Page 39 of Possession

One I took for him.

The GSW that wasn’t supposed to happen.

Who knew that bullet would get me to where I am today. I rose through the ranks faster than the summer temps in the low desert. Thank God it didn’t do worse damage.

Getting thrown into the line of fire that saved Damian’s ass bought his everlasting trust. He thought I took the bullet for him, and I didn’t let him think anything other than that. He fucking loved me, trusted me, and kicked his own family to the side to make room for me.

It also put a target on my back.

Shit has been hot because of it, and now sitting in the number two seat of the Marino family when I have zero Marino blood running through my veins, the flames are licking my ass on a daily basis.

Carson – There’s no way the Jackals are crossing above ground. They disappear in the night, and my asset spots them east of Tijuana. I want that tunnel before we wrap things up.

I can’t exactly ask the President of the Violet Jackals to map out their underground system to Mexico over dinner tonight.

Me – You want a lot of fucking things.

Carson – It’s not just me. Your home agency misses you. I’m surprised you haven’t gotten a midnight booty call. They’re jonesing to have you back. But before you make all their dreams come true, those tunnels are a high priority on both our lists. If we follow the drugs, there’s a good chance there are bodies too. And since I’m the one funding your fun and games, I want the bodies.

Me – You and your talk to text. It’s not a baseball game. I don’t need the color commentary. I want the tunnels shut down too.

Carson – Don’t question the talent of my thumbs. They can run with the wind. And notice, no errors. My perfection knows no bounds.

The man who made it possible for me to go this deep undercover is fucking chatty like we just finished an old man softball game. Some days I think he forgets I’m running this shit show and keeping things short would be beneficial to me not getting dead.

Me – You know I’ll find your tunnel. That starts tonight. I’m stepping things up, remember?

Carson – Yeah, I can tell you’re stepping things up with your fake wife. We need to talk about that.

Shit.

I’ve got bugs all over this house, and the feed goes straight to headquarters and the CIA. They’re listening to every word but what’s said in the bedroom.

Me – I’m keeping her safe. No one is happy that I’m the one who ended up with her, especially Nic and Uncle Eddy.

Carson – Yeah, I heard how he disrespected your “queen” last night.

Me – Acting the part. What was I supposed to do?

Carson – I’ve got a queen of my own. I would’ve done the same thing.

I’m done.

Me – I’ve got to go. I’ll hit you up tomorrow if I can. If I can get him to talk, you might get a hint about your tunnel.

Carson – Fan-fucking-tastic. I’m jealous. Some days, I miss being in the action. Watch your back.

Me – Always.

I delete the app. If anyone can create a secure line for me to communicate with the real world, it’s the CIA. I didn’t think I’d have that while I was under. I haven’t talked to or seen my family in almost two years, but I’ve got a line to Carson who can get me in touch with my supervisor at the DEA.

I pull up the Marino surveillance cameras on my other phone. Landyn was gone after I got back from the gym. She was snooping and wandering around the house. She’s learning her way around while peeking in every closet and opening every shut door that isn’t locked. When she made it to the kitchen, she started chatting with June, who acted like she was being interviewed by Border Patrol rather than the new mistress of the house.

And Miranda refused to speak a word to her. She’s meek and cautious to a fault. Hell, she’s not just cautious—she’s a mouse in a lion’s den, afraid the pride is going to make her a mid-afternoon snack.

She wants nothing to do with anyone in this house but June, and Landyn was no different.

I showered and have a call in ten minutes with the funeral home, but my wife is nowhere to be found.

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