by P. T. Macias
Claudia is hysterical. She sobs out of control. Oh dios mio. Please, please take care of Roberto, she prays.
“Agent De La Cruz, we have direct orders to take you to the hospital,” says Redfox. “Razer 8 is good.”
Everything transpires quickly and Claudia is taken to the hospital.
Redfox is ready to leave after delivering Claudia to the medical facility. He’s at the door when Claudia stops him.
“Oh dios mio, please tell me if Roberto De Leon is safe,” implores Claudia.
Redfox shakes his head and turns to leave.
“Please, don’t leave without telling me! I need to know!” she yells.
Redfox stops and turns to look at Claudia soberly. “Ms. De La Cruz, you’re aware that the operative’s status is classified,” replies Redfox. “Best wishes.”
Loco is on the bed in the operating room, surrounded by doctors.
“Dr. Canon, I think that we lost him,” says Dr. Blackstone. He’s keeping up with the urgency with which Dr. Canon is working to save Loco.
“He will make it,” says Dr. Canon.
Loco stands next to the doctors working on him. He looks at his body and sees the urgency that the doctors are using to save him.
I wonder why they keep on working on me. I’m gone. I’m heading towards that brilliant light down that tunnel, thinks Loco. The only thing that’s keeping me from running towards the tunnel is Claudia. I need to talk to her. I need to tell her that I feel her, our almas are one, and that she’s mia for eternity.
I don’t see how I can tell her. I told her last night. I pray that she always remembers that I love her for eternity, he thinks.
He walks towards the light. He hears the doctor’s urgency in trying to bring him back. They’re anxiously doing everything to save him.
Loco shrugs and walks towards the light, smiling. Oh dios mio, that’s my Mama smiling at me.
“Mama, I miss you,” yells Loco. He runs to her at the edge of the tunnel that leads to the light.
“Mi hijo, I love you. Mi hijo, you need to return to your Claudia. She needs you. It’s not your time to join us,” says Mama Lucy.
“Mama, I want to stay with you. I want to see my Padre and my hermano, Miguel,” says Loco. He hugs his Mama.
“Mi hijo, you need to return to Claudia. You have a long future with her and your bebe,” says Mama Lucy.
“Bebe?” repeats Roberto. He gazes into Mama Lucy’s eyes. He’s confused and curious. “Claudia is going to have my bebe?”
“Yes, my son. You will be a wonderful Padre. You need to return to take care of your familia. Remember that your familia is the most important thing in this world,” says Mama Lucy. “I have to return.”
“Mama, I love you,” says Loco. His tears fall down his face.
“Operative De Leon, do you hear us!” asks Dr. Canon. He observes the tears fall down Loco’s face.
“Dr. Blackstone, he appears to be crying. His vitals are now stabilized,” says Dr. Canon.
“Yes, it looks like he’s back,” agrees Dr. Blackstone, nodding. “I really thought we lost him.”
“I did too, but for some unknown reason I kept at it,” replies Dr. Canon. He shakes his head with disbelief.
Wow, I didn’t think he was going to make it. This is unreal. He was gone for a couple minutes, muses Dr. Canon.
“Dr. Canon, I believe that Operative De Leon will make it,” says Dr. Blackstone.
“Yes, I think so,” replies Dr. Cannon, nodding.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Oh dios mio, thinks Claudia. Please take care of Roberto and keep him safe. Please don’t take him away from me.
She stares at the door waiting for Loco to walk in. I need Roberto to walk into my room. Nobody wants to give me any information. I don’t know if he’s alive or injured. I’m dying. Ice didn’t want to disclose any information.
The doctors thoroughly inspected my body for injuries. They took tons of blood tests and also had the psychiatrist visit me. Yeah, she wanted me to admit that I was raped. They insist that they know that I was a virgin from their last exam. They also noticed all of Roberto’s love bites. I can’t tell them about Roberto.
They wanted to give me the medication to prevent pregnancy. Yeah, the morning after pill, hell no! Wow, that really hit me hard. Yes, of course, I could be pregnant. I missed my appointment for the birth control shot. I didn’t bother to reschedule my appointment. Si, I thought that my mission would be over and I that I wouldn’t need it.
Claudia’s eyes tear up. She closes her eyes. I will know before I go home if I’m pregnant. I will not allow them to end my bebe’s life. Hell no! I wouldn’t allow it. I know that Roberto will come searching for me. I have to believe this. I saw his amor (love) in his eyes and felt his alma (soul), ponders Claudia.
She wipes the tears from her face. I will be strong for Roberto and our bebe. The Bureau will not allow my familia to visit me until all the tests results have been cleared.
She buries her face into the pillow, curling up into a ball. She falls asleep from exhaustion.
“Any news,” asks Panther, approaching Ghost. Yeah, I know Ghost is hurting. They’re close like brothers, he thinks.
“No news, they’re still operating on Loco,” replies Ghost. He’s sitting in one of the hospital’s waiting room chairs. He’s leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He rubs his head with his hands, with frustration and fear.
“I’m praying that he comes out okay. You and I know what his dream is and how hard he has worked to achieve it. I can’t think of losing Loco. He’s like family. He’s like my brother,” says Ghost.
“Hey, we need to be positive. He’s strong and stubborn. He will be okay. Ghost, we have to have faith,” says Panther. He takes a seat next to Ghost. “The team is praying for him.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m wondering what made him go back. Why go back when he’s at pickup with the cargo?” asks Ghost. He looks up, to look at Panther.
“Yeah, that’s what the team has been wondering. We know that he takes risks, but to intentionally return to the fire is insane,” replies Panther.
Ghost and Panther leap up from the chair as they watch Dr. Canon approach.
Dr. Canon approaches Ghost and Panther.
“We managed to save Operative De Leon. We almost lost him once. The surgery was a success. His injuries were a small gunshot wound to the stomach and two other gunshot wounds to his right thigh and left shoulder. We performed laparoscopic exploration and were able to repair several injuries to his small bowel. The thigh and shoulder injuries are superficial wounds,” says Dr. Canon.
“Hell, yes! Loco is going to survive!” groans Ghost. His voice is raspy from his anxiety and fear of losing Loco. Thank you god, thinks Ghost. He closes his eyes for a few seconds.
“Fantastic news, Dr. Canon,” says Panther, nodding. He glances at Ghost swallowing his tears.
“We had difficulty assessing the extent of the damages done by the gunshot wound. He was bleeding severely. It helped that he was brought into the hospital immediately. Operative De Leon is stabilized and in ICU.”
“Can we see him?” ask Ghost.
“Right now, it wouldn’t be a good idea. He needs rest and is being monitored. He’s still in critical condition. You can visit him in the morning. He will be here for a few weeks,” says Dr. Canon. He observes Ghost and Panther.
“Okay, Dr. Canon, we understand,” replies Panther.
“Yeah, thanks,” says Ghost.
The next day, Claudia is trying to eat some breakfast. I can’t eat this, it’s gross. I want to go home and talk to my Mama, thinks Claudia.
I need to take care of several issues. When I’m released from here, I’m going straight to speak to Ice. I’m going to ask him to search for Roberto. I need him to tell me he’s well. I have this awful anxiety that’s driving insane. I’m going to resign. Hell, yes, especially since the doctors confirmed that I’m pregnant. Wow, I’m having my Roberto�
�s bebe. This really gives me strength to continue living. I need to get strong for our bebe. I know that Roberto will search for me, muses Claudia.
There’s a knock on Claudia’s room. Hmm, I wonder who it is. Can it be Roberto? wonders Claudia.
She smiles, looking at the door. “Come in,” says Claudia. Oh si, my Baby is here, she thinks.
The door opens and Ice walks into the room “Hi, Claudia, how are you feeling?” asks Ice. “The doctors advised that you’re doing well, but that you’re pregnant. They also stated that you refuse to take the morning after pill to prevent this pregnancy.”
“Ice, this is not the Bureau concern,” replies Claudia. She stares at Ice. “I have every right to continue with this pregnancy. I want this baby. I told the doctors a million times that I was not raped!” says Claudia. “I need you to look for the delta force operative that rescued me. I need to know that he’s ok. I need to talk to him. Ice please, please I need you to locate him and learn his status.”
“Claudia, you know damn well that a delta force operative’s status is classified. Your status is classified. I can’t help you. Why do you want to talk to him?” asks Ice. He observes Claudia. I wonder what the urgency is. What’s the real reason that she needs to locate him?
“I need to thank him for rescuing me. I need to know that he’s well,” replies Claudia. She returns Ice’s stare.
I will not tell him that Roberto is the padre of my bebe. I don’t want the agencies to discipline him. I don’t want them to think that he took advantage of me. Hell no, they don’t need to know, ponders Claudia.
“Claudia, I’m sorry. You’re asking the impossible. You know damn well that the agencies are protective of their operatives. That’s the way it is,” Ice calmly states.
“This is absurd, Ice. I’m an FBI agent. I will not hurt him, ever! I need you to get me his information,” yells Claudia. “I’m resigning. I can’t take this work anymore!”
“Claudia, I think you should go home and rest. You can think about it and let me know if you still want to resign. You’re an asset to Bureau. You speak Spanish and you’re able to infiltrate easily into the drug rings,” says Ice.
“Ice, I’m telling you now that I made up my mind. You have been informed that I’m pregnant. I’m not going to risk putting my baby in any jeopardy,” says Claudia.
“Damn, yes, I was informed. I understand your position. Okay, Claudia, I can have you out on maternity leave,” says Ice. “I really don’t want to lose you.”
“Ice, I thank you for your belief in my abilities. I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to take care of my baby,” replies Claudia. He looks at him somberly.
Ice stares at Claudia with frustration. Damn it all to hell! Claudia is an excellent agent. She’s perfect for these missions. Maybe she’ll change her mind after she has this baby. Damn it, who’s the father? he thinks.
“Okay Claudia, I understand. I’ll be happy to take you back after you have the baby,” says Ice.
“Ice, I don’t want you to wait. I’m not returning,” responds Claudia. “I’ve made up my mind.”
Ice sees her determination. “Okay, I understand,” says Ice. “When you’ve rested for a few days, I need you to stop by the office. I need you to sign the paperwork.”
“Okay, will do,” replies Claudia.
Ice nods and he turns to leave. He stops at the door. “Don’t try to locate the operative. It will be impossible,” says Ice. He walks out.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Claudia is walking out of the medical doctor’s office. She smiles with happiness as she strides towards her car.
Oh dios mio, my bebe is healthy. I’m having a boy. I’m so happy. Si, I know that Roberto will be pleased. She wipes a tear from her cheek.
I haven’t been able to get any information on Roberto. Every agency where I inquire about him refuses to provide any information. It’s classified, they maintain. I need to know that he’s alive. I need to confirm that he’s well. I know that he would be here with me if he was well. I need to be with him. I can feel that he’s alive. I’m going crazy. This is the only thing that’s keeping me from being one hundred percent happy.
Claudia reaches her car. She looks around out of habit. She slides into her car.
Wow, I’m still acting like if I’m undercover. I pray that I will be able to live a normal life. Christopher also resigned at the same time. Ice is annoyed. Si, Veronica and Christopher are happy.
She stares straight ahead, not noticing her surroundings. She’s in deep thought.
I have to tell my Mama that I’m pregnant. I’m going to start showing soon. I’m sixteen weeks. Oh dios mio, I can’t believe it. My padres are going to be upset, but I know that they will love my bebe.
What should I tell them about Roberto? I know they will have lots of questions.
She wipes her tears away with her fingers, closing her eyes.
She sees Roberto smiling, gazing into her eyes. She hears him clearly in her mind.
“Si, Baby, I feel you. Te amo,” replies Loco. “My alma has loved you since the beginning of time. I know this is amor, you’re my alma gemela.”
Si, I have to remember and believe in his amor, thinks Claudia. She wipes her tears.
I have to get home and talk to my Mama. I need to get my room ready for my bebe. Si, I’m going to ask Monique to help me decorate my room, she thinks.
Ghost walks into Loco’s room, smiling. Damn yes, Loco is ready to leave this damn hospital, muse Ghost.
“Why are you so happy?” growls Loco. He pulls on his black t-shirt. “Did you get the information that I want? Did you look for her?”
“Loco, yes. I finally located her. Damn, Loco, you really want her! You’ve been driving me crazy with your demands. I had to contact my ex-partner to get her information. You know this is against policy,” says Ghost. He shakes his head. He hands Loco the information.
“Ghost, I don’t need you to give me grief. I need to locate her,” says Loco. He takes the paper, glances at the address, and then shoves it in his pants.
He grinds his teeth. Hmm, this still hurts. Yeah, but I’m gone. I need to get to Claudia and my bebe. My Mama told me she’s having my bebe and I believe it, thinks Loco.
“Damn, why won’t you tell me why you want to talk to her? You won’t tell me what happened,” says Ghost. He glares at Loco. “What happened?”
Loco glares back. I’m not telling him shit. This is sacred. Claudia is my mujer (woman) and I’m not going to explain anything to Ghost. Yeah, he’s like my brother, but Claudia is my mujer. I still haven’t told him that I resigned from the agency. I know he’s going to be pissed, he muses.
I’ve had a lot of time to think. It’s clear that I won’t be able to live without Claudia. I understand what my Mama meant. Yeah, my familia is the most important thing in my life. I will not let Claudia go. I will not sacrifice my amor, my alma gemela for a job. This is a job and Claudia is my world, he thinks.
“Ghost, I need you to take me to my apartment. I have to get my bike,” requests Loco. He looks at Ghost.
“Loco, you’re insane. You can’t ride your bike. I came to pick you up in a rental,” replies Ghost. He glares at Loco. “What’s so damn urgent that it can’t wait a few more weeks?”
“Ghost, you’re my hermano, you know that!” says Roberto glaring at Ghost. “I’ll tell you on the way home.”
Ghost follows Loco down the hall and out the hospital. He notices Loco’s exertion of will to continue when he hurts.
Damn, stubborn Loco, he’ll never quit. This is insane. He won’t back down. He’s still not a hundred percent recovered, muses Ghost.
They reach the parking lot. Ghost strides quickly down the lot ahead of Loco. He walks to the black SUV at the end of the parking garage.
Ghost opens the door and Loco slides into the rented SUV. Damn, at least he rented this SUV, muses Loco. He closes his eyes and leans back into the seat.
Ghost slides into his seat an
d starts the SUV. He backs out. “Loco, I need you to tell me everything. Why the urgency to talk to the FBI agent? Oh yeah, it took longer to get the information because she’s not with the Bureau anymore,” says Ghost.
Loco opens his eyes, turns slightly towards Ghost. Hell yes, my baby did resign. This is fantastic. I don’t have to worry about her. Everything will work out. I know it, he thinks.
“Well, I’m waiting,” says Ghost. “We have a while to get to your apartment.”
“Damn it! This is between us! I don’t want you to mention this to the team,” says Loco. “You know that I resigned?”
Ghost turns to look at Loco furiously. “Fuck no! Hell no! Why did you do that for Loco! You’re my partner!” growls Ghost, in a low tone.
“Ghost, I’ve made up my mind. I have other priorities,” replies Loco. “I need to locate Claudia. She’s my woman. I’m going to marry her.”
“Fucking hell, no!” says Ghost, in a low tone. He glances over at Roberto. “You don’t know her.”
“Yeah, I do. My alma has known her for eternity. She’s mine,” states Loco. “I won’t back down on this.”
“Yeah, I can see it. You’re so damn stubborn,” says Ghost. He pulls into the apartment parking lot.
“We’ll talk later. I need to go to Claudia,” says Loco. He slides out to go around the SUV. He takes the keys from Ghost. “Later.”
“Damn, Loco, you’re stubborn. You’re still not well. You don’t know this girl,” says Ghost. He shakes his head. Damn it, he thinks.
“Ghost, don’t you feel this way about your woman?” asks Loco. He glares at Ghost. Yeah, just what I thought, he thinks.
Ghost glares back. Fucking hell! I will not discuss Andrea with him, muses Ghost. I plan on taking the next step soon. It’s not the same. I’ve known Andrea for a few weeks.
Loco slides into the seat and slams the door. He starts the SUV and pulls out. He flicks his hand when pulling out.
