Cruz hung up the phone as he headed toward the western suburbs. Diego Ramirez went through the inventory of his best used cars as he awaited his nephew’s arrival at his dealership. A trade too good to pass up was coming his way.
Taking longer than necessary to get there, Abraham drove the secondary roads to avoid law enforcement vehicles that might be on the freeways. His large burgundy Escalade with custom wheels was hard to miss.
It was nearing five o’clock when he pulled around the building and into the garage bay at the back. Diego lowered the double overhead door and embraced his nephew when he climbed out of the SUV. He let out a low whistle when he saw the Cadillac.
“You sure you want to trade this for one of my cars? I don’t have any vehicles on the lot even close to the value of this beauty.”
Cruz smiled at his pride and joy. “I have no choice. Give it a paint job, swap out plates with something else, and you have yourself a like-new SUV. All I want is something that’s dependable enough to get me to Mexico, where I’ll likely stay.”
“Is the law after you?”
Abraham snickered. “The law is the least of my worries, but yes, they probably are too. The less you know, Diego, the better.”
“Understood. I brought in four of my best cars, and you can take whichever one you want. They all have clean titles and plates. Nothing is stolen.”
“I need a burner phone too. I have to ditch the one I have.”
“Not a problem. I’ll go across the street and get you one while you pick out a car. I have multiple driver’s licenses and credit cards too. We’ll look them over when I get back, and you’ll be all set for your journey in no time.”
Cruz looked through each car and finally chose the 2011 white Ford Explorer. It was new enough to be reliable and large enough to sleep in if he had to. Diego was back a half hour later with the burner phone in hand.
“It’s prepaid and good to go.”
“Thanks, Uncle. I’ll transfer a few numbers I want to keep and then destroy the old phone.”
“Have you decided on a car?”
Cruz walked over to the Explorer and took a seat behind the wheel. “I like this one, and with only sixty thousand miles on it, there’s plenty of room for more.”
“I agree. It was your aunt Lola’s SUV, rest her soul.”
Abraham tossed his gear inside and took everything that pertained to him out of the Escalade. “How about those driver’s licenses you have?”
“Absolutely. Follow me.” Diego looked over his shoulder. “Need credit cards?”
“Nope, I have plenty of cash.”