Diego cursed in Spanish and spun a slow circle. “Fine. I will babysit your computer gook and—”
“GEEK!” Slippy yelled. “Computer GEEK.”
Diego gave him a sour look. “Your computer geek.”
“And once we’ve killed Murillo’s ghost, cover our escape,” Bridger added.
“Yes, yes. Cover your ass as you run away.” Diego kicked at the moist ground and turned away. “But now you will owe ME one.”
Bridger gave him a crooked smile. “Cover his six and I’ll gladly owe you one.”
Near Chapala, Mexico
El Fantasma sat on the stairs leading to the deck and stared across the small valley. His eyes had adjusted to the darkness and the moon lit up the lavish grounds of the estate, enough that he could make out some of the militia making rounds beyond the gate.
The air had turned almost chill, and he tugged at the lapels of his linen suit, pulling the jacket tighter.
“I thought you might want one.”
He turned and saw Raul handing him a fresh cigar. “I wasn’t sure if you had woken up or rolled over.” He took the cigar and rolled it under his nose. “You sound like a chainsaw when you sleep.”
Raul chuckled as he sat next to him. “Sorry. If we continue to keep these hours, I’ll be sure to bring a daybed to the office.” He leaned forward and let his head droop, fatigue still evident. “Why do you not rest, Jefe?”
He laughed softly as he clipped the end of the cigar. “Anticipation, hermano. I know that my enemies are preparing for war. I could not sleep if I had to.”
“Si, they prepare. But you should rest. You cannot fight your best if you are tired. Even the sharpest mind is dulled by exhaustion.”
He lit the cigar and for a brief moment, lost his night vision. “I am aware.” He puffed smoke into the still night air then slipped the gold lighter into his breast pocket. “I have not felt this alive in years, Raul.” He leaned back and smiled. “You remember who I was…before Don Murillo took me in?”
“Si, señor. I remember all too well.” He rolled his head around his neck, stretching the stiff muscles. “I remember that many of us thought that you could not be trusted.”
“And when did you know that I could be?”
Raul hung his head again and his voice was barely a whisper. “Teresa.”
El jefe nodded. “Teresa.” He sat up and leaned his elbows on his knees, still staring into the gloom of the night. “If it had not been for her…where would I be?”
Raul shook his head gently. “Not here.”
El jefe chuckled. “No, certainly not here. Waiting for my enemies to come and remove me from Don Murillo’s life’s work.” He spat an errant piece of tobacco from his lips and ground his teeth. “You and I, we’ve worked hard to maintain this legacy, si?”
“Diligently, Jefe.”
He puffed the cigar again then let it dangle in his hand. “You wouldn’t be working against me, would you hermano?”
Raul sat upright and stared at him wide eyed. “Señor?”
He turned slowly and faced the smaller man. “You heard me. You wouldn’t be working with another Don, would you?”
“Me, Jefe? How could you ask such a thing?”
“That is not an answer, Raul.”
“Of course not!” He came to his feet and stared down at his boss, knowing that if El Fantasma wished you gone, you would simply no longer exist. “How could you question my loyalty?”
El jefe scoffed as he sat up. “It’s been brought to my attention that the other Dons had no issue entering into our agreement. They’ve had no issue maintaining the peace over the years. Everyone has done their share, stayed out of each other’s territories, even assisted each other when dealing with drug enforcement.” He grunted as he came to his feet, his muscles protesting. “Until now.”
Raul shook his head nervously. “And how does this bring my loyalty to question?”
“The timing is…unfortunate. Or fortuitous, depending on how you look at it.”
Raul’s head continued to shake. “I do not understand, señor.”
“Now, when I am preoccupied with killing Bravo team…now…now the Sinaloa decide to attack me?” His voice rose as his anger built. “They do not know our business. How could they hope to absorb our operations?” He reached out a finger and poked Raul in the chest. “Unless they had somebody on the inside who already knows our day to day operations?”
Raul stumbled as he stepped back. “No, señor. I would never.”
“Who else would have something to gain by coming after ME?” He stepped closer and poked him in the chest again. “Who else might…” He trailed off, his anger preventing him from finding the words he wanted to say. “I was prepared to hand it all over to you, Raul.”
“And I told you then, Jefe, I don’t want it.”
“Of course not. Who could respect your authority if it is given to you, si? But if you TOOK it? Who could deny your authority then, eh?”
Raul continued to back away, his head shaking. “No, señor. Even if you begged me to take it, I do not want it.” He suddenly stopped and his own anger forced him to face his impending death with honor. He squared his shoulders and stared at the man he both feared and admired, the man he loved. “I have never acted against your best interests. I would never betray you. If I must face death to prove my loyalty then I am prepared to do so. Do it now.”
El Fantasma stared at the little man, acting brave and staring him down. “Why should I believe you now, Raul? If you have acted only in MY best interests, why wouldn’t the other Dons take my calls?”
Raul set his jaw and shook his head. “I do not know, Jefe. Perhaps Esmeralda got to them. Perhaps they approved of the Sinaloa taking over. I cannot say.” He stepped closer and held his head high. “And I will not pretend to know the minds of others. If you truly think
