Page 138 of Stains of Desire

I hate what he's saying. But my gut knows it's true.

"I'm not committing to anything, but tell me how we would take him down."

"There's a drug war going on."

"There's always a drug war."

"No. This is bigger than it's ever been. The politicians play both sides. Jonas Torres from Belize and Jorge Cano from Mexico have partnered to go against Santiago Gómez from Colombia. If Jonas and Jorge believe Louis has been going behind their backs and working with Santiago, they will kill him."

I gaze at the greenery as we whiz past it. "What then? Louis dies at the hands of the drug lords, then what?"

"Do you understand how much power Louis has? He's more powerful than your president."

"And?"

"One by one, the most influential leaders have to be taken out. Louis. Your president. The U.K. Prime Minister. All the cartel heads. It must happen."

"Why don't you get me a Glock, and I'll just take Louis out."

"There needs to be upheaval."

"Why?"

We approach a brick wall and gate. Uniformed men stand outside the entrance. He turns into the drive and hits a button. The gate opens. "The Global Leaders are more prominent than you understand. They are everywhere and in every country. If the main players die, it slows the plans. It creates a fight within the organization for power. It will be survival of the fittest. The weak will be eliminated from within. The strong will rise, and we will kill them off before they gain too much power."

A massive estate comes into view. Gustave goes a bit faster.

"It sounds like a never-ending cycle."

Gustave brakes in front of the house, parks, and turns toward me. "It is a circle. But over time, the circle gets smaller. Interpol is crucial for world peace. Restoring it is imperative. Taking Louis down by the hands of the Global Leaders creates chaos. And it is essential for Penelope, Millie, and the other women's freedom."

"Where is Millie?"

"Let's go inside. I'll show you what I've pieced together."

We get out of the car, and when I get to the top of the steps, I turn to him, "How did you know about Millie?"

"Come inside. I'll show you."

We step inside. His house has a large foyer with a grand staircase. The decor is modern French with light grays, blues, and whites. He leads me down several halls to his den.

"Santiago sent William a video of Millie in the snow about eight months ago. I knew Penelope was with Santiago because I saw her at events. I was with William and Jorge Cano when he got the video of Millie."

"You saw Penelope with Santiago?"

He nods. "Yes. At his home. Many Global Leaders did. A lot of us play both sides. No one really can trust anyone one hundred percent."

"How do you survive?"

He raises his eyebrows. "Very carefully. It's why our window to set up Louis is very small."

"I didn't tell Andre about Louis. There wasn't time—"

"You can't tell him. It's too dangerous for anyone else to know. And the phone lines can't be trusted."

The pit in my stomach grows. The more I learn about the Global Leaders and their power, the more I wonder if we're all just completely fucked.

Stop thinking negatively. It won't help Penelope or Millie.