Page 45 of Colombian Chemistry

“They want me to keep making new drugs for them since this one has netted them so much money. But I won’t do it. I told them they would have to kill me before I’d help them create even one more harmful drug. My goal in life is to help people, not harm them.”

“And that’s why they want Irene,” I breathed. “To hold her hostage to force you to cooperate. It all makes sense now.”

“I’ve failed as a father. I’ve put her in danger.”

“You haven’t,” I said. “You made a mistake. It wasn’t your fault. And I will get her out of this.”

“You promise? I don’t care what happens to me. They can kill me for all I care. I deserve it. But you can’t let anything happen to her. I don’t want to make more drugs for them, but if they have Irene, I’ll have no choice.”

Footsteps coming down the hall hastened my words. “You just do what you have to do right now to stay alive and cooperate. I’ll handle getting Irene to safety.”

“I don’t even know who you are or how I’ll ever repay you, but thank you. Thank you for looking out for my little girl.”

“I’ll always look out for Irene. I won’t let them hurt her. I’ll never let anyone hurt her,” I said, and I meant it.

“Well, well, well,” a deep voice boomed before the man it belonged to entered the room.

I knew him only by reputation, but the scar slicing across his face told me exactly who El Jefe was. Pedro Perez. The leader of the Jungle Kings and one of the most deadly and dangerous men in Colombia. And that was saying something.

“Looks like your days of denying me what I want are over, Dr. Saltzman. We have your daughter, Irene.”

“Please don’t hurt her,” Dr. Saltzman begged. “I’ll do anything you want as long as you don’t hurt her.”

“I know you will.” Pedro grinned, flashing his gold tooth. “And you’ll keep doing what I want as long as I want because I’m going to keep her until I don’t need you anymore.”

“Just don’t hurt her.”

“We won’t hurt her. You have my word. I’ll keep her safe and well cared for as long as you do what I ask.”

“I’ll do anything you ask. Anything.”

He twisted his fingers through his dark mustache. “I’m so glad to see you’re more amenable to my needs now.”

“Is she here? Can I see her?”

Pedro shook his head. “Not yet. You’re going to Cartagena to our compound where we have a lab for you. You’ll work on a new drug, and if you’re good, in a few months, I’ll let you see her.”

“Where will Irene be until then?”

“She’ll be safe at the compound.”

“You’d better not touch her.” His meek voice toughened up as he threatened a man who could kill him with ease. “If I find out you or any of your men laid even one finger on her, I’ll never help you again. Is that clear?”

Pedro smiled at the small man’s sudden gumption. “You have a deal. She’ll live in the lap of luxury at my mansion, and no man or woman will harm her.” Pedro leaned down and went nose to nose with Dr. Saltzman. “Unless you refuse to do what I ask. Then I’ll throw her to my men to do with what they will.”

A long gulp slid down Dr. Saltzman’s throat as he nodded. The rage already burning inside of me flamed at his words, but I kept my cool.

“Take him to the airport. We fly to Cartagena in one hour,” Pedro said to the man at his side.

They untied Dr. Saltzman, who gave me one last pleading look before they dragged him away. I reassured him with my eyes that Irene would be safe... and she would. I’d tear apart every last Jungle King who stood between me and Irene.

“And you,” Pedro said as he turned his attention to me. “I hear that you have something of vast importance to tell me?”

I eyed him up, noting how he favored his left leg a little. Likely a knee injury and something I could utilize when the time came to take him out... a time I counted the seconds toward.

But this wasn’t the time. He had six armed guards in here, and I was still tied up. Even for me, those odds weren’t in my favor.

“I’ll tell you what. Bring me something to eat and drink, and then I’ll tell you what I know.”