by Tom Ellis
“I think TR is just looking for a roll in the hay. Havelee is mixing business with pleasure. TR said he didn’t bring up our being here to the agents who interviewed him. And when I invited Carson over he said he didn’t tell them either. Lois Thornton mentioned TR when I first talked to her. Lyon Hamilton thought well of him as a hand. And wanted to ensure TR always had a place on that ranch.” Jolene said.
“You need to contact Lois and tell her to expect the FBI to show up on her doorstep,” Burns told Jolene.
“I will. Tell me again how you plan to install those camera’s tonight.” She answered.
“Indian style with a half-breed Apache leading the way.”
“Indian no fight at night spirits bad.” Russell spoofed.
“Going to be just like your ancestors stole horses in the dark.”
“Heap dark tonight no moon to light pale face’s ugly mug.”
“Are you sure you won’t get lost,” Hadfield asked.
“Not with Half Breed leading the way.”
“Indian have heap good headlights on the jeep. Not get lost in the dark too many bad spirits. Rechargeable Maglight Indians best friend.”
“Maybe Indian have too much fire water. No more beer for you tonight.”
“Indian carry two Maglights and canteen of good whiskey,” Russell replied. “Paleface carry fake horse shit.”
“Tonto Russell will not need his Maglight,” Andy said.
“Kemo Sabe mean pale face is a dumb shit. Injun always carries Maglight.” Russell answered.
“You can put your feather in the headband of the night vision goggles Injun.”
“Indian grew up with indoor plumbing. Can’t find the outhouse in the dark without Maglight.”
Hadfield was enjoying the repartee, but it wasn’t helping her misgivings about the endeavor. Even with Burns telling her there was a black ops commando team backing them up.
The trio left for the Rocking H Bar shortly after two AM. Burns rode Don Cameron, Russell and Cruz followed in the newly purchased ATV’s. When they reached the Rocking H Bar, Burns rode ahead, keeping in touch with Buddy and Burrito via radio. Jolene sat in the RV watching the front of Rocking H Bar Ranch house on her computer screen. The green tint made the scene look spooky. A horse whinnied in the corral, and Hadfield jumped.
Jazz scouted ahead of Burns and Don Cameron. The dog seemed to understand the mission. The small party got within a couple of hundred yards of the hillcrest overlooking the ranch headquarters. Burrito Cruz clicked his radio twice. Burns knew Cruz would wait ready to ambush anyone who might be chasing Burns and Russell should they run into trouble. Russell stopped just short of where the ranch road crested the hill. Both Russell and Cruz carried modified AR-15’s Burns brought from Alabama. The weapons were suppressed and capable of firing a full auto three shot burst.
Burns got off Don Cameron and crept to the top of the hill. He lay flat on the ground and studied the ranch house and buildings. Everything was dark, no one stirred. He moved back to Don Cameron mounted and rode the crest parallel to the ranch. When he found the location overlooking the barns and bunkhouses, Andy dismounted carrying a couple of horse apple cameras.
Stealthy Burns placed the cameras and activated them. He clicked his radio mic four times. It was almost a minute before he heard Jolene answer. Her voice was clear but low in his ear piece. “Cameras working, good resolution on the barns, and the bunkhouse. I can see the door clearly.”
Two sets of two clicks told Burns that Russell and Cruz also copied. Andy mounted up and rode back to the first point he selected. After dismounting he crept down the hillside, stopping once to place another horse apple camera. When Hadfield verified it was working, Andy moved to the critical part of the operation. He was downhill from his horse and in the open. There was no moon only stars. Russell got out his ATV and went to the hill and stopped where he could give cover fire should Burns run into trouble.
Burns reached the water tank and unslung his rifle. As he gave a series of clicks and then realized Jazz was standing next to him. At this point, he could not risk giving commands to the dog. He hoped the dog would warn him should anything move. He carefully moved around the tank until he found the horseshoe stuck on the side. Carefully balancing his rifle Burns removed the horseshoe camera from his waist pack and then removed the tape protecting the adhesive. He turned on the camera and carefully placed over the existing horseshoe. Andy heard Jolene’s voice through his ear piece.
“Camera is working there is a dog that looks like Jazz taking a dump right in front of the porch steps.”
Burns looked and smiled. Jazz finished his business and trotted over to Burns. Andy rubbed the dogs head and then moved around the tank. Jolene began breathing again when she heard the clicks indicating Andy was mounted and on his way back.
She was outside waiting when she heard the ATV’s approaching. Jolene walked over to Burns when he rode up.
“This has been the longest three hours of my life.” She said. Don Cameron nuzzled her neck. Hadfield stroked the horse’s mane glad Burns couldn’t see the tears in her eyes.
Cruz and Russell bunked in the casita. They were all having coffee in the motorhome the next morning. Burns connected a computer to the large TV, and they all watched Kroll come out on the porch with a cup of coffee, followed a few minutes later by Bradford. Numb Nuts walked out of the door and stood on the porch. He held a cup of coffee. A few minutes later Porn Dude came out of the house shirtless wearing gym shorts. He walked barefoot down the steps and out in the yard. Willie Hillman appeared on the porch similarly attired.
Jolene shook her head. “I know what’s coming now.”
Pauli reached in his shorts for his penis and realized he was standing in dog shit.
“Maybe that will teach him to use the bathroom like everybody else,” Jolene said watching Porn Dudes antics as he hopped around the yard on one foot.
“Teach him to wear shoes too,” Russell said.
“Notice who’s in bed with them?” Cruz asked.
“Yeah, Willie Hillman. Why am I not surprised?” Russell answered.
“Tell me about Hillman,” Burns said.
“He started out with Tucson PD, got through the academy but didn’t make it out of training before they cut him loose. Sierra Vista hired him; he lasted six months before he moved to the Patagonia Marshalls Office. It took a year there before he was asked to resign. Nogales PD was next, two months before he was asked to leave. The guy is bisexual and hung like a horse. He’s probably playing I’ll show you mine if you show me yours with shit foot there.” Cruz said gesturing at the TV with his coffee cup.
“Hillman was welding fence pipe when the current sheriff got elected here in Santa Cruz County. The sheriff ran off all the good folks and kept the bad. Hillman has lasted longer here than anywhere else. It’s because the Sheriff keeps him working down here out of the most populated areas. Out of sight out of mind. I expect Hillman just hasn’t been caught at anything yet. I hope when he does he brings down this current sheriff with him.”
“Why is that?”
“He’s bought and paid for by El Jefe. That damn drug lord contributed to the sheriff’s campaign fund even. The biggest billboards and the biggest signs get you elected around here. Hell, you don’t even have to lie much.”
“You considered running against him?”
“Yeah, but I can’t run against El Jefe’s tax-free cash.”
Chapter Fifteen
Ron Kroll, Ashton Bradford, Porn Dude, Numb Nuts, and their visitor Deputy Willie Hillman, were all drinking beer on the front porch of the ranch house.
Kroll and Bradford listened to the thug’s trash talk and Hillman’s macho responses. Kroll wondered how the man got a police job. His phone buzzed with a text message.
Hey baby got a special for the next 24h 2 Girls for $$$ hot blonde friend loves wearing thongs OXOXOX Penelope
“SHIT” Kroll announced.
“What's up,” Bradford said
taking the proffered beer from Hillman. Kroll took one from the drunk deputy.
“Thanks, Willie. My favorite hookers got a girlfriend in town tomorrow. Doing a two for one.”
“YOU MEAN SHE DOES TWO OF US FOR THE PRICE OF ONE” Porn Dude yelled. “WILLIES OFF TOMORROW WE’LL REAM THEM BITCHES GOOD”
“This ho travels with two mean ass pimps. PD and they’d probably shoot your ass on sight when they see your crank. Can’t have the merchandise stretched outta shape.” Kroll replied.
“Hell Kroll you don’t wanna share.”
“Correct good buddy; I don’t want you nowhere around her,” Kroll said with malice.
“Pauli you buy your pussy in Nogales. I can’t have the heat with you damaging a whore this side of the border.” Bradford said.
“Shit boss you ain’t no fun.”
“Willie you say you off tomorrow?”
“Yeah, Mr. Brad whatcha ya need?”
“How would you like to ride up to Tucson with me Porn Dude and Numb Nuts. We need to bring some trucks back. Ron will drive us up there. Payday is a couple of hundred each.”
“I can handle that. Nogales here I come.”
“HOT DAMN” Porn Dude yelled.
Numb Nuts belched.
Porn Dude and Willie went inside to watch a porn flick. Numb Nuts went to the bunk house to watch a soccer game with the Mexicans. Kroll and Bradford sipped their beer on the veranda. It was much quieter now.
“Those idiots would go crazy without satellite TV,” Bradford said.
“I’ll buy that; there ain’t a damn thing to do at this place.”
“Yeah, but the payday will be worth it. After you drive us up to Tucson, you’re on your own for a day or two. The Mexicans are hauling product up from Mexico tomorrow. They will load the trucks tomorrow night, and the drivers will leave the next day. We will stay out of the way for this first run. In case the DEA and the Border Patrol are watching too closely.”
“I’ve only seen one Border Patrol truck since I’ve been here. And it was in the daylight. I haven’t seen anything on these roads after dark. Hearing that Sheriff talk I expected a couple of thousand Mexicans to come running by every night.”
“Yeah, you would think so. But it doesn’t happen here. That’s why I got this place. If tomorrow's load gets out, there will be one more of this product, and then a live load will come through. We’ll have to be around for that one.”
“Live load?”
“A shipment of women, and you will need to keep a close eye on Porn Dude while they are here.”
“I can do that,” Kroll answered.
Ron Kroll was trying to keep from staring at the mini skirt clad Havelee. The woman was hot and didn’t realize the view she was treating him to. She was sitting in the only chair. And exposed the black satin thong she wore every time she moved. Kroll figured Ivalou dictated the hooker dress code. And she was extra hot as well. And seated next to Kroll on the edge of the bed. A towel in place as usual under her bottom.
“Kroll, I wasn’t wild about this hooker gambit you and Vargas use to meet. But I will admit, it works. We heard a few catcalls walking in here.”
“I hear ‘way to go gringo’ when I walk back to my car. I always have a satisfied smile on my face.”
Vargas blushed slightly and elbowed Kroll.
“Ouch! You have to keep up the charade.”
“What is happening at the ranch?”
“I believe they are bringing a large shipment of narcotics across the border. In the next couple of days. Bradford gave me a thousand bucks and said, ‘have a good time, don’t come back for at least two maybe three days.’ Exact words. He and his goons left when I did. I last saw them getting on northbound I-19.”
“Any chance they doubled back to check up on you?”
“It’s possible, but I doubt it. Bradford seemed anxious to leave the ranch.”
“I’ve gotten all clear texts from Des and M&M since we’ve been here,” Ivalou added.
“So what makes you think something big is up?”
“El Jefe flew in yesterday afternoon.”
“Expand on that please.”
“A helicopter brought El Jefe to the ranch. He conferred with Bradford and left two middle eastern types with AK47’s at the ranch. They moved into the bunkhouse. After El Jefe left Bradford decided everybody was leaving.”
“El Jefe just flies across our border when he feels like it?”
“Not really, Bradford said the balloon was down.”
“Do you have any idea what the balloon being down means?”
“No.”
“The middle eastern connection bothers me as does El Jefe flying into our country like he owns it,” Havelee said.
“Kroll one of your reports said you had met Carson Bell, the owner of the neighboring ranch. What’s your take on him?”
“That he’s sorry he was drinking and running his mouth in a Tucson Casino bar.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because Bradford bragged about the conversation. He said it gave him the idea to hijack a border ranch in an area where there are no apparent border problems.”
“So you don’t believe he bought the ranch from this Lyon Hamilton?”
“No, I suspect Hamilton is dead and buried somewhere down there.”
“You feel like something bigger than narcotics is in play here. Do you think we could catch El Jefe on this side of the border when this happens?”
Kroll had hesitated before he answered. He was thinking about the question and was totally distracted when Havelee flashed him a look at her crotch.
“I think all we can hope for is to stop whatever they have planned. And try to catch Bradford before he crosses the border. We can’t mount the typical surveillance operation like we can in a city. HRT could do it. But I don’t think Headquarters will send them out here on a wait and see what happens operation. And the more people that get in the loop, the more chance Bradford hears about it. The man has connections inside the bureau. Catching El Jefe would be pure luck. Taking him out would the best we could hope for.”
Kroll thought for a minute or two before answering. Havelee heard on of her cell phones beep and excused herself to the bathroom.
“Are you enjoying the view you’re getting of Havelee’s thong?” Vargas asked.
“Yes. You could at least give her some competition.”
Kroll wasn’t expecting Ivalou to lean over and give him a quick kiss on the lips. And an equally quick flash of her hot pink thong.
“I’m staying in at the Best Western tonight. I’ll text you the room number so you can pass it on to Havelee.” Kroll said.
“Like hell,” Vargas replied giving him a jab in the ribs with an elbow. “And, you can forget it, she got the serious hots for a cowboy on Bell’s ranch.”
“No shit?”
“She even rode his horse. And the way she’s squirming around in that chair flashing you; I think she’s got riding him on her mind. Talk about lust at first sight. And that cowboy stud was thinking the same thing.”
“At least she will be close by if I need help.”
They heard the bathroom door open, and Havelee walked back to her chair.
“Ivalou you have anything to ask Ron while we have his undivided attention.”
“No, but if we stay in here much longer, the guys will go pimp on us and start knocking on the door.”
“They do get into the pimp thing don’t they,” Havelee answered.
Kroll left the room first and waved at a group of Mexican males who watched him leave. He gave hard looks at Desmond and M&M. Kroll went to his car and drove to the Best Western. He checked in for a two-night stay.
Havelee watched the performance discreetly from the window.
“Think we need to get Des and M&M to walk us out?”
“No, they will stand outside the car and look mean. We walk out and tell the hombres in their dreams.”
“I know one damn thing. I’m no
t ever wearing a thong again. I can’t sit still with it up the crack of my ass.”
“You gave Kroll plenty of free shots. It was bothering him.”
“I could tell he was uncomfortable about something. You mean I was flashing him?”
“Big time girl. Every time you moved Kroll got a look. He was watching you like you watched that cowboy TR.”
“Come on I didn’t think I was that obvious.”
“You weren’t too bad. But if you’d been wearing that slut outfit Mr. Bell would have stroked out. I bet TR will want to show you the barn next visit.”
“Vargas you have a dirty mind. I was going to ask him to show me the barn. But that will have to be the second date. He’s coming in town tonight and taking me to dinner. Text the guys and tell them we’re on our out.”
“Maybe he can get up in time to drive back to the ranch and clock in.”
After checking into the motel, Kroll went out to dinner. He texted a number, and a smiley face to Vargas’ Penelope phone and promptly forgot about it. Back in his room, a leisurely shower was in order. After that, Kroll laid down on the bed to see what was on TV. There was a discrete knock at his door. Not expecting anyone he wrapped a towel around his nakedness, grabbed the Burns modified SIG pistol and walked softly to the door. The thought of looking through a peephole and being shot dead by an El Jefe assassin occurred to him. Kroll stood to the side of the door and called out, “who is it?”
“It’s Ivalou open the door before I chicken out.”
Kroll glanced at the peephole and saw her standing away from the door holding up her credential folder. “Are you alone?” He asked.
“Yes, Damnit! Let me before somebody sees me!’
He checked the peephole again and saw see her favorite gesture. Ron took a deep breath and opened the door. She stepped in closed the door behind her and locked all the locks. She sat her purse on the table and removed her jacket. Kroll watched as she carefully removed her Glock and placed it next to her purse.
“Do you always greet women in your motel room wearing a towel around your waist and a pistol in hand?”
“Only when I’m not expecting them.”