Page 13 of Tango
“And if it’s who you think it is, how badly will this affect the house?”
“I honestly, don’t know the answer to that. I wish I did, since it would help me to prepare.”
“Jeez,” I huffed and got to my feet, “I need to walk or something. Clear my head so I can be all theirs when they need me.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“I’ll see you in a bit,” I mumbled as I headed for the door.
“Ivy?” He stopped me. “For the record, I think he’s great for you.” He gave me a small smile, and I knew he was just trying to help, which I did appreciate.
“Thanks. I think so, too.”
Eric
“There’s been more and more Cartel presence at the border in the last six months. Rumor has it they’re moving in on Guzmán, El Chapo’s son.” One of the soldiers handed me a Gap polo, and I looked at him like he was nuts. “Remember, you might be dead, dude, but,” he looked at my new passport, “Chad Johnson, age thirty-one from Jacksonville, Florida, wears Gap and boat shoes with dress pants and Maui Jim sunglasses.” He gave me a brief grin, then his face fell back into its previous grim expression. The current situation was far from humorous, and chances were high we’d never make it through in one piece. The guy popped a piece of pink gum in his mouth and chewed loudly, and I allowed myself a quick smile. I couldn’t help but think how Mark would love this moment. People like us had to see the humor when we could.
“Thanks.” I snatched the sunglasses from him and pushed them into place on my face. I cringed when I caught myself in the window of the SUV. I’d burn this shit if I ever got safely over the border.
“Look,” the soldier moved in front of me, “I’m not gonna give you a rundown of how this’ll go down. You already know, but if we get stopped by anyone else but the border patrol, we’re all fucked.”
“Understood—” I turned as two SUVs drove fast, straight into the parking lot, and men in suits hopped out. “Company. Yours?”
“I don’t work with suits.” The soldier’s hand flexed on his rifle.
“Major Paul?” A man approached me and flashed a badge. He removed his Ray Bans. “Cooper Collins, FBI.” He nodded sharply. “At ease.” He looked at the tense soldiers with me. “I got wind of your situation and thought we could be of some assistance.”
“That’s convenient,” I muttered.
“General Frank called in a favor this morning.” He settled my thoughts, and one of his men handed the lead soldier a phone. “The border’s crawling with Cartel. You’d be spotted in minutes once you’re in the lineup. We’ve made the calls to CBP, and we’re cleared to take you through, but you won’t ride in comfort.” He chuckled.
“What’s the catch?” I glanced at the soldier next to me. I didn’t care to learn their names, and they didn’t offer them. It was better that way.
“You’re not the one who called in the favor,” Collins shot back.
“It’s okay, you’re cleared to go with them if you want.” The soldier handed the phone back. “That was General Frank confirming it.” I wanted to speak to Frank myself, but I knew the clock was ticking.
“I appreciate your time.” I fist bumped both soldiers. “Be safe.”
Collins walked back and opened the trunk for me to get inside. “Sorry about this, but if you want to live…” He shrugged and pointed at the tiny space I had to fold myself into.
“I’ve been in worse places.” I chuckled and grabbed the bag that held my things and tugged it with me into the small space.
“Just in case, are you armed?” Collins eyes my bag. I wanted to lie, but I knew I was getting a favor. I reached inside my bag and handed him my weapon. My stomach sank as Collins slammed the flooring back down and closed the trunk. There was no turning back.
I was entirely too large to hide in such a small spot, but I shifted about until I felt somewhat comfortable.
A small sliver of light made its way through the metal just above my eye level, and if I stretched my neck, I could see the material of one of the agents’ suits. I concentrated on taking slower breaths so I could listen to their conversation.
“Yes, we have him. We released the other two men. I’ll call when we’re through.” Collins paused to listen. “I understand. He’s in good hands.”
I closed my eyes and tried to think of something else. Lexi popped up in my head, and because I was alone and no one could see me, I let the tears fall. I was sure by now Frank had shared the news about her death with Keith and the others. I couldn’t imagine how the house took it. Lexi had shared that she and Keith had kids.
In my conversations with Frank for the first few years, I’d avoided asking about my brothers at Blackstone, and I never wanted to know about their families. It hurt too much. But over time, when I caught myself slipping, Frank seemed to know and would speak of them. He knew it was what I needed not to lose myself completely. I had become good at turning sides of my head off. One side was Eric Noah, the rising Cartel member, and the other was Major Paul, a well-respected Blackstone member. I needed to remember that to keep me grounded and sane. I knew if I forgot who I really was, then my time of ever having a real family was over.
My parents had never really wanted me as a kid. I always figured I was a late life oops, and once I became a teen, I was left to be raised by my aunt. I had a sister who was much older than I was, but she had her own set of problems and didn’t want the bother of a much-younger sibling. We lost touch. When I joined the military, I met John, and in time his family took me in. Then when we joined Blackstone and became part of Shadows, those were the best of times. For the first time in my life, I felt loved and accepted for who I was. No undercover job or Cartel life could ever take that from me.
So, Frank knew what I needed, when I needed it, and would let slip the smallest things about their lives. It gave me my reason for staying in Mexico, a steady reminder of why I’d made the decision to give up everything. I needed to do it for my brothers. I’d had to become one of them.