“I lost men taking those kids for you,” Durand said in a quiet voice, the one that was meant to raise the hairs on a man’s arm. “It is my business when you put my family at risk. What are those kids doing in the United States? On television?”
Durand continued just as quietly, more so. “If you cannot answer that, then explain the meeting at Fuentes. I thought the point in the attacks was to keep these countries apart.”
Silence filled the gap, then Durand replied in a low voice that belonged to the demon he was, “I know about the meeting with Fuentes because I make everything that happens down here my business.” Pause. “Why can you no explain now? What happens tomorrow at noon?” A long pause followed. “I will give you until then, but you owe me, Vestavia. You have not handed over Mirage yet.”
Vestavia? Could that be Durand’s connection to the Fratelli?
Carlos could tell Durand had closed his phone. The click of a lighter sounded, then cigar smoke billowed past the opening. The pungent scent of high-grade tobacco rolled into the room, where Carlos finally put things together from Durand’s conversation.
With so much negative press going on with the fuel crisis and presidential election only days away, everyone would show up for the dog and pony show at the Capitol this afternoon. A staggering list of political power would be present.
What better place to attack with so much of the world focused on South America right now?
The Fratelli could be planning two attacks.
Carlos hadn’t worked out the whole plan, but Joe and Tee needed this information.
When Durand answered a call on his desk phone that sounded as if it was from one of his legitimate business accounts, Carlos whispered at Gabrielle. “Listen.”
She zeroed in on him and waited.
“I think an attack is planned for D.C. today.”
Gabrielle nodded. “Okay, but I still don’t understand.”
“I don’t exactly either, but I think the meeting in Columbia is to draw the world’s attention and national security focus away from a U.S. media show. Think about it. All the politicians will be on hand at the Capitol Building this afternoon, both presidential candidates, including the president and his cabinet. Plus children who belong to powerful people, allies to the U.S.”
Her eyes widened with comprehension.
“I can get you out of here.” He’d been scabbing together a plan since they were grabbed.
“No. I want to stay with you.”
He knew she meant now, but the desperation in her words shoved past his stalwart defense, the barrier he’d constructed to keep him from wanting a life he could never have. He wanted to stay with her, too. To wake up every day and see this woman next to him, hear her laughter, and hold her close.
That would never happen. Not now, when he only had one hope of getting her out of here. The reality of losing her crashed in on him, clawed his insides with the savage pain of a wounded beast.
He’d spent a lifetime lying, but this one had to be exceptional to convince her to leave without him. “It will be easier for me to escape without you. I need you to get word to Joe and Retter that those kids and the president are in danger.”
Her eyes glistened with worry. “What about you?”
“Retter will get inside here and help me escape.” Not unless he brought an army with him, but let him enjoy the fantasy of Retter bringing in an army to stomp Durand.
“How are you going to get me out of here?”
“Durand’s sister lives in the compound.” Carlos prayed she would help him. “I can trust her to take you out.”
If she’s here.
“How do you know you can trust her?”
“I just can. She isn’t anything like him.”
Gabrielle opened her mouth to say something, then closed it and shook her head. She accepted his judgment of Durand’s sister without question. He knew why. She trusted him and cared for him.
That wasn’t going to last long.
Acid churned in his stomach over what he’d soon have to do.
“I don’t know how much time we have before Durand comes to get us, so here’s what I want you to do.” Carlos gave her Joe’s direct number that was answered 24-7. He told her exactly what to tell Joe to pass along to Retter, Korbin, and Rae for any hope of preventing an attack on the teens, the president, and members of Congress.
“What about you?” she asked. “You didn’t tell me what to tell them for you.”
“Tell Joe I’m at Durand’s compound and it’s a code black.”
“Got it.”
No, she didn’t understand, but that was okay. He’d just told her to tell Joe he was dead to everyone since he would be by the time she was out of reach.
Durand ended his call, then clicked a button and said, “Julio, come here.”
“One more thing,” Carlos said to Gabrielle.
“What?” She focused on him, intent on whatever directions he gave her.
“No matter what happens…promise me you won’t hate me.”
Every line in her face softened. “I could never hate you. I love you.” She stared at him with uncloaked love in her eyes.
Carlos couldn’t believe he’d found a miracle like Gabrielle only to lose her. Hearing her declaration of love was almost too much to bear. He’d never intended to utter those words to another woman, but this would be his only chance.
“I love you, too, Gabrielle. You must believe that. Please, give me the promise I ask for.” So I can die in peace.
“I’ll do you one better. I promise to love you forever. I know there are things you haven’t told me, but I trust you.”
Hell. He’d be better off telling her now before she learned the truth in front of an audience. Carlos opened his mouth to speak, but heavy footsteps entering the dark room from Durand’s office stopped him.
Julio walked in with four armed men. “We will untie you,” he said to Carlos. “Make one wrong move and that one”-Julio pointed at a tall hombre with a severe mustache and attitude-“will blow her head off her shoulders. ?Entienden?”
“I understand.” Carlos had one hand to play and it was winner take all. Once he was free from his bindings and standing, he reached over to help Gabrielle up.
Hammers on two weapons cocked loudly.
Carlos withdrew his hands, holding them up in the air. Gabrielle stood on her own, rubbing her arms, her fear palpable.
Julio led them into the office, then directed Carlos and Gabrielle to face Durand, who sat behind his desk.
“Who are you?” Durand asked Carlos.
“Tourists?”
Carlos got a gunstock in the back at his kidneys. He grunted and sucked down on the pain. He’d pee blood for a day or two, if he lived.
“It would be a shame for this young woman to pay for your back talk.” Durand puffed on his cigar, staring intently at Carlos. “Julio says you were the black-ops leader who raided the chateau in St. Gervais. He was hidden belowground when you killed my men.”
Just as Carlos had told Joe once years before, Durand Anguis operated like no other criminal. Carlos would bet Durand’s men hadn’t even known Julio was inside the chateau the whole time they were dying. He never lifted a finger to help his men.
Durand stepped around his desk, sucking on the cigar and studying Carlos. “I know you, si?”
Rather than answer that, Carlos said, “I have a deal to offer you.”
Durand smiled with deprecating humor. “Must I remind you that you are not in a position to negotiate?”
“You’ll want to hear this offer.”
“Really?” Durand laughed. He returned to his chair, where he leaned back and propped his feet on the desk. “I
