I have a split-second to decide what I trust and my gut wins. I point my gun over my shoulder, intending to shoot, but I never get the chance. Kane fires his weapon and the guard falls to the ground beside me. A second later, Kane and I are holding weapons on each other. “You didn’t come for me or you would have let Juan Carlos kill me,” Kane supplies.
“And you could have let the guard kill me just now,” I offer.
Our eyes lock and at the same moment, we lower our weapons. Mine right at the holster at my side, his under his jacket, in a similar holster. “Dumbass didn’t even check you for a weapon,” I muse.
“He wouldn’t dare,” Kane says. “I’m Kane Mendez, but I suspect you know that. I’d say you owe me your life but you saved my life. I paid you back.”
“I respect the hell out of your balls and your marksmanship.”
“Well a man does like to have his balls appreciated,” Kane says no change to his expression.
I laugh. “Rick Savage. And you’re right. I didn’t come for you but I would have killed you, even if you saved me.”
“But?”
“But you were here to save the women.” I laugh. “Your cousin runs the cartel. I’ll say what I thought when you got here: my fucking ass. It’s you. This is all you.”
“No,” Kane sharply. “I’m not my father or my uncle.”
“I just heard you give orders only a cartel leader could give.”
“There is value in being my father’s son when it comes to stopping bloodshed and torture, but believe me, if I could look away, and walk away, I’d do both, but I cannot.”
“Why not?”
“It’s all about a woman and what saves her life while saving me in her eyes.”
“A man speaking my language. Amen to that, brother.”
***
Present Day…
I step onto the hotel patio with that first encounter with Kane on my mind. It was our first. But it was not our last. He’d contacted me, a magician that had managed to find me when no one could. I’d done him a favor, helped him protect his woman from Pocher himself.
My cellphone rings and I answer with, “Kane Fucking Mendez.”
“Rick Savage,” he replies, his accent just rich enough to have a perfect “fuck you” flare without ever saying the words. That’s not his style. He’s not in your face like I am. He’s smooth as silk and as lethal as a Black Mamba. “Why did I know that one day you’d ask for a favor?”
“Because I saved your fucking life, Kane.”
“I do believe I saved yours as well.”
He’s not wrong. He did. “And I got rid of a problem for you. Now we have a new problem, a mutual enemy.”
“So you said on the voicemail. Who?”
“Pocher.”
He’s silent a moment. “This line is clear but not clear enough for this conversation, but you have my full attention.”
“Mine’s clear.”
“I’ll call you back.”
He disconnects, and he doesn’t have to say more. He’s in. He’s all in. Screw Aaron the ex-CIA Spook. Kane Mendez is the man for this job, right after me.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Candace
After Rick’s quick departure to take a call, the room is awkwardly silent, which tells me the Walker team knows something I do not. I don’t like this idea, and I’m not one to remain silent, but my gut says that I need to just wait on Rick, talk to him.
Besides, Asher’s quick to begin quizzing me with a list of names that I might know through Gabriel. People he thinks connect the dots that might prove Gabriel has broken laws. The list is long and I down another cup of coffee while getting through a small portion of it.
The guys are already debating what’s for lunch when Rick finally returns twenty-five minutes later, exploding into the room as only Rick Savage can do in a rush of testosterone and oversized personality.
“What did I miss?” he asks, claiming the seat next to me, kissing me and then immediately grabbing another donut.
“What did I miss?” I challenge.
He winks. “Me, I hope.”
“Rick,” I warn softly.
“Just calling in a few favors to make sure this ends our way, baby. I’ll tell you more later.” He eyes his watch. “We need to get you out of here soon.” He pretty much inhales the donuts in about two bites.
Smith grabs another donut himself and uses it to motion to Rick. “Adrian and two other men have eyes on Candace’s house and street. They’re ready when you and Candace head in that direction.” He takes a bite. “Are we getting pizza or what?”
“Yes,” Adam says. “Now. Order. I’m sick of fucking donuts.” He grabs a donut anyway and takes a bite. “We need to talk about the party Saturday night.” He glances at Rick and then me. “Are you going?”
“I am,” I say. “Do we have a plan to ensure that Gabriel doesn’t expect me to leave with him or do we care?”