Devil's Deal

by Terri Lynn Coop

  Ethan broke eye contact and the temperature dropped about twenty degrees. Without another word, he trundled the bike into her driveway and dismounted, his injured leg barely supporting his weight. Maria led him into the house and waved again before she closed the door.

  Relaxed again, Joaquin said, “Well, madam, the Oso awaits. Puma, you take the first shift. We should be back in a couple of hours.”

  One of the riders took Maria’s place on the porch and put his feet up on the rail.

  “Why are you leaving a guard?”

  “He’s there in case your man decides to do something stupid.”

  My man.

  I decided not to go into the complexities of that statement. Instead, I tightened my arms around Joaquin’s waist to indicate I was ready to go.

  CHAPTER 65

  Oso Grande Towing was in the industrial section of Austin. When we pulled up, a heavily fortified gate slid open and we glided under a large sign into the compound.

  “Really, Joaquin, don’t you think a bear in a sombrero is a bit much?”

  He laughed. “Dad ordered it when he was drunk. But we’ve come to like it. The more people think we’re just a bunch of mellow fun-loving beaners, the better.”

  The paved lot was as neat and ordered as a military base, with motorcycles in a mechanically straight row on one side and empty spaces on the other. I assumed that’s where the wreckers usually sat when they weren’t out cleaning up gunfights. The doors of one multi-bay garage were open and mechanics swarmed over cars on lifts. Another large garage looked closed and deserted, but I knew better. Rodrigo “Oso” Fuentes ran the busiest chop shop in south Texas. The real business of the club was running twenty-four hours a day behind those closed doors.

  “Abogada!”

  I turned around and, despite the tension, had to smile. Tigre’s brother waved from the porch of the sprawling pre-fab log cabin clubhouse. He held three beers by the bottlenecks.

  I jumped off the bike and ran up six stairs to accept both the beer and the crushing hug. Whoever nicknamed the brothers did their job well. Where Tigre was slim and ferocious, his older brother was as massive and dangerous as a grizzly.

  “Come and sit. I know you are anxious to get back to your traveling companion, but we need to talk about this situation with your cop.”

  The question must have shown on my face.

  “Puma called me and reported that little scene at Maria’s place. I suppose I’d act the same way about my woman, but you need to remind him how things work around here.”

  Just what I needed were more assumptions. Instead I drank. I’d covered more discomfort with beer in the last couple of days than I had in my entire life.

  “The brothers out in the field are also telling quite a story. So far, they’ve recovered five vehicles that are totally gorked with the radiators shredded and the engines seized. Abogada, you didn’t leave us much salvage to pay for this craziness.”

  “Oso, you and I both know the treasure is at the barn.”

  “Yes, that Challenger is on its way here as we speak. Lucky for you, it will save you from getting a very large bill.”

  He was making it clear to not even ask about the car. It was spoils of the battle.

  “It’s government property, knock yourself out.”

  Oso drank deep. “I know where it came from. Who do you think sold it to that puta in Dallas the first time? I already have it promised once we fix the damage. Don’t worry. It won’t come back to embarrass you. Once the lady gets her cherry back, she will be on her way to Mexico City, to one of her former owner’s rivals.”

  At this level, the world of crime is way smaller than most people realize.

  “There should also be some nice weapons in the wreckage, barely used. That’s a nice tip for your troubles.”

  Oso nodded and settled back in a recliner roughly the size of a Volkswagen. A snap of his fingers brought a young woman from inside.

  “Another?” He said, motioning to my empty bottle.

  I shook my head. Lunch was a long time ago. One beer and I was already feeling swimmy.

  “Can I have a soda instead and maybe a sandwich? It’s been a long damn day.”

  “Your wish is my humble command.”

  Instead of the expected tuna, one of the Gato women brought me a tray heaped with enchiladas and Spanish rice. I nearly did a header into the salsa bowl. While I ate, we talked about Tigre and the family. Well, mostly they talked because my mouth was seldom empty. When I’d finally scraped the plate down to its pattern, I turned to the subject at hand. I had to tell them everything.

  I started with Dad and outlined everything to date. I’m sure Oso already knew most of it, but keeping anything back was not a smart choice at this point.

  “We believe Preacher Joe Bemba was behind the attack. Ethan—Agent Price—said those guys were no more African than he is. He’s an expert with foreign languages.”

  I caught the look between Oso and Joaquin. It wasn’t pleasant.

  “Why am I not surprised? His crews are about as subtle as jackhammers. We’ve had problems with him before. But international smuggling? That’s a new one and very interesting information.”

  “Any chance you could send someone looking like a college student to the café in civilian clothes? I’m just curious to see if he’s still holding court once he figures out this went bust. Maybe text me and let me know?”

  “That should be doable. Plus, Austin is our city. This type of large-scale bullshit only brings attention from the law. We don’t need that,” said Joaquin.

  Oso turned serious.

  “Abogada. Now that the law has been brought up, there are a couple of things we need to speak about.”

  I nodded. I’d been expecting this.

  “You brought a cop into our house. Not just a cop, a fucking FBI agent. From anyone else, that would be an unforgivable. As it is, I’m having trouble with it. I understand your desperation, but know the only reason your pet fed isn’t on his way to the smelter with the rest of your handiwork is who you are. Do you get that?”

  There was nothing else I could do except choose my words very carefully.

  “Yes, Oso, I understand, I thank you, and ask your forgiveness.”

  The big man relaxed. I’m not sure what he thought I would do. Messing with a bear in his own den is suicide in the best of circumstances.

  “Your apology is accepted. However, your pledge doesn’t have an expiration date. Your guarantee is for life. If I have problems and trace it to your cop, you will be held accountable. If one of my people gets a cold and your cop hands them a Kleenex, you will be held accountable. Tell him he is burned forever with us and our business allies. We have his photos, his fingerprints, his ink, his blood—you name it, we have it. Do you understand me?”

  In the spring dusk, sitting on this wide porch with the sounds of air wrenches competing with the squeals of kids on the compound’s playground, it was easy to forget what the Gatos were about. Easy, but not possible. If I said no, a text message would go out and no trace of Ethan would ever be found. If I said yes, I was on the hook, guaranteeing the club’s safety from any information Ethan might gather or come into possession of while he worked for the FBI.

  “Yes, I understand, and my pledge stands.”

  The tense silence was broken by a single beep. Joaquin swiped the screen on his phone and typed in a short response.

  “Well, the subject of this conversation is going to be fine. Maria says the wound is clean and she was able to stitch it up with no problems. She has what she needs to treat him, so we don’t have to find a doctor. She also said she had to dose him. Evidently, sedatives in the soup took the piss right out of him and he’s conked out.”

  Relief washed over me. His wounds were tended and the powder-keg situation was, at least temporarily, defused.

  Oso hefted himself out of his chair. “With that information, Abogada, our business is concluded. You have my word that the ranch situati
on is well in hand. Unless there is anything else you and your cop need.”

  “I just need a ride back to the safe house.”

  “Are you sure? I want you to know that my home is open to you, but only you, for as long as you might need. We’ll also see Agent Price safely back to his people.”

  I caught his drift. There was appeal there, but I said, “I appreciate that. I started this and have to finish it.”

  Joaquin stood. “Then let’s get this done. Dad, I’ll be back to supervise the wreckers and the disposal. The first wave should be here soon. I’ve got this under control.”

  Oso clapped his son on the shoulder, and extended a hand to me. When I took it, he swept me into a hug and whispered in my ear, “Make this work and don’t forget that we are always your family.”

  CHAPTER 66

  After a ride back to Maria’s place that I believed Joaquin stretched out longer than it needed to be, he dropped me at the curb.

  “Abogada, can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure.”

  “If you weren’t tied up with the cop, would I have stood a chance with you?”

  The streetlights were on and the light played off the planes of his face, highlighting his gleaming crow-wing smooth hair and copper skin. This man wasn’t just handsome, he was beautiful and our conversations proved that he had a brain as well. I was rumpled, filthy, and blood-streaked. Frankly, I was stunned. To cover my embarrassment, I struck an exaggerated pose.

  “Who says you don’t?” I winked.

  My silliness was rewarded with a snow-white smile.

  “Juliana, I’ll take your stupid joke for what it is. But, if a woman like you ever looked at me the way you do at that damn cop, I’d move heaven and earth for her.”

  With that, he waved to the guard on the porch and left me standing alone in the night with his words in my head.

  The guard must have let Maria know I was here because a rectangle of light lanced through the darkness. I took it as a get-off-the-street signal and my confusion and I went inside.

  Maria’s kitchen was warm and neat with frilly flowered curtains and matching over-stuffed seat cushions. After the day I’d had, it felt like I was being wrapped in cotton candy.

  “Miss Martin, are you hungry?”

  “First, please call me Juliana, and second, after the way they fed me at the compound, I don’t think I’ll be able to eat for a week.”

  She seemed surprised and at loose ends. Evidently, that wasn’t the answer she’d expected. I pointed to the large kettle simmering on the back burner.

  “I would love some tea.”

  The words were barely out of my mouth before a teacup as delicate and fussy as the kitchen appeared before me. I reached for the cup and for the first time since this had begun, I looked at my hands. My nails were broken, jagged, and caked with dirt that would take hours of soaking and scrubbing to completely remove. Given my medic duties, the dirty streaks on my skin probably still had some of Ethan’s blood mixed in as well.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Maria, I need to wash my hands.”

  Again and again.

  I ran the water until it steamed and squeezed enough dish soap onto my palms to clean every pot in the house twice. After I scrubbed and wiped them pink and dry with a flowered towel, I sat down again and picked up the paper-thin china cup.

  “How’s Ethan?” I both wanted to make conversation and hear the news unfiltered.

  “He’ll be good as new. The cut was very deep, but you did the right thing wrapping it and keeping most of the dirt out. All that bleeding washed it nice and clean. After the stitches, I gave him a shot of antibiotics and have enough for a full course. Use your common sense. If he shows any signs of infection, get him to a hospital. But I don’t think he will. He’s tough and healthy.”

  I held out my cup for a refill of the fragrant brew.

  “Thank you so much, Maria. Are you a doctor?”

  “I’m a nurse, but my skills get stretched occasionally. You know how it is.”

  She was trying to tell me that she patched up Oso’s crews. If I pushed, I’d probably find out she was an accomplished field surgeon with experience in gunshot wounds. I didn’t care. She was what Ethan needed and I was thankful.

  “Chica, last time I checked, he was sleeping. Do you want to look in on him and then take a shower? I’ve got his clothes washing and can do yours as well.”

  Her kindness knifed through my guard. My eyes misted and I wanted to wash my hands again. I didn’t know if they would ever feel clean.

  “I’d like that a lot.”

  I followed her through an overstuffed living room and down a narrow hall lined with photos. There was a sexy tougher Maria on the back of a motorcycle, Maria holding a baby, Maria on the arm of a burly tattooed biker. A parade of graduation gowns, a nurse’s uniform, and a frothy wedding dress. Her surprisingly normal life was on these walls.

  “Was your husband with the MC?”

  Her soft voice didn’t miss a beat. “He still is. Paco’s doing a dime in Huntsville for car theft and is part of Tigre’s personal guard. Our son is a prospect. He’s out on your run.”

  I didn’t know what to say. She gave her husband and son to the club and heals their wounds. Not just willingly. She was proud of it.

  She paused at a door at the end of the hall, opened it slowly, and peeked in.

  “He’s still out cold, but let’s go on inside. I want to check his dressing one last time.”

  The only light in the room was a small shaded lamp. With a blush, I realized Ethan was naked and only half-covered by a very light sheet. Maria saw where my gaze went and laughed.

  “I had to get those nasty clothes off of him and get him clean before I could treat him. After thirty-some-odd years, it’s just another day at the office. I think I’ve wiped, powdered, or bandaged every butt in the club. Although, I will say, this is my first cop. I was surprised when Oso called, but he told me you are family and to take care of him. It was my pleasure.”

  She flipped a corner of the sheet back, revealing his injured leg propped up on a pillow. He stirred when she prodded the dressing, but didn’t wake up.

  “Chica, the bathroom is right behind you. I’ll get you towels and something to sleep in. Leave your clothes in the hall and I’ll take care of them.”

  Family.

  I felt like I should say something. “Maria, I’m sorry he gave you so much trouble that you had to drug him.”

  She gave me a dismissive wave. “He’s a man. This wasn’t even close to the first time I’ve had to do that. How do you think I knew exactly how much to put in the soup? You should find everything you need in the bathroom. Is there anything else?”

  I shook my head and she was gone.

  CHAPTER 67

  Something to sleep in turned out to be loose pajama pants and a long t-shirt festooned with a shiny embroidered and sequined cat. By the time I was out of the shower, my clothes were gone.

  Back in Ethan’s room, I sat in yet another squishy armchair and went to work on my hair. The first time I washed it, the water ran brown and gritty down the drain. By the third time, I was willing to claim it again. Ethan had shifted slightly onto his right side, but his slow, even breathing told me he was still soundly asleep.

  Maria hadn’t suggested that I sleep somewhere else. Like Oso and Joaquin, she assumed we were a couple. The Gatos’ worldview evidently didn’t include complicated, erotically charged yet unconsummated living arrangements between those of the opposite sex who had known each other less than a week. In their world, men and women met and hooked up. They stayed together or moved on. If a brother went down, the club cared for his women and children. As long as they followed the two rules, no one ever left the family. I realized that in his oblique too-cool-for-school way, that’s what Joaquin had offered me—a lifetime of protection and the chance to see Texas from the back of his bike.

  The comb pulled through the final tangle, breaking up
my reverie. Another light tousle with a towel thicker than the entire stack at The Lucky Star combined, and my hair was almost dry. Tomorrow was another raft of problems, including explaining the cost of Ethan’s medical treatment to him. For right now, the people who wanted me dead had no idea where I was and watchful eyes stood guard. I slipped under the sheet, leaving as much space between me and his bare skin as I could, and waited for sleep to come.

  CHAPTER 68

  “Jewel?” Ethan’s voice was groggy.

  “I’m here. Are you okay?”

  Instead of answering me, he pulled me into an embrace. In the dark, I let my hands sweep across the delicious expanse of his bare back.

  He put his head on my chest. “I thought you were gone for good, that I’d never see you again.”

  “What?”

  His words tumbled out. “When you left with Joaquin, I figured you’d be in a Juarez safe house by morning. Instead you’re here.”

  Was I the only one who didn’t think of this?

  No. Maria hadn’t been surprised to see me at all.

  “Ethan, it never occurred to me. I had to square shit with Oso, but we can talk about that tomorrow.”

  “Good,” was all he said before he kissed me.

  There was nothing casual about his kisses this time. Strong and sensual, he parted my lips and explored my mouth with his tongue. Shivering, I answered the kiss, matching him until the tension was nearly unbearable. Too soon, he pulled away to lie flat on his back.

  “Come here.”

  He grabbed my hand and guided me until I sat astraddle him. With only my cotton pants between us, I felt him getting hard, hot and fast. He gasped when I squirmed in anticipation.

  Smiling, he touched the silly shirt. It glittered in the light filtering through the blinds.

  “A kitten? That doesn’t exactly fit in with your Annie Oakley image.”

  “Thank Maria.”

  He grabbed the hem. “I have a better idea. Take it off.”