Mendoza continued with the cards. “Third card, my past. Three of wands. It means I take advantage of opportunities. The fourth card for the future.” He drew another. “Trump eight. Strength. Possibly a woman. Powerful.” He looked up. “You, perhaps?”
“I’m just a business woman trying to make my way in the world.” She smiled but he didn’t return the friendly gesture. Damn, she hated dealing with difficult people. Issuing orders, getting the job done without time wasted on indecision, that’s how she liked to operate.
Dante dealt with Saul and Mendoza and the like. She, in her role as Sister Denise, went looking for potential humans to traffic. People tended to trust a nun automatically, no questions asked. And once she had their trust, well… Slavery, black-market adoptions, organs; the potential for growth in the industry was enormous. The wealthy had money to spend on whatever their hearts desired. That went perfectly with the fact that there was a growing population of poor desperate enough to take a chance, even when common sense might be telling them otherwise. Women thinking they’d find a rich husband, mothers hoping their children might have a better life in another country, fathers offering to go under the knife to feed their family for another month. If the result of the deal wasn’t what they expected it wasn’t her fault. Besides, they were just small-time players in the big game of life. It wasn’t like they actually made a difference in the world. Their loss was of no consequence.
“Knight of swords reversed. Someone is working against me.”
Dee’s patience was spent. “Emilio, you asked for a meeting this morning. Dante said you were quite insistent, in fact. I’m here, having taken time out of my busy schedule. I’m sure as a businessman you can appreciate where I’m coming from.”
Mendoza set the deck aside and steepled his fingers. “The past two weeks have seen several reversals in my business where you are concerned.”
“Reversals?”
“Los niños, the two children. You assured me on the phone you would get an excellent price for them, yet they disappeared before you could collect them.”
“That was not our fault.”
“Exactly what Dante said.” Mendoza nodded. “The sale two days ago fell through.”
“I was told some of the local police—”
“I own the local police. I pay them well to look the other way.”
Dee arched one brow. “Obviously there is a segment of the force that has changed its mind.”
“Yesterday, a sniper, one of Reyes’ men, tried to kill me.”
“Unfortunate, but a hazard in your line of work.
“Then two of mis guarda espaldas, my bodyguards, failed to return after they left with Dante.”
Dante hadn’t shared that information with her but she didn’t let it show. “A string of bad luck, I agree.”
“I want it to end. I want this next sale to work.”
“As do I.”
“It’s not el dinero, the money, that’s important. It’s the negative energy it’s creating.” He fiddled with his rings, twirling them on his fingers. Dee frowned, finding the soft scraping sound annoying. “Contact me as soon as you pick up the packages. I want to be kept informed each step of the way this time. If the sale doesn’t go through, if there is any trouble, you and Dante will pay.”
“We can’t afford to pay you if we haven’t made money from a sale.”
“You misunderstand me. I meant you will pay with your lives.”
Dee blinked. The man was crazy. None of these events were connected. And if he thought he’d intimidate her with his threats he was worse than crazy. A warning rumbled in her throat and she barely held it back. She could rip him to shreds, take over his miserable little kingdom. It was a tempting idea but not one she’d follow through on. Drug lords were always looking over their shoulders to see which rival was planning to oust them, which branch of the government was trying to shut them down. No, she preferred to lead an organization with a less public profile.
“Well? Have you nothing to say?” Mendoza’s face was growing flushed and Dee realized she hadn’t responded to his threat. Just like a child, she thought derisively.
“Everything is in order. I plan to pick up the commodities today and have them delivered tomorrow. Your percentage should be in your hands the day after that.” She stood while silently adding ‘and then I’ll be gone’. Dante could handle the fallout. Doing business with maniacal despots wasn’t her cup of tea. Maybe she’d head further south or check out the East Indies.
After Sister Denise was gone, Mendoza took a deep cleansing breath. The proper frame of mind was needed to finish the tarot reading; an unfocused mind led to unclear answers. He inhaled the scent of the incense, concentrated on calming himself. Once he felt ready, he continued to deal his cards. “King of pentacles reversed, a business partner becomes a rival.” He frowned. Could that be Dante? Or Sister Denise? He drew the next card, placing it face up on the table. “Seven of swords. Hmm. This could indicate double-dealing, possibly theft.” Mendoza chose two more cards, placing them above the others. “The five of pentacles and the five of swords. Financial ruin. Loss to a rival.” Eyes narrowed, he studied the array of cards before him. The cards did not lie. Reyes was going to strike back, try to regain control of Cantala. This confirmed the information he’d gotten from the sniper. The question was, what would the end result be? What should he do about it?
He stared at the deck then reached out and took a final card. Eight of cups. The picture showed a man walking away, leaving his possessions behind him. Mendoza’s face darkened.
Chapter 21
Tina tried not to squirm as Sister Bernita removed the stitches from her leg. Apparently the more modern dissolving kind didn’t exist in the jungle. The procedure didn’t hurt but the rate of healing had to be raising questions in the woman’s mind.
“I’ve never had to remove stitches this soon, but if I don’t the skin will start to grow over them.” Sister didn’t take her eyes off her work but her tone was laced with curiosity. “You and Mr. Stone possess remarkable immune systems.”
“Yes, we must.” Tina tried to think of logical explanations. “That combined with a healthy diet and lots of exercise back home can do wonders. Or maybe it’s all the fresh fruit here and the oxygen in the jungle air. And, of course, the excellent care you’ve provided can’t be forgotten.” She knew she was rambling. How did shifters handle this? Being a witch was much easier to conceal, especially a witch who never did anything magical.
Her disjointed explanation earned her a sideways glance from the nun but no further questions about speedy healing. “I’m almost finished. You might enjoy taking a shower now that you don’t have to worry about keeping the area dry.”
“A shower?” The idea had her grinning.
Sister laughed. “I can tell the idea appeals to you. I’m afraid it’s not what you’re used to; no hot and cold running water, just an overhead tank and a rope you pull. However, it is refreshing. If you’re interested, I’ll have someone check it’s filled with water.”
“Yes, please!”
“Very well. I’ll tell Anna—”
The girl appeared even as Sister spoke.
“Sister Bernita, Sister Denise is here and wishes to speak to you.”
The nun frowned and Tina was sure a whispered ‘damn’ passed over the woman’s lips, though when she spoke her voice was its usual moderate self.
“I have to see to a few other patients first. Have her meet me in the dining hall as usual. No one should be in there yet. Also, see if Pedro can get the shower ready for Tina.”
Anna left to do as she’d been told and Sister turned back to Tina. “Anna will come and get you when the shower is ready. Ask her for fresh clothing, soap, a towel and anything you might need.”
“Thank you.” Tina recalled her own first impression of Sister Denise. Sister Bernita apparently had a similar feeling. She watched the nun move over to the next patient, a frown marring the woman’s face. Somet
hing was definitely wrong, but what?
She went to take her shower still pondering the situation.
The shower was wonderful; the sun beating down on her shoulders as the water cascaded from the overhead tank, a spectacular view of tropical flowers and waving palms, birds serenading her. If only the water could’ve lasted longer.
Oh well, good things don’t last forever, she thought as she dressed and pinned up her still-damp hair. Feeling refreshed and wonderfully clean, she made her way back to the infirmary. While she wasn’t sick and didn’t need to stay there, it was serving as her bedroom until Stone returned.
Stone. He’d been gone less than a day so why was she feeling so anxious about his return? Yes, there’d been something about him that had immediately attracted her back in Chicago, but the feeling had intensified lately. She didn’t consider herself the clingy type, so what was going on? Could it be something to do with the blood he’d given her? Lycans blood-bonded, but she and Stone hadn’t bitten each other. And Esteban had given her blood as well but she had no yearning to see him. This was certainly something she and Stone would have to discuss.
Her musing had kept her occupied during the walk back from the shower and she realized she was passing the dining hall. Had the two nuns finished their meeting yet? She bit her lip, curiosity warring with common courtesy. Eavesdropping was her weakness.
She slowed her footsteps as she neared an open window, paused to watch a butterfly and strained to hear what was being said inside.
“Have you thought about the adoptions I mentioned yesterday?” Sister Denise was speaking.
“As I said to you then, I would like to meet the families first, ensure they are a good fit for each child’s personality.”
“And I told you why that isn’t possible.”
Tina took a few steps as if following the butterfly’s erratic flight path. After all, it really was beautiful; the iridescent blue making her yearn to change her hair colour. It also allowed her to peek into the dining room. Sister Bernita was frowning, her hands tightly clasped on the table.
“Then I’m afraid I’ll have to refuse.”
“Refuse?” Sister Denise arched her brow.
“That’s correct.”
Sister Denise looked incredulous. “You realize the opportunity you’re turning down? What kind of a life do the children have here? No education, no healthcare, no future.” She ended her statement with a derisive glance around the room. Tina ducked out of sight just in time.
“I do my best to ensure their needs are met.” There was definitely a pissed off tone to Sister Bernita’s voice now.
“No offence was intended.”
Yes, it was. Tina mouthed the words, her dislike of Sister Denise growing.
The annoying nun spoke again. “We’ve been providing you with extensive support for quite some time now.”
“And your efforts on behalf of these children are appreciated.”
“Do you know where the money comes from?” Sister Denise ignored Sister Bernita’s comment. “Wealthy families. Families who love children. Families who have money to spend and want to give some lucky child an amazing life.”
“Their generosity is commendable, however—”
“If they find out their generosity isn’t going to be rewarded, they could very well pull their funding, not only from you but from the other orphanages we support. Would you want to be responsible for that?” Sister Denise’s tone had grown sharper, more accusing.
Tina frowned not liking the pressure tactics being used. She eased forward so she could see inside again.
“That would be—”
“Need I remind you, this is the first request we’ve made of you?”
“I know, however I still want—”
“Sister Bernita, the other orphanages I work with have gladly handed children over to me. I fail to see your problem. We are on a tight schedule. What you want isn’t what matters. I have families waiting for children. Now bring me Juanita, Gabriella and Mateo. They meet all the requirements.” Sister Denise stood up. “I’ll be waiting by my vehicle and, if need be, I’ll find the children myself.”
Tina didn’t wait to hear Sister Bernita’s response to the ultimatum. Her heart was pounding; a sick, worried feeling was filling her stomach. She hurried towards where Sister Denise’s vehicle was parked. It was doubtful the nasty nun would be able take the children from the compound unchallenged, or so she kept telling herself. The feeling of impending doom building inside her wasn’t listening though. The other day she’d had a vision of someone trying to take the children. Should she get the guards or…? The sight of the Hummer had her skidding to a halt. There was one way to ensure the children couldn’t be taken, or at least not right away.
Standing near the edge of the building, Tina concentrated her powers on the Hummer’s wheels as she murmured a spell she hadn’t attempted since high school. All those years ago she’d only succeeded in bursting the marching band’s drums. Hopefully this time... She crossed her fingers, furrowed her brows and… A loud bang reverberated through the compound followed by another and another. Success!
Tina ducked around the corner, beaming over her accomplishment. There was no way three spare tires could be found before nightfall. Just wait until she told Stone what she’d done. She was sure he’d approve. And Gwyneth would be incredulous.
Loud voices drew her attention.
“This is impossible. There is no way this is an accident.” Sister Denise was not happy. That fact made Tina grin even wider.
“Are you accusing one of my staff of vandalism?” Sister Bernita was her usual calm self.
“Yes, I am. This didn’t happen on its own. And how am I supposed to get back to town now?”
“I’m quite sure no one here wants you to stay,” Sister Bernita paused before continuing, “against your will, that is. Unfortunately, there is no other option this late in the day. Tomorrow morning I can send someone into town to acquire spare tires. In the meantime, you can use my quarters tonight.”
Sister Denise didn’t answer immediately and Tina wondered if she was trying to control her temper or was angry beyond words. When she finally replied, her voice sounded tight and strained. “Fine. I’m going for a walk.”
“Stay within the compound, please. The gate is locked at dusk.”
Tina decided she’d better head back to the infirmary. Anna would be sending out a search party soon thinking she’d drowned in the shower or some such ridiculous thing. The girl was sweet but… Her thoughts were interrupted by someone stepping directly in her path.
It was Sister Denise. She made no attempts at the usual greeting one might make to a stranger. “Who are you? More importantly, what are you?”
“I beg your pardon?” The nun’s effrontery had her taking half a step back.
“I picked up a scent a few minutes ago. A confusing scent. Not quite Lycan, not quite jaguar. I followed it to you.”
“Oh.”
“That’s all you have to say? I asked for an explanation.”
Tina wasn’t sure how to reply. Something about the woman didn’t inspire the sharing of confidences.
“You’re a witch, too, aren’t you? There’s purple in your eyes.” The nun glared at her. “You’re the one who ruined my tires.”
It was a statement, not a question and Tina felt her cheeks growing warm. Why couldn’t she be a better liar? Maybe a half-truth would suffice? “My hexes always go wrong.”
“You’re that incompetent?”
“I’m afraid so.” She shrugged, thankful she hadn’t been asked who the hex was supposed to be directed at.
A growl arose from the nun’s throat and Tina gulped. She’d heard that sound before. Sister Denise was a Lycan!
The dinner bell rang and Tina grabbed onto it like a lifeline. “It’s almost time to eat. I have to go.” She hurried away, well aware the woman was staring at her suspiciously.
Stone slowly broke through the drugged-induced fog tha
t had enveloped him. The surface under him was gently rolling. The rhythmic slapping of waves sounded near his head and the cry of gulls filled the air. Right. He was on a yacht headed for some human meat factory.
Only this was no yacht. There were no leather chairs, polished wood panels, brass fixtures or other signs of wealth. Instead, he saw peeling white paint, rust and portholes with cracked, dirty glass. Wrappers from takeout food were crumpled on a table in the corner and an empty soda can rolled back and forth with the movement of the boat. Definitely not high-class transportation.
The cabin appeared empty, no one was guarding him, so he swung his legs over the edge of the berth and sat up. He was still bound, the ropes chafing his skin. Unfortunately, he’d have to endure it a while longer. If he broke free, Saul would know something was wrong and the whole mission would be a wash.
At least the filthy gag was gone. It had been replaced by tape for some reason. He wiggled his mouth experimentally. Yep, it would hurt like a bitch when the tape was ripped off. There were worse things though, like the stench that surrounded him.
Fish. His wolf wrinkled its nose.
The smell of it permeated every inch of the cabin. If anyone was following Saul in his yacht, they’d never catch the doctor with one of the kidnapped donors. Apparently that part of the job was carried out by someone else. It made sense; hire some poor fisherman to transport people, no questions asked. The locals were desperately poor and many would be willing to turn a blind eye in exchange for cash.
Wolves, Witches and Bears...Oh My! Page 31