A doctor approached with a grim look on his face. I knew what he was going to say before he said it. "I'm sorry, but Catalina Navarro is deceased.”
It hit like a punch to the gut. That heavy sensation tugged my heart. "Can you give me specifics?”
The doctor hesitated for a moment, glanced around, then said in a hushed tone, "The bullet ruptured her spleen. We couldn’t stop the bleeding."
I gave a grim nod and thanked him for the information.
I left the emergency room and stepped outside. The moon still glowed overhead. My throat grew tight, and my eyes burned. I had grown quite fond of Catalina, and in the end, she had saved my life. I hoped she was in a better place. But I wasn't sure.
It was late, and I was tired and sad. But I made the drive back to Coconut Key. There was hardly anyone on the road. I ignored posted speed limits.
By the time I got back to theAvventura, the sun was cresting the horizon.
Buddy greeted me at the salon door, and he knew exactly what I needed. The little Jack Russell gave me a lot of attention. I hugged him tight. I grabbed his leash and took him out for a walk.
Special Agents Jennings and Beckett greeted me in the parking lot.
I stifled a groan.
“Looks like Diego Navarro and his organization are no more.”
“Looks that way,” I replied.
“Nice work.”
I shrugged. “I didn’t kill him.”
“I heard about Catalina,” Jennings said. “I’m sorry.”
I think he meant it. “Live by the sword, die by the sword, right?”
It was easier to frame it that way.
He responded with a grim frown. “See you around, Deputy.”
They walked back to their SUV and climbed in.
I let Buddy do his business, then returned to the boat and settled in.
The ship was quiet. Jack was still on his adventure with Cinnamon and Ginger. I was sure they were doing a good job of making him forget about the outside world.
My phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number. I hesitated for a moment, then swiped the screen. “This is Deputy Wild.”
“Tyson, it’s Eric Stahl. Long time.”
“Indeed. I’d ask how you are, but I already know. Seems you’re in a bit of a spot.”
"That's one way of putting it. News travels fast.”
"It sure does. What can I do for you?”
"Are you still working as a deputy in Coconut County?”
"Chasing bad guys.”
“No more CIA? No black ops?”
“Circumstances have changed.”
