Page 85

CHAPTER 83

“AGENT WONG. I’M Robert O’Rourke, FBI, San Diego office. A car is waiting to take you to the airport.” Having shown his badge to Bao, O’Rourke reached into his breast pocket, withdrew a folded paper, and handed it to her.

Bao read the letter.

It introduced Special Agent Robert O’Rourke, and his instructions to take her to Monterrey Airport and escort her onto the FBI’s private jet to San Francisco. The last line in the letter: “Please come to see me when you’re rested.”

It was signed by Craig Steinmetz.

Bao put the letter into her handbag and asked O’Rourke, “Where’s Joseph Molinari?”

“In jail, awaiting a hearing.”

“Damn it! We have to get him out.”

“Our guys are on it,” said O’Rourke. “FBI. Ambassador to Mexico. Others from the administration. I know the circumstances of the shooting, but you and Agent Molinari have been charged with killing three citizens. So, we’re getting you out of the country before you’re jailed, too, Agent Wong.”

Bao felt dizzy, as if her blood had dropped from her head to her feet. She interpreted O’Rourke’s warning as confirmation of her fears that the cartel might gain access to Joe and kill him in his cell. That if she was caught, she, too, would be jailed pending trial—or worse.

Tears came. Ana handed Bao a wad of tissues and said, “I will pray.”

Bao nodded, at the same time wondering if the nurse was leading her to a slaughterhouse.