Witness Pursuit (Bodyguards #1)

“Jenna Winton.” She forced her new name from her lips then stared out the window. On one side, the bush was thick and green, and on the other, the ocean was a deep crystalline blue and touched with the foam of white caps. No Tyler though. Not anywhere.

“Jenna, you should be aware that due to the circumstances of your open case, we’re relocating you to Mr. Brown’s high country station in Marlborough. His homestead will be your base, but not your confined lodgings. You will have the freedom of movement, provided you abide by the rules and regulations of the re-identification program, of which all points are fully outlined in your manual. Please be aware that with the remoteness of the station, Ronson has provided both employment and accommodations, and you should allow two to four weeks for initial settlement.”

“Marlborough? Hold on. I’ll be in the South Island of New Zealand?” Her heartbeat raced. They could have sent her anywhere in the world, but she would still be on home soil? Really? She scrambled to work out how many hours of travel Marlborough was from Saria in Auckland. It was still some distance since the Cook Strait flowed between the two islands, although less than a day’s travel by road, even with the ferry crossing involved. Auckland was where Tyler would be too. So close, yet so far away.

“That’s right, and Ronson is a man you can trust. So should you need to, you can converse with him as necessary. As ex-Force, he can reach me at any time.”

“Okay.” She searched out the window, not wanting to miss the resort where Tyler should be as they flew overhead.

“You’ll be his housekeeper and cook.”

“Right.” She could do that. “Are there any children?” She desperately hoped so. Children would help her settle.

“There’s a station manager who lives on the property and he and his wife have two small children, but you’re not responsible for them. There’re also three eighteen-year-old boys who live on site in the staff barracks, but your duties again don’t extend to them. As Ronson’s niece, you’ll live at the homestead, one which he’s confirmed as a safe environment. You’ll do well.” He inclined his head toward her pack. “Open it. Try and make a start.”

“What of Saria? Is she still with Ben?” She unzipped the pack and gripped the pages within.

“Of course. We’re aware she wishes to go through re-identification as you have, but not until she sits her finals. We’re happy to allow for this, and until then, Ben Hammers will guard her. Ben will continue his investigation into the newspaper leak and follow through on any other subsequent links. I’ll take over your case from this point, but he’ll remain on the issues he began with. He and I will work together to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your sister.”

“Where will she go?”

“I can’t disclose that information, only I can and will keep you apprised of her well-being as necessary. Why don’t you familiarize yourself with your pack’s information. This is a short flight to the mainland, and you should be prepared before we get there.”

Again, she searched the island. There it was. The resort. She gripped her seat, but it was so far below, the people mere dots along the beach. Indistinguishable.

Closing her eyes, she stored the sight.



At the resort’s reception, Tyler signed for his long-awaited package. He raced past the indoor shops along the central walkway and to the beach. He had to get back. He’d already been gone too long.

He pulled his sunglasses from his top pocket and slid them on as he made the wharf. Within minutes, he’d powered away, his journey as swift as he could manage, except the cove’s beach was deserted as he rounded the corner. Why? Everyone should still be there.

He sped toward the ship, pulled up to the side, roped the inflatable at the rear then climbed on board. In the lounge, Liam fidgeted on one of the couches while Nico cuddled into him. Luke rubbed Nico’s back, and Dylan stood staring out the windows.

Brigs rose from a corner chair and raked a hand through his hair. “I’ve got bad news.”

“Where is she?” Tyler’s heartbeat thumped. He stepped toward Brigs, his fists clenched. She was gone. The knowledge raced like a firestorm through his blood.

Nico lifted his head and with reddened eyes cried, “Bad men. They took her.”

His nephew’s distress clawed at his gut, and he swung back to Brigs. “I was only gone a damn hour.”

“Not bad men, but the extraction team.” Brigs gritted his teeth. “You knew this would happen.”

His heart dislodged, and the package in his hands fell and landed with a thunk on the ground. “She’s alone, without me.” And he had no way in hell of finding her.

“It was fast, but you know she chose this.” Brigs held out a plastic bag containing her purple bikini and his white t-shirt.