Devil in a Black Suit: A Shelby Nichols Adventure

by Colleen Helme

  “Thank you, Alejandro. I hope I never have to, but it is good to have friends, sí?”

  “Yes. Please tell Yanara thanks for everything.”

  “I will.” Vincente opened the door, and Ramos walked out. A calming peace settled over him. It was over. At the gate, he glanced back. Vincente nodded at him, then closed the door.

  Back at the hotel, he fell into bed, exhausted and sad about his father. At least he knew what had happened to him, and the man responsible for it was dead. Ramos would probably be dead too if Vincente hadn’t kept his promise.

  He also didn’t have to worry about his aunt and cousin, which came as a huge relief. It was too bad that they believed Vincente was the man behind his father’s death, rather than the one who had kept them safe all these years. But it didn’t seem to bother Vincente, and Ramos could understand why. He figured that taking the blame for being the bad guy made it easier to be the good guy once in a while.

  Chapter 15

  Ramos stood in line at the airport, waiting to go through security. Even though his stomach clenched with nerves, he kept his expression and mannerisms calm. His turn came, and he handed the agent his passport and boarding pass.

  The agent glanced at his screen, then frowned. He looked at Ramos and told him to step aside while he made a phone call. Ramos did as he was told, only showing mild irritation, but his heart began to pound, especially when an officer approached the agent.

  He took Ramos’s passport and glanced at him with narrowed eyes, then back at the passport before handing it back. “Sorry for the inconvenience, Señor Ramos. You are free to go. We hope you have enjoyed your stay.”

  Ramos didn’t know if the officer was being sarcastic or serious, but he sent him a nod and took his passport, eager to continue to the gate. Waiting to board the plane seemed to take forever, and it wasn’t until his plane left the ground that he could finally breathe again.

  Landing in Miami unfurled the last of his anxiety, and he exited the plane with an extra spring in his step, grateful to make it home alive.

  He rented his usual black sports car and drove back to the hotel where he’d stayed just a few days ago. He got a room and collected the bag he’d left, realizing that a lot had changed in those short few days. Now he had a heritage, and a connection to his own father, that he’d never thought possible.

  Did it change the direction of his life? Not really, but knowing more about his father gave him a foundation he’d never had before. He pulled the curtains in his room open and gazed over the city at the blue skies, enjoying the view and the freedom it represented.

  Then he pulled out his phone and put the call through to Sloan.

  She picked up right away. “Ramos? Is that you?”

  “Yeah. I’m in Miami.”

  She let out a big sigh. “Thank God. I was so worried. They took you and I…it was horrible. There was nothing I could do, and it was all my fault.”

  “It’s okay, Sloan. I got out. I’m back in the states and I’m fine. So what happened on your end? How did you guys get back?”

  “After you got caught, we knew they’d be looking for us, so we didn’t dare go back to the hotel. Noah had a secondary location staked out, so we went there and called my boss. He sent a team in a helicopter to extract us. We didn’t even get to go back to the hotel for our things.” She let out a breath. “I told them I wasn’t leaving without you, but they wouldn’t let me stay.”

  “I’m glad you left. You couldn’t have helped me.”

  “So what happened? How did you get out?”

  “It’s a long story.” Ramos wasn’t sure he wanted to get into it right then.

  “I know…you already said that.” Sloan waited a moment before continuing. “At least give me something.”

  “Vincente pulled some strings. Let’s just say that he was once friends with my father, and he intervened because of that.”

  “Did he know what happened to your dad?”

  “Yes,” Ramos said. “He died a long time ago.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry.” Sloan took a breath. “Um…I had to tell my boss you helped us, but he agreed to leave you out of the official report. It’s the best I could do, but it should keep your name out of it.”

  Did she expect him to thank her? He wasn’t about to do that. “Good.”

  “Yeah. Uh…I’m in Fort Lauderdale right now, but I should be able to get away tomorrow or the next day. Do you think you could stay until then? I’d like to hear the whole story, and I really want to see you.”

  Ramos closed his eyes. He wanted to see Sloan, too. Even after everything that had happened. But he couldn’t be involved with her. That was insane. “I have something that I need to take care of,” he said. “So…I think that will work.”

  “Great. I’ve got to go, but I’ll call you soon.”

  They disconnected, and he sighed. What had he just done? Why had he agreed? He had no intention of continuing a relationship with her, and he needed to make it perfectly clear that he was never going to help her again.

  He let out a breath. He could just leave, but maybe it was time to lay it all out. After she knew how he felt, he’d let her decide if she wanted to spend any more time with him. She could apologize all she wanted, but it wasn’t going to change his mind.

  Glad that was settled, he put a call through to Manetto, eager to hear a friendly voice.

  “Ramos. It’s good to hear from you,” Manetto said. “How did things go?”

  “Let’s just say it’s a long story, and I’m glad to be back in Miami.”

  “Hmm…I take it Sloan was involved?”

  “Yeah, but at least I know what happened to my father, so it’s all good. I have a couple of things to take care of while I’m here, so I thought I’d stay a few more days.”

  “That’s not a problem,” Manetto agreed. “I’m actually in Seattle right now helping Kate with some business. There’s a couple of new contracts I needed to go over with her, but so far the Passinis have been good to work with, so take as much time as you need.”

  “You’re with Kate? I’m not sure I like that.”

  “I’m fine. All of them are bending over backwards for me, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

  “They’d better be,” Ramos said, not sure he trusted them. Or was it Kate he didn’t trust? Probably both. “I’ll let you know when I’m done, but if you need me to come to Seattle, I will.”

  “Thanks, but I’m not worried.”

  “Okay, good. Oh…and I got you those cigars you wanted.”

  Manetto chuckled. “Thanks. And…since you’re in Miami, I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to stop by the club. It’s always good to let them think I’m checking up on them. Maybe even play a few rounds of poker, but it’s up to you.”

  Ramos smiled. “If you were Shelby, I’d say you’d read my mind, since that was my plan.” They both laughed, and Ramos was suddenly grateful for the life he had. Sure it could have been different, but his life was good, and he didn’t want it to change.

  “And don’t think you’re off the hook,” Manetto said. “Once things have settled down, I’d like to know exactly what happened in Cuba. All of it.”

  Ramos smiled. He hadn’t confided in Manetto much, but it might be nice to tell him about his father. If there was anyone in the world who would understand what he’d just been through, it was Manetto. “Sure. I’ll tell you all about it.”

  “Good. One more thing. I know I don’t say it much, but I’m glad you’re back.”

  “Thanks. Me too.” They disconnected, and Ramos smiled, grateful to have Manetto on his side.

  With renewed purpose, he spent the next hour going through the photos and letters that Yanara had given him. There were two letters that he hadn’t taken the time to read, so he took them out and opened them. Both were from his mother to his father. They were filled with everyday news, and gave him a small sense of his parents’ life in Cuba.

  After reading them, a wave of melancholy sw
ept over him. His parents had loved each other deeply, and had hoped for a wonderful life together that would never be. Glancing through the photos, he could picture what their lives had been like, something he’d never imagined until now.

  He knew what he needed to do with the photos. His brother, Javier, lived in Miami, and Ramos wanted him to have them. Javier believed Ramos was dead, which was just the way Ramos wanted it. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t leave a large envelope, containing this small slice of their lives, on his doorstep. It also didn’t hurt that he could get another look at his brother and his family from a distance.

  He bought an envelope large enough to hold everything and wrote a short message on the outside. It took him a moment to figure out what to write, but he decided to keep it simple. He wrote: To Javier, Pictures of your parents and family when they lived in Cuba – from a friend.

  He remembered the way to Javier’s house like he’d been there yesterday, even though it had been over six months. It was just after four-thirty in the afternoon. He sighed with relief to find both cars gone from the driveway, and hurried to leave the envelope on the porch.

  That done, he found a spot nearby to wait, hoping to catch a glimpse of his brother. At five-thirty, his brother’s wife, Anna, pulled into the driveway. As she was getting the baby from the car, Javier pulled up in his car alongside hers. He hurried to her side and gave her a quick kiss, then happily took little Alejandro from her.

  Ramos’s heart tightened, and he watched them interact with a pang of envy. Before it took hold, a large wave of satisfaction replaced it. They were happy and healthy, and he couldn’t have wished for more. Anna found the envelope and held it up for Javier to see. He gave Alejandro to her and read the message, then glanced up and down the street.

  Ramos held his breath, afraid that Javier would spot him, but he’d picked his place well, and Javier’s attention turned back to the envelope. He studied the message again, then, after another quick glance at the street, he followed his wife inside and closed the door.

  Relieved, Ramos let out his breath, then started the car and drove away. Even if he didn’t want to be part of their lives, it gave him comfort to know that Javier had the photos, and they wouldn’t be lost or put away somewhere. With Javier, they would be treasured.

  Ramos awoke the next day feeling more focused and alert. The sadness and melancholy that had dogged him for the last few days had retreated. He was ready to move on with his life and leave the past behind.

  Restless, he spent the morning at the gym, then indulged in a full-body massage. After that, he picked up some new clothes to replace his shirt and blazer, along with a few other things that he liked.

  Just as he got back to his room with his purchases, Sloan called. “Good news. I’ll be there tomorrow in time for dinner. Let’s meet at the Versailles Restaurant. It’s one of my favorites, and they serve Cuban coffee. I’m already missing it.”

  “Sure,” Ramos agreed, even though he didn’t want anything to do with Cuba. “What time?”

  “I should be there by six-thirty or seven. I’ll text you when I get closer.”

  “Okay. I’ll meet you there.”

  “I’ve got some great news!” Her voice bubbled with enthusiasm. “I’m back on track with the agency. In fact, they’re giving me back my lead status. Getting that device was huge, and it’s all because of you. I feel a little guilty that you’re not getting the recognition for the part you played, but I’m sure it’s not something you’d want.”

  “You’re right about that,” Ramos said.

  They spoke for another minute before disconnecting, and Ramos shook his head at the irony. By blowing up the weapons in Mexico, it was his fault that she’d lost her privileges in the first place. Now she had them back because of him.

  Didn’t that mean she still owed him a favor? Hell, she owed him a lot more than a favor. And if it ever came up, he wouldn’t hesitate to make sure she knew how big of a debt it was.

  Having that much leverage over her put him in a good mood. There was no way she could top it, and he hoped it would keep him beyond her reach for a long time. Ready for a break from all his worries, he drove to the club and got there just before the big crowds.

  The club manager’s face turned pale to find Ramos entering through his door. It bolstered Ramos’s confidence that he had that effect. He reassured the manager that he was just passing through, but he did it in a way that said otherwise. It was enough to get the royal treatment, and he spent the rest of the evening in good company.

  He slept in the next morning and was just sitting down to breakfast when his phone buzzed. He picked it up, surprised to see that it was Manetto. Was something wrong?

  “Ramos, sorry to bother you, but something’s come up,” Manetto began. “It’s Shelby.”

  His gut clenched. “What’s happened?”

  Manetto sighed. “While we’ve been gone, Blake’s been busy. He talked Shelby into going to Paris with him. I told her not to go, but Blake helped Chris with something, and now she’s going with him. They left this morning, and I just can’t shake the feeling that she might be in trouble.”

  Ramos could hardly believe that Blake Beauchaine was back in Shelby’s life. He was a government agent who wanted her help, and Ramos couldn’t shake the feeling that she was now in the same boat that he’d just gotten out of.

  “I totally get that,” Ramos agreed. “She’s always getting into trouble. Do you have any idea what Blake wanted her to do? He hasn’t found out about her ability, has he?”

  “No. He only thinks that she has premonitions,” Manetto said. “But that’s enough. All I know is that he’s meeting with a guy who was blacklisted from the agency, and he wanted Shelby to be there. I guess to help him know if the guy’s telling the truth, or if he has something up his sleeve.”

  “That can’t be good,” Ramos said.

  “I know. Listen, how would you feel about a trip to Paris?”

  A slow grin spread across his face, and his stomach relaxed. “I think that’s a great idea.”

  “Good. I’d feel better if you were there. Can you leave today?”

  “Of course.”

  “I’ll have Jackie book you on the next flight out of Miami and call you with the information.”

  “Sounds good,” Ramos agreed.

  Manetto let out a breath. “Thanks Ramos. You don’t know how much better that makes me feel. Keep me posted, and make sure you both come back in one piece.”

  “I will.” They disconnected, and Ramos shook his head. Shelby in Paris? What was she thinking? Her ability wouldn’t help her much if she didn’t speak French. And he was pretty sure she didn’t.

  As he finished up his breakfast, Jackie called about his flight. The plane left Miami at eight-ten that evening, but he’d need to be there at least two hours early. That meant he’d have to cancel his plans with Sloan.

  Before he could decide if he was disappointed or not, he called her number. “Hey Sloan, it’s me.”

  “Ramos. I’m glad you called. I might be able to come a little earlier.”

  “About that…I can’t make it after all. Manetto needs me.”

  “But…” After a long pause, she sighed. “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Does this mean you don’t want to get together, or just that you can’t right now?”

  Ramos sighed and shook his head. “Sloan, look…it’s better this way. I know you want something from me, but after what happened in Cuba, I can’t do this…with you.”

  “I know that was a bad deal, but I promise it won’t happen again. I meant what I said that I’d never ask you to help me. At least give me a chance to explain.”

  “Sloan…I can’t.”

  “But…I just…I want to see you again.”

  Ramos closed his eyes. “I’d like to see you, too. That’s the problem, because every time I see you I’m nearly killed. And when I’m not worried about that, I’m worried you’ll find some
thing to arrest me for.”

  Sloan didn’t answer for a long time, and Ramos let the silence speak for itself. “You’re right,” she said, then she let out a big sigh. “But hey…can’t a couple of friends share a drink sometime?”

  Grateful for the reprieve, he huffed out a breath. “Sure. Besides, you owe me.”

  “For what?”

  “For getting you back in the good graces of your boss. He may not know how much I did, but it’s not something I’m likely to forget. So you’re in my debt now.”

  “Hmm…I guess you’ve got a point. Just…don’t get into too much trouble, all right? There’s only so much I can do.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’m sure it won’t be anything like Cuba or Mexico.”

  “That’s true. Just think, without me around, you might get bored.”

  “I doubt that.”

  “Well, if you ever do…” She lowered her voice. “You know how to find me.”

  “Bye, Sloan.”

  “See you,” she said, and ended the call.

  Ramos slipped his phone into his pocket and glanced out the window. He smiled, relieved with how things had ended with Sloan. It was nice to have some leverage of his own for a change.

  Maybe this whole trip to Cuba hadn’t turned out so bad. He’d learned more about his family than he ever thought possible, so he was grateful for that.

  Now he was ready to put it all behind him, and going to Paris to watch over Shelby was just the distraction he needed.

  It didn’t do any good to dwell on things he couldn’t change. More importantly, he needed to put it somewhere deep in his mind before he met up with Shelby. He didn’t need her feeling sorry for him, and he didn’t want to feel that kind of pain in his heart.

  Besides, he may not have a family like most people. But he had something else. He had Manetto, who was like a father to him, along with Jackie and Miguel who treated him like part of the family. Then there was Shelby. He knew she cared about him a great deal. They were his family now. They were all the family he needed. More important, he could trust them.