She swallows hard and slowly slides out of the driver's seat. “I can’t afford to buy another car. How will I get to work and how do I know they won’t come for me?”
“Because you have my word.” I move around her. “And that phone is now cartel property. They’ve traced the exact location of it and in any minute, this whole road will be closed. So please, do yourself a favor and walk away. Don’t look back. Forget you ever saw me and hug your kid when you get home. Family is all that matters in this world.”
Luisa palms her chest. “Okay.” She shuffles back a few steps.
Before climbing in, I lock eyes with her. “You’re free, Luisa. I have no reason to send them after you.” Unfastening the precious yellow stone bracelet from my wrist, I offer it to her. “This will more than cover the cost of another car. Which makes us even.”
She chews her bottom lip and stares at the jewels, her brain working overtime to evaluate it.
“This bracelet means a lot to me. You should get a few grand for it.” I tell her.
Her head shakes. “I don’t want it. Just take the car. The second I go to sell that thing; they’d be all over me.”
Tossing it directly at her, her reflexes kick in and she snares it in one swipe. “It’s yours, Luisa. No one will look for it. Buy a new car.” Done with our negotiation, I climb inside, slam the door shut, and start the engine.
Without looking back, I press my foot hard on the gas pedal and gradually grind up the gears, not sure which road to take at the intersection. Swerving left, I follow the signs leading to the town center. I could stay on the pavement beside the phone and wait for Souza security to arrive, demand they give me a weapon, and try to rescue my man. But there’s no way to contact Blackwater to find out if Leo and Lola are okay. They could be in danger too. And I’m all they have right now.
Aside from the ache in my stomach and my fuzzy head, I’ve no idea how to find Blackwater.
5
INDIA
Not knowing where the hell I am, I programmed Thornhill Academy into the GPS and made my way there first.
Giovanni had driven me home from the school gates countless times, taking various different routes home each day. I’d paid attention. Eventually those scenic roads became familiar and the signs for the coast were easy to follow.
Pulling up near the ancient wrought-iron gates protecting his son, I yank up the handbrake, let the engine idle, and stare out at them. I’m unsure of how I’m meant to get inside this fortress.
Partially hidden turrets spear a lavender pink sky and an early morning sea mist hovers screening treetops.
My heart pinches. I’m home.
From this end of the driveway, it’s not obvious if Leo and Lola are in the rear extension. I need to get inside. Maybe I could climb over the gates, although knowing Giovanni, I’d face electrocution. Or perhaps I could drive further up the coast, scale the cliff face, and find a way to reach the private beach. Neither are realistic options.
However, if I build up enough speed and hit them dead center, that could work to bust them apart. I think about it for a beat, then step on the gas and drive the car forward to inspect them.
The closer I get, a gentle vibration runs the length of my arm and Gio’s watch face glows. It’s signaling to the gates. They automatically judder and gradually open.
Of course, his watch is the key, an access control system. What else would I expect from him?
I almost laugh at his use of cool devices until it dawns on me why he’d given me the secret key—because he’d planned to hold back the enemy long enough formeto escape. He knew the stakes were high—almost impossible. And if he didn’t make it out, I’d find my way home to take care of Leo.
My heart sinks. I should have done more. Fought alongside him. Searched the fallen for a rifle to use and joined the war. It was my duty to protect him as much as he did me.
I belong to the cartel.
This is the life I’ve chosen.
Guns and target practice are my hobbies. Technically, Reno had trained me to be a soldier too.
So being out-of-action wasn’t an excuse. It’s unforgivable.
I grip the steering wheel to stop my hands from trembling. Anger ripples through me, my body reacting to every raw emotion within me.
It feels like only a matter of seconds have passed when I find myself parking the car next to the solid stone mermaid fountain. I swallow the sickly feeling and climb out, hobbling over the stones in my bare feet to reach the front door that once terrified me.
I’m granted entry when my handprint turns green on the wall mounted pad and the heavy door automatically moves inwards. Inside, the smoky, stale air reminds me of our last night together in the library.
