Page 29 of Reaper Released

“Before you say anything, Carmen, please understand I mean no offence by this, but I cannot tell you what we talked about.”

I show her my palm and explain the secret for a secret pact we made, and that I won’t break that.

“My word is what I live by, and I’ve given my word to your daughter. We’ve agreed that I will do a favour for her, and when she calls upon me, nothing will stop me from carrying it out. I hope you understand that I can’t tell you what or why, and I’m asking you to trust me blindly and allow me to do this. I don’t want to make an enemy of you, Carmen, but if that is the cost of fulfilling my promise, then so be it.”

“Reaper, I really don’t like the sound of this. Can you tell me what’s happening? Why does my daughter need a favour? I need to know what’s going on. Is she in danger?”

“I’m sorry, Carmen. I can’t tell you any more, but I will insist that Catalina considers discussing it with you. All I can say is I’ve promised her I will do whatever it takes to fulfil my promise to her, and I promise you won’t be hurt or injured in any way while I carry it out. That’s all I’m willing to say!”

“Is whatever you’re going to do… will it keep my daughter safe?”

“Most definitely, Carmen. I would not put her in danger. We made a blood pact. She needs to trust me, and that’s what she wants in return.”

Blowing out a breath, she says, “Reaper, you must understand, I am the head of the Castillo Cartel. You understand that if you do anything to cross me, I will bring the full force of the cartel down on you? I really don’t want to lay a threat at your feet, but this is my home. I brought you into it, into my daughter’s home, and I have gone against my advisers and given you free rein. Have I not been a gracious host? This is more than I’ve allowed in a long time, but I see something in you. I just hope it won’t blow up in our faces!”

“Carmen, I can assure you that if this blows up, it will be in my face, not yours, and I will trust that you will do what is necessary, but I made a vow to your daughter, and above all else, that is my priority. All I ask is that whatever happens, Scar and Demi are not held responsible. They know nothing at all!”

“Reaper, you’re making this extremely difficult for me to understand.”

“I know, Carmen, I do understand, and don’t think I’m taking this lightly, but in reality, I need you to trust that whatever Catalina has asked me to do, she has her reasons, and for now, those reasons mean you will have to wait for her to feel like she’s ready to tell you. But I promise I will keep her safe. You have my word on that.”

“Do we need a blood pact too?”

Laughing, I smile at her. “Will it make you feel better?”

“Can I get back to you on that?”

“Sure!” I laugh. “Now come on, let's head back. I need some more Pan Dulce, and then I need to check if I’m gonna sink or float!”

We walk back in comfortable silence, but I keep the lookout for anything untoward. By the time this weekend is over, I know I will have blood on my hands, and I may be fighting for my own life, depending on how Carmen views my actions.

The day comes and goes, and the evening crawls in. As we are having dinner, Carmen informs us that some of the family are coming to visit and that she has arranged a cocktail party for us all. As we head back to our rooms, we all find a garment bag and a shoe box on our beds. Demi’s is a beautiful emerald green cocktail dress with a puffy tulle skirt and matching Mary Janes.

Scar’s is a beautiful, full-length red silk gown that clings to her curves with a slit right up the thigh and dips right to the base of her spine with a cowl neck front with black high-heeled pumps. Mine’s a stunning black satin floor-length gown. It's simple and elegant, with no bells and whistles, no slit. It’s backless, showing off all my tattoos with cross-over shoestring straps, and when I open the shoe box, there’s a note.

Reaper,

To keep Catalina safe, you might want to wear your boots. You can “accessorise” them with the outfit.

C x

I take that to mean that although she doesn’t know what’s going on, she wants me to be ready. She has seen me keep my weapons in my boots and no doubt knows I will be packing, so to speak. Although the dress is tight, as it skims my hips, it flares out slightly, so I strap on my thigh holster and load two of my throwing knives into it and then add my New Rock Trails.

I slide my hunting knife down the side, dropping my dress. It coils around me without drawing attention to my weapons. I also get Scar and Demi to do me a fancy updo, and I add a throwing knife to that, too, so it looks like a hair clip. When I’m all suited and booted, I head off to the party.

I’m introduced to the main players of the cartel. Most of them pas, uncles and cousins, and then I’m introduced to Carmen's brother, who I immediately dislike after talking to him for less than ten minutes. I have figured he’s a pig and doesn’t care for Carmen in the slightest. I will be keeping an eye on this slimy bastard.

Catching the sight of Tali out of the corner of my eye, I make a beeline for her.

“You look stunning,” I whisper in her ear. She blushes. Her dress is similar to Demi’s but in silver. She seems distracted.

“Santa Muerte?” I breathe into her ear, but she shakes her head, so that means the brother’s out. “Is he family?”

She shakes her head again. Well, at least that’s good news. “He’s my uncle's Lieutenant.” I nod and glance around.

“Stay close, okay? Don’t go anywhere on your own, even the bathroom. Come get me first, okay? Do you have your knife on you?”

Nodding, she taps her breast. “It’s in my bra!”

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