High Treason by DiANN MILLS

CHAPTER 1: PART 3: HIGH TREASON

By DiAnn Mills

Click here to read Chapter 1, Part 1 on Hall Ways Blog’s Lone Star Book Blog Tours stop

Click here to read Chapter 1, Part 2 on Tangled in Text’s Lone Star Book Blog Tours stop

Monica poured a large cup of the Arabic blend for a regular customer. “Chicken-bacon wrap too?”

“You bet. Add a bag of chips and a banana.”

She peeled off a label containing a quote, sealed it onto the side of the cup, and handed it to him before bagging his lunch order to-go. “Been to the rodeo yet?”

“Taking the family on Saturday. The crowds will be crazy, but that’s part of it. What about you?” He gave her a polished smile, one he used for her and every person he met there. Dressed in a dark suit and a two-hundred-dollar tie, he looked every bit the successful lawyer.

“Sunday afternoon.”

He turned the cup to read the quote. “‘Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.’ Abraham Lincoln. Good one. I’ll remember it in court this afternoon.”

“May you win all your cases.” She laughed and pointed outside to dark, gathering clouds behind him. “Don’t forget your umbrella.”

He left the café and dashed down the sidewalk. She continued to serve coffee, specialty drinks, and deli sandwiches to the remaining patrons in line. An easy part of her life, but not her mission, her calling. Passing on smiles and encouragement provided optimism for her day and hopefully for the recipient.

A black man in his mid- to late thirties sat at a small table in the corner and sipped a double dry short. He’d spoken in a Nigerian accent, piquing her interest. The man’s cell phone rang, and he snatched it. Frowning, he spoke low. She scanned him for recognition while reading his lips.

“I have no idea when he’s arriving, but he’ll have the rest of the money.” The man listened. “We have to be careful.” A tall black woman entered the café and seated herself beside him. He nodded and smiled. “I have to go. She’s with me now, and we’ll figure out how to surprise Father with a birthday party even if our brother doesn’t get here in time.”

Monica’s cell phone vibrated twice, paused, then three more times, signifying a notification from her handler.

“Lori, can you take over?”

Her friend gave a quick nod. Without a word, she moved to the register. No questions asked. Monica had told Lori months ago when she was hired that personal family issues could demand her attention at any time. Yet Lori kept her employed at the coffee shop. With Monica’s commitment to the CIA, she was forced to lie to her family and friends, but the cover kept them safe. If the truth ever surfaced, the betrayal might destroy the relationships she treasured. Would they ever understand her commitment to keep their country safe?

With no time to waste, she locked herself inside the restroom, knowing she had less than two minutes to read and respond. Her mental clock counted down to thirty seconds remaining. If she missed confirming the secure notice, it would repeat until she responded. A nagging headache didn’t help the urgency.

Safe House ASAP

OMW