Page 13 of Ranch's Resolve

“I assume they want to take over my organization.”

“And you have no idea who?” Dante asks.

“None. I have feelers out, so I’m hoping to get some answers. In the meantime, I’m concerned about the families already on their way here. Manuel can’t protect them by himself. I havemen coming to assist, but they won’t be here in time for the next trip.”

“You want our help?” Dante asks.

“Yes. I know you’re angry with me about your father, but these people don’t deserve to suffer because of my mistakes. I may not always make the right choice, but the choices I make are all for the right reasons.”

Dante studies his mother before getting up and circling his desk to stand in front of her. He offers her his hand, which she takes. After pulling her to her feet, he wraps his arms tightly around her. When they break apart, he wipes the tears from her face.

“You didn’t make a mistake. I don’t want to discuss it right now, but I will soon. You did what you needed to do, and that’s what matters. We’ll help you. Let me meet with my club, and then we’ll work out the details. When do you need men?”

Angela glances at Manuel.

“I’m meeting the next group tomorrow evening near Tecate. We’ll take them into the desert and then across the border.”

“To the abandoned ranch?”

Manuel glances at Angela, who nods. “No, we don’t use the abandoned ranch. That was a ruse. I didn’t know if I could trust you with the truth.”

“They cross over onto my ranch via a tunnel,” Angela says.

“Do you think the men who attacked you knew about the tunnel?” I ask.

Manuel shakes his head. “I don’t think so. They caught us before we reached it. We don’t follow a direct path to the tunnel. We take a circular route to ensure those we’re transporting can’t find it again. It isn’t that we don’t trust them, but it is better to be safe than sorry. The abandoned ranch is a backup location.”

“So the men were waiting for you near Angela’s ranch? You think they were expecting you?” Dante asks.

Manuel and Angela share a glance before Angela shrugs. “I don’t know for certain. It could have been a matter of bad timing or a coincidence. However, I don’t think so.”

“Could someone in the group have given away the route? Or be the target of the attack? What do you know of the group you smuggled into the country?” Dante asks.

“All the men and women were from Cananea except for Angelica. She joined the group in Santa Ana. I have a contact in Santa Ana who assists with the transportation and greasing the palms of those patrolling the region. He was the one who asked Miguel to add Angelica to the group. I have tried to contact him after the attack to see if he can give me more information about her. I haven’t been able to reach him. Several of my men are on their way to his location to check on him.”

“So, it is possible Angelica was the target?” I ask.

Angela nods. “It is. I haven’t been able to get her to talk about why she needed to leave Mexico. She’s terrified I’m planning to send her back there. She’s still weak from her ordeal, so I haven’t pushed her. I’ll question her further after she’s had some rest.”

I think of Athena. “Athena saved her life. They likely developed a level of trust that Athena could build upon. Athena is a psychologist and works with traumatized women.”

“Can we trust her?” Dante asks.

I nod. “Athena contacted me when she saw ICE heading our way. I don’t think she’d do anything to hurt Caitlin or damage Crossroads by betraying us to ICE. However, I can feel her out.”

“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Angela says. “Angelica mentioned Athena. She’s very grateful to her for saving her and her baby's lives. I also wanted to discuss with you finding Angelica a place to live until I can arrange her papers and a permanent home. She wasn’t part of the original plan, so I have nothing ready for her or a baby. I was hoping she could stay at Crossroads for a short time.”

“I’ll talk with Caitlin and see if they have room for her.”

“Thank you, Dante. I’ll happily donate more money or anything else they might need in exchange.”

“I don’t think that will be necessary. You’ve already donated a substantial amount, and you’re helping to fund the medical facility that my father-in-law and wife are building. I’m sure that will be enough for Caitlin. She’s excited about having a facility so close to Crossroads. Now, I need to meet with my men about other business. I’ll ask for volunteers and send them your way. How many do you want or need?”

“At least two, but I’ll take more if you can spare them. I’d like to have men patrol the land near my ranch in case others try setting up for another ambush.”

Dante nods and walks Angela out. I head for my office to grab my notebook. As club secretary, I need it to record the meeting minutes.

By the time I take my seat around the table, the rest of the club is waiting. Dante enters a few minutes later and calls the meeting to order. I read off the minutes from the previous meeting. Penny, our Treasurer, provides a report on our finances. Then each member provides an update on their businesses.

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