EXPLOITING AJ

by Tl Reeve

  “This is why we have to be in constant communication.” Noah grabbed his phone. “I have to tell Asher.”

  “Might as well send him all of the intel.” Luca handed Noah a thumb drive. “Everything I explained to them along with the photographs are on this drive. Use it wisely.”

  Noah grunted. “Thanks.”

  “But, it’s not the only thing I have.” Luca glanced at Thomas then Murray. “Remember the man from the club—Sergio Alcaraz?”

  Thomas frowned. “How could I forget?”

  “Yes, well,” Luca stated, “he is part of the Pueblo Cartel, a multi-billion dollar organization who is responsible for some of the most lucrative drug trafficking for North America. According to him and as we suspected, Pueblo has found out about Bex as well and is willing to use her as leverage against Raul. They’ve teamed up with Los Trios for the time being to accomplish their goal.”

  “Son of a bitch,” Murray snarled. “How the fuck?”

  ‘How the fuck?’ indeed. They couldn’t run both ops at the same time. Hannah, Christian, and Scotty were counting on them. “We have to finish this first. We can’t show our hand.”

  Noah grunted. “I agree. As much as it sucks and believe me, it’s eating me up, we can’t tip off Raul. He’s our target for this mission. Once we’re done here, we can figure out the situation with Bex. Until then, I’ll get with Asher and see if we can figure out a temporary solution.”

  Relief surged through AJ. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. We still have to get through this assignment first.” Noah unfurled a map and a blueprint of the building where Scotty was being held. On the exterior view, black circles had been made around the entry and exit points. X’s were made on the boarded-up windows. It was the same map shown to them the day they’d been given the assignment. According to Murray and Jaqueline’s intel, everything above the third floor was wide open. There were no boards on the windows. No graffiti. If she had to guess, the windows were bullet proof, protecting everyone inside and just because the place appeared pristine, but empty, she believed there were sensors on every window and the roof access door. For Raul to have as many people as he did, coming and going from the establishment, there had to be certain protections for his product.

  “There is an in-house alarm system. It doesn’t alert the police, but it will send all of Raul’s men running to whatever section of the building that’s been triggered. The only way to kill the power to the system, is to enter the basement and shut it down from the inside. Killing the power to the building will do nothing. The alarm runs on generator power as well.” Noah pointed to the small basement alcove where the alarm was located. “To get to it, you have to avoid three sets of armed guards.”

  “Sounds fun,” Luca said. “But something tells me we’re not going to touch it.”

  “You’d be correct,” Noah said. “We’ll do everything like we would at home. We go straight on. Luca, you’ll be inside with one of your women along with Thomas and AJ and Jaqueline and Murray.”

  The doors to the library opened and a man stepped inside. “Sorry I’m late.” He stepped forward with three envelopes. “It took a little longer than we anticipated.” The guy stood a little over six foot and had a medium build. His brown eyes matched the color of his hair and his skin was a warm shade of copper.

  “Everyone, this is Miguel,” Noah said. “One of our inside people.”

  “I’ll be damned,” AJ muttered. “It’s good to finally meet you in person.”

  Miguel glanced at AJ. “Likewise. You must be one of Tex’s people.”

  She nodded. “I am.” She held out her hand. “I’m AJ.”

  He shook her hand. “You’re the hacker Tex talks about along with your partner, Scotty.”

  “Yeah. How...how is he?” She swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check.

  “He’s good. A bit banged up, but healing. Santiago has been keeping tabs on Scotty and since I was bringing the invitations to you, Santiago also sent this along with me.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and unlocked it before pressing a couple of buttons on the screen. “Don’t ask how he was able to do this, but he did.” Miguel turned the phone, so they could see it.

  AJ gasped.

  Jaqueline sucked in a breath.

  Murray choked.

  There on the screen were Christian, Scotty, and Hannah. They were in a swimming pool and they were all smiling. AJ couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Her mind couldn’t process the information contained in over a million pixels. Had Santiago told them who he was? Had Scotty told Hannah and Christian who he was? No. They wouldn’t put the mission in danger. Though it sounded terrible of her, AJ knew Scotty wouldn’t breathe a word of it around anyone who might tell.

  “Hannah,” Murray murmured. He stepped forward taking the phone from Miguel and stared at it.

  AJ couldn’t even begin to imagine how it must have felt to see his sister after ten long years. They’d both changed and grown up. In some respects, she wondered if Murray’s hard front was due to losing Hannah all those years ago.

  She glanced up and caught Thomas staring a hole in her. His green eyes were filled with relief but also resoluteness and determination. Staring at him as she did, she understood it was all for Scotty and bringing him home to her. Her heart gave a soft thump of approval but also sank.

  If, in those few scant seconds they stared at each other, he was promising to bring Scotty home to her, did it mean Thomas didn’t want her now and this was his way out? She looked away, not wanting to contemplate the truth of her assessment, especially with how distant he’d been since she woke up.

  The thought of Thomas leaving her tore a hole in her heart, but again, she shoved it down. Giving into the hell caused by her indecision, wouldn’t help them now. She had to concentrate on the meeting.

  “There will be four armed guards on the entrance from the tunnel. They will have metal detectors, so if you think you’re getting any firearm into the building, you’re wrong. If you think you’ll be able to bring any types of devices into the building you’re wrong. They also can’t be bought off. Raul has a strict policy at the club. Anyone seen hurting the merchandise is given a chance to redeem themselves—through mutual combat. Since Santiago has come to the Cartel, he has been Raul’s right hand man. He has also been the one to take down anyone who breaks the rules. The second biggest rule of Raul’s cartel, don’t accept bribes.”

  “What’s the punishment for bribery?” Thomas asked.

  “A slow painful death,” Miguel said. “Raul cuts out their tongue and buries them in the desert for the birds.”

  AJ shivered.

  “Once you’re inside, you have time to mingle with the submissives available for purchase. You can either make a silent bid on the person of your choice, or you can bid on them during the auction. This part goes fast. Raul wants each person to have as much time with their new toy before the evening is over. You will leave the same way you arrive.”

  “Which brings us to the next point of order,” Noah said. “We’re not leaving the way we came.”

  “Breach?” AJ arched a brow.

  “Yes. The minute Luca bids on Christian, we will breach.” Noah held up a small listening device. “This has already been placed in the club in strategic places. It is undetectable and can pick up conversations at least five hundred feet away from it.”

  “They’re also noise canceling, so no one who is listening in, will have strain to hear what’s happening over the music,” Miguel added. “When I return, I will make Santiago and Scotty aware of the situation. They will know when it is time to breech and when you will arrive. Don’t be overeager to go to him.” He looked to Murray and Jaqueline. “Same for you, too. Don’t run to your sister’s side or your brother’s.”

  “Understood,” Murray stated.

  Miguel gave Noah his full attention. “If there is nothing else, I should return. I don’t want to raise any suspicions.”

&nb
sp; “We appreciate it,” Noah said. “Thank you.”

  “The best way to thank me,” Miguel replied, “is to shut that place down for good.”

  “Then you’re in luck, because we intend to,” Noah said.

  Luca stepped forward then. “I made contact with my person inside the Federales,” Luca said. “We have a meeting setup for two this afternoon, so we can go over the plan with them.” He placed a stack of photographs on the table. The one on top had been of the front of the building. “This is how we’ll go in.”

  “Through the front?” AJ stared up at him. “Won’t they see you coming?”

  “You do worry about me, how... Endearing.” Luca smirked as he pulled a red marker from his pocket then grabbed two of the pictures. “My people will be stationed here.”

  “In the quad area?” Murray stared at the photos. “Why?”

  “There is a festival, nothing major, more for the coming holidays. With all the noise and people, no one from the club will notice the Federales enjoying the event. At midnight, when the final auction has concluded, I will send the signal to breach.”

  “How?” Noah asked. “No cell phones can get in.”

  The feral look AJ had seen before in Luca’s eyes returned. “Don’t worry about it, I have my ways. This is my town and my people. Just be ready at midnight.”

  AJ didn’t like it. Warning bells went off in her head. Everything could fall apart because they were leaving this mission to chance and to Luca. She stepped forward to say something but felt a hand on her arm. She glanced up. Thomas stood beside her, a stern look on his face. His gaze reflected the same wariness she felt. She wasn’t alone. Perhaps, Thomas finally understood her. Understood why she didn’t trust the CIA agent as far as she could throw him—which wasn’t very far to begin with.

  “Fine,” Noah said. “We’ll go over the plan in greater detail with the officers at our meeting. Until then, I suggest everyone begin preparation. Once we’re a go, there’s no backing out. Our countdown has begun. T-minus eight hours and counting.”

  Miguel went through the protocols for checking back in once he returned from Luca’s house. He hated being in the club, but hated lying more so. When he left the building, he told Raul he’d been delivering the invitations to perspective clients of Raul’s, but in reality, he was bringing in traitors. People, who, if Raul found out, would end in Miguel’s death. Being a Federales didn’t have much protection. Every day, another group of officers were being killed. Some were skinned, others were beheaded and hung by their feet from overpasses.

  Every day there were other dangers that were increasingly becoming unavoidable. At least being in the club and serving drinks had its advantages. He and his family had the protection of the Nieto Cartel. For how long, though, he didn’t know. Luca was right. The Pueblo Cartel wanted Nieto’s territory and yes, the FLDS was making its march into Mexico, but what Raul didn’t understand was, he wouldn’t make it out alive.

  Raul had a hit on his head.

  He should have told Noah and his team, but the idea of physically saying Raul’s days were numbered, especially since Bex was in trouble and a team was embedded with her, would cause everyone to go on alert and most likely bump up the timeline. He couldn’t do it. Not yet. Maybe after the auction when they could all breathe.

  Miguel knocked on Santiago’s door then stepped into the number two’s office for the Nieto Cartel. The FBI agent looked ragged. As though he’d been killing people for too long. It didn’t make sense how an FBI guy could go undercover and kill without compunction. He’d been tempted to ask, however, the fear of being found out, prevented him.

  “Hey,” Santiago said. “Everything go okay?”

  “Yeah. They saw the photo. The plan is in place.” He took a seat in the empty chair across from Santiago. “I think they were surprised.”

  “I bet,” the man said. “We only have a few more hours of this bullshit and we’re free.”

  Santiago, yes. Miguel, no. He’d always be ensnared within the cartel. There was no getting out for him. “True. They have everything planned.”

  “Good. We have to appear as if we don’t know what’s going down.” Santiago sat back in his chair. “I’ll do what I have to, to protect Hannah.”

  Another thing that stuck in Miguel’s crawl. Santiago would risk everyone in the cartel to protect a single person. He became fixated on her. Everything Santiago did included Hannah. He supposed it would, though, after Raul gave the guy Hannah to protect and train, however, Santiago never touched her. If he did, it wasn’t anywhere where Miguel could see it. “Wouldn’t expect anything less.”

  Santiago narrowed his eyes as he stared at Miguel. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end. This man scared the shit out of him and even though he didn’t or couldn’t betray him, Miguel would do whatever was necessary to stay alive. “You’re nervous.”

  “Of course, Jefe. Aren’t you?”

  “Stone-cold straight.” Santiago held out his hand and it didn’t tremble. “You get used to it over time. Sucks betraying your boss.”

  Miguel shrugged. “Not really betraying anyone. My boss is the Mexican Government and the City of Juarez.”

  The man scrubbed his chin. “I like you.”

  He didn’t know if he should laugh or cry. “Thank you. I like you, too.”

  “Go get a drink. Eat. Get laid. I need you sharp for tonight, because tomorrow you’re a free man.”

  Miguel frowned. He’d never be a free man. His position would always be bought and paid for. If it wasn’t Nieto, it was Pueblo. If it wasn’t Pueblo it might be Los Trios. The life of a Federales was short and replaceable. “Sure, eat and get laid. Should be easy around here.” He winced when the words fell from his lips. “Not the girls here, Santiago, I meant town.” He left off the, ‘promise,’ part of his statement.

  “See that you do. We don’t touch those who don’t have a say,” Santiago said, glaring at Miguel, “Comprender?”

  “Si, Jefe,” he answered.

  “Good. Our guests start arriving at eight, make sure you’re back by six.” Santiago returned his attention to the file in front of him, effectively dismissing Miguel.

  “Six it is.” He stood to leave but was held in place by Santiago’s grasp. “Jefe?”

  “I find out you told anyone about this little discussion or the invitations to our friends, you won’t make it out of here alive. Do you understand?” Santiago snarled.

  “I do.”

  “Good. Now, go. You only have a few hours of free time left.”

  Miguel hurried from Santiago’s office. Maybe coming back to work wasn’t a good idea after all. Yet, if he didn’t...

  I’m screwed.

  Chapter 9

  He had to tell her the truth.

  Scotty paced his room. Since he’d arrived in Mexico, everything had been a waking nightmare. Between his bruised ribs and the stupid fucking training he had to endure, he knew if AJ and Thomas didn’t rescue him soon, he’d lose his shit and then, Raul would kill him. His only saving grace besides knowing Thomas and AJ would be there soon, was Hannah and Christian.

  Which brought him back to his initial dilemma.

  The truth.

  Telling Hannah her brother was on the way, could have the whole mission blowing up in his face. Not telling her and her getting hurt because of some misguided allegiance would devastate Murray and the team.

  Scotty glanced up as the door opened. Hannah and Oscar were there. Shit. He couldn’t tell her now. Not with Raul’s right hand man in the room. That bastard, for as nice as he could be, wasn’t a good guy. He killed people for pleasure. Right or wrong. He didn’t have a noble bone in his body.

  “Time to get dressed.” Oscar picked up the box off of Hannah’s lap. “Raul gave you this suit to wear. It’s expensive. Don’t ruin it.”

  The man’s demeanor had changed, too. Scotty inclined his chin as he took the box and placed it on his bed. Anything else?

  “Be ready by
seven,” Oscar said. “Food will be sent to your room. Eat it all.”

  Hannah glanced up at the man beside her and frowned. What Scotty wouldn’t give to know what she was thinking. She turned her attention to Scotty and gave him a small smile. “Well, this is it. I guess after tonight...”

  Sure. After tonight. Scotty lifted the corner of the box. The black suit laying in a bed of satin surprised him. You sure this will fit?

  “It’ll fit,” Oscar said. “Let’s go Hannah.”

  Ah, wait. Scotty’s hands shook. His heart hammered. He needed a minute to tell her the truth no matter if the truth would get all of them killed. She had to know. If anything happened and they got separated, he’d never be able to live with himself. Can I talk to Hannah, alone?

  Oscar stared at him. A tingle of dread slid down Scotty’s spine and settled in his gut, knotting it with anxiety. “Yeah. For a minute. We have shit to do.”

  Scotty grunted. Thank you.

  When Oscar stepped out of the room, Hannah wheeled closer to him. Her eyes were wide. Her hands were trembling. She felt it, too. The impending doom. It was as if whatever happened during the auction, everything would go tits-up and they might not make it out alive.

  You’re worried, she signed. About tonight.

  Yeah. He nodded. Not why I needed to talk to you, though.

  Oh? What’s wrong?

  Scotty sat on the edge of his bed and contemplated the right way to say Murray’s name, especially since he’d only met the guy once, through a video conference. I’m not who you think I am.

  Okay. She placed her hand on his knee. Who are you?

  My name is Scotty. I am deaf. But, I shouldn’t be here. He blew out a breath. I’m here because of your brother. Murray.

  She flinched as though he’d hit her with his words. Murray sent you here?

  Kind of. He frowned. Your brother has been looking for you, for ten years. Just so happens another mission brought us to your door, here. Had it not been for Jaqueline’s persistence when it came to her brother, they may have never found Hannah.