Page 36 of Unleash You

“He was acting sketchy. I didn’t give it much thought, though. We were all tense. After we got Rebecca out, we hid in the jungle for several days until Tyler was able to get to us. That constant fear for our lives really messed with our heads. Charlie started drifting away from the team and insisted that Rebecca stay close to him. Matt and I were left to figure out the logistics to get out. That’s when we decided to enlist Tyler.”

“If Lilly finds out, you’ll be grounded for life.”

“No doubt.”

“What did Rebecca do?”

“Her main concern was to keep her brother alive. She did as we asked and never questioned our methods. Our last night, Charlie decided that killing Smith was the only way to keep her safe. We didn’t discuss it as a group. He took off with Rebecca as soon as he realized Smith and his people were trailing us. When I caught up to them, he’d been shot, and you know the rest. I swear I tried to get him to come with us.”

Anabelle’s eyes watered at my words. “I know you did. I realize that the Charlie I knew might be gone, but we have to bring him home. Once he’s here, he’ll get the help he needs. And then we’ll be a family like before.”

I hated the idea of going back to Maracaibo. The kind of violence we experienced there was something I never wanted to see again. But I needed to do this for my friend and for Anabelle, who even now looked at me with stars in her eyes, as if I had all the answers in the world. I didn’t. I was scared shitless.

“I’ll wait another day and see if Derek makes any progress finding Valentina. Then I’ll fly to Colombia.” I’d have to find someone to help me once we were in Colombia. Though if memory served me well, getting in wasn’t the hardest part.

“I’m sorry, what?” She furrowed her brows. The sunlight slanted on her blond hair and her rosy cheeks. “What do you mean I? I’m coming with you.”

“The hell you are. You know better than anyone here how dangerous it is out there. This won’t be a pleasant visit to the city center or museums.”

She glanced down at her hands. “I’m not a kid, Wesley. I understand the risk. What do I need to do to make you understand what this means to me? Charlie is all I have left.”

“You can’t imagine—”

“I can. I read all your letters. Let me in. I know you’re scared. So am I, but we can do this together.”

“Jesus Christ, Anabelle. You already have a plan, don’t you?”

“Yes and no.” She offered me a sweet smile. “In my defense, when I first got here, I had no reason to trust you. I figured I was on my own in this.”

“We want the same thing.” I cradled the nape of her neck. “I want Charlie back too. I just don’t want you to die in the process.”

I wished that was an exaggeration, but for fuck’s sake, we were dealing with people who considered human trafficking a sound business venture. The attacks on our camp hadn’t been random. Smith and his son Marcel wanted the marines out so they could come and go as they pleased. Ironically, we were there to observe and report only. Our intent was never to interfere in the cartel’s affairs. That was, of course, until Charlie and Rebecca.

“I know the feeling.” She placed her hand on my chest. “I’m going. You in?”

“Anabelle?”

“Are we partners? Because I can’t tell you my plan if we’re not working on this together.” Her mouth pouted a little as she enunciated every syllable of the word ‘together’. She was so fucking gorgeous.

She was also so fucking right in this. We had a better chance of succeeding if we joined forces. Not to mention that I had no real authority to make her stay in Atlanta. “Fine. I’m in. Tell me about this plan of yours.”

“Well, since you froze my accounts, I couldn’t pay Teak. He offered to use his savings, but I didn’t think that was fair for him.”

“Right, your marine-slash-travel agent.” I did my best not to roll my eyes. Who the hell knew why it bothered me that Anabelle had asked Teak for help? Maybe it just stung that she didn’t trust me when she first got here. admittedly, she had no reason to.

“That’s the one. He’s still on board, pending payment.” She cocked her eyebrow, with a grin pulling at her lips. “He can help us find your guys once we get there. But I think the only guy who can get us in with minimal danger is Josh.”

“Who?”

“The congressman.” She let out a breath and waited for me to show signs of recognition.

“What could he possibly do for us?”

“Well, if you had been paying attention during our tea party, you’d know he offered me a legit way in.”

“I don’t remember that.” All I could remember from that day was the way his gaze kept dropping to her legs.

“There are a few relief efforts that are still allowed into Venezuela. We’ll need to put together a sizable donation, but he’ll help us get it there. I’m sure I can convince him to get visas for us as well. Walking in through the front door is the safest way. Once we’re there, we can find a guide to take us to the jungle to find your guys and Charlie.”

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