Chapter 33
Sean’s words are echoing inside of my mind and I can’t seem to make sense of that new revelation. I don’t know what to think anymore; I’m completely lost right now.
If ‘El Padrino’ reached a deal with the Zetas that means that he now has an entire army of trained ex-CIA fuckers at his beck and call. Damn! There’s no small faction of Zetas walking around without control because all of them are now on ‘El Padrino’s’ side. I bet that’s the reason why the DEA and the Mexican cops organized the raid. They all panicked as soon as they knew about the drug lord’s dangerous army. Fuck!
I wouldn’t be surprised if that bastard Reynaldo knew about that shit too and he’s waiting for the perfect chance to play his last card using Hanna as a bargaining chip to save his sorry ass. However, the fact that the mansion is surrounded by ‘El Padrino’s men doesn’t seem to bother the Cuban in the least and I wonder why? Maybe that’s the reason why there’s no trace of Elaine or Hanna. I bet that the Cuban already made sure they were nowhere to be found just in case ‘El Padrino’ makes a wrong move.
Actually his fuckers and the Zetas are all around, not shooting at each other and I suspect the reason why. It’s because they are not going to shoot him at all. All those fuckers came with ‘El Padrino’ tonight, but what if they are following another fucker’s orders behind the drug lord’s back?
Everybody knows everybody and that’s when they start mixing.
I don’t know why but that line is popping over and over and all of sudden the light bulb goes off in my brain.
Fuck, fuck, fuck. What if ‘El Padrino’ had already found out that William was the one betraying him and that’s the reason why the drug lord left us alive and kicking? What if, in spite of the fact he found himself with a trained army of ex-mercs at his beck and call, he still doesn’t trust them completely?
‘El Padrino’ wants us here tonight not only to protect Hanna from Reynaldo and William but to protect him as well just in case his suspicions regarding the Zetas come true. Damn! It’s a betrayal.
The die is cast and he’s playing his cards, trying his luck, tempting his fate. It’s all or nothing. Shit, shit, shit. That old fucker is betting everything he has on one colour to force William to make a wrong move. He’s risking our necks to catch the lawyer and nothing will stop him. Not now. Fuck!
All of sudden Ricardo slams the door open, dragging a semi unconscious Francis, whimpering in pain, blood staining his pants mixed with what I guess is urine. It seems that the boy pissed himself and maybe even shit his pants, judging by the sudden smell floating around.
I can’t help it and my lips spread in a wicked grin. “You stink, Francis.” I say mockingly making Ricardo laugh coldly.
“Yeah, Francis here seems to have serious trouble controlling his bodily functions.” Ricardo replies sarcastically as he drops the boy hard on the floor making him yelp in pain.
“You found where the fucking tunnel is?” I ask Ricardo, but somehow it’s not a question at all.
Judging by Francis’ state and that fact that he’s sobbing loudly, curled in a ball on the floor, I bet the fucking kid told big dark guy all he wanted to know and more. It figures. No one fucks with Ricardo Montenegro and sees daylight.
“Yeah, a false door behind the fridge in the kitchen.” Ricardo replies, chuckling. “Francis also told me there’s a freaking family reunion downstairs and that in about ten minutes there’ll be fire works.” Ricardo says as he grabs the boy one more time. “Once he started speaking, he couldn’t stop, right, Francis?” He asks him, mockingly, slapping Francis hard. “He even told me that Elaine is with Miguel and two more fuckers locked in the basement, though Francis doesn’t know where Hanna is.”
Even though a heavy sigh of relief left my lips as soon as I heard that Elaine is okay my guts twist painfully thinking about Hanna. Ricardo doesn’t seem affected by the fact that his wife is locked in the basement with those three fuckers. So I figure big dark guy is sure that Elaine can deal with them. I’m dying silently, not knowing where inside this fucking house Reynaldo is keeping Hanna.
I know that bastard won’t risk her life any more than necessary to reach his goal, at least not while she keeps serving his purpose. But to kill her wouldn’t be the worst thing Reynaldo might do to Hanna.
“Listen, man, I think I know why ‘El Padrino’ didn’t kill us yet and why he’s here tonight.” I say, glancing one last time at the boy who is still crying like there’s no tomorrow. “Sean told me there’s no rogue faction of Zetas. They are joined now more than ever under the command of their new leader and the DEA thinks ‘El Padrino’ made a deal with that fucker.” I say as I start pacing back and forth. “But in spite of that I think ‘El Padrino’ doesn’t trust the Zetas any more than he trusts anyone else and maybe he wanted us here tonight so we would protect him if his suspicions come true.” I explain as I keep pacing. “I thinking that ‘El Padrino’ was putting on a show with the heads and Fabio, to send a warning to William because he already knows his lawyer is the one betraying him.”
I stop pacing, looking at Ricardo and he’s watching me, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. I know big dark guy had already made up his mind concerning the old lawyer and this last suspicion of mine is only reassuring him that he’s making the right decision. I could keep telling myself more lies but I would only be fooling me. Damn! The more I think about William as the one betraying all of us the less I feel bad for having those thoughts.
I can’t help it and once again I think about my dad and what he would do if he was in my shoes right now. Damn, dad, good thing you are not here. I know you would have felt sick; knowing that the man you thought was your best friend has been playing you for years.
“I know it sounds weird but William didn’t even blink when Fabio was given a necktie and he sure as hell didn’t seem to give a fuck.” I keep talking, standing in front of Ricardo. “So I’m wondering if there’s someone else backing William up. I don’t know. Maybe that commandant or even Santos.” I frown deeply at my own words.
Jesus! I think I’m turning into a paranoid fucker. Maybe my brain already reached that point in which it’s unable to distinguish between what is real and what is not, and this entire bizarre jumble is the result of my own sick imagination.
Ricardo’s jaw clenches tightly as his hand grips the handle of his shiv so tightly I can see his knuckles turning white even though his hand is stained with the fucking boy’s blood.
“The commandant wouldn’t betray ‘El Padrino’ because the drug lord saved his life once a few years ago. He’s dirty military, but he’s loyal to the Arellanos brothers.” Ricardo says absently as he’s thinking at the same time he’s speaking.
“What about Santos? The Italian has connections in Europe and I figure that European drugs traffickers are as dangerous motherfuckers as any of the locals.”
Holy crap! I don’t even know what I’m saying. This is so unreal that I’m starting to have trouble believing my own suspicions.
“I would say that Santos could be a winner in that bet of yours, Dom, but I don’t think so.” Ricardo says as he starts rubbing his chin. “Santos’ father was one of the heads of the Italian Mob. He was old school, just like ‘El Padrino’ and the old drug traffickers have their own code of ethics. They don’t walk around messing with each others business; they reach deals to share the cake.” Ricardo pauses for a second as he sighs hard. “Santos grew up inside that atmosphere and even though he’s a sick motherfucker I don’t think he would go against the big Capos’ deal. Unless he has a death wish, which I seriously doubt.”
Okay, I may be turning paranoid but the more I ponder the idea of William using someone else to help him, the less bizarre the idea seems. Now I only have to figure out who and why someone else would help that old fox in his task. Still I don’t feel inclined to set Santos aside so fast, but I figure that what Ricardo is saying makes sense.
The idea of having the Mob hunting you down for the rest of your life doesn’t seem so appealing. Not even big dark guy wanted to mess with them. I guess those fuckers are relentless regarding settling scores with anyone that dares to fuck with them.
“Who’s the leader of the Zetas?” Ricardo asks me, pulling me out of my thoughts. I look at him and his eyes are sparkling with that dangerous gleam.
“Sean has a copy of that fucker’s file but it’s on a CD and so far he hasn’t had a chance to read it. Sean doesn’t know who the guy is yet, but he told us to meet him where you already knew in two hours.”
“Then, let’s move.” He says, turning his attention to the boy. “Come on, Francis. It’s Showtime, girl.” Ricardo adds in a mocking tone of voice, forcing the boy to stand on his feet, gagging him with a handkerchief.
We reach the end of the hallway on the first floor and Ricardo pushes the boy to me, so I grab him. There are two guys standing on guard, their backs to us and they are chatting.
I almost roll my eyes, watching them. I swear to God I don’t know how the fuck Reynaldo did this for so long, still alive and kicking because sure as hell his monkeys seem like amateurs. I could even make a living at it if I was made for this shit.
Silent as a shadow, Ricardo slides behind them cutting their necks in a second flat. Holy shit! Those two fuckers don’t even know who killed them. And all of sudden Snake’s words regarding Ricardo spread within my brain.
“Ricardo Montenegro is an unusual motherfucker…Most of the fuckers he killed never knew he was in the same fucking room.”
As we make our way back to the large salon, with Francis gesturing with his head to show us where to go, we keep crossing paths with Reynaldo’s monkeys. After the tenth fucker big dark guy killed with his shivs or shooting with his silenced gun, I stopped counting.
Finally we reach the large salon and there are three guys standing on guard. As soon as they spot us, they raise their guns, pointing at us. I notice how one of the fuckers narrows his eyes as soon as he looks at the boy and in response Francis’ eyes widen completely. They recognized each other. Shit!
Out of instinct and without thinking I pull my own gun out, firing at the fucker’s head. In a second, Ricardo fires his gun, killing the other two without missing a step. Then as he tightens his grip on Francis’s collar, preventing him from moving forward, big dark guy turns his head to look at me.
“See how instinct works?” Ricardo asks me, winking. I frown slightly, thinking about his words.
I don’t know what got into me but I knew that if the fucker recognized the boy it’s because he had seen him before. So that meant they were Reynaldo’s men and not Zetas. Not that I care too much about killing them. As far as I’m concerned everyone here is the enemy with the exception of Ricardo. Right now I can’t afford the luxury of trusting these people. Not as long as I don’t know for sure who is on our side and who isn’t.
“You’re getting good at this shit, Dom. You may even make a living at it.” Ricardo teases me, chuckling and I grin, thinking about my previous thoughts.
Then he kicks the double door of the salon making them slam open and slowly he enters the room, shoving Francis inside. I move fast, standing at his right side, my gun still in my hand. I look around and there they are. Damn!
‘El Padrino’ is sitting on a couch, his two best men at his back. Reynaldo is sitting across from him and William is standing in the left corner in front of a bar, serving himself a drink. Santos is nowhere to be found and I wonder where the hell that sick Italian is. There are also at least ten more fuckers and in one synchronized movement they are all pointing their guns at us. Fuck! They moved like one man, clicking off the safeties of their automatic weapons. I don’t need to be told. They are all Zetas. Shit, shit, shit.
My eyes wander around fast, searching for Hanna but she’s not here either. Damnit!! Where the hell is my woman?!
I glance at Ricardo from the corner of my eye and he has his gaze fixed on William. Big dark guy is radiating danger but the old lawyer doesn’t seem to care in the least and slowly, he takes a sip from his drink. Then the old lawyer turns his attention to ‘El Padrino’ as if he’s waiting for the drug lord’s gesture, giving him the heads up.
I narrow my eyes in suspicion. For the very first time I’m able to sense William’s act and I don’t even know how the old lawyer managed to fool me before. It’s just a slight shadow crossing his features so subtle that it’s almost imperceptible. However, I’m not seeing things. It was there, flashing at me for a brief moment. Shit!
‘El Padrino’ nods slightly as he makes himself comfortable on his seat, gesturing to the guy who killed Fabio with his head. In one second, the guy gets to his feet and at once all of the guns that were pointing at us are lowered even though I didn’t hear the safeties being put on. After that William clears his throat, returning his attention to us.
“We were waiting for you to join us, gentlemen.” William says nonchalantly, smiling slightly. “I think we should start our meeting now that we are all here.” He adds, looking one more time at ‘El Padrino’, as if he’s waiting for the drug lord’s approval.
I find myself swallowing back a sudden nausea. The fact that William is still playing the dumbass is not getting on my nerves anymore but pissing me off beyond belief. Damnit!
‘El Padrino’ turns his head slightly to look back and forth between Ricardo and Francis, a questioning expression on his face.
“Excuse my manners, Miguel, this is Francis.” Ricardo says as he removes the handkerchief from Francis’ mouth and a wave of fresh tears rolls down the boy’s face. “But you should ask Mr. Casamajor here to introduce him properly. I bet he knows Francis really deeply, huh, caramel skin?” He asks sarcastically as he turns his attention to Reynaldo, grinning.
In response to Ricardo’s words ‘El Padrino’ arches a brow as his head turns to Reynaldo. I glance at him too from the corner of my eyes, noticing how Reynaldo tightens his jaw, tensing. I know him a little more than he thinks and the Cuban is more than pissed off and not exactly with us but with Francis. I bet the fact that we found the boy is kicking him in his fucking balls because he already warned him. Fuck you, motherfucker, you’re not getting out of this shit so easily.
William doesn’t even blink as he keeps sipping from his drink. That means the old fox already knew about the Reynaldo/Francis secret relationship. It figures. Now that I think about it, Francis knows this huge mansion pretty well and all of sudden I wonder if the boy has been here before. I gotta make a mental note to ask Hanna if she found who the father of this damn kid is because I’m suspecting, judging by how Francis faced Ricardo, that he’s either damn stupid or he was somehow sure big dark guy wasn’t going to kill him after all.
Reynaldo has his gaze fixed on Francis, and even though he’s wearing sunglasses I can see his intense glare, watching the boy crying silently, shaking violently in fear. Francis is staring at him as well and his eyes are begging the Cuban to help him. Yeah, good luck, little asshole, you’re in for a hard wake up call because I know that bastard won’t move one single finger to save your sorry wannabe richie ass.
I knew that Francis was already scared to death after his encounter with big dark guy, but now I think this sudden fear is caused by Reynaldo’s gaze. I bet the Cuban is cursing himself silently for bringing the kid here, exposing his only weakness to the world.
“I thought you were smarter than this, Ricardo.” Reynaldo whispers emotionless as if in slow motion, he stands to his feet chuckling coldly. I narrow my eyes in suspicion, tensing every single muscle in my body as Reynaldo locks eyes with me. “Please, meet my wife, Ana Maria Casamajor.” He says holding my gaze as he flicks his fingers.
What the fuck?!
‘El Padrino’ stiffens slightly causing his two bodyguards to go on guard immediately and a deep growl passes Ricardo’s lips as his jaw tightens.
All of sudden a door at the left side of the room opens and Hanna enters, swinging her hips. She’s still wearing that damn Barbie pink leather cat-suit and she pads directly to Reynaldo’s side, smiling widely.
My eyes narrow as soon as I notice Hanna’s smile. A wedding band is on her right ring finger, flashing at me like a blinding star. I narrow my eyes even more, staring at her as Hanna looks at me briefly for a second.
Her gaze is defiant as she looks at us but that smile is sending shivers up my spine. That’s not Hanna, it’s the Ice Queen and she’s ready to fuck with every single fucker inside this room, including me. Holy hell!
Chapter 34
Lies 33
Chapter 33
Sean’s words are echoing inside of my mind and I can’t seem to make sense of that new revelation. I don’t know what to think anymore; I’m completely lost right now.
If ‘El Padrino’ reached a deal with the Zetas that means that he now has an entire army of trained ex-CIA fuckers at his beck and call. Damn! There’s no small faction of Zetas walking around without control because all of them are now on ‘El Padrino’s’ side. I bet that’s the reason why the DEA and the Mexican cops organized the raid. They all panicked as soon as they knew about the drug lord’s dangerous army. Fuck!
I wouldn’t be surprised if that bastard Reynaldo knew about that shit too and he’s waiting for the perfect chance to play his last card using Hanna as a bargaining chip to save his sorry ass. However, the fact that the mansion is surrounded by ‘El Padrino’s men doesn’t seem to bother the Cuban in the least and I wonder why? Maybe that’s the reason why there’s no trace of Elaine or Hanna. I bet that the Cuban already made sure they were nowhere to be found just in case ‘El Padrino’ makes a wrong move.
Actually his fuckers and the Zetas are all around, not shooting at each other and I suspect the reason why. It’s because they are not going to shoot him at all. All those fuckers came with ‘El Padrino’ tonight, but what if they are following another fucker’s orders behind the drug lord’s back?
Everybody knows everybody and that’s when they start mixing.
I don’t know why but that line is popping over and over and all of sudden the light bulb goes off in my brain.
Fuck, fuck, fuck. What if ‘El Padrino’ had already found out that William was the one betraying him and that’s the reason why the drug lord left us alive and kicking? What if, in spite of the fact he found himself with a trained army of ex-mercs at his beck and call, he still doesn’t trust them completely?
‘El Padrino’ wants us here tonight not only to protect Hanna from Reynaldo and William but to protect him as well just in case his suspicions regarding the Zetas come true. Damn! It’s a betrayal.
The die is cast and he’s playing his cards, trying his luck, tempting his fate. It’s all or nothing. Shit, shit, shit. That old fucker is betting everything he has on one colour to force William to make a wrong move. He’s risking our necks to catch the lawyer and nothing will stop him. Not now. Fuck!
All of sudden Ricardo slams the door open, dragging a semi unconscious Francis, whimpering in pain, blood staining his pants mixed with what I guess is urine. It seems that the boy pissed himself and maybe even shit his pants, judging by the sudden smell floating around.
I can’t help it and my lips spread in a wicked grin. “You stink, Francis.” I say mockingly making Ricardo laugh coldly.
“Yeah, Francis here seems to have serious trouble controlling his bodily functions.” Ricardo replies sarcastically as he drops the boy hard on the floor making him yelp in pain.
“You found where the fucking tunnel is?” I ask Ricardo, but somehow it’s not a question at all.
Judging by Francis’ state and that fact that he’s sobbing loudly, curled in a ball on the floor, I bet the fucking kid told big dark guy all he wanted to know and more. It figures. No one fucks with Ricardo Montenegro and sees daylight.
“Yeah, a false door behind the fridge in the kitchen.” Ricardo replies, chuckling. “Francis also told me there’s a freaking family reunion downstairs and that in about ten minutes there’ll be fire works.” Ricardo says as he grabs the boy one more time. “Once he started speaking, he couldn’t stop, right, Francis?” He asks him, mockingly, slapping Francis hard. “He even told me that Elaine is with Miguel and two more fuckers locked in the basement, though Francis doesn’t know where Hanna is.”
Even though a heavy sigh of relief left my lips as soon as I heard that Elaine is okay my guts twist painfully thinking about Hanna. Ricardo doesn’t seem affected by the fact that his wife is locked in the basement with those three fuckers. So I figure big dark guy is sure that Elaine can deal with them. I’m dying silently, not knowing where inside this fucking house Reynaldo is keeping Hanna.
I know that bastard won’t risk her life any more than necessary to reach his goal, at least not while she keeps serving his purpose. But to kill her wouldn’t be the worst thing Reynaldo might do to Hanna.
“Listen, man, I think I know why ‘El Padrino’ didn’t kill us yet and why he’s here tonight.” I say, glancing one last time at the boy who is still crying like there’s no tomorrow. “Sean told me there’s no rogue faction of Zetas. They are joined now more than ever under the command of their new leader and the DEA thinks ‘El Padrino’ made a deal with that fucker.” I say as I start pacing back and forth. “But in spite of that I think ‘El Padrino’ doesn’t trust the Zetas any more than he trusts anyone else and maybe he wanted us here tonight so we would protect him if his suspicions come true.” I explain as I keep pacing. “I thinking that ‘El Padrino’ was putting on a show with the heads and Fabio, to send a warning to William because he already knows his lawyer is the one betraying him.”
I stop pacing, looking at Ricardo and he’s watching me, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. I know big dark guy had already made up his mind concerning the old lawyer and this last suspicion of mine is only reassuring him that he’s making the right decision. I could keep telling myself more lies but I would only be fooling me. Damn! The more I think about William as the one betraying all of us the less I feel bad for having those thoughts.
I can’t help it and once again I think about my dad and what he would do if he was in my shoes right now. Damn, dad, good thing you are not here. I know you would have felt sick; knowing that the man you thought was your best friend has been playing you for years.
“I know it sounds weird but William didn’t even blink when Fabio was given a necktie and he sure as hell didn’t seem to give a fuck.” I keep talking, standing in front of Ricardo. “So I’m wondering if there’s someone else backing William up. I don’t know. Maybe that commandant or even Santos.” I frown deeply at my own words.
Jesus! I think I’m turning into a paranoid fucker. Maybe my brain already reached that point in which it’s unable to distinguish between what is real and what is not, and this entire bizarre jumble is the result of my own sick imagination.
Ricardo’s jaw clenches tightly as his hand grips the handle of his shiv so tightly I can see his knuckles turning white even though his hand is stained with the fucking boy’s blood.
“The commandant wouldn’t betray ‘El Padrino’ because the drug lord saved his life once a few years ago. He’s dirty military, but he’s loyal to the Arellanos brothers.” Ricardo says absently as he’s thinking at the same time he’s speaking.
“What about Santos? The Italian has connections in Europe and I figure that European drugs traffickers are as dangerous motherfuckers as any of the locals.”
Holy crap! I don’t even know what I’m saying. This is so unreal that I’m starting to have trouble believing my own suspicions.
“I would say that Santos could be a winner in that bet of yours, Dom, but I don’t think so.” Ricardo says as he starts rubbing his chin. “Santos’ father was one of the heads of the Italian Mob. He was old school, just like ‘El Padrino’ and the old drug traffickers have their own code of ethics. They don’t walk around messing with each others business; they reach deals to share the cake.” Ricardo pauses for a second as he sighs hard. “Santos grew up inside that atmosphere and even though he’s a sick motherfucker I don’t think he would go against the big Capos’ deal. Unless he has a death wish, which I seriously doubt.”
Okay, I may be turning paranoid but the more I ponder the idea of William using someone else to help him, the less bizarre the idea seems. Now I only have to figure out who and why someone else would help that old fox in his task. Still I don’t feel inclined to set Santos aside so fast, but I figure that what Ricardo is saying makes sense.
The idea of having the Mob hunting you down for the rest of your life doesn’t seem so appealing. Not even big dark guy wanted to mess with them. I guess those fuckers are relentless regarding settling scores with anyone that dares to fuck with them.
“Who’s the leader of the Zetas?” Ricardo asks me, pulling me out of my thoughts. I look at him and his eyes are sparkling with that dangerous gleam.
“Sean has a copy of that fucker’s file but it’s on a CD and so far he hasn’t had a chance to read it. Sean doesn’t know who the guy is yet, but he told us to meet him where you already knew in two hours.”
“Then, let’s move.” He says, turning his attention to the boy. “Come on, Francis. It’s Showtime, girl.” Ricardo adds in a mocking tone of voice, forcing the boy to stand on his feet, gagging him with a handkerchief.
We reach the end of the hallway on the first floor and Ricardo pushes the boy to me, so I grab him. There are two guys standing on guard, their backs to us and they are chatting.
I almost roll my eyes, watching them. I swear to God I don’t know how the fuck Reynaldo did this for so long, still alive and kicking because sure as hell his monkeys seem like amateurs. I could even make a living at it if I was made for this shit.
Silent as a shadow, Ricardo slides behind them cutting their necks in a second flat. Holy shit! Those two fuckers don’t even know who killed them. And all of sudden Snake’s words regarding Ricardo spread within my brain.
“Ricardo Montenegro is an unusual motherfucker…Most of the fuckers he killed never knew he was in the same fucking room.”
As we make our way back to the large salon, with Francis gesturing with his head to show us where to go, we keep crossing paths with Reynaldo’s monkeys. After the tenth fucker big dark guy killed with his shivs or shooting with his silenced gun, I stopped counting.
Finally we reach the large salon and there are three guys standing on guard. As soon as they spot us, they raise their guns, pointing at us. I notice how one of the fuckers narrows his eyes as soon as he looks at the boy and in response Francis’ eyes widen completely. They recognized each other. Shit!
Out of instinct and without thinking I pull my own gun out, firing at the fucker’s head. In a second, Ricardo fires his gun, killing the other two without missing a step. Then as he tightens his grip on Francis’s collar, preventing him from moving forward, big dark guy turns his head to look at me.
“See how instinct works?” Ricardo asks me, winking. I frown slightly, thinking about his words.
I don’t know what got into me but I knew that if the fucker recognized the boy it’s because he had seen him before. So that meant they were Reynaldo’s men and not Zetas. Not that I care too much about killing them. As far as I’m concerned everyone here is the enemy with the exception of Ricardo. Right now I can’t afford the luxury of trusting these people. Not as long as I don’t know for sure who is on our side and who isn’t.
“You’re getting good at this shit, Dom. You may even make a living at it.” Ricardo teases me, chuckling and I grin, thinking about my previous thoughts.
Then he kicks the double door of the salon making them slam open and slowly he enters the room, shoving Francis inside. I move fast, standing at his right side, my gun still in my hand. I look around and there they are. Damn!
‘El Padrino’ is sitting on a couch, his two best men at his back. Reynaldo is sitting across from him and William is standing in the left corner in front of a bar, serving himself a drink. Santos is nowhere to be found and I wonder where the hell that sick Italian is. There are also at least ten more fuckers and in one synchronized movement they are all pointing their guns at us. Fuck! They moved like one man, clicking off the safeties of their automatic weapons. I don’t need to be told. They are all Zetas. Shit, shit, shit.
My eyes wander around fast, searching for Hanna but she’s not here either. Damnit!! Where the hell is my woman?!
I glance at Ricardo from the corner of my eye and he has his gaze fixed on William. Big dark guy is radiating danger but the old lawyer doesn’t seem to care in the least and slowly, he takes a sip from his drink. Then the old lawyer turns his attention to ‘El Padrino’ as if he’s waiting for the drug lord’s gesture, giving him the heads up.
I narrow my eyes in suspicion. For the very first time I’m able to sense William’s act and I don’t even know how the old lawyer managed to fool me before. It’s just a slight shadow crossing his features so subtle that it’s almost imperceptible. However, I’m not seeing things. It was there, flashing at me for a brief moment. Shit!
‘El Padrino’ nods slightly as he makes himself comfortable on his seat, gesturing to the guy who killed Fabio with his head. In one second, the guy gets to his feet and at once all of the guns that were pointing at us are lowered even though I didn’t hear the safeties being put on. After that William clears his throat, returning his attention to us.
“We were waiting for you to join us, gentlemen.” William says nonchalantly, smiling slightly. “I think we should start our meeting now that we are all here.” He adds, looking one more time at ‘El Padrino’, as if he’s waiting for the drug lord’s approval.
I find myself swallowing back a sudden nausea. The fact that William is still playing the dumbass is not getting on my nerves anymore but pissing me off beyond belief. Damnit!
‘El Padrino’ turns his head slightly to look back and forth between Ricardo and Francis, a questioning expression on his face.
“Excuse my manners, Miguel, this is Francis.” Ricardo says as he removes the handkerchief from Francis’ mouth and a wave of fresh tears rolls down the boy’s face. “But you should ask Mr. Casamajor here to introduce him properly. I bet he knows Francis really deeply, huh, caramel skin?” He asks sarcastically as he turns his attention to Reynaldo, grinning.
In response to Ricardo’s words ‘El Padrino’ arches a brow as his head turns to Reynaldo. I glance at him too from the corner of my eyes, noticing how Reynaldo tightens his jaw, tensing. I know him a little more than he thinks and the Cuban is more than pissed off and not exactly with us but with Francis. I bet the fact that we found the boy is kicking him in his fucking balls because he already warned him. Fuck you, motherfucker, you’re not getting out of this shit so easily.
William doesn’t even blink as he keeps sipping from his drink. That means the old fox already knew about the Reynaldo/Francis secret relationship. It figures. Now that I think about it, Francis knows this huge mansion pretty well and all of sudden I wonder if the boy has been here before. I gotta make a mental note to ask Hanna if she found who the father of this damn kid is because I’m suspecting, judging by how Francis faced Ricardo, that he’s either damn stupid or he was somehow sure big dark guy wasn’t going to kill him after all.
Reynaldo has his gaze fixed on Francis, and even though he’s wearing sunglasses I can see his intense glare, watching the boy crying silently, shaking violently in fear. Francis is staring at him as well and his eyes are begging the Cuban to help him. Yeah, good luck, little asshole, you’re in for a hard wake up call because I know that bastard won’t move one single finger to save your sorry wannabe richie ass.
I knew that Francis was already scared to death after his encounter with big dark guy, but now I think this sudden fear is caused by Reynaldo’s gaze. I bet the Cuban is cursing himself silently for bringing the kid here, exposing his only weakness to the world.
“I thought you were smarter than this, Ricardo.” Reynaldo whispers emotionless as if in slow motion, he stands to his feet chuckling coldly. I narrow my eyes in suspicion, tensing every single muscle in my body as Reynaldo locks eyes with me. “Please, meet my wife, Ana Maria Casamajor.” He says holding my gaze as he flicks his fingers.
What the fuck?!
‘El Padrino’ stiffens slightly causing his two bodyguards to go on guard immediately and a deep growl passes Ricardo’s lips as his jaw tightens.
All of sudden a door at the left side of the room opens and Hanna enters, swinging her hips. She’s still wearing that damn Barbie pink leather cat-suit and she pads directly to Reynaldo’s side, smiling widely.
My eyes narrow as soon as I notice Hanna’s smile. A wedding band is on her right ring finger, flashing at me like a blinding star. I narrow my eyes even more, staring at her as Hanna looks at me briefly for a second.
Her gaze is defiant as she looks at us but that smile is sending shivers up my spine. That’s not Hanna, it’s the Ice Queen and she’s ready to fuck with every single fucker inside this room, including me. Holy hell!
Chapter 34