Page 46 of Echoes and Oaths
Simón hesitated, then said, "I know you killed Montoya."
Jinx was a master at not reacting to dangerous statements. He kept his face utterly still, breathing slow and measured.
Simón chuckled dryly. "Really. And I know because I was with Montoya’s mistress the night he died. She told me she didn’t think he’d be living much longer."
Jinx’s brow furrowed slightly. Thatwasunexpected.
"Why’s that?" he asked, voice low.
"Because she said she toldyouthat Montoya was alone that week. And then, suddenly, your shift was swapped. Which it was. I took it. And that night,Montoya was killed." Simón’s grin was humorless. "I’m glad she warned me. Saved my ass from the bloodbath that happened after the news broke. As soon as people found out he was assassinated, the fighting started. Everyone scrambling for power."
He kicked the dirt again, uneasy. The sound of insects buzzing filled the thick, humid night.
"I knew when my shift ended, I needed to disappear. I’m not too proud to admit it. I went to my mistress’s house and stayed low until most of the bloodshed was over. I threw in my loyalty card when I saw who was winning."
Simón shook his head with a bitter laugh. "Unfortunately, it was that fucker Ortega being propped up. Had access to arms, money, and men. Suppose he had a man in the military. That explains how he pulled it off. He had the muscle, information, and firepower to take control from guys who were way stronger than him."
Simón rubbed the back of his neck, looking away for a moment. "I’m willing to make a deal with you, Mateo," he said, his voice dropping into something almost pleading. "I’ll keep you informed … leave notes in the old mailbox here at this ranch. No one uses this place anymore, and it’s on my way to see mywoman. No one will think it’s strange I’m driving this way."
Jinx narrowed his eyes. "Why would you do that?"
Simón scuffed his boot against the dry earth. "Before you take out Ortega, give me one day's notice. Just one. My woman and I can disappear. I’ve got some money saved. We can be gone if you just give me the time." He hesitated, then added, "And I can keep Ortega’s people away from Eira’s place, too. I can let you know if Ortega starts moaning about wanting her at the compound again. If you want to get her out, you’ll have a warning."
Jinx stared at the man for a long, silent moment. The heavy Venezuelan night wrapped around them, thick with the scent of rain brewing somewhere beyond the jungle.
Simón shifted nervously under the weight of Jinx’s gaze. "Dude, I’ve told you everything I know. I’ve laid it all out on the line for you. You could go to Ortega tomorrow and sell me out, and I’d be dead. I’m trusting you here."
Jinx understood just how precarious a position Simón had put himself in. Finally, he extended his hand. Simón grasped it quickly, the handshake firm and sweaty under the oppressive heat.
"You have my word," Jinx said.
Simón nodded, and Jinx could almost see the tension drain from his body.
"Good," Simón exhaled, relief raw in his voice. "That’s good."
He stepped back, glancing once more at Jinx. "I know there’s no honor among thieves," Simón said, "but thereishonor among men who must fight to live. I’m trusting your honor, Mateo."
With that, Simón turned and walked back to his truck. By the time he climbed inside, Jinx had already disappeared into the shadows, swallowed by the night.
The engine rumbled to life. The truck’s headlights cut through the gloom as Simón pulled a tight U-turn and headed left, back toward the small town, and to his mistress.
Raven’s voice crackled over the comms. "He said you were going to kill Ortega. Why would he think that?"
Jinx smirked faintly, even though no one could see it.
"Because he knows I’d be a better leader," Jinx said. "And he knows I’d get Eira out of here before the war starts. I’d make sure she’s safe." He toggled his comm. "Brando, get me an ID on those photos. Stat.”
“Roger that. I’m calling in the big guns. We’ll get them to you ASAP," Brando confirmed.
Jinx turned and began making his way back across the fields, the ground soft under his boots. The night air smelled of damp earth and growing things, a reminder of the jungle pressing in just beyond the cleared farmland.
Raven fell into step beside him, her movements silent and catlike. "I’m going back to the small house," she said. "Eira’s mom still isn’t home. From what I understand, the aunt’s not doing well."
Jinx grunted in acknowledgment. Eira had told him as much earlier, and worry had clouded her beautiful eyes. They’d sent for a doctor, but the man still hadn’t arrived.
"Be safe," Jinx said, his voice rougher than intended.
"Always," Raven replied with a small smirk, veering off toward the Land Cruiser she’d parked in a hidden spot nearby. Moments later, the comms went silent.
