Undercover Marriage

TWO

“Look out!” Serena cried, as the SUV headed for a collision course with the sedan.

Her heart crawled into her throat and constricted her breathing. Galvanized by self-preservation, she scrambled away from the open passenger door. Anticipation of the SUV crashing into Josh’s sedan stiffened every muscle in her body. She braced herself for the impact and glanced back. Josh hadn’t moved!

“Josh!” Why wasn’t he getting out of the way? “Move it. Now!”

He squeezed off several rounds, hitting the front of the SUV.

At the last second the SUV veered to the left, roaring past the driver’s side of the sedan. The barrel of an assault rifle stuck out the open back passenger window.

A barrage of gunfire split the air. Bullets riddled the fender and door of the rental sedan. The deafening noise echoed inside Serena’s head.

Josh dove inside the car.

Serena rolled to her knees, aimed and fired, hitting the back window. The SUV screamed out of the parking lot and disappeared down the street.

Heavy silence descended.

Fear for Josh overwhelmed Serena. Please, dear Lord, don’t let him be dead.

She jumped to her feet and rushed to the car. “Josh! Are you hurt?”

Josh jolted to a seated position to pound his palm against the steering wheel, his frustration obvious. He yanked out his cell and called 911.

She sagged forward with relief that he was okay and braced a hand on the car roof. Losing her brother had sent her into an emotional tailspin that she’d barely begun to come out of. Losing a partner wasn’t something she wanted to go through, no matter what her personal feelings for said partner were.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the edges of her professionalism and pulled it tightly around her before stepping back to allow Josh to climb out of the car.

“Did you happen to see the shooters?” he asked.

“No, the windows were tinted. Do you think they were the same perps from the house?”

“Pretty likely that it was. We saw their faces.” His usually warm brown eyes hardened. “I’m sure they figured if they got rid of us then there’d be no one to ID them.”

“Except the guy I shot could identify them,” Serena said. “We need to let the local marshals know they might have a potential target on their hands.”

“Good idea.” He loosened his tie then swiped a hand down his face.

A smear of blood on the back of his hand caught her attention. “You’re hurt.”

He glanced down at the cut where flying glass had scraped across his skin. “Hazard of the job.”

Right. She knew all too well the dangers that came with being a U.S. marshal. Her brother died in the line of duty. Would she and Josh suffer the same fate?

* * *

The next morning Josh rolled into work five minutes before eight. A sleek skyscraper in downtown St. Louis housed the U.S. Marshals Service district office. Josh took the elevator to the fourth floor and made his way to his desk. Serena was already seated at her station a few feet away. She glanced up, gave him a tight smile and returned her focus to the file in front of her.

In contrast to her neat and tidy desk, Josh’s desk had a mound of files stacked precariously close to the edge. A desktop weekly planner, sporting coffee stains, still showed the previous month. He took a seat and ripped the top sheet off the calendar so that June would show. He powered up his laptop.

“Hey, McCall.” Marshal Burke Trier stopped beside Josh’s desk. Tall and lean with dark eyes, dark hair and a dimpled chin, Burke was the resident ladies’ man. “Glad to see you made it back in one piece. We heard about the ambush last night.”

“News travels fast,” Josh remarked. “What’s happening with the Munders case?”

Burke shrugged. “We’re stalled out. Without the evidence McIntyre promised we’re going nowhere real fast.”

“Not his fault the thumb drive containing the evidence went missing while in our custody,” Josh shot back.

“Yeah, well, if there was anything on it to begin with,” Burke stated. “Maybe McIntyre lifted it while we had our backs turned.”

Josh’s fingers curled. “Dylan McIntyre was trying to do the right thing. He wouldn’t—”

“Any leads on the missing Baby Kay or her mother?” Serena interjected. “That’s what we need to keep focused on.”

Josh’s gut twisted. Leave it to Serena to use the one thing that would defuse the situation. A few months back a woman named Emma Bullock had been found beaten and unconscious in Minneapolis. When she awoke, she couldn’t remember who she was or who’d hurt her. However, she remembered being in possession of a baby at the time of the attack. But the baby was nowhere to be found.

Apparently a young woman named Lonnie had asked Emma to safeguard her child while she ran an errand but had never returned. The marshals were called in because of the illegal adoption ring they were on the cusp of busting. Josh was sure the kidnapping of Baby Kay had something to do with Munders and the Perfect Family Adoption Agency. The police and the Marshals Service were still searching for the baby and the young mother.

Burke shook his head. “Unfortunately, no. The Minneapolis P.D. is staying on top of the search and will keep us informed if anything develops.”

Josh let out a frustrated grunt for a reply. He prayed the young mother and baby were still alive.

“Burke, what do you hear from Hunter?” Serena asked. She rested her elbows on the desktop and steepled her hands as she waited for an answer.

Hunter Davis had been their team leader until he’d taken an extended leave of absence. He’d fallen in love with a witness he’d been protecting. But he was still consulting on the baby-smuggling case via telephone from time to time.

“He and Annie got married. Didn’t invite any of us.” The disgruntled note in Burke’s voice was understandable. He and Hunter had been roommates before Hunter met Annie. She’d entered the witness protection program to testify against the men who’d killed her husband and tried to kidnap her daughter.

“Good for them,” Serena said.

Josh stared at her. Had he just seen a flash of longing? She met his gaze and immediately her dark brown eyes cooled before she turned her attention to the file in front of her. Nah. He’d been dreaming. The only thing in her eyes was pure steel.

“Good morning, children.” A booming voice echoed through the offices as recently retired U.S. marshal Bud Hollingsworth approached, bearing a box of treats from a local bakery. Tall with a potbelly, the sixty-something veteran was having a hard time adjusting to retirement, if his frequent appearances at the office were any indication. “I understand you two had some trouble over in Houston.”

“Does everyone know?” Josh asked. “How did you hear?”

Bud shrugged and lifted the lid on the box to offer Josh a pastry. “The chief. He asked me to come in and consult on this development. I’m going to liaison with the Houston P.D. to try to catch these guys. We can’t have our witness compromised.”

Josh’s defenses rose. “He wasn’t. There were no labels on anything. No way anyone could find out where the McIntyre family has been relocated to.”

“Josh. Serena,” Chief U.S. Marshal Wendell Harrison called from the doorway of his office. In his fifties, lean and wiry, Wendell exuded energy without trying. “A word, please.”

Exchanging a curious glance with Serena, Josh pushed out of his chair and stood. He followed Serena into the chief’s office. The chief sat behind his desk. Another man wearing a gray pin-striped suit rose as they entered. About five foot five, muscular, with a chiseled jaw and swept-back blond hair, the man oozed fed.

“Marshal McCall and Marshal Summers, you know FBI Special Agent Todd Bishop,” Harrison said.

Bishop shook Josh’s hand, then Serena’s. “Marshals,” Bishop said. “You two have been doing good work.”

“Thank you,” Serena said, looking pleased. She was a woman who liked to be praised for her work. Compliments about anything else were met with a silent stare.

Without preamble, the chief said in a loud booming voice, “In light of last night’s development and close call, I’m taking you two off the Munders case and reassigning you to a new case. We’ll be coordinating with Agent Bishop.”

The air rushed from Josh’s lungs as if he’d been socked in the stomach. Six months ago when he and Serena had been assigned to this special operation, he’d welcomed the chance to coordinate with the FBI in tracking down and apprehending criminals connected to the illegal adoption ring.

Anything to distract himself from the anguish of his best friend’s murder. Though investigating wasn’t within the scope of the Marshals Service, Josh had done what he could to find Daniel’s killer as well as monitored the local police and federal investigation, but they, too, had hit dead ends at every turn.

Now to be taken off the special operation they’d toiled at for so many months chafed.

“What? No.” Serena’s protest drew the attention of everyone in the outer offices. “We’ve worked too hard on this case to be taken off now.”

Harrison held up a hand. “Please. I understand you’re upset. But this is for your protection.”

Josh tucked in his chin. “Our protection? We’re doing fine. We have each other’s back.”

Harrison regarded them steadily with steely blue eyes. “Shut the door and take a seat.”

Serena pushed the door closed. “I’d rather stand.”

Josh took the seat opposite his boss. Special Agent Bishop moved to hitch a hip onto the edge of the desk.

The chief’s expression was grim, but there was something else in his assessing eyes that made Josh guess there was more to this. “Sir? What’s really going on?”

Harrison’s mouth twitched. “You are a perceptive man, McCall.”

“I try, sir.”

“Serena, close the blinds, please,” Harrison instructed.

Once the blinds were closed, Serena stood behind the empty chair next to Josh, her hands gripping the back.

Harrison leaned forward. “I’m not taking you off the Munders case,” he said, his voice low, intense. “That bit was for show. I don’t want whoever our leak is to know what you’re actually going to be doing.”

“Which is?” Josh prompted, anxious.

“You’re going undercover,” Agent Bishop stated.

Surprise washed through Josh. “Isn’t that something the FBI should be doing?” A few months ago, FBI agent Lisette Sutton had gone undercover in a fertility clinic. The Marshals Service had provided support in the form of U.S. marshal Colton Phillips.

“Normally, yes,” Bishop said. “But these are special circumstances that will require you to wear the mantle of investigator. We have every confidence in the two of you.”

Josh wasn’t sure he shared Bishop’s certainty. They hadn’t been successful yet in plugging the department leak or apprehending the man known as “Mr. Big.”

“We need hard evidence against Munders and the Perfect Family Adoption Agency to take to the state attorney general,” the chief said. “I want you two to get it.”

“Where are we going undercover and as what?” Serena asked in a tone mixed with equal parts excitement and apprehension. Josh felt that same mix in his gut. He waited for the chief’s answer.

Harrison sat back. “Before I go into the details, bring Agent Bishop up to speed on where we are in the investigation.”

“I’ve read the reports, but I’d like to hear your observations,” Agent Bishop said.

Josh looked to Serena. Her gaze slid to meet his. Her eyebrows inched up in question. Josh nodded, indicating for her to speak.

“Six months ago a routine court witness protection detail went south,” she said, addressing Agent Bishop. “We apprehended a suspect who had tried to take out the witness and offered him protection in exchange for information regarding human trafficking. Babies, to be exact. The thug was working for someone dubbed ‘Mr. Big.’ We have yet to find this man.

“However, following the lead the suspect provided, we ascertained that there is indeed an illegal ring of baby smugglers operating out of the U.S. We believe the headquarters are here in St. Louis. We discovered a connection between Mexico and a law firm here, Munders and Moore.

“We believe the law firm is arranging for infants to be brought across the border and sold to American families through an adoption agency.”

“The Perfect Family Adoption Agency,” Harrison murmured. “Why there?”

“The agency is owned and operated by Matilda Munders, wife of Fred Munders. Fred has been implicated in witness tampering, several kidnappings and murder.”

The chief stroked his chin. “It’s imperative we bring these criminals to justice. Are you two prepared to do what it takes?”

Josh blinked at the ominous words. He glanced at Special Agent Bishop. The man stared back at him with sharp eyes, reminding Josh of a shark.

“Yes, sir,” Serena answered quickly.

“Josh?” Harrison eyed him with an intensity that made Josh want to squirm.

But Josh held himself still. “Of course, sir.”

“Good.” Agent Bishop handed each of them a file folder. “Inside this dossier you will find everything you need for your cover. Publically you will be reassigned to work on a fugitive task force coordinating with the FBI.”

Josh opened the dossier and scanned the overview sheet. His heart beat in his throat. He slanted a glance at Serena. She stood frozen in place, her gaze trained on the papers in her hand. Slowly she lifted her gaze to meet his. Shock and denial swirled in the depths of her chocolate-brown eyes.

Swiftly she jerked her gaze away from Josh to address the chief. “No. I can’t. I won’t.”

Josh’s fingers tightened around the folder. He’d never known Serena to back away from a challenge. And this would be challenging.

The chief stared back at her unflinchingly. “This is too dangerous a task to give to a civilian. You and McCall are the perfect choices.”

She sputtered. “But...but...posing as husband and wife?”

“It’s the perfect cover,” Bishop said. “You’ll be Mr. and Mrs. Andrews from Alaska, recently relocated to St. Louis because of Mr. Andrews’s promotion to bank executive at First National. You are desperate to have a child. You’ve tried everything and are at your wits’ end.”

“I could never pull this off,” Serena declared, her voice rising slightly, betraying her upset.

Josh had only seen her lose her cool once, when she’d heard the news of her brother’s death. For her to show this much of a reaction spoke volumes. Was it the undercover work she objected to, or was it that he would be playing her husband?

“Serena, think of all the innocent families who have been affected by this case.” Josh held her gaze. He needed to take this assignment. They needed to take this assignment. They’d worked too hard over the past six months to back down now.

The fact that going undercover with Serena would mean they’d be in constant contact with few breaks strung his nerves tight, but he couldn’t let that deter him. “We need to do this. We need to bring the ringleaders to justice before more hearts are broken—or anyone else is killed.”

A ripple of pain crossed Serena’s face before she narrowed her gaze on him. “You’re okay with this? You and me posing as husband and wife?”

“If that is what is required of us, then yes. I would think you’d want to do whatever it took to bring down Munders and the adoption agency. Even posing as my wife.”

The thought of pretending to be married to Serena—aka Susan Andrews—would present all sorts of difficulties. Not the least of which was the attraction he fought on a daily basis, and despite the fact that they had reached an uneasy truce these past few months, he could never forget that she blamed him for Daniel’s death. Nor could he ignore his own guilt, which made working with Serena so painful.

Playing the part of Jack Andrews would necessitate Josh’s tapping into his latent acting skills. In high school he’d had the lead role of Algernon Moncrieff in The Importance of Being Earnest, to much acclaim.

Though a part of him doubted he’d have much trouble giving a convincing act as “Susan’s” husband. Not with Serena playing Susan to his Jack.

But the question that knocked at his mind was: once this charade was finished, would they be able to go back to being partners?

* * *

Serena barely held on to her composure as three sets of eyes watched her. She forced her expression to remain neutral. She hated that she’d had a momentary lapse in poise when she initially realized what they were being asked to do.

Pose as husband and wife?

Her and Josh.

A loving couple wanting to adopt a child.

The thought of pretending to be Josh’s adoring wife sent her heart rate spiking and stirred up old feelings she’d long ago squashed. When she’d first met her brother’s friend, she thought Josh handsome and charming. It didn’t hurt that Daniel had loved Josh like a brother. But Josh had been taken. And Serena had a strict policy to never poach another woman’s man. Not that she had wanted to date Josh. Well, okay, maybe a little, even though he’d treated her like a sister and kept a proper distance between them. She’d admired his faithfulness to his girlfriend. There had been a lot about Josh Serena had admired and respected.

But that was before Daniel’s murder.

Now she tolerated Josh’s presence because she had to, not because she held on to some silly crush.

She dropped her gaze to the file in her hand. The dossier held a minimal biography of the fictional Susan Andrews as well as a birth certificate and a social security number. Both documents looked completely legit. Everything she’d need for a Missouri ID.

Even though this identity was temporary and would be used only for the purpose of bringing down criminals, a surreal feeling of loss of self invaded her.

This must be what witnesses felt when they were given their new identities.

The silence stretched as the men waited for her to say something. She thought about the children who’d been torn away from their mothers and sold off to couples desperate enough to purchase a baby through questionable sources.

Those little lives demanded she put aside her personal issues and do what was necessary to make sure no more families were torn apart.

“I’m in.” She slanted a glance to her “husband,” then quickly jerked her gaze away when her heart jumped.

She’d better learn to compartmentalize ASAP or their cover would be blown before it ever got off the ground.

THREE

“Excellent.” Agent Bishop glanced at Chief Harrison and exchanged a nod. Josh tugged at the collar of his shirt. “Welcome to Operation: Marriage.”

“Uh, don’t you mean Operation: Undercover Marriage?” Josh asked, earning himself one of Serena’s annoyed, you-think-you’re-so-funny looks.

Bishop chuckled. “Right you are, Marshal McCall.” He clasped Josh’s hand in a firm grip. “Glad to have you on board.” He released Josh to take Serena’s hand. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

Bishop held on a little too long to Serena’s hand. Josh’s gaze narrowed. The soft smile she gave the agent pierced Josh with a spear of jealousy that both shocked and scared him. Daniel had made Josh promise that if anything ever happened to him, Josh would watch out for Serena. No way should he be feeling anything like jealousy—or anything else, for that matter—toward his partner.

Wife.

Pretend wife.

Daniel’s sister!

Get a grip, McCall. This was just his job. A part to be played for the sake of a lot of kids’ safety, on behalf of justice. Nothing more.

Giving himself a mental shake, he turned to the chief. “When do we start this charade?”

“Immediately,” the chief answered.

“I’ll have a house set up for you within the hour,” Bishop said.

“Where will the house be located?” Serena asked. “If we’re posing as a wealthy couple looking to adopt a child at any price, we’re going to need to be set up in one of the more affluent neighborhoods.”

“On it,” Bishop said. “I have an agent securing a home in the Compton Heights neighborhood. You will also need a high-end vehicle appropriate for your cover as a bank executive. Stop by the BMW dealership on South Hanley Road. Ask for Dirk. He’s expecting you.”

Josh whistled between his teeth. “Wow, we’ll get to see how the other half lives.”

A car and a home in Compton Heights. The posh neighborhood was located on the near south side of the city in the shadow of the great water tower of Reservoir Park. The nationally historic neighborhood sported gated and tree-lined streets and houses that were mostly of the Victorian era with lavish yards.

A world unto itself with the convenience of being ten minutes from everywhere. A lifestyle Josh would never be able to afford on a marshal’s salary. But he didn’t regret the choice he made to join the U.S. Marshals Service. He wouldn’t allow money to hold the same appeal to him as it had to his father. Josh had strived too hard in the course of his life to be the opposite of the man who’d broken not only his mother’s heart but also Josh’s.

“Will we have operational support?” Serena asked.

“You will,” the chief stated. “You both remember Linda Maitland?”

Serena shook her head. “I don’t.”

“I do.” Josh remembered Linda well. She’d served as the administrative officer when he’d joined the St. Louis district office. She’d retired not long after.

“She’ll be coming on board as your support. Her cover will be an aunt who’s living with you.” Harrison exchanged a glance with Bishop. “We wanted someone we were sure wasn’t the leak but who would be familiar with our protocols.”

“There will also be an agent posing as the groundskeeper to provide additional support,” Bishop said. His pocket beeped. He withdrew a cell phone. “Excuse me.” He moved to the corner of the room and stood with his back to them while he took his call.

“Will we be able to pack clothing from home?” Serena asked.

Harrison regarded her kindly. “As Mrs. Andrews, you’ll be expected to dress the part.”

Serena blinked. “I better go shopping.”

“Turn your receipts in to Linda and she’ll make sure you’re reimbursed.” Harrison turned to Josh. “Your suits should be fine, though you should try to change your appearance as much as you can. You’ll need to leave each morning like you’re going to work. Agent Bishop will arrange for an office in the bank headquarters on the executive floor where you can continue with your investigation into Munders and the adoption agency.”

Serena frowned. “What about me?”

“You’ll be the devoted stay-at-home wife waiting to adopt a child,” Harrison explained. “You will definitely need to change your appearance. Work with Linda on that.”

Serena’s mouth pressed tight. She didn’t like the idea, which didn’t surprise Josh. She wasn’t the stay-at-home type. She was one of the most ambitious women he knew. A trait that would take her far. Her work ethic was one of the qualities that he admired about her.

Bishop clicked off his call and rejoined them. “Actually, Marshal Summers, there is a family in the neighborhood with several adopted children. We don’t know if they’ve dealt with Perfect Family or not. We’d like you to establish a connection.”