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“Adan,” she got closer and placed her hand on his arm, and he nearly gushed right out of his skin, “can you tell me what they wanted?”
“They wanted to know about when the boat left the marina and if I knew who was on it.”
“Did you tell them anything?”
“No.” He rubbed his arm where she’d touched him. “We might live in their territory, but they’re terrible men who do nothing for our town. They care nothing for the people here. So, I lied and said I only noticed the boat was gone last week.”
“When it was really…” She tried to coach him along, but he looked over at John and me, and I could see him starting to close up. “Hey, Adan,” Nicole pulled his focus back to her, “you know me from TV. You know what I’m trying to do here in your country. I always support your people and tell the truth about what is happening in Mexico.” He nodded. “Well, something bad has happened, Adan, and if we don’t get to that boat first, whoever is on it will be killed.”
“The baby, too?” I tried not to react, but that was just the confirmation we needed. My son was still alive and last seen on the boat.
“Everyone, Adan. Everyone will be killed. So, can you help us and tell us when they really left and who was on the boat?” He glanced at me, and I saw his wheels turning. “Don’t be fooled by their getup,” Nicole said. “They are good people who are trying to do the right thing. Be a part of this story with me, help me tell it.” That seemed to get his attention.
“Can I get a picture with you?”
“Picture, video, signature, you name it, and I’ll do it. But first, please, the information.”
He got excited all over again. “Come with me.” He waved us to follow him to a houseboat at the end of the slip. He stepped on board and headed into the cabin. I got on first and did a quick scan then offered Nicole a hand to step down. John stayed on the dock to keep watch.
I leaned in and spoke quietly into her ear. “Get anything you can.”
“Copy that.”
The kid opened a laptop and started to type in what looked like a boat ID number, and a few moments later a map popped up. “Last year, Selena’s boyfriend asked me to install this fancy new GPS on their boat.” He kept typing and started to eliminate some tracked boats from the screen. “He’s an asshole, as you would say.” He kept his eyes on the screen. “Anyway, he asked me to make some adjustments in the program after I did it for him. He gave me a paper with some instructions on it. I did as he asked then told him he was good to go, but I saw what he was doing, and it was kinda strange. Then he only paid me half of what he promised,” he complained.
“He really is an asshole.” Nicole grinned and leaned closer. “I work with a few of them, too.” I wondered if she referred to us.
“You smell nice.” His cheeks flamed.
“Thanks.” She bumped his shoulder playfully so he’d keep talking. “What’s strange?”
“This.” He pointed to the screen. “You didn’t get this from me, yeah?”
“From who?” Nicole grinned at him again, and he laughed.
“He wants you to think he’s here out in open water, but really, he’s all the way over here off the southern tip of Cozumel. And to be more specific, they are currently in Isla Paraíso.”
I clicked my radio that we had something. Then I said, “And if you were going to that island, what’s the best way in without getting seen?”
He thought for a moment. “Honestly, I’d just blend in on a tourist boat but then have another boat for when you want to leave. The tourist boats only run once at night and once in the morning.”
I leaned over Nicole’s shoulder to study the map. “Is there anyone you trust that we could rent a boat from?”
“Someone who won’t sell you out you mean?” He snorted. “Yes, my brother.” He pulled out his phone and sent off a quick text, and a second later he got a response. “He’ll lend you one, no fee, as long as she’s there.” He pointed at Nicole.
“That, we can do,” she answered before I did. “Thank you, Adan. Now, what can I do for you?”
“Video, please.” He turned his phone around, so it faced the two of them. “Guys,” he said to the camera, “look who I met today. It’s Nicole Winter from the Washington Post!” He moved it over, and Nicole smiled warmly and gave a friendly wave.
“Hello everyone. I highly recommend Adan here for all your nautical needs. Look how handsome that face is.” She winked at him and put her arm around his shoulder. I thought the boy’s heart would burst out of his chest, he was so excited.
“Nic,” I used a nickname so she’d look right at me, “can you let Cole know?”
She got the drift that I wanted to speak to Adan alone. “Of course. It was lovely meeting you, Adan.”
“You too!” He watched her leave and gave a whistle. “You’re so lucky.” He looked at me. “I knew she was beautiful, but meeting her in person, wow, she’s a real hottie.” I had to laugh at the teenage reference. “My dad will be so jealous. I bet you have to fight all the men to keep her.”
“She’s popular, for sure.” I couldn’t help but think about all the men we’d met and how many of them fell all over themselves when she was near.