Black Ops Chronicles: Dead Run (19 page)

When the waitress came over, Max ordered two Cokes without ice then turned back to Tess. “You know that, don’t you? Isn’t that why you were trying to kill Nick yesterday morning before I stopped you?”

Embarrassed by the memory, she looked away. “I wasn’t thinking clearly,” she admitted in a small voice. “I’m very grateful you stopped me. I couldn’t stand being a murderer like Nick.” Blowing out a long breath, she pushed her hair out of her face. “I was just overwhelmed. At the time, killing Nick seemed like the only solution. I’d like to think I would have come to my senses before I pulled the trigger.”

“Now that I have my memory back, I’m sorry I didn’t let you do it.” He reached over and took her chin in his hand, forcing her to meet his gaze. “You were right. Killing Nick is the only answer.”

“But that’s murder.”

“Hardly. Killing someone, who’s trying to kill you, is self-defense.”

“That sounds great when you say it like that, but if it doesn’t happen during a fight, if it’s from a distance—” She broke off, her thoughts troubled and confused. “I mean, what if you’re wrong about it being self-defense?”

“Then you can help me decorate that condo in hell,” he snapped, releasing her chin. “If I’d gotten my memory back before we tackled the guys in the cave, I’d have shot them, too.” His eyes hardened. “I have absolutely no sympathy for terrorists. Or for anyone who conspires with
them
. Their whole existence revolves around killing innocents. They consider it a holy cause.”

“But—”

“Listen, angel,
Nick
and his crew aren’t vacationing down here. This deal they’re making with Almasi is going to result in an attack on the U.S.” He sat back as the waitress delivered their Cokes. “I don’t like killing people either,” he said when the plump woman had moved on. “But just think how many innocent civilians, including children, will die if Nick’s allowed to follow through with this. Hundreds, maybe thousands. I’m talking about disposing of five Americans and a dozen or so Middle Easterners. Seems like a pretty fair trade to me.”

How could she argue when he put it like that? “Maybe so, but I’m not hiding under a bush while you save the day, Max. I want to help.” She saw the light of battle come into his eyes and held up a hand to stop his protest. “It’s no good arguing with me,” she warned. “I’ve been running for nine months. Now that it’s time to stop running and fight back, there’s no way you’re keeping me out of this.”

“Damn it, Tess. There’s nothing you can do except get yourself killed.”

She sat back and crossed her arms over her chest. “Why, because I’m a woman? And all we’re good for is staying home, raising babies, and knitting freaking scarves? God, you sound just like a Mormon.”

“That’s not what I said.”

“Only what you meant.” She shrugged, waving a hand before he could protest. “Forget it. As you pointed out a minute ago, if we don’t take out Nick and Tony, my death’s only a matter of time. So it just makes sense for me to help.” An idea formed in her mind, and she couldn’t hold back her snort. “Besides, I can do something you can’t.”

“Okay, I’ll bite. What can you do that I can’t?”

“I can be the bait.”

***

The bait
? Max couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Jesus, didn’t Tess realize what kind of men these were?

“Absolutely not,” he snarled. “I won’t let you put yourself in danger.” The words came out harsher than he intended, but the thought of her getting hurt made him crazy. He took a deep breath and tried to control his temper. “It doesn’t do either of us any good if I get myself killed because I’m worried about you getting yourself killed. That way we’d just kill each other.”

“I can’t believe I actually understood that.” She sipped her Coke, her eyes challenging him over the rim of her glass. “Don’t worry. I have a plan.”

He groaned. “A plan?”

“Yeah. Do you want to hear it, or would you rather sit there grimacing like a constipated gargoyle?”

“Okay, fine, smartass,” he grumped, fighting a smile at the image her words conjured up in his mind. “Let’s hear this brilliant plan.”

“Joe won’t just shoot me from a distance and take off.” She moved her shoulders in a half shrug. “I know Nick. He’s big on evidence. So whoever kills me will have to prove it to get the reward.”

“Prove it how?”

“With my body. That means he’ll ambush me somewhere private so he can carry the evidence away without being caught. So, when he sees me, he’ll follow and wait for his opportunity. That gives you time to take him out.”

“What’s to prevent him from just shooting you in the parking lot and throwing your body in the trunk?” Max demanded.

“People would notice. Even in Mexico. And I doubt Joe wants to draw attention to himself.” Obviously convinced she was right, she leaned forward. “He’ll follow me at least until I’m out of sight of the office. If I know where to go, and you’re there ahead of me, we shouldn’t have any problem.”

When he didn’t respond, she waved her empty glass at him. “Come on, Max, admit it. You know it’s a good plan.”

It
was
a good plan, but he still didn’t like it. So many things could go wrong. But he doubted he could even approach Joe without making him suspicious. And the guy would have the information Max needed to find Nick and Almasi.

He glanced at Tess to find her watching him. “Okay, okay. It’s not a bad plan. But where do you intend to lead him?”

“Karl’s letter will be at the marina office.” Hopping up from the table, she went over to the counter and came back with a pen. “The office is here,” she said, drawing a map on a napkin. “There’s a stand of trees and shrubbery right here, between these other buildings and the water. It’s as good a place as any for an ambush.”

“And how do I get there ahead of you?”

“You’ll have to go in the back way and climb over a fence. I’ll show you. Then I’ll go in the front entrance.”

“No. We stick together. If I go in the back way, so do you.”

“Okay, but why?”

“Because I’m not taking any chances with your life,” he growled. “I don’t want to be wandering around, trying to find you, and have him kill you before I get there. And, Tess—” He reached over and squeezed her hand. “After the marina thing is over I need you to go to Tom Davis for me. Or at least to someplace far away from here. Can you promise me you’ll do that?”

She chewed on her bottom lip. “I don’t know. I’ll have to decide that after we’re through at the marina.”

“Fair enough.” If she wouldn’t go to safety willingly, he might have no choice but to take matters out of her hands. She’d hate him for it, but at least she’d be safe. “We’ll see how this goes,” he said as he got to his feet. “Now, since our guns don’t have silencers, let’s go buy a knife and put this marvelous plan of yours into action.”

CHAPTER 13

Thinking she should’ve kept her mouth shut and her ideas to herself, Tess led Max down the street to the far end of the marina.
Too late, dummy, you already volunteered for this
. After all her tough talk, her pride wouldn’t let her back out just because she was terrified. Although her stomach felt like it was eating itself, she gritted her teeth and ignored the pain and nausea.

The dream she’d had again last night wasn’t helping her nerves any, but now she wondered if it could have been referring to what she was about to do. She’d dreamt once more of running down the same hallway while the numbers, three, two, and one chased her with knives in their “stick-figure” hands. If she hadn’t had so much experience with her dreams coming true, she’d have laughed it off as the tequila she’d drunk last night.
You’ll be running into the trees, not down a hallway
, the voice of reason said. Nevertheless, that trapped, helpless feeling she remembered from the dream was very similar to what she was experiencing right now.

But with no easy way to get out of it, she led Max to the far side of the marina where they climbed over the fence and crept behind the outlying buildings, into the trees.

“Wish me luck.” Taking a deep breath, she started past him then yelped as he grabbed her and jerked her against him.

“For luck,” he murmured and covered her mouth with his.

The kiss plowed straight through her. Every rational thought drained out of her head. She threw her arms around his neck and tried to climb inside him. When he released her, she clutched his shoulders to steady herself.

“Um, okay,” she gasped, licking her lips. “I should be able to think again in a minute.”

He chuckled and brushed his knuckles across her cheek. “Be careful and come back safe.”

Leaving him there took will power she wasn’t aware she had. With the sour tang of fear replacing his taste on her tongue, she stiffened her spine and made her way out of the trees. Coming in the back way, she figured she was far enough from Joe that he wouldn’t try to grab her before she got to the marina office. But she quickened her step, just in case.

The incoming-mail box sat on a table in the corner. Any boat docked at the marina, or passing by, could have mail sent there and held in the box until collected. Tess found the envelope from Karl near the top under several from the IRS addressed to various boaters.

These letters always made her chuckle whenever she went to a marina for mail. She figured they were dunning notices and wondered if the government was really dumb enough to expect the recipients to respond to the “we want our back taxes, you deadbeat” letters, even if they got them.

Slipping her envelope into the pocket of her jeans, she hurried outside. As she headed back to Max, she caught a glimpse of a moving figure out of the corner of her eye. Joe was following her.
That’s the main point of this exercise, dummy, so don’t panic
. With a knot the size of the Empire State Building clogging her throat, she walked across the parking lot as fast as she could without actually running.

By the time she reached the trees her breath was coming in short, hard gasps. She expected at any second to feel a bullet in her back. Where the hell was Max? She heard a noise behind her and whirled around. Max had Joe face down on the ground.

“You okay?” he asked her.

“I’m fine.” She sighed in relief and gestured with her chin toward their captive. “It was a good plan, wasn’t it?”

His answering smile took her breath away. “It was a very good plan.” He handed her the gun he’d taken from Joe then knelt down beside him. “Now, friend, Tess tells me your name’s Joe and you work for Nick. That true?”

When Joe didn’t answer, Max pulled one of his arms behind his back and twisted. Joe groaned, but made no other response.

“Search him,” Max told Tess. “See if you can find his wallet and car keys.”

She stuck the gun in her waistband, crouched, and went through Joe’s pockets, dumping the contents on the ground. Pulling out his wallet, she tossed it to Max then continued until she’d emptied all the pockets. She held up a set of keys.

“Good. Cover him, and you, Joe, put your hands on top of your
head
and interlock your fingers.” Flipping through the wallet, Max pulled out Joe’s driver’s license. “His full name is Joseph P. Madison.” He dropped the license on Joe’s head. “Okay, Joe, where’s Nick?”

Joe didn’t answer. Max threw the wallet on the ground and pulled out the eight-inch hunting knife he’d bought. Turning Joe’s head to the side, he stuck the blade in front of his face.

“See this. I can do all kinds of creative things to you with this. Now, once again, where’s Nick?”

Joe still didn’t respond. Max ran the knifepoint down his cheek, slicing a thin, red line.

“All right,” Joe squealed. “Nick’s at the rendezvous house south of La Paz. Map’s in my trunk.”

“When’s he meeting with Almasi?” When Joe didn’t answer, Max sighed. “Here’s the way it goes, Joe. I ask a question, you answer it. You don’t answer, I cut something off. By the time I know what I need to, you’ll be several pounds lighter. Fastest diet you’ve ever had.”

He placed the knife behind Joe’s ear and pushed. A trickle of blood flowed down the man’s neck.

“Okay, okay! Stop,” Joe cried. “The meeting’s tonight. People will be showing up at the house all afternoon, but they’re all supposed to be there by seven. That’s all I know. Honest.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, damn it, I’ve told you everything.”

Just as Tess began to wonder what Max would do next, Joe grabbed Max’s wrist, rolled over, and pulled him off balance. Max landed on his side.

They tumbled over the ground, fighting for the knife. Their faces gleamed with sweat. Harsh breathing filled the air. The blade flashed and danced in the dappled sunlight streaming through the trees.

Tess couldn’t get a clear shot at Joe. Arms and legs tangled in a Medusa heap as bodies thrashed together. The fight had none of the graceful choreography of the ones she’d seen in movies. This was much too real. Too ugly.

Max got both hands on the knife. But Joe wrapped his hands around Max’s and tried to push the weapon into his throat. Max forced it back toward Joe while Tess fought the urge to scream. She wanted to look away, but didn’t dare. Then Max grunted and rolled clear. Joe lay still, the blade rammed up to the hilt in his left eye,
blood
and fluids running down his face.

Tess wheeled away, clutching her stomach.

Max scrambled to his feet. “You okay, angel? Tess?”

“Oh, God, Max.” She ran to him and started checking him for wounds, banging the gun against him in her haste. “You’re all right? He didn’t hurt you?”

“I’m fine.” He took her gun, stuck it in his belt,
then
held her tight as she burrowed into his shoulder. “I’m sorry you had to see that, angel.”

She swallowed. They didn’t have time for her to be squeamish. “It’s okay,” she said. “I’m fine. But we really need to get out of here.”

“Yeah, we do.” He picked up Joe’s wallet. “Don’t leave anything but the body.”

Tess grabbed the driver’s license and car keys then scrambled around gathering up anything else they’d dropped on the ground. When she turned back, Max was using Joe’s shirt to clean off the knife.

“Looks like we got everything,” she said, trying to ignore what he was doing. “Now, where do we go?”

“This way.” He pointed back toward the marina office. “We’re taking Joe’s car.”

She handed him the keys and followed him to the parking lot. Slowing to a casual stroll at the edge of the trees, he put his hand on the small of her back, and guided her over to the familiar black sedan.

“Get in,” he ordered, opening the passenger side door.

Tess obeyed in grim silence. She couldn’t get the picture of Joe out of her mind—the knife, the gore, the loss of life. Max started the car and drove out of the lot. Once on the street, he turned west and went back to their motel, where he hustled her into the room.

“Talk to me, Tess,” he pleaded, pulling her into his arms. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Hearing the concern in his voice, she cursed herself. A knife in the eye wasn’t any worse than a bullet in the brain. And if she didn’t pull herself together, Max would be more determined than ever to leave her out of this.

She forced a smile and managed to keep her voice even. “I’m fine. It just caught me by surprise, that’s all.”

“You should have seen your face. For a second there, I was afraid you’d faint.”

“Not a chance. And the next time will be easier.” She raised up on her toes and brushed her lips across his. “So what’s our next move? We still have to take out Nick, Tony, and the terrorists, not to mention the two guys we left in the cave.”

“Tess—” he began.

Recognizing his tone, she cut him off. “If I go to Mexico City, will you come with me?”

“I can’t. I have to finish this.” He ran a hand down her arm. “Please, Tess. Be reasonable. It would kill me if anything happened to you.”

“And what do you think it would do to me if anything happened to you?”

“Nothing’s going to happen to me.”

She jerked away from him and threw up her hands in disgust. “Oh, of course not. And why is that?” she demanded. “It must be because you’re so brave and macho. I bet bullets just bounce right off you. Or maybe it’s that you’re so
stupid
, the bad guys won’t bother trying to shoot you. Is
that
why nothing will happen to you, Max?”

“Something
like
that.” He rubbed his mouth, but she caught the smirk his hand couldn’t hide. It infuriated her.

She jabbed a finger into his chest. “Yeah? Well, you’d better be smart enough to understand this—I’m through running. It’s my life at stake, and I’m going to fight.”

“Damn it, angel.” The smirk disappeared, and he jammed his hands into his pockets. “You’re going to get us both killed.”

She rolled her eyes. “And you’re assuming that because I’m just a dumb, weak female who couldn’t possibly have anything to contribute to the cause except getting herself shot. Right?”

“I don’t think you’re dumb. Or weak,” he added when she glared at him. “But what I have to do is
dangerous
.”

“I’m in danger every minute until we get Nick.” She sat on the bed and folded her arms across her chest. “So here’s the way it goes,” she said, parroting back the words he used on Joe. “You can take me with you, or I’ll find him and kill him on my own. It’s up to you.”

“Why the sudden change of heart?” he asked. “Yesterday, you only wanted to escape.”

“Yesterday, I didn’t know that Nick was collaborating with terrorists—or that other lives were at stake besides mine.” Pain nudged out her temper, and she groaned. “Don’t you see, Max? I can’t get past my failure to help those two little girls Nick murdered.” Somehow, she had to make him understand. “I have to do
something
to help save the lives of the other innocent children in danger. I just
have
to. Please.”

Max studied her long and hard. It made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. His eyes filled with sadness before he blanked them. “I guess you’re leaving me no choice.”

“Thank you.” She rose and hugged him. “So what’s the plan?”

“I need to get the map out of the trunk of the car and confirm what Joe told us. Hopefully, it will give me—us—more information than he did.” Max pulled the car keys out of his pocket. “I’ll be right back.”

When he slipped out the door, she felt edgy and couldn’t sit still. Something about the look he’d given her. She paced until he returned, his arms full of papers.

“I found all this in the trunk.” He dumped his load on the bed and sorted through it. “Mostly travel brochures, road maps, and girly magazines.” He’d unfolded a large sheet of paper. “Hello. Look what we have here.”

“Joe’s map.”

“Yeah.” Holding it out to her, he pointed at a spot circled in red. “See here? And these words written in Spanish to the right of the circle say, ‘Rendezvous here,
arrive
after two p.m. February fifteenth.’ Joe said everyone would be there by seven.” He looked at Tess’s watch. “It’s not quite ten, and we won’t be able to approach the house until dark, so that gives us all day to find the place and scope it out.” He stuffed the map in his pocket. “You’re sure you won’t reconsider going to Mexico City?”

She gave him a sour look and didn’t answer.

He sighed. “Okay, but before we go, I need to run a quick errand. And I want you to stay here.”

“Why?”

“Because the guys from the cave have probably been rescued by now, and if Joe was at the marina, the others might be combing the town for you. I don’t want to take a chance that they’ll see you.”

“I can wear my disguise.”

“Don’t you think they might recognize it from yesterday?” He didn’t give her time to answer. “They knew you’d be at the marina, Tess. We don’t know how they found out or what else they know.”

“What errand do you have to run?”