Chapter 4

Shane dispatched her team immediately that evening following Alice’s instruction.  They arrived at K1 location just after midnight.  She made a personal inspection of the perimeter around the house as her team members spread out to secure their assigned positions.  It was dark everywhere with the exception of a dull yellow glow off the room Shane personally cares for.  She had atypically grown attached to the inhabitants of the house.  The lonely widow and her young child with unknown origin but are now in protective care.  Shane’s lips upturned a barely visible grin, a rare occurrence that promptly turned stoic. 

A little over 6 months ago, she was assigned the task of shielding their identities and safety.  The woman’s partner died from a bomb exploding inside their home, a trademark kill by the opposing force, the MI6.  Another agent, Paige Sobel, died along in the blast.  She failed to rescue the other woman and ended up paying with her life. 

Fortunately, Max found the woman at the supermarket an hour earlier and took her into protective custody.  Her former identity erased and Christine Kenter, a new alias born along with Elizabeth Kenter, years ago.  Shane popped a nicotine gum inside her mouth and chew furiously to suppress her raging anger.  ‘How dare they come again, trying to finish off what they had missed?  No way in hell would she allow the opportunity,’ Shane solemnly vowed.

“This is green zone 1, confirm your location.” Shane spoke into the handheld CB from her command post hidden inside the garden shed.  Her team should have secured their tactical locations by now.  One by one, the confirmation came in and they were secured for the night.

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The distant roaring sound of the lawnmower awaked her.  She looked over at the clock and was surprised to read the digital clock showing 7:49 AM.  It was much later in the morning then she thought.  She had been having a few restless nights because of the baby.  She turned back over and faced the innocent form of her daughter, sleeping soundly after her fever broke.  She checked the child forehead and found it reassuringly cool. 

Gently, she stroked the baby curly browns and watched her rhythmic breathing with a sigh of relief.  Her thumb gently caressed the softness of her daughter’s cheek.  The baby’s complexion reminded her so much of that someone.  An aching knot approaching on her heart at the mere thought.  Her hand moved away from the child’s head and enclosed the small fist inside her protective hand.  She closed her eyes as the unforgettable headline flashing.