Bad Men

by Stone, Piper

  Except for our attraction to Lindsey, a desire burning deep within.

  Shit. The last thing I needed to do was think those kinds of thoughts.

  “Agreed. How much do you know about the city?” I asked.

  “Enough to guide us where to go for cheap food and booze. Might even be able to find that burner phone you’re looking for.”

  I walked closer, the gun still in my hand. “Let me guess. That’s why Dante assigned you. You know this city like the back of your hand.”

  Diego nodded. “I know enough including more Spanish as well as Portuguese than you do. Comes in handy.”

  “Uh-huh. Anyone else here know who you are on any level in this country?”

  “Not possible. My assignment wasn’t in this area,” he answered.

  But he’d visited his buddy, Felipe. I could tell he was holding something back. “Fine. It’ll be dark soon. We’ll go out and get supplies, but this isn’t about sightseeing.”

  “You really think we’re being tracked?”

  “We’ve been through this. There’s no other explanation. If Lindsey isn’t awake, you need to get her out of bed.”

  “We can’t leave her here,” Diego hissed.

  “Oh, I have no intention of leaving her alone. She will not be allowed out of our sight.”

  “You mean out of yours.”

  Goddamn, the man was irritating as hell.

  I rubbed the stubble on my face as I studied his stern expression. “She is our responsibility. Period.”

  “Yeah, I hear you. I’m going to give you one piece of advice, Jack. Don’t fuck with her emotions. She doesn’t need that any more than you obviously do.”

  “And you’re immune, Diego? I saw the look on your face last night. I stand by what I said at the other house. You care about her.”

  He gave me one hard look before answering, “Doesn’t really matter. Does it?”

  Maybe he was right.

  “No, not in the least. We need a better way to hide the Jeep,” I said as my answer.

  “I can arrange that. Let’s get what we need then we’ll lose the vehicle for a couple of days.” As he walked off, I continued to wonder if we’d have a couple of days.

  “I’m awake,” Lindsey said with an edge to her voice. While she was wearing the same dress that she’d had on the night before, she’d found some way to style her hair, even applying makeup. She looked stunning, although a lump formed in my throat, forcing me to look away. Everything about Lindsey was a reminder of Teresa. The radiant glow of her hair. The way the light caught her eyes, creating an almost luminescent appearance. Even the tropical dress that barely covered her thighs was something Teresa would have worn.

  “Something wrong, Jack, or is it that you can’t stand to look at me any longer?” she asked as she walked closer.

  I snapped my head in her direction before checking the ammo on purpose in front of her. She needed a reminder that we weren’t taking a vacation.

  While her eyes opened wide, she said nothing else, but I could tell what had occurred the night before was a huge mistake for both of us.

  “We need to go,” I ordered, already heading toward the door. No, this wasn’t a vacation on any level.

  * * *

  Within minutes we were driving through the city, the local architecture beautiful. While completely modernized, there were pockets that catered to the ancient history. Beautiful cathedrals and colonial history. Whatever assignment Diego had been on, he knew the area much better than he wanted to let on.

  “Where are we going?” I finally asked as he moved away from the more modernized locations within the city.

  “The Plaza de Armas. We’ll find everything we need, including an off the beaten track restaurant in order to get something to eat.”

  “We’re not here for entertainment,” I countered.

  “No, we’re just going to remain prisoners,” Lindsey stated. “What’s wrong with enjoying a meal together? Or is that something neither one of you can do? We haven’t eaten much in two days.”

  “It’s called protection.” My answer was curt but necessary, although given the volume of people in the city, including thousands of tourists, the likelihood we’d be spotted was very small.

  “Jack,” Diego said, grinning. “You don’t see any soldiers on the streets, do you?”

  “I doubt the Serpent’s men will look like soldiers.” I scanned the area as he found a parking space, the various stores teeming with activity, sidewalk cafés already lined with people. There was even a fresh farmer’s-style market in the center of the square, the vivid colors and tropical atmosphere drawing hundreds. For all the dislike I had of Diego, the fact he knew the city was indeed a plus.

  We would blend in well enough, the clothes that had been provided creating the aura of tourists out exploring the city and nothing else. “Fine. Two hours then we leave.”

  “That will work. Let’s see if my favorite Mexican place is still here. You do enjoy Mexican food, don’t you? Jack?” As Diego cut the engine, yanking the keys, he hid his eyes behind dark sunglasses.

  “That’s fine. Stay close to the buildings and do not give your real name,” I instructed.

  “Who should I be? Anyone in particular, Jack?” she asked as she climbed out of the Jeep. Her biting remark cut to the very core. She was far too insightful.

  “Pick whatever name you want.” I moved us across the street quickly, constantly scanning the street. While there was no one paying a damn bit of attention, my gut still churned.

  “Fine. Then I’ll be Sophia,” she said in a whimsical fashion.

  I cringed hearing what she’d selected. The damn name was far too close to one I couldn’t get out of my mind.

  As we walked the streets, I was surprised at the crowds and the way the number of people allowed tension to ease. At least to a point. The first purchase had been a burner phone, the dollars spent minimal. We would use it only if necessary, but at least we had a backup.

  The few supplies would get us through a couple of days, which was all the time I figured we had. The odd thing was that a part of me wanted to remain where we were, sharing simple joys. Of course, the thought was ridiculous on every level, but the city itself was beautiful, perfect to share an adventure.

  And a love story.

  I settled my gaze on the lovely doctor, taking a deep breath. There was such a light inside of Lindsey, her eyes dancing as we passed by several local stores, the atmosphere within some almost garish.

  “Is it too much to ask if I can go inside?” she finally asked, looking directly into my eyes.

  “Go ahead,” Diego said quietly.

  She held out her hand like a small child would when being allowed into a candy store. “Can I have a small amount of cash?”

  Diego looked at me and what the hell was I supposed to say? “Just remember money is tight.”

  “I understand.” While she accepted the few bills that Diego offered, I could see a heightened level of consternation on her face.

  After she walked inside, Diego leaned against the side of the building. “This is getting stupid, Jack. I think we need to break the silence and risk the odds.”

  “I don’t disagree. We’ll wait until in the morning then I’ll contact Dante.”

  “Agreed.” He turned to face me, his eyes burning with anger. “What are you going to do when we safely get her to DC?”

  “You mean if.”

  He huffed. “Fine. Have it your way. I really wonder what happened to you during your time in the Marines. There’s something missing from your record. I don’t know what that is, but I can tell it’s what shaped the man you are today, not that girl you mentioned.”

  I laughed as I glanced into the store. Even the store owner was engaged by her, laughing at whatever Lindsey was saying. “You mean other than being in prison?”

  “Behind enemy lines?”

  I snorted, shaking my head. “I wish it was that simple, Diego.”

 
; He opened his eyes wide. “Wait a minute. Were you incarcerated by the military?”

  “Something like that. I’d just leave the subject alone.”

  “Shit,” he half whispered. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Nothing to say. I trusted someone that I shouldn’t have. I paid the price. I lived through it and moved on.”

  “The Specialists found you. Didn’t they?”

  There was no reason to lie. “Yep. Rotting away. They had some pull and got me out of there on the condition I come to work for them.”

  “I guess they’re into picking up lost souls. No wonder we’re all loyal like dogs.” Diego sighed as he studied the street. “I’m not sure I want to spend the rest of my life pretending to be one person or another. The job I did down here was shit. While I was able to find a missing and very precious work of art, it took five months of living in basic squalor. Shot at a thousand times. Chased by the police and the bad guys. Finally wound up in the hospital with a bullet wound. And I thought the gigs were going to be glamorous.” He chuckled, even shooting me a sly grin.

  I shrugged, breathing a sigh of relief as she walked in our direction. In her hand was a small bag. “Yeah, well, some of them are, but that doesn’t mean they are any less difficult. Just on another level. If you would do something else, what would it be?”

  “You know? Given what I learned on two missions, an art dealer. I’d have a little place on the beach, highlighting local artists. I have enough money saved. Just need to make the decision to do it.”

  I couldn’t help but give him a smile. “That actually sounds nice.”

  “And you?”

  “Killing people is all I know.”

  Diego chuckled as he leaned in closer. “That’s bullshit and you know it. I might even like that guy. Course, that’s if we were going to be friends, which we aren’t.”

  As she came closer, a smile on her face, I could tell she was holding a secret, as if she’d managed to do something to break the rules in her own way. How could anyone be so gentle and caring?

  “Is it time for dinner yet?” she asked.

  “Whatcha got in your bag, sweetheart?” Diego teased.

  “None of your business, but if you’re both very good, I might share with you later. Much later.”

  I wanted nothing more than to pull her into my arms, if for no other reason than to keep her close and safe. My instincts were kicking into overdrive and while there was no logical explanation for it, they’d never been wrong.

  Music seemed to be coming from everywhere, the sounds of Spanish guitar creating a festive atmosphere. I was forced to admit how hungry I was, sustenance a requirement. Hell, I also wanted a couple shots of tequila.

  “This is amazing,” she whispered, turning in a full circle in order to look into our eyes. “Come on, boys. Some good food isn’t going to kill us.”

  The restaurant was crowded but we were shown a table close to the back, the location not allowing us to see the doors but certainly more protected than many of the others. Both Diego and I scanned the area before sitting down, confident there was no one of suspicion located inside.

  After ordering, another round of quietness settled between us. I hated the awkwardness, but I’d never been one for small talk, even after spending weeks with Teresa exploring the most incredible sights.

  “You’re a million miles away, Jack,” Lindsey said over the din of the crowd.

  “I’m doing my job, Doctor. You should know that by now.” When the drinks arrived, only then did I shift my attention in her direction. “Just be good.”

  Lindsey laughed as she took a sip of her margarita, even closing her eyes as she swallowed. “You’re going to learn that I’m often not good. A rule breaker, some would say.”

  “I wonder why,” Diego teased, shaking his head.

  She gave him the kind of look that could melt any man’s heart, and I could tell it already had with Diego.

  “I’ll have you know that breaking the rules is often necessary in order to finesse a situation,” she added.

  “Oh, listen to this,” Diego chided.

  Chuckling, I leaned over, sliding a stray strand of hair from her face, the touch enigmatic. For a few seconds, there was no one else in the room. Her beautiful lips seemed to be very close, leaving my cock aching and my heart racing. I wanted everyone else to disappear. Jesus, I craved this woman no matter her behavior or what came out of her mouth.

  “Get a room.”

  I heard Diego’s words, could tell he’d been swept away by a moment or two of jealousy.

  A slight sigh pushed past her lips as she jerked back in her seat, immediately hiding behind the drink.

  A few seconds passed, the tension finally easing.

  “Tell me about your father,” I instructed.

  “We’ve gone through this before ad nauseam. There’s nothing to tell that is going to make me believe my father had anything to do with this.”

  “Answer the question, Lindsey. There could be something that was missed,” Diego encouraged.

  She shifted her hateful gaze in his direction. “He’s been the head of the hospital for almost fifteen years so he’s an important man as well as maintaining his surgical status. He has very influential friends, none of whom I would call criminals.”

  “What about this boyfriend of yours?” Diego asked.

  “I knew I shouldn’t have told you about him,” she countered. “Michael is an asshole and out of my life. That’s all you need to know.”

  “What’s his last name, Lindsey?” I pressed.

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m asking.”

  She rolled her eyes and leaned over. “If you’ll tell me about this girlfriend who carved out your heart with a spoon. Do I look like her? Is that it? Am I the spitting image of the woman who ripped you apart, leaving you a broken man?”

  Rearing back, I took and held a deep breath, twisting and turning the shot of tequila several times. “Answer the question.”

  “Fine. Michael Mancini. As I said before, the man isn’t in my life any longer. He believed my father had arranged for us to be married, as if I couldn’t make my own choices. The asshole honestly believed that I would submit to him, as if he was some kind of dominating God. That will never happen to me. No man is going to own me. Period.”

  Her caustic words were directed at me alone, the fury in her eyes exactly the same as I’d seen in Teresa’s. However, that wasn’t what concerned me.

  “Now, is it all right if I go to the bathroom all by myself or do I need a babysitter?” she snapped.

  I glanced at Diego who had one expression on his face.

  Amplified concern.

  “Don’t take too long,” I hissed through clenched teeth.

  She grabbed the shopping bag, glaring at me as she stood. I waited until she’d walked away before turning in his direction.

  “Michael Mancini. Does that name sound familiar to you?”

  He nodded. “If it’s who I think it is, her boyfriend has a hell of a lot more power and influence than her father. Do you think it’s possible there was some arrangement made between them?”

  “When it involves the mafia, all things are possible. What I don’t understand is why she doesn’t seem to think it’s important.”

  Diego shifted his chair closer. “Here’s what I know about the Mancini family. They run their operation from the shores of New Jersey through Virginia. They wouldn’t dare touch anywhere north or south from there. While they purchase a significant volume from their own suppliers, they were known for also utilizing the Miami Cartel when necessary.”

  “I don’t believe in coincidences, Diego.”

  “Neither do I,” he said under his breath, his body tenser than before. “As far as whether or not she knew, the Mancini family had one son who’d wanted nothing to do with the family operation. I don’t know his name or shit about him. It’s just something I heard out of Luis’ mouth before I went to prison. I gue
ss the kid was sent off to boarding schools his entire life.”

  “Do you think Luis has something to do with this?” I couldn’t understand any man who would consider selling off his own daughter under any circumstances. Perhaps Silas Walters had felt guilty for whatever offer he’d made to the Mancini family. No, the pieces weren’t falling into place on any level.

  “Hell if I know. Maybe a debt was owed to Luis Diaz, which is the real reason for my placement on this assignment.”

  “Then who the fuck is the Serpent to Diaz?”

  “Too many questions,” Diego huffed.

  “Yeah, and I have a bad feeling we’re not going to like the answers if we even get them.”

  He nodded several times. “And I doubt our illustrious handler has been authorized to provide any until we’ve finished with our operation.”

  “You’re suggesting he would even then. I’m beginning to doubt it. I think we’re going to need direct answers from her father. Then we’ll pay a little visit to the boyfriend.” We would also potentially need to hide her for a period of time, at least until we knew the truth.

  “If there is a direct connection to Diaz, we’ll need to be careful.”

  I chuckled as I studied him. “Don’t worry. You can have your kill shot if it comes to that.”

  “Very funny but I’ll take it.” He scanned the restaurant again before tossing back his tequila. “The doctor looks that much like this woman you were in love with?”

  I gritted my teeth hearing the question. “Yep.”

  “Dante knew that, didn’t he?”

  I couldn’t take the fury out of my expression as I glared at him. “Now you see why this is pissing me off.”

  “We’re being tested for our loyalty for some shitass reason.”

  “That’s what I’m thinking and it’s pissing me off more every day.” I shifted my gaze toward the bathroom before checking my watch. “She’s been in there too long.”

  “She’s not going to do anything stupid.”

  “Stay here.” I moved quickly toward the hallway, pushing my way through several customers until I was able to reach the bathroom door. There was no hesitation as I bolted inside, ignoring the various cries of horrified women. “Lindsey. Are you in here?”