“At my place. That’s all I know, I swear to God,” he says while holding his palms together.
“No God or man can help you here. But don’t worry, we believe you,” says Carter. “You said a nine mil and some other things… What things?”
“A knife and some rope.” Jorge’s being coy, and Carter doesn’t like that. He pulls the hammer back until it clicks. Jorge jumps in his seat, only to be grabbed by Bruno by the arm, which makes him sit back down.
Bruno pulls a very big knife from his jacket and runs its tip on Jorge’s arm. “A butter knife or something more like this one?” Sweat is all over Jorge’s face.
“N— not that big of a blade on the one I sold. Braided rope, pliers and a grenade!” Jorge mumbles the first words.
“Good. Now get the fuck out of here,” Bruno says.
“Here’s your money. Now beat it and don’t turn back…” Carter says, “…or I will put a bullet in your asshole,” he whispers. Jorge stands up and bolts out of the place. “What do you think?” Carter asks.
“It’s him— Asad… The motherfucker’s buying locally. Tracking him now will be easier. Put a word out— we need his location,” Bruno says.
“Are you sure, cuz?” Carter sounds skeptical.
“The grenade confirms it— that’s his weapon of choice, it’s his favorite.”
“If that’s true, then we’re fucked beyond what we first though. We need to keep looking.” Carter sips the last of his coffee and looks at me. “Can I ask why she’s here?”
“I know we have to look. And no, don’t go there.”
“Okay, okay. Then at least let me tell you, that cap looks good on ya.” He winks at me. “And by the way, what happened to your hair?”
“Why do you ask? Do you need a new midnight wig?”
Carter bursts in laughter. Bruno doesn’t.
“That’s very good. That’s very, very good. I guess you took the ‘Snow White’ nickname a little bit too serious, though. On the other hand, you look gorgeous.” That comment made me aware of a feeling inside of me— I need to impress Carter. I don’t know why, but I like it.
I finish my sandwich, Bruno throws a couple of bucks on the table and we stand up. He puts a hand on my lower back and guides me towards the exit. Carter waves and leaves through the back door.
Chapter Twenty
Feel at ease.
Bruno
I should be thinking about how we’re gonna catch this son of a bitch, but instead, I’m picturing myself punching Carter in the face just for being ‘cute’ with Sarah.
I really can’t stand this fucking feeling and I hate that.
This isn’t who I am. I shouldn’t care at all. I must focus on finding ‘Leon’— that’s our number one priority. When I get this done, Sarah’s free once and for all. Meaning that she will also disappear from my mind.
We get in the car and I can feel her watching me. I don’t dare make eye contact, I’m afraid that she can tell what I’m feeling.
Is it fear?
I’ve never said those fucking words before! What the fuck is wrong with me?
I’ve been driving for more than an hour, but what she doesn’t know is that we’re not going home— we’re headed towards the only place on this earth where I can feel at ease. I really need to chill the fuck down. I look at her feet to see if she has the right shoes for the occasion— she does. If that weren’t the case, I’d have to carry her.
Shit… Bruno, you need to stop this.
Right, sorry about that.
I pull over by the road, and she throws a worried look at me with her beautiful blue eyes.
