Page 51 of The Witness

“Not quite. There is still the matter of Ms. Dalton.” I poked Sabrina with the toe of my shoe like she was a bag of garbage. It was a move I saw Coyote use on any recruit that passed outdrunk or high. Treating her like something disposable made me want to punch someone.

“Ah, yes. Thank you for my gift.” He glanced at Sabrina, a cruel smile twisting his lips.

“I think you misunderstand. She needs to be taken care of.”

“And she shall.”

“When? I need to know my generosity will not come back to bite me in the ass later. She’s American, I’m American. This is an enormous risk.” I stood, taking up as much space as I could. My feet were shoulder width apart, arms crossed so the seams of my shirt threatened to pop.

“After we are done with her. It will be handled.” Sandoval set his juice glass on a table with a loud clink.

“That will not work. I don’t trust anyone. Especially not a new acquaintance. It’s got to be now.” I tipped my head left and right, popping my neck. The hallmark of a man spoiling for a fight.

“We need time to question her. She has information vital to the organization.” Sandoval didn’t back down. His black eyes flashed at my insolence.

“Bullshit. The way I hear it, you know everything she told the FBI. That was why you made such a mess at the Oceanfront Diner going after her. We’re regulars at that place. Your team’s fuck up there is what got the club interested in your organization.”

The tension in the room was palpable as he and I engaged in a fierce staring contest. He blinked first.

“I need to know what she’s told the private security company.” His patience was wearing thin.

“Don’t recommend you tangle with that crew. More trouble than it’s worth. Word is the owner is a spook. Ties with the feds in DC or some shit.”

“I’ll take my chances.” Sandoval shrugged, unimpressed by my warning. “You have my word. No one will ever see the womanagain.” He broke eye contact to wave a dismissive hand at Sabrina.

“Sorry. Not good enough.” I made a move to pull Sabrina from the floor. “I’m taking her with me.”

Sandoval sighed. His annoyance at being challenged was palpable.

“The Count of Monte Cristo said wait and hope. I’m fine with waiting, even good at it. What I lack that the Count had is faith. Especially faith in other men. I believe in verification. Seeing with my own eyes. You know?” I bent and pulled Sabrina roughly to her feet. Better me manhandling her than one of Sandoval’s thugs.

Her gasp of surprise pierced my chest and made me want to get her the hell off this boat as soon as possible. Fuck arresting Sandoval. Tears pooled in the corners of her eyes and glistened on her eyelashes. Somewhere in the last twenty minutes, Sabrina had realized how dangerous a game she was playing, acting as bait.

I started toward the door, dragging her along, only stopping when Sandoval cursed under his breath.

“Fine, Mr. Dumas, have it your way… this time. I can see you will be an interesting associate and a cautious one.” He waved toward the stern. “This will inevitably get messy. Let’s adjourn to the fishing deck.”

I motioned for him to lead the way out of the salon and into the open air. Bright tropical sun beat down from a cloudless sky. A cool winter breeze off the ocean made the day postcard picture perfect. Hot in the sun, cool in the shade. Two of Sandoval’s men fell into step behind me and Sabrina. I squeezed her hand a few times, hoping to reassure her. She was trembling so hard I didn’t think she registered it. She was locked inside her fear, and I was the bastard keeping up the ruse.

The Jabberwocky was moored at the end of a long wooden dock. It was the last boat in the last slip of the hotel’s large marina. The location afforded privacy and quick access to the main harbor. It was a shit place for a police operation, but great for Sandoval conducting business. Everything was stacked in the crime lord’s favor.

I silently thanked Agent Acosta for pulling a few strings to get use of a military surveillance drone. It was the only way to get eyes on the back deck. Gunter promised he’d make sure the Cubans didn’t delay one second longer than necessary when it was time. It was his promise that kept me playing the role. Sabrina had already slipped into a place where her terror was real, doubt eating away the bravery she’d shown until now. I sure as shit didn’t blame her, because I was close to joining her.

I was about to ask a man with no morals to slit her throat. Fuck!

Parts of me I barely knew existed anymore after my sister’s death were alive and screaming. Telling me to end this. Run. Jump off the damn boat and swim for it. Grab Sabrina and toss her over the eight-foot gap to the dock. Anything to stop this from playing out exactly as we’d planned. I gritted my jaw until my teeth ached.

My rough, uncaring hold on Sabrina kept her from falling when she stumbled down the small flight of stairs that led onto the lowest deck of the mega yacht. I longed to pull her close and hug her but only dared a whispered word of encouragement as I shoved her back on her feet.

“Be brave.” The sea breeze snatched the words from my mouth. I had no clue if she’d heard.

On the back deck, a large fighting chair took center stage, a rod and reel stood ready for the next deep sea fishing trip. My gaze lingered on the well-used gaff hanging off a gunnel. Its evil hook glistened menacingly in the mid-morning sun. Flecks of gorewere embedded in the wood handle. It was too easy to imagine Sabrina’s blood splashed on the teak deck and then scrubbed away like fish guts.

Every ounce of common sense I possessed told me our plan would backfire, and she would suffer the consequences. But thankfully, there was nothing common about me or her. I dug deep for my last reserve of calm; I had to close this deal. Then get the hell off this boat and out of this godforsaken country with my woman.

Four of Sandoval’s goons had followed us. Including the mouth breather American ex-con from last night. They arranged their backs to the harbor, further hiding me, Sandoval, and Sabrina from view of anyone on the docks or in the distant hotel. But their bulk didn’t hide shit from our eyes in the sky.Thank you, Acosta.

“Janson, you can handle this.” Sandoval waved the ex-con forward.

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