She was so sure that this kid was her daughter. What if she was wrong? She’d not only put herself in danger, but she could be interfering with the wrong person and jeopardize peace between several organizations on both sides of the border.
“We have no proof if this girl in the picture is your child.” Axe blew out a frustrated breath. It was hot and muggy, but they had the windows rolled up for privacy, and the air conditioning was broken.
“As long as there’s a chance she’s mine, I won’t give up.”
“I know.” He wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I might as well help you find this Carmelita. I’m warning you. She might not want your interference.”
“She’s looking for me,” Leanna said. “She’s sneaking across the border so she can find me.”
“That’s what Ana or whoever contacted you wants you to think,” Axe said. “Let’s concentrate on finding her so you can ask her what she wants to do.”
“You act like it’s so easy. Okay, what’s the plan?”
“You give them the money and keep them talking. Make sure your phone is recording the conversation. I’ll enter the cantina from the back and keep an eye on you. Instead of asking for volunteers, offer to hire Scabby. Ana and Eduardo owe him money, so give him a hook. Find out how much they owe and hint that you’d pay it off for them.”
“How do I know they’re not ripping me off?”
“Step at a time. If his information is good, you pay. If not, we walk away. Never pay off the entire amount. Keep them wanting more. The only thing keeping this gig going is more money. He has to show you reasonable proof and lead you to the girl.” Axe pointed to a driveway. “Stop over there.”
“What if he wants me to go with them?” Leanna asked. She pulled over behind the car wash and idled the car.
“That’s too dangerous. He needs to ask around and tap into the smuggling network. Text us what he finds. Let us follow him as he finds more.” Axe grabbed Leanna’s purse from the back seat. “Take only the cash and phone. Leave everything else with me.”
“Why should I trust you?”
“Better the one you know than the one you don’t.” Axe removed her passport and wallet from the purse. He counted out five hundred dollars and put it back. The passport and wallet went into a pocket he had behind his gun holster. “I’m getting out now. Go around, park in front, and go on in. Don’t look around for me. I’ll be there and have you covered.”
Leanna leaned over and pursed her lips. Before he could react, she painted a kiss on his lips, sweet and quick. “This is in case anyone’s looking. I told the Three Amigos I have a badass husband.”
“Good, because I told El Bardo my wife used to be secret service. Figured if word got around, they’d think three times before messing with you. Also told him you have a sharp tongue, and you’re a nagging scold.”
“Jerk.” Leanna huffed and gave him a push. “Get out of here.”
Axe stretched his tight shoulders and arms after exiting the Oldsmobile. He walked briskly up the back driveway of the carwash and trekked through the pavilion where the vacuum machines were lined up.
He counted the number of lookouts sitting on the balcony of the motel across the street and studied the customers walking in and out. The cantina was at the edge of town and the obvious spot for clandestine meetings. It was dark and intimate. The loud music spilling outside provided cover for close-up conversations. Most of the people arriving and departing were men, some in groups, others solo. Leanna walking in alone would definitely stand out, but she was safe, since the Three Amigos would have cleared the meeting with the owner. No doubt, watchers had been told to expect her arrival.
Axe sidled against the wall and peered around the corner at the side entrance. A cone of light illuminated a bouncer lighting a cigarette.
As he watched, a pair of headlights spotlighted Axe, causing him to duck. The car cut the lights, and he realized it was Leanna. She slammed the door hard, had to because of the dented frame, and drew attention from the men milling outside the club.
Flinging her hair back caused her boobs to jut out, creating more of a stir, no doubt in every man’s pants. As usual, Leanna seemed oblivious to the men staring at her until a group of guys near the entrance catcalled and whistled.
Axe’s gut tightened along with his fists. He gritted his teeth and regretted the horrible plan. What was he thinking to let Leanna wander alone into the cantina? No other woman sauntered in the front door by themselves, but here came big-bodice Leanna in a bright-yellow off-the-shoulder sundress, flouncing her ruffles around for all to drool over.
Men jumped over each other to open the door, and of course, there was no cover charge for her. She was ushered inside without showing identification.
Axe had to get inside also. He peeked over the wall at the backdoor. A gate was ajar, so he crawled through a row of prickly hedges to get to it.
The bouncer was still smoking, leaning against the building and blowing out relaxed puffs.
Axe picked up a beer bottle and threw it across the alley, but the bouncer didn’t react. He stubbed out his cigarette and lit another one. The brute wasn’t going anywhere.
He’d have to chance the front door. Hopefully, no one would associate him with Leanna. Axe pulled on a black hoodie and checked his weapons: Glock, hunting knife, and switchblade.
He didn’t smoke, but a cigarette would explain why he was skulking around the bushes near the side yard.
Axe took out a pack of cigarettes and spilled one into his hand. As he lit it and inhaled, a sharp pain slammed the back of his head. Jagged light flashed behind his eyeballs. Fists pummeled him, snapping his head back and forth. He raised his hands to fight back, but the lights went out on his throbbing head.
