by Rachel Renee
The biggest win for me, one I didn’t even know I’d been fighting against, was the release of so many innocents. Over a hundred and fifty women and children were freed from the slavery they had been sold into. It sickens me to think of the way they were used. How could a human being treat another human like a piece of property, destroying not only their bodies, but their minds and self-worth too?
Some of the women had been a part of the cartel life for many years, transferred from camp to camp, owner to owner, and are now going to have a tough time adjusting to a normal life. Others, the children, kidnapped from their homes, schools, playgrounds and bartered for like they were cattle, their tiny bodies used for God knows what. It’s hard to even comprehend.
The youngest of the group was eight. I watched, teary-eyed, as she was reunited with her family. At first, her broken frame sat back, staring blankly at the woman and man who’d been rushing toward her. They halted when they saw the fear still lingering in her eyes. Slowly, they moved forward. Mom first, then Dad, who stayed a few steps behind. It was in the dark recesses of their minds that the thoughts came about what their baby endured. It was there that gave them pause, reminding them that the cruel part of humanity tainted the once-free spirit that had been their child. It took time, minutes, for the little girl to reach out for the woman before her, and after, she wouldn’t let go. She clung to her, practically ripping the skin from her mother’s neck, fearful she might be taken away once more.
That was just one of the stories, a single reunion I witnessed. Dozens of others came throughout the day. Mothers, reunited with their families, children with their parents. A handful had no one to retrieve them—those may have been some of the hardest to witness. The social worker coming in, the brutalized bodies of the teenage girls, and two boys shuffling after yet another person who would eventually dismiss them. My heart ached as I watched, listened to stories, heard doctors and nurses diagnose and later the bandaging up. I experienced the aftermath of abuse right along with the victims as I sat in the office filling out the paperwork that would ultimately allow me to end my time here.
By the end of the night, I felt like I could fall over from exhaustion. And pain, don’t forget that. I sat the pen down after signing the last of the documents when Lieu barged in the room, slamming the door against the back wall as he entered.
“I hate to do this,” he’d said. “Sending you to Mexico City. Papa Noel is demanding your presence. He’s holed up in a bomb shelter with a dozen hostages and he commands you’re the only one he will negotiate with.”
“Wait. What do you mean, demanding my presence?”
“Apparently, word got out that you’re CIA.” He shrugs as if it’s no big deal.
“I’m not a hostage negotiator.”
“You are now. If we can get Noel, in any capacity, this will be a career catapult for the both of us.”
“I was on my way home,” I utter, sighing at my plight.
“This shouldn’t take long. A day, two at the most.”
“You even stated I was needed at home.”
He shrugs again. “You know Eliza is safe. We’ve got a couple of our best watching over her and there’s been no sign of anything unsavory since the initial contact.”
But, it’s not me. I’m the one who needs to be keeping an eye on things. Plus, what about that message from Cooper? Did it have another meaning?
I need to find out.
Lieu seems to know what I’m thinking. “Well, you do what you want, but I’m headed to Mexico. If you intend to see this case through, you will be too.”
There was no question as to whether or not I would go to Mexico City. I was going, but I wanted to negotiate my own terms first. “I’m calling Eliza. And, two days at the most. I will be home by Thursday night, sitting on my couch, snuggled next to my wife with a cold one in my hand.”
“If those are your terms,” he announces, “I will abide by them.” Lieu storms out of the room as ferociously as he entered.
Before leaving Langley, I picked up the phone and dialed my wife. It went straight to voicemail. I strummed my fingers on the table after leaving a message that may or may not have been uncharacteristic of myself. Lieu said she was fine, that two trusted men are keeping her secure. So, it must be something personal that’s keeping her from me, maybe her job she’s struggling with. It does nothing for me that others know what’s going on and I don’t. Against my better judgment, I called Cooper on my way out of the office.
“Liam. Hey,” he answered.
“Will you please tell me what’s going on?”
“You haven’t talked to Eliza yet?”
“If I had, would I be calling you?”
“No. Probably not. Dammit. Why is she doing this?”
“You tell me. I’m completely in the dark.”
“She’s okay.”
“More than that.” My voice causes everyone in the elevator to turn and look in my direction.
“Aren’t you coming home? Can you just wait until you get here?”
“Why do I have to wait? You said I should come home. Why? Was it the fact that Eliza was being tailed?”
“She was being tailed?” His voice rises with that last word. He must not have received that text I sent.
“Was. Yes. If you didn’t know, and she didn’t know, please keep that to yourself. I’ve got two trusted agents watching over her until I can get home. Now, will you tell me why I haven’t been able to talk to her? Why everyone else knows what’s going on but me?” I’m losing my cool, and the catch in my throat alerts me that I need to settle down. Although, should I?
“I’m sorry.”
My words come out with snarl. “Two days. I have one more task to complete and then I’m free of this mission.”
“She’ll be here when you get here.”
“Well, that’s reassuring.”
“I know you want more, but I can’t give it to you. She’s alive and well. Leave it at that.”
I wanted to argue, but it didn’t appear it would do any good because a dial tone came over the line and I’d just be yelling at myself. She’s alive and well. At least I knew that much. After my fist made contact with the stainless-steel elevator wall, and everyone in proximity thought I was a hot head, I walked out of the building, determined to complete this mission.
If Eliza wants to continue to keep me in the dark, I’m going to put my focus elsewhere. I know, easier said than done.
That’s how I found myself sitting upon a plane, flying back to Mexico instead of Savannah, Georgia. I wasted no time falling asleep. The less time I was awake pondering my personal life, the better. Added to that, if I was to negotiate with a terrorist, I needed my wits about me. Especially because this was a first. I’ve negotiated before, but not in this manner. Not with so many people watching over my shoulder spouting their demands at me as well.
Lieu is snoring next to me when I wake up with the jolt of the wheels unlatching from their spot. His mouth gapes open and a little bit of drool is forming on the corner. I nudge him with my good shoulder. He snores loudly before completely righting himself, closing his mouth in the process. His arm bends up so he can check his watch. “Landing soon?”
“They just announced the descent.”
“Let’s go over the plan.”
The one guy in this business I’ve never doubted. He’s sitting next to me. This will be the first time we’ve physically sat side by side during any part of an objective. “What I don’t understand is why the man went back to the compound. He had to have known we’d be heading there straight away.”
“He knew. You’ll see. He’s got a plan and he believes you’ll be the one to help him carry it out.”
“He’s delusional if he thinks he’ll get out of this unscathed.”
“I wouldn’t be too sure about that. You know how this works. If there’s bigger players the government can get their hands on, they will cut a deal. Don’t forget, he’s on his home turf. Rules are differ
ent in Mexico.”
“Understood.” The rules may be different, but my mission stays the same.
Once we’re on the ground, the chief and I are immediately shuttled to the Mexican compound. It’s very different during the daylight. Actually reminds me a bit of a prison. The barbed-wire fence, the tall stone buildings surrounded in the same. A couple of outposts where the guards might hole up. Who knows, maybe it was once a prison yard.
Military from both sides enter and exit the same way we came through. Everything is being exported from the compound, confiscated, and seemingly doled out to the separate but combined forces of the military and agency.
Two men strapped with machine guns rush in our direction, shouting out orders for us to show some identification. Once they’re satisfied we’re supposed to be here, one of the men points us in the direction of the bunker Mr. Noel is sequestered in.
I was prepared for a lot of things, but the sight we come upon was not one of them. From a distance, it looked as though a man was standing guard at the entrance. The closer we got, I realized it was a man’s head on a very tall stake. It was bloated, black and blue, and it wasn’t until I was on top of it that I recognized exactly who had lost their head.
“Miguel,” I utter his name. “Selena’s cousin.” I turn to Lieu and finish my thought. “Did you know?”
“That there was a head on a spike. Who it was—no.”
My face heats up, and not from the sun beating down on it. “Bastard.”
From a small window in the door comes the voice of my enemy. “How do you like my gift?” Noel probes.
“Not as much as you anticipated. There was no reason.”
“There was plenty of reason, Engineer.” He says it as though it’s my name.
“What do you want, Noel?”
I’m not here to play games.
“I wasn’t entirely surprised to learn you were an agent. I’ve known many in my time. Many I’ve befriended.” He scoffs at this revelation, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of acknowledging it. “I wish I’d found out before I got myself in this mess. It’s not too late for us though.”
“We’re never going to be friends, Noel.”
He laughs. “No, no. I wasn’t expecting that. Doesn’t mean we can’t work together.”
Here comes the age-old question. “You could have worked with anyone. Why me?”
“I’m acquainted with you. I’d like to think I know your style. Plus, I had your buddy in custody and I wanted you to see what your fate was if you chose not to help your old pal Noel out.”
“You’ve never been a pal of mine.”
“And to think I treated you with kindness last time you were here.”
It’s my turn to scoff. “Only because you thought I was someone else. Had you known, it would have been my head on a spike.”
“Maybe not. I saw more potential in you than Jose did. He was too wrapped up in greed to acknowledge the potential risk and reward of a man like yourself.”
“Listen. I appreciate the accolades, but I’ve got somewhere to be.”
“I’ve got someone I think you will want to see. You know, while she’s still whole.” He leans out of the small frame, shoving another body in front of it.
For a split second, Eliza flitted through my head, the fear of her being captured at the forefront of my nightmares. It isn’t Eliza though, but another innocent soul. “Selena. Are you okay?”
“For now.” She’s relatively calm for the spot she’s in. I thought she’d gotten away. Believed she delivered the women and children to safety, herself included. I should’ve known she wouldn’t have stayed after she knew the captives were in good hands. “I won’t hold you responsible for what happens to me,” she speaks out. “If you refuse to help Noel, I…”
She’s yanked from view, Noel screaming and shouting profanities at the woman for disobeying his orders.
“Noel,” I scream. “Come tell me what you want.”
Surprisingly, he halts his rant immediately and is rather calm when his face comes back into view. He explains to me what he desires and tries to command his needs be met within hours or more heads will be delivered. “I enjoy delivering gifts. Wouldn’t Selena look exquisite above the fireplace? You could put her above yours. Although, Eliza probably wouldn’t enjoy seeing this beautiful face every day.”
He causes me to pause, but I won’t let him see me falter at his words.
They’re watching out for her. I have to believe the agents are keeping her safe if I’m going to get the rest of us out of this place alive. “Your gift will not be necessary. I’m working to get you what you want.”
For the next two hours, I make phone calls, start the process of claiming Noel’s requests, and become the go-to between the government and our little group here in Mexico.
“You have to give us something in return,” I demand of the one in control at the moment. “Release some hostages. You can keep Selena—”he’d never give her up anyway—“but it would be a show of trust to release some others.”
“I know how this works. I give, you give, then you take, and I don’t get what I want.”
“I don’t work that way.”
“You all work that way. No one comes out of here. Not until I have everything I want. You try anything, and this place blows sky high and no one survives. Think of all those heads rolling around the desert.”
“Not sure what you plan to use, but if you’re blowing the place up, chances are there won’t be any body parts left to, what did you call it, roll?”
“Shut the fuck up. You know what I mean.”
I let him have his fantasy. “I’ll be gone for a while. The first request hasn’t been easy to obtain. I have to retrieve it myself.”
I don’t actually. Thompson is here. What Noel wants with him, we’re uncertain, but he landed about fifteen minutes ago and is on his way to us. I want to be at the gate when he officially arrives at the compound. He wouldn’t answer any questions over the phone and I’m not entirely certain he’s not coming here to help Noel escape.
The man steps out of the blacked-out SUV, a patch covering where his eye once sat, but the skin underneath as raw as I’ve ever seen human flesh.
He reaches his hand out to shake mine, and I reciprocate. “Now, will you tell me why Noel sent for you?”
“I know where he keeps his personal effects. I’m guessing he’s going to send me for them.”
“If you’ve known about him all along, why did I get involved? Appears you could have brought him down all on your own.”
“After all this time, you still don’t get it. Things aren’t always black and white.”
I would never deny the gray areas in life. “Explain it to me.”
We continue walking through the camp, arriving at our destination before I’ve gotten an answer. I put my arm out, halting the man just short of the bunker. “I’m not letting you in there until you tell me what’s going on.”
He slaps my arm out of the way. Glowering at me, he backs toward the door, giving it a stern rap with his knuckles. “Papa, I’m here.”
Papa? As in Papa Noel? Or, as in Papa Papa?
“Took you long enough.” The little window opens and the man reaches a hand out.
Thompson grasps it with his right hand then pats it with his left. “I wasn’t planning to see you again until the rendezvous.”
“I got greedy. I shouldn’t have come back here. I knew it, but…”
“Say no more.”
Lieutenant and I sit back and listen to the men converse. I’m curious as to what was so important the man had to come back to the one place he was bound to be caught in.
“Will you get it for me? Bring it here so when the pardon arrives, we’ll be all set to leave?”
The pardon. That’s the one request he won’t receive. At least not from me.
“I’ll get it, Papa. Give us a little time.”
The man seems human once again. Genuine care and concern sh
ine through his brown eyes as Thompson releases his hand. Just goes to show even a monster can still have a soul. Black and tainted as it must be, it’s in there.
“As I suspected.”
Thompson walks away, heading toward the main building. “What? What does he want?” I follow along like a pup being led by a piece of meat.
It’s now apparent this place used to be a prison. The interior of what looked like a home is sectioned off. You can see what would have been the cells on the left-hand side, contained by a glass-enclosed room. To the right, a huge open space, long tables set up cafeteria-style.
“Will you answer me? What does he want?”
Thompson stops and stares in my direction. Instead of answering, he shakes his head, shaming me for not knowing, before continuing on.
Through the dining area, there’s a long hall. Three doors on either side and another open area at the end. A massive fireplace covers the back wall, and that’s exactly where the man is heading. There’s a combination safe atop the mantel. It takes seconds for Thompson to input the code and unlatch the door. Inside there looks to be stacks of money, a few diamonds, big enough to see from where I’m standing. and a small box, about the size of a kid’s jewelry case.
“Mama.” Thompson speaks once he grabs the box. “He promised he’d never leave her, but he did. The only reason he’d be stupid enough to come back to Mexico. The moment your name came over the phone line, I knew. Even before you said the words. I had a feeling.”
“Is he actually your father?” Noel is older, but I didn’t think he was old enough to have a son reaching retirement age. Although, Thompson isn’t truly retirement age, just prepared to leave the workforce. Suddenly, everything clicks in place.
This is my retirement.
“He is. You don’t get to choose your parents or what they decide is the best way to raise a family. We may have been on opposing sides for a short time, but in the end, he’s my father and we were planning to begin anew.”
Something else rings out—words Thompson spoke to me at the very beginning. We can’t figure out who the ring leader is and how he has broken away with seemingly no backlash.