Page 171 of Depths of Destruction

I tap my fingers on my thigh.

"Word to the wise. Don't show any nerves around him," Carter advises.

I stop moving my hand. "Got it. Thanks."

The door opens, and he walks into the room. Carter and I stand. "Mr. President," we both say and nod.

"Agent Lòpez. I've been wondering when you were going to show up."

My heart races. "Sir?"

"Carter, are you needed for this conversation?" The President snarls.

Carter shifts. "No, sir."

He points to the door. "Then get out of my office."

"Yes, sir."

Carter gives me a quick glance and leaves.

As soon as the door shuts, the President arrogantly states. "You don't think I'm aware you led the Interpol team that rescued Naomi Salazar and didn't deliver her?"

My throat goes dry.Of course he knows.

It doesn't matter. Stay focused.

"I'm here to make a deal."

"And what would that be?" He scratches his bald head.

"You want Nicolas Gómez in your possession, correct?"

His eyes turn to slits. "No."

My stomach twists.Have I gotten it wrong this entire time?

I cross my arms and try to maintain my confidence. "Then tell me, what do you want with Naomi Salazar?"

"You're on the right track, but I don't just want to imprison Nicolas Gómez. I want him dead."

"Then, I believe we have a deal to make."

The President snorts. "I should throw you in prison for treason. You may not have lived here in years, but you're still an American citizen."

"But I'm the only one who can get you what you want without causing an international crisis."

He clenches his jaw.

Yep. You're a bastard, and I got your number.

I lean forward. "So, here's what I propose. I go to Belize, kill Nicolas Gómez, and send you the video proof. In return, you lift the person of interest on Naomi and her sister, Emilia. You also call Interpol and have them reinstate my team of guys and myself into good standing."

He grunts. "You think you have it all figured out, don't you?"

I cockily reply, "Tell me what I'm missing. There's no one else on the planet who's going to enter a Belizean prison, find where they're holding Gómez, and finish the job, unless you send in a military team. And we all know what that's going to do for international relations."

His face hardens further.