Missy's Gentle Giant

by P D Miller

  “Yeah, sent her with Juan—told her Mom wasn’t feeling well.”

  “Good.” Ben didn’t look at Gonzalo.

  “How did you know Missy was at the shop?”

  “Someone’s been keeping an eye on your business.”

  “The DEA? Not you?” Gonzalo glared.

  “Maybe you should be a concerned son and call to see if they made it and your Mom is just not feeling well.” Ben ignored Gonzalo’s question, handed him the phone and walked off. Standing at the window, he closed his eyes and fought the pain and anger growing inside him as Gonzalo called and checked. While Gonzalo talked to Juan, Ben smoothly answered the door and took the beer. He didn’t turn around until Gonzalo dropped the handset. “Here have a beer.” He went to pour more scotch. “Now tell me about the call.

  “I—I answered the phone and he said ‘Too bad you’ve got a cute little sister you can’t take on runs with you. Told you we’ll get you where it really hurts’.”

  “And so now you suddenly worry about Mis—your sister?” Ben bit back his anger.

  “Look Charger—”

  “I was Charger before; I’m Ben now, so don’t call me anything else. My charging days ended a couple of weeks ago when I learned Missy died.” Ben winced and stared through the window.

  “All right. Ben, I told you about the call—”

  “Why do they want your sister?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “That was your only call?”

  “No, there were three others. They just said they’d get us—had lots of time.”

  “Nothing else?”

  “Marie took one call, and it scared her because he said Tony might get hurt. In one he asked if we thought we were smart and said he’d get us where it hurts.”

  “Is getting your sister where it hurts you most?”

  “Ben—” Gonzalo looked down and rubbed his hands again. “None of us can stand the thought of something happening to Missy again.”

  “Oh, it’s okay not to be honest and let me stomp in and hurt her like I did; right?”

  “But the way you are—the girl just now—”

  “Yeah, your right.” Ben swallowed down the rest of the scotch. “Missy’s your kid sister, right! I mean all I had were letters from her. We were pen pals—no more.” Ben turned, back to the window to hide the pain slicing through him. “Who the hell cares about a little sixteen year old, snotty nosed tomboy anyway? I mean after all I have chicks like Wanda who know how to please me. She’s my kind of woman, not some—”

  “Ben I’m sorry if I—” Gonzalo glanced up.

  “Oh? For what?” His eyes turned cold and he forced a laugh. “For beating the hell out of me? Hell, you warned me you were going to.” He forced himself to smile. “No apologies necessary, man. Come to think of it, I should be bragging it took ten of you to bring me down.” He poured another glass of scotch and then sat in a chair facing Gonzalo. “Let’s get back to the reason you came. You and I will take care of our personal matter some other time.”

  “Yeah, sure.” Gonzalo stared at his hands. “Are you still on the case?” So their battle wasn’t over.

  “No I quit; not interested in looking for small time coke runners these days. Got more interesting things to do.”

  “Then why—”

  “Heard about your distress calls and did some checking around. Got some information you might want.”

  “What kind of information?”

  “In the last two weeks, coke has been planted on four of your runs.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah, DEA let them pass through trying to find out who’s receiving it, so they can eventually catch everyone involved. But in your case, there was definitely a plant, and someone’s trying to bring your company down. Trouble is, the guy worked himself into a hole and he’s trying to get out of it right now. Someone is extremely mad you replaced your trucks, and this other guy’s mad as hell because you’re not getting caught.”

  “You mean I’ve been hauling drugs for a dealer? I’ve been—” Gonzalo jumped up.

  “No there’s a little more to it.” Ben motioned. “Sit down.” I’ve got some questions. Have you seen Eduardo this past two weeks?”

  “Yeah, he’s been hanging around again a lot. He—”

  “Doesn’t he ever drive for his father?”

  “Are you kidding?”

  “How about for you?”

  “No, I tried to hire him a couple of times when we were real busy, but he’s not interested in driving trucks. Why all the questions about Eduardo?”

  “He’s related to someone who’s trafficking drugs from across the border.”

  “You lost me.”

  “I told you blood is thicker than water.”

  “You still lost me. Is Eduardo planting the drugs?”

  “No, he’s just an unknowing mouthpiece—one who’s been telling the dealer how busy you are lately and when your trucks are moving.” Ben watched Gonzalo closely. “Do you know a Moreno or Tijerina?” He was surprised Gonzalo showed no reaction.

  “No, who are they?” Gonzalo glanced up.

  “You’ve never heard of either of them? How about a guy named Fernandez?” Ben took a swallow. Gonzalo hadn’t heard of Moreno?

  “No. Should I?”

  “Tijerina is one of two men planting stuff on your trucks. Tijerina’s distantly related to another man planting stuff named Moreno.” Ben stared at Gonzalo trying to see if the name sparked any recognition, but there was none. “Moreno’s the one trying to shut you down; he planted coke and tipped the DEA when your men were hauling both trucks.”

  “How do you know all of this?” Gonzalo frowned. “I don’t have anyone working for me named Tijerina or Moreno—”

  “My source just knows. They’ve been doing it when you’re not watching. Trouble is when those trucks were confiscated, Tijerina thought Moreno was trying to double cross him, so Moreno’s had to prove he wasn’t the tipster.”

  “So he planted more and didn’t tip off the DEA?” Gonzalo made bubbles of his cheeks. “If the DEA knew, why didn’t they—”

  “DEA wants to get the whole lot.”

  “By using us?”

  “Fernandez is the real dealer on the other side. But after those two busts, everyone got suspicious of each other. Apparently Tijerina and Moreno were given another chance after plants they both made got through. Fernandez needs a trucking company he can use, and you somehow got through the last four times, so he finally decided your company could push his stuff. Only problem is, Moreno is still really burning to get you, and Tijerina wouldn’t mind getting Fernandez off his back because he’s in too deep. Fernandez doesn’t trust either one of them right now. In any case, the DEA is in the process of setting up Fernandez and hopes they’ll get all of them and the receiver on the other end.

  “Through me? Man I don’t need this!” Gonzalo raked his fingers through his hair.

  “If everything goes right, the DEA can get the dealer and the main receiver.”

  “And get some of us dead.”

  “Every man has a weakness—besides, it seems you asked the DEA’s help because you lost some trucks—”

  “But to deliberately—”

  “Truth is they knew Moreno was after you, but they thought it was a false lead, so they were just watching him. Since your call—”

  “What the hell could some Moreno have to do with us?”

  “You have no idea?”

  “Hell no—I mean why would he target us?”

  Ben rose and went back to the window. “He has a brother-in-law named Miguel Torres, a young guy twenty-six I think, who was sent to prison for rape—”

  “Oh damn!” Gonzalo set his unopened beer on the table with a shaky hand. “Oh damn! Cha—Ben what can I say?”

  Muscles rippled it Ben’s cheeks again, and he downed the scotch before he turned around to face Gonzalo. “Nothing man, there isn’t a damn thing you can say now. You should’ve told
me about it before.” He dropped the glass on the table with a clacking sound. “It’s too late to say anything now.” Ben reached up and rubbed the back of his neck. “Everything should have been said before I—”

  “Look Ben, I tried to tell you. Missy wanted me to tell you, but I thought—no even she knew it would cause you to dislike her and—”

  “Yeah, sure.” Ben clenched his teeth together and the muscles rippled in his cheeks. “But SHE told me you just had a special problem about keeping her single until she was eighty—” There was a knock at the door. “Well, Wanda has returned.” A smile lit up Ben’s face. “Sorry but you know how it is with a person’s priorities—pleasure before—” Ben opened the door and hugged Wanda as she came in.

  “Am I back too soon?” She smiled brightly.

  “No sweetie, you timed it just right—gives you enough time to run in the bathroom and put on what you bought to make me feel good again.” Ben stuck his tongue out and touched her bottom lip, and Gonzalo saw his hand snake down near her crotch. He shuddered and watched the grinning girl run off to the bathroom. Ben’s eyes longingly followed Wanda and then he glanced coldly at Gonzalo. “Tell you what man, the best thing you can do is keep Mis—your little sister home for a while and try to carry on as normally as possible. It’s the only way to clear you since your damned family ties stop—” Ben turned to the window. “All I can do is warn you something big is coming down and tell you to hang loose.”

  “Ready or not, here I come.” Wanda giggled from the bathroom.

  “Wait until this guy leaves and I can get my clothes off.” Ben glared, no forced a smile at Gonzalo and watched him get up to leave. “Like I said—”

  “Yeah DEA is using us.” Gonzalo scowled. “Just like you used Missy. Thanks a heap.”

  “You’re most welcome.” Ben slammed the door and leaned his forehead against it. Damn, if only he knew! Oh damn, if only he knew!

  “Oh lovie, is it time yet?” Wanda called from the bathroom.

  “Can it. He’s gone.” Ben turned away from the door, dropped in a chair and put his face in his hands.

  “Now what?” Wanda walked out dressed as she’d been and sat in the chair.

  “Now we’ve got something more to worry about, I think.”

  “So much for having a good time.” She smiled. “Should I be surprised?”

  “Get lost for a while Wanda, I need to do some thinking.”

  “Yeah, sure. When you need me I’ll be in the lounge trying not to drum up business.”

  Ben watched Wanda leave, reached for the phone and made two calls. Half an hour later his worst fears had been confirmed. Davis said Moreno had flown in and was staying in McAllen, so he planned to make a move. With Eduardo providing information, this run would leave Missy vulnerable even at home during their run. He buried his face in his hands knowing now just how much danger Missy was in. He must make sure she was safe! Slowly he looked up, poured another drink and then called the lounge. There was no way around what he had to do.

  “This is Spinelli, tell Wanda I’m sorry I got mad and I’d like for her to come back to my room.” He put his finger on the button waited five seconds and dialed a number. “There’s been a slight change of plans—” Ben’s expression defied describing. There was anger, worry, pain and even frustration in his eyes. “We need to put everything on hold for another twenty-four hours or so. I’ll need the big rig too. Now here’s what I want you to do—” Ben nodded when Wanda came in and motioned for her to sit. Her eyes opened wide as she listened to Ben’s plans, and she shook her head.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Ben dropped the receiver and turned to her.

  “What in the world have you got on your mind?” She stifled a smile.

  “We’re going to do a kidnapping.”

  “Oh really?” Wanda’s eyes opened wide. “We get deeper all the time.”

  “We’ve got to do it.” Ben raked his fingers through his hair. “Trouble is, I don’t know how we’ll do it and not hurt someone worse.”

  “By someone I assume you mean a Sanchez?”

  “Yeah.” Ben wandered to the window. “A Sanchez who was kidnapped once before.”

  “Well it sure as hell wasn’t the one who was here. I saw no love lost between you two.”

  “Better get some sleep Wanda. You’re going to be busy tonight. Later I want you to look so cheap any guy will follow you.” Ben grimaced. “Especially a certain nine Sanchez brothers I know.”

  At eleven thirty Marco grumbled when he heard a knock at the door and got up. “Yeah what do you—” His eyes nearly popped out of his head.

  “Tell me sweetie, is Gonzalo around? I have a message from Ben, Ben Spinelli.”

  “I’ll get him.” Marco backed away from the door. “Just sit right there.” He didn’t take his eyes off Wanda as he went upstairs.

  Wanda sprawled out on the sofa and wasn’t surprised when three Sanchez men came down. Gonzalo was the only one showing suspicion.

  “You have a message?”

  “Yeah, Ben thought I should warn you someone’s planning to break in your shop and fix a couple of your trucks tonight.”

  “Why didn’t he just call?” Pedro wondered.

  Gonzalo glanced at his brothers and raked his fingers through his hair. “Look lady, I—I smell a trap.”

  Wanda stood with a flare of anger in her eyes. “Well, to hell with you then.” She glared. “I just came out to this dump because Ben told me to warn you. If you don’t want to listen, well then who gives a—”

  “Maybe we better check it out.” Marco finally pulled his eyes away from Wanda.

  “Yeah, I guess it won’t hurt.” Gonzalo glared. “Is Ben going to be there?”

  “Don’t be silly. Ben’s waiting for me. In fact, I was dressed special for him, but some guy called him out for a while. Ben called me and told me to warn you and then go get him.”

  “Yeah, well I think it might be nice if you give me a ride over to the shop—unless you have some objection?” Gonzalo glared.

  “Suit yourself.” She shrugged.

  “Should I wake the others to go too, in case it’s a trap?” Marco asked.

  “Yeah, and you guys can follow the lady and me. But don’t wake up Pop. We need to keep someone here with Missy.”

  “How about Tony?”

  “Don’t bother to call him. No point scaring Marie.”

  “Okay I’ll get the others.” Marco quietly went upstairs.

  Wanda watched as four more men in various stages of dress sleepily came downstairs.

  “Take a couple of cars.” Gonzalo never took his eyes off Wanda, but he wasn’t looking at her body as the others were. She disgusted him, at least thoughts of the way she and Ben had carried on disgusted him. “Follow the lady’s car, not too close though. I want her to get out and walk around the place before you drive up.”

  Wanda audibly sighed with an “Oh men are all so stupid” sigh and went to the car. She looked in the rearview mirror and saw the nose of a pickup sticking out at the corner waiting for her to leave, and she hoped all the guys could be seen. At least she got eight of them out.

  “Is this your car?” Gonzalo sat stiffly in the new Porsche.

  “No, it’s Ben’s.” She smiled at Gonzalo. “But if I’m extra nice to him and let him do some of the things he likes most, he lets me drive it around.”

  “Yeah, I can imagine.” Gonzalo looked out the window in disgust. He could well imagine Ben’s sexual tastes and felt his stomach turn.

  As soon as the Porsche and two Sanchez cars drove off, the quietest pickup in the world pulled up in the dark and stopped in front of the neighbor’s house. Slowly Ben pulled himself out of the still running truck and half shut the door without latching it. Carefully he took each step on the porch and was relieved to find the front door unlocked. Either they never locked it or someone had forgotten.

  Ben tested each step as he stole his way upstairs. Now to find the right damn room. He twi
sted the door knob at one, saw the room was empty and went on. Before he even touched the knob of the second door, he heard loud snores and moved on to the next room. Slowly be opened the door so as not to wake anyone. His breath caught when he saw the moon shine across Missy revealing her beautiful body. He tensed at his arousal, stifled a groan and stepped over to her bed. Swiftly his hand covered her mouth, and he felt her instantly awaken and double up in fear.

  “Missy, Missy, Missy—” He whispered in her ear as he held her against him and reached for a floundering hand. “It’s Ben.” His hand told her. “You’re in danger here, and I have to get you away. I’m Ben, and I won’t hurt you.” His fingers flew. “Nod, to tell me you understand. I’m Ben, and I won’t hurt you, I promise.” Shaking, she struggled against him. “You’re in danger here, and I have to get you away. I’m Ben, and I won’t hurt you, I promise.” He held her tightly while his fingers flew in her hand. “I’m Ben, and I won’t hurt you; I promise. Nod to tell me you understand.” He felt relief when she finally nodded even though her shaking didn’t stop. “I have to get you to safety. Trust me Missy.”

  While his hand flew telling her who he was, he whispered Missy over and over in her ear. She nodded again, but she was still shaking when Ben dropped the note on her bed, picked her up and carried her downstairs with his hand still covering her mouth.

  His whole body was covered with sweat by the time he carefully pulled the pickup door open, folded Missy up on the seat beside him and started the truck rolling. He didn’t close the door tightly, and he didn’t let go of her mouth or turn on lights. The truck silently slid down the block and around the corner before he released his hold on her mouth and reached for her hand as he drove. In the dark his hand flew and kept telling her he wouldn’t hurt her. Tears of fear spilled while she desperately felt what his fingers kept telling her.