Chapter 14
A few hours later
APARTMENT
9:47 p.m.
I slip on a pair of black boots with matching pants and a turtleneck.
I tie my hair into a ponytail.
I dab on some foundation to hide my black eye.
I grab the two guns resting on the dresser and tuck them into the back of my belt.
So this is what my life will be for the next few weeks?
By day, I serve the law.
By night, I break it.
I’m stuck with Alexander, who’s as closed off as an oyster.
I’ve figured out that unless he tells me himself why he’s in that prison, I’ll never know his true motives.
I double-check my guns to make sure they’re loaded, then leave my temporary apartment.
11:54 p.m.
My GPS says I’m five minutes from the meeting spot.
I park on the side of the road to avoid drawing attention and continue on foot.
I get out of the car and start walking.
No noise.
Except for a few stray cats meowing, I’m completely alone in these deserted streets.
Yet I have a strong feeling I’m being followed.
I glance behind me multiple times. No one.
But I know when I’m being watched.
It’s probably one of my “dear” father’s men, making sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to.
I take several detours to try and shake him, but I can still feel his presence.
I reach a fork in the road.
I pause to think… I don’t know this neighborhood well, so I’m not sure which path leads to the meeting point.
I make a choice.
1/4
Chapter 14
I pretend to go left and knock over an empty trash can so the noise makes him think I went that way.
I pull out my gun and shoot out a streetlight.
The darkness will help me disappear more easily.
I hide a few feet from the trash can, in a shadowed corner where I can’t be seen.
A few minutes pass, and I see him arrive.
He checks the trash can, then the streetlight, and sighs.
He keeps walking down the path he thinks I took.
“If you thought you could follow me, you’re even dumber than I thought,” I whisper, victorious.
I don’t recognize him. I don’t think we’ve met before.
Doesn’t matter.
The important thing is-I lost him.
I double back and this time take the right-hand path.
I managed to find my way to the meeting spot.
I see four guys who look Hispanic.
Each one has at least two visible weapons.
Their cars are parked behind them-probably where the shipment is.
As I walk up to them, they look surprised.
The one who seems to be the leader steps forward.
He’s tall, with jet-black hair, round eyes, tanned skin that reflects his heritage, full pink lips, and a burn-like scar under one
eye.
He’s not bad-looking-but probably sexist, like most men in this business.
“What the fuck is this? Your boss is so short on men he’s sending little chicas now?”
“I came to pick up what’s ours. Keep your macho comments to yourself.”
“I don’t deal with women.”
I raise my eyebrows and give him a sly smile.
“Well, you don’t have a choice. I’m taking them-with or without your approval.”
I head for the trunk of his car when he violently grabs my wrist.
I shoot him a glare and yank my arm free.
I draw my gun and point it right at his face-his men follow suit, pointing all their guns at me.
He doesn’t seem the least bit intimidated. He’ss smiling.
2/4
Chapter 14
I just hope he doesn’t think I’m bluffing.
“No one touches me. Got that? I told you I’m here for the merchandise-don’t get in my way.”
“What are you gonna do if I do? Kill me? And then what? My men will shoot you dead.”
“You can avoid a pointless bloodbath by just giving me my weapons.”
“I don’t trust a woman.”
I frown at his scornful gaze and sharp tone.
He’s starting to piss me off.
I’m itching to shoot him, but one wrong move and his men will tear me apart.
“What’s your problem? That I have a pair of breasts instead of your chest and I get my period once a month? Sorry to disappoint you, but there’s not much I can do about that.”
“Yeah, that’s exactly the problem. Tell your boss to send a man, and he can have his merchandise. I don’t like being disrespected.”
“Would a ‘real man,’ as you say, have noticed that you’ve spent the last five minutes trying to pull a knife from your back pocket and that you’ve got another one hidden under your boot?”
His eyes go wide with surprise-his men’s too.
While he was throwing his little tantrum, I had time to scan him head to toe.
I finally lower my gun and tuck it into the back of my jeans, while his men still keep theirs aimed at me.
“Don’t want to hand them over? Fine. I’ll come back for them-whether it’s now or another day.”
I’m about to turn on my heels when he signals his guys to lower their weapons-they obey instantly.
“Take what you came for.”
“Wise choice.”
I walk toward his car, and he opens the trunk.
I see two large duffel bags. I open them to check the contents, then close them again.
“Need help carrying them to your car?”
“I’ll manage.”
I grab both bags-heavy-and sling them over my shoulders, pretending not to be fazed.
I walk up to the guy to shake his hand and seal the deal, despite the weight.
“I’m Thiago. Gotta admit-you’ve got guts. If your boss sent you here alone, it means he trusts you.”
I smile and walk away without looking back, heading to my car.
I’m going to have to keep the weapons at my place for a while.
It’s too risky to bring them to my father’s house right now.
3/4
Chapter 14
I hate having to store his crap, but no one would suspect a prison guard.
I finally reach my car and pop open the trunk.
I place the duffel bags inside and hop into the driver’s seat to start the engine quickly.
