Free Tropical Safeguard (Men Of The Secret Service) by Stella Kelly Page B

the wall on the other
side where someone could easily climb over. This was definitely the ‘where’,
now he had to figure out the ‘when’. If it had been tonight to deliver the
letter, that changed things. If this had been the point of entry for the
delivery then the eye of suspicion was taken off the immediate staff members.
It was still too early and there was still not enough evidence to conclude
either theory. Jumping down, Cole clicked his earphone. “Agent Kensing, we have
a security breach.”

 
 
 
 
    Chapter Seven
    Jacque brought out a
platter with a pot of Earl Grey tea and mini-croissants filled with watercress
and shrimp with a light mayo dressing. Little bowls of Devonshire clotted cream
and lime jam were placed beside a small mountain of rum scones.
    “You know you’re in
Bermuda when we serve afternoon tea with an island vibe. This little snack
encapsulates this tradition perfectly. Bon appétit!” Jacque admired his
handy-work and smiled at his audience, their mouths salivating in anticipation.
They all thanked him profusely before he bounced back to the kitchen with his
trademark enthusiasm.
    Cole was standing at the
bottom of the stone staircase that led away from the flagstone patio where the
dignitaries and their families sat eating their lunch. He paced a little, watching
the edges of the property like a hawk though his eyes were a little unfocused
and bloodshot. Last night had been a late one. He and Agent Kensing had
meticulously gone over the surveillance footage and discovered a hooded figure
glide in, drop the envelope into the mailbox, and then glide away like a ghost
in the darkness. They hadn’t seen the person’s face, but by his stature it was
easy to see it was a large, muscular male.
    After thoroughly
checking out all other possible ways of accessing the property, from the
disturbed spot Cole had found to the unguarded access at the far side of the
beach, the agents hadn’t gone to bed until the wee hours of the morning. Cole’s
morning ritual had been shelved for the first time in a long time. He was sorry
to have missed his opportunity for a one-on-one Pilates class with Katrina,
though part of him was grateful that he wouldn’t have to partake in something
he knew nothing about. He felt a little unsure of himself in that department,
but still, it would’ve been an interesting experience just to have her guide
him through it. He’d spotted the boys playing in the water and Katrina giving
Helene and Trudy a Pilates class this morning on his rounds, but he hadn’t had
the chance to talk with her.
    When the group dispersed
after lunch, Cole made his way into the staff’s area and sat down to eat the
scrumptious delicacies Jacque had provided. Agent Kensing was just finishing
his lunch with the rest of the staff when Cole arrived.
    “Agent Nielsen, the
dignitaries and the boys want to go on a fieldtrip and the women want to go
shopping in Hamilton.”
    “Okay,” Cole said as he
filled his plate. “So?” Cole looked up and met Agent Kensing’s steely blue
eyes.
    “So, we’ll split up
then,” the seasoned agent instructed as if he were solely in charge.
    “What’s your
preference?” Cole asked, not too bothered by what he was given.
    “Fieldtrip. I’ve never
been one for shopping. My wife’s the shopper in the family.”
    At his comment, Cole was
reminded that this man actually had a life aside from work, as rocky as that
life may now be.
    “Alright, shopping it
is. I can handle that. Will you drive then?”
    “No, I’ll take the
driver. I’ll have both dignitaries with me so I need to be overly aware of the
surroundings.”
    “Right,” Cole smirked.
“I’ll drive the ladies in the SUV. You’ll have to take the extended van to
carry everyone in one vehicle. Where do they want to go?”
    “The Maritime Museum.
Should be interesting, though I’ll be too busy protecting them to take in the
exhibits. Maybe someday I’ll come back for my own