Page 74 of The Doctor's Twins

“And then some,” Sam echoed. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry too much about Mateo Garcia after that. Also, the families of his previous wives will be out for blood too.”

“Okay. Now, how do we get him here? He isn’t likely to accept an invitation to pop over the border for a visit. How do we get him here?” I asked.

Sam was right. There would have to be a pretty big carrot dangling somewhere in the wings in the States to get Mateo to leave Mexico where his nest was comfortably feathered.

“There is one way that springs to mind,” Sam started.

I knew exactly what he was going to say.

“Absolutely not! I will not use Peyton as bait. She’s been through enough. Besides, she’s so traumatized by that bastard I doubt whether she’d be able to do it even if I asked her to. So, no. Sorry, Sam. We’ll have to think of another way.”

“That makes my plan more difficult, Ben, but not impossible. Let me see if I can get my contacts to suggest a way. They’re watching him anyway, so perhaps they are able to find out more about his habits. Perhaps he’s planning on traveling somewhere soon. We’ll nab him then.”

“Thanks, Sam. I really appreciate this. I owe you large, my friend.”

“Nonsense. You don’t owe me a damn thing. Anything for a fellow soldier. You know that.”

“Okay. Keep me posted, please, Sam. I need to know the minute Mateo even thinks of leaving Mexico.”

“Don’t you worry your delicate surgeon’s hands, Ben. I’ve got my guy on him twenty-four-seven.”

“I feel better already. Talk soon. Thanks, Sam.”

“Sure thing.”

I felt much better after having talked the situation through with Sam. I was still infuriated because I couldn’t get to the monster who’d hurt my Peyton so badly, but at least we were one step closer to getting justice.

Peyton was doing well. Although, I knew she was missing her family. I half expected her to jump into Alyssa’s bag and fly home with her. I wondered when the next trip would come. I was uneasy the first time she’d traveled to see her folks and sister. That was before I knew about Mateo.

I couldn’t imagine how sick with worry I’d be the next time she decided to go. At least Sam’s guy was surveilling Mateo, so even though he would always be in the back of my mind, at least he would be where we could keep an eye on him.

I called Peyton.

“Hey, gorgeous, woman.”

“Well, hello Doctor Goldfingers. This is a nice surprise.”

“How would you like to go out to dinner later?”

“That sounds lovely. Where were you thinking?”

“What are you in the mood for?”

“There’s a new Chinese restaurant downtown. Olivia says they’re the bomb.”

“Chinese it is, my gorgeous.”

“You’re in a good mood.”

“Indeed.”

“What’s the occasion?”

“Come now. Don’t force me to get all cheesy on you.”

“Try me. I’m sure I can take it.”

“Okay, but you asked for it,” I said and heard Peyton chuckling on the line. “There’s no occasion, Pey. I just love you so much. Enough to feed you whatever your precious heart desires.”

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