“Because of Benito’s connections, most times we didn’t even have to wait in line. Then, on the other side, someone would pick us up and take us to the drop-off point.”
“Not surprising with all the cash they throw around.”
“Eduardo promised it would only be a month or two, but a few months stretched into six. I found out later that Eduardo had been working for Benito for months to pay off other debts, but when it all got out of hand, they grabbed me.”
“Your brother knew that night in Imperial Beach that they were gonna grab you.”
“Yes.” I lower my head, ashamed for Eduardo. “He played on my guilt to get me down there, knowing what would happen.”
“I’ve done some bad shit in my life, but that is fucked-up.”
“People with addictions do desperate things. He’s stolen from our mother too, and if you can steal from your own mother, you must be desperate, right?”
“Or just selfish.” He twists his lips. “How many people did Benito have doin’ this?”
“At least ten other men and women, all indentured to the cartel in one way or another. They start recruiting kids in poor villages with the promise of a better life, but, of course, they just become slaves of the cartel. Some of the others were there like me because of debts owed by family members. The cartel rules by intimidation and a corrupt government.”
“Shit!”
“The living conditions were barren but clean, and we were fed only enough to survive and stay healthy.”
“That’s why you were so skinny when you first came here.”
“The isolation and lack of freedom werecrippling.”
“Easy way to move product for free, and if you get caught, there’s no blowback on them.”
“For some of the others, it was a step up from their impoverished villages in Mexico and South America. We don’t realize how lucky we are in the States until you hear the stories of other people. Their children go for days without food or proper healthcare, and they would do anything just to survive—including running drugs for the cartel.”
“We’ve seen it here in Tijuana. That’s why we try to employ as many locals as possible.”
“The cartel rules through power and intimidation. It’s very debilitating, and after a while, it plays with your mind. That’s why I freaked out when I saw Benito with you and the other Bastards. I thought for sure he’d found out I was here, and that you guys would lead him to me.”
“Nah, he was here for a completely different reason.” Diesel sips at the whiskey.
He reaches out for my hand, but I shy away from his touch. I have too much to accomplish to fall into a situation that would never work.
“I can help you, babe.”
“No, I don’t think you can.”
I purposely keep Eduardo holding my passport to myself, because I don’t want Diesel interfering with my brother in any way and messing up my last chance to get my passport.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him sitting right next to you. I totally freaked out, and it must’ve brought on a panic attack.” My throat closes up, and I brace my hands against my knees. “I can’t go back. I won’t go back.”
Diesel gulps the rest of the whiskey, then pushes off the couch and paces in front of it. “You’re not goin’ anywhere.”
“I can’t stay here knowing he might’ve seen me. I mean it.” Ihop off the couch, and he blocks my path. “I’ll fight you and die before I’ll go back.”
He rests his hands on my shoulders, and I shrug him away, pushing him off.
Diesel huffs out a breath. “I’m not gonna let him hurt you.” He holds out his hand, but I hesitate.
Maxie told me the Royal Bastards have developed power in Tijuana, but it’s nothing compared to the countrywide hold the cartel has on the city and its people. Their reach stretches to the police and even elected officials.
Diesel steps closer, and the scent of whiskey and male surrounds me. How easy this would be if we were just two people learning about each other instead of an outlaw biker doing business with the very people hunting me.
“Sometimes you have to accept help.” He takes my hand, then wraps his other arm tight around my waist.
