“We need to stop these other cartels from gaining any control and working with the man we’re after. He’s a former U.S. Marine.”
“Bora,” said Inre casually.
“You know him?” frowned Gator.
“I know of him. He attempts to tell us what to do and that we will follow his orders one day. I ignore him. He’s not one of us and I will not allow him to order me or my men around. As for the others, they seem somewhat persuaded by him, but not wholly.”
“This man, Bora, has killed American service members. That’s not something we can ignore. He attempted to kill my wife,” said Brooks.
“Reason enough to kill him,” nodded Inre. He took a bite of one of the pastries, sugar covering his mouth. He laughed, wiping it with a napkin and thanked the young boy who’d brought it to him with a tip of nearly fifty U.S. dollars.
“These children work hard to help their families. Many come across the border from Bolivia to Chile because they can’t find work in our country. Ruvienne was a terrible leader. He was corrupt, hid the truth from everyone, and didn’t follow through on his promises. Something I cannot abide.”
“Those seem odd words coming from a man in your business,” said Ham.
“I supposed they do,” he grinned. “I’m not a monster, young man. I’m a businessman who happens to deal in drugs. Let me ask you something. Do you know of men in your country who conduct businesses that you do not approve of? Strip clubs? Pharmaceuticals? Used cars?”
“I suppose I do,” said Ham.
“I am no different. Are you aware that cocaine and heroin are used in legal pharmaceuticals, all over the world,” he said with a smile.
“I was aware of that happening,” nodded Ham and the others.
“I’m just a businessman. That’s all. But I am also a father and grandfather. The business of flesh does not appeal to me and I do try to stop it when I can. The problem is demand is high and profit is high. That’s difficult to turn away from.
“So what is it you’re asking of me? Stop my business? That I cannot do. Stop this American Marine? Perhaps I can assist with that.”
“We just want to be sure you don’t attempt to stop us from getting to him,” said Ham.
“Why would I do that? I have no interest in this man being in my country,” said Inre.
“We may very well take out some of the other cartel,” said Gator. Inre smiled, nodding.
“I would not be opposed to that either.”
“Do you know where they are located?” asked Ham. Inre turned to his men who came forward with several paper maps. They were hand drawn, showing the density of the jungles and the hidden paths.
“Their locations are difficult to find and difficult to get to, but if you know what you’re looking for, you will get there with ease. Along these paths, we have made markings to guide us when we need to get to them.
“If I were you, and I am not, I would attack the Marquez family first. They are smaller, less, shall we say, wise than the Ángeles. Eliminate as many as you can. They are working closely with this American you seek.”
“Do you know where he is?” asked Gator.
“Not as of right now. But. If I have your word that you will leave me alone, I will communicate with you regularly as to his whereabouts when I know.”
“You have our word,” said Ham.
“Good. I trust your word. There are not many that I can say that about. Especially men in your position.”
“Can you give us anything, anything at all to help us understand Margarita? We tried to get her out of the country and she refused. She said if she leaves it would be seen as cowardice,” said Brooks.
“Do not trust this woman. My experiences with her have been minimal but I know this to be true. She notified myself, and my colleagues, of her husband’s whereabouts before he was killed.”
“She turned him over to all of you?” frowned Brooks.
“I was not there. Neither were my men. The President was a friend of mine, in a manner of speaking. I left him alone. He left me alone.”
The four men stood and Inre stood with them, his men doing the same. Ham stuck out his hand, giving a firm shake.
