CHAPTER 16

CAL CALLED FINK TO LET HIM KNOW he was going to assist the FBI. Getting the opportunity to cover the Super Bowl was a cherry on top of Cal’s sports writing dreams. But that was when he was young and had yet to experience the rush of covering a national story with a sinister storyline. And this was even better—it was an international story! There was no scenario he could have imagined where he would forfeit his Super Bowl credentials. Then again, this scenario was unimaginable to him.

Moments after hanging up with Fink, Cal received a text message from Josh. It read: “Thx, bro. I owe you big time.” Cal knew his friend was a worthy replacement. After all, it was just another football game.

Cal sent a text message to Noah’s phone, letting him know that he was helping the FBI’s investigation and that he would call him with more information when he could.

With almost all the details handled, a key one remained: Kelly. How would he convince Kelly to leave behind her Seahawks in the Super Bowl and enter a dangerous faux photo shoot in Juarez at the home of a cartel boss? This might be his biggest task.

He dialed her number.

“Cal? What are you doing?” Kelly said.

“Just finished today’s press conference. What are you up to?”

“Oh, just picking out an outfit for a party I’m going to tonight.”

“Really? Who’s throwing a party?”

“I’m not sure, but I met this guy in the lobby who gave me two tickets to a party at this swanky club downtown. Wanna come?”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe? Are you kidding me? You need to have some fun this week, Cal. Enjoy the moment. This is the week of the Super Bowl. Don’t be a stick in the mud.”

“Well, OK. But I need to ask a big favor of you.”

“What’s that?”

“I kind of need your help.”

“With what?”

“The FBI is asking me to play a role in getting Noah’s son back.”

Cal paused. Kelly remained silent. She knew there was more—and she didn’t like the anticipation hanging in the air.

“And what, Cal? You want me to do something, don’t you?”

“Yes. I want you to come to Juarez with me on a photo shoot.”

“What? Are you crazy? The Seahawks are playing in the Super Bowl this week. The SUPER BOWL! This is like Hailey’s Comet rare. I’m not going to miss it.”

Cal had a hunch she would protest with something like that. He came prepared.

“OK, I understand. But why would you want to see the Seahawks play out a pre-determined script? You know they’re going to lose, right? Unless I help Noah Larson get his son back, he’s going to throw the game.”

“Oh, no, Cal. It’s not just that. This is dangerous stuff, stuff that’s way over my head. I may have stumbled into it last time with you, but you’re not dragging me into this.”

“Where’s your sense of adventure? Don’t you want to reunite this dad with his son? Watching the Seahawks lose in the Super Bowl won’t compare to that moment—that much I can promise.”

“Cal, this is not some Indiana Jones adventure. This is serious. Have you been reading about what is going on in Juarez? That place is a death trap.”

“I know the risks. But getting killed is far from a foregone conclusion. Jake dying is if we don’t do something about it.”

“We? So, now this is contingent upon us? Where did this ‘we’ come from?”

“OK, I’m sure I can find another photographer. I don’t need you. But I want you. I want you to be with me. We’ve done this before, this exposing the bad guys thing.”

Cal’s more direct appeal to her seemed to work. Kelly softened

“Suppose I agreed to go. What would I have to do?”

“All the FBI is asking us to do is pose as reporters—which shouldn’t be that hard—and gather some information on Hernandez’s compound. We can do this.”

“Oh, Cal. Why are you doing this to me?!”

“It’s either watch the Seahawks lose, which you and I both know how miserable that makes you, or join me for an adventure in Mexico and save a little boy from certain death. Is it really that hard to choose?”

“Yes, Cal. Yes, it is. I want to relax and have fun at parties this week, not risk my life by photographing a cartel boss.”

“Well, think about it and call me back. I need to know something very quickly.”

Kelly paused.

“OK, I’ll do it.”

“You will? You sure you don’t want to think about it?”

“Just take my yes, Cal, and don’t make me mull it over. I might change my mind.”

“Thank you, thank you! Kelly, I owe you big time.”

“You sure do.”

“I’ll call you later this afternoon with all the details.”

Cal hung up the phone and let out a big sigh. His chances were better with Kelly than anyone else.