“After my dad came back from the river, he told me Tobias’s son was going up to his father’s house. I followed him, but I think he knew I was there. He was waiting for me near the dam, but I snuck up on him. He didn’t see me.” She paused. “You aren’t mad, are you?”
“What happened next?”
“We talked for a while. He asked all kinds of questions, but I didn’t tell him anything. He wanted to know how his father died. I told him Mrs. Perez was there and held his hand when he died.”
“How touching.”
“He wants to kill you.”
“I hope you told him to take a number and get in line.”
“He seemed really serious. He was dressed like a soldier, had a gun, face paint, and everything.”
Franco needed a current description. All he’d seen in Viper’s house was an old photograph. He was still waiting for his police insider to deliver a current photocopy of Viper’s driver’s license. “I need a good description of how he looks. Tell me as much detail as you can. Don’t leave anything out. Actually, forget that — I’ll ask you questions.”
“You sound mad.”
“I’m not mad. Now I want you to relax and take a couple of deep breaths. It’s important you stay calm. When people are upset or nervous, they can’t focus, and I need you really focused. I want you to close your eyes and think back to when you first saw him. You said he was dressed like a soldier. Let’s start there. Was he in digital camouflage, like the ones I wear?”
“Yes.”
“Did he have a backpack?”
“Yes.”
“Did he have a rifle, like the one I taught you how to shoot?”
“No. He just had a handgun like yours. It was in a thigh holster.”
“It wasn’t at his waist?”
“No.”
“Right- or left-handed.”
“Right.”
Franco asked a few more questions and ended up with a good picture of his old kilo friend. “This next question is really important. Did you ever see anyone else or suspect anyone else was with him?”
“No, he said he preferred to work alone.”
“How did that come up in conversation?”
“I’m not sure. I think he said it after I asked if he wanted to kill you. Wait, I’m remembering now. I told him it would be hard to kill you by himself. I was trying to find out if he was alone. That’s when he said it.”
“That he preferred to work alone?”
“Yes.”
“Smart thinking, Antonia. I’ll make an operative out of you yet.”
“Thanks, I was kinda nervous, but he couldn’t tell. He told me to stay away from you — that you were dangerous and not to be trusted. I let him think I cared about his advice. He wanted to know when you’d be here next. I told him you’d be flying here tomorrow.”
“You’re incredible. More good thinking.”
“Aren’t you worried he’ll… you know… try to kill you?”
“I’m not worried—”
“Someone’s coming! I see headlights. I think it’s him.”
“Find out where he goes, and call me back as soon as you can.”
“I will.”
“Get going before he sees you. You did well, Antonia. I won’t forget this.”
Cantrell heard a gentle knock on her door before Stafford entered. “We’ve got an official statement from Caracas,” he said. “It’s not for public consumption yet, but the limousine was taking the minister of basic industry and mining to the airport. Guess where he was flying?”
Cantrell squinted in thought. “The Central American summit in Managua.”
“You got it. But the situation’s just become a lot more serious. Several hours after the bombing in Caracas, an attempt was made to kill the Colombian minister of mines and industry. The government kept it quiet, but one of our people in Bogotá got word. The minister survived, but he’s in the hospital.”
“Let me guess, he was also on his way to the Managua summit. How did it happen?”
“Several gunmen ambushed his vehicle right after it left the security gate of his residential community. His bodyguard killed the gunmen but died from multiple gunshot wounds. The Colombian minister was shot twice. He’s in critical condition, but he’s expected to live. No one’s claimed responsibility. Both the ministers were going to be key players at the summit. There’s been no official statement from Nicaragua, but so far, the summit hasn’t been cancelled.”
“There’s no way any of this is a coincidence. Keep trying to contact McBride and Fontana. We’re getting them the hell out of there. No arguments — they’re leaving. Whatever’s going on there, the last thing we want is any kind of connection to us.”
“I’ll get right on it.”
“See if you can get the DNI on the phone. I’m going to give him a complete update on McBride’s situation. I’m uncomfortable withholding it at this point. What’s your take on it?”
“It sounds like someone’s trying to sabotage the summit.”
“My thoughts exactly. I want to know who, and why.”
CHAPTER 23
“Estefan, I think she sees your headlights. Go ahead and kill them a little early.”
“Copy. How’s my speed?”
“You’re looking good. She’s on the move. Keep going.”
Estefan slowed a little. He didn’t want to wreck his suspension. The low half-moon gave him enough light to see the overall width and direction of the road but not its neglected surface. Considering the size of this town, he thought the road ought to be in better shape. He supposed getting FOMAV out here to make a few passes with a road grader was like expecting to find a short line at the unemployment office.
Rolling into the center of town, he saw no sign of the girl. On the same side of the street as the Perezes’ store and Mateo’s house, the motel stood about one hundred yards farther north. Estefan had stayed there a few times over the years. You didn’t have to pay extra for clean sheets, but every room was multiple occupancy: one human and lots of cockroaches. It was a simple rectangular building with a hip roof. All the doors faced the street. Small windows on its rear wall allowed air to flow through. The owner would be grateful for his business, even if it meant getting up at 0100.
“Where’s the girl?” Estefan asked.
“She left the pay phone in a hurry and went across the street to the tavern. I lost sight of her behind the building.”
“She should be able to see my truck by now, even with the lights off.”
“She can hear it coming for sure. Park behind the motel to keep the ruse going. Don’t forget to remove your face paint before you check in.”
“I already did. There’s nothing I can do about my combat uniform; walking into the place in my underwear isn’t a good option.”
“I don’t know. You might get a package discount.”
“Very funny. I’m the one in the shit down here.”
“You never had a chance to look around the church. When we saw the girl, our plans changed. You took her out to the river.”
“You want me to check it out before I head over to the lumber mill?”
“Hold off, I’ve got another idea. Let’s see what Antonia does after she watches you check into the motel.”
Driving past the tavern, Estefan felt the girl’s surveillance, but he avoided looking in her direction. He pulled into the gravel lot behind the motel and parked next to some rusty cars that looked like they hadn’t moved in years. After locking his truck, he walked around the corner to the office, making sure to look over his shoulder a few times. If Antonia were lurking at the tavern, she’d hidden herself well. He pressed the doorbell and heard a muffled chime. Half a minute later, he faked pressing it again and leaned in toward the door, pretending to listen. He was actually stealing a glance toward the tavern, but its north wall created deep shadows, and he saw no sign of the girl. As he turned his head, he caught the odor of a cigarette in the light wind coming from the southwest. She was definitely over there somewhere.