Undercover Hero (3B Hero Series) Book 4

Twelve

**** Valentin knelt low in his stand as he waited for the perfect opportunity. He had been waiting for hours now. The Latino Enforcer sat back to breath when a blonde beauty caught his eye.

Valentin held his breath as she dismounted to water the little paint she rode. At first glance she appeared to be Brittany, but after a moment of study. No. Her hair was cut in a bob, and there were some purple streaks in it.

'This must be the Detective's identical twin sister. Carly...What a little beauty you are.' As he watched the little rebel something rose from deep within him. 'I can't let Sadie hurt her.'

Carlyn spun when a twig snapped behind her. Her heart began to pound as she came face to face with the world's sexiest man. 6'3", with broad shoulders, narrow waist, and deep chest. She got the feeling he could lift both her and Skeeter at the same time.

But, what struck her the most were his eyes. A beautiful hazel, that radiated an intelligence, and confidence. This was a man who feared no one, and was very aware of his magnetism. Her tempiture began to highten as he took a few steps her way.

"Carlyn Blanton?"

Unnerved Carlyn began to back away from the handsome stranger. "Who are you? What do you want?"

Valentin stopped moving forward and crossed his powerful arms, "I want nothing from you. I'm here to deliver a warning."

"What kind of warning?"

The stranger smiled, "The kind that might just save not only your life, but Brittany's as well. Both you and your twin are in graver danger than you know. This is the only warning I can give you. After this, I can do nothing more."

Carlyn could hardly believe what she was hearing. 'Who is this guy?'

"Who do you think you are? Do you work for Sadie Ivanov?"

Valentin lowered his arms to his sides, "Tell Brick that Val said hello. He'll understand."

Carlyn looked towards the main part of the ranch, but when she turned back... he was gone. "Where...?"

She stood still for a long moment. There was no sound of anyone moving through the trees, nor did she see any sign. Then it hit her, 'If he hadn't really wanted me to know he was there, he never would have made a sound. He let me know he was there, he delibritly stepped on a twig. Who is he?'

She couldn't help but smile to herself. "Val, or who ever you are... Thank you." She may not be able to see him, but she could still feel his eyes on her. For some strange reason the idea made her feel safe.

The to her surprise she felt him right behind her. His warm breath tickled the back of her neck as he bent low to whistper in her ear. "You're welcome, Carlie."

She looked over her shoulder at him, "Whow are you?"

Valentin simply smiled, "You'll know soon enough."

***

Gabriel shot to his feet, "What?! You went riding alone? Have you lost your mind, Carlie?"

Brittany tried to calm her husband, "Babe, now is not the best time. We'll let daddy handle that, right now I would like to know what information she has."

At her sister's nod, Carlyn told them everything that the stranger had said. "To be honest, I want to believe him. I really do think he was risking his life to bring me that messeage."

Gabriel felt his legs go and and lowered himself into the huge recliner, "Did you say his handle was Val?"

His sister-in-law nodded, "That's what he said. He said, 'Tell Brick that Val said hello. He'll understand.' I wasn't sure what to think."

Brittany and Tina both looked at the huge man. His scar had gone totally white. "Gabe, do you know this man?" His wife asked.

He nodded slowly, "Da. Valentin Martinez aka Vence. We called him that because he grew up in Venice." Gabriel shook his head, "But, he... he's retired do to disability. Or, he's suposed to be. He
was Strike Team One's best undercover Agent. He could speak moltiple launguages, and match the accent perfectly." The huge man looked at his little wife, "He was injured a few years back and lost most of his hearing because of it."
(Yes)

Carlyn shook her head, "Brick, I'm telling you that I got a good look at this guy. He was hearing me just fine. He also moved through the forest without so much as making a sound. At least not any he didn't want me to hear."

Gabriel nodded, "That's him alright. He's like me. Born into a... complicated family. He was raised and trained to be an Enforcer. If he doesn't want you to know he's there, you won't. He's better than I ever was. That is why he was used for one man opperations. He can go in undercover and stay there for years, before making his move. If he felt the need to blow his cover the way he did, than we are in bigger trouble than I thought."

Beau had been leaning against the door frame until that moment. "What do you say, son? Can we trust him?"

Gabriel stood and looked out the window, "I believe he is working undercover in my sister's outfit, and if I'm right; then she ordered him to do something he can't. So he warned us, before he's forced to do as ordered." He turned back to his father-in-law, "He was telling us that she's coming for Brittany and Carlyn sooner rather than later."

Carlyn shivered, "If she finds out he did this, what will happen to him?"

Brittany gave her twin a sad look, "She'll kill him, and it won't be a fast death. She will take her time and enjoy every second she can get out of it."

Tina placed a hand on Carlyn's shoulder. She could tell that something had changed in the other woman. Somehow Carlyn had made an emotional connection with that man, and it ran deep. Even though they had only met for a short moment Carlyn had feelings for him. Feelings even she didn't understand.