Chapter 1

The Fight

Viv, as she was often called, was tired. She'd been working hard all day trying to nip the small problems old Joe was causing in the bud. She wanted to fight him, but he was sending little problems their way that took a lot of time to handle. Even with the assistance of Landra, one of Ranger's people, it was hard for her to keep up with all the troublesome problems he sent her way.

Even the fact that security was assisting did not help. Joe was finding mentally unstable people and selling them on the idea that those who ran this country were dragons. She admitted that the people were extremely attractive and intelligent, but there was no proof that dragons existed anywhere on Earth. Joe Senior was a salesman. He sold the belief in dragons so strongly that people were terrified the winged beasts would get a foothold on the planet.

It helped that he never told them who he was and presented himself as a well-meaning person just trying to take care of the planet Earth.

Alien dragons? What a laugh.

The problem was none of the people he sent their way were laughing. He didn't even have to pay them to cause trouble. He just gave them transportation and wished them the best of luck.

Viv was in her office working hard on paperwork. No one liked it, and she was no exception. She wasn't sure why they had moved her into a shared office with Carler. Ranger said it was because she was Carler's second, and he was over those things she was working on.

It was as if thinking about Carler summoned him. Walking into the office, he moved behind his desk and sat down. The look on his face said something unpleasant had happened, and she couldn't help but wonder what.

"We're going to be sending you on a trip. We have Joe Senior's location and hope he can finally be taken down. The mob is through with him. They have chosen someone else to take his position. Insiders informed us that Joe was not happy. They fear he will try to attack the guy who took over his spot. It's a sad day when criminals turn on other criminals and use people like us to take care of their problems," Carler informed.

"We have a chance to take him down. I don't know why you seem so unhappy about it."

"I'm sure he is aware someone is coming after him. He's causing too many people trouble. If he's expecting it, he will fight back, which will be dangerous."

"I didn't know you cared," Vivian quipped.

"Liar. You know exactly how I feel."

In the blink of an eye, he was next to her. Pulling her out of her chair, he wrapped his arms around her. Viv had less than a second to decide what to do. So, she ended up doing nothing.

Gently putting his lips to hers, it was the first time in a long time Viv felt something other than pain and hate. Warmth flooded through her as his tongue pried open her lips, and the sweet kiss turned into something far more exciting, full of passion and need.

It took her a moment to realize what was happening. Snapping out of the trance his kiss had caused, Viv stepped back and pressed her hands against his chest to prevent him from following.

In reality, Carler was so strong that she could do nothing to stop him, but she also knew he wouldn't force her to do anything she didn't want to do. Thankfully, she was right. He let her move back and also stepped back. It was a good thing she would be leaving for a while. It would give them a little time to think about this relationship that could never be.

Viv didn't think she would ever get over the love she had lost so tragically. That was why she could never seek another. Doug had been the perfect partner in every way that mattered. He'd been good at his job, too good. He'd been sweet and romantic, the perfect lover. They'd also been friends, which she had noticed was unusual in relationships. There were enough things they disagreed about to keep things interesting, but in most areas, they agreed. How could she ever expect to find something like that again?

It was true that life went on, but it was also true that life was not the same. Viv knew she was having a pity party, but if anyone was entitled to it, she was. She needed revenge to get closure. While it was true that Doug had died quickly from an assassin's bullet, she wasn't sure she would show the same mercy to the ones she was after.

"Landra and her mate will be going with you," Carler mentioned.

"Kareth has never worked with me before."

"Landra will keep him in line. You need extra protection. He is one of the best, and so is she. They will be very protective and ensure your safety. This is not up for discussion. The seats have already been reserved."

"I thought I was in charge?" Viv observed.

"You are in charge to a point, but you have supervisors, and they can always pull rank. That is what I am doing now. We will protect you whether you want to be protected or not."

Bossy alpha male!

But she had no choice. She had burned her bridges when she left the FBI. If they accepted her, they would make her start at the entry-level, not at the rank she had held.

Maybe Carler was right. She could get caught between old Joe and his former employers. Viv wasn't sure how any of them would survive if that happened.

At this point, the best thing to do was to head back to her room and pack her bag while considering what she might need. If they took the private plane, she could bring some protection, like her guns. Regardless, she would be able to take some personal armor, and that would be a help.

"Okay, I'm going to pack and get ready. I'll see you when I get back."

"Be careful. I have plans for you," Carler replied.

She wasn't going to touch that statement with a ten-foot pole. Hurrying away, she knew he was watching as she went. Once in the elevator, he could no longer see her.

Their relationship would be a problem, and she wasn't sure how to handle it. If they caught Joe and he was punished, she might be able to put her past life behind her. Only then would she decide how to handle Carler.

Packing didn't take long. Viv put the guns and other weapons in her bag, hopefully. Heading down to the entrance, she wished she had asked Carler where she was to meet Landra and her mate. Thankfully, it didn't matter because they were waiting for her. It made her wonder when they had been told about this trip.

On the one hand, they might have always been packed for a trip since they traveled often, but Viv was still suspicious that they were already ready.

"I am glad to see you're ready," Landra observed.

"Lead the way, and I will follow," Viv replied.

"I will lead the way," Kareth barked, taking charge.

Viv looked at Landra, but she didn't seem to mind. They followed him to a transport, and someone loaded their bags. Kareth helped them into the transport and sat up front with the driver.

It wasn't far to the airport, and she wondered if they were taking a private or public plane. Her question was answered when they pulled into the area where planes were parked. The driver parked in front of a nice private plane sized for a small group or a family.

"Nice plane," Viv commented.

"It is Ranger's personal plane," Landra mentioned. "He loaned it to us for this trip because he has no plans for it right now."

The stairs were already down, so they got onboard, and their baggage was loaded below. They weren't the only ones on the plane. There was also a woman dressed like a chef. Viv also noted that a pilot and copilot were in the front.

If anyone else was there, they were somewhere she couldn't see. Having a chef for a flight would certainly be over the top–not that she would complain.

As soon as they were loaded and had a drink and a snack, the stairs were removed, and the door closed. The plane was already running, so it started down the runway.

It was an experience she would never forget. Usually, flying was an incredible headache. She often spent as long inside the airport getting everything ready for her flight as she did on the flight itself. If things continued as they were, this would be the best flight she'd ever had.

It was nice to have a good flight because when they arrived, there was every chance their stay would be anything but enjoyable. They would be in the middle of a mob fight that could go either way. Many of the resources had been taken away from old Joe, but there were still favors she was sure he would call in. An hour into the flight, the chef served a marvelous meal. There was a large salad and a choice of several drinks. She chose a sparkling cherry one. They were given a choice of beef or chicken. Both choices would be good, but she got beef feeling like she needed something filling.

Everyone had chosen beef. It was a surprise; it was beef Bolognese. She'd had it before, but not very often. It was quite expensive and only available in gourmet restaurants. It was hard to deny that this was the best she had ever had.

Once the entree was eaten and taken away, dessert was offered. There were several choices—all frozen desserts. Viv selected a Baked Alaska, which was like an oversized cupcake. There were signs it had already been set on fire before it was frozen. It was delicious, and she enjoyed it immensely.

Viv had the choice earlier to have a drink with alcohol, and she chose not to. When given the choice again, she still chose not to, while the couple with her had an alcoholic drink. Even though she was not on duty while traveling, Viv wanted to be ready to do whatever was needed without being impaired.

She never drank unless she was on vacation and away from work entirely. She knew many people did not follow that rule, but Viv knew it could get you killed.

Now that she was full and relaxed, it was time for some sleep. It didn't always work, but on this occasion, the seat was so comfortable she leaned back and quickly fell asleep.

She slept for hours without interruption. When she woke, she was told they would be landing soon.

"A car will pick us up and take us to the hotel. I suggest we all take a short time to settle in and take care of anything we need to. We will let you know our room number. You can contact us when you're ready to act," Landra explained.

"That sounds like a great plan. If you find out something we need to act upon before I do, let me know," Viv replied.

"We will do that," Kareth responded.

At least they had a plan. Thankfully, it was simple because what came after would probably not be. Viv suddenly had a sense of foreboding. She couldn't really say why or who would be the unlucky one it fell upon–just that it was there.

These feelings were not always directly related to her. Sometimes, they reflected things that had yet to come to someone she was or would be around. Many of her coworkers said they had gut feelings, so she assumed hers were the same.

She'd had a bad feeling when Doug was killed. If only the feeling had been more specific, she might have known what would happen and prevented it.

It always bothered her. Could she have prevented Doug's death had she taken different actions?

Viv had called to warn him to be careful, and he promised to be. However, an assassin could be hard to avoid when they hid and took aim at you.

Shaking off the feelings of dread, she headed out. The car waiting for them was a limousine. It was the first time she'd ever ridden in one. So far, the luxury of the entire trip was something she wasn't used to.

The hotel they picked looked like the kind where only the richest people stayed. When they checked in, they were given side-by-side rooms. These were more like suites, with a sitting room, kitchenette, and large, luxurious bathroom.

Heading up to their rooms, Viv peeled off toward hers. It was time to break out the computer. She needed to see what was happening and what they should do next.

She searched for any information on old Joe and his mob contacts. They were here in Chicago, and a big meeting was happening. Whether she was brave or crazy, she was going to go to that meeting. It didn't matter if anyone went with her or not. If lucky, they could catch Joe Senior and send him to jail. It was possible to end everything he had done to the people with whom she worked.

The phone rang–the phone in the room–and she was surprised. "Something is happening. We need to go. We have an address. The car will be out front with a driver who is familiar with the area," Landra directed, then hung up.

Viv figured they would be downstairs waiting for her. She had dressed comfortably for the flight, so she didn't need to change. Digging through her suitcase, she removed some of her weapons, putting them in places where they wouldn't be visible.

Viv had a few knives, too, but she was sure they were heading into a gunfight. After pocketing her room key, she left to meet her two partners and their new driver. Hopefully, the driver knew this would not be a fun party.

Landra and Kareth were waiting for her in the car, and the driver was behind the wheel. Kareth had once again claimed shotgun, so she slid into the back with Landra.

The driver took off like he was in a race. She wondered if he worked for the same people she did. They were heading out of town. It made more sense. Not that she hadn't known the mob to meet in town either. Maybe they were trying to hide from old Joe. Ranger told her they had gotten information from an anonymous source. Viv was sure it was the mob guy Joe had worked for previously. He'd had enough of Joe and was ready to take him out. It looked like everyone had had enough of Joe. Viv hoped that would cause him to be taken down.

She was unfamiliar with Chicago, although she had been there once or twice. One of the times, she was on a vacation with Doug. It had been the best time of her life. They discussed getting married and possibly having children. They decided to wait since one of them would have to move into a more stable job to be home with any children they might have.

They had been so in love that neither thought–even though their jobs were dangerous–that either one of them would be killed.

It had been foolish. Viv and Doug had not been nearly careful enough when faced with the evil that was old Joe.

Young Joe was learning from his father, and he was already an evil to be reckoned with. Neither Joe Senior nor Young Joe cared for the lives of others, not even those they were supposedly close to.

Viv hoped she would finally get him. Then, she could go to Doug's grave and tell him he had finally gotten justice.

Viv knew Doug would never have expected it from her, but she was also certain he would have done everything possible to ensure justice for her had the situation been reversed.

"We're getting close. The meeting is in a mansion just a few miles outside of town. The new boss, Johnny Davos, has invited most of those working for him. That might be a mistake since some may still be loyal to Joe. I'm not sure what we're walking into, but you need to be especially careful," Kareth directed.

"Why do you think I need to be more careful than the two of you?" Viv asked.

"We are testing out a special armor that repels bullets. There were only two available. More may become available in time, and you may get one," Landra explained.

"Thanks a lot. I intend to be careful. I want to see Joe brought to justice. You can't imagine how much this means to me," She observed.

"We are close now. We need to get out and walk so we will not be seen," the driver explained. Apparently, he was going in with them. That confirmed that he was one of Ranger's people.

They all got out of the car and headed to the house. The driver hid the car where it would not be readily seen, and they cut through a wooded area that butted up against the yard.

Viv's emotions were all over the place. All the conflicting feelings were almost overwhelming. There was concern that old Joe would escape and it would all be a waste of time. There was excitement at the possibility that she might finally end his heinous crimes. Finally, there was the fear that she or someone with her might be his next victim.

The other three people with her seemed to be in excellent shape. Viv struggled to keep up with them, even though she considered herself to be in really good shape.

As the house came into view, they slowed slightly and spread out. It was a good plan. However, Kareth and Landra had not asked her what to do. They'd simply taken it upon themselves to do what they thought was right. Viv never felt she was in charge when working with Ranger's people.

Most of the party seemed to have moved outside to a patio area to the pool and the hot tub. People were everywhere. Many were drinking, eating, or working the crowd.

She could see armed guards–sharpshooters–on the roof and others who were heavily armed mingling in the crowd. Nothing bad was happening yet. Should Viv and her group just hunker down and wait? or should they make themselves known to the new boss?

Before she could decide, new people appeared. The boss wasn't happy to see them.

"You were told not to show up here. Joe is no longer in charge. So, you do not work for us anymore. Don't you know what that means?" Johnny asked.

"Maybe you're the one who doesn't understand what's going to happen," an older gentleman responded.

"Howie, are you threatening me?" Johnny asked.

"I don't threaten, I promise," Howie responded.

"You're outnumbered. My men have the latest machine guns and artillery. Do you really want to die?" Johnny wondered.

Howie began to laugh. "Things are not always the way they look. Haven't you learned that yet?"

Suddenly, the air filled with pops and loud puffs. Viv instantly realized shots were being fired through silencers. The guards began to fall like dominoes.

Taking a chance, she shot Howie in the shoulder. She wanted to question him about his connection to Joe Senior. Looking around, she zeroed in on some of the shooters and fired at them. Someone else had the same idea and was also taking them out. "It's probably Kareth, Landra, or the driver," she whispered under her breath.

Luckily, Joe's shooters had no idea they were hiding at the edge of the woods. Looking left then right, they couldn't pinpoint the location of the shots. Ultimately, a couple ran away.

It was a bloodbath, but Joe Senior hadn't shown up. Maybe he was hiding nearby, wondering why his plan had gone astray.

Viv was sure it was because of the firepower she and those with her had used to take out some of the former mob boss's men that had kept him from showing his face. She wasn't sure if they should make their presence known and try to talk to the new boss, Johnny.

Then, in the blink of an eye, that decision was taken out of her hands. Kareth stepped forward and stood his ground. He had no weapon in his hand and waited until he was motioned forward.

"Who are you, and why did you help us?" Johnny asked.

"Enemy of my enemy," Kareth directly responded. "We were told by an anonymous source that Joe Senior would be making a move against you. He's been coming after us, and we're tired of it."

"We? Are there others with you? If so, have them move forward so we can see them," Johnny ordered.

There was no reason to stay hidden, so Viv stepped out with Landra and their driver.

"You work for those guys in Vegas," he stated. "Joe Senior had a hard-on for you. It's why his work suffered, and he finally had to be replaced. Obsession has no part in this business," Johnny observed. Looking at Viv, he sneered, "Are you the one Junior got involved with?"

"No, that was Davy, and she disappeared. No one knows where she is, but I wish her well. She made a bad choice. I just hope she didn't pay for it with her life," Viv responded.

"I believe she got away. If not, Joe Senior wouldn't be going crazy over her," Johnny observed.

"You have a point," Viv agreed.

"If you ain't that girl, who the hell are you?" He asked.

"I'm the security chief for those guys in Vegas. Joe is causing us a great deal of trouble. I'd like to see him pay for that and many other things," she calmly explained.

Viv didn't believe letting these people know she was a former FBI agent was a good idea. They might find out later, but they wouldn't have guns in their hands that they could point at her then.

"I guess I should say thanks and let you get on your way." Johnny was dismissing them. That was obvious. It was also a hell of a lot better than being shot and buried in the backyard.

It was time for a strategic retreat, and they all knew it. Turning, they headed back to the car.

While they had all survived, Joe Senior was still out there, ready to cause more trouble, and that didn't sit well with Viv.

It didn't take long for them to return to their car and return to the hotel. She wasn't sure if they should continue to look for Joe Senior and wouldn't know until she had the opportunity to find out where he was and what he was up to.