Voo Do Love Me!

Chapter 1

"We're going to crash! the pilot yelled. Everyone prepare for the worst! God bless you all!"

That was the last thing we heard before the oxygen masks fell from the ceiling. Each of us grabbed a mask in an attempt to save our life.

Mr. Hamilton, or James, my boss and my current boyfriend, sat to my right. He also owned the newspaper where I worked.

I love you, Kes, James whispered, in his slightly British accent, looking terrified.

Tears filled my eyes as I stared into his blue eyes and stroked his hair. I love you, too. If we don't come out of this alive—

I know. He helped me put on my mask before taking one for himself. He held my hand, and I closed my eyes, awaiting impact. Since we'd been in many near-death situations before, we knew to stay calm, even though my stomach thought otherwise.

Ben Casey—in the event that his last name really was Casey because he was a CIA agent—sat to my left. After putting on his mask, he grabbed my other hand and moved it to his lap. I could feel the men grasp hold of my hands for all they were worth, both trying to keep me for their own. We all shook in fear as the plane took more of a nosedive. People screamed and cried, but there was nothing we could do about the inevitable, except to pray.

Given my past brushes with death, I knew it was my time to die. There were no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Death was imminent, so I thought back over my life, trying to focus on something positive.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

Just 24 hours earlier, I had no idea I'd even be on this plane or on another CIA mission with Ben. I was planning to take my new team to New Zealand to document the aboriginal tribes for our quarterly pithy section of the newspaper called 'Extreme Travel.' We'd been planning the trip for weeks, and although James couldn't go with us to New Zealand, we were trying to make it a great story.

James and I had spent the previous evening at my new apartment, which was a real steal. He was a gorgeous man, with six-pack abs, muscles rippling everywhere, the most beautiful straight white smile I'd ever seen, light blue eyes and medium brown hair. Standing about six inches or so taller than me, he had a killer slightly British accent that just made me melt.

I, on the other hand, had slightly wavy shoulder-length dark red hair with green eyes, and although I stood about five-foot-five, I was kind of on the tiny side. My name was Kes, which rhymes with 'mess' and means 'chubby baby.' However, I'd been careful not to live up to my name. My hair was currently back to my natural color of dark red. I was in the process of letting it grow to a more normal length for me—just below my shoulders. I'd had it dyed black and cut short when I was in Zimbabwe, a bit over a month earlier.

That evening, James and I were getting cozy on the couch when a knock at the door interrupted us.

Ignore it, James griped in his sexy slightly British accent. He was so hot. I'd rather be alone with you on your last night.

I couldn't be rude. I have to answer it. I can't let someone stand out there.

We're on the third floor of an apartment complex. It's not even cold in the hallway.

The knocking continued, so I stood up and crossed the room. As I opened the door, I saw our friendly personal CIA agent, Ben, staring at me with a smile.

Red! That was his nickname for me because of my hair. I was hoping you'd be home.

Ben was a knockout and should've been a model. He was about James' height, had bright blue eyes and blond hair, and the whitest and straightest teeth on the planet. I could tell he worked out because every muscle in his chest was well defined under his tight shirts. Every time I was around him or even heard his name, I'd have to fan myself because my face would go bright red, or so I was told. He was very sexy but was the type of man I wanted to get away from because his stare went right through to my soul.

As an aside, Ben was the same man who currently held my hand to my left while on the plane. I thought I'd die, not only from the upcoming plane crash, but also from being in his immediate proximity, which was why I had to put my thoughts elsewhere.

How did you find out where I live? I asked Ben back at the apartment the night before the plane ride.

I know everything, remember? He took my hand and kissed the back of it, with his eyes on mine the whole time.

I felt my face burn, knowing it'd gone bright scarlet.

May I come in? he asked, staring at me with those piercing eyes.

Sure.

I ushered him inside my apartment and James stood to meet him.

I didn't know you were here, Ben said to him. The three of us had helped overthrow the government of Zimbabwe a month or so earlier, and the country was doing much better since our trip.

I see that. James stared at my hand to imply the kiss by Ben. You do know Kes and I are dating now, right?

Ben all but scoffed. James, my friend, of course I know that. I even have pictures of the two of you together. He pulled an envelope out of his coat pocket and opened it to show James and me doing grocery shopping together, the two of us kissing at my car at work, and even going into my apartment together.

James grabbed the pictures from Ben and studied them. Have you been spying on us?

Ben removed his coat and laid it on the back of a dining room chair. Just keeping up with my friends. He took one glance at my face. Uh, James, you haven't done your job that we agreed on.

James glanced at me, then looked down at the pictures and handed them back to Ben. No because…well, it's a long story.

What job? I asked.

Both of them stared at me, probably because I was fanning myself as usual around Ben.

Ben checked his watch. I have 20 minutes, James. Fill me in.

You wouldn't believe me if I told you, he said. Things are going to stay status quo until she's married.

Until who's married? I asked.

Why? Ben asked James. They both seemed to be ignoring me.

Ask her pit bull. James seemed to be more than irritated.

Ben's expression turned confused. Why would a dog care if you two were, well, friendly?

It's not what you think. My boyfriend walked over to the couch and plopped down.

In front of the couch sat a coffee table and a big television, but behind that was a huge picture window, overlooking a gorgeous lake. My apartment was situated just west of Denver, in the middle of the Rockies, and the rent for just this place in the complex was cheap. Since it was mid-November, the first snow of the season had started, which was beautiful against the light of the moon.

Within seconds, the wind blew in my apartment, even though the windows were closed and locked.

Ben looked around the room, then up at the ceiling, his hair blowing in the fierce wind. What's going on?

My friendly ghost Agatha appeared at the ceiling and flew within inches of Ben's head. As he ducked, she tried to swipe at him again.

What's that? he screamed, his hands on the top of his head.

Oh, that's Agatha, I said. I don't think she likes your intentions.

James leaned back on the couch and sipped a soft drink. He grabbed the remote, propped his feet up on the coffee table, and turned on the television. That's her pit bull. After turning the volume way down, he clicked on the remote frequently, to channel-surf. He was so calm compared to Ben, who was clearly upset.

Ben ducked from the swooping. Can you get rid of it?

No, I said. Agatha always wanted to live in this beautiful apartment, so she moved in here years ago. She's letting me rent it as long as she can take care of me. Keeping me innocent is one of her self-imposed jobs. I moved to the couch beside James and picked up my can of soda on the coffee table. She also helps with the rent because the management knows it's haunted and can't get anyone to rent the place.

After she swiped at Ben's head a few more times, I looked up. He got the message, Agatha.

She changed from her form of being wind and turned into a plain old ghost, with ethereal blue light around her. Being an older, dumpy sort of woman with her hair up in a bun, she dressed in clothing worn in the 1930s or 1940s. Ben, whose face was pale, just stared as Agatha moved by the couch where James and I were seated.

Ben stepped closer as he ran his hand through his hair. A ghost, huh?

Yes, Agatha said. Now, did you wipe your feet before you came in here?

I don't think they're dirty. He glanced at the bottom of his shoes. I took the elevator to the third floor, so I think I'm safe.

That's fine then. Take a seat. She pushed him into the chair near the couch and he fell with a thud.

Ben stared at the apparition in front of him. Kes, I think it's time we had a talk about this problem you have.

What problem would that be?

You know… Ben leaned closer. The ghost that haunts your apartment? he whispered.

Ben really had issues, but this time, I wasn't sure I blamed him.

~~~~~

Chapter 3

"Agatha? I asked. She's a real help. I mean, when old Wally Beecher from Zimbabwe tried to kill me after he found my new address, she scared the heck out of him and protected my apartment until I got home. The police were easily able to find him because he was in complete shock, walking around in my parking lot. Without her, I could be dead."

Sure, Kes, Ben said. James, what do you think?

James kept his eyes on the television. Fine with me. I'm finding this interesting for my doctoral thesis in psychology.

Ben seemed surprised. You're working on your thesis again?

He already knew James was writing his thesis. Even I could see through his playacting but decided to let it go.

Sure am. I even have a subject to watch. James took another swig from his can of soda.

Ben leaned closer, his eyes on James' face. Who is it?

It's a mystery. He even grinned.

I glanced toward James and back at Ben. He won't even tell me.

Ben smiled. I see. So, tell me, James, what's your thesis about?

The flight or fight response in romantically-challenged women. He must have given Ben some sort of sign because Ben nodded his understanding, darting his eyes toward me.

Huh? I turned to James. You never told me that was your topic. I was really good at lying and acting, and these two were pushovers. I knew it all but played dumb.

The title has changed a few times. You probably knew it as 'Innocent women who are victims of their own fears.'

Oh yeah. I remember that one. I took another swig from my drink. He'd changed it so many times, I'd never remember all the words. Even so, it was mumbo jumbo to me.

Ben sat back and glanced toward me. I see. So, you're writing about—

Yes, and let's keep it at that, James said, interrupting.

Ben nodded in slow motion. I understand.

Ben took one look at me, forcing me to pick up a magazine on the coffee table to fan myself. I wanted to escape his presence, but my legs were like gelatin. Being so close to him, I was in bad shape. I think Agatha sensed it, too because she hovered to a spot between Ben and me. He had to move to see around her.

Want a drink? I asked Ben.

No, I'm good. He moved farther to the side to see around Agatha, but she kept moving. He finally stood up from the chair and knelt in front of us, keeping Agatha in his sight. I need you, Red, and not in the way you think I do. His eyes were attractive and his face innocent and young. He was quite a hottie.

What for? The fanning of the magazine in my hand became a gust of wind as my temperature rose about a hundred degrees.

I'm in a bind. I need a beautiful woman to go to another country for me and pose as a movie maker who's scouting out a sight for an upcoming scene.

Why? I asked, ignoring the beautiful part of his comment. He was such a flirt.

Ben's hair blew all over from the powerful wind I created with the magazine, so he closed his eyes and sat back a few inches. James, however, picked up another magazine and held it up so the wind wouldn't blow in his face. Some boyfriend he was. He didn't even get jealous of Ben anymore, making me wonder if he even cared about me—other than using me for his thesis.

Ben sighed. The mission is on a need-to-know basis, and I can't tell you right now.

Where? I asked.

That's also need-to-know. He wasn't being helpful or convincing to me.

But, Ben, I said, still fanning myself. I'm on my way to New Zealand tomorrow. My bags are packed. I'm supposed to catch the 9:30 flight to Los Angeles.

Change of plans. I need you and you alone. Nobody there knows you. He even looked up at my head. You'll make a great diversion for me with your hair. You're my only hope.

Diversion? James and I said at the same time. Both of us sat up straight and lowered our magazines. James turned off the television, his full attention on Ben.

Ben's expression changed, looking like he'd been caught. Did I say diversion? No, not diversion. I meant to say you'll help me. He used those eyes to search my soul. I hated when he did that. Please?

I gave James a momentary glance. Boss-man? What do you think?

I think if you're going, I'm going. There's no way I'm letting you be a diversion for another CIA overthrow of a government without me being there, too.

No overthrow this time, Ben said. You're welcome to come along, James. He thought for a moment. You can be her manager or something. I could use your help, too.

I turned toward my friendly apartment ghost. What do you think, Agatha?

I can watch over your place while you're gone, she said. I'm not getting any bad feelings about this trip yet, but I'm not psychic.

I value your input. I grinned and she sort-of grinned back. She had a problem with smiling.

Agatha straightened the pillows on the couch while James and I leaned forward to let her do it.

Ben's mouth hung almost to the floor as he stared. Does she clean for you?

I took another sip of soda. Yep. Agatha also tries to make the bed while I'm sleeping. I leaned forward and whispered. We're working on that one.

Ben gulped and looked at James. So, you've never spent the night?

No. I have a curfew of eleven on weekends and ten on weeknights. He glanced toward Agatha. At least she never swooped toward me.

I'm just lucky, I guess. Ben watched Agatha dust the dining room table. He turned his attention back to me, even leaning a bit over his thighs. What'll it be, Kes?

When does this happen?

Tomorrow morning at six.

What? That's too soon. I probably need shots and have to plan for this.

Your shots are still good from the trip to Africa. I have the tickets right here. He pulled them out of his pants pocket, which was a very hot move.

I fanned myself again. What am I supposed to do with my ticket to New Zealand?

I'll take care of it for you. Please, Kessie?

I shot him a dirty look. He knew better than to call me Kessie. That was no way to win me over, but I ignored him. I have to talk to my people first.

I rose and fanned myself with the magazine, heading for the landline phone in the kitchen. I could hear Ben talking to James while I lifted my day planner with the phone numbers of my employees from my purse, on the counter.

Does Kes come over to your place? Ben asked James.

Sure. She's alone, too.

So, what happens?

Nothing, and I respect her for her decision. It's not every day you find a woman willing to stick by her principals no matter what.

Plus, you'd lose your subject… I didn't hear the rest because I was listening to the ringing on the other end of the line. I didn't care what they were talking about anyway because the phone picked up and I heard someone answer.

Hello, Arnie? I said.

Yes?

This is Kes Madrid. I have something terrible to ask you, and I don't know how to do it.

Anything for you, boss.

Arnie was one of my four employees, now that I was the head of the Extreme Travel division of the newspaper. He was a short, balding, single man with glasses and a heart of gold, and one of the best reporters I'd ever seen. I'd tried to ignore the huge crush he had on me, but finally had to tell poor Arnie I was taken when he placed red roses on my desk every day. It broke his heart and he almost cried. So, I had a soft spot for Arnie.

I persisted with the conversation, trying to remember how he looked when I shot down his love for me in flames. Since James and I would both be on the trip, I had to be careful because no one at the paper knew we were dating. I also couldn't tell Arnie why I was leaving. Who would believe I was working undercover for the CIA?

I cleared my throat, trying to word it right. Well, something's come up and I can't go to New Zealand tomorrow.

That's fine, boss, Arnie said. I have Janet and Larry coming with me anyway. I think we can handle it without you.

Great. If you need anything, I'm going to be out of town on an emergency. Mr. Hamilton won't be in the office either, so you'll have to go to Kyle if you have any problems.

My stomach turned over. Kyle was James' second in command, who was completely inept and scary. James didn't know that yet because Kyle had kept his ineptness from James for the entire two months he'd been in the office. I didn't want to tell James anything because what happened at the office stayed there. When James did find out, everything would hit the proverbial fan. Kyle terrified me, but I'd kept it all from James. Just hearing Kyle's name almost made me shake on the inside.

Kyle? Arnie whimpered. Are you sure?

I lowered my voice. Pray that nothing happens. I have no idea when I'll be home, but Christine might be able to help out.

Christine was James' personal secretary and turned out to be a godsend. He knew what he was doing when he hired her.

Gotcha, he said. Should we stick with the same itinerary?

Yes. I've set up meetings with some high officials, so make sure you meet with them and dress properly. I think Janet will be helpful to you and Larry when you're there.

Janet was our secretary, and we were going to take her along on our first mission, so she'd be able to keep everything straight for us. Larry was the photographer. He was so good at his job, he'd taught me a few things about photography, even though I had degrees in both journalism and photography.

Got it, boss, Arnie said. I hope all goes well with your emergency.

I hope so, too. I really did.

~~~~~

I popped back to the present on the plane. I was breathing in air from the mask, both men squeezed my hands while I squeezed back, and we were at an incline of about 45 degrees downward. I felt the plane hit the top of the mountain in front of us. All I could do was pray we'd make it down alive.

~~~~~

Chapter 4

We hit the ground with such force that the front part of the plane crumpled before my eyes. I grabbed both men's hands hard, slammed my eyes shut and hoped it would be over soon. I thought of James, my family, Ben, and Agatha first. I'd miss them all so much.

The plane kept going into the ground and finally slowed down. I opened my eyes and could see tree roots out the window across and down the aisle. The front of the plane had crumpled back to two rows in front of us, and there was no way anyone would've survived in the front seats. Since we were the only ones in the back of the plane, I hoped and prayed that at least we'd be spared.

As the plane inched forward, I felt something cut into my leg. I tried to pull it back, but it didn't budge. I remember screaming, but nothing came out of my mouth. With one look at James, I could see his eyes were fixed on mine, looking terrified. I glanced over at Ben, who was trying to say something to me. That was about all I remembered of the crash.

~~~~~

Kes. Are you alive? I recognized that voice and couldn't be happier.

I opened my mouth and tried to speak, but my voice came out very weak. James… Either we were both dead or both alive, but at least I was with him. Someone touched my face, and it was warm. That meant we were both alive.

I forced my eyes open and saw James and Ben both gawking at me with concerned expressions as they stood over me. It looked like I was on the ground, but there was debris all around us.

What's the matter? I murmured.

James wiped tears from his eyes. We're the only survivors of this plane crash, and we thought you were dead until you just moaned.

My leg hurts.

You have a slight cut on your leg, Ben said.

I tried to sit up and the two men each put their hand on my back to help.

I stared at Ben. "Did you check me over or something? That would be a fate worse than death if you did."

She's fine. Ben let go of me and James caught me just before I hit the ground.

I looked down at my left leg, where someone had pulled up my dress pant leg. I had a gushing gash about six inches long on my calf. Slight cut? After one good look at the oozing blood, I fell backward. Everything blurred to a gray color and disappeared.

~~~~~

Kes! James screamed into my ear.

What? I said more out of annoyance than anything else. I forced my eyes open again.

He seemed amused. "You passed out. I was trying to