Page 156 of When Lies Unfold

“Because I’d like to officially take you up on that offer of help.”

A harsh laugh sounds. “Help doing what?”

“Eliminating Hidalgo once and for all.”

A pause precedes his next probing question. “Who’re you working with?”

“No one. You’re my first call.” Hastily, I add, “But I do plan to contact someone who’s on the inside of that compound. There aren’t any guarantees they’ll come through, but I plan to try.”

He huffs. “You really think you can take him on?”

I expel a long breath, my tone turning subdued but laced with steel. “That monster enjoyed hurting me. He stole my dreams of having children. Of having a career. I say it’s long overdue that he gets payback for all the lives he’s ruined.”

When he doesn’t immediately protest or laugh outright, I continue with, “With him gone, you’ll be free to take over the rest of the Peru, Brazil, and the remaining Colombian territory, as well as his current strongholds.”

Avid interest cloaks his words. “And how exactly would you eliminate him?”

“I have a plan, but it requires some supplies I know you have access to.”

“I must admit, you have me intrigued…” A thoughtful pause lingers. “But I first need to know what supplies you’re requesting.”

Satisfaction courses through me, and my shoulders relax a fraction. “This is what I need…”

72

LOLA

The call with Rodrigo worked in my favor.

Then again, I should know not to underestimate the lengths narcos will go to because of a grudge, let alone the opportunity to retaliate on behalf of a loved one.

Now that I’ve crossed that off my list, I can move on to the next call. Reaching for the side pocket on my bag, I withdraw a slip of paper with the cell number for the agent Juarez contacted yesterday.

Juarez had refused to give me any information about the agent undercover in Hidalgo’s house besides the number for her current burner phone.

There’s no guarantee she’ll pick up at this hour, but I’m praying she does.

Evidently, someone’s answering prayers because Agent Garcia picks up on the first ring.

“Agent Juarez gave me your number.”

An arctic air encases her words. “This is for emergencies only.”

“I assure you, this constitutes as one.”

“Who is this?”

“Rosa Carrera.”

“Juarez mentioned you were alive.” A healthy dose of suspicion blankets her tone. “Why do I get the feeling whatever you’re about to tell me next, you’re going to say it needs to be off the record?”

“Because it does.” I suck in a deep breath. “If you have at least one ounce of integrity, you’ll want to help me.”

If this is the end for me, I plan to go out in a blaze of glory and take that bastard with me.

The barest hesitation precedes Agent Garcia’s response. “I’m listening.”

I’d be lying if I said those two phone calls put me at ease.

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