Tag: crimefiction

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Hannah Carmichael Chronicles

Is Zeke Alive? | HCC Update

Shot and slumped to the ground… Zeke Anderson, super spy in his own right, has been wounded!

Hannah Carmichael watched her husband’s body fall to the ground in front of her eyes. His best friend and fellow spy, Baxter, has been working with the evil spy agency CGT in secret and has aimed his gun at Zeke!

Did he survive? Will Hannah be able to get away clean from Baxter and CGT?

What about the Accounts File and the USB drives of information she and Stephanie found? Will they hold the clues to take down CGT?

Hannah and her team will be back on Tuesday 2 July, but will it be the death of a friend and loved one, or the start of a new alliance?

Hannah Carmichael Chronicles ONLY on ChristyGraceScarlettPen – Hannah and I look forward to seeing you then!

Christy Grace

Categories
Fiction Hannah Carmichael Chronicles

PINA COLADA | Hannah Carmichael Chronicles (FLASHBACK 4)

Your Briefing:

Hannah Carmichael: Super Spy trying to take down the evil CGT spy agency. Status: The world believes she is dead, CGT knows she is alive.
Zeke Anderson: Spy with the real Government. Working with Hannah to take down CGT. Status: Unknown! Shot by Baxter.
Baxter: Zeke’s former spy partner. Status: Double agent for CGT, shot Zeke Anderson.

Flashback Instalment: Hannah and Zeke had just met, Zeke is trying to turn Hannah against CGT and use her to take them down, they are about to go on their first date.

 

FLASHBACK 4

Hannah watched the live band in the hotel and sipped her drink.
“How is your Pina Colada?” Zeke asked, flashing her a goofy grin.
“Like getting caught in the rain,” She said, looking back at the band and ignoring his reaction to her lame reference. They were playing The Pina Colada song and Hannah resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the irony. Zeke had gone almost too far with tonight. He was lucky she had agreed to this date. She’d only done it because Stephanie had agreed to take the next kill mission that came down the pipeline.
Hannah hated the kill missions. She shivered then looked back at a now frowning Zeke.
“Everything okay?” He asked, leaning forward to hear better over the music.
Hannah smiled and nodded, “Yeah, just thinking about work.”
Zeke’s smile returned and he shook his head, “No thinking about work tonight. You’re on a date.” He looked up at the band as people started to make their way to the empty space in front of the stage. He got up and held out his hand, “Come on, we have to dance.”
“You think you can just tell me what to do? What if I don’t want to dance?” Hannah asked, straightening in her chair.
Zeke’s smile widened, “Come on. It’ll be fun.” His tone was softer this time and Hannah watched as his arm stayed extended, his eyes locked onto her face. More people stood and made their way to the floor and Hannah sighed, taking his hand and letting him lead her there.
He spun her into his arms and she tried not to laugh as they collided. That always looked smooth in the movies, but the reality hurt as they bumped into each other. They both laughed, then Hannah straightened, clearing her throat.
Zeke frowned as they moved around the floor, “Can you please let me lead?” He asked, waiting for her to relax into the hold. The song wasn’t too slow, but it was slow enough for Hannah to feel uncomfortable as he stared at her.
“So, what do you think is my worst quality?” Zeke asked, leading her around the floor.
Hannah snorted, “What kind of question is that?” She asked.
He shrugged, “Well, you obviously don’t about this date, so I’m assuming you were talked into coming. I was just wondering what it was about me that you dislike so much? I like you.” He sounded so sincere and she felt herself blush slightly.
“I don’t dislike you,” She said quietly.
He chuckled, “Well you have a funny way of showing you like someone.”
Hannah took a deep breath and felt herself slowing to a stop on the floor. Zeke stood with her, both still as people spun around them.
“I don’t have a lot of time for dating. I just don’t see the point in getting involved with someone when it’s destined to end in disaster,” She shrugged and started moving again. Zeke stopped her and lifted his hand to her face, leaning closer and kissing her softly. When he pulled away, Hannah felt the blush return and squirmed slightly.
“Disaster is a state of mind,” He said, straightening as a smile returned to his face. “Besides, if it doesn’t work out, we can fight over custody of the dog.”
Hannah frowned then chuckled, “What dog? We have a dog now?”
“Of course, we need a dog. We both take trips for work, if one of us is away, Spot can keep the other one company.”
“Spot?” Hannah asked, rolling her eyes. “I think we could be a little more creative than that.”
They argued about dog names until the song ended and everyone clapped, moving off the floor and back to their tables. The rest of the night seemed to move in fast forward, as Hannah and Zeke ate, talked and laughed. She felt herself relax, and when the restaurant closed its doors, a small part of her was disappointed.
As he walked her to up to her house, Hannah turned and frowned at him.
“Don’t think that just because the rest of the night went well, that we’re going to do this again.”
Zeke rolled his eyes and took a step closer to her, “You know I have never met someone as stubborn as you.”
Hannah shrugged and smiled, “I guess I’m one of a kind.”
Zeke’s eyes sparkled as he smiled softly, “You certainly are.” They stood, lost in the moment, until Zeke broke eye contact and stepped back.
“Well, I suppose this is goodbye then,” He said, extending his hand to shake hers. She looked down at his hand and frowned. When she looked up, a dark van which was parked a few houses down caught her eye and she stared at it a second too long. Zeke turned and she moved forward, pulling his attention back to her as she leaned in and pulled him into a kiss.
“Tell you what,” Zeke said when she pulled away. “If you want to see me again, give me a call.” He turned and started walking away, stopping at the edge of the footpath and glancing back over his shoulder. “And none of this waiting three days business. You can call me whenever you want.” He winked at her then smiled, turning and walking down the street to where he had parked his car.
Hannah smiled and shook her head. She glanced back to where the van had been parked and frowned at the empty space.
Standing straight, Hannah stared for a moment, then shook her head and turned back towards her door. She checked her pocket and felt the card which held Zeke Anderson’s phone number.

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading this week’s instalment of the Hannah Carmichael Chronicles! Hannah will be back NEXT WEEK for the next part of her adventure – we both look forward to seeing you there!

Christy Grace 

Categories
Fiction Hannah Carmichael Chronicles

ALL ALONG | Hannah Carmichael Chronicles (FIFTY)

Your Briefing:

Hannah Carmichael: Former Spy with the CGT agency. Status: Believed to be dead by CGT and worldwide. Working at The Main Gazette to get inside information on CGT. Zeke Anderson: Former Spy with the real Government. Working with Hannah to take down CGT. Status: Believed to be dead by CGT and worldwide. Currently UNDERCOVER inside a CGT newspaper. Stephanie Winchester: Former spy and Hannah’s best friend. Status: Believed to be dead by CGT and worldwide. Working at The Main Gazette to get inside information on CGT. Baxter: Zeke’s partner. Status: Current spy with the real Government – working with Hannah to take down CGT. Searching through the boss’ office at The Main Gazette, Hannah found something. What is it? What will happen when they leave?

  

FIFTY

Hannah held the file high and smiled at Stephanie.
“We got it,” she said, walking towards the door with the file labelled ‘CGT Accounts’.
“These accounts will show us where money is being transferred,” Hannah put the file on the table in the corner and flipped through a few pages. Stephanie cleared her throat and Hannah looked up, her friend’s eyes wide as she stared at the computer screen.
“Um Hannah, you may want to have a look at this,” Stephanie said, falling into the chair. Hannah’s smile fell and she moved quickly to see what the decrypted USB had displayed. She froze and her heart leapt into her throat as her picture sat above the former CGT personnel record. She locked her eyes on the picture and grabbed for Stephanie next to her.
“That’s my new hair, eye contacts; everything.” She turned to Stephanie, pulling her eyes away from the picture. “We have a leak,” She said. Stephanie kept her eyes glued onto the screen and nodded, not saying a word. Hannah inhaled sharply, then looked down at the small box with the other USBs. The Z.A. and S.W. listed Zeke and Stephanie’s profiles, she was sure of it.
“They know about all of us. Quick, grab the accounts file on the table.” Hannah said, snapping into action. She ejected the USB with her file and returned it into the box, closing the lid and moving towards the door. Stephanie had gathered the accounts file and Hannah paused at the door, opening it a crack to check if the coast was clear.
When she was satisfied, she opened it and they left the office. In the carpark, Hannah reached over for Stephanie. “We need to warn…”
The sound of a gunshot stopped Hannah and Stephanie and they both ducked. Hannah glanced around them, looking for where the shot had come from, frowning as she spotted Baxter, gun aimed in their direction.
“Baxter, what are you doing? You could have killed us!” Hannah yelled, standing upright.
Baxter looked down at the small box in Hannah’s hand and smiled.
“That was the idea,” he said.
Stephanie snorted next to her, “That figures,” She said. Hannah reached behind her back slowly, pushing the small box into her back pocket and checking for her gun.
“Hey now!” Baxter said, taking a step closer. Hannah dropped her now empty hand and instinctively took a small step backwards. Stephanie remained where she was, her jaw set with the accounts file clutched in her hand.
Baxter cleared his throat, “Let’s try this again. I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that I’m working for CGT; I have been all along.”
Hannah gritted her teeth and tried to keep calm as she processed his words.
“Give me the file, and I’ll go easy on all of you,” Baxter said, taking another step forward. Hannah heard a woman behind her scream and Baxter glanced behind them, raising his gun at the woman. Hannah and Stephanie ducked, moving towards the road and away from Baxter. He looked back at them and his face scrunched as he focused his gun in their direction again. The body of a woman was now sprawled over the concrete and Hannah ran, tripping over a crack in the cement path. She yelped as her ankle started throbbing and Stephanie turned around her eyes widening.
A shot rang out and in unison, the three agents turned to see Zeke, his own gun now aimed at Baxter.
“Step away Dude,” Zeke said, his face grim. Baxter raised his weapon to Zeke, the two men in a standoff. Stephanie moved quietly to Hannah’s side and tried to help her to her feet.
“It doesn’t have to be this way Zeke; we can work together. CGT offers good rewards.”
Zeke’s brows furrowed and his eyes were filled with a fire Hannah hadn’t seen before.
“I don’t think so,” Zeke said, taking a step closer to his former best friend.
“Have it your way,” Baxter said, shrugging. A loud shot rang out in the parking lot and Hannah lunged forward as her husband’s body slumped to the ground.

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading this week’s instalment of the Hannah Carmichael Chronicles! Hannah will be back Next Week for the next part of her adventure – we both look forward to seeing you there!

Christy Grace

Categories
Fiction Hannah Carmichael Chronicles

THE VERTICAL DRAWER | Hannah Carmichael Chronicles (FORTY-NINE)

Your Briefing:

Hannah Carmichael: Former Spy with the CGT agency. Status: Believed to be dead by CGT and worldwide. Working at The Main Gazette to get inside information on CGT.

Zeke Anderson: Former Spy with the real Government. Working with Hannah to take down CGT. Status: Believed to be dead by CGT and worldwide. Currently UNDERCOVER inside a CGT newspaper.

Stephanie Winchester: Former spy and Hannah’s best friend. Status: Believed to be dead by CGT and worldwide. Working at The Main Gazette to get inside information on CGT.

Baxter: Zeke’s partner. Status: Current spy with the real Government – working with Hannah to take down CGT.

Hannah snuck into the boss’ office at The Main Gazette, and was searching with a USB decrypting when the door knob started to turn. What was on the USB, and will Hannah be busted?

 

FORTY-NINE

Hannah flew under the desk and scrunched her body as much as she could. The door to the office flung open and Stephanie’s voice boomed through the small room.

“I can get it for you sir,” she said, her voice showing signs of panic.

“It’s right over here on the table. I told you, I just had to get this file for my meeting. Stand down Miss Gale.”

Hannah held her breath and tried to be as still as possible. As she remembered the USB, her eyes widened. It was still decrypting on the computer above her.

“Ok, well you don’t want to be late. You better get going for that meeting,” Stephanie said, her voice moving towards the door to the office.

“Are you ok Miss Gale?” Black asked. Hannah felt her elbow bump into the desk and she froze, holding her breath and hoping he hadn’t heard her.

“Yes, of course. What are you trying to say? Because I look like this, there has to be something wrong?” Stephanie asked, raising her voice.

“No, of course not. I just… I thought that… oh never mind.” Mr Black stammered. Hannah listened as his footsteps moved out of the office and he yelled something to Stephanie. She waited silently, barely allowing herself to breath in and out. If Black caught her in here, that would be the end of her undercover assignment, and quite possibly her life.

“Hannah?” Stephanie asked in a whisper. Hannah let out a breath and popped her head up; the coast was clear.

Stephanie exhaled and shook her head, “That was too close.” She said, walking over to the computer. Her eyes widened as she saw the decryption currently underway on the screen.

She tutted, “Good thing he didn’t leave the file on his desk.”

Hannah chuckled and rubbed her elbow, pulling herself out from her hiding spot.

“Yeah, I was going to…” she stopped as she down to where her elbow had hit the desk. A raise in the wood was sticking out slightly and she frowned.

“What’s this?” Hannah asked aloud, getting onto her knees and running her hand along the desk. Stephanie moved behind her and Hannah lifted a small latch. A vertical drawer popped out and Hannah’s pulled out a large manila folder. She stood, and Stephanie whistled behind her, leaning forward and lowering her voice,

“Is that what I think it is?”

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading this week’s instalment of the Hannah Carmichael Chronicles! Hannah will be back Tomorrow for the next part of her adventure – we both look forward to seeing you there!

Christy Grace

Categories
Fiction Hannah Carmichael Chronicles

PASSWORD | Hannah Carmichael Chronicles (FORTY-EIGHT)

Your Briefing:

Hannah Carmichael: Former Spy with the CGT agency. Status: Believed to be dead by CGT and worldwide. Working at The Main Gazette to get inside information on CGT.
Zeke Anderson: Former Spy with the real Government. Working with Hannah to take down CGT. Status: Believed to be dead by CGT and worldwide. Currently UNDERCOVER inside a CGT newspaper.
Stephanie Winchester: Former spy and Hannah’s best friend. Status: Believed to be dead by CGT and worldwide. Working at The Main Gazette to get inside information on CGT.
Baxter: Zeke’s partner. Status: Current spy with the real Government – working with Hannah to take down CGT.
Perfect opportunity to go undercover, but with no official backup, will things work out, or will they just get more complicated?

 

 FORTY-EIGHT

Hannah tapped the pen on her desk and groaned. When she was told about this job, she had imagined more interesting stories than restaurant reviews. She glanced over to Zeke’s desk and sighed. He was the lucky one who had been sent out to a political press conference.
Two weeks, they had been at The Main Gazette but they hadn’t found anything on CGT. The whole team was feeling the pressure, and frustration. Hannah heard Stephanie talking with the Editor of the paper, Mr Black, and looked over at them. The boss figured himself tough, but with Stephanie’s new look, he usually backed down.
Carrying a briefcase, Black waved goodbye and Stephanie sat at her desk which was just outside his office. Hannah got up and made her way over to Stephanie’s desk.
“Is he going out for long?” she asked.
Stephanie nodded, “he has a meeting, should be gone a few hours. Why?” she asked, her left eyebrow lifting.
Hannah shrugged and grinned, “I figured now was a good time to look around in there.” She pointed towards his office and Stephanie smiled and rolled her eyes. Hannah slipped into the office and closed the door and blinds. Turning, Mr Black’s large desk filled most of the back wall. As she looked through the desk carefully, Hannah sighed at the lack of evidence.
“What did I think? He was going to leave secret papers lying around?” She asked herself out loud. Hannah moved to the bookcase and rolled her eyes, “And now I’m talking to myself.” She pushed on the bottom shelf of books and a strip of books clinging together wobbled as one piece.
“Hello, hello,” Hannah said, pulling them out. A small box was hidden behind and she pulled it out, returning the row of fake books. Standing, Hannah opened the small box and frowned.
“All I wanted was a password, or access to the CGT database, but instead what do I get? More USBs.” Hannah groaned and put the box onto the desk, falling into Mr Black’s chair.
She pulled out one of the USBs and flipped it around to see a label. Initials SW were written on it and she frowned, pulling out another one. The initials ZA were printed and Hannah felt her breathing quicken, pulling out the last one. H.C. stared at her and she sucked in a quick breath.
Stephanie Winchester, Zeke Anderson and Hannah Carmichael.
The computer on the desk was still on and logged in, and Hannah pulled the H.C. drive out of the box, plugging it into the computer.
The screensaver was replaced by a black screen, a white blinking line in the middle of the screen. The word ‘Password’ appeared and Hannah sighed. It was encrypted.
She glanced around the desk for a password clue and rolled her eyes. CGT had a standard password for each level of operative. Hannah tried to think of the different levels, accessing the list she had once stumbled upon and memorised.
She opened her eyes and typed in the possible password, guessing Mr Black’s clearance level. Holding her breath, she pushed the enter button and the screen sprung to life.

Hannah watched, as it worked to decrypt the information on the USB. She leaned back in the chair, hearing a noise outside the office. She froze; had Black returned? She looked around the office for a hiding place, then back to the screen. The USB was still decrypting.
The knob on the office door rattled and Hannah stared at it, her eyes wide.

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading this week’s instalment of the Hannah Carmichael Chronicles! Hannah will be back Tomorrow for the next part of her adventure – we both look forward to seeing you there!

Christy Grace