Her head whips toward me. “Oh God, that’s right. Those cameras are rolling, right? In case that bitch starts up her shit again?”
I have to laugh. “That bitch? She killed a man, Aspen. She’s more than that bitch.”
“Whatever,” Aspen groans, patting the couch to invite Chonk up. “I have the dog.”
Shaking my head, I bid one more goodbye before heading downstairs and locking up the three new door locks I had installed. My hands shake as I start my car. A little from the cold, but also because I’m heading to the local jail. Visiting hours are today and I need that asshole Rufio to talk before they ship his ass somewhere else.
This wasn’t something I’ve planned on for long. Actually, it wasn’t until Aria asked if I was going to try to get the bastard to talk that the lightbulb came on. The man’s obsession runs deep, or at least it did. It’s intriguing that a man can think he loves a person when he’s never spoken a word to her. He merely watched me while I didn’t know he was watching. He sang to me when I couldn’t hear. Listened when I mistook a moment for private. I understand what it’s like to obsess over a life that belongs to someone else—I don’t know what it’s like to fall in love with the idea of a non-existent relationship. Flipping down my mirror, I check my makeup and hair.
I made the appointment yesterday, and I have to admit it was easier than I thought it would be. They explained perfectly which door I needed to go through and what I could expect with the security screening process. I wouldn’t be allowed to bring anything into the meeting room. It goes as smoothly as they said it would, and soon enough I’m walking down a hallway to booth number seven where Rufio should be waiting for me behind plate glass. My heels clack against the cement and the stench of old water and metal twists my stomach into knots. Good, they complement the butterflies I’ve felt since waking up. This man knows Rena, knows how she thinks and schemes. How she hates, and how she loves. My pulse pounds as I take my seat, keeping my face at the ground until I steal one last breath and raise my gaze.
His flat, brown eyes hold no emotion, but his lips twitch before he licks them. Bile rises up my throat and I have to work to swallow it down. My hand shakes as I reach for the phone on my left and hold it to my ear. He does the same, mimicking my shake.
Pull yourself together, Maeve.
I know I’m safe, but seeing him transports me right back to my living room and to a terror so deep, I still can’t shake it. I’m a connoisseur of heartbreak, but Rufio and Rena dealt me one I hadn’t yet experienced. I swallow once more to steady my voice.
“Thank you for meeting me.” The statement is void of emotion, and I’m not sure if that’s good. I debated playing on his feelings by pretending to reciprocate, but I didn’t want to look like an idiot. Surely, he wouldn’t believe me.
“This is a face I didn’t think I’d see again.” Rufio’s eyes narrow as he speaks.
I choke on my next breath and cough. “That’s right. You’re pretty familiar with my face.” A scary thought because this is the second time I’ve seen his. “How are they treating you in here?”
“What do you want? I’m not ratting anyone out. If that’s why you came, you’re shit out of luck. I don’t mind looking at you though.” His hand moves from his side to his lap, and I slam my eyes shut.
I shake my head fiercely. “No. I don’t want that. I want to know more about my… sister. About Rena. You have to know by now that I didn’t know she existed.” My words taste bitter. “You know her personally. That’s the only reason I’m here. Nothing about her location. I want to know her.”
“Ask Lincoln. Seems he knows her pretty well.” Rufio’s thick accent sounds odd around Lincoln’s name, but I see the spark in his eye. He can give me something I need, and that means a lot to him. “Tell me what it is you want to know about her.”
“Anything. Everything. Tell me everything you’ve learned about her. When did you meet her? How she goes into the friendship with you and… your friends.” How could she abandon such a precious child, like Turner?
Rufio leans back, folding his arms across his chest, tucking the phone in the crook of his neck. “Rena came to us by debt. She was with a man who owed my boss… er, friend, a lot of money. Sometimes in instances such as the one mentioned, we take human capital.”
Trading humans like cattle. To think I felt sick before, but this time it’s in a familiar way. There are many instances in my childhood when I’d be placed into a new foster home because the family requested me. They didn’t really want me, they wanted the check that came with me. I meant nothing to them. I was worth as much as a monthly stipend and nothing more.
Wincing, I ask the next question from a place of empathy. “Did she adjust well? When she came to you?”
He grins. “There’s no choice in the matter. Adjust or live a miserable existence. Luckily boss man took a liking to her quickly and she became his number one almost immediately. There’s a freedom in being chained to that spot. Money. Anything she desires, really.”
“She couldn’t leave if she wanted to?”
Rufio cackles—an evil sound. “No one leaves.”
“Is she happy, or do you think she wants to leave?” This turned into something different. Sympathy isn’t something I expected to harbor for the crazy bitch.
He looks thoughtful. “Rena is too hooked to leave. That’s a good thing. It means she doesn’t feel anything at all. Don’t worry for her. Worry for yourself. They’ll be going after you. She’ll order it and it will be.”
My breaths quicken as fear slips through the cracks. Be pliable or die. “Please don’t let them come after me, Rufio. Can’t you stop them?” If it sounds sincere, it’s because it is. I’m not worried about my own safety, though. Turner and Lincoln are my priority.
His thick, black brows furrow. The first sign of emotion I’ve seen yet. His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows hard. “I’m as good as dead to them. They assume I’ll rat. I won’t. I don’t hold any power any longer.”
“There’s nothing you can do?” My question sounds feeble.
“Unless you want protection by becoming human debt, there’s nothing I can do.”
My chest is rising and falling at an accelerated pace. “You mean… like Rena was. If I go with them, they might leave… my friends alone?” It would be a mistake to bring Lincoln’s name into this when Rufio is viewing himself as my fucked-up savior right now.
“I can’t say for sure what Rena will ask him to do with you, and she’ll be the one who makes the decision, but by how strongly she hates you taking over her family, I’m sure she’d do anything to get you away from them. Even cut a deal to make sure you stay away from them… forever.”
“Why not just kill me?”
His face contorts in confusion. “You are her sister by blood. Even on the Mexican Mud, she would never kill you.”
I can’t help the loud scoff. “You’re underestimating her. You were knocked out cold when she was wielding the gun at anyone who looked at her wrong. Even her son.”
Rufio shakes his head. “She would never kill you or her son.”
“She shot the man she loves,” I argue. “How do you explain away that one?”
“Is he dead though? I said she wouldn’t kill. I said nothing about harm.”
My stomach sours. She would have shot Turner if she had to, and that fact is shocking and repulsive. “You can get a message to Rena then? You can tell her I’ll make a deal as long as Lincoln and Turner get to live free of all interference from the car— your friends.”
His grin turns mischievous, crooked teeth peeking from behind dry lips. “What are you going to do for me?”
“Is that how this goes then? You do something for me, and I owe you? What can I possibly do for you from this side of the glass?”
“You are underestimating your freedom,” he says.
“What then?”
“I need to think on it, but to start with, you can write me letters. Tell me about your life. W
hat’s going on in the world. I get lonely and bored in here. Letters would brighten my day.”
I nod immediately. “Fair. I’ll keep track of where you’re at. They’re moving you soon, I think. I’ll send them wherever you are.”
“Money for the commissary, too,” Rufio says. “Not a lot. Just a hundred a month or so.”
“You’re going to be in prison for the rest of your life. A hundred a month for the rest of your life? No way.”
“Fine. For a year. To start.” Making deals with the devil has a price. “And I will be getting out,” he adds.
“What happens after… I’m gone.” My stomach flips.
“Tell Rena. She’ll make sure the money continues.”
Rena is going to get caught, I think. The FBI is blazing a warpath against the cartel now that they have the strong link sitting in front of me.
I nod. “Thank you,” I say so low I think he might not hear.
“I wouldn’t be thanking me if I were you. They’re going to love you more than I do.”
A chill rips up my spine and forces my whole body to shiver. He notices—jaw working, gaze flicking over every part of me he can see.
“Might even piss Rena off even more than you stealing her family.”
“As long as they’re safe,” I grind out. I mean it, too. My life has never held much significance. It’s why it’s so ironic that the amazing people I surround myself with end up flying into the sky before me. This time, I can control it. It’s my responsibility.
“When I bust out of this joint, I’ll join you.”
Forcing a smile, I reply, “Of course.”
A warden calls out loudly, announcing that this session’s time is up.
“Bye, Maeve.” Rufio winks, then hangs up the phone.
I can feel his eyes on me as I hang up the phone, stand, and turn to walk down the desolate hallway. I’m the last in here, using up the entire time slot. A guard lets me out the steel door and it clangs shut behind me. There’s a holding area to the right and that’s when I see him. Well, he sees me first.
Lincoln crosses to me, a purpose in his stride. “What are you doing here?” he hisses out, eyes wide—furious. “Maeve.” I hear the accusation in my name. The hurt.
I blink away a tear and throw my arms around his neck. He doesn’t know what I agreed to on his behalf, but that’s the way I want it. It’s the way you treat people when no one is looking. That’s the base of character. Lincoln pulls away from the hug to hold me at arm’s distance.
“Seriously, why didn’t you tell me you were coming here? Don’t tell me you didn’t want me to worry, either. This is absolutely crazy.” Isaac is standing off to the side, pretending not to listen.
“I just wanted to ask him about… Rena,” I say, meekly. “Lincoln, I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to worry, I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to stop me.”
He staggers back a step. “I-I wouldn’t have stopped you,” he says.
“Really? If I told you I wanted to look Rufio in the face and talk to him by myself, you would have let me?”
“Yes,” Lincoln says, but indecision lights his eyes. “I think I would have. Why wouldn’t you want me to come with you?” He’s whisper-talking now.
“Can I point out that you didn’t invite me with you here today, either. We’re all doing what we think is best for us, Lincoln. Coming here today, by myself was best for me. I wanted to face him one last time on my terms. With him not standing in my living room threatening me and those I love. I made my peace.” And then some. “I’m sorry if it upset you, but I could also be upset that you’re here without talking to me about it first. You’re the one who got shot, but they were after me. I think that’s something worth noting.”
Lincoln opens his mouth and closes it. He does it twice. The warden calls out that it’s time for the next group to enter. Isaac strides past to line up at the door. Lincoln shakes his head, putting his hands on his hips. He’s torn between being mad at me for not sharing this and feeling caught because he didn’t tell me either. At least this lie might cancel out because he’s also guilty.
“I have to go,” he deadpans.
“Go then,” I say, tears blurring my vision. The love I have for him so overwhelming. I’d choose him every day, over and over. Even if it means I give up everything.
Lincoln clears his throat and leans to peck my lips. It’s warm and chaste. “We’ll talk later.”
I nod. “Oh, and he’s not going to talk about the case.” I say it loud enough for Isaac to hear. “I hope you have a backup plan.”
Lincoln’s eyes harden into slits. “Isaac isn’t going to give him a choice.”
They have no idea. For that, I’m thankful. I’m confident Rufio won’t tell them about our deal. It would mean making things harder, and he won’t get what I’ve promised him. Letters, money, and… myself. The sunlight strikes me as I stroll out into the day, leaving everything behind me. The chapter is closed. I’m moving on to the next. You’d think I’d feel fear in the face of losing everything, losing the man I love, but it’s quite the opposite. I finally know why I was born. My life’s purpose. I’m breathing truth for the first time in my entire life.
Chapter 6
Lincoln
“What do I say to her? How can I protect her if I can’t trust her, man? I don’t get it.”
“I don’t think she cares if you get it. You have to let her live her life even if it puts her in danger. Is that hard? Fuck yeah. You don’t have another option. This is how real love works.”
“She’s going to get herself killed. Did you see the way Rufio smiled when I brought up her name? How he glowered at me when he saw my face? What do you think he’s capable of behind bars?” I ask, even though I’m certain my friend has no clue how the cartel works, I just need him to talk me down.
“Who knows, you know the cartel has eyes and ears everywhere. Technically, she didn’t lie to you, though and I don’t think they want to kill Maeve, just to be clear.”
Clear as ice, and it makes me rage.
I hit him with an irritated glare. “It was a lie.”
“You didn’t tell her either. It sounds like you have a communication problem. Work on it. You’ve been in a fucked-up situation since you met. Now that the threat is minimal, you’re having normal couple problems. Communication. You have to talk about everything, and I do mean everything. Ask about her period cramps, how she’s feeling emotionally and physically, what she wants for dinner the day before you cook. You need to delve into the pits of womanhood now.” Isaac chuckles. “This is a mere lover’s quarrel. Nothing that can’t be solved. Figures that now that your lives aren’t on the line, you’re letting insecurities tear you apart.”
“That’s a stretch,” I say, raising one brow. “I am not insecure about anything.”
He presses his lips together in a thin line. “Love by definition is being insecure about everything, my friend. Call it what you want, but you’re letting it pick at your relationship.”
Running my hands through my hair, I think he might be right. The damn prick. “I need that weekend away to really reconnect now that I’m cleared for everything.”
Isaac claps me on the back. “Congrats, man. Glad to know you’re off the couch and back in the sack. I thought the cabin was booked.”
“It is.” I lay a hand on my truck door handle.
Isaac is leaning against his SUV, rubbing his thumb across the rubber on the window, back and forth. He just gave me the bags I had him buy at the mall. I chastised him for keeping them in his vehicle all day while we were at work because of how much the things were worth, but he pleaded that they were safer here where gate guards were protecting the parking lot, than in the office where hundreds of people stream through every day.
“We can’t wait to have Turner. This is what you need. It’s going to be great. Do nothing but fuck… and talk.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll talk to you later.” I yank on the ha
ndle and open the door. I’m just rounding to Turner’s school pick-up line when Maeve’s ringtone chimes through the Bluetooth. I answer on the first ring. It’s not the end of the day, I’m surprised she’s not with a patient.
“Hey, I forgot to tell you something earlier.” Her voice sounds sad. Oh, no.
“We were pressed for time. What’s up? Am I seeing you for dinner tonight?” I see her every night, but now that I’m cleared to do life, things shine a little differently. Maeve has her own house, her own life, all the things that don’t include me. Everything might change now that I don’t need her. What is that, Lincoln? Oh, right. Insecurity. I fucking hate Isaac.
“Do you remember when I told you I applied Ramona’s work for that show down in Denver? It was a crapshoot, especially because I was submitting for her, but they got back to me and she’s in. They’re giving her a whole section.” She pauses. “It’s really awesome. She’s excited.”
“That is amazing. I see only good here, what’s the problem? I’m sure you didn’t worry about telling me this earlier because it was so great.”
Maeve sighs. “It’s this weekend, Lincoln. I can’t go to the cabin with you. Our trip is off. I need to be here for Ramona. There’s no way I can make her do this alone. She’ll need an assistant. I’m at her place tonight to help her start getting everything together. She has paint everywhere. Like, I’m not sure it’s ever going to come out of her hair. I’m going to miss dinner at your house tonight.”
I want to punch something. I also want to throttle artwork, a brand-new feeling I’m not used to and didn’t know was possible. I remind myself to be understanding.
“Of course. We can reschedule.” I feel like I’m not even celibate by choice at this point. The world is working against us full force. “Are you coming over after you’re finished at Ramona’s studio?”
Maeve clears her throat. “I’m going to stay at my place tonight. It’s closer to Ramona. I’ll see you tomorrow though.” There’s distance in her words. A space forming that I can’t control because she’s the one creating it.
On His Six : A Summit Seduction SEAL Novel (The Summit Seduction SEAL Duet Book 2) Page 5