Fuck.
I have a plan, but I know Ria will fight me on it. I’m not keen on it either but it’s the best course of action. Gabe and I have already gone through all the variables, and collectively, the four of us decided this would ensure Adrian’s safety.
So yeah…fuck.
We need to be ready. And fast.
We’re running out of time.
Ria’s grip on my shirt loosens as her breaths slow down.
She leans away from me, dabbing her wet cheeks with the sleeve of her shirt.
I give her a lingering kiss on the temple before pulling her up and leading her over to the table.
Ben has organized everything he found out about her mom and her Aunt Patty’s relationship, including their lives before and after they met.
I set my hands on the desk. “Alright. Talk to me. What do we have? Everything good?”
Mina speaks up first in her usual, no-nonsense tone. “All clear. The campsite is preparing for a possible ambush, as we speak. I have three agents posted upstairs right now, and the rest are outside securing the perimeter.”
Mina nods at Ben, who is leaning on the wall by the printers, to continue.
“I’ve spoken with local enforcement and sent them photos we have of every individual at the airstrip. They are prepared to back us up and flag any suspicious arrivals. I’ve also informed the state. Same thing. If and when they cross state lines, we’ll be the first to know.. The system is still running visuals but we have enough to get a warrant to arrest CJ should they cross paths with him.”
“Perfect. Can you print those photos from the airfield? Let’s see if anyone matches with what we have here or if Ria recognizes any of them.”
Ben nods and quickly makes his way to his desk.
I turn to Gabe, who has his jaw locked, tension radiating from every inch of him. I quirk an eyebrow in question. I’m not sure what has him so annoyed.
“Director Villegas is aware. He’s securing you a different location to move to if the need arises.”
That fucker.I knew the director would try to pull Gabe.
But Gabe and I have an understanding. He’s staying with us until the end.
“Alright. Well, that’s more than I expected from him.”
Bending my elbows, I lean close to my wife and whisper, “Let’s go through these. There must be something here that can help us.”
I squeeze Ria’s hand gently, once again hit by how small and fragile she is.
“Are you ready, or do you need more time?”
She shakes her head, not even bothering to look at me as she lets go of my hand to stand next to Ben, who has returned to the table with a stack of photos.
She sifts through everything slowly and methodically when all of a sudden, she pauses. She lets out a sharp gasp. A crease starts to form on her forehead as her back stiffens. Her movements become more frantic as she starts stacking papers one on top of the other.
I’m tempted to break her trance, but I can practically see her placing the final piece of the puzzle.
“Wha-what’s the cartel’s name again?”
“Sotnas,” Mina supplies with a perplexed look.
Ria shuts her eyes, her chin trembling as a lone tear falls down her cheek.
“Noah… what’s my full name?”