They closed the gap fast, but they were too late. The Jalisco motorcycle gang surrounded her. Someone yanked her off the ATV and knocked her unconscious with the butt of an AK-47. She slumped to the ground. The kidnapper, or whoever he was, lifted Axalia into his arms and raised his rifle. The other motorcyclists abruptly turned 180 degrees and headed back into the mountains.
Then he did something even stranger. He saluted them. Miguel squinted. There was an odd, familiar quality to the man. “No. It can’t be.” The sun was in his eyes or maybe he was hallucinating. Not knowing what else to do, Miguel lifted his hand in response. The man climbed onto his motorcycle with Axalia and joined his rapidly retreating gang.
“How weird,” Julia remarked. “Who was that? He acted as if he knew you.”
“No clue.”
“We should go after Axalia.”
“No, Julia. She’s someone else’s problem now.”
Miguel made a U turn and headed back to the compound.
Heavily armed, General Escobar waited for them on the edge of the field. “I saw what happened. It is a miracle the Jalisco gang did not attack us.”
“A very strange miracle,” Miguel agreed. “What I’m about to suggest is even stranger. I think they were coming for Axis and Axalia.”
“Strange, indeed.” He paused. “So, it’s over. What happens now?”
Julia wrapped an arm around Miguel’s waist. “Miguel and I are going home to Laguna Beach, and we’re getting married before he joins my mother on the campaign trail.” She reached for General Escobar’s hand. “Gramps, I would invite you to the wedding, but?—”
“But under the circumstances, it is impossible. I do not wish to spoil your happy day. And professionally?” he hinted.
“I will protect you for as long as I can under one condition.”
He frowned. “What condition?”
“You go legit.”
General Escobar let out a surprised laugh. “Legit? What does that even mean?”
“Supply medical marijuana. It’s a multibillion-dollar industry, Gramps, and growing every day. With your connections, you could easily break into the business. Or buy out current suppliers. Your choice.”
He scratched his chin. “I promise I will consider it.”
“That’s all I ask.”
General Escobar pointed at Axis. “What shall we do with him?”
“Can you call an undertaker in Mexico City and arrange to have Axis’ body picked up? From there we’ll have it flown to Chicago, where he’ll be laid to rest with his family.”
“Sí. Will you wait until tomorrow to leave?”
“No, Gramps. We want to get cleaned up and leave within the hour.”
Miguel silently cheered. He was more than ready to get the hell out of Mexico.
General Escobar nodded. “Alfredo and Juan will drive you to the airport in Mexico City. I’ll book a flight for you while you shower and change. But please eat something before you leave. You skipped breakfast.”
Julia’s face softened. “Now you sound like a grandfather.”
Her voice sounded husky. Either from hot emotions rising in her throat or from nearly being strangled, Miguel didn’t know.
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 20
Miguel and Julia
