Page 41 of Brick's Retribution

The question hangs in the air like a loaded gun.

How I answer could determine whether we continue to Chihuahua or end up in custody.

"Distant cousin," I lie, keeping my voice level. "Same last name, different family. You know how it is."

He studies me for a long moment, then hands back our documents. "Safe travels."

Carlos puts the truck in gear, and we roll forward.

I don't breathe normally until the checkpoint is well behind us.

Brick sighs. "That was close."

"Too close," I agree. "They're definitely looking for us."

"Your father's Mateo?" Carlos asks.

I glance at him, surprised. "You know who my father is?"

"Lady, everyone in this business knows who Mateo Torres is." He gives me a sideways look. "Question is, what kind of trouble are you running from?"

I consider lying, but Carlos has been straight with us so far, and if we're going to trust him with our lives, he deserves some version of the truth.

"The kind that gets people killed," I say simply.

He nods, as if that's explanation enough. "Well, you picked the right ride. I've been moving questionable cargo for twenty years. Know how to stay invisible."

The highway continues to wind through the mountains, the scenery spectacular even though we’re in this shitty situation.

I think once we’re finally in Chihuahua, I’m going to feel much better.

A little while passes and in the distance, I can see the sprawl of Chihuahua beginning to appear.

"How well do you know Amara?" Brick asks, breaking the comfortable silence.

I turn to look at him, noting the genuine curiosity in his expression. "We've known each other since we were teenagers. Why?"

"Just trying to understand the dynamics. She can be… intense."

"That's one word for it." I smile, remembering. "When we were kids, she was always the one pushing boundaries, testing limits. Drove her father crazy."

"Sounds familiar," Brick says with a slight grin. "She hasn't changed much."

"No, she hasn't. But that's why she's good at what she does. Why she's survived in that world." I pause. "Why I trust her with my life."

"And why she trusts you."

Trust is a precious commodity in our world, not given lightly or without reason.

"We protect each other," I say, echoing his words from the night before. "Always have."

The city sprawls across the valley like a concrete organism.

"Where do you want me to drop you?" Carlos asks.

I consider his question.

Going directly to the clubhouse might lead trouble to Amara's door.

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