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Isabella walked beside Rico. He was good looking in the classical Mesoamerican way, but he took second to Tino’s handsome face. He was her height, with muscles hidden beneath a long-sleeved shirt and khaki pants.
“Have you and Tino worked together before?” she asked. He probably wouldn’t answer her since they were DEA, but she wanted to get a feel for the men’s relationship. Tino trusted this man with her so that was enough for her to trust him back, but as usual she wanted to dig deeper into the man.
“This is our first assignment together. But he came highly recommended when I was putting my team together.” He flashed a mouthful of white teeth. “And you, how do you know Tino?”
It appeared Tino had kept her a secret. Flashes of her father telling them what he said in the cave in Guatemala stayed in the cave, had her smiling and forming a story.
“We met in Guatemala where I was consulting on a Maya excavation.” They’d arrived at the entrance to the hostel. “Gracias. Not that I abhor your company, but I hope we don’t meet again. Because if we do...”
“It would mean either you or Tino would be in trouble. I understand. Buenas noches, Dr. Mumphrey.”
Isabella watched him walk down the street before opening the door and entering the hallway. Her room was on the second floor. Climbing the stairs her body began to feel the fatigue of her long night. She walked into her room as the morning sun cast the wall in a pink tint. A few hours of sleep and she had to get back to the museum and sift through the ledgers. Saturday was only a day away, and she didn’t have a clue of what to look for when she re-visited señor Garza’s home.
~*~
Tino’s senses shot electricity through his body. He wasn’t alone. Rather than let on he knew someone watched him, he snorted and stretched, slipping his hand under his pillow to grasp his Glock.
He rolled to his feet and placed the muzzle of his weapon against Cezar’s chest.
“You are sleeping late, amigo,” Cezar said, pushing the weapon to the side.
“Yesterday was busy.” Tino grabbed his pants and pulled them on, keeping an eye on Cezar.
“No, you were out late last night. Diego saw you coming back at four.” Cezar grabbed the straight back chair, spun it around, and sat, straddling the seat, his arms crossed over the back. He settled his chin on his arms and peered at Tino. “Diego said you looked like a content man.” He wiggled a finger. “You know Jefe does not like us consorting with women. It is too easy to talk big and spill important information.”
Tino’s heart hammered in his chest. To deny he was with a woman would look suspicious but there was no way he wanted them to find out about Isabella.
“Sí, I was tense from all that went down yesterday and the best relaxation is...” He winked. “I picked up a hot mamácita at a cantina and we had some fun.” Tino leaned closer. “If you want to go with me another time, she has a friend.”
Cezar licked his lips, but he slammed his hand down on the chair back. “No! You will not leave the compound again. There is trouble brewing. We need everyone here all the time.” He narrowed his eyes. “I do not know how you brought the Alvarez brothers in by yourself yesterday, but I plan to keep an eye on you. If you are that good, we need you here.” He rose. “I will not tell Garza about your trip last night, but if you do it again, I will tell him and gladly give his punishment.”
Tino nodded, but kept eye contact with Cezar.
“I do not trust you. Hector came limping back last evening saying you made him get out of the car at gun point.”
He’d forgotten about the dumb bastard. “Sí. But he did not tell you, he pulled a gun on me first. He wanted me to stop for a drink after we dumped the brothers. I told him we had to get back, and he pulled his weapon. I took the weapon and made him get out so I did not have to deal with his temper.” Tino shook his head. “His temper will get him killed soon. Either by one of his own or the enemy.”
“True. He is related to Garza. There is nothing I can do to get rid of him. Except kill him.”
The matter of fact tone shot Tino’s gaze to the man. Cezar would kill Hector the first chance he had. The dullness of his eyes was a dead give-away.
Tino brushed past Cezar to buckle on his shoulder harness and retrieve a shirt from the peg on the wall. While Garza lived in splendor, his help had crude living quarters over the garage.
“Hurry to the kitchen and eat. Jefe wants us all in his office in an hour.” Cezar stood, swept a gaze around the small area Tino shared with Diego, and left the room.
Slipping the Glock into his shoulder holster, Tino scanned the room for any evidence there might be hidden surveillance equipment. Tino was sure Diego had been sound asleep when he came home so the rata couldn’t have told Cezar. Which led him to...Why did Garza’s righthand man allow him this indiscretion? It was obvious Cezar wished to have something to hold over his head to make him...what?
Tino hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen. Anarosa, a fifty-something woman with a pleasant smile, robust body, and efficient manner turned from the sink.
“You are late.” She pointed with a soapy hand to the counter adjacent to the sink. “The leftovers.”
“Gracias.” Tino picked up a plate and filled it with fruit, tortillas, and beans. He quickly ate even though he would have rather used this alone time with the cook to chat with her about the household. He placed the plate on the drainboard and left the room, heading toward the office.
Hector and Diego stood beside the door, waiting.
“Why aren’t you in there?” he asked, reaching for the knob.
Hector grabbed his wrist. “No! They told us to wait here while they discussed something.”
Tino sat back on his heels and scrutinized the other man. Perspiration beaded on Hector’s forehead and his upper lip quivered a bit. Was he worried about the incident yesterday? Or, Tino glanced at the man’s nervous hands, was he using the drugs? Tino shook his head. Only an idiot would use the drugs they transported. A clear head was needed at all times. Garza would expect that.
The door opened, causing Hector to jump backwards into Tino. He shoved the man forward, knocking him into Cezar. Cezar’s nostrils flared, and he glared at Hector who worked at righting himself.
“What are you doing?” Cezar snarled, slapping Hector in the back of the head and propelling him deeper into the office.
Tino stayed one step behind Diego as he entered the room.
Garza had been seated but sprang to his feet when Cezar slapped Hector.
“What is the meaning of this?” Garza asked, his glare sweeping the room and focusing on Hector.
Tino remained beside Diego a good ten feet to the side of Cezar and Hector. He followed Diego’s movements as he seemed a bit anxious.
“Uncle—” Hector began.
“I told you not to call me that!” Garza yelled and slammed his palm on the desk top. The sound cracked through the room like a gun shot.
Hector flinched and yelped. His eyes started jiggling in the sockets.
“Cezar tells me you arrived alone yesterday after leaving with Tino to return the Alvarez brothers.” Garza slid a glance Tino’s direction.
“Sí.” Hector swung an arm toward Tino. “He pulled a gun and told me to get out of the auto.”
Tino shook his head. The man was going to play on familial truth.
“Is that what happened?” Garza stared at him glare for glare.
“No. When I refused to pull over to get a drink, Hector pulled his gun on me. I took it away and then suggested he get out. I did not want to drive the rest of the way back worrying his anger would make the gun go off.” Tino didn’t allow his gaze to waver as Garza continued to stare.
“I do not understand what was wrong with having a drink considering what we had just seen and done,” Hector said, drawing Garza’s angry stare.
“Does my business make you squeamish?” Garza asked.
Hector held his tongue and ducked his head.
“Then perhaps you should go back to your father’s and make roof tiles?” Garza pointed to the door.
“No! I hate making tiles. I want to make money.” Greed glistened in the young man’s eyes.
“To make money you must follow orders and do as you are told. No drinking, no women, and no consuming the product we sell.” Garza peered at Hector and the young man started visibly shaking. “Am I clear, nephew?”
“Sí.” Hector stood straight and stared at the far wall.
Tino felt a bit of the tension drain from the room, but Garza wasn’t completely relaxed. The tick above his right eye proved he was still upset with his nephew.
Cezar moved to a round table beside the bookcase. “We need to strategize how the Alvarez brothers and now the Bohu gang have intercepted our drops.”
Tino was as interested in this as Garza. There had to be a snitch in Garza’s employ and that snitch could help him with his mission.