“Come along.” She slowly led him down a hallway into a living room.
The general was sitting on a couch, wearing a bathrobe and watching TV, a plate of pizza slices on his lap. Morris was tall and slender, with ebony skin, graying hair, and glasses.
Angel noted that the light from the large TV was perfect for what he had in mind. No other lights were on.
“He said he’s lost, Tommy.”
“Who are you talking about, Mother?” General Morris turned and instantly paled. He put the slice of pizza in his hand down on the plate. “Mother, why don’t you go up to bed now? I’ll be up later to check on you.”
“All right, dear.” She touched Angel’s arm. “It was so nice to see you again.”
“And you, ma’am.” He watched her climb the stairway at the other end of the room. Then he drew one of his Glocks and sat on the far end of the couch, his gun casually pointed at the table.
“What do you want?” Morris put the plate of food on the coffee table and reached for the remote control.
“Leave the TV on.” Angel waited for Morris to sit back again. “I want nothing, but my employer wants you dead for engineering the Op that killed Gustavo Alvarez.”
“You’re from the cartel?”
“Sí.”
“You’ll never get away with it.”
Angel smiled. “I don’t want to. Let me explain some things to you.”
Morris’s eyebrows hunched. “I’m listening.”
“I don’t want your military chasing me. I made a deal with them earlier today in exchange for information on ISIS activity in the U.S. However the cartel has my sister and they’re blackmailing me to kill you, among others.”
Morris sat back. “And?”
“I have a plan, but we have to hurry.”
“Why?” Morris straightened.
“There are other men here.”
“How many?” Morris frowned.
“Seven. If I don’t kill you, they will. And if I kill them, they won’t do their hourly check-in calls, which will result in my sister’s death.”
Morris talked calmly. “I could get help here fast.”
Angel gave a slight shake of his head. “Then my sister dies so I cannot allow that.”
“I could run out the back door.”
Angel shrugged. “Same result.”
Morris sighed. “Alright. How do we get out of this?”
Angel talked, Morris listened.
Afterward the general said, “What happens if it doesn’t work?”
“We both die.”
“I see.” Morris lifted a hand. “Okay. Let’s do it.”
The general slid off the couch to the floor, lying on his back. He stared up at Angel. “Are you an honorable man?”
Angel smiled. “I am tonight. Now close your eyes, open your mouth, and slow your breathing.”
From his pockets he pulled out several small bags of materials. He had used them once before when Diego had insisted he kill a woman who had stolen money from one of his drug couriers. Angel hadn’t wanted to kill the woman. Her story of needing money to help her invalid brother had moved him. Taking a risk, he had faked her death, sent a photo to Diego, and driven the woman to a boat and helped her disappear.
On the drive out to Lucas he had picked up some of the necessary products.
Quickly he applied Ben Nye Spirit Gum Adhesive to three areas of Morris’ face and one on his neck. Using scar wax, he formed a rough small circle for a bullet wound and three narrow oblong pieces for knife wounds.
He applied the wax pieces to the general’s forehead and cheeks, quickly smoothed the edges, and then used a brush to rapidly apply colors from a small pallet. Blue, brown, and black—to simulate wounds. A small bottle of theatrical blood filled in around the edges. Straightening, he was satisfied with the effect.
He drew a switchblade, opened it, and bent over again. Pulling up the general’s pant leg, he made a small cut on his calf. The man was tough, handling the pain without showing any reaction.
Using another brush, he smeared some of the fresh blood around the wounds and the general’s face. Finished, he took all of the materials and dumped them in the general’s kitchen trash. He walked back into the living room to see how the general appeared to him. The TV cast a dim light onto Morris’ face, enough to see him, but not enough to see too clearly.
“Perfect.” Angel used his phone to snap a photo of Morris and sent it to Lucas and Diego. “Remember, do as I told you or they will come again, guaranteed. Don’t move and keep your eyes closed and mouth open for at least twenty minutes.”
He walked to the front door and opened it. On the front step stood Lucas, two of his men on the sidewalk below. None of them held guns. Angel showed no surprise. It was something he would have done if he had been in Lucas’ position.
“Diego wants me to verify,” said Lucas.
“Be my guest.” Angel listened from the front door as Lucas disappeared into the other room.
There were two soft thumps. Silenced gunshots. And a last sound that might have been a groan or a body falling.
Angel didn’t react, smiling at the two men on the sidewalk. He kept his right hand near one of his holstered Glocks, ready for anything.
Instead of concern for himself, he found himself worried over who would take care of General Morris’ mother if the general was dead. You would be proud of me, Renata.
It seemed late in life to finally find his heart again, which he had lost when his parents had been murdered so long ago. Renata had kept it alive all these years. She had saved him with her love. He vowed to save her.
Lucas returned, his gun put away, and clapped him on the shoulder. “Good work, Angel. A true master. I had to kill the old woman. She came down to say goodnight to her son.”
Angel wasn’t sure if Lucas was lying. Did he put two bullets into General Morris or did he truly kill Morris’ mother? Or perhaps he put one bullet into each of them. The idea that Lucas had killed the old woman or the woman’s son bothered him deeply. It reminded him of his relationship with Renata, and how she depended on him.
Whatever Lucas had done, he wanted to kill him for it. But not yet, not with Renata at risk. Instead he strolled with him back to the car, the two men tailing them.
As they neared his car, he saw Lucas’ other four men standing beside it. He prepared himself, but he didn’t think Lucas was ready to kill him. At least not here.
“I need to sleep,” said Angel.
Lucas’ eyes glinted. “I have always wanted to drive one of your cars.”
“You have the address to Steel’s family?” asked Angel.
“We have a long drive.” Lucas smiled. “Montana.”
“Wonderful.” Angel returned the smile.
Lucas pulled out his FN Five-Seven pistol and held it near his thigh.
Angel knew his former student appreciated the lighter weight and light recoil of the FN, but Lucas’ real motive was to show off—FNs were expensive.
Lucas’ six men suddenly had guns in their hands too.
Angel didn’t move, his two Glocks still in his side holsters beneath his jacket. He could have drawn his weapons faster than any of them, and he was still tempted to fight all of them here. But the check-in calls to Diego worried him. Unsure how to make that work all the way to California, so Diego didn’t become suspicious and hurt Renata, he decided to wait.
He stood quietly, watching carefully for any signs.
Lucas turned to him. “Angel, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you to get into the trunk of your car. This way I don’t have to hurt you.”
The other men all held their weapons half-raised in case he reacted. He still thought he had a chance to kill all of them, but the image of Renata wouldn’t let him risk it. It didn’t seem likely, but Lucas cou
ld just shoot him in the trunk of his car. He felt Lucas needed him for something. Before he cooperated he had to find out what that was.
He relaxed his body. “You know Diego will eventually betray you too, Lucas.”
Lucas didn’t seem surprised. “Of course.”
Angel shrugged. “He’s mad. Wanting to kill a U.S. Army general and killing Antonio. The other cartels will go after him.”
Lucas’ eyes glinted. “I agree, Angel. I’ve already had talks with Antonio’s son about joining his cartel.”
“Then why kill me?” Angel prepared himself, aware of the men around him, their stances, the exact angles of their guns, and their distance from him.
Lucas lost his smile. “Diego ordered that, but I’m not going to kill you. He wanted Steel brought back, but I’m going to finish Steel in Montana.”
“Diego will not accept disobedience.”
Lucas responded calmly. “Of course not. That’s why I’m going to take you back to California instead. I will let you rescue your sister, which you will only achieve by killing Diego and his men. And if you succeed…” He shrugged. “We both win.”
Angel considered Lucas’ tone of voice, facial details, and posture. He concluded that the man would keep him alive for now.
“We owe everything to you.” Lucas put his hand on Angel’s shoulder. “Antonio’s son wants Diego to die slowly, as I am sure you do. But I have to ensure you don’t interfere here, my friend. You could try to take all of us now, but there would be no check-in calls to Diego and your sister would be hurt. You must really love her to have hid her for so long.”
Angel walked up to the trunk. He understood. He would be blamed for killing Diego and his men. Lucas would then kill him and take over the cartel, and also manipulate Antonio’s son and eventually have both cartels. Smart. And dangerous.
“Your guns, Angel, and your phone.”
Slowly taking them out, he handed them to one of Lucas’ men. “You really think the seven of you can take Steel and his friends?” He looked at Lucas and his men. “I’ve seen this man at work and he’s as good as I am.”
Lucas smiled. “Diego sent up more men. Steel will not have a chance. Now get into the trunk. I have to call Diego or he will hurt your sister.”
CHAPTER 49
Steel didn’t like it that they hadn’t heard from Angel. It had been over twenty-four hours and dusk was only a few hours away. He had called Angel but hadn’t left a message. Maybe Diego had killed Angel or something else had gone wrong.
It was too risky to depend on the killer for anything at this point. For all he knew Angel had joined the pack and was on his way here to kill all of them. They had to be prepared.
One piece of good news had come from Colonel Jeffries. Earlier in the day, undercover FBI agents had foiled a bomb attempt on the St Croix River Crossing bridge, killing two terrorists in the process. There had been no attack at the Mall of America. It verified Angel’s information as accurate.
The attacks were moving west to east and escalating as Steel had predicted. Minimizing the terrorists’ success, and Diego’s revenge, gave him satisfaction. Everyone at the table with him felt the same way.
Even though he had flown in Saturday night, everyone else had just arrived early afternoon today because Pedro and Harry had complications at the hospital. Steel had told Christie to stay with her brother overnight; he would never forgive himself if Harry died while Christie came to see him. Also he doubted the terrorists could mount an attack as soon as Saturday night. By Sunday morning both Pedro and Harry were stable, and thus everyone had joined him.
Carol and Rachel had already been picked up by Jeffries’ helicopter and taken to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. Steel had missed any chance to talk to them.
He looked at Wyatt, who sat at one end.
The six-foot-two burly man had a bushy beard, graying sideburns, and hair that reached the base of his neck. His rugged appearance fit his dark flannel shirt and jeans. In his sixties, his eyes were bright and clear. A fixed blade knife was strapped to his belt, along with a holstered Glock.
“What’s the plan, Jack?” Christie sat next to him, her hand resting on his on the table.
He regarded everyone, thinking on it. Carlos, Mario, and Clay sat across from him and Christie. Five of them. That gave him confidence. Also his early arrival had allowed him to explore Wyatt’s land and plan their strategy.
He took a deep breath. “Carlos, Mario, and I will hide in the forest. Christie and Clay will stay inside Wyatt’s barn, monitoring the security system and keeping us updated. If these men are as good as Angel, they won’t use the driveway and they won’t be conventional. If you’re not sure who you’re aiming at, ask for the signal—one hand up, five fingers spread.”
He modeled it with his hand, and then turned to Wyatt. “Anything I’m missing?”
Wyatt gave a broad smile, his voice grainy. “Just me.”
Steel shook his head. “This isn’t your fight.”
“But it’s one worth fighting, Jack. Besides I finally get to test out my security system.” Wyatt clasped his hands on the table and looked at Christie. “If they try to come up the driveway, I have buried spike strips that are automated. Jack and I also buried explosives in the road in the meadow area in case any vehicles get past the spikes. I’ll show you the switches by the computer station.”
Christie let go of Steel’s hand. “We don’t need two people inside.”
Steel kept his voice neutral. “You’re injured enough to seriously hamper your abilities in the forest and in one-on-one encounters. If you’re on the computer, then Clay can worry about anyone trying to get into the barn.”
Christie looked annoyed but remained silent.
“I think it’s a good plan.” Clay glanced from Christie to Steel. “Any idea of when they’re coming?”
“I doubt they want a daytime fight. I’m guessing the attack will be tonight. If not, we’ll stay alert for at least another day.” Steel emphasized his next words. “If Angel shows up, assume he’s the enemy.”
Wyatt opened a worn topographical map which was rolled up on the table. “As you’ve seen, my place is situated in the corner of two sloped forested hills on the north and east sides, with forest also out front. The back of the house is built into the east bluff face, the long side of the barn is built into the north bluff face. There are tunnels leading from the barn north, south, and east. There’s also a tunnel connecting the house and barn.”
He traced them on the map. “The illusion for people who don’t know my tunnel network is that we can only escape out the front of the house or the main barn entrance.”
He looked up. “I’ll wait south of the spike strips and take out as many of them as I can from any stopped vehicles. Then I’ll hunt them from behind with the sniper rifle. We’ll let whoever’s left converge to the meadow and get them in a crossfire there. The element of surprise is heavily in our favor.”
“We know the pack is seven men.” Steel looked around at all of them. “If Angel is with them, and we have to assume he is, he could come in anywhere. He’s a wild card and we have to be ready for the unexpected.”
“What if they bring in grenades or explosives?” asked Clay.
“They want us to suffer.” Steel shrugged. “No easy deaths. Smoke bombs or tear gas could be a possibility, but nobody will be in the house and the barn is a fortress. I’ll cover the north forest.”
He expected the main assault to come from that direction. “I’ll let them go by me and attack them from behind, driving them down to the house.”
“I’ll leave the front house door open,” said Wyatt. “If they go in to escape us, we can use the tunnel from the barn to get into the lower level of the house.”
Carlos looked thoughtful. “I’ll sit on the east side of the driveway south of the meadow so I can see the area i
n front of the house and the barn.”
Mario pulled a toothpick from his mouth. “I will take the east hill. From there I can help Jack or my father.”
Steel nudged Christie. “Your analytical skills are key to letting us know where to go and what we’re facing.”
She continued to frown. “I’m not an invalid.”
“You’re injured.” Clay lifted a hand. “It’s okay to sit out the heavy lifting on this one. You’ve done enough. I had a hard enough time convincing Harry that he wasn’t invited.” He nodded to her. “I’ll provide the muscle on the switches.”
“Wonderful.” She scowled.
“Trip-wires or pit traps could be set off by wildlife so we elected not to use them.” Wyatt stood. “Let’s take a quick trip to the barn so you can get outfitted and see the tunnel network.”
He led them out the two-story house, and across twenty yards of short grass to the barn. The solitary barn door was the size of a house door and located on the end of the building closest to the house.
Steel appreciated that the land had been cleared a hundred feet south of the house and barn, leaving three-foot-high meadow grass. That gave good visibility to the south.
He also noted the keypad and deadbolt entry on the barn door, like his own in Virginia. The interior was different though. The three sides of the barn that were exposed had a thick steel inner wall, like the outside, with cement in between. The computer array on the first level included four wall-mounted viewing screens that showed different camera angles of the driveway and property.
“I have a more redundant security system than you have, Jack.” Wyatt smiled. “If someone disables a perimeter camera or laser sensor, then another line of sensors is triggered farther in.”
Wyatt led them to the middle of the barn, which had exercise equipment, a virtual reality station similar to Steel’s, and a series of built-in cabinets.
Stopping in front of a wildlife painting on the north wall, Wyatt tilted it enough to reveal a hidden, embedded keypad at eye level. He punched a code into it, and a section of the wall slid up, revealing a large rectangular safe at waist level. It had a fingerprint keypad, and Wyatt pressed his thumb on it and the front slid up.
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