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“So, you guys are dating? Because I see the way you look at one another.”
I looked back at John, who clearly heard that last comment, because he was trying hard to hide his amusement. I sidestepped the question.
“I appreciate your help, Adan. I know the risk you took to share it. You have our word that no one will know what you told us.”
“Thanks.” He suddenly looked nervous. I stepped closer and pulled out some money and held it up when he went to take it I moved it higher. “Can I ask that you do the same and hold that video you took of Nicole for a while, maybe at least a week? If people see you with her in that video they’ll connect the dots. Understand? Will you help to keep her safe?”
“Sí, señor.”
“Good.” I gently slapped his shoulder. “Now, let’s set up that boat with your brother.” I handed him the money once we were done then ducked out of the cabin and hopped over to the dock with John. “Not one word,” I grunted as he fell into step behind me, but I heard him chuckle.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
We found the others waiting next to the SUV. Once Cole was up to speed, he thanked Nicole for her efforts and nodded toward the vehicle. “I’ll drive.” He tossed his bag in the trunk as the rest of us quickly scrubbed our faces clean of the paint. “The rest of you, get some shuteye. We’ll talk again once we get there.”
Nicole was the first in, and she took the very back seat again. I joined her while the rest rushed to get in, and we hit the road.
A short way into the drive, Nicole shifted to pull her phone from her pocket.
“Wait, what?” She studied the screen with a puzzled look. “Ah, Cole?” she said.
“Yeah?” He looked at her in the rearview mirror.
“Rafael just texted me and said that no bid has been accepted, and that if I hear otherwise, it’s not true. I’m not sure what that’s all about.”
I took the phone from her hand and re-read the message.
“He texted you on the phone I gave you?”
“Yes.”
Cole waited for the light to turn red and swiveled in his seat to look at us. “You gave him your number?”
She instantly looked concerned. “Yes. Wait, was that wrong?”
“No,” he grinned, “I’m just impressed you did that. You must have left quite the impression for him to keep you in the loop.”
“It’s because I told him I’d get the info out to all the Cartel families using my resources.”
“And did you?” I had to know.
“Yeah,” she shrugged like it wasn’t a major deal, “but maybe I spread a little misinformation along the way.” She grinned. “Like all bidders should meet in Rosarito three days from now and to stay tuned for more details. That should buy us enough time here. They head north, and we head south.”
“I’m impressed, Nicole. You’d make one hell of an asset for Shadows if you ever decide to give up the reporter game.” He hit the wheel with a laugh, and I looked out the window as I nodded in agreement. She was certainly proving to be an asset on this mission, but something gnawed at my subconscious. I knew she hadn’t shared all she knew, and it bothered me that she wouldn’t answer her phone. If it was her work, why not answer?
When darkness replaced the warm sun, we were still a few hours away from where we needed to be. There had been multiple roadblocks, and they ate up time we needed. It drove me to the point of almost losing my shit as every second that went by was another second someone could get their hands on my son or worse…
Nicole sank lower in her seat and silenced another call. Instantly, it rang again, and she tossed the phone in her bag. That was the stuff that was bothering me. Who was that? I didn’t believe it was her work.
“Your ex?” I dug, since everyone was asleep and Cole had earphones in. He was filling his father in on what was happening.
She ran a hand through her hair, and her forehead creased as she thought about what I asked. “No, not my ex, just someone who wants an answer I don’t have.”
“That’s vague.”
“I know.” She sighed but didn’t offer anything else. She ran a hand over her wrist. I could still see the bruises, and it made me think of Bruno.
“Ben mentioned that you had some history with Bruno back at the start of your career. Do you mind if I asked what happened?”