the woman sobbed.

Madison debated for a moment who to call then dialed 911. Luckily there was a car in the area and showed up within minutes. The officers took the woman's statement and took photos. An ambulance crew declared her injuries not severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room.

Aspirins and ice packs were the recommendations by the female paramedic, along with a day off. The older officer passed her a flyer for a women's group that offered free self-defense course. Madison offered to take her up to her own apartment to clean up. She nodded and followed her up in the elevator.

Madison cleaned the blood away then made an icepack and gave it to her after calling the building manager. He came by after twenty minutes and dropped off a new key saying he had taken the initiative of changing the locks for her own safety. Madison exchanged introductions, her guest turned out to be named Kristi and lived on the floor above.

"Madi? Maybe I need a gun. I don't know anything about guns," She said.

Madison contained her look of shock, "actually I don't know anything about guns either."

Technically that was the truth, the only she knew about guns were from the forms of requistion she occasionally filed for Lyssa and Rodrick's resupply drops. That worried her, everybody else constantly carried weapons. They were all former military with the exception of herself, Dannigan had recruited her straight out of college for her skills of office management and international studies.

She'd never been hurt before. Violence toward her was something she'd never considered and seeing Kristi being randomly targeted frightened her. The fact that it could easily have been her didn't go unnoticed and frightened her even more. Kristi thanked her and went back to her own apartment. Now alone with her thoughts Madison remembered details from Lyssa's after action reports along with reports from investigators which included many very graphic photos. The video of the secretary from Columbia flashed in excrutiating detail to the forefront.

Madison never felt fear like that before, she was actually terrified and knew it. Only one person she knew might not laugh at such fear; Lyssa. Lyssa could joke and tease anybody in ways that never stung but for the most part she was a very serious person that respected feelings of people. Her reaction to having kill the secretary had genuninely surprised Madison. Until she saw that she'd merely thought Lyssa no longer felt remorse for such things.

After a few minutes debate she sent Lyssa a text message,"I want to learn how to protect myself. Will you help me?"

She was suprised when Lyssa called her back immediately.

"What's wrong, are you ok," Lyssa asked and didn't sound as sleepy as Madison felt.

"I thought you would be sleeping,I'm sorry Lyssa," Madison said.

"No not yet, Rodrick had an overseas call so I took a bubblebath waiting. I'm still waiting,"Lyssa said," that's not important. You sound scared Madison, do I need to come over there?"

"No. A girl in my complex was attacked in the garage this morning," Madison replied," Lyssa, it could have been me. I am scared. I've never been scared before. Not like this Lyssa, will you teach me how to protect myself? how to fight. Maybe shoot too?"

Lyssa was quiet for a few moments then answered, "ok Madison, come out this afternoon and we see about getting you sorted out."

"Thank you Lyssa,"Madison sighed.

"Try to get some sleep Madi. Its ok that you called; in fact I'm suprised you were hesitant to ask. You're one of us Madison and we take care of our own," Lyssa said matter-of-factly.

Madison thanked her again then disconnected. She felt more reassured when she went to bed.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan wandered back in just afternoon and checked his message traffic, a police report filed about a mugging and assault caught his eye. Madison's apartment building. He read the report and was relieved. Madison wasn't the victim but had been an after-event witness. She was a brilliant and, more importantly loyal secretary, but she wasn't military. In fact she was the only one that hadn't been recruited from the services. She had no training at all to protect herself, that was something to be addressed soon. The problem was how to address the issue delicately to her. Perhaps Lyssa could take her to task. He made a mental note of that as he left the office.

~o~O~o~

Madison answered the door after hearing the gentle knocking and saw Kristi.

"Hi Madison. Did you have plans," she asked.

"I'm going to see a friend later on," Madison answered.

Kristi said," oh. A friend from work told me about a gun store. They will teach safety and all that for free if you buy a gun from them. Its two-hundred dollars if you just want the classes. Could you give me a ride?"

"Sure," Madison answered and grabbed her purse and things.

Fifteen minutes later they walked into the store and immediately felt out of place.

"Good afternoon ladies. How can I help you," an older man with a handlebar mustache and camouflage vest asked.

Kristi said rather timidly, "May I look at some guns please."

His eyes immediately locked to the bruises on her face and his expression turned a bit stern,"That happen before Miss?"

She turned away slightly in embarrassment and shook her head.

Madison spoke up, "She was attacked and mugged in our garage this morning."

The salesman replied, "I see. Right this way ladies. Over here are some items that are more towards a woman's defense. Pistols yes and also some effective but non-lethal items; Pepper spray with dye-marker, stun-guns."

They looked at the case but Kristi had settled it for herself and looked down at the end to the small pistols.

A younger man stepped over,"how can I help you ladies?"

Kristi spoke up, "I wanted to see guns but I don't know anything about them, I need to take the class too."

"Not a problem, I can definitely hook you up," he said with a smile.

Several pistols were lain on the counter and he explained their relevance. Finally he showed them a Glock 19 that had been outfitted with a laser sight.

"Can't go wrong with this. Very simple, you use a proper firing grip and that turns on the Crimson Trace laser; whatever the little red dot is on is what you'll hit. Simple to use, even the special operations guys use them and not very costly," He said.

Madison wracked her brain trying to remember Lyssa requesting Crimson Trace sights but drew a blank. The only sights she remembered right off hand were Trijicon. She was about to ask then remembered she wasn't supposed to know anything and kept her mouth shut. The salesman asked about her and she politely declined. Kristi purchased the Glock with the laser sights and signed up for the complimentary courses for women.

Madison dropped her off back at the complex and drove out to Lyssa's beach house.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick answered the door while on the phone talking in french looking fairly aggravated. Madison went down stairs into the basement indicated by him and froze. Madison had never really walked into a room and felt immediately frightened. She did now as she saw Lyssa standing in front of a long bench. She looked at the various pistols laid out and spotted Glock similar to that one she'd seen at the store.

"Glock 23 generation 4," Lyssa noticed she had focused on it," .40 cal semi-automatic made of ABS resin mostly. A smart girl can carefully conceal the remaining metal components in her luggage on trips but you really don't need to know how to go about that. It's Austrian made and very reliable."

"what about Crimson Trace sights," Madison asked.

"What about them," Lyssa asked her.

"Are they really good? Special Operations uses them? Should I get them," Madison asked rapidly.

Lyssa looked puzzled for a moment then answered, "They do good for what they are. No we don't and its a waste of money in your case."

Madison looked puzzled.

Lyssa sighed, "Special Operations doesn't use laser sights as often as people think, that's hollywood. Particles in the air will reveal the beam and then bang, operator is dead, because the position has been compromised. Trust me Madi; lasers look cool but that's it. Just looks."

Madison seemed somewhat put off now, "Sales guy lied."

Lyssa arched an eyebrow so Madison explained.

"Don't sweat it. Probably a good thing for your friend to have the sights. You'll spend more time at the range than her and be better at it. Rodrick and I use Trijicon sights. I'm sure the Major does too. Those are very common for Operators," Lyssa showed her a set.

"I was going ask to about that," Madison remarked.

"No biggie. They're self illuminating sight for use in low-light conditions, you'll become familiar with them," Lyssa explained.

Lyssa handed her the automatic and a magazine then led her back up. Two hours later Madison was hitting the target in an appropriate area then paid close attention to Lyssa and Rodrick both as they demostrated some hand-to-hand techniques that really worked to 'persuade any aggressors that she should very much be left alone'. She had to laugh at that comment.

They each taught her one hand-to-hand killing move and the rest of her lesson consisted of techinques to incapacitate and/or cripple an attacker. By dinnertime Madison's confidence was back to normal though Lyssa and Rodrick both warned her of over-confidence and its pitfall.

---

General Tinnington stood at the head of the detachment of SAS troops as the Scottish Dragoons off to the side played bagpipes and drums in farewell. Tinnington himself spoke at the funeral of the time they had exchange trained together and how well it had went, a close friend and colleague to be sorely missed by many both at home and abroad. As the pipes picked up the music to Amazing Grace Tinnington noticed more people were in attendance than previously noted.

Several people stood at a distance in various points of the cemetery. Operators he guessed. MacTaggart nudged him with an elbow slightly and nodded to a group of people standing under a tree far away.

"Dannigan," he whispered.

Tinnington nodded subtly. Dannigan and his people saluted as the shots were fired at the end of the song then turned and walked away as the casket lowered into the earth. Respects had been paid as farewells were made both silently and formally to the passed General who had been known for fighting for the welfare of the troops above all else, often quoted, "The men get the best or we all do without to see to it they do!"
 
 
 
 

*** Special salutes go out to ALL our fallen. They have paid that ultimate price for us and should never be forgotten. Also a special nod to my own paternal grandmother. She never saw military service, she was a simple farm woman. Once when I was child she accompanied us to Florida on vacation. At Epcot center we encountered bagpipe players who asked if anyone had a request from their top ten. My grandmother asked for Amazing Grace. They replied it was number one and happily played it. To this day whenever I hear it played by bagpipes I remember the smile she had when she heard it. I learned a lot from my grandmothers. At Nana's knee I was taught duty, honor and conviction. At Grandma's I learned to do things simply and have fun when I can. I love and miss them both. Part of this story goes out to them as well. ***

 

Book 25 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   Lyssa is dancing the Nutcracker in Washington   though not everyone is a fan!! WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 
 
 

CHAPTER1

Kimberly worked at her computer sifting through raw intel reports. Everybody was gearing for the holidays and that put them all on high alert. The problem was there was a lot of holiday chatter getting in the way but she had to sift through it all. Terrorists moved up timetables to work within the gap created in the workload for those going home. She herself and Pete would spend three days in the Washington area for Christmas. Her voice lessons and facial surgery went flawlessly. No one would recognize her the Major assured her. that was good because her face had been plastered all over the media months ago when she pulled a stunt that slammed several high ranking generals and various others in the army. None of which no longer served officially but did the occasional consult working for civilian contractors now.

Kimberly now worked for a highly classified intelligence agency doing what she still did best. intelligence analysis. The big difference now was she no longer got screened information, all the data she got was raw. unfiltered. CIA, DIA, DOD, DOJ, State Department and many many more. No agency was off limits to her. The mainframe she utilized was hidden somewhere in the western U.S. Lyssa was the sharp end of the spear and Kimberly determined where it should go.

"Hey Kim. I'm going into Nassau. Wanna come along," Pete asked leaning into the office.

She thought about it for a moment then answered, "sure. I need to get out some."

Pete walked down to the Bell helicopter and went through his pre-flight then started the turbines after Kimberly sat in the co-pilot's seat.

His voice came over the static, "We can do a little Christmas shopping before heading north. I gotta get Rod something cool this year because last year he out did himself."

"what did he get you last year,"Kimberly asked.

"a sixty inch plasma with a year of satellite tv paid," He smiled.

Kimberly laughed at that. Pete was a former Marine and a die-hard sports fanatic so the package made total sense to her.

She thought about it then asked, "that is something. What to get for Lyssa and Rodrick?"

Pete made a course correction before replying, "yeah. What to get for them? They have damn near everything and then Madison. What to get for her that won't be taken the wrong way if she has a boyfriend? Does she have a boyfriend?"

Kimberly laughed, "No she's single Pete and I think anything you get her would go over well."

Pete glanced over, "what would you recommend, you talk to her a lot."

"You should get her something that can only be found in the Caribbean. I know; a painting. Lighthouse or a seascape or sailboats. Something local."

Pete thought about that. It seemed like a good idea. The flight went quickly and they hurried to the art galleries to look at the paintings from local artists.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick shifted in the seat watching the final dress rehearsal when a seat squeaked behind him.

"Always takes your breath away to watch her dance, doesn't she," Dannigan asked.

"Words can't describe. If only time would stand still and she could dance forever. I think that would make her really happy," Rodrick replied.

Dannigan chuckled, "More than you or I would ever know."

Rodrick watched quietly for a few more moments then asked, "By the way, how'd you sneak in here?"

"I flashed Secret Service creditials," Dannigan laughed.

Rodrick laughed as well. The Secret Service had been nosing around at all hours for the past week in preparation for opening night due to the First family attending along with several other important attendees, including one of the British crowned Princes even though his security would be handled by known MI-6 Operators.

"Its kinda funny,"Rodrick commented," The very agency that the President has been going nuts to find out about will be in the next box."

Dannigan snickered, "I've learned to take life's little ironies in stride. What time will Pete and Kimberly get in?"

"Tomorrow around noon-ish," Rodrick answered.

Dannigan patted Rodrick on his shoulder, "See you all tomorrow night."

Rodrick waved over his shoulder, "Later Paul. Don't forget to bring toys."

Dannigan laughed at that, Lyssa traditionally had a box set up in the lobby during the production for toys to be donated to an orphanage randomly selected in whatever city she danced in for Christmas and would deliver them personally on Christmas eve wearing her Sugar Plum Doll costume. The Secret Service demanded the box be removed due to the Presidential visit but she gave them a very hard look then had two stage hands bring out bigger boxes each and pointed at them.

She coldly demanded, "Fill those up and shut up. I dance, people donate, kids have Christmas. No exceptions, fuck with me and I'll have the President's courtesy ticket pulled and see to it that the blame falls on you and your team."

Rodrick had been sitting on the stairs listening and it took all he had not to roll down them laughing. A call from the President ended with a compromise. an Agent with canine dressed as "Santa with a reindeer" would be stationed at the boxes. Lyssa finally walked up the aisle dressed to leave so Rodrick stood and walked out with his arm around her waist.

Several paparazzi waited at the stage door and took pictures as they exited. They weren't surprised. The attendee list was A-list; diplomats and Washington society therefore photographers were to be expected. A woman stepped up and introduced herself as being from the Washington Post and asked for a moment for comment. Lyssa nodded. Questions were asked, all pertaining to the production and how she felt working with director and Choreographer, the costumers, the musicians and also a quick comparison to previous productions of The Nutcracker she'd danced for.

Lyssa was very impressed with the professionalism of the impromptu interview and even offered a photo of the cast in costume for the article and named the prominent characters as well but when asked about the VIP attendees she sidestepped the question easily directing to her tradition of the toy donation. The journalist thanked Lyssa for her time and comments also stating that she looked forward to attending the performance.

~o~O~o~

The dark man thought to himself, how could these people deal with such cold? And for such a long duration too? Otumawa preferred the hot climate of his home country in Africa but his mission brought him to America. He'd spent hours watching videos of ballet to understand it. Mogadishu had no such arts there. He now understood The Nutcracker was a Christmas story about a girl's dream set in the Victorian era. He wasn't a christian so Christmas wasn't something he practiced though he understood it was supposed to be a time of sharing but had been corrupted by western society into more of a time of decadent spending and posturing.

It didn't matter to him, all he cared about was the American President's refusal to release Somali warriors they had dubbed terrorists. Jailed in Guantanamo Bay for aiding Al Queda, a commercial ship had been hijacked but Navy SEALs had rescued the crew and killed the hijackers. Now He would assassinate the American President for not releasing them. The performance itself wouldn't be his opportunity to strike but the celebration after would be.

Killing the First Family would send a clear enough message. He'd practiced with the specially made gun and bullets. Completely undetectable by metal detectors and until fired by explosive detectors too. He had four shots to kill them all. Then the American government would have to obey.

---

CHAPTER 2

Madison stood in front of the mirror wearing the evening gown. After getting Kimberly and Pete settled in the Georgetown safe house she'd hurried home to start getting ready for the night. Her Sable brown hair looked striking against the red gown Lyssa had picked out for her. A black cloak instead of a coat would keep her warm.

Major Dannigan had arranged for a limo to pick her up along with Kimberly and Pete. Dannigan himself would be arriving on his own and Lyssa and Rodrick had to be there early for her to get ready so had driven themselves in the flashy new ford GT. It was a dark grey instead of black or red making it very hard to see in distance. Kimberly and Pete had also brought along a box of what looked like gifts already wrapped making her do some very last minute shopping for Pete.

Her plans to catch a late flight out had been canceled due to her families plans being canceled. Everyone was doing something with other family members therefore, she would be staying in D.C. and having Christmas dinner at Lyssa and Rodrick's beach house with Kimberly and Pete. Major Dannigan said he had a prior commitment and would be away for Christmas day. A buzzing of the intercom signaled the driver's arrival so she hurried downstairs.

Pete waited at the door and when she walked into view his jaw dropped. He'd only seen Madison a couple of times but his reaction to her now made her very happy. He'd stammered out a greeting and looked her up and down then helped wrap the cloak around her to go out to the limo. Kimberly smiled as Madison ducked inside and slid onto the opposite seat to face her as Pete settled beside Madison. Sneakily Madison let her hand drift close to his as they pulled away from the curb and within moments Pete gingerly reached the inch and took her's into his own. Kimberly smiled catching sight of them and made small talk.

Twenty minutes later the car stopped and the driver opened the door and offered his hand to Madison and Kimberly as they each stepped out. Pete straightened himself as Kimberly and Madison each slipped a hand through his arms and walked in. Their names were checked against a list and allowed in. They picked up programs and went up to the box seating.

Rodrick was already there but standing in the doorway talking with Major Dannigan, General Singleton of Special Forces and Admiral Kenslow of Naval Special Warfare. Kimberly released Pete's arm to be greeted by the Brass but Madison didn't until Pete reached forward to shake hands with them then immediately slipped her hand back to his arm. Pete had been introduced as working with Rodrick and Madison already known to be Dannigan's secretary, Kimberly was also introduced as working for Dannigan. Seating was called and they all entered the box. Dannigan sat down beside a woman of close age none of them knew and weren't introduced to. Much of the conversations stopped when the lights dimmed.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa heard the First Family had arrived and were taking their seats. An announcer stepped out and made his statement about the production to open it and she watched waiting as the cast began. The show went as perfect as they had planned. When the cast took its final curtain call a familiar little girl stepped close to the stage and offered up a bouquet of roses.

Many could hear her saying very loudly in her impish voice, "Lyssa so pretty!"

Smiling, Lyssa knelt down as a naval officer lifted the child up to the stage to be hugged by Lyssa then returning to her father and seat. Lyssa gave the applauding crowd another graceful curtsy then exited the stage.

During the production the Lobby had been transformed into a grand reception. The President offered a toast to the cast with Lyssa standing close by and also congratulated her on the success of her toy donations. Lyssa's subtly roving eyes kept sight of the little girl Meghan as she chattered happily with Dannigan and Rodrick and Madison occasionally waving to Lyssa. Dannigan was seen to slip the Commander something and shake hands.

Lyssa kept having a feeling that something was off somewhere in the crowd. Rodrick had already been cleared by the Secret Service contingent and was allowed close and shook hands with the President and given belated congratulations for their engagement. He picked up Lyssa's body language and surveyed the crowd as well when a tall dark man stepped forward producing what looked like a plastic gun.

"FREE THE TIGERS," he yelled and pulled a trigger.

Lyssa shrieked and appeared to to go the wrong direction to get away and was struck in the high left shoulder by the bullet then appeared to be fainting as the second shot hit the same area while Rodrick's lightning reflexes carried him to tackle him. Lyssa feigned distress and used her back to push the President back until the Secret Service could encircle him.

Rodrick wrestled with the assassin on the floor making the gun go off two more times into the floor. The man screamed as Rodrick grappled around and used a jui-jitsu hold to snap both shoulders out of socket then straddled his chest and began slamming punches into his face unhindered until several agents pulled him off. They had their hands full with the former SEAL as he struggled to get back to the bleeding man as other agents took him into custody.

Rodrick spared a quick glance to Dannigan who gave him a subtle nod and stopped his struggles then demanded to be let go to see to Lyssa who was putting on an award winning performance calling out to Rodrick on the floor. Rodrick gathered her into his arms as he sat on the floor to hold her.

"I got him," he whispered.

"Fucking hurts like hell. Get me the fuck outta here," she whispered back then raised her voice to protest and whimper.

Paramedics that had been standing by quickly arrived and gently lifted Lyssa onto a gurney and went to work on her. Rodrick rode with her to the emergency room followed closely by the limo carrying Pete, Madison and Kimberly. Dannigan with his date in tow followed as well.

~o~O~o~

"WHAT IN THE HELL HAPPENED," demanded the President as the agents quickly drove the first family back to the White House.

"Sir we have no idea who he is much less how he got the gun through but we'll find out," The Agent in Charge affirmed him.

"That ballerina saved your life," the first Lady stated.

"Pure panic and by accident Ma'am, but a good thing all the same," the Agent replied," Her fiance on the other hand damn near beat the guy to death before we pulled him off, not that I blame him. He's an ex-SEAL. A little shady but nothing to be concerned about."

Beth leaned forward and hugged her parents as did the younger brother Dylan, "will she be ok?"

"I'll see to it she gets the best care as soon as we get back to the White House Bethy, I owe her that," the President assured her.

The young boy looked a bit confused and leaned in close to whisper into his father's ear, "How come she didn't look scared when that bad guy shot her?"

"What do you mean," The President whispered back.

"She didn't look scared. She looked like you do when you have papers to sign. The kind you don't like but have to sign anyway," the boy replied.

"Well she was so scared that she didn't know what to do and it kinda makes you go numb so it didn't hurt at first but after a second it did," He explained, "that's called panic son."

He still looked confused but accepted the answer.

---

CHAPTER 3

Lyssa was in surgery within the hour. There was a bit of commotion in the emergency room that ended after Lyssa threatened to strangle the nurse for attempting to cut the costume off. Lyssa had undressed on her own and sent the costume out to Madison with instructions to have it dry-cleaned immediately before the stains permanently set. Pete took her in Dannigan's car to drop it off then returned. Lyssa would have to stay overnight in the hospital but firmly told them all she would be leaving the next day to keep
her commitment to the orphanage.

By breakfast time the floral arrangements and other gifts began pouring in along with phone calls from friends asking her condition and if they could help in some way as well as from journalists asking for interviews and photos. Marissa and Katya were the first to call and be assured that Lyssa would be well and they could keep their schedules, however Rodrick had to answer to Katya's anger for not protecting Lyssa from injury.

By 9 a.m. the cast of the production all but stormed the lobby demanding to visit her and several photographers that tried to sneak to her room had to be escorted out of the hospital. At noon Lyssa had finally had enough and stated with or without the doctors advisement she was checking out and going home. Black SUVs bearing government plates waited at the door when she exited with her left arm in a sling and Rodrick giving glaring looks to anyone that tried to crowd them.

One photographer got too close bumping her and was immediately on the receiving end of a punch that slammed him back into the throng.

"Back the fuck off,"Rodrick growled at the remaining that tried to edge in and they hastily retreated back several steps.

The black SUVs quickly whisked Lyssa and Rodrick to the White House where they were rushed into the West Wing and the Oval Office itself. Several cameras flashed as the President and First Lady shook their hands and he presented them both with Medals of Citizenry for their bravery and sacrifice. Lyssa thanked him somewhat meekly as he also announced another substantial contribution to her toy donation in the name of the nation. Beth and Dylan presented Lyssa with a large bouquet of roses along with a get well card signed by them both. Lyssa and Rodrick declined the offer of lunch saying she needed to rest in preparation for the evening's visit to the orphanage which would go as planned regardless of her injuries.

An hour and a half later they walked into the beach house and Lyssa finally voiced her true feelings about it all making Rodrick laugh after covering his ears in mock dismay at her profanity.

~o~O~o~

Pete and Kimberly picked up Madison in a rental SUV and then joined Lyssa and Rodrick at the theater to pick up the toys that had been wrapped and carded by cast volunteers that would be coming along to assist her. Again in costume but without the arm sling Lyssa rode with Rodrick with Kimberly in the backseat of their SUV followed by Pete and Madison and several others in their own vehicles loaded down with toys.

The staff of the orphanage accommodated them by distracting the children as the toys were brought in and placed at the tree then Lyssa herself snuck in on them.

She announced loudly, "Hey kids its christmas eve out here!"

Madison stepped quickly out of the way and was steadied by Pete as a flurry of children surged into the room cheering. The cast along with Kimberly began calling out names and distributing gifts as several sat down immediately and began shredding the wrapping paper. Rodrick ended up helping one boy who's arm was in a cast, broken from a fall at school.

One little girl was more interested in Lyssa's costume than her wrapped box until Lyssa knelt down and helped her unwrap it to reveal a doll almost as big as the girl herself. The four year old promptly named it Lyssa. It took only a few minutes for the toys to be handed out and unwrapped. The children began sectioning off to spend time with the cast and Lyssa's friends to be entertained. It wasn't long before they were herded back together and Lyssa began reading 'Twas the night before Christmas'.

She'd read a page then hand off to another person. Luckily there were enough people there that each were able to read a page to the children. The staff noticed that some of the younger ones had begun to yawn and caught Lyssa's attention who almost hid a wince when she shifted position on the floor playing with a group of girls and their dolls. A worker leaned down and whispered that now would be a good time to say goodnight as several were about to fall over asleep.

Lyssa silent signaled to Rodrick and Pete and Kimberly to 'extract' and they caught the attention of the others and as a group they all said goodnight. After many hugs and thanks they returned to the theater to change and go home respectively. Kimberly feigned a headache and rode with Rodrick and Lyssa back to the safe house to be dropped off so Madison and Pete could go on their own.

~o~O~o~

Madison was surprised when Pete pulled in at the pricey resturaunt.

"Let's grab a bite, ok," he asked.

"Sounds good," she answered as the valet opened the door for her.

Pete had been slick and made a reservation but Madison figured that out because it wasn't the kind of place you just walked into and got a table.

Pete looked somewhat at a loss for words when Madison spoke up, "I really like the funny ways you answer the phone at the hangar."

Pete blushed, "Uh yeah. Well I never know when you're calling and we kinda get to goofing off."

Madison laughed.

"I really like talking to you though, ya know, even more so if it wasn't business," he blurted out then looked slightly embarrassed.

Madison smiled, "well I could call you personally on my own time."

"That'd be cool, if it doesn't put you in a bind with somebody," he caught himself.

"No, nobody. Unless maybe a guy down in the Bahamas would like to change that," she looked at him pointedly.

"Could try it. I like to, if you do too," he answered.

Dinner flew by quickly and soon Madison found herself in front of her apartment door being kissed and liking it.

"why not come in," she asked him.

"Kimberly did say she had a headache. Maybe some quiet time would be good," Pete said.

Madison smiled and led him inside.

---

CHAPTER 4

Dannigan sat back in his office looking out at the lights of the city. Lyssa had been able to maintain her cover while protecting the President. Nobody was the wiser about her and she was even able to keep her promise to the kids at the orphanage. He wasn't surprised that Madison pitched in to help with that. what did was the sparks flying between her and Pete. Almost as surprising as running into Helen Cafferty.

They knew each other from past work but not that far back and she'd been delighted to hear he had box seats at the ballet. She'd wanted to go but wasn't able to get tickets due to the immediate sell out. The picture Lyssa had posed for with them was equally nice. Dannigan printed it out first thing after her release from the hospital. It now hung on the wall. Along with a copy sent to Helen.

She had been very obvious mentioning no plans for New Year's eve. He though about inviting her to armed services ball. Lyssa and Rodrick would be at the White House gala. He was sure that Madison and Pete and Kimberly would find their own plans for that evening.

The would-be assassin's debriefing/interrogation had been straight-forward. A Somali that was trying to force the U.S. into releasing Al Queda collaborators from Guantanamo Bay, Gitmo, which wouldn't have worked even if he had been successful. the botched attempt had only made things even worse for them all now.

Christmas dinner at Lyssa and Rodrick's would be something to enjoy but he already had plans as he got up finally and left the office. Three hours later he walked into the quiet Veterans' Home. The nurse at the desk nodded to him.

"Merry Christmas Sir. The General will be thrilled you came," she said with a smile.

Dannigan nodded back, "I'm surprised you're here."

At the far end of the hall he stopped at a door with a name plate below two stars, Major General Patrick Bentley. He knocked quietly and entered.

A very tired old man opened his eyes and sighed,"You came....."

"Yes Sir General. Reporting as ordered," Dannigan saluted then smiled at the joke.

The old General nodded to a newspaper, "they said Sam died. Shot in front of the Pentagon."

"Yes Sir. His funeral was well attended," Dannigan replied.

"Who killed him," the General asked.

Dannigan shook his head, "nobody that matters anymore."

"Make sure you wear your uniform to mine. You earned that rank boy. I Understand why you pretend to be lower. Look in that drawer there. That box is for you," He instructed him

Dannigan took out the box and opened it. Light glittered off the rank inside.

"You never put on the ones they issued. You'll damn well wear those boy. Merry Christmas," the old man said softly then closed his eyes, "make sure you call him. Both of you are good men."

Dannigan sighed, "Yes Sir."

The old man settled in to sleep but reached over and clasped his hand.

"Merry christmas to you too; Dad," Dannigan said softly.

~o~O~o~

Meghan chattered nonstop to Rodrick as she held him hostage on the couch on his lap amid snickers by Pete and her father while Kimberly and Madison help Lyssa and Meghan's adoptive mother in the kitchen.

Pete mouthed the words silently to Rodrick,"Daddy material."

Rodrick flashed him a hateful look then whispered into her ear. Meghan promptly clambered down and over to Pete where she took station on his lap and began reciting all the gifts she'd gotten while Rodrick smirked at him. Madison had noticed and giggled then whispered to Kimberly who promptly followed suit. the women set everything on the table then called out for the men and Meghan to join them.

Pete seated Madison and Kimberly as Rodrick did for Lyssa and the Commander for his wife and Meghan. None of them being overly religious gave thanks for friends present, lamented those not present and toasted to those that still fought valiantly for ideals.

The dinner was cheerful and after the clean-up, gifts were handed out. Kimberly received designer clothing and shoes along with perfume and jewelry from Lyssa and Rodrick, from Pete she received her favorite tv series on DVD set and from Madison she received a complete make-up set with brushes in a travel case.

Pete received some collectibles of the Dallas Cowboys from Kimberly, a complete Clint Eastwood movie set from Madison, from Lyssa and Rodrick he got an extended satellite package and suit from Giorgio Armani.

Madison enjoyed the new year's eve dress and jewelry from Lyssa and Rodrick, the shell jewelry and bikini from Kimberly and was awestruck by the beach painting from Pete.

Lyssa received a stunning jewelry set from Rodrick, a make-up set with brushes in travel case from Madison, a ballerina music box from Pete and new pointe shoes from Kimberly.

Rodrick liked the custom painted flight helmet from Pete, new western boots from Kimberly and the leather bomber style jacket from Madison.

Meghan was overjoyed tearing into her gifts which consisted of ballerina dolls, dollhouse, tea party set and ballet wear in her size along with a year of lessons from a local academy. After Meghan and her parents left, four final gifts rested under the tree.

Dannigan had them delivered that morning. For Kimberly there was a new laptop computer, for Pete a poster of the entire line-up of the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders autographed by them, Madison opened up a three piece luggage set from Coach, Rodrick was impressed with the special edition aviator watch, pocket knife and wallet set from Victorianox and Lyssa was very happy to see a professional collection of all her performances along with the three Sugar Plum Doll costumes she'd worn preserved. Later on Kimberly left for the safe-house and Pete went home with Madison again leaving Lyssa and Rodrick alone.

He laid down in front of the fireplace after adding some more wood to it and smiled as Lyssa laid down beside him wearing only the jewelry set he'd given her and her engagement ring.

"Merry Christmas my Steel Butterfly," he murmurred to her then kissed her neck.

Lyssa smiled and laid back as he slid over on top of her and whispered, "Merry Christmas Hotrod."

 

Book 26 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   The O.I.C.A. are enjoying New Year's Eve in Washington   elsewhere a young woman yearns for her own freedom   and intel will come from a very unexpected source!! WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

---

 

 
 
 
CHAPTER 1

Lyssa's ballgown swirled as Rodrick turned her as they waltzed in the ballroom of the White House. A colorful sea of chiffon and satin punctuated with the black of tuxedos and deep blue formal uniforms of the military with their ribbons. Rodrick himself wore a black tuxedo with his budweiser, the SEAL Trident, along with the Medal of Citizenry and his Silver Star for Gallantry. Lyssa wore a dark green gown trimmed in black but wore only the jewelry he'd given her. The gown was her secret tribute to her time in the Army and Special Forces.

They were both unarmed and not happy about it, but it was the White House so there was no exception without compromising her cover. Rodrick had offered to carry two MadDog Frequent Flyers in his boots, but was glad Lyssa had refused due to the fact an agent had pressed both boots before admitting them. The composite constructed knives were very popular among the Special Operations community. Lyssa even owned several herself, but she much preferred her Marauder.

Rodrick snarkily commented to the agent, "Disappointed?"

The agent glared at him for that but Rodrick didn't back down giving him a smirk that implied he wanted the agent to make some type of move to be interpreted as hostile. They both got a laugh when the metal detector went off because of the metal plate in the head of grizzled colonel stepping through.

The look he gave the agents when he said,"I ain't taking my head off for any of you wet behind the ears, zit-poppin', fuzz-nutted kids and that's final," made them all step back.

After passing through he noticed Rodrick and Lyssa trying to conceal their laughter and stepped closer.

"Saw you two in action that night; not bad for a navy puke. Young lady I see you're none the worse for wear. Well done both of you," The old Army colonel remarked

Rodrick snapped a quick salute then shook the offered hand. The old colonel gently took Lyssa's hand and kissed it then slanted a look to Rodrick.

"Good evening to you Colonel.You look very distinguished Sir," Lyssa smiled then nodded to his rows of decorations, "I believe its your resume that has the suited young men irritable. Its surely hard to compete with such an impressive record Sir."

"Army woulda gotten you safely out of the way, took out that cock-bite son-of-a-bitch AND saved the President," He smirked.

He threw her a wink after that then proceeded in.

Rodrick rolled his eyes, "should be ashamed of yourself. He's old enough to be your daddy."

Lyssa giggled, "He's still young enough to take the cherries to task In The Fence."

Rodrick understood her subtle reference. The Colonel was a training officer for SPecial Operational Detachment- Delta. Delta Force, or the Unit or Detachment as it was commonly referred to, spent the bulk of their time working within an isolated area of Ft. Bragg. Joining them was called 'going within the fence', the fence meaning that separation between the ability and mentality of Operators and the outside world who would never understand the sacrifices they make.

Years of training and working at high levels of danger took a toll on those individuals. When the Army wouldn't be able to field them anymore, you wouldn't see them casually working at Wal-Mart or Home Depot. They often wound up doing the same things for private security contractors, law enforcement, intelligence agencies. Some even made their way to the entertainment industry as stuntmen or trainers for actors performing their own stunts. They never stopped willingly, they no longer remembered how.

Some time during the ball the President asked to cut in and dance with Lyssa so Rodrick danced with the First Lady. Several pictures were taken and then they returned to their respective partners. Rodrick nodded to familiar faces from the SEAL community while Lyssa whispered those of Delta she had known. There were no members of the DemonWraiths in attendance.

There was one man who's name she had spotted on the guest list provided by Dannigan that set her on edge.

"Rod. Over there by the windows; on the left, salt 'n pepper hair, mustache, left hand behind his back," Lyssa whispered.

"Marked. What's his story," Rodrick asked.

Lyssa nodded to a passing woman then continued, "he's with D.A.R.P.A. but attaches to D.O.D. and N.S.A. Don't get within ten feet if you can and under no circumstances do you let him touch you."

"That bad is he? What kind of specialist is he," Rodrick asked picking up her worry.

Lyssa steered them in another direction, "he's listed as an interrogator but he's not. He's an information extraction specialist. They call him 'The Possessor', and yes; he's very bad. You've never met his kind before and I pray you never do."

'I'm going to ask Paul about that guy. He's got to be beyond bad news if Lyssa avoids him like a level 5 contagion,' Rodrick thought to himself.

~o~O~o~

Kimberly was enjoying her dance with the man she had met. A personal trainer at one of the more swanky fitness club of the area when her cellphone tucked into her cleavage vibrated. It was Dannigan. She stepped into the ladies' room to take his call.

"Kimberly I'm sorry to interrupt. did you drive yourself," he asked.

"No Sir, I rode with Pete and Madison," she answered.

"Something's come up, grab a taxi and meet me at the office," he said angrily.

"Yes sir. As fast as I can," she answered then disconnected.

She found Pete and Madison hiding in a corner kissing after she apologized to the trainer for having to leave and took a taxi to the office.

Dannigan sat at his desk in a tuxedo waiting for her.

"What's up Major," she asked.

He nodded to the large screen, "Marilyn Somerset, daughter to the Senator Alex Somerset. She's a new age type and got involved with a group of 'truth seekers' in South Dakota. The problem is she's now being held against her will. a letter smuggled out of the compound begging her father to get her out. Two aides were sent to bring her home. That didn't go well, they've been hospitalized. So said 'they were hostile and tried to kidnap her' so the 'security' had to protect themselves and the girl. This could quite quickly turn into a Waco/Ruby Ridge if the Feds get involved. I need you to go to work tonight compiling all data about Morning Dawn."

"How certain can we be that she truly is being held hostage. You did say she's the new age type," Kimberly asked.

Dannigan brought up a video and sent it to play on the plasma.

A young woman spoke to a camera, "Daddy I know you mean well but you can not force me to abandon Morning Dawn. I HAVE to stay here daddy. I'm going to have Malcolm's baby. I love him, just like you loved Miranda. Please don't send anymore men here. I love you."

Dannigan shut off the video, "she used a duress phrase. 'Like you loved Miranda'. Miranda was the Senator's intern, a lot of people believed they were having an affair. In truth she was insane. When she couldn't seduce him into getting her pregnant so she would force him into marriage for the jackpot she threatened to have Marilyn raped and murdered if he wouldn't cooperate. The truth was kept from the press, they believed and printed that she committed suicide over being afraid of rejection. The real truth is she had to be killed by Secret Service here in Washington."

"That's eighteen different kinds of ate-the-fuck-up Major," Kimberly commented.

"Oh it gets worse. Service found the Senator manacled to her bed and she was on top of him. Her medicine cabinet had illegal fertility drugs and ovulation testers and she had loaded him up with E.D. pills. Damn near killed him with those. That was one batshit-fuckin'-crazy woman," Dannigan stated.

Kimberly nodded, "ok, yeah I can see how that would used as a duress signal."

Dannigan added," Lyssa and Rodrick are going to need everything that can be found for this."

"Yes Sir, I'll dig up whatever is there,"she affirmed.

Dannigan nodded.

Just as Kimberly reached the door he spoke up, "You look wonderful Kimberly, sorry to take you away from your evening. If you want I'll arrange lunch for two at Chelsea's and make it look like you won a contest"

Kimberly smiled, "now that would be very nice Major," then left.

~o~O~o~

In short time she was back at the Georgetown house and dressed comfortably. She hacked into various databases and began compiling the information. NRO, National Reconnaissance Office, provided highly detailed photos of the compound in both color and infra-red. She was able to use the satellites to make floor plans of each building and count human heat sources. Other places provided other, more disturbing intelligence. Fertility drugs were being prescribed to several females in the compound. A new prescription had been issued to Marilyn three days ago. Cases of at-home ovulation and pregnancy testers had been ordered online.

The leader Malcolm was sketchy to say the least. He had been staying off the grid for quite some time. There were several reports of money scams and tax fraud but nothing substantial for other agencies to act on, not even social services could find a valid reason to investigate.

A Lakota reservation was located next to the compound and there had been several incidents between the group and the tribe about trying to encroach on their reservation. The tribal council had made formal protests to the Department of Interior; Indian Affairs. That gave her a lot more to work with. Unhindered by many restrictions, the Tribal Police had their act together and had been investigating the group that appeared more and more like a cult. They weren't big on 'White-eyes' crowding their land, it made them uneasy. Crazy ones were even less welcome.

Kimberly didn't blame them. Reports of auto-fire had alarmed the Tribal police and after they verified that the cult security did have automatic weaponry that consisted of assault rifles and sub-machine guns, mainly AR-15's and Model-10 Ingrams, widely known as MAC-10's. They were actively compiling a substantial case to get Federal authorities involved.

Several large bore hunting rifles were noted as well so it was possible that some were training to perform sniper work. This was another Waco or Ruby Ridge just waiting to happen. The Feds had a bad rep for those situations. Now she knew why the O.I.C.A. had been tapped for the situation. The military couldn't intervene due to Posse Commitatis. They, however, could.

Their charter allowed them to work both outside and within the borders. The aspect of the Senator's daughter edged it to a threat of National Security, but still in a grey area. They worked in that blurry area.

One name kept popping up in the reports grabbed her attention; Thomas DayMoon. The frequency had to be significant. A search of the tribal registry revealed him to have a very obscure listing within the tribe. He wasn't an elected councilman, but he was on it and had been for over forty years. Never a tribal president or chief but his name was everywhere on things.

Confused, Kimberly then researched tribal infra-structure of that nation and found that the tribal president was elected as were most council-members. Two positions were always appointed and/or inherited. They were ancient and traditional positions still in use. The War-chief, which is different than the Tribal-chief and the medicine-man/woman.

Kimberly knew that often the last name was the true name. It denoted family or major event during birth. A quick check of the day of birth revealed that the man had been born during a solar eclipse. That qualified as a major event and would give rise to such a distinct name. Perhaps that meant he was the tribe's medicine-man? Such an event would lead them to believe he came from powerful magic. Either way due to the information he provided so far he may have to be contacted for more.

"But how do we do that," Kimberly asked herself aloud.

---

CHAPTER 2

Thomas DayMoon sat chanting as he had for three days and nights. His three nephews took turns keeping the fire burning for him as he gazed unfocused into the flames. Suddenly he saw it.

Rattlesnake coiled around a Rabbit striking at it but not biting. The Rattlesnake looked up. An Eagle swooped down from the moon. Rattlesnake hissed at Eagle and bared its fangs lunging at it but Eagle called out and a Butterfly came. The Butterfly fluttered around behind Rattlesnake and took Rabbit away. The Butterfly and Eagle landed on Rattlesnake's back. Rattlesnake began bleeding and died. Then Eagle flew away with Butterfly on his back to dive into a lake.

Thomas' vision returned to the flames and he stopped his chanting. The vision had been revealed to him, now he would wait until the vision came to pass.

"You had it Uncle Thomas," the teen-aged boy asked.

"I have," Thomas answered then recounted his vision.

The boy was very puzzled,"what does it mean uncle Thomas?"

"The spirit world doesn't work the way this one does boy. Vision may tell you exactly what you need to know but not always in a way you can easily understand," he explained.

"I know that Rattlesnake is the evil and Rabbit is the innocent but what about Eagle? And why Butterfly? A butterfly can't kill. They're harmless," the young teen stated.

"Butterflies are the symbol of change, but that may not be why butterfly comes. Butterfly maybe a totem of the one who does bring change and Eagle may be bringing butterfly here," Thomas said.

"And Eagle dives into a lake? They can't swim," the boy protested.

The old man chuckled, "If the sky had no clouds we'd never see rain and the plants would die. Even I do not understand all of this vision, but when it has come to pass then I will see the truth in it."

"This spirit world stuff is hard to understand Uncle Thomas," the boy stated.

"If it were easy then there'd be no need for me, would there," he answered sagely, "eyes sharp young buck. Look for the butterfly for it will come soon but may not be obvious."

The boy nodded then turned to leave, "I guess this what the teacher meant by metaphorical."

"You have to learn the old ways. Our way is the image, the white-eyes' way is the word. You must SEE the message, not read it," DayMoon advised.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick read the briefing packet over Lyssa's shoulder.

"Baby, that's a hornet's nest and a half just waiting to get pissed off," he commented.

"mhmm. That's putting it lightly," she agreed," getting in won't be a problem. It's getting in from where that is. The closest thing is the reservation and I'll lay odds that they really aren't enthusiastic about us white-eyes nosing around."

"The biggest problem is why would we be around. There's nothing there," he added.

Lyssa read more about the tribe members and finally saw the one spark of hope. A girl named Jessie TwoHawks had on her social pages an interest in dance. She snatched up her phone and called Dannigan.

"Major, I'm going to send you 250,000 dollars. Set up a scholarship fund for native american dancers and send a letter to Jessie TwoHawks on the reservation that she will be visited by a representative. She's being selected to attend UCLA, performing arts," Lyssa instructed.

"Damn you're slick. Ok give me a few hours to handle that but go ahead and deploy," he answered and disconnected.

Rodrick sat down heavily, "Fuck me! I can't believe you came up with that so fast. I'm a rock compared to you. SEALs would have been struggling for a week to find an 'in' and you did it in less than an hour."

"I'm a woman. That's ok baby, the Feds wouldn't have ever come up with an in at all baby. 'Stomp in, beat their chest and fuck everything up'. They don't worry about OPSEC like we do," she replied.

Rodrick knew she was right, for them Operational Security was everything. Feds wouldn't work this undercover; they'd simply go in with a brass band leading the way. They packed all they'd need and headed for the airfield, within an hour and a half they were taking off heading west.

Within three hours Dannigan had the necessary information in databases and a certified letter heading to Jessie TwoHawks. Lyssa and Rodrick had the formal paperwork. All she would have to do is call a number and enter her information and a check would be issued to UCLA for her tuition and supplies. A credit card would be issued to her with a five thousand dollar balance for additional needs including travel. The idea was actually good.

He'd have no big problems to make it a real foundation to continue it. Dannigan had Madison type up letters to various people that were known to support native american arts to ask if they'd join and run it. It was fun sometimes when a mission did more good than originally intended. A few "donations" from various government funds were easy to obtain for the Foundation and he easily set up a local office. By the time they replied it would be all set up for them to take over and do great things.

---

CHAPTER 3

Marilyn looked out the barred window and all she saw was snow and dried grasses that hadn't been cut or trampled down. There was barely any heat in the room and the soup they'd brought her was ice cold. She couldn't believe she'd been so gullible. Malcolm had played her perfectly. She knew her father had gotten her letter asking to be brought home because she'd seen his aide and security man arrive then promptly beaten and sent back.

Now she was being punished. Malcolm had sworn that he'd do everything possible to keep her there, including getting her pregnant to show she wanted to remain there by having his baby. She knelt shivering next to the cot and prayed for somebody from her father to come take her home.

~o~O~o~

The Tribal council watched as Lyssa laid a clutch of sage tied with ribbon on the table and then a pouch of tobacco in front of Thomas DayMoon.

Lyssa nodded to them, "I believe its the custom when visiting tribal elders to bring these gifts."

The council President smiled and said, "Not neccessary Ms.Kordenay but very much appreciated that you'd make such effort to be respectful. Please make yourself comfortable and tell us why you've come."

Lyssa took her coat off then addressed the council at large, "As I'm sure you've been told; Ms. TwoHawks has been selected by the Foundation of American Arts to attend UCLA in the Arts department in hopes that she will bring the beauty of your traditional dances as she learns various other forms of such expression including ballet. Its the hope that such expressions may be shared and preserved through college study. Too many of such arts have been forgotten through the years and that is a shameful thing."

Various members at the table murmurred their agreement.

Lyssa continued, "She would also be working with the anthropology department and sociology. Dancing is but another way to tell stories and much of your history is expressed that way. Should it not be preserved and protected for ALL future generations?"

She had directed the last of her statement to Thomas DayMoon and that was when he noticed the butterfly pendant.

He said in a clear steady voice, "Ms. Kordenay there is much truth in what you say. Too many of our ways are being forgotten and lost. Perhaps through this sharing some them will be preserved. The learned people of the colleges will be able to know our stories and ways. I see this as a GOOD thing."

Lyssa looked at him with respect, "It would be things that could be shared without intruding into deeper and more sacred of your traditions sir."

He chuckled, "You mean our medicine practices."

Lyssa stood her ground, "I won't pretend to be knowledgeable about such things sir. I'm an outsider and know there are many things I don't understand and more than probably; not supposed to understand. However, that doesn't mean I can't be respectful of those things sir and convey that I wish to be respectful."

He sat quiet for a moment then said,"Thank you for your respect Ms. Kordenay. Its a rare thing to see and it does NOT go overlooked."

The council agreed at large.

The tribal President nodded, "we thank you for the respect you've shown us Ms. Kordenay and are glad that you represents this Foundation. Tomorrow night a meeting will be held to present Jessie TwoHawks the scholarship."

Lyssa smiled, "My many thanks to the council for its wisdom and dedication to their traditions and the preservation of them."

She curtsied gracefully then collected her coat and walked to the doors.

Rodrick opened the door and followed her out to the main hall where a young boy stopped them just as they were reaching the main doors.

" Ma'am? Sir," he called out to them.

They both stopped and turned.

The boy saw Lyssa's butterfly pendant then Rodrick's belt buckle which was a modified SEAL trident.

"Yes," Lyssa asked.

"My uncle Ma'am, he'd like to speak with you privately. Here are the directions, he'd like you to be there at seven please," he said.

"You're uncle," Lyssa prompted.

"Thomas DayMoon," he answered.

"We'll be there, thank you," Rodrick said.

~o~O~o~

"So boy. What did you see," Thomas DayMoon asked his nephew.

"I saw the butterfly pendant; around the woman's neck! And the Eagle on the belt buckle of the man with her. I know THAT symbol! Its the same one Navy SEALs wear," he answered.

"You saw an Eagle that comes from water; carrying a Butterfly that brings change did you not," he asked pointedly.

The boy nodded, "ok. That's two totems explained but what about Rattlesnake and Rabbit?"

"They will be revealed when its their proper time. Now its time for you to go home,"he said sternly.

The teenager left just as Lyssa and Rodrick pulled in. Their knock was answered by the old man who invited them in.

"So. Butterfly and Eagle have come," he said sitting down.

Lyssa guarded her surprise, "Excuse me Sir?"

The old medicine man chuckled to himself, "you are Butterfly. A bringer of change and you have been brought here by the Eagle that comes from water," pointing to Rodrick, "I have seen your coming."

"That's an interesting analogy,"Rodrick said.

"The two of you will fight Rattlesnake who guards and torments Rabbit. My Vision has told me of this. I have SEEN it," he said firmly.

"Tell us about the compound close by," Lyssa said with a stoney expression.

DayMoon told them all he'd seen both with his eyes and those of the spirit world. Lyssa took out the high resolution photos and pointed out the building and asked what he knew about them. It took an hour to gain all the knowledge there was to had from him which turned out to be very useful.

"Tell me Butterfly, is Rattlesnake the only reason you are here," DayMoon asked.

Lyssa looked over her shoulder, "the scholarship is real. I paid for it myself."

He nodded as she followed Rodrick out, "you are a true Butterfly."

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CHAPTER 4

Marilyn lay huddled on the bed in the cold dark room. A building all by itself with two men outside guarding the door. If she bothered to she could see the stars but she lay still bundled with everything she could to stay warm. She had did all she could to be active but now she was tired and was fighting sleep and uncontrollable shivering. Mentally she prayed again for help to come soon, preferably before she froze to death, or the promised daily and nightly sessions of rape by Malcolm to impregnate her.

 

Lyssa slowly let her hand down into the snow to avoid the loud crunching sound as she and Rodrick crawled into the compound. they'd used long range night-scopes to see if the guards were using any kind of night optics and lucked out. No goggles or scopes being used even though there was a sniper in a tree beside the main building. First things first, the Senator's daughter had to be freed then they'd be able to deal with the leader; Malcolm Fitzroy.

They encountered a single guard at the end of the compound's inner perimeter. Rodrick was closer and dove at the rifle carrying man. The former SEAL brought him down fast and pinned his hands to the ground with the rifle. The sentry couldn't reach the trigger as Rodrick held him down with his left hand and right boot to slam the but of his pistol to the back of his head. Quickly he used the man's boot laces to tie his wrists and ankles. The parka drawstrings held his own scarf in his mouth as a gag.

Lyssa crept upon another and dropped him to the ground. Quickly she clamped her right hand over his mouth and nose while wrapping her other arm and legs around his torso. Every time he let out a breath she tightened her hold. He found himself with no room to breath in as Lyssa mimicked a constrictor snake and suffocated him into unconsciousness. She kept her hold over his mouth and nose when his struggles stopped. He was dead within minutes. He hadn't even had the chance to pick up trace evidence from her.

Rodrick took station on one side while Lyssa on the other. They were mentally counting down then moved simultaneously. The guards had no clue what was happening when they were suddenly hit from both directions at once and brought down. Rodrick secured them while Lyssa used her picks on the the locks. the knob and deadbolt were easy but the padlock gave her a problem. It resisted due to the cold but she popped it after a minute and slowly entered the dark room.

Lyssa crossed over to the bed and gently shook the bundle there, "Marilyn. Marilyn. Get up. Its time to go."

"Please be real. Oh god please be real," Marilyn said to the darkened form and its face of complicated elegant swirls.

Lyssa looked at her with her swirled pattern of facial markings disguising her, "I'm very real. Now let's go!"

Rodrick had shot the sniper out of the tree and since there were no other guards outside started a SUV after digging out the bullet.

"Get in the vehicle,"Rodrick ordered.

Marilyn grabbed at the first figure, "wait! He has tapes. Video tapes of girls he raped to get pregnant! You have to get those tapes!"

Rodrick nodded, "we'll get them. Now tuck down low and stay quiet."

Marilyn laid down across the backseat. Lyssa ducked inside a building and fired two silent shots at the guard outside an interior door carrying an assault rifle. Rodrick crept inside then waited as she picked the lock on the door and slithered inside after her. They approached the bed from both sides then rose up.

Malcolm Fitzroy slept alone in the bed. Lyssa drew the Marauder from the back of her thigh and Rodrick brought out his titanium dive knife. They positioned their blades on opposite sides of his neck and drew them across at the same time. Malcolm bolted up grabbing at his neck but the blood gushed out soaking into the bedding as he gurgled trying to call out.

Lyssa leaned in close, "Past the gates; before the devil's throne. I've been to hell Malcolm Fitzroy...."

Rodrick finished, "we're sending you back in exchange...fuck-head."

He fell back weak from the blood loss and as his eyes glazed over. Rodrick went back into the hall and dragged the dead guard inside. Quickly he dug into the skull and dug out the rounds. Lyssa searched the room and broke into the locked cabinet. Tapes with women's names were in there. she grabbed a pillowcase and filled it with the tapes.

Lyssa followed Rodrick back out. They quietly drove out of the compound then at the main road pulled over a few minutes later. It had started snowing again.

"From here you go alone kid," Rodrick stated.

Lyssa added, "say nothing about us. To anyone! You'll see the airport on this road. Give the tapes to security there, there's a plane waiting for you. Now go."

Marilyn drove away leaving Rodrick and Lyssa to make their way back to their hidden car on the reservation. Kimberly had re-routed an Air Force transport to pick up the girl. Two Federal Agency planes had also been diverted to land at the airport and delayed an hour. One was Marshals and the other was an NSA team going to Alaska for training. That should confuse everybody for a few days and delete the records of Lyssa and Rodrick being there.

~o~O~o~

The tribal President spoke loud and clearly, "Jessie TwoHawks. You have been called to council to receive a great gift. Here to present it; Lyssa Kordenay."

Lyssa stepped forward to address the young woman, "Jessie TwoHawks. Your passion for your native dance and enthusiasm for other forms of the art have not gone unnoticed. The Foundation for American Arts has selected you for a scholarship to attend UCLA to work with its Performing Arts hand in hand with Anthropology and Sociology to preserve and protect while educating about the art of your native dance while you study other forms of this artistic expression."

The assembled crowd applauded.

Lyssa continued, "Dance has always been a form of story telling and here is your chance to share yours with others while they share theirs' with you."

Lyssa handed over the envelope to her.The young girl blushed and tried to hold back her tears of happiness.

"Thank you so much for this opportunity! I am also thrilled that its you, Lyssa Kordenay; the Ghost Legend, that has brought it to me. Thank you so very very much," Jessie said with tears now rolling down her cheeks.

Thomas DayMoon stepped closer, "Lyssa Kordenay, Jessie has been telling us all of the stories about you she's heard. The prestigious schools of dance you've attended, the title of renown you have, and that ballerinas everywhere respect you. And that you even saved the life of your President himself, along with your man Rodrick, to whom bravery and service is no stranger."

Lyssa curtsied with all the grace of the Prima she was, "I'm flattered."

The old man announced, "As you have brought a gift to us with this honor to Jessie, allow us to give honor to you both. Lyssa I give you the name 'Kimimela'; Butterfly. Butterfly is the bringer of change and I believe to be your totem."

"Thank you DayMoon. I'm very honored to have a name among you and your people; the proud Lakota," Lyssa curtsied again to applause.

He turned to Rodrick then and announced, "Rodrick Mason, you will be known as Wambli-Mni; Water Eagle. It is a reflection of your past and present."

Rodrick nodded to the old medicine man, "My thanks to you DayMoon for this high honor of having a name to be known among your great people Sir."

The tribemembers then applauded them both. Lyssa and Rodrick thanked them all then made to leave. As they were walking out the main doors a voice spoke from behind them.

Thomas Daymoon said, "the vision has come to pass. The Eagle from Water who carries Butterfly, the bringer of change; freed Rabbit and killed Rattlesnake. Now Eagle returns to Water carrying Butterfly."

"We trust this will be kept between us and the spirit world Sir," Lyssa replied.

DayMoon nodded then watched as they drove away into the night, "only those who have Vision may understand you Kimimela, the brave spirit you are."