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“Thank you.” With that, I exit the warehouse while pulling out my phone. I press the number five on my cell, and the call is picked up on the second ring. “Give me an update.”
“All accounts have been emptied and your message delivered.”
“Thank you. I’ll be in contact and don’t leave the city.”
27
“SHE’S BEEN SPOTTED, Patron.” Geronimo rushes through the entrance that leads to the outdoor dining area in my mother’s home twenty-four hours later. I’ve been here since Lourdes disappeared—searching every inch of this country for the past few days—and have no intention of leaving until she’s been found. Solimar understands this and supports my decision while waiting for my return, making herself at home where I plan to retire with her someday.
“Where? When?” I ask, placing my coffee cup down and sitting back.
“Lourdes was seen thirty minutes ago walking alone near the southern border to Venezuela. The informant owns a small eatery nearby and recognized her, calling us once back at her locale. About fifteen ago, and after getting confirmed visual, I came to you.”
“Who confirmed?”
“The woman’s son, who owns a smartphone. He managed to take a picture undetected and promised to stay close and report back.”
“Thank you.” I take his phone and go through the series of frames taken. There’s no mistaking my sister in them, but it’s the last one that makes me pause. “Who are these two?”
“She’s being watched by two armed men in a truck keeping their distance, completely unaware, but no Chiquito near the vicinity.”
My mom’s cry of relief and Emiliano’s curse in the background reaffirm my earlier thoughts; this is too easy. Too much of a coincidence that she’s been left to wander and the culicagados keeping track are a sad excuse for a trap.
Our president is either scared or overconfident.
My money is on the latter.
But I’ve expected as much and have a few back-up plans in place.
“Load up the car and gather eight men. We leave in ten.” I’m already standing from my seat when Mom’s hand shoots out and grabs my wrist, halting my moves. “Something wrong?”
“I’m happy, Mijo...thrilled, but worry is filling my heart. I want everyone back safe and sound.” Those eyes hold so much sadness—fear. I’ve seen this same expression on her face before, and it boils my blood with ire. It’s the same helplessness from the day Jose Quintero began this war.
“Always three steps ahead...” I trail off and raise a brow, wanting her to finish for me.
“And no witnesses left behind,” she adds with a nod and a small smile. It’s her job to fret, but I’m a man who looks at problems from all angles. Truth be told, it doesn’t take a genius to see who’s behind Chiquito’s actions and how they conned him into becoming my Judas.
If Quintero wants a distraction, I’ll play along. Emiliano and I know what’s coming, and we’re counting on his idiocy. It’s why he’s staying behind, and my mother will wait inside the special bunker along with my sister-in-law until it’s safe to move, and then we’ll convene at my hacienda.
They want to kill me and capture him to display as a trophy.
A plan destined to fail, but I’ll humor him. For now.
“We’re ready, and two armored SUVs are waiting. I took the liberty of moving men to the front to await orders.”
Laying a kiss on my mother’s forehead, I walk toward him and clasp his shoulder, squeezing it. “We need to speak about your promotion when this is all said and done, Viejo. You’ve earned it.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“You’re a good man.” With that, I turn my head and give my brother a look to set the rest in motion. Carlos and another of Solimar’s guards confirmed Matias plans right before they removed her from the presidential home.
Quintero is too cocky. He likes to hear himself talk—paying no mind and looking down upon those who work for him—which they resent.
It creates hostility. Anger.
They hold no qualms in selling him out, which I appreciate.
We’re out the door and speeding toward the nearest highway heading south in less than five minutes. Traffic is light in these parts, the seclusion of the mountains and various farms keep it so only those who reside here use these streets.
