“He has a son and daughter from his first wife, both grown. When they were old enough, they went to Europe to go to school and never went back to Bolivia. Our sources tell us they changed their names, refusing to return to Bolivia or have any contact with their father or step-mother. As for the current wife, that’s another mystery.
“Witnesses claim that she was seen running from the palace alone but no one is able to verify that. If Bora knew that, chances are good that he hunted her down and killed her as well.”
“Why? Why would they kill the president, kill his wife, chase him down, why? None of it makes any sense,” said Brooks. Lennon walked slowly toward the table, staring at the group. Brooks jumped up, smiling at her.
“You’re having conversations without me. Conversations that I’m a part of. Conversations that affect me.”
“Lennon, we didn’t mean to do that. We were just talking…” started Brooks.
“Yes. Just talking about Ruvienne and his wife. I know. I already knew about all of that but you couldn’t wait to talk before I could even tell you what I found out. Well, I’m not you. I share information. Bora wasn’t just down there to kill Ruvienne and his wife. He was down there to take over Bolivia.”
CHAPTER TEN
“Excuse me?” frowned Gator. “How the fuck was Bora going to take over Bolivia.”
“My witnesses, the ones I spoke to and then they disappeared, they all said the same thing. Bora and his men were overheard saying that there would be a new regime. One that would benefit us, America, and them. They were seen meeting with the heads of the cartels and telling them they would have more opportunities to do business if they allowed Bora to do what he needed to do.”
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” mumbled Ham. “He’s planning to take over Bolivia.”
“I don’t think so,” said Lennon. “I mean, he’s certainly going to help take it over and he’ll benefit from it. But I don’t think he’s going to lead the country. I think there’s someone else who will do that but I don’t know who.”
Lennon turned to walk away from the table but Brooks grabbed her hand, holding her close to him. She pulled away.
“I don’t like being kept in the dark. I don’t like being lied to. And I damn sure don’t like it when people think I’m weak, incapable, or ill-equipped.”
Brooks watched her walk away, clearly pissed off at him and he couldn’t blame her. He didn’t intend to leave her out of things. No. That was a lie. Yes, he did. He meant to shield her from anything that might harm her.
“We need to know everything that woman knows,” said Gator. “My guess is that she has information and names that not even she knows will help us.”
“I’ll go try and talk to her,” said Brooks.
“Brooks?” said Ham gripping his forearm. “Try not to fuck this up. It’s important. We can’t have Bora on the loose in Bolivia planning a coup.”
“I know that. I’m painfully aware of it,” said Brooks.
“Right. Sorry.”
Brooks walked away from them, following the scent of Lennon’s perfume. Mitchell looked at the other men with a smirk.
“He’s so fucking cooked,” he grinned.
“Yeah, well guess what?” said Gator. “So are you. They tried to run your big ass over thinking it was him. You two are not going to leave this property. Not right now.”
“Gator! I’m more than capable of avoiding an idiot like Bora,” said Mitchell.
“I know just how capable you are, Mitch. Believe me, we all know. But I cannot risk your lives. You’ll stay close. For now.”
“Lennon! Lennon, wait up!” yelled Brooks.
She stopped on the path but didn’t turn around. Brooks slowed and walked calmly toward her. When he reached her, she was wiping the tears in her eyes.
“Fuck. I’m sorry, Lennon. I didn’t mean to make you cry. We were just talking. It’s what we do. Priscilla was giving us some information from the bureau and we just got carried away. I wasn’t trying to keep anything from you.”
“Weren’t you?” Brooks furrowed his brows and stared down at her. “I read lips, Brooks. I know what you said about my editor, about the message on my phone, all of it.”
“Lennon, please understand it wasn’t intentional.”
“Yes, it was.” She held up a hand as he started to speak. “But. I also know why you did it and I appreciate that as well. I’ve never had anyone try to protect me from anything. I know that your intentions were good.”
