Page 48 of Stand Fast

She blew out a shaky breath. How the hell was a man like that still single? What was wrong with all the women back in D.C.? “They’re either stupid or crazy,” she muttered to herself, and forced herself to reach for the first file.

No,shewas crazy, for not taking what was right in front of her. Even though it would be smarter to steer clear of that temptation.

One thing was for certain: if Zaid were hers, she’d never let him go.

****

Another day, another enemy eliminated.

The Jackal paused at the base of the back steps to his home and gazed upward. Warm light spilled from his son’s window that overlooked the garden. And suddenly he was both terrified and exhausted.

Because of the mounting pressure from the investigation about him and the proximity of the threat bearing down on him and his network, he’d been forced to intensify his response. Taking out two targets in as many days was risky, but necessary if he wanted to keep his identity hidden from authorities. Anyone who posed a risk of exposure would be eliminated immediately.

He stared up at the bedroom windows, his heart heavy and aching. His wife and son had no idea what he’d done and would continue to do in order to secure the surgery.

Just a little longer. Please. Just let me stay hidden in plain sight a little longer.

The phone in his pocket vibrated, startling him. His heartbeat quickened when he saw the area code of the unfamiliar number, and he walked through the wrought-iron gate into the garden before answering. “Hello?” Was this it? The news he’d been waiting, praying for?

“My friend, how are you?” a familiar voice said in accented English.

For a moment he couldn’t believe his ears. This had to be it. There was no other reason for this man to contact him personally. “I’m anxious to get my son better.”

“I know you are. That’s why I’m calling.”

He held his breath, waiting.Please…

“I’m told you’re under siege there. That must be hard.”

Not surprising that the man knew about what was going on. He had spies everywhere, even here in Kabul. “Yes. I don’t know how much longer I have before—”

“I’ve found a surgeon who is willing to perform the surgery with his team.”

The Jackal squeezed his eyes shut. He rubbed at the sudden sting there, fighting back tears of relief. “That’s good news. But we don’t have a donor.”

“I’ll find one. Children die every day all over the world. It’s just a matter of finding one we can use. I have people keeping their ears to the ground for us.”

He shook his head, his voice hoarse. The lack of control terrified and infuriated him. “How? How do I know I can trust you with this?”

“Because good or bad, I’m a man of my word. Ask anyone who’s done business with me, and they’ll tell you.”

“I already did.” He’d done it way before he’d agreed to this dangerous arrangement. But desperation drove people to do things they would never dream themselves capable of. He was living proof.

A low chuckle. “Of course. Well. Have you got the money?”

He’d been told that given the situation, if he was short money when the time came, the head of the Veneno Cartel would likely pay the rest himself. But he wasn’t counting on that. “Most of it.”

“Ah. The shipments are flowing nicely. I’m told that almost ninety-percent of the product is making it through the border and onto the ships.”

“Yes. And I have more coming soon.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I love doing business with you, Fahim.”

He flinched at hearing his name said aloud and automatically looked around him. Not that anyone standing nearby would be able to overhear the conversation, but if anyone was monitoring the cellular signal, they might have heard it. And people were hunting him.

A long inhalation followed, as though the man on the other end of the line was taking a drag of something. Not drugs. Fahim had been told thatEl Escorpionnever touched any of his product, but that he had a penchant for Cuban cigars. “How’s your boy doing?”

“He’s weakening.” And it killed Fahim to watch it.

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