His record was dirty enough without them finding a weapon on him, too. The pistol would give them an excuse to take him into possession.
He shoved the gun between the back cushion and the lower cushion on the bench seat. Glancing at his watch, he sweated. He needed to get back to Josie.
Stopping the truck, he gazed in the distance. There were two, maybe three miles, to go until he hit the border.
An officer exited the patrol car and walked toward the truck, his hand on the revolver at his side. Tension gripped Paco, and he pressed his back against the seat. Used to the Feds' attention and ordered to get on the ground more times than he could count, dealing with the tribal police was another matter.
Three yards from the truck, the cop stopped and motioned for him to get out of the vehicle. Paco showed his hands, then opened the door.
As soon as both of his feet hit the ground, an explosion deafened him, and a force took his legs out from under him.
He toppled, unable to stop his descent. The asphalt smashed into him.
Chapter 28Josie
Josie dialed Cami's phone number and held the receiver to her ear. Her friend answered on the second ring.
"It's me." She looked at the two-person table in her apartment. "Are you hungry?"
"I'm always hungry."
"Come over and eat with me," she said.
"I thought you and Paco had plans."
"We do...did." She looked toward the window. "Something must've come up. I made a roast, sweet potatoes, and a salad. There's enough meat for ten people, so I can make him a sandwich if he shows up later, but we might as well enjoy the food."
"Okay, let me put my shoes on, and I'll be right over."
"Remember to flash your porch light before you open the door." She spoke her goodbye and hung up.
Going to the window, she watched Whip out at the curb on his motorcycle, parked behind her car. Even though she was sure everything was okay, and Cami was safe to step out of her apartment and into her place, three feet away, she would watch out for her friend.
Whip spotted her looking. She waved to let him know everything was okay. Whip's gaze turned, and she knew Cami was coming. She hurried to the door and opened it, stepping back out of Cami's way.
"I can smell the food outside your door." Cami rubbed her protruding stomach. "Now, I have hunger pains."
"Good, because I made a lot of food and can't eat it all myself." She motioned toward the table. "Sit. Eat."
Cami pulled out a chair and sat. "I'm sorry things fell through with Paco."
She handed the bowl of sweet potatoes across the table. "It's happened more than once lately. He's been so busy. I'm never sure when I'll get to see him."
"That's the way it is with Chrischris, too." Cami inhaled deeply and moaned in pleasure. "I'm starving."
"Good." Happy to have someone to share her food with, Josie took a bite.
Having done most of the cooking since she was a small child, she always looked forward to when Paco would be around during the evening meal. It was more enjoyable to have others appreciate her labors.
Cami lowered her fork. "Oh, guess who called me?"
"Jerry? Aaron?" The only person outside of work Cami hung around with was Chrischris.
She shook her head. "No, thank goodness. I need this weekend to pamper myself. Tuesday comes soon enough."
"Who was it?"
"Stephanie." Cami leaned back in her chair.
"Who's that?"
"Remember...the waitress from Promise?"
She'd met two of the women who worked there when Paco took her to the club-owned business. Though she couldn't remember their names, they were more than welcoming to her.
"The one with dark hair or short hair?"
"Short." Cami cut up the meat. "Chrischris gave her my phone number. She called to see if I'd like a couple sacks full of gently used newborn boy clothes."
She lifted her gaze and smiled. "That's awesome."
"I know, right? It was like one of the problems on my list was wiped away." Cami's gaze softened. "Chrischris is going to pick up the bags and bring them over tomorrow night. I'm so excited to see the little clothes."
"That's so nice of her."
"I know. I can't believe how sweet it was for her to offer. She mentioned Chrischris was talking about me having a baby to her. She's a single mom, too. I think she mentioned her son is four years old, but I could be wrong. I was in shock that she offered."
"I think it's wonderful, and I'm so happy for you." She stood and poured them each a glass of water and returned to the table. ""You only have three more months to go. It won't be long, and you'll have a baby at home. The more clothes you have, the less laundry you'll have to do."
Because it was her fault Askook kidnapped Cami, Josie would do anything to help her friend after the baby arrived.
Her hatred of Askook grew every day. Paco was determined to end the threat, putting himself at risk of getting hurt or worse. It seemed like everyone she loved got hurt because of her.
Sometimes, her life overwhelmed her, and she could imagine the worry Cami went through, thinking about bringing a child into the world, must be a hundred times worse.
"Tracy, the woman who I replaced at Lainier's Towing, also promised to bring baby things into work the next time she comes by to have lunch with Rick." Cami's eyes filled with tears. "I have you to thank for all the good coming my way."
Josie dropped her fork to the table. Guilt making her want to cry. "Oh, Cami, no..."
"Just hear me out." Cami leaned forward. "I know it's backward, and I never want to go through the kidnapping
