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The cartels are known for being the most violent people anyone can imagine. No one is off-limits when they’re trying to make money or prove a point. El Chapo used donations and money to get the support of the people in Mexico. It’s a different breed of criminal these days. They use fear and violence to get compliance, and I have no doubt, there isn’t a person in that town or in the entire country of Ecuador who will narc on a single person in the cartel whether they are paid to keep an eye out or not.
The cartel has managed to make us just one more group they consider enemies. The people of Quito, Ecuador aren’t likely to come to New Mexico seeking retaliation for the deaths of their children, but there’s always a chance someone might. It solidifies my warnings to Beth, and it also makes me realize that her going back home to Texas might be what’s best for her after all.
No one in the room argues about the blame now placed on us. As often as we get asked for help, we get fingers pointed at us just as readily. There aren’t a lot of teams who are willing to go out and try to eradicate the world of vile humans. Hell, most people don’t even want to make donations in an effort to fund the men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line to bring someone home.
“There’s a federal agency, well, one person at the federal level, who has asked us to come back and clean up this mess,” Kincaid says. “I don’t have to tell you that our presence in Ecuador will not be welcomed by the majority of the people there.”
Getting angry that people hate us is pointless. Just like telling the people who were paid to keep an eye out that they should’ve never trusted the cartel in the first place would be pointless. They had a decision to make, and when you need to feed your family today, you can’t really focus on the repercussions of tomorrow. Blaming someone other than themselves is also natural.
“Due to the increased threat, we’re making the next trip out optional,” Shadow says as the image of dead children disappears and is replaced with a video of people rioting in the streets.
I recognize the church that has flames licking up the outside walls. It was a still-operational historical site for the town, but who could keep a tight hold on their religion when they saw their abused, dead children in a pile in the middle of the road?
“If there is anyone who doesn’t want to go, we’ll understand,” Kincaid adds.
There isn’t a man or woman in the room who makes a sound. We don’t even bother to look around the room. We know everyone here is willing to put in the hard work, dangerous or not.
That’s why it surprises me when Slick clears her throat. “I’m going to have to sit this one out.”
Instead of frowning, Kincaid stands, his arms uncrossing as he smiles. “Really?”
Goosebumps rush down my arms when I look back at her. Slick was the one to help Aro recover when he lost most of his right leg on a mission while working with Cerberus. They’re now together, and I can tell by the look on Aro’s face that there’s a bigger reason at play here than fear, as to why she can’t go to South America with us.
“When are you due?” Kincaid asks, and I can tell by the change in atmosphere that there were more than a handful of people who hadn’t caught on yet.
“Early summer,” Aro answers. “We just found out.”
A wave of cheers and congratulations spreads throughout the room. We have to take our wins where we can get them, and a baby is a big damn deal. This deserves a celebration even though we’ll also be dealing with the horrific actions of the cartel in South America.
“Max will be able to give the protocol you’ll need,” Kincaid says.
“There’s a protocol for pregnancy?” Rivet asks, sounding a little annoyed.
“Of course, there is,” Shadow answers.
“How long has there been a protocol?”
“Not long after you and Cannon got together.”
Silence fills the room.
Rivet holds her hands up near her head. “I don’t want kids.”
“You also said you’d never get married,” Shadow says, glaring obviously at the engagement band on her left hand.
She narrows her eyes at her soon-to-be father-in-law, but it only makes him smile.
“I know it’s not much notice but we’re heading out in two hours.”
“Everyone is going?” I ask, knowing it doesn’t include Newton because he’s injured.
“I’ll understand if you need to stay,” Kincaid says as the others begin to file out of the room.
I know there isn’t a person in the room who would judge me if I stayed. I know there are a few who think it might be the best idea for me to do just that because distractions, which Beth honestly is in my head, are dangerous not only for me but everyone else.
