"What kind of threat could the kids be?" Hunter asked.
"None of the teens are particularly athletic or have ever been difficult or dangerous." Tee shook her head and shoved her long hair past her shoulder. "Hell, they're model students."
"Hard to ignore a warning-," Gotthard pointed out, indicating the postcards from Linette.
"But," Hunter interrupted, "let's not forget we're working with information supplied by an unknown woman involved with the Fratelli who no one but Gabrielle has met."
"He's right," Tee agreed, though it didn't stop her from believing this Linette might be as real as Gabrielle claimed. "We've got a full contingent of BAD agents along with me and Joe attending the event to watch both political parties and the kids. Between us and the Secret Service everyone in that building is as safe as can be expected."
Tee didn't miss Gotthard's scowl at Hunter's attempt to discredit the information from Linette. Just as exceptional a computer terror as he was a dangerous operative, Gotthard hadn't backed off trying to find this mysterious woman online since Gabrielle had explained the code she and Linette used.
Linette was the only intel they'd had on the Fratelli so far, but they had to proceed with caution when it came to this unconfirmed information.
Tee moved ahead. "I'm with Retter in thinking the teens are a diversion to draw attention away from the meeting at the Fuentes compound tomorrow, but we can't dismiss the threat to them. Once this dog and pony show is over, we'll send everyone we have tonight to find Carlos, Gabrielle, and Retter."
Gotthard was scratching his jaw, something Tee had figured out long ago meant their burly agent was mentally crunching on something. "What's up, Gotthard?"
"Just playing devil's advocate. What if Gabrielle was better than any of us realized and she's set up Carlos? Maybe even Retter?"
Tee didn't hesitate. "If any of my people are harmed because of her, I don't give a damn if she's a princess or a ditchdigger or what Interpol wants. She'll never see the light of day again."
CARLOS STARED THROUGH the open door to the desk in Durand's office. That room hadn't changed since Carlos had lived here. Same heavy, hand-carved desk shipped in from South Africa he'd helped three other boys carry inside when it arrived. The inside of the hacienda had changed some with new, more exotic decorations.
He had perfect recall of the layout and could find his way around the entire compound blindfolded.
The downside was that he wouldn't get the chance to put that knowledge to any use.
This was not going to be some happy family reunion. His father never forgave a slight, especially by blood.
Carlos tugged on the cable ties holding him to the chair, but Durand's men had put four of the thick black plastic straps on each arm, securing him to a chair bolted to the wall. This was a holding room for "interviews" with Durand. The soft leather seat and polished metal ladder-back chair didn't appear quite so daunting to get out of upon first glance.
He might have had a chance if his legs weren't just as well anchored.
Gabrielle sat in an identical chair to the side of him, trussed up equally as securely. She kept turning her head to stare at him, as if she waited for him to save the day.
He'd promised to keep her safe.
She was now a prisoner of the one person she feared above all others.
The door leading from Durand's office to a hallway opened and closed with a snap.
"What is going on?" Durand's voice demanded from the next room. He walked past the gap where the door was partially open with a cell phone in hand, paying no attention to Carlos and Gabrielle, waiting in the dimly lit room.
No one had recognized Carlos, so far, and Durand didn't know-yet-he'd captured Mirage, but that would soon change.
From what Carlos had figured out on the ride here, his father must have grabbed Ferdinand and his son, then stationed an Anguis soldier to watch the pawnshop with orders to pick up anyone who seemed overly curious. No one would have anticipated the Mirage, an electronic informant, coming out in the open to make physical contact with a resource.
If not for BAD, she wouldn't have been here.
Carlos had given Gabrielle three hours, tops, to search for her contacts, thinking they'd get in and out without drawing attention.
But Durand had surprised even him.
"I lost men taking those kids for you," Durand said in a quiet voice, the one that was meant to raise the hairs on a man's arm. "It is my business when you put my family at risk. What are those kids doing in the United States? On television?"
Durand continued just as quietly, more so. "If you cannot answer that, then explain the meeting at Fuentes. I thought the point in the attacks was to keep these countries apart."
Silence filled the gap, then Durand replied in a low voice that belonged to the demon he was, "I know about the meeting with Fuentes because I make everything that happens down here my business." Pause. "Why can you no explain now? What happens tomorrow at noon?" A long pause followed. "I will give you until then, but you owe me, Vestavia. You have not handed over Mirage yet."
Vestavia? Could that be Durand's connection to the Fratelli?
Carlos could tell Durand had closed his phone. The click of a lighter sounded, then cigar smoke billowed past the opening. The pungent scent of high-grade tobacco rolled into the room, where Carlos finally put things together from Durand's conversation.
With so much negative press going on with the fuel crisis and presidential election only days away, everyone would show up for the dog and pony show at the Capitol this afternoon. A staggering list of political power would be present.
What better place to attack with so much of the world focused on South America right now?
The Fratelli could be planning two attacks.
Carlos hadn't worked out the whole plan, but Joe and Tee needed this information.
When Durand answered a call on his desk phone that sounded as if it was from one of his legitimate business accounts, Carlos whispered at Gabrielle. "Listen."
She zeroed in on him and waited.
"I think an attack is planned for D.C. today."
Gabrielle nodded. "Okay, but I still don't understand."
"I don't exactly either, but I think the meeting in Columbia is to draw the world's attention and national security focus away from a U.S. media show. Think about it. All the politicians will be on hand at the Capitol Building this afternoon, both presidential candidates, including the president and his cabinet. Plus children who belong to powerful people, allies to the U.S."
Her eyes widened with comprehension.
"I can get you out of here." He'd been scabbing together a plan since they were grabbed.
"No. I want to stay with you."
He knew she meant now, but the desperation in her words shoved past his stalwart defense, the barrier he'd constructed to keep him from wanting a life he could never have. He wanted to stay with her, too. To wake up every day and see this woman next to him, hear her laughter, and hold her close.
That would never happen. Not now, when he only had one hope of getting her out of here. The reality of losing her crashed in on him, clawed his insides with the savage pain of a wounded beast.
He'd spent a lifetime lying, but this one had to be exceptional to convince her to leave without him. "It will be easier for me to escape without you. I need you to get word to Joe and Retter that those kids and the president are in danger."
Her eyes glistened with worry. "What about you?"
"Retter will get inside here and help me escape." Not unless he brought an army with him, but let him enjoy the fantasy of Retter bringing in an army to stomp Durand.
"How are you going to get me out of here?"
"Durand's sister lives in the compound." Carlos prayed she would help him. "I can trust her to take you out."
If she's here.
"How do you know you can trust her?"
"I just can. She isn't anything like him."
Gabrielle
opened her mouth to say something, then closed it and shook her head. She accepted his judgment of Durand's sister without question. He knew why. She trusted him and cared for him.
That wasn't going to last long.
Acid churned in his stomach over what he'd soon have to do.
"I don't know how much time we have before Durand comes to get us, so here's what I want you to do." Carlos gave her Joe's direct number that was answered 24-7. He told her exactly what to tell Joe to pass along to Retter, Korbin, and Rae for any hope of preventing an attack on the teens, the president, and members of Congress.
"What about you?" she asked. "You didn't tell me what to tell them for you."
"Tell Joe I'm at Durand's compound and it's a code black."
"Got it."
No, she didn't understand, but that was okay. He'd just told her to tell Joe he was dead to everyone since he would be by the time she was out of reach.
Durand ended his call, then clicked a button and said, "Julio, come here."
"One more thing," Carlos said to Gabrielle.
"What?" She focused on him, intent on whatever directions he gave her.
"No matter what happens...promise me you won't hate me."
Every line in her face softened. "I could never hate you. I love you." She stared at him with uncloaked love in her eyes.
Carlos couldn't believe he'd found a miracle like Gabrielle only to lose her. Hearing her declaration of love was almost too much to bear. He'd never intended to utter those words to another woman, but this would be his only chance.
"I love you, too, Gabrielle. You must believe that. Please, give me the promise I ask for." So I can die in peace.
"I'll do you one better. I promise to love you forever. I know there are things you haven't told me, but I trust you."
Hell. He'd be better off telling her now before she learned the truth in front of an audience. Carlos opened his mouth to speak, but heavy footsteps entering the dark room from Durand's office stopped him.
Julio walked in with four armed men. "We will untie you," he said to Carlos. "Make one wrong move and that one"-Julio pointed at a tall hombre with a severe mustache and attitude-"will blow her head off her shoulders. ?Entienden?"
"I understand." Carlos had one hand to play and it was winner take all. Once he was free from his bindings and standing, he reached over to help Gabrielle up.
Hammers on two weapons cocked loudly.
Carlos withdrew his hands, holding them up in the air. Gabrielle stood on her own, rubbing her arms, her fear palpable.
Julio led them into the office, then directed Carlos and Gabrielle to face Durand, who sat behind his desk.
"Who are you?" Durand asked Carlos.
"Tourists?"
Carlos got a gunstock in the back at his kidneys. He grunted and sucked down on the pain. He'd pee blood for a day or two, if he lived.
"It would be a shame for this young woman to pay for your back talk." Durand puffed on his cigar, staring intently at Carlos. "Julio says you were the black-ops leader who raided the chateau in St. Gervais. He was hidden belowground when you killed my men."
Just as Carlos had told Joe once years before, Durand Anguis operated like no other criminal. Carlos would bet Durand's men hadn't even known Julio was inside the chateau the whole time they were dying. He never lifted a finger to help his men.
Durand stepped around his desk, sucking on the cigar and studying Carlos. "I know you, si?"
Rather than answer that, Carlos said, "I have a deal to offer you."
Durand smiled with deprecating humor. "Must I remind you that you are not in a position to negotiate?"
"You'll want to hear this offer."
"Really?" Durand laughed. He returned to his chair, where he leaned back and propped his feet on the desk. "I am intrigued. So tell me this offer."
"Not without your sister Maria present."
Durand's feet slammed the floor as he stood in a rare show of emotion. "What do you know of her?"
"That Maria is a good woman," Carlos said slowly. "She was kind to me once. I trust her and am willing to make a deal with you for something you want very badly."
Gabrielle gasped.
Carlos couldn't spare her a glance. He wasn't ready to see the hurt in her eyes at what she was assuming-that he was going to give her up as Mirage. He should be insulted, but by the time this was done, she'd look at him with much worse than hurt.
"I do not have to trade." Durand eyed Carlos like a snake deciding when to attack. "I can make you tell me all I want to know for free."
Julio and his men snickered.
Carlos shoved ahead. "You can try, but you'll be gambling that you can force someone with my training to talk, and there's always the small problem of believing me."
"You will talk if she is the one in pain."
Gabrielle stood so still Carlos thought she might break if he touched her.
"I thought Anguis did not harm innocent women." Carlos watched the eyes of Durand's men, who glanced at their leader for confirmation. When silence continued, Carlos tossed out bait he doubted Durand could pass up. "What does it cost you to hear my offer? I know about the teenagers kidnapped in addition to Mandy, and that you're being manipulated by a powerful group."
Durand's dark eyes blackened with annoyance. "What game are you playing? Tell me about this group."
"I'm just showing you that I'll cooperate if you agree to a simple deal and let your sister hear it so I know you'll keep your word."
"You question my word." Durand's low voice always warned of more danger than did another man's raging.
"No, but you respect blood above all else." Carlos drew on all he'd ever known about this man to get what he wanted.
Durand's eyes lit with interest. "You say my sister was kind to you once? Then she will know you." He turned to Julio. "Bring Maria."
While Julio was gone, Durand had his men move Carlos and Gabrielle to sit in the side chairs as if they were invited guests. Carlos maintained a blank face and kept his gaze away from Gabrielle. He had to believe she would keep her word to him and contact Joe, no matter what. He leaned forward with elbows on his knees and propped his chin on his cupped hands.
He knew Maria would not fail him. His aunt had been the only constant in his life, the one person who had ever cared that he existed.
But she hadn't seen him since he was a teenager...or since his facial surgery. What if she didn't recognize him?
Carlos had spent many nights at his aunt and uncle's house, where he'd had a male role model of a man with integrity who loved his family. But his uncle died too young. When Carlos met Helena, he envisioned a marriage like the one his aunt and uncle had shared. He would always consider his aunt his only mother. She'd bandaged his cuts, fed him as one of her own, and held him the only time he'd cried-over losing Helena. The same day Carlos had made a pact with Maria to hide the truth about the bombing, then walked away to keep his aunt and Eduardo safe.
When Maria walked into Durand's office, Carlos endured physical pain at not being able to hug her. The years had not changed her, but the warm brown gaze creased in confusion when she took in Carlos and Gabrielle.
"Hola, querida Maria," Carlos said as he sat up, using his teenage greeting of "dear Maria" to give Carlos's aunt his identity immediately without Durand knowing.
Maria lifted trembling fingers to her forehead. She had to be trying to reconcile the voice and familiar greeting with the face.
Durand asked her, "You know this man?"
Before she could answer, Carlos took everyone back to the point of this meeting. "Now that your sister is here, let's discuss my offer."
Durand ignored him, waiting on his sister to answer.
The struggle to decide what to say warred in Maria's gaze. Carlos held his breath, praying she wouldn't say a word to undermine the deal he was cutting.
She nodded. "Si. He is familiar, but I want to hear this offer he makes you."
Durand gave Maria
a hard look. Carlos banked on the bond between these two to prevent Durand from forcing her to say more.
"Tell me!" Durand demanded.
"I'll give you Mirage-" Carlos flinched when Gabrielle sucked in a deep breath. But when he added, "And Alejandro Anguis," her muttered, "Bastard," cut deep.
Durand just stared at him mute.
Not a sound was made until Carlos heard sobbing and looked at Maria. She knew for sure now. Her watery gaze pleaded silently with Carlos to let her speak, but they'd made a deal and she had given her word.
"You can do this? Deliver both Alejandro and Mirage?" Durand demanded, amazement and excitement ripe in his question.
"Yes, but I want something in trade." Carlos hoped the next words would buy him some small redemption. "Let this woman"-he nodded at Gabrielle-"go free. Her only mistake was dating me. She knows nothing about any of this and will never risk saying a word once she leaves."
"Let her leave?" Durand stared in disbelief. "No."
"Durand," Maria said softly. "He has offered you what no one else has and asks far less than any other would in his place."
"You know this man, Maria?" Durand asked.
"I think so."
"Who is he?"
"I will no say unless you agree to his offer."
"Dios! You are family. How can you side with him?" Durand struggled to maintain his icy calm. He crushed his cigar in a glass tray.
"I will explain later, but first tell him you will make this deal. It is no so much to ask." His sister crossed her arms and jutted out that stubborn Anguis chin.
"His woman can cause me trouble," Durand pointed out.
Carlos chuckled sadly. "Take a look at her. Do you think she wants any part of this or that anyone will believe her? She has no proof of anything that has happened down here, and right about now she's ready to cut my throat for you."
Durand eyed Carlos curiously. "So why do you care about her safety and no yours?"
"Because I used her as cover to come search for an informant and owe her a safe return home."
No one spoke or moved for the next minute as Durand studied his dilemma.
"Who is your informant?" Durand crossed his arms, clearly not ready to make a deal.
"Like you haven't already gotten that information in your granero?" Carlos didn't want to share Ferdinand's name, but he'd bet the father and son were somewhere in this compound. Most likely in the heavily guarded shed. Or already buried.