Detour Paris: Complete Series (Detour Paris Series Book 4)

by Dancer, Jack

  "You didn't tell 'em Rakim?" I say putting him on the spot, a noose dangling over his head.

  He turns to Guillem and says, "It's nothing. This man lost his woman, and he wants to blame it on me. The second woman he's lost, or is it the third, Tucker?" He tries to laugh it off.

  "The woman was kidnapped off the street by Drusilla Libica's thugs, and now she's held prisoner in the castle's dungeon. Rakim was witnessing everything but refused to intervene. Rakim knows where the woman was taken but wouldn't say unless I gave him the lottery ticket he thinks I have, but I don't. He wants the ticket for himself," I say and turn to Rakim, "don't you Rakim?"

  Rakim loses it and leaps at me screaming, "You are son-of-bitch."

  I pull a stun gun from my pocket and blast him with fifty thousand volts, throwing him to the ground. Startled at what just happened the other two pull their pistols. The cop in the cruiser jumps out too with his pistol in hand pointing at me.

  I drop the stun gun and quickly raise my hands and cry, "Wait! I can prove it. I can prove everything I just said." I look at Cese and say, "I'm not lying Cese. Everything I said is true, and if you'll give me a chance, I can prove it to you right now. Just please lower your guns. I am not armed. The stun gun was all I had." I turn and place my hands on the trunk of the Mini. "Here, pat me down and see for yourself." As I'm facing the back window, I can see Julia's face in the rear-view mirror looking at me with eyes wide. I mouth to her, "It's okay," and shake my head for her to stay where she is.

  Once they've patted me down. Cese says, "Okay, turn around, Señor Blue, and talk."

  I do and now Guillem is leaning over Rakim with one hand on his chest trying to calm him. Cese tells the uniformed cop to return to his cruiser.

  "Just what I said Cese. I think Rakim's going rogue on you guys. I met with him yesterday morning, at his insistence, where he demanded I hand over the ticket to him personally, otherwise he would not help me save the woman who was taken last Saturday night. He said he knows where she's being held. He threatened me and when he did I shocked him with this same stun gun (I nod at the one still laying on the ground) and told him I'd kill him if he didn't tell me within 24 hours. I know, that was probably stupid, but I was very upset he was trying to blackmail me for this girl's life. When I shocked him, I also placed a small wireless GPS transmitter under the collar of his jacket. Here, I'll show you." I start to lean over, but Cese grabs my arm to stop me and tells Guillem to check under Rakim's collar. He does and comes up with the small device and holds it up for Cese to see. Cese takes the disk and inspects.

  "Okay, Tucker, but this proves nothing."

  "But, that's not all," I say. "If you remember at our meeting last Friday, I said I had received a ransom demand for two other women who'd been kidnapped."

  "Yes, I remember," he says.

  "Well, Monday I made the ransom drop to secure the release of these women but when the courier picked up the bag containing the money someone on a motorcycle, that motorcycle," I point to the Ducati, "rode up and stole the money from the courier."

  "What? This is sounding very far-fetched, Señor Blue," Cese says.

  "I know it does but please hear me out."

  "Go on," he says with exasperation showing.

  "In the money bag, I hid another GPS transmitter, just like the one you're holding, and we've been tracking the bag ever since. What we discovered was the two transmitters - the one in the bag, and the one attached to Rakim - came together."

  "So, you're saying Rakim was the rider who intercepted and stole the ransom money?"

  "Yes, exactly."

  "That is a very interesting story, Señor Blue, but I need more proof."

  "Okay," I say and not wanting to go any further with this but not seeing any other choice, "let me show you the money bag. It's in the trunk of the car. May I open the trunk and show it to you?"

  "Yes. Go ahead but do not make any quick moves, Señor."

  I open the trunk and shoving the picnic stuff and the other equipment aside I lift the lid to the wheel well and pull out the bag. I unzip the bag and open it for Cese to see.

  "Ah caramba!" he says and Guillem stands and takes a look for himself.

  "Santa mierda," Guillem says.

  Rakim starts to stand, but Guillem pushes him down and tells him to relax for a minute. Rakim objects and Guillem insists by pushing him again hard to the ground.

  I reach inside the bag and paw around for the transmitter until I find it and bring it out to show Cese. He takes it and admires it, comparing it with the first one.

  "Okay, they are the same, but I'm afraid this still does not prove Rakim took your money, Señor."

  Then it dawns on me, and I pull out my iPhone and say, "Maybe this'll convince you," and I find the video of the motorcycle intercepting the courier and play it for him."

  When it's over Cese repeats Guillem's words, "Santa mierda. Okay, Señor. Now I'm convinced. Play it again please." He motions for Guillem to stand and watch and when he does and is fully concentrating on the video, Rakim jumps up and dashes for his motorcycle. Cese and Guillem turn to go after him, but Rakim pulls a pistol and points it at them, says nothing, starts up the Ducati, climbs on and speeds off down the N-154 toward Puigcerda.

  The cop in the cruiser jumps out and says to Cese, "Cal seguir?" (Should I pursue?) and Cese says, "No, més tard." (No, later.)

  "I am sorry, Señor Blue. I do believe you are telling the truth," he says and turns to Guillem, "vostè?"

  "Si," Guillem answers.

  "So, the reason for your visit to Llivia today was not to visit Drusilla Libica but to retrieve the money,” Cese says to me.

  "Both."

  “Tucker, are you responsible for all that has happened today, the faxes, emails, the wanted posters and posting the reward for Drusilla Libica's capture?” he asks.

  "Yes, and that's just the start of it. Tomorrow the fireworks will really take off at the million-man march in Barcelona. With what we have planned there everyone in the world will know who Drusilla Libica is and the crimes she's committed. There will be nowhere for her to hide. She will lose everything."

  "And you think this will cause her to release this woman she has taken from you?"

  Hearing it come out that way sounds strange, like I own them or something, but I'm sure it must be a simple matter of language, so I don't try to correct him or clarify. I think we both know what he means, and that he means nothing disparaging.

  "I am hoping that will be the case. The other purpose for our visit today was for Julia to warn her mother about what she's in for tomorrow and to convince her to release the woman she's holding. Our offer, if she's does, is we will not pursue her, as long as she leaves the country and is never heard from or seen again."

  "But Señor, that is not our objective. The objective of our special team assignment is to capture the Raven and to dismantle her operations once and for all time," Cese says. "So, we cannot allow you to help the Raven to fly off and be free," adds Guillem.

  "I understand. And as far as I'm concerned what you do with her is your business. My deal with her does not in any way include a promise that you or anyone else will not pursue her. I can only speak for myself."

  "I see," says Cese. "And I assume, Señor, the deal you are striking with the Raven is one where you will exchange the lottery ticket she has been seeking for the captured woman?"

  "Let me answer you by saying that is how the Raven understands it."

  "Then, you are in possession of the ticket?"

  "Everyone seems to think so, but as I was told by Rakim, the lottery ticket the Raven pursues is a fake and worthless so it doesn't really matter. The only thing that matters is the Raven believes it is not a fake, and that it is in my possession. This is my only leverage to convince her to release her captives."

  "Then you are not really in possession of the ticket. Is that what you are saying?" Cese insists.

  "The Raven believes so; therefore, it must be true."
>
  "Okay, Señor. I understand. Now, how can we assist you to rescue the woman?"

  “I'll be making an exchange with Drusilla Libica at three o'clock on Friday - the day-after tomorrow. If you and your men can be positioned at the southeast tunnel of the castle at that time, I'll call your cell phone, and you and your team can join us inside. But understand this, I'll be there to gain Monica's release. That will be my sole purpose. If you'll be there to assist me in achieving that purpose, I'll welcome your help.”

  "I think we can agree, Señor Blue." We shake and trade cell phone numbers.

  "Oh, one more thing. What will come of Rakim because I can't afford to have him ruining my plans again?"

  "We will take care of Rakim, Señor. You shouldn't be seeing him again, but if you do please give me a call."

  “Thank you Cese. I appreciate it,” I say and shut the trunk of the car and begin walking to the driver's side when Cese stops me.

  “Señor Blue?”

  “Yes, Cese.”

  “I think there is one other thing you should know.”

  “Yes?”

  “The woman you have in the car, she is not Drusilla Libica's daughter, Julia Libica."

  fifty-nine

  15:58 Hours, Wednesday, 10 September.

  Back to Barcelona.

  "What? What are you saying?"

  “Julia Libica looks nothing like this woman. I know because I grew up in this village. I went to school with her, and this woman is not Julia Libica. I do not know what game she is playing with you, but I think you should know you are being played.”

  “Cese, you’re positive this is not Julia Libica?” I say.

  “She sometimes goes by the name, Pau. She is very small and she is lesbianes.”

  Holy shit, Pau!

  “Thank you Cese. Do the others know?”

  “They know Julia Libica exists, but they do not know her. Does this change anything, Señor? I mean as far as Friday goes?”

  “No, it does not. I'll call you by Friday morning to confirm. And thank you again, Cese,” I say turning toward the car.

  ["Tucker, you there?"]

  "Yeah, I'm here. You heard all that?"

  ["Course I heard. What's going on? Who is this woman?"]

  "I don't know, but I'm gonna find out."

  [“Looks to me, brother, like the one you really better be watching out for is this Pau. If she's the real Julia, and she's the real daughter of the evil witch living in the castle - Christ, Tucker, I can't believe we're even talking about witches and castles and evil Grimm's-fairy-tale-shit like this, man!”]

  "I know; it's pretty weird all right," I agree.

  [“But the other one is that crazy Rakim dude. He was pissed when he took off outa there on that Ducati, man. I don't think we've seen the last of him.”]

  "I don't either."

  [“That guy's gonna come back as a really bad dream, man. You better be keeping your radar on high alert because you just ripped him off for one million big ones, and he's gonna come after you for it, you can bet your ass.”]

  "I didn't rip him off. He ripped me off!"

  ["I know that, and you know that, but I guarantee that's not how he's seeing it. All I'm saying, brother, is keep your eyes peeled for this guy because we don't have a tracker on him anymore so there's no heads-up."]

  "Yeah. I'll watch out for him. Maybe we'll get lucky and Cese, and Guillem'll get him first."

  ["Maybe. Just don't count on it."]

  "I won't. Got to go Speed. Julia, I mean Nanette's gonna think I'm nuttier than a Payday bar if I keep standing out here talking to myself."

  [“10-4. Speed out.”]

  ***

  “You ready?” I say to Nanette sliding into the driver's seat.

  “Who were those guys?”

  “Just some fellows I met in a poker game one night.”

  “Don't give me that, Tucker, who are they?”

  “You know; you did a really good job back there. I think you scared the crap out of 'em; I know you did me. I was totally impressed.”

  “You're not going to tell me?”

  “Nope, but I will tell you this, Drusilla Libica is not going to want to meet up with those guys. That I can promise you.”

  “They're cops aren't they?”

  “They're a more than just cops.”

  “What do you mean more than cops?”

  “Tell me about Julia Libica why don't you.”

  “What're you talking about?”

  “I know she's Drusilla Libica's daughter, and I know you're not her. Why are you pretending to be someone you're not? Did Pau put you up to this?”

  Nanette goes silent looking out the passenger side window.

  “Why are you protecting Pau?”

  Nothing.

  “Pau's the one behind these Spanish Prisoner scams, isn't she? She's the one pulling the strings; am I right?”

  Still nothing.

  “What does she have on you, Nanette? She's got something because I don't think you'd be involved in all of this otherwise, would you?”

  This is nothing more than a shot in the dark wild guess on my part. I think I'm just trying to give her an out, but will she take it?

  “You know nothing about me.”

  “Then tell me. Who are you and why are you pretending to be Julia Libica?”

  “Where is she, Tucker? You have her don't you? You have all of them don't you?”

  “Yes.”

  “You have James and Lisa and Terry and Juan too?

  “And Tiber and Drusus.”

  “What are you going to do with them?”

  “I'm going to ruin them.”

  “Terry too?”

  “Terry may end up as collateral damage, but even if she doesn't, she'll hate my guts forever because Juan will go down for his involvement. She'll blame me for ruining their lives.”

  “Are you going to ruin me?”

  “Unless you convince me, I shouldn't. You'll have to make up for what you did.”

  “How?”

  “Sacrifice Pau, or rather Julia, and help me rescue Monica.”

  “If I sacrifice Pau, I'm dead, and if I help you rescue Monica; I lose you.”

  “If you don't sacrifice Pau you'll be dead or as good as dead because you'll spend years in a Spanish Prison and then the Americans will be waiting for you when you get out, if you ever do get out. As far as I go, you don't have me to lose.”

  “What do you think I'll do?”

  “You'll sacrifice Pau.”

  “Why do you think so?”

  “Because all rats rat out anyone they can to cop a break.”

  “That's really cruel, Tucker.”

  “But true. How do you think the DEA makes busts? They do it by using someone they just busted to rat out someone else hoping they'll catch a break. Works like a charm. Criminals will rat anyone out to save themselves; in a heartbeat, they'd sacrifice their own mother. They have no conscience. That's why they're criminals. You're no different. You tried to steal two million euros from me, and you've done a pretty good job of framing me for crimes I didn't commit. Need I say more?”

  “You're forgetting something.”

  “What?”

  “That I love you.”

  "Oh, come on, Nanette. Please. Don't take me for a fool okay? You don't love me; you love my money. If I didn't have any money, you wouldn't give me a second look. Look at you. You're a gorgeous woman. You could have any man you wanted just because you're beautiful. It's that way with people like you. You get all the breaks in life just because of the way you look. There's nothing wrong with that. Hell, it's the rest of us who give you the breaks. As for me, what I have that attracts beautiful women like you is power and resources. Money. And now I have €120 million in resources so I can attract anyone, including you. There's nothing wrong with someone being attracted to someone who can offer a nice lifestyle. Nothing wrong with that at all. That's life. The way it's always been and always will be. Women a
re attracted to power and resources. Men are attracted to youth and beauty. Works out great, especially for guys like me because we get to have beautiful women like you. What could be better?

  "But just in case all this sounds too cynical, you don't have anything to worry about. I've already said you'll be well rewarded from the proceeds if you help me rescue Monica. You'll be able to give up this Spanish Prisoner scamming stuff. You won't need it. You'll be rich.”

  “But you told Drusilla Libica you'd give her the ticket.”

  “I lied.”

  “Then, how do I know you're not lying to me?”

  “You don't.”

  “That's comforting.”

  “Same for me having to trust you.”

  “S'pose that does make us partners doesn't it?”

  “Not partners Nanette. You're my slave. I have the upper hand. I have Pau and Pau will rat you out in a minute. Are you willing to turn over on Pau?”

  “Doesn't look like I have much choice.”

  “S'pose not if you want to come out of this alive.”

  “I'd like to give you a little something too.”

  “What's that?”

  “This,” she says and unbuckles the belt to her jeans and pulls them off, completely. She lays the seat back and closing her eyes, slips her hand into the waist of her white panties stirring like an early-morning arousal. Her thighs squeeze the intruder like an embrace. Her hips rise and fall coaxing out the pleasure from the triangle of white panty. Her thighs tighten, grinding and mining for veins of pleasure while her hand teases it to the surface with an ever quickening, circling touch and the intermittent insertion of a curious digit.

  Her other hand goes to her breast, expertly slipping under her bra and taking the nipple between her fingers like a delicate fruit, caressing and kneading an old friend until her whole-body tightens and lurches forward as if struck by some unseen object, then again, and again until she falls back into the seat's leather, and tremors fall away like spent copper.

  I am so captured by this exhibition of self-love, that when the road curves, and we don't the Mini careens into the safety rail that has been keeping pace with us all along on our right side. We're sling-shotted back across the road like a pinball only to catch the opposite side rail before being flung back again onto the main asphalt leaving signatures of black and smoking rubber curlicues down the broken white line of the N-260.