Devoted Page 9

Sitting back, he glanced around. The restaurant was full, and although most were engaged in their own conversations, he couldn’t take the chance of being overheard.

  “All right. But not here.” Signaling the waitress, he paid, pocketing the box. Taking Julia’s hand, he led the way to their cars. “You’ll be riding with me.”

  “I can take my own car.”

  “No, you can’t.”

  Tugging her hand free, she faced him, her stubborn streak on display. “And why is that?”

  “Because your car is probably bugged.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Northern Phoenix

  “Is she still there?” Jaeger Delphine leaned over the shoulder of an agent who’d been monitoring Julia’s travels. The GPS unit had been placed under her car not long after she’d arrived in Liberty Lake. The same week the DEA had rented an office on the edge of town. A location only Jaeger, his boss, and the agent beside him knew existed.

  “It shows she’s still at the restaurant. Has been for two hours.” The agent looked over his shoulder. “Seems they have a lot to talk about.”

  “Which means Tracker’s laying the groundwork for getting us more information.”

  “Maybe.”

  Pulling out a chair, Jaeger sat down, continuing to watch the screen. “It’s his job. If he does anything to disrupt the investigation, he’ll go to jail.”

  “I still don’t understand why you have a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang involved.”

  “He wasn’t always in the gang. Tracker was a decorated SEAL who went sideways after losing Julia. He’ll do anything for a chance to get her back.” Jaeger had no authority to explain the true nature of the Eternal Brethren or the real identities of the members.

  It had taken months and several requests before Jaeger had finally been invited to join the task force. After signing numerous documents threatening prison, the powers above him explained about the Eternal Brethren and their mission. He’d been stunned to discover Nate Kincaid was one of them.

  “How late is the restaurant open?” Jaeger asked.

  “Another hour. I expect she’ll be leaving soon.”

  “Did you set up a geofence?”

  “Yes. We’re tracking her across the entire state, just in case she gets it in her head to travel back to San Diego.”

  “Or meet her father in Southern Arizona,” Jaeger muttered.

  “Correct.”

  Rising, Jaeger took one last look at the screen. “Let me know when she’s on the move.”

  Taking a winding road through the National Forest, Tracker hoped he was doing the right thing. If he didn’t handle it just right, what he planned could get him court martialed. A horrible ending to a career he’d been proud to own.

  “Where are we going?” These were the first words out of Julia’s mouth since they’d left Rosario’s.

  “To a lake. It’s closed this time of night, but I know a way inside. If it’s too cold, we can stay in the truck.”

  “Why would someone bug my car?”

  “To keep track of you.” He glanced over at her quick intake of breath. “I’ll explain more once we get to the lake.”

  Taking a narrow dirt road, he drove about a hundred yards before parking. “Do you want to walk to the lake or talk here?”

  “I want answers, Nate.”

  “Then here it is.”

  Shifting to face her, he once again considered what to say. In a hidden sheath under his seat were photos, dates, names. At some point, he’d share what he could.

  “What do you know about your adoptive family?”

  “What any child would know about the family who raised them. I was three and Tori was one when our parents died. We were loved, provided everything we needed, including excellent educations. Father bought my house in Coronado and purchased the houses Tori and I bought here in Liberty Lake. We were always treated as family, even by his two older daughters and sons.”

  “What did Armando do during the day?”

  She stared into her lap. “Went to work. He’d leave right after breakfast. Sometimes he’d return for lunch. Unless he had a business meeting, he was home every night for dinner. When they were old enough, Diego and Antonio would sometimes go with him. That stopped when they left for college.” Raising her head, she cast him a wary glance. “I don’t understand why anyone would think Father and my brothers are anything except legitimate businessmen.”

  “What I’m going to say will be hard to hear, and it absolutely cannot go beyond this truck. For your safety, you must never disclose what I’m going to tell you to anyone. Not even Tori. Know that I wouldn’t be telling you any of this if I thought it wasn’t important.”

  Tracker watched Julia take several calming breaths, preparing herself for what he was about to say. After a long moment, she gave him a brief nod. “I’m ready.”

  He wanted to reach out, hold her hand, but knew she wouldn’t accept his comfort. “Armando Quintero and your birth father, Barclay Stanifer, met while attending Harvard School of Law. During their last two years, they shared an apartment, becoming best friends. A few years after graduation, Armando offered Barclay a job with Grupo Quintero. Even though Armando had a law degree, he didn’t practice. Barclay had been handling corporate law since graduating. He became Armando’s legal counsel and confidante. Nothing was decided until the two of them studied deals from every angle.”

  “I already know all this, Nate. I’d been asking about my birth parents for several years. On my twelfth birthday, Father decided I was old enough to know about the plane crash, their shared pasts, and how my birth father worked for him.”

  He lowered his voice, slowing his pace. “And you always assumed the business deals they discussed were legitimate.”

  Blanching, she licked her lips. “Yes. Are you saying they weren’t?”

  “Not all of them, Jules. They were building one of the most lucrative cartels in Mexico.”

  “How do you know? Do you have any proof?” Anger tinged her words. Although she’d done her own research on her family, hearing their suspected crimes from someone else felt more real.

  Reluctantly, he reached under the seat, opening the seal to extract a file. Setting it on his lap, he cast her a sorrowful look. Julia watched him a moment before holding out her hand, which he ignored.

  “This isn’t anything you should see. I’ll tell you what’s in it.”

  “No. I want to know everything, including seeing whatever’s in the file.”

  Shredding fingers through his hair, Tracker met her determined gaze. “Are you certain you want to see what I have, Jules? It isn’t pretty. Once seen, you won’t be able to forget any of it.” When she hesitated, he tried once more. “Let me tell you what’s in it. You don’t need to put yourself through the rest.”

  “I know you mean well, Nate, and I do appreciate it. Still, I want to go through it myself.”

  “All right, but we’re going to sit together, without the console between us. Let’s get into the back and I’ll turn on the lights.”

  Once settled, Tracker set the file across their laps, placing an arm around her shoulders, surprised when she didn’t move away. “Promise you’ll wait for me to explain before turning over any of the documents or photographs. Agreed?”

  Touching the file with her fingertips, she withdrew them, as if burned. “Yes.”

  “Anytime you want me to stop, say the word.”

  Meeting his eyes, she nodded. “All right.”

  Placing a flat palm on the closed file, Tracker expelled a resigned breath. “The Quintero family has been under surveillance for years. Armando and Barclay began slowly, trafficking in cocaine and marijuana. By the time your birth parents died, the Nuevo León Cartel had established a network, bringing illegal drugs worth tens of thousands of dollars across the border every month. The number grew to millions when they began to diversify.”

  “What do you mean ‘diversify’?”

  Opening the file, he pulled out a
series of images. “These are surveillance pictures. This particular shipment was intercepted a few years ago. The pictures show illegal drugs being brought into the U.S. This one contains methamphetamine and powdered cocaine.” He held it up. “More often, it’s one drug, not a mix.”

  “How do you know this came from my father?”

  “The truck’s driver and co-driver. The DEA brought in a master interrogator who spoke Spanish. It took a while, but they admitted to working for Quintero. They were killed before they could go to trial.”

  Hearing her sharp intake of breath, he set the photo down, tightening his arm around her shoulders. “You don’t need to do this.”

  “No. I want to get this over with.”

  “Stubborn as ever.”

  Opening the file once more, he retrieved another photograph. “This shipment was intercepted at the border crossing in El Paso, Texas. Meth only. Under interrogation, the driver confessed to working for Quintero. He was killed while in custody.”

  He waited for Julia to comment or ask him to stop. She did neither.

  “This one was taken recently.” Tracker held up the next photo, handing it to her. “Take a good look and tell me what you see.”

  Doing as he said, she positioned it toward the light. For a moment, she recognized nothing, then gasped, a hand flying to cover her mouth. Studying it closer, she gave it back.

  “It’s Antonio.”

  “Yes. The man beside him is a known terrorist. It’s best you know nothing more about him. They were at the rendezvous point to receive the merchandise.”

  Swallowing, her voice faltered. “Wha…what was the merchandise?”

  “Fentanyl.”

  “I don’t understand, Nate. Why would Antonio be there with a terrorist?”

  Setting the file aside, he pulled her close. “Diego and Antonio are as involved as your father, Jules. We don’t know their motivation for associating with a suspected terrorist, but we have our suspicions.” Kissing her brow, he waited, allowing her time to absorb what she’d seen and heard.

  Tracker was glad he’d left the other photographs in his safe. Showing images of Armando and Diego watching a shipment of women being herded into trucks would achieve nothing.

  Besides, they proved nothing. Neither directed the operation, and their position fifty yards away made it appear they could be innocent observers who’d come across an illegal action. Those pictures would do nothing but hurt Julia further.

  “There is other proof, but not enough to arrest Armando or your brothers. That is why Agent Delphine recruited me back in Coronado, and has now approached me again.”

  At first, his words didn’t register. When they did, she drew back, a look of betrayal clear on her face. Before she could speak, he placed a finger over her mouth.

  “It’s not at all what you think, Jules.”

  “Then what is it, Nate? Because this sounds exactly like what you were assigned to do six years ago.” She tried to get out, but he held her firmly against him.

  “I’ve explained my part and Delphine’s decision to break his word to me. This time, I’ve made it clear to him you would not be used. I’ve also spoken with Wrath, who’s aware of what’s going on.” He wouldn’t reveal his commander’s role in the task force.

  Crossing her arms, she shifted to face him. “Exactly what is your idea, and how do I fit into it?”

  “Jules—”

  “No. Just spit it out.”

  “Not until I know you’re listening and not making judgments without understanding my reasons.”

  Glancing out the window, she reminded herself of how Nate had hurt her. Best intentions aside, the result had been catastrophic. She’d all but closed down, not allowing herself to trust another man and few women. The move to Liberty Lake had been to start fresh, meet people who knew nothing of what happened in Coronado.

  Reaching over, Nate grasped her chin, turning her to look at him. “Don’t close up on me, Jules.”

  Lowering her gaze, she couldn’t meet the intensity in his eyes. Dropping his hold, he was pleased she didn’t turn away.

  “I realize this means nothing to you, but everything I did six years ago and what I’m doing now is meant to protect you. It’s always been about keeping you out of the claws of both the DEA and your father’s activities.”

  “I still don’t understand why they’d jeopardize everything to run drugs across the border.”

  “It isn’t hard to figure out. Power and money are incredible motivators.”

  “I’m sorry, but Father always had those through Grupo Quintero.”

  “Not as much as he wanted, Jules. Your father has a huge ego, which drives him to seek ever increasing amounts of money and power.”

  She fell silent for a long time, trying to wrap her mind around what Nate had told her. Even though much of it matched the research she’d done, it would take a while to accept. What if he was wrong? From what he’d showed her, the likelihood was slim. But what if…

  “What is it you want from me this time, Nate?”

  “Nothing, Jules.”

  Choking out a laugh, she glared at him. “Of course you want something. We wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

  “Oh, we’d still be here, Jules. It wouldn’t have mattered if Delphine brought me back in to help investigate your family. Knowing you are now in Liberty Lake, I never would’ve been able to stay away from you.”

  Staring down at her lap, Julia said nothing for a couple minutes. “You may be right. Still, it doesn’t explain what you want from me now.”

  An exasperated breath escaped before he could stop it. “Your father is expected to visit soon. I want you to let him know we’re back together. That we’re a couple again. I’ll do the rest.”

  Eyes wide, her mouth gaped open. “But we’re not.”

  “Are you certain?”

  Sliding his hand behind her neck, he leaned down, covering her mouth with his. He expected her to shove him away, get out of the truck. Neither happened.

  To her own surprise, Julia didn’t resist. Instead, she slid her hands to his shoulders, opening her mouth when his tongue traced her full lips. The kiss deepened until she became lost in it, a slow burn creeping through her body. As much as she hated herself for giving in to her escalating need, he would always be the man she wanted.

  After what he’d shown her, the things she’d learned over the years, she should stop this before it went further. But for years, she’d yearned for this, dreamed of having him back in her life.

  Tightening her grasp on his shoulders, she moaned when he lifted his head, resting his forehead against hers.

  “I’ve missed you, Jules.”

  Breathing heavily, she tried to control the intense pounding in her chest. She couldn’t think, separate what she should do from what her body demanded.

  “I want to make love to you, but not here. When we make love, it will be in a bed and we’ll both be ready. Not in the back of my truck after you’ve learned of your family’s deception.”

  Jules wouldn’t tell him how much she still wanted him. She wasn’t ready to trust him with her body or her heart. But there was one question she needed to have answered before seeing him again or agreeing to anything.

  “I need to ask you something, Nate.”

  “Anything, sweetheart.”

  “Why does a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang care what my family does? Don’t you, Wrath, Rock, and the others do the same? Earn your money through illegal activities, I mean.”

  “No, Jules, we don’t. We run various legal businesses, participate in charities, and have weekend runs. There’s more, but I can’t tell you anything else. You’ll just have to trust me.”

  And therein lay the biggest problem of all.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Monterrey, Mexico

  “We’ve achieved a measure of revenge, Father. A few more stolen shipments and we can forget about Hector Alcado.” Antonio’s cocky, arrogant nature hid the fact he had
a quick mind. The same as his older brother, Diego, he’d been born to lead. Unlike his brother, Antonio showed little remorse for any action bringing the family more money and power.

  “Excellent.” Armando paced behind his desk, hands clasped behind his back. “He’s become a major threat to our operations.”

  “Why don’t you let me handle El Oso, Father? He doesn’t have to be a problem any longer.”

  “I will let you deal with him, Antonio, but not yet. Watching him bleed money will provide me with much pleasure until then.” Stopping in front of a large window to the massive back yard, he studied the beautiful rose garden his wife tended for hours at a time. The thought of Marguerita calmed him, bringing a smile to his lips.

  When younger, he’d had a series of mistresses. He’d loved his wife, but one woman had never satisfied him. Armando thought of Diego and his one mistress, the love of his son’s life. Armando had been the one to force his oldest son and the woman apart so he could wed someone more suitable. It had been a mistake. One Armando regretted more than anything. It was the only thing Marguerita and he had ever quarreled about.

  Diego spent almost every night in Carmen’s arms, leaving his wife alone. The nights he didn’t were because of a job out of town. Armando couldn’t remember the last time Diego had stayed in the family home.

  The result was a son who obeyed him, fulfilled his duty in the business, but had never provided his parents with grandchildren. At least not by his wife. Instead, he and Carmen had two beautiful sons. Armando and Marguerita had never been allowed to meet them.

  A knock on the door preceded his oldest son entering the office, his bodyguard, Ernesto Rivera, behind him. Nodding at his brother, Diego took a seat. Leaning back, he crossed his arms.

  “I’ve taken care of the problem for you, Father. They will never do business with us again. Or anyone else.” Diego turned to look at Antonio. “Father said your business in Arizona went well.”

  “It did. We were just discussing Alcado and his short future.”

  Diego switched his attention to Armando. “What was decided?”

  “A slow bleed rather than a quick end.”