“Or, we could just eat and drink whatever we want and laugh until dawn telling stories of the boys,” said Sophia Ann.
“I think we do all of that,” smiled Lennon. “After all, they can have their fun and we can have ours.”
“I’ll get the cafeteria to start making all the things that are terrible for us,” laughed Ajei.
“I’ll make sure the wine is chilled,” grinned Kate. Sophia Ann nodded at her.
“And just for fun, I’ll let Charlie know to be on stand-by. I need something spectacular for Eric when they get back.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The trip to Bolivia looked like an army invading the area. Or at least it would have if anyone could see them.
Five Ospreys loaded with men and equipment landed in Chile, cloaked in stealth technology. The weapons were loaded on vehicles equipped to make their way through the jungles.
But first, Ham, Brooks, Mitchell, and Gator would be meeting with the head of Los Malvados.
Inre Moscado was a fifth-generation head of the cartel and he was a proud man. When the men of Shadow Warriors reached out, he was suspicious. But when they muttered the names of his rivals, he knew he had to at least listen to them.
Just west of the border to Bolivia, they met at a national park highlighting the beauty of the natural waterfalls and rivers in the region. Thousands of people were milling about but their meeting place had been secured. The snack shop, once open to the public, was closed for a private event.
It was open on the sides, with no walls, just a grassy roof and tables and chairs. The weather was warm, but cool breezes came through making it comfortable.
The four men took their seats, waiting for Moscado to arrive.
“Hang tight boys. He’s coming your way.”
An older man dressed in khaki cargo shorts and a t-shirt walked toward them, three men dressed nearly the same following.
“Hello, my friends. Welcome to Chile,” he smiled.
“Mr. Moscado?” asked Ham.
“Please, it’s just Inre. We have no war with one another.”
“I suppose that’s debatable,” said Brooks. “But you are correct. I don’t wish to war with you today.”
“That’s good,” he smiled, taking a seat. He asked the waiter for a strong coffee and a platter of pastries. “I have a sweet tooth and need for caffeine. What can I do for you gentlemen?”
“We’d like your help in finding a man that’s attempting to take over the government of Bolivia,” said Brooks. Inre frowned, staring at the group. “From your expression I’ll take a guess that you didn’t know about this.”
“I know that the late president’s wife is attempting to run the country. Something we cannot allow.”
“I thought she was liked by the Bolivian people,” said Gator.
“She is not liked by anyone. Most assuredly not by me.”
“She asked for our help in keeping the cartels out of her way,” said Brooks.
“And yet you came to me for help. Why?” frowned the older man.
“The other cartels deal in the same business as you. With one major exception. They deal in children.” Inre nodded, frowning at Gator. “We know that this is a particular sore spot for you, as it is for us. No surprise, we are against all of it. Drugs, women, children, any form of trafficking. But we’re picking our fights. At least for this week.”
The old man laughed, his men around him chuckling as well.
“You are wise men. And you are correct. I do not deal in flesh. It’s a dangerous, disgusting, nasty business. Drugs to me, are just commerce. My family has been in this business for decades. We bring money and work to the people of Bolivia.”
Brooks wanted to argue. He wanted to put a bullet in the man’s head but he needed his help.
