Page 159 of Storm Warning

He scoffed. “You can’t know.”

“They weaponized a flu virus and planned to infect innocent civilians who wanted to sneak across the US border to start a new life and use them to infect hundreds of thousands of people across the country. From there, the virus would have spread all over the world.”

He stared. “I don’t believe you. Mr. Garcia and Mr. Mendoza were working on vaccines to keep our people from getting sick, then sending them into this country to live out their lives free of illness.”

“Nice story. It’s not true, though.”

“Why would they do that? It makes little sense.”

“You’ll have to ask him when you see him. Did you ask Javier and Diego why they wanted me and Andre dead?”

He straightened his shoulders. “Storm soldiers don’t ask questions. We follow orders.”

“You’re smarter than that, Carlos. What does your gut tell you?” Riley eased another step closer to Andre. Just a little farther, and she could incapacitate Carlos.

He waggled his gun at her. “Stop moving.”

“Sorry. I fidget when I’m nervous. Old habit.” Total lie. She was famous for remaining motionless for hours if necessary. “Answer my question. Why would your leaders want me and Andre dead?”

After a moment of silence, Carlos said, “They see you as a threat.”

“Good. What else?”

More silence, then, “You did something, didn’t you?”

She gave Carlos a slow smile. “What do you think?”

“Stop playing games, Riley. Otherwise, I’ll carry out my orders.”

Riley held up both hands. “All right, Carlos. You win. You would have found out what happened soon, anyway.” She paused. “This is a long story.”

“Shorten it.” He shifted the muzzle of the gun to the back of Andre’s head.

Rats. That wasn’t what she’d wanted to happen. “Hey, right here, pigeon boy. You said you wanted the story.”

Outrage burned in his eyes. “Pigeon boy?”

She shrugged. “If the name fits. Do you want to know the truth or not?”

“Tell me. After that, I’ve decided you and your boyfriend will die in a murder-suicide.”

Dork. As if their teammates would believe either of them capable of such an atrocity. “Carlos, I killed Javier’s father ten years ago.”

Blood drained from his face. “What? No, that can’t be true.”

“Oh, it is. An hour after I rid the world of Garcia, Andre took out Diego’s father.” She tossed a look of pity his way. “You know,you really should ask questions about your missions before you go on them.”

“You’re telling the truth?” Shock bloomed on his face. “You killed Mr. Garcia’s father?” He shifted the muzzle in her direction again.

“Careful,” Andre whispered.

He was right. Riley couldn’t overplay her hand. If she did, both of them would die. Dying wasn’t on the agenda today. If she and Andre lived through this mess, she had plans today for that man.

The muscles in Carlos’ face hardened. “Drop your gun. Now. If you don’t, I’ll shoot your boyfriend.”

She glanced at Andre and saw the fury in his eyes and the unspoken order not to comply. The trouble was, she didn’t have a choice. Allowing Carlos to shoot Andre wasn’t acceptable.

“All right.” She lowered her voice to a soothing pitch. “I’ll do what you want. Just don’t hurt him.”