Page 18 of Set Up By the Cartel

Once satisfied with the inventory, he handed me a sealed envelope containing payment information. Slipping it into my jacket pocket, I gave a curt nod of understanding. The deal was done; now came the tricky part — transporting the goods safely to its final destination undetected.

Returning to where I'd left Kael waiting, I found him deep in conversation with Javier, brows furrowed in concentration as they pored over a map spread out atop the hood of my truck. A flicker of jealousy ignited in my chest at the sight, even though I knew my subordinate meant no harm. Still...

Clearing my throat, I inserted myself between them, draping a proprietary arm around Kael's waist."Everything okay with the plans?"I inquired, arching one eyebrow at Javier.

The younger man straightened, shooting me a wry salute."Smooth as always, boss,"he confirmed."Your boy here was just helping me double-check the route logistics."

My jaw clenched at the casual reference to my lover, but I refrained from comment. Now wasn't the time or place for such petty squabbles. Later, when we were alone, I would set him straight regarding proper respect for those under my protection.

Folding the map, I tucked it into the glove compartment before turning to address Kael."Ready to hit the road?"I asked, brushing a stray lock of hair back from his forehead.

He gazed up at me with those guileless blue eyes, trust and devotion shining bright even amidst the swirling chaos surrounding us. In that moment, I knew beyond doubt that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would weather them together.

"I am if you are,"he replied, lacing our fingers together.

Hand-in-hand, we climbed back into the truck, ready to face whatever trials awaited us on the journey ahead. Whatever happened, I vowed silently, nothing would ever come between us again. Not even my own foolish mistakes.

The drive passed uneventfully save for the occasional stolen glances exchanged between Kael and myself whenever possible. Though tempted to pull over and lose ourselves in each other fully, I resisted the urge, knowing we had pressing matters requiring attention first.

As we neared the designated drop-off point near the border crossing, tension coiled tight in my gut. This was always the most precarious leg of the operation, fraught with potential pitfalls should anything go awry.

Slowing the truck to a crawl, I scanned the deserted stretch of highway ahead warily, searching for any hint of an ambush. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary... until a pair of headlightsflared to life some distance behind us, gaining speed in a matter of seconds.

Cursing under my breath, I floored the accelerator, tires squealing in protest as the engine roared to life. Beside me, Kael tensed, white-knuckled grip tightening on the door handle.

"What's happening?"He demanded, voice pitched higher than usual. I wished he hadn’t asked that question, but now that he had, I had to answer it.

"Looks like company,"I bit out, eyes darting between the rearview mirror and the winding ribbon of asphalt unspooling before us."Stay calm and do exactly as I say."

In the backseat, Javier cursed all sorts of things, already reaching beneath his seat for his weapon."I'll take care of this,"he declared, chambering a round with practiced ease.

Before I could respond, the patrol car drew alongside us, lights flashing through the darkness. A bullhorn blared, ordering us to pull over right away under penalty of law.

Glancing sidelong at Kael, I saw fear etched across his features despite his best efforts to appear brave. Reaching over, I covered his trembling hand with my own reassuring squeeze.

"It will be alright,"I murmured, keeping my gaze fixed straight ahead."Trust me."

Javier leaned forward between the seats, peering at the police cruiser."What's the play, boss?"He asked, finger hovering over the trigger guard.

I considered for a brief moment before making a decision. Drawing my own gun from the center console, I checked the safety before tucking it discreetly into the waistband of my pants beneath my shirt tail.

"We stall for time,"I instructed."Let me do the talking. You two stay quiet unless spoken to directly."

Kael nodded, swallowing hard past the lump lodged in his throat. Meanwhile, Javier merely grunted acknowledgment, settling back into his seat with his gun still at the ready.

Bringing the truck to a controlled stop along the shoulder, I killed the engine and rolled down both front windows at the same time. The patrol officer approached with slow steps, one hand resting on the butt of his holstered sidearm.

"License and registration please,"he barked, flashlight beam sweeping over the interior of the cab.

Maintaining a neutral expression, I reached into my wallet and produced the requested documents, passing them through the open window without fanfare. He scrutinized them before tucking them away.

"And what is your business in this area tonight?"He inquired, eyes narrowing as he took in the three occupants crammed into the front seats.

Beside me, Kael shifted, drawing the cop's attention. Shit. This was not going to end well if he kept staring at my mate like that.

Thinking fast, I interjected right away,"Just returning home after a long day working construction, sir. My friend here got off shift late so I offered to give him a ride instead of letting him take public transportation alone."

The lie sounded flimsy even to my ears, but hopefully, the officer wouldn't press too much. Glancing past me, he focused his scrutiny on Javier next, taking note of the bulge beneath his jacket where his pistol rested.

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