Connections: Conexiones (Mercenaries Book 3)

by Tony Lavely

  She smiled and nodded. “That’s fine. This all looks great.” His specialty, a bright conch salad, tasted as good as it appeared and she did it justice.

  About ten, she poured another glass of San Pellegrino and gazed across the table at Ian, watching all together too amusedly. “Are we ready? I am. If we wait, I’ll fall asleep after that dinner. Thank you, Maurice,” she said as he removed the remaining dishes and utensils. “That hit the spot. Any coffee?”

  She heard his “In a moment,” as he left the lanai.

  “He will invite Gomez to join us while the coffee is brewing.”

  Beckie nodded and took Ian’s hand. “Anything I should know to start with?”

  “Nothing. Our conversations were exceedingly mundane.” He smiled. “I believe he took our request to involve you at its face. Perhaps I should have traveled with you.”

  “Now you say that! It would have been so nice with you there, too. Though I’m sure Millie would’ve had strong warnings about… things,” she finished as Gomez and Boynton entered.

  “Indeed,” he said with a laugh, then invited Gomez to sit. Boynton laid out the coffee; Beckie immediately helped herself.

  After all the little motions and greetings had settled, Beckie placed her cup on its saucer and gazed at Gomez. “Thanks for your patience, Philip. I appreciate it. I assume you’ve discussed the translation with Ian, and based on Elena not being here, it is accurate.”

  He nodded. “While there may be tiny discrepancies, there is nothing that affects the meaning Ms Rios ascribed.”

  “Good,” Beckie said. “Correct me if I’m wrong. You wish to take control of these videos and, without making them public, hold them to convince Mamani to do as you wish? Or prevent her from doing as she wishes?” She chewed her lip for a second. “I guess those are the same, defining what you want her to do.”

  He sat quiet, stoical. She sneaked a glance at Ian; he was quiet, too. Boynton, however, was smiling at her. Is that because I’m doing well, or I’m so far off he wants to laugh?

  She took a drink before fixing Gomez with her stare again. “You ask us not to reveal this, and I’m not sure I understand why. According to you, everyone in Peru already knows… well, not knows, I guess, but suspects. Suspects so strongly they believe it.”

  “While as you say, everyone believes this, a… a whisper campaign unsupported by hard evidence will be ineffective. But if the recording becomes public,” Gomez replied, “the Justice minister must react, and in such a way as to end Mamani’s opportunity to be elected and her seat in Congress, even if no other legal action is taken.”

  “And what you want is that we should trust you to know what’s right for the people of Peru?”

  Gomez nodded. “I have been involved with them more than you—”

  “Of course!” Beckie felt herself going nuclear again; she made a fist to bring herself down. As she felt Ian’s hand cover hers, calm flooded her. With a smile that began in her toes, she leaned over and brushed her lips against his cheek.

  “I beg your pardon, Philip,” she said. “I acknowledge your far greater familiarity with your country. What I don’t like, greater knowledge or not, is you acting as proxy for thirty million people, more or less. What evidence is there your understanding actually matches the majority of the people better than Mamani’s? Or another candidate? Leaving aside for the nonce the idea you could successfully pull off your plan.”

  “How do I convince you?” He laid his hands on the table, palms down. “I have no evidence, as you say, my opinions should have more weight than any others.’ It is a difficult position I have put you in. I apologize.”

  Ian squeezed Beckie’s hand as he faced Gomez. “We appreciate that. You said earlier Mamani is, I believe, the lesser of several evils, those being the potential replacements were she to be eliminated from the candidate pool? I suppose the primary one of these must be Minister Salvadore?” Gomez nodded. “If you can do without sleep a bit longer?” He nodded again. “I would like to add Ms Saunders via teleconference. She has been working, investigating the candidates who she believes may be viable, and we may benefit from her work.”

  Boynton had already left; he now returned with a laptop which he laid on the table before Ian. “Skype should be up—”

  The sound of the connection being made filled the lanai, and Ian adjusted the volume.

  “As we discussed earlier, Barbara, señor Gomez is going to review the several leading politicians who might be viable candidates, especially if Mamani does not run.”

  “Good,” Barbara said. “I’ll try to find things to add.”

  For the next twenty-five minutes, Gomez listed politicians and his opinions of them. When he finished, Barbara added her own observations.

  The two reports had more similarity than Beckie’d expected. Even the men, and one woman, Barbara had dismissed as unable to muster sufficient support, had a similar assessment from Gomez. That’s kinda scary, but maybe he does have a handle on the situation there. But still, to speak for the majority of Peruvians? I just don’t know.

  While Barbara and Gomez disagreed about the individuals’ chances to make their campaigns successful, there were no arguments on their suitability: none would be preferable to Mamani. Only one man on Barbara’s list was judged by the two of them to be preferable to Mamani, and he hadn’t made Gomez’ list because “He has no chance of being elected!” Unfortunately, Barbara agreed with his assessment.

  “At the end of the day,” Gomez said, “none of these matter, I think. Do you agree, Barbara?”

  “I do, unfortunately. Señor Salvadore and señora Mamani will almost certainly be the two facing each other in the final election.”

  Gomez merely nodded.

  “What is your opinion of Salvadore?” Beckie asked. “Neither you nor Barbara discussed him.”

  “I omitted him because, I suppose, he is a known quantity, compared with the others.”

  “And you, Barbara?”

  “I ignored him because, from the scuttlebutt I’ve heard, he’s about the same as Mamani. Different in some ways, but overall, as far as Peru is concerned, some things would be better and some worse, and in twenty years, no one would be able to tell which one had been elected.”

  “It’s always nice to think you’re backing the top horse,” Beckie said, laughing. “Things could be worse, I suppose. They could be at the bottom of the heap instead of the top.”

  “I cannot disagree with Barbara’s comments,” Gomez said. “And while Ms Rios ascribed no additional significance to it, Salvadore appears in the videos, also.”

  “Which gives him some motivation to find them himself.” Beckie thought for a second, twirling her ponytail. “Mamani could hold them over him.”

  “Correct,” came from both Barbara and Gomez, but the Peruvian’s response was accompanied by a yawn.

  “We have kept everyone awake too long.” Ian said. “Thank you all for your assistance and—”

  “Hang on,” came from the computer.

  “… patience. What is it, Barbara?”

  “Sue and Rich just came in. The demonstrations from up north seem to be moving down here. I’ll call you back when I have better info.” The call ended message followed.

  Beckie didn’t like the expression on Ian’s face, but with the news, or lack thereof, from Barbara it wasn’t surprising. It was her turn; she took his hand and squeezed. He snapped around like he’d forgotten she was there, but she could see concern had overridden his mien, and he calmed.

  “Trust me,” he told her, and she nodded, mouthing “Always.” Now, he smiled. “Philip, I offer you this option: I will hold the recordings. I will neither publicize them nor make any comment about their existence, except to señora Mamani, when she and I have the discussion you intended. As long as you know where the videos are, you should be free to resume your chosen career.”

  “Hmm. And under what circumstances would you consider changing that position?”

  Ian
glanced at Boynton. “Would coffee keep you out for more than a moment?” Boynton shook his head and left, and Ian said, “When he returns…” In another minute Boynton brought a coffee service to the table. “Thank you.” He poured; as he did, he said, “I would change my position if Mamani becomes not the lesser of the evils, but the greater.”

  “Or she supports someone like that!”

  “As Rebecca says. This would seem to fit your professed motive, would it not?”

  Gomez leaned forward, running his hand through his hair. “Yes,” he finally said. “Additionally, it removes the temptation for me to raise money through unsavory means, which is probably just as well.” He laughed before sitting back in the chair. Boynton offered him a fresh coffee, but Gomez held his hands up. “No, thank you. It will ruin what little sleep I will get. Two assumptions: You will not change your mind. We will leave for home in the morning.”

  “Yes, to the first at least.” Ian sipped from his cup. “To the second, probably. I will make that decision once Ms Saunders has called back.” He drank and set the cup down. “In case you or another might be tempted, you should know the videos are not kept here.”

  Gomez nodded as he rose. “Thank you for the hospitality. And the information.” Boynton went out with him.

  Once they’d left, Ian turned his chair to face Beckie. “Would you like some?” When she nodded, he slid the service across and poured her a cup, stirring in a lump of sugar. Her raised eyebrow brought a snort of laughter before he said, “A few extra calories to compensate for lack of sleep.”

  “Well okay, if the caffeine doesn’t work. What’s the plan?”

  He spun a little further, so his back was to the table, and his chair and Beckie’s were side by side. He moved a few more inches to take her hand and observe her. “It does depend on Barbara’s report. I do not wish…” Beckie tipped her head to Boynton, who had just entered. “Thank you,” Ian said to him. “Bring a seat around here and join us.” When he had, Ian continued, “I do not wish to have you away from here again so soon…” He reached to touch her lips, blocking her objections. “… but I also greatly desire your presence when we speak to Mamani. Even in our brief meetings, you two came to a quick rapport, and that may tip the balance.”

  Boynton nodded, which surprised Beckie until she recalled their friend had spent the past four days with Gomez and probably knew more about Peru than Wikipedia. Certainly about current events there, she thought.

  “So,” Ian said, gazing first at her and then at Boynton, “warn either Mathilde or Jean-Luc we may need to fly to Peru on short notice, please.”

  “If Mathilde’s available, she made the trip last time,” Beckie reminded him.

  Again alone, Ian said, “I’m hopeful we can delay until day after tomorrow. That way, you will be able to see Millie tomorrow. Would you prefer to rest now?”

  “I’ll stay with you. I feel better with you beside me. Just holding me.” Don’t know why I have to justify myself.

  He nodded. “Your opinion?”

  “Of your offer?” He nodded. “Well, it’s not exactly what I hoped for, but it might do the job.”

  As they walked to their room, Ian tucked Beckie into his side. “I have been thinking of Willie and his family.”

  Beckie was sure this was going someplace she should have expected and hadn’t. She squeezed even closer. “In what regard?”

  “You and Amy Rose will set up in Coral Gables. He has asked for the opportunity to move to the mainland temporarily, and since you told me you planned to return to school…”

  As they reached the door, she stopped and stepped in front of him. “What? As a guard?” She leaned into him, then backed and opened the door. “I know he’d do it, but do you think that’s what he wants to do? I mean, watching out for two wild teenaged girls in addition to his own family?”

  She heard him behind her as she walked around to open the curtains overlooking the water. The moon had set, or hadn’t risen—she didn’t know which and wasn’t bothered—and it was dark out there. The slider was open and she stepped onto the balcony lanai.

  “Are you planning to use Skype when Barbara calls?”

  He joined her, slipping an arm under her sling to hug her gently. “I had not considered one way or the other. Do you have a suggestion?”

  “Yeah,” she said with a giggle. “It’s so warm, even now, compared with Chatham, and I swear, Karen had the AC set to hang meat in the plane. Help me undress and then sit with me out here.”

  “Should I worry about the consequences?”

  With a laugh, she said, “No! Absolutely not! Damn the consequences! Full ahead; ramming speed, Mr. Sulu!”

  Ian’s chuckle warmed Beckie all over, and his hands undoing the buttons of her shirt and working her arm—with the three inch pins and support bar still decorating it—free gave her little quivers. When he kissed her bare skin, she clutched him to her and, finding it hard to breathe, managed to squeak, “So the iron work doesn’t diminish my appeal too much?”

  He raised his head from her breast to smile. “Never. Believe me, never.”

  As she raised herself to slip her shorts down her legs, Ian’s phone rang with the discordant tone they both knew. “That’ll be Barbara. Sit at the small table and I’ll take your lap. Unless that will be too distracting?”

  “If I can watch the wall, I can avoid distraction. Most distraction,” he said as Beckie took his hand and ran it across her chest. He tipped her head back to kiss her lips and touched the phone. Damn, he’s good! Only three rings.

  “Good evening, Barbara. What is the situation?” He placed the phone on the table and touched the speaker icon.

  “… not as bad as I feared when Rich and Sue came in, but not good. Willie’s investigating the opposition in Arequipa, and they seem to be organizing to protest against Mamani, but later this week. Maybe the weekend, or because she’s doggedly secular, maybe the eighth, the Immaculate Conception feast day.”

  “Not here,” Beckie whispered in Ian’s ear.

  He convulsed to keep from laughing out loud and answered Barbara when she asked if he was okay, “I am fine, thank you. Rebecca is testing my humor reflex. Go ahead.”

  “Well, Rich would like some backup, and I agree with him. We’ll talk to Willie again in the morning, but he’s for lying low so far.”

  “I have confidence in the four of you. I will talk with Mathilde in the morning, but I expect we will travel Thursday morning. Should we plan to arrive at Mamani’s headquarters?”

  “We’ll make that decision when you land in Lima. I’ll have transport lined up, so we can go anyway we need to.”

  “That will work well. Check in tomorrow afternoon, or earlier should it prove useful.”

  They signed off, and Beckie felt good about caressing Ian once more.

  Wednesday

  Morning was heralded not by the sun, though the sky was lightening when Beckie opened her eyes. Rather, the chill on her bare back roused her. What’s Ian doing? she pouted to herself as she noticed the ache in her arm. Only then did the musical notes of Boynton’s ring tone penetrate.

  “Good morning,” she heard Ian whisper. She rolled over and attempted to raise her injured arm so he would know she was awake. She wanted to hear at least his side of the conversation.

  Not that it did her any good. “Very well. Fifteen minutes. Rebecca will be down later, so just coffee, please.”

  He replaced the phone and came to sit on the bed beside her. “Your choice of attire is intended to lure me away from señor Gomez.” He leaned over and began a series of kisses Beckie wanted him to continue. “Unfortunately,” he said as he straightened, “Boynton understands the pitfalls of a lovely, intelligent and sensual partner. If I do not appear, he will.” With a final kiss, he drew the sheet up to her nose and went to find his clothes.

  Beckie threw the sheet off with a laugh. “You can’t get away that easily! What did you mean, ‘Rebecca will be down later’?”

&nb
sp; She could see he was doing his best to ignore her, but once he’d tucked in his shirt, he spun on the ball of his foot to… He’s admiring me! That feels good!

  “I must advise Gomez of Barbara’s message, and our plans to leave. That should require less than twenty minutes.” He glanced at his watch. “I will return then, with coffee, and assist with your morning ablutions.” He smiled as he approached. “If you permit?”

  She used her good arm to grab his shirt front and drag him down to her lips. When she allowed him to rise, she said, “Of course I permit. But, may I have one pill before you go?”

  “I didn’t bump it?” She smiled at the barely disguised tinge of fear in his voice.

  “No, silly. The last one’s worn off, that’s all.”

  Ian’s word was good; twenty minutes after he left, he came through the door after knocking gently. When she made a quizzical face at him, he said “What?”

  “It’s your room. Why knock?” She giggled. “You don’t expect I’d be in here in flagrant whatever that phrase is?”

  He laughed with her. “No. Long ingrained courtesy, which has obviously left you in its dust.” He sat on the bed beside her again. “I see you have not been motivated to don public attire.”

  “Didn’t seem to make much sense, since you were the only one coming by and I need a shower. Besides, I like your eyes when you look at me. Well, except for my ironwork.” She lifted the sling. “Besides, it covers this breast, and…”

  He lifted her arm gently to expose her for a gentle kiss.

  However, much to Beckie’s regret, he then replaced the sling and stood, offering her a hand.

  After breakfast, Beckie followed Ian’s lead to Millie’s office, where the doctor set to work prodding and poking her arm. When Shakti came in, they took an X-ray and amused Beckie with the professional ’hmm’s’ and ’m-huh’s’ they made while examining it. “Well, whatever you two did last night doesn’t seem to have damaged anything,” Shakti said with a chuckle. “The bone is still in place and while it’s too soon to see any regrowth, everything looks good. And the wounds are healing as we hoped as well.”