To Blind a Sniper (Women of Purgatory Book 2)

by India Kells

  “I got what we were all searching for. The result counts.”

  “You still have that suicide mission in your head, Mac, and you know it’s a stupid idea. I’m only asking you to keep me in the loop. To keep all of us in. I may be angry at you, but Lance is royally pissed. He thought he could trust you and you messed with him.”

  Mac lowered her gaze. That hurt. She had always held Lance in deep respect. She liked him very much and appreciated his loyalty. “You’re right. I hurt him. And I hurt you. I’m sorry.”

  Then, she disentangled her hands from his. “Thank you for the meal. I will get ready to make a little visit to our friend downstairs. And see if he was true to his word.”

  Wesley nodded, a half-smile on his face. “Are you going to shut us out again, or can we attend?”

  The playful mode was back. “I feel generous, let’s make it a party.”

  Chapter 20

  The party turned out to be one man strapped to a chair and three stern interrogators looking at him. Lance was still giving her the silent treatment, but she would have to live with it for now.

  Rodriguez had definitely had time to cool down and get his head together. An arrogant henchman had replaced the panicked husband. For now, at least.

  Mac stayed at the back of the room with Wesley as Lance took charge of counter-verifying the information. The two SEALs may only have eyes for Rodriguez, but the henchman’s eyes were solely on her.

  “We’ve checked the three numbers you gave us, and oh surprise, none of them are valid.”

  Rodriguez didn’t react to Lance statement until the SEAL punched him hard in the stomach. He started to wheeze and cough before laughing.

  “Are we really going to start on that path again?”

  “It seems so, at least until we can get the right number from you.”

  “It’s not my fault if Calvi changes phones. I don’t control that. It’s impossible to contact him until he does. Only then would I have a phone number.”

  “You really want me to believe that if need be, in case of emergency, there is no possible way to reach your boss? That’s what you’re saying?”

  Mac knew the drill—the two men in front of Rodriguez would relay themselves to beat a confession out of him. One after the other, they would turn him into a bloody mess. It would take time. Too much time in her opinion.

  Lance shifted to her. “Get out of here, now.”

  The real game was about to start. But before she would leave Rodriguez alone with them two, she wanted to try something.

  “Lance? Can I have a minute with him?”

  Oh, he didn’t like it a bit, but her voice remained low and tentative. One of the ways to deflate an argument wasn’t to offer one.

  Lance rolled his eyes and stood by Wes. The two other men walked back two steps. Mac couldn’t ask for more it seemed. Coming closer to Rodriguez, she crouched in front of him as he grinned a bloody smile.

  “Honey, if you wish for an encore, I’m a willing participant. Untie my binds and I will show you what true dominance is.”

  Mac ignored his taunt. She intended to use the same non-confrontational technique on him as she did on Wesley and Lance. At least for the time being.

  “As soon as I step outside the door, I’m personally contacting your wife to tell her everything.”

  Rodriguez exploded. “I gave all I know to those nut jobs! If those numbers are not working, I can’t do anything about it!”

  Mac angled her head, truly evaluating whether the man was playing with her or not.

  “What if I believe you? What if you tell me the truth? I would make that call anyway, because you haven’t provided me a way to contact Calvi. What am I to do? Of course the guys behind me will beat you until you become tenderized meat, or close to it at least. So you lose when I’m desperate to make you win. Give me something to work with, Rodriguez. A bit to ward off the dogs at your feet.”

  Mac hoped her voice conveyed the right level of emotion. Whether she would respect her word or not would be another matter completely, but at least Mac would get what she was searching for.

  When Rodriguez stayed silent for a while longer, she sighed and got back on her feet, not saying another word. It wasn’t necessary. If he didn’t understand where his advantage stood, she couldn’t do anything more for him.

  “Wait.”

  Oh yeah. The word she was patiently waiting for. Mac turned, her mask solidly in place.

  “What date it is?”

  Hell if she knew. But before she could recall, Lane said it was October 28th.

  Rodriguez nodded. “I’m not in Calvi’s secrecy, but one thing I can tell you is that he’s a very religious man. On November 1st, it’s Dia the Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. On that day, he would definitely be at his brother’s grave.”

  Mac juggled with the idea and some possibilities. “Here is the deal … I will wait until November 1st to decide if the information you gave me is enough. If so, you will be free to go. If not, the photos will be sent automatically to your wife. No more delays. Deal?”

  Rodriguez frowned. “And until then?”

  “You stay in here, under guard, or at any other location we deem secure enough. No negotiation on that part.”

  The man nodded. “Deal.”

  Without looking up, she went out of the room, Lance and Wesley on her heels.

  Mac only stopped walking in the empty bar. “What do you think, Lance? Can that be a good solution?”

  “Oh! Now you ask for my opinion? How nice.”

  Sarcasm spewed from Lance’s mouth. It wouldn’t be easy to ignore it, so there wasn’t anything more to do than take care of the elephant in the room.

  “Okay, I get it, you’re pissed at me. So, spill it. Let’s get it over with.”

  “You believe it’s that simple? A bow, a smile and good ol’ Lance would forget all your sins? Think again, your Highness.”

  It took her all of her self-control not to bite at his insinuation. The man knew a lot about her, more than anybody else maybe, apart from Gabrielle.

  “You want to talk about sins and guilt? Let’s talk about the fact that I tricked Wes … no, forced him to remember the worst part of his life. Why am I not hearing reproach from you about that? Isn’t it because you thought it was a great idea? That it was for the greater good, the benefit of your brother? Well, that’s exactly how I see what happened with Rodriguez. I caught an opportunity. A risky one, I agree, but one that could lead us more quickly to Calvi. I get it and will take it upon me. So deal with it.”

  Lance advanced in her direction, anger etched on every line on his face. “Careful, your majesty, you may have training, but you’re messing with the wrong man.”

  From the corner of her eyes, she saw Wesley frowning at his brother and stepping forward to intervene, but help came from the outside.

  “Calm down, Sorenson. All people here are trained to think outside the box, and we at Purgatory, tend to find that concept quite elastic. Not necessary to be angry at her.”

  Immediately, Mac recognized the voice of Gabrielle. True to her elusive self, her boss stepped inside the bar. To be honest, Mac was happy to see her, as she needed all the brains she could get. The blonde woman winked at her. Rumors ran wildly about her, her abilities and fearlessness beyond compare. It was talked that she was a former assassin. But even if she found all those rumors amusing, she preferred sticking to the facts. The past didn’t make the woman. What she had accomplished, her leadership and the respect of everyone working with her was her only criteria. Especially since she replaced the founder, Beatrice Dante, as head of operations.

  Lance stepped back, reining his anger in with much difficulty. “We are a team, Gabrielle. We can’t start pulling stunts like that, not when we are dealing with scumbags such as Calvi.”

  Her boss put a hand on his shoulder. Gabrielle had collaborated with Lance in the past and he was also the swim buddy of her husband, Sullivan. Months back, they had worked on a dif
ficult case together, and obviously formed a strong friendship. Mac admired how the blonde Amazon could calm Lance with one look and touch.

  “Lance, Mac knows what she’s doing. When she took that risk, the possible outcomes were understood. Be angry as much as you like, but it doesn’t change the fact that even if she stepped off the set path, she was still on the mission. And remember this, you can’t control everyone. Especially not at Purgatory.”

  “Even being an honorary member has its limits, buddy.”

  Silent as a ghost, Sullivan Thorne, Gabrielle’s husband came forward. Mac didn’t hear him arrive, but that was one of the many traits of the Navy SEALs. Dark and rugged with a killer smile, Sullivan was also an honorary member of Purgatory, often providing support on some missions, when he wasn’t in one of his own.

  When he saw his friend and swim buddy, Lance’s shoulders relaxed instantly. They gave each other a manly hug and when she heard Lance joke, Mac realized the worst of the storm had passed.

  “It’s all that leather and latex, I think it got to my head, man.”

  Sullivan laughed and winked at Mac. “I guess so, can’t wait to see the footage.”

  Wesley—who had remained silent—made a slight, almost invisible move toward Mac. Everyone in the room understood the message. Sullivan kept his smile turned on to greet Lance’s brother.

  “I don’t think we have been formally introduced. I’m Sullivan Thorne, Gabrielle’s husband most of the time, when I’m not in a mission with my SEAL team.”

  Wesley took his offered hand. “Wesley Sorenson. I know you by name, first as my brother’s swim buddy.”

  Sullivan nodded. “Yeah, and I heard of you, even if Lance here was pretty tight-lipped about what happened to you. We may not be on the same SEAL team, but it’s inevitable that word gets around, isn’t it? Especially when we are working under the Admiral. Feander, he is a man to recon with.”

  Wes’ eyebrows shut up. “Exactly.”

  “I collaborated with other teams a couple of times. Admiral Feander is a strong believer in teamwork, principally for grayish missions, if you know what I mean.”

  “Yeah, I’ve worked with him many times, until I was affected to the Ghost Strike Force.”

  Sullivan whistled in admiration. “You guys did pretty dangerous, but awesome stuff. You won’t be disappointed with Purgatory. They’re walking a thin blurry line, that’s what makes them interesting. Both the missions and the people.”

  Wesley frowned, so did Mac. Before she said anything, Gabrielle stepped forward. “You’re still in recovery, but I appreciate outside expertise from time to time. If you feel like it, and are strong enough, we could use your help.”

  “I don’t believe it’s a good idea.” The words were out of her mouth before Mac could think about it.

  Smirking, Gabrielle crossed her arms. “Why not? You never said anything against a collaboration before. In fact, you were one of the first to work with Lance. Scratch that, you’re one of the only who can work with Lance.”

  Now she was trapped. All eyes were on her. “He has not recovered enough.” It was the reason she came up with, one that would unfortunately affect Wes’ ego too much.

  Wes’ face was inscrutable. “I assure you, I’m fine.”

  “It’s not a good idea.”

  This time, Gabrielle arched her eyebrow. “Is that so? On my part, I think that assigning Wes as your partner is a perfect idea. That way, you won’t pull a stupid stunt on me, such as going on a suicide mission against Calvi.”

  “I wasn’t—” She hated feeling the trap closing around her.

  “Oh, yes, you were. Mac, for all the missions I did with you, with all the dangers we faced, it was the first time that you acted stupidly. I agree that you had to kill Calvi’s brother. I would have done the same. But, going against Calvi alone, that is disputable, and a sure fail. Especially when you have every possible ace in your hand to win.”

  Mac frowned at the reference. “Since when did you start playing poker?”

  Sullivan raised his hand. “My fault. Just another way to get her naked faster.”

  Mac refrained from rolling her eyes. “Okay, so now what, boss? We possibly discovered where to find Calvi on November 1st. In a cemetery full of people in Mexico. Any potential takedown is impossible. And his men will probably be dispersed in the crowd, checking for intruders.”

  “I’m on you with that. One look at those three giants SEALs, and we would be made. I have another idea. It will require make-up and a feminine touch.”

  A lightbulb lit up in Mac’s head. “You’re thinking about Marcus Fox, aren’t you?”

  Gabrielle’s smile widened. “Oh yeah. I’ll make him fly to a secure location, close by to the cemetery, and ask for a couple of our friends to volunteer.”

  The men, who were lost trying to understand two words of the conversation, came nearer. Wesley eyed Mac. “Care to tell me what you have in mind? Who’s that Fox guy?”

  Mac smile. “Calvi’s guards will be looking for possible enemies. This time, the enemy won’t have a face he will expect.”

  Chapter 21

  “Are you finished? I have a cramp from holding this position.” Mac didn’t want to whine, but she was tired and restless on the chair. For two days now, Marcus Fox, a frequent Purgatory consultant and friend when not a make-up artist extraordinaire working in theaters and on movie sets, had forced her and Gabrielle to stay still in his chairs. Fox had participated on many missions, especially when the identity of an agent had to be concealed. He always did so willingly, even with passion, a way for him to repay a debt to Purgatory.

  During a tiring forty-eight-hour marathon, he had transformed Mac and Gabrielle.

  Fox growled at her wriggling form. “I’m almost done, but if you want to destroy my efforts, keep moving.”

  It was Mac’s turn to sigh. “Okay, okay. Only if you promise me it’s almost over.”

  Fox fussed over her a little more and finally straightened. “It’s done.”

  “Can I see?”

  For the first time, Fox smiled. “Yeah, and let me tell you, you’re stunning. Even better than Gabrielle, I dare say. Too bad I cannot win an Oscar for you.”

  When she looked in the mirror, she blinked. How strange not being able to recognize your own self. In her place, an old woman, with olive wrinkled skin and black eyes stared. Her red strands were concealed by black hair streaked with gray and white, tied loosely in a low bun. On her ears, pendants and strings of gold on her neck. When she lifted her hand to touch her face, she was stunned by her disguised hands. So old, leathery, with brown stains.

  “Yeah, I’m that good. And with your clothing and the right demeanor, nobody would suspect who hides underneath.”

  The old woman smiled. “Let’s see if you’re that good. Where is Gabrielle?”

  “In the other room, getting dressed.”

  Without waiting a moment longer, she went through the door and stopped in her tracks at her boss’ sight. Gabrielle was now dressed in traditional costume. The only reason why she recognized the person standing before her was due to the endless hours they had spent together, where she admired the slow transformation. Gabrielle’s hair was almost completely gray, falling to her shoulders, simply covered by dark lace. The other woman smiled at Mac.

  “Wow! I have to admit, Fox made miracles, once again. I never thought he was able to turn a Scottish woman into a Mexican one. And in her sixties to boot!”

  Gabrielle laughed and it was very strange for Mac to hear her familiar voice without seeing the blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman associated with it.

  “I only need to get dressed, and I’m ready.” Mac turned to the colorful dress waiting for her. After donning some well-placed padding, she slid on the wide skirt. The added volume emphasized body parts she would have rather forgotten and winced in the mirror at the sight.

  “Hunch a little and slow down your movements. And don’t look directly at people, that’s a dead giveawa
y.”

  Mac followed Gabrielle instructions, and after some practice and the promise of painful muscles from her crooked position, they were ready to go. The sun was starting to set and they would soon need to get going.

  As she stretched, Mac turned to her boss. “Let’s get the boys and go. I would like to be in place before the arrival of Calvi.”

  “Wait. Let’s practice one last time. Just to make sure we got it right.”