He watched the large enforcer tromp down the steps and disappear into the darkness. El Fantasma turned and stared at the inky black window that led to his office. “Perhaps I do not know you as well as I thought.”
26
Near Chapala, Mexico
Diego grunted as the truck bounced over a rut cutting across the dirt road. “We’ve only a few kilometers left.” He turned and tugged at the flap again, staring into the near total blackness. “Yeah, we’re under the canopy now. Soon the ride will get VERY rough and—” His words were cut off as the truck made a sharp right and the sounds of tall grass and low brush scraped the bottom of the chassis.
“How close can he get us?” Bridger asked as he bounced around the rear.
“Just shy of the ridge your sniper will set up on.” Diego finally came to his feet and gripped the top bow to steady himself. He kept his knees bent to absorb the larger bounces. “There’s a solid gap in the federale forces. They’ve secured the main roads and the two dirt roads leading to the hacienda. My man verified earlier that they haven’t expanded into the jungle.”
Bridger gripped the overhead bow and glanced at his watch. “That gives us roughly two hours to prep the drones, set the overwatch and infiltrate.” He turned and eyed his group under the weak red light of the troop carrier. “I want all of your gear checked and double checked.”
The crew all acknowledged before he turned his attention back to Diego. “You don’t have to do this. This isn’t your fight.”
Diego gave him a wan smile. “I told Sparrow that if you let me back in, I was ‘in.’ I don’t go back on my word.”
Bridger sighed and lowered his voice as he leaned closer. “You kept your word in Colombia. You didn’t give us up.”
Diego scoffed. “That was just doing my job.” He seemed to grow taller and squared his shoulders. “This is finishing what we started.”
Laughlin worked his way forward, avoiding the bouncing gear and trying to ignore the truck groaning as it traveled off road. “Sorry to interrupt,” he stepped closer to the two men, “and for listening…” He gave Bridger a knowing look. “But if you help us pull this off, I can get you out of here. Help you get set up in the states, if you prefer.”
Bridger turned and gave him a stern look. “Don’t promise what you can’t deliver.”
Laughlin snorted. “I have a company jet coming to get us…IF we survive this. I can bring back whoever the hell I want.”
Diego shook his head slowly. “This has become my home. I have…interests here.” He gave Laughlin a curt nod. “But I appreciate the offer.”
“If word gets out that you were involved here…” Laughlin began, leaving the idea to fester.
Diego shrugged. “That I helped the Americans attack a cartel Don? One that had already tried to kill them?” He snorted a laugh. “The other Dons will probably fight over hiring me for helping take out their competition.”
“What about the federales?” Bridger asked.
“The ones who are on the cartels’ payrolls will already be here. Those who aren’t won’t care what happens to the corrupt ones.” He used his free hand to clasp Bridger on the shoulder. “Trust me, amigo. If I thought I couldn’t handle it, I would gladly take Matthew’s offer. But if you think that my moving to another country would prevent the cartels from reaching me if they wanted?” He shook his head.
“Right.” Bridger couldn’t argue.
“The offer stands,” Laughlin held a hand out and Diego took it, “if you change your mind.”
“Gracias.”
The truck lurched to a stop, and escaping air hissed as the driver set the parking brake and shut off the engine. Those in the back swayed as they tried to get their feet back under them and made their way to the rear.
Slippy hit the ground and reached for the closest crate. “Give me thirty minutes, and I’ll be ready to station.”
Bridger gripped Diego’s black BDU blouse and pulled him close. “I’m sure you can still handle yourself in a fire fight,” he began.
“You damned straight I can.”
He pointed to Gregg flipping open the computers and bringing them to life. “That guy right there is our best bet for getting out of this alive. I have Mauk setting up overwatch, but he can’t cover the perimeter of the compound AND watch Slip’s back.”
“What are you saying?”
“I would appreciate it if you would.”
“Bridger…” Diego groaned. “I am made for more than this.”
“I don’t doubt it.” He pulled him aside and lowered his voice. “But if you don’t do it, I have to pull one of the others out and have them do it. We’ve trained for this operation. We know the layout of the building and have a pretty damned good idea where the choke points are, and where his men will be set up.” He raised a brow at Diego. “If you go in their place, you’re going in blind and with zero intel.”
Diego narrowed his gaze at the larger man. “Then I team with you and cover your six.”
Bridger shook his head. “Or I convince you to stay along the outer marker and keep Slippy alive.”
Gregg’s head popped up when he heard his voice. “Yes! I like that idea. Let’s keep Slippy alive.” He ducked his head back down and continued tapping at his keyboard. “There are way too many women out there who haven’t slapped my face yet.”
Diego groaned and leaned against the rear of the truck as the others continued to unload the drones and munitions. “You are asking me to sit out the very fight I have brought you to.”
“I am asking you to keep our air support alive and kicking and cover our escape.” He slapped the side of the truck. “Once this is over, this is our way
