by DV Berkom
An hour later, they were back at Carlos’s apartment. The exposed brick walls and heating ducts worked with the elegance of the Turkish carpets and Mission-style furniture he favored, although the modern touches matched the hi-tech, open-concept kitchen. His floor-to-ceiling living room windows overlooked the Tenderloin District.
The Tenderloin, or TL to residents, had a long history of attracting colorful characters. Although known for its violent crime, Leine made certain April was always safe. She also wanted her daughter to be familiar with different lifestyles in the belief that she’d grow into a less prejudiced human being. So far, it seemed to be working. April enjoyed chatting up the trannies outside of Divas and had made friends with several of them. Often, she put together bags of necessities to hand out to homeless people in the neighborhood.
After the movie and a quick game of Spades, April slipped off to bed, leaving Leine and Carlos alone on the couch with the last of a bottle of wine they’d opened for dinner. Leine leaned her head on his shoulder and looked out the window at the lights below them. In the corner, flames danced in the small fireplace.
“Do you ever think about leaving?” she asked. “Just giving up the life and finding something…different?”
“Like buying a vineyard and becoming a gentleman farmer?” Carlos nodded. “All the time. But then I remember what kind of money I make and that I’m damn good at what I do.”
“Even after what you’ve learned about Eric?”
“Yeah.” Carlos sighed. “I can’t deny it’s getting harder to justify the reasons. Owning a vineyard is starting to look awfully good.” He shook his head and took a sip of wine.
Leine set her glass down and turned so she could look into his eyes.
“Are you going to tell me what you’ve found out, or are you waiting for the afterlife?”
“It’s better if I don’t. Plausible deniability.”
“What, for me? Don’t believe that for a second. I’m pretty sure knowing everything I can about what you’ve uncovered is a hell of a lot safer.” She touched his face, and he kissed her palm.
“I can tell you this. Eric’s employees are no longer exclusive to the Agency. He’s running several of us as guns for hire, and the targets aren’t always enemies of the United States.”
“So you think Glushenko may be one of these extracurricular targets?”
Igor Glushenko had been a garden-variety small arms dealer with an illicit little side business going, but he hadn’t done anything that would warrant a US-sanctioned assassination. At least, not that Leine could uncover through her sources. That kind of action generally required a substantiated threat to US interests. It was one of the reasons Leine was able to sleep at night.
“Not necessarily. I still think Eric could have ordered the hit to cover your death.”
“But why? I’ve been with him since the beginning. He knows better than to think I’d be a threat.”
“Because we’re together.” Carlos shrugged, and stared into his glass.
“And that matters because…”
“Think about it, Leine. You told me yourself you two used to have a thing—”
Leine scoffed. “That was over a decade ago.”
Carlos put his hand up. “Hear me out. We both know how territorial Eric is, right?” Leine nodded. “Now that we’re a couple, at a minimum he’s going to be paranoid about our conversations. Who knows? Maybe he thinks we’re planning to go out on our own. No doubt having me in the picture messes with his perception of control over you.”
“Then why not try to eliminate you? Seems to me that would take care of his darkest fears.” She couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her voice. Somehow, she just didn’t see Eric as a heartbroken, jilted ex-lover who didn’t want anyone to have her.
Carlos shrugged. “How do we know he hasn’t tried? Just because I’m still alive doesn’t mean there hasn’t been an attempt.”
Leine narrowed her eyes. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing.” Carlos got up and walked to the wine rack. He chose another bottle and grabbed the opener and a small box off the counter before returning to the couch.
“You’re deflecting. I know you too well, Carlos. What happened?”
“I’m just saying, worst case he’s going to be freaked out because April has a new father figure in her life.” He busied himself opening the bottle, ignoring her pointed look.
Damn him. Something had happened—she was sure of it—and he wasn’t about to tell her.
“Have you at least taken precautions?” she asked.
Carlos smiled as he filled both glasses and set the bottle on the table. “What do you think?” he asked as he handed her the box. It was gaily wrapped with bright green ribbon. “For you.”
Leine set her glass down and opened the gift. Inside was a sporty little multi-function timepiece with a chronometer, altimeter, clinometer, and compass, among other functions. She smiled and put it on. Leave it to Carlos to give such a thoughtful, practical gift.
“It’s beautiful, Carlos. Thank you.”
“There’s one more thing.” He reached inside the box and pulled out a smaller package wrapped in royal blue satin.
“What’s the occasion?” she asked, taking it from him.
“No reason. I prefer giving gifts when the recipient doesn’t expect it.”
Leine carefully unwrapped the tiny package. “Oh. My,” she breathed. A blue sapphire surrounded by brilliant diamonds in a platinum setting glittered in the firelight. She brought her gaze up to meet his. His eyes were dark with emotion.
“In case you didn’t think I was serious earlier.” He took the ring from the box and teased it onto her finger, kissing her palm.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She trailed her hand across his jawline and down to his chest. The ring glowed in the deep orange firelight. Leaning closer, she whispered in his ear, “Don’t think this will get you out of telling me why you think you’ve been targeted.”
A chuckle emanated from deep inside him. “You, my love, are like a pit bull when you want something.”
Ignoring the pit bull comment, Leine went on. “In Prague you mentioned you hid what you’d discovered about Eric in a storage locker in this building.” She glanced around the apartment trying to determine where he would have hidden the key. The exposed brick walls held several possibilities, as did the plank wood flooring. “If what you’re saying is true, then there may come a time when I’ll need to access the information.”
“You’re asking me where the key is?”
“Yes.” When he didn’t reply, she rolled her eyes. “Jesus, Carlos. You asked me to marry you. Don’t tell me you’re going to be this secretive when we’re husband and wife?”
Carlos raised his eyebrows. “Did you just accept my proposal?”
Leine smiled. “Maybe. If you tell me what happened to make you think Eric may have tried to kill you, then I’ll certainly consider it.”
“Let’s not talk about that right now.” Carlos leaned back and nuzzled her neck. “Right now I want to ravish you.”
At first she resisted, but then thought better of it and relaxed into his embrace. A chill spiraled down her spine, igniting her senses. Matching his passion with her own, her hunger grew, and she soon lost focus. All that mattered was heated flesh searing heated flesh, hard matching soft, their inflamed desire rising in a frenzied, ancient dance.
Life is uncertain, Leine. Enjoy the moment.
She hoped there would be many, many more.
Chapter 6
The next morning, Leine awoke to warm sun filtering through sheer curtains. She didn’t have to turn her head to know Carlos was no longer beside her. She listened to the early morning sounds of the street below as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted in from the kitchen. Content, she stretched her arms above her head and smiled as she looked around her. The bedroom reflected his personality—a stark white comforter and khaki sheets covered the bed, with soft blue paint
on the uncluttered walls. Ice-white curtains draped from the ceiling to puddle on the floor in front of large windows, creating a vivid contrast with a lyrical painting he’d chosen by a contemporary Chinese artist.
She remembered the day he bought it. She’d met him in Hong Kong after a job, and they’d spent several hours scouring the city for art. On the last day, they stumbled upon a tiny gallery a few blocks from the waterfront, and Carlos had fallen in love with the painting, surprising her with his strong aesthetics.
She loved that he continued to surprise her.
Leine held out her hand and admired the sapphire and diamond ring. A perfect size, the piece made a quiet statement, in contrast to other engagement rings she’d noticed that she could only describe as gauche. She’d never been much for diamonds or precious stones and especially not gold. Carlos’s choice showed that he had been aware of her preference for subtlety. All of which didn’t really matter, since she’d never wear it in the field, and they rarely went out.
Carlos walked into the room clad only in a towel, accentuating his well-defined abs. Leine smiled and emitted a low growl as he handed her a steaming cup of coffee.
“April’s still asleep,” he said and sat on the edge of the bed.
Leine glanced at the clock on the nightstand. 6:30.
“Not for long.” Her daughter hadn’t yet started the typical teenage habit of staying up late and sleeping until noon.
“It’s just as well. I’ve got an early flight.”
“April’s going to be disappointed.” She knew better than to ask him where he was going. One of the tenets of their jobs was that they had to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice and not disclose the location.
Carlos nodded. “Tell the little shit that while I’m gone I’ll be thinking up ways to torture her.”
Leine smiled. “She’ll be ecstatic.”
Carlos leaned in to give her a penetrating kiss but was the first to break contact. He rose and walked to the closet, where he pulled out a small flight bag which he began to pack.
“Anything wrong?” Leine asked. He was usually more playful in the mornings.
His back to her, he shook his head. “Not particularly.” He continued packing. “Last night you asked about the key to the storage locker.”
“What about it?” She threw off the covers and reached for her clothes, still on the floor where she left them.
“It’s over there.” He nodded toward the wall next to her.
Leine pulled her shirt over her head, and followed his gaze. “You mean behind the painting?”
“Yep.”
Leine walked to the artwork and lifted it away from the wall, smoothing her hand along the exposed brick. Her fingertips slid over a subtle depression, next to the screw for hanging the picture. Noticing a hairline gap between the brick and mortar, she grasped the screw and wiggled the brick back and forth until it came free. It looked remarkably similar to the others. There didn’t appear to be an opening. She looked over her shoulder at Carlos and raised an eyebrow.
“A puzzle before my first cup of coffee? How cruel.”
Carlos’s mouth quirked up at the corners as he zipped his jeans. “Oh, I think you can handle it.”
Leine smiled and returned to the task. She turned the brick upside down and sideways and shook it with no results. She studied the surface, and noticed mortar still attached to one end. She pulled the mortar free, revealing a small slit. Leine shook the brick and a key fell into her hand.
“Clever,” she said, replacing the key. “But why the change of heart? You didn’t seem particularly interested in telling me last night.”
He shrugged. His gaze met hers for an instant before he reached for his flight bag. Something inside Leine shifted, telling her to pay attention.
“Don’t go.” Her words tumbled out before she could stop herself. Eric’s admonishment two days before echoed in her head.
He can take care of himself, Leine. Besides, you know the risks.
Carlos crossed the distance between them and drew her into his arms. She leaned her forehead on his chest. He smelled of soap and shampoo and the scent of a familiar lover. Leine tipped her chin up and kissed him. He returned in kind, his mouth both insistent and tender. Stepping back, he broke contact first.
“Time to go.”
Leine nodded and took his offered arm, walking with him to the door. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her softly.
“It’s almost unbearable,” he murmured.
“What?” Leine whispered.
“How much I love you.”
Leine moved deeper into his embrace.
“Take care of yourself out there.”
He smiled and ran his thumb along her cheek. Then he was gone.
Leine stared at the empty hallway for a few moments before she closed the door and moved into the kitchen. Saying goodbye before a job was always difficult. So many things could go wrong. Comforted with the knowledge he’d text her when he arrived at his destination, she poured herself a cup of coffee and added cream before grabbing her laptop to read the news. Half an hour later, she was having breakfast with April when her cell phone rang. It was Eric.
“Are you having a good weekend with our daughter?” he asked.
“What do you need?” Leine asked, trying but failing to mask her impatience.
“That’s what I like about you, Leine. Brief and to the point. Rather like your working style, eh?”
“I’m eating breakfast with my daughter,” she said, “so could you cut to the chase?”
His low chuckle grated on her nerves. “I’ve got the information on your next package. You’ll be going to Campeche tomorrow morning. Pick up the packet at the usual place. This one’s time sensitive. You’ll only have a narrow window of opportunity to achieve the objective; a matter of hours, actually.”
“So lovely there this time of year. I assume Lou will be assisting?”
“Not this time. I’ve got him occupied elsewhere. You’ll be flying blind, I’m afraid.”
“No problem.” Eric was asking her to go old school. Although it was relatively odd to not have some form of remote support, it wasn’t unheard of. Leine didn’t mind working alone. But Lou was usually her point man on weapons and surveillance, which made things easier. Plus, she really liked him—he had a wicked sense of humor for a guy his age. Leine and Carlos took it upon themselves to give him a hard time about his impending retirement whenever they had the opportunity, which he took in good-natured stride.
“Mindy will set you up with accommodations. I’ll give you Lou’s contact there for whatever tools you need.”
“Great.” Leine glanced at April, who was trying hard not to look as though she were listening. She was failing miserably. “Anything else?” She wanted to spend whatever time she had left in San Francisco doing something fun with April, not wasting time talking on the phone with Eric.
“You’ll be doing a back-to-back. I’ve received information that the other package we discussed earlier will be delivered two days from now.” He paused. “Is that going to be a problem? If it is, let me know and I’ll put Drysdale on it.”
“That tool? Are you kidding me?” Leine shook her head. Curt Drysdale wasn’t known for his elegant technique. The target would see him coming a mile away, which often made for a messy, spectacular kill of more than just the target. Some jobs required sensation. “Unless you’re looking for ugly.”
“That’s what I thought. Check in with Mindy as soon as you take care of the first one. She’ll have all the details. And Leine?”
“Yes?”
“Get some rest. You look like you haven’t slept.”
Leine stiffened as the line went dead. She turned and scanned the street below. He wasn’t there. She lifted her gaze to the building across from the apartment. Empty windows stared back at her. Did he install cameras in the apartment? She scanned the living room. Doubtful. Carlos regularly swept his place for surveillance. Anger burned in he
r chest at the intrusion into her and Carlos’s private lives. She grabbed a handful of curtain and yanked it across.
Too little, too late.
Why the hell did he feel the need to surveil her? A bad kind of shiver traced down her spine. She wasn’t sneaking around. They hadn’t been a couple in over ten years. Carlos’s claims of their boss going off the reservation were sounding more and more likely. If he was right and Eric knew Carlos was collecting evidence against him, then things had just gotten much more dangerous for them both.
Chapter 7
Campeche, Mexico
Leine exited the plane at the airport in Campeche early the next evening. The asphalt radiated heat from the tropical sun into the claustrophobic night. The west side of the Yucatán Peninsula received several inches of rain throughout the summer, continuing well into fall. Not yet the dry winter season, the humidity was off the charts. As soon as she left the terminal her blouse adhered to her like she’d gone swimming fully clothed. She shrugged and picked away the material in the hopes of generating some kind of breeze.
She drove her rental car to her hotel, air conditioning blasting through the dashboard vents, stopping long enough at a market for some bug spray, a burner phone, and a bottle of good tequila.
Mindy had sent her to La Luna, a nondescript, out-of-the-way place run by an old friend of Mindy’s—an ex-pat named Jasmine from Santa Clara. Steps from the beach, the guest rooms consisted of seven private studios built in a U-shape around an outdoor courtyard, used by guests to cook meals and hang out in the half-dozen hammocks strung between palms. She wouldn’t be there long enough to meet any of the guests, though. Too bad. The warm ocean breeze and laid-back vibe would have done her a world of good. Maybe she’d bring Carlos and April there on a family vacation.
She dropped her things off at her room and made her way along a sandy path toward a nearby cantina. A gentle breeze riffled through her hair, which for a moment relieved the humidity. She smiled, happy the job wasn’t somewhere frigid. Seawater lapped against her ankles as she plugged in the number for Lou’s contact.
