Page 71 of All Twisted Up
“Oh…got it.”
“It should feel comfortable and yet be easy enough for you to get to if and when you need it.”
I nodded, knowing there was no way on earth I would ever need to use a knife on another human being. I let Barbie cut allour meat at home because I simply hated the way it felt. “Fine…and thanks.”
“Good.” He nodded sharply, taking my hand and tugging me back down onto the bench seat beside him. I didn’t pull my hand out of his.
We drove into the parking lot at the school, taking a spot on the curb right in front of the building and one of the entrances the captain had marked on the map. I was a little surprised, thinking that the team would want to conceal their presence, but then realized the parking was purposeful, probably to let the cartel or anyone else watching know that I wasn’t alone here, guarded by only one man. I was still a bit doubtful that the cartel knew where I worked but then remembered someone dirty at the DEA would surely have access to that information.
Nash and Mickey were the first out of the vehicle, each carrying two of the deadly automatic rifles. After arming the captain and our driver, Mars—he insisted on being called—they formed a wall around me and escorted me into the building. I was almost relieved to find Rex and Patsy there waiting, similarly armed.
“How’re we looking, Monroe?” the captain asked.
“Good. Ain’t seen hide nor hair of anyone to worry ‘bout,” the big Texan drawled. “Then again, if they’re out there somewhere, they wouldn’t show themselves until y’all got here.”
“And the others?”
“Huerta and Mathis are in the classroom, findin’ a hidin’ place for weapons and Smith and Joy are at the other end of the buildin’,” Patsy replied. “Been quiet on that side too, boss.”
Captain Sorensen nodded. “Good. Let’s hope it stays that way.” He pointed to Patsy and Rex. “You two stay outside thedoors until Mr. Calder is done teaching tonight. You’ll probably be questioned by students who’re arriving for classes. Just tell them you’re with a guest speaker in one of the classrooms. That should satisfy.”
“They’re gonna ask who, boss,” Rex drawled.
Patsy reached up and punched him in the arm. “Just tell ‘em it’s classified. Hopefully, that’ll shut ‘em up.”
The captain smiled. “Okay then. I’m gonna take the BearCat around to the other side and instruct Joy and Smith on this intel. If any of the cartel are watching, I want them to know we’re here.” He looked at his watch and then up at Nash and me. “Well, Mr. Calder, we’re ready. You and your students will be very well guarded.”
I reached out and he took my hand, shaking it. “Thank you so much. That’s all I can ask.”
“It’s our pleasure.” He glanced at Nash, then Mickey. “Stay alert. Remember to lock the doors. We’ll radio if anyone the least bit suspicious shows up. I’ll need you two, Huerta, and Mathis to do the same, okay?”
Nash and Mickey saluted. “You got it, Captain,” Nash said, nodding before the captain walked away. He reached out and set a hand on my shoulder. “I need you to help us with what Candy said. If anyone shows up that you don’t recognize as a student, you need to tell me immediately, okay, Joshua?”
I nodded. “Understood.” My body was thrumming with anticipation, and I couldn’t decide whether it was the prospect of getting killed, or the warmth of his hand.
I really hoped it was Nash.
Chapter Nineteen
NASH
Before leaving the BearCat, I’d outfitted Joshua with a set of military grade earwigs we all wore during operations, showing him how to mute the com so any crosstalk between team members wouldn’t distract him as he taught. I hadn’t known what to expect when I’d heard Joshua’s passionate plea to let him work his night job as a teacher. I hadn’t given it a lot of thought if I was being honest with myself. The truth was, I’d believed that he just wanted to teach out of an obligation toward his students and the expectation of making enough money to support his family without Barbie having to take a job at her young age.
From the moment we walked into the classroom, however, I realized there was much more to the man.
I’d underestimated how much his students loved him and even I was caught up in his ready smiles for them as they filed in and took their seats. There was something magical about the way he conducted himself, seeming to stand a little taller than normal as he got into the groove of teaching.
He had great patience with them, coming up with inventive ways of explaining words they didn’t understand. He’d asked them to keep a journal throughout the week, writing down words and phrases they didn’t understand, as they did normal things like grocery shopping, or watching television. As they read out the words, he took the time to address the pronunciation and spelling on the whiteboard, praising each student and encouraging them. He obviously loved his job. Then again, I nowknew Joshua was an extraordinary man who found passion in everything he did.
The hour-long class passed quickly, and I was relieved when it was over as the tension mounted for me. We waited for the room to clear out, then retrieved our rifles before letting the rest of the team know we were exiting the building.
I could feel adrenaline rush into my blood the moment Candy barked back that he wanted us to meet him at the east end of the building…quickly.
Something in his abrupt tone gave me pause.
As a RECON Marine, I obeyed orders but was trained to hear things that weren’t being said too, since being lured into a trap by a superior officer—though rare—was always a possibility.
With the hallways mostly clear, we surrounded Joshua, keeping him inside a tight circle. As relieved as I was that his job hadn’t included an assault by a cartel hit squad, simply getting him out of the building came with its own risks of attack by anyone masquerading as a civilian.
