Protecting Tessa (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Brotherhood Alliance #6)

Chapter 29

29

T he next morning, Tessa grabbed her purse and car keys. The sun was high, casting warm light through the trees. Everything felt right in the world.

She’d pick up Joy and then Isabelle and follow the directions Simone had texted her to the barn.

She got into her car, turned it on, and let out a huge breath. She’d spent half the previous night worrying about what Simone would think of her ideas. Then the rest of the night rehashing karaoke.

Bah. Enough worrying. She headed to the end of the drive. Joy was outside her house talking to Liam. She quickly kissed him goodbye and got into the car.

“Excited?” she asked.

“I guess,” Tessa replied. Joy gave her a concerned look.

“Are you okay? This should be a piece of cake for you.”

Tessa smiled. “It is. I’m always nervous with a new client.” She turned right toward town to pick up Isabelle. Joy directed her the rest of the way.

Will and Isabelle lived outside town on a sweet farm. Joy told Tessa all about the farm, how Will built a barn just for Isabelle and Felicia to make their soaps, and the farm-to-table dinners.

Isabelle was sitting on the huge front porch, sipping coffee, when they pulled up. She popped into the back seat with a box in her hand. “Emelia dropped off some pastries last night. I thought you might need the extra energy.”

“What did she bring?” asked Joy. “Oh, I hope some of her blueberry hand pies.”

Isabelle shook her head. “No hand pies.” She opened the top, and Tessa could smell something cinnamony.

“Something smells yummy,” she said.

“You’d be right. Let’s see, I have almond croissants, cinnamon rolls and…” She squealed. “Lemon scones, my favorite.”

The girls made their selections and munched on sweet pastries as they drove down country roads shaded by live oak and pine trees. The barn, according to Simone, was a half hour outside town.

“I’m getting so nervous,” said Tessa. She’d finished a croissant and now wished she hadn’t. It churned in her stomach.

“You’ll be fine,” said Joy. She patted Tessa’s arm. “If things get awkward, I’ll just bombard her with stories of me fostering dogs.”

Isabelle leaned over the front seat. “I can distract her with ideas for a farm-to-table dinner or … sexy soaps.”

“You two!” Tessa laughed, the tension in her chest easing. She was glad she brought them along but hoped the conversation wouldn’t head that way.

They’d been traveling for a while until, finally, Tessa spotted the mailbox shaped like a barn and turned down a dirt road, her palms sweating in anticipation.

“Wow,” exclaimed Joy. “I’ve never seen this before.”

The outside of the barn was stunning, rustic but elegant. The wide wooden doors had giant summer wreaths on them, and ivy framed the doors.

Several cars were parked by the pond in front, and Tessa spotted Simone standing in front of one, tapping on her phone.

Tessa parked, and the three women were met by Simone. “Tessa, welcome. I’m glad you could make it.” She eyed Isabelle and Joy. “And you brought company.”

“Yes,” Tessa replied. “This is Joy and Isabelle. They’re part of my team.”

Simone arched a brow. “Team?”

Tessa’s heart sank.

Had she made a mistake bringing the girls with her? Simone was not happy, even though she recovered well.

Joy stepped forward with her hand out. “Yes. We’re here to help Tessa make this fundraiser unforgettable.”

Simone hesitated for a minute before shaking her hand and then Isabelle’s.

“Well then. Let’s hear what you have in mind,” said Simone.

Following Simone, the women walked toward the barn.

The wooden door creaked as Simone held it open and indicated that the women enter. A row of string lights stretched across the rafters of the barn. Dust motes swirled in the sunlight. Long wooden tables lined up against the walls, with chairs stacked in one corner. There was a raised platform at the far end, indicating a stage. Antique farm implements adorned the walls; a small bar occupied a corner.

It was so quiet inside that for a quick second, Tessa wondered where the other people were, since there were several cars in the parking lot. Stop it, she told herself . You’re imagining things. They were probably workers or touring other parts of the property, she decided, and concentrated on what she saw.

“This is perfect,” Tessa exclaimed. “I can already envision how we’ll set it up.”

Simone smiled. “I’m glad you like it. I do have that other venue, which would be perfect as well. It’s a little smaller but newly renovated.”

“I’d love to see it,” Tessa replied, even though she loved the barn. No matter. If they didn’t use the barn this time, she’d keep it in mind for another event.

Tessa’s hands were sweating. This was it—the moment that could make or break her career. She hoped she was ready.

Simone watched the car pull in. Right on time! She liked that. But her satisfaction faded and her eyes narrowed when Tessa got out, followed by two other women. Her jaw tightened, but she forced herself to remain calm.

Damn. Why couldn’t people follow the plan? Tessa was supposed to come alone—defenseless, weak. Instead, she brought not one but two friends, complicating what should have been a one-and-done operation. Now she needed to think quickly of a new scenario to get Tessa alone.

Her phone buzzed, and she looked down at the text from Damien. We’re ready. Just give the word.

She sighed and texted back, Stand down. We have a complication. The perfect moment had passed.

Simone put her phone in her purse, gave what she thought was a welcoming smile, and strode toward the women.

Tessa kept rubbing her hands along her pants. She was nervous, but the other two? Well, they were excited and acted like they were on an adventure. Her plan to kidnap Tessa was put on the back burner. She couldn’t do that with witnesses, and for sure, she didn’t want to deal with additional people.

One blonde stepped up and mentioned they were here to make the fundraiser unforgettable.

Riiight! Like that was what was important. Simone nodded politely.

“This way.” Her mind was racing as she led them toward the barn. She had to come up with a new plan. Separating Tessa from her friends wouldn’t work, so she’d have to come up with something different and make sure Tessa came alone the next time.

The women walked into the barn, looked around, and nodded enthusiastically. “This is perfect,” said Tessa, her eyes lit up.

“Great,” Simone replied. She took a deep breath. This wasn’t the end of anything. She had time on her side.

Mentioning the other location only whetted Tessa’s imagination. Besides, it was perfect for what she had in mind.

Simone watched the three women leave the barn, their excited chatter fading.

The next time she got Tessa alone, there would be no escape. Tessa wouldn’t even know what happened until it was too late. And she wouldn’t be walking away—she wouldn’t be walking out at all.