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“Isn’t it risky operating businesses in countries with unstable governments?”
She nodded. “Always. But it’s lucrative, and they need what he provides. In return for allowing him to operate in those countries, he’s set up aid programs to help the poor. He’s even established orphanages to get children off the city streets, fed and educated. His philanthropies help families in rural communities by teaching them better ways to farm, gifting them with livestock or sewing machines, so they have the means to earn money and feed their families.”
“You said you work with your father’s philanthropic foundation. Is that the same one doing all these good deeds?”
She nodded. “I help by managing the people who provide the training, run the aid and orphanage operations, procure the animals or products and organize the logistics. It’s my way of contributing to the family business and building goodwill.”
“You’d think these countries would be happy to have your father’s businesses there.”
Her lips twisted. “You’d think so, but it seems that no good deed goes unpunished. In Mexico, the cartels raided the homes and farms of those people we’ve helped and stole their livestock and produce.”
“There’s not a whole lot you can do to keep that from happening. The Mexican government would have to make a big push to rid the country of the cartels.”
“I know.” She sighed. “In the meantime, all we do is keep trying. Venezuela has been in turmoil for several years. They’re going into an election this year. The incumbent, Xavier Salazar, has done more to hurt the country than help. His rival, Jesus DeVita, is running on a campaign to clean up corruption and bring prosperity back to the people. He’s received endorsements from more than a dozen countries. Even the rest of the world wants the current president out.”
“What are the chances of the opponent winning?” Moe asked as he took the airport exit.
“He has the backing of the people. If he makes it to the election, he could win the popular vote. But based on past experience, anyone who’s dared to publicly speak out against the current government has either been thrown in prison or has disappeared.”
“Mexico’s a hot mess. Venezuela’s unstable.” Moe drove up to the building they’d passed through the night before and parked in the same spot they’d found the rental. He switched off the engine and faced Breely. “What about Colombia?”
“The Venezuelan government is mad at Colombia, claiming they killed one of their most prominent generals. Rumor had it that this general was terrorizing civilians on both sides of the border. He’s ordered raids on villages, killing the men and raping the women.”
“Sounds like Colombia did Venezuela a favor.” Moe got out of the SUV and came around to open the door for Breely.
When he held out his hand, she smiled up at him and let him help her out. “Has your father had any dealings with those governments? Has he made someone mad?”
“I don’t know. The last time he was in South America, he visited his companies in Colombia and Venezuela. That was over a year ago. He was happy with the people he’d left in charge and touches bases with them often through video conferencing. He was in Mexico City not long ago.”
Moe wished he’d known about the shootings before he’d met Breely’s father. He’d have taken more time with the man, been more understanding. Brantt was taking the death threats seriously and was worried about his family being caught in the crossfire. The attack on Breely had shaken him enough to fly all the way to Denver to find her.
Moe reached into the vehicle for his backpack and slung it over his shoulder.
Breely slipped her hand in his as they walked into the building.
He liked the way she fit beside him and how she wasn’t afraid to take his hand. For a woman who’d led a very sheltered life, she was making up for the lost time by unashamedly seizing the things she wanted. For the moment, it appeared that she wanted him.
His lips turned up on the corners.
He was smiling when he reached the counter, where a different woman from the night before greeted him. She was young and pretty with blond hair and blue eyes.
Moe decided he was more into red hair and green eyes lately.
“May I help you?” the clerk asked.
He gave her his tail number and checked to make sure they’d topped off the fuel tanks. After he paid the bill, he thanked her, took Breely’s hand and walked out onto the tarmac.
The sun shone brightly on his plane, glinting off the blue and gold stripes running the length of the fuselage.
Flying never got old to him. He liked the challenge it represented, the freedom from road-raging vehicular traffic and the peacefulness of being surrounded by blue sky, puffy white clouds and nothing else for miles.
A chuckle beside him made him glance down at Breely. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing. Just that you look like you’re in heaven and damned proud of it.” She lifted her chin toward his plane. “You like flying that much?”
He nodded. “I do.”
“I love that you’re passionate about it. Not many people know how to fly an airplane. That makes you special.”
