9 Ways to Fall in Love

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Manny,” Brody called out. The teenager ran to him, his eyes expectant. “Can you find Kate a pair of pants and a shirt?”

  “Sí. I will do it right away.”

  “Thank you,” Brody shouted to Manny’s retreating back. “I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”

  How that kid’s attitude had changed.

  Brody turned and walked into the small, bare-to-the bone hut Kate had entered earlier. She sat at the table sipping what smelled similar to coffee. Dirty, with a swollen black eye, and a busted lip, she was the prettiest woman he’d ever seen. And probably the bravest.

  She kicked out a rickety chair for him and scooted it away from the table. With a smile he accepted the offered cup from the pregnant woman.

  “This is Katarina. She’s married to Alberto and they’re expecting their first child.”

  Ducking her head, Katarina giggled and refused to meet his gaze. She moved back to the stove and stirred something that smelled spicy in a pot.

  “How long do you think we have until Oscar retaliates?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe a few hours.”

  “When I was at La Hacienda I noticed several vehicles like the Jeep. Two trucks with canvased stretched across the back, and two cars.”

  “How many men?”

  “I didn’t see everyone. So I can only guess.”

  “What’s your guess?”

  “On the generous side, I’d say maybe a hundred.”

  Brody swallowed at the news but refused to allow his heart rate to accelerate. Taking out bad guys was what he did. He considered the odds, but they never deterred him. For him it was just another day at the office.

  He couldn’t forget they’d only eliminated four of that hundred, and time ticked on for A.J. He tilted his head and smiled. “I figure that makes us about even.”

  She laughed, and Brody’s spirit felt lighter. He almost believed his own lie. It was her laughter that held him mesmerized and intrigued. With all the chaos around them, her smile lit up his world.

  “A.J.?” she asked.

  “I know. We have to get him out of there.”

  “I think you’re right. Instead of waiting for Oscar to come to us, let’s go to him.”

  Brody frowned. What the hell was she thinking? “Not you.”

  Kate smiled. “I don’t take orders well.”

  “This time you know I’m right.”

  “Maybe, but why don’t we use me like you originally intended?”

  “What?” Aw, shit. This conversation was taking a detour.

  “Oscar wants me.”

  No shit. “He almost roasted you in a tunnel.”

  “I don’t think that was Oscar. That’s not his style. He prefers head-on confrontation. He enjoys watching people die.”

  “So what’s up with the tunnel?”

  “I don’t know. I had knowledge that the escape route existed. I’d taken it once just out of curiosity. Nothing was different except the exit was blocked and the vehicle gone. I always thought it was for Oscar to get away should the authorities or anyone come for him.”

  “There was no car.”

  “I know. That makes me think that’s how Oscar got away from Falcon after his men captured A.J.”

  “Maybe Chavez put the gasoline in there in case A.J. escaped and made it to the tunnel.” No matter what happened, Chavez was going to die for that alone.

  “Why? A.J. didn’t know about the tunnel. I don’t think Oscar wants A.J. to die,” Kate said. “While I was being held with A.J., a man I’d never seen before came downstairs and bragged about everything going according to some plan. Do you know what he’d mean by that?”

  Brody looked at the emptiness surrounding them. Hell, he didn’t know a damn thing. “No I don’t. You figure this guy worked for Chavez?”

  “Yes, I’m sure of it. But when he went back upstairs I heard him and Oscar talking and I don’t think the guy should have been down there with us.”

  “You don’t think Chavez wanted him intruding?”

  “No. I don’t think Oscar wanted him down there.”

  “Maybe this guy was just taunting you, and Chavez didn’t want him messing around.”

  “You might be right. I’d never seen this guy before, but the guards were talking about Oscar having big plans for me. It seems everyone has a damn plan, and we don’t know anything.”

  “We’ll find out. Frank has the president all over this. The last thing the Mexican government wants is an international incident.”

  “Oscar must have something planned for A.J. or he’d be dead.”

  “I’m beginning to think they want A.J. as a patsy. Something is going down, and they want to blame a Falcon agent for the deed.”

  “If that’s true, A.J. is a dead man, for sure.”

  “I find it strange that the Mexican government authorized the Falcon raid on Chavez. They sanctioned it, but didn’t provide troops they’d promised.”

  “They never do. Much better to have another country clean up the mess for you.”

  A steroid junkie, covered in tats with buzzed black hair, dipped his head and stepped into the hut. With a body the size of a sumo wrestler and biceps big as watermelons, he took up most of the room. “You want to speak to me?”

  “Are you Carlos?”

  “Sí.”

  “I’ve heard you aren’t too happy working for Chavez. Want to help bring him down?”

  Carlos studied the toes of his shoes and shifted his feet. “It is not that easy.”

  Brody leaned closer. “I’m not asking you do to something easy.”

  “Chavez would do more than kill me. He has other ways to make me pay if I become a traitor.” Deep furrows creased between his brows as they drew closer. “It is not wise.”

  Brody took a sip of coffee. “If you can live the rest of your life under those conditions but we don’t have anything to discuss.”

  Carlos walked toward the door then stopped. “What do you need to know?”

  “How many men are there?”

  “Fighting men?”

  No dickhead, dancers. “Yes.”

  “Sixty-eight, counting the four you killed earlier.”

  “Guns...weapons?”

  “Enough for an army twice that size.”

  “Do you know what Chavez wants with the prisoner?”

  Carlos shook his head and kept his gaze on the dirt floor. “No one does. We have just been told to keep him alive no matter what we have to do.”

  Kate spoke up. “I saw a man there. Tall, slim, dark hair, smoking a cigar, wearing a suit. Who is he?”

  “Angel Diaz. He and Chavez grew up together. Diaz killed the leader of a rival gang that murdered Chavez’s brother, Juan. He showed up at La Hacienda six months ago. Since then, he and Chavez have had their heads together.”

  “So, he’s the new lieutenant?”

  “Yes, pretty much. But he is a party man.”

  “How does Chavez feel about that?”

  “I heard him tell Diaz to lay off the cocaine or leave.” Carlos shook his head. “Chavez does not allow anyone to dip too deep into the merchandize.”

  “But he’s generous with the muscle enhancers, huh?” Without giving him the chance to reply, Brody said, “Thank you, Carlos.”

  The informant shrugged. “I did not say a word.” He turned and walked out into the afternoon light.

  Katrina took a basket of clothes and stepped out the door. Brody stood, went over and locked the door. He turned to Kate. Walking toward her, he held out his hand. “We both know there’s something between us. Want to find out how strong it is?”

  She gave him a sassy smile that messed up his heart rate. “My, I think that’s the sexiest thing a man’s ever said to me before.”

  He bowed. “Thank you. I try my best.”

  She stood, walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. A pulse of searing heat burned inside his chest before moving further down. As she lifted to her tip toes, Brody grew
hard as stone. He wanted her so badly he could barely wait. When her lips met his, a surge of excitement ran through him like a wildfire.

  He deepened the kiss and pulled her closer. His tongue slipped between her teeth as his brashness lent her courage. With her so close, their lips melted together and dance and mated, with their bodies on fire, nothing matter but the two of them.

  He picked her up and carried her to the back room of the hut and laid her on the mattress then joined her. He knew this wasn’t the ideal romantic place, but he needed her. Slowly he lifted her shirt and his hand moved to cup her breast.

  They broke off the kiss and her breath brushed his earlobe. Her scent surrounded him, and they both struggled to remove their clothes. When they were finally naked and pressed close, Brody fumbled in his pants for a foil package. She took it from him, ripped it open. Brody held his breath as she slowly rolled it down his thick length.

  His eyes slowly took in her beautifully open body as she lay next to him. Pleasure brightened her face when he moved between legs. “You are so gorgeous right now I can’t believe my eyes.”

  “I’ve never had a man say that to me before,” she whispered, her eyes dark with passion. “I want you Brody.

  He slid slowly inside her warmth she hugged him like a second skin. Passion, tenderness and patience threw them over the edge. He lowered his head and kissed her, their tongues tangling while their body set a tempo of natural rhythm.

  He slipped in and out, thrusting and craving more. Slick and hot the sound of body against body filled the tiny room. She groaned as Brody slipped his hand between them and felt her climax building. She broke the kiss to roll her head from side to side. “Now, Brody, I need it now.”

  She tightened around him and they both went over the edge in slow motion and spiraled into the throes of pleasure and desire. Brody sought out her lips again and filled with incredible emotions he wrapped her in his embrace and closed his eyes.

  ***

  An hour later Brody stood and held out his hand to Kate. She came off the mattress and they both dressed in silence. Fully clothed, he put his finger beneath her chin and captured her lips again. Stepping back, he said, “Let’s go see what Chavez has to say.”

  Kate followed him outside into the heat. He called all the villagers from their homes. “We know how many men Chavez has but we can still do what we planned. I’d rather fight him out there, away from the women and children than have him come and destroy the village and murder your families.”

  “He has many men.” Alberto said. “I have been inside La Hacienda, and there are many mouths to feed. My mother is one of his cooks.”

  “I just learned he has sixty eight men.”

  “That is a lot of men to fight.”

  “You’re right it is. But those men fight for money. You’re fighting for your families, your way of life and your freedom.”

  Without speaking, the men went into their homes and brought out their weapons. Together they walked to the hidden vehicles.

  With his band of fighters, Brody pulled out in front and set a course directly for Chavez. It didn’t take long before they reached the gates of the huge compound, barely out of gunshot range.

  Brody stepped forward and shouted. “I want to talk to Oscar Chavez.”

  A moment later the gate opened and Brody stepped forward. Kate fell in behind him. He stopped and turned to her. Tight lipped, he pointed to the group behind them. “Go back where it’s safe. There is a good chance he’ll kill me before I enter the house.”

  “You’re right, but you brought me here, and I’m seeing it through.”

  “You’re one stubborn lady. When this is over...”

  She smiled, and her battered face glowed. “We’re going to have a romantic getaway, right?”

  “Hold on, I have an idea.”

  He removed his belt and tied Kate’s hands.

  “What the hell?”

  “Just go with it.” The hard drumbeat of his heart thundered in his ears.

  “Brody...”

  He shouted to the guard. “Tell Chavez I want his promise he won’t shoot me. I’m here to exchange her for the hostage.” This was either going to work or turn deadly without a moment’s notice.

  Her face crumbled. He smiled and whispered. “Trust me.” Yeah, like I’ve kept you safe so far.

  “You’ve said that before.”

  They moved closer to the center of the courtyard. Chavez stepped out of the house onto the large porch with his hostage. The roof shadowed his face from the setting sun, but A.J. clearly looked miserable.

  “You agree to exchange her for him without killing me?” Brody asked.

  Chavez pulled A.J. against his body and held a long, dangerous blade to A.J.’s throat. “You come to watch your friend die”

  Brody put Kate in front of him and pulled out his KA- BAR knife, and placed it at Kate’s jugular. Two could play at this game.

  Kate quivered, and blood raced through her veins so fast her ears rang. This was crazy. The smell of doom mingled with the scent of a nearby rose garden. Oscar would call his bluff, and Brody would have no choice but to hurt her.

  Kate settled on the balls of her feet trying to center herself. For the first time she felt fragile as crystal. They make love then he does this?

  Standing in the blazing sun, sweat trickling between her breasts and down her back to the waistband of the pants Manny had scrounged for her earlier, Kate trembled.

  “Hey, shithead, I can stand here all day,” Brody shouted.

  They moved closer. The ugly snarl twisting Oscar’s mouth matched his smoldering eyes. This would be her last day on earth. If Brody didn’t kill her, Oscar would, and he would enjoy every second.

  Kate’s father’s words echoed her life. When she’d told him she’d been selected by the CIA, Admiral Stone wasn’t blind with pride as she’d hoped. Instead he simply mumbled, “You’ll get your damn fool head shot off.” So much for trying to be the son he’d always wanted.

  Kate glanced at A.J. Head lowered, his eyes pulled at her with such magnetized force that she felt compelled to assure him everything would work out. That they’d both go home, and this would only be a bad memory. But in Kate’s heart, she knew that lie wouldn’t fool anyone.

  Especially A.J.

  He’d spent enough time with Oscar to be acquainted with the hell waiting for her inside La Hacienda. A.J. stumbled as Oscar stepped off the porch. They were no more than ten feet apart. Anger rolled off A.J. thick as a fog and rank as a dead fish.

  “Remember, you gave your word,” Brody said.

  “I will let you and your friend out of the compound. Then all bets are off.”

  Brody’s leg pressed against her rear, nudging her closer to her own death. Kate fought the urge to hyperventilate. At his sudden release, she stumbled forward. When she and A.J. passed, he smiled weakly. “I’ll be back.”

  While Brody took A.J., she stiffly stepped on the porch. Without looking back, she entered the house and waited for the undisputable end.

  Chapter 12

  Surprised that the guard on top of the wall hadn’t opened fire, Brody quickly pushed A.J. to the waiting vehicle and took off. With the 50mm pointed at Chavez’s men, he seated his friend in the backseat and told his men to return to the village.

  Not wanting to hang around for a gun fight, Brody pushed the Jeep’s accelerator, and they sped off. When they came to a halt, Brody jumped out to see about A.J.

  Refusing help, A.J. got out of the vehicle and followed Brody into the nearby house. Bruises and abrasions covered his unshaven jaw, and he needed a haircut. His right arm hung limp, probably due to a shoulder injury. Brody hoped the damage wasn’t permanent.

  Several people followed behind him and crowded into the hut where Alberto and Katarina lived. The bed, a tattered pallet, lay spread out in the back of the house where the shadows kept the heat at bay. After setting A.J. on the bed, he tipped a cup of water to his friend’s mouth.

&nbs
p; “I’m not completely helpless,” A.J. said, taking the cup from Brody’s hand. Then he drank greedily until his thirst was quenched and slumped back on the sweat stained pillow. “You have to go...”

  “I know. I’m going back for her just as soon as you get settled.”

  “Go now. He’ll kill her.”

  “Jake is due soon. If we’re not back, leave without us.”

  A.J. let out a deep sigh as Tony looked at Manuel. “Take him to your village,”

  Brody checked his bag and made sure the villagers were well armed. He had men set up around the perimeter should Chavez decide to send his army of killers.

  He left in a cloud of dust as he headed back to La Hacienda. He drove several miles and then pulled over near a shrub, where he slammed the vehicle in park. In a position where he could see the compound with his field glasses, Brody looked across the emptiness.

  The sun had barely tipped toward the western horizon when Brody sprawled out on his stomach to watch and wait.

  With the gates closed, there was very little he could make out. Brody counted on it not taking long for Chavez to send one of his men to bring him in.

  Just as he reached for the canteen, a man walked up behind him. Bring it on. Brody closed his eyes and remained still. Something hard slapped against the side of his head, and he tumbled into a dark void.

  Brody came to with his right cheek resting on the cool tile floor of the La Hacienda. Chavez leered down at him with his noxious dark eyes. Not liking the position, Brody rolled over and saw Kate crumpled on the floor three feet away. The gash on her lip bled. Brody’s eyes locked on the ring on Chavez’s finger. Son of a bitch. This fucker dies.

  In less than a minute he gauged sight lines, assessed escape routes, and memorized everything in the room. Five armed men including Chavez. Kate, a pair of leather couches, a large square coffee table, platinum TV above a natural stone fireplace. Big and spacious with a solid glass wall overlooking the east side of the house. Outside he saw a pool surrounded by palm trees and tiki huts.

  Brody dragged a lung full of air, tensed his hamstring, and gluts. His right hand flexed, and the air swishing in and out as he grew steady and focused. Eyes narrowed and shoulders taut, Brody shot up off the floor and slammed his fist against Chavez’s jaw. The strike felled him like a logged tree.