“John!” Jane screamed, seeing the man who had fallen out of the back running toward them.
John reached over to the opposite side of the driver, pulling his weapon free. With one smooth move, he twisted in his seat bringing the pistol up. John aimed to miss his son and fired, several pops came from the pistol, and the fighter fell to the ground.
Everyone sat frozen for several seconds before John and his son jumped from their seats.
“Hurry, Jane. We don’t have long.” The men pulled the dead driver from his seat, taking off his clothes. Jane couldn’t understand what they were doing. “Get your clothes off. I’ll stash them in my backpack,” John ordered.
The urgency John showed didn’t give her time to feel shy about disrobing in front of the men. Taking off her clothes, she threw them aside before pulling the khaki trousers up her hips. They were long on her yet not too bad. Her fingers trembled so badly she barely managed to lace up the boots they threw toward the pile of clothes laying on the ground. Grabbing the large shirt, she quickly buttoned it closed. The last part was the cap, which she clumsily put on.
“Try to hide your face as much as possible,” John said, studying her critically.
John’s son went to the dead guard lying on the ground next to the one John had shot. He picked up the gun and handed it to Jane along with the canteen.
“Do you know how to shoot?”
“No,” she said, holding it cautiously. John took it from her, giving her a series of instructions she knew she wouldn’t be able to remember.
“I tried to find out what I could about your sister. As far as I could piece together, you might still be able to find her in Peñuela. This is as far as Matthew and I can go, though. We’re getting our asses out of here. Do you want to come with us?” He handed her the backpack he had stuffed her clothes into.
“I have to try,” Jane said softly. She was unbelievably scared. She wanted to cling to the safety of the two men, but she couldn’t leave without Bailey. If John had been successful, maybe she stood a chance, as well.
“I can’t leave the Jeep. Besides, you’ll have an easier time passing unnoticed if you try to fit in. Not too many will try to confront you in the clothes you’re wearing,” John said apologetically.
“I understand.”
Matthew climbed into the Jeep. “Dad, we have to go before someone comes along and finds us.”
“Good luck.” With that, John climbed into the vehicle without a backward glance.
“You, too.” The two men didn’t hear her response as they took off, leaving her alone in a cloud of dust.
She took buses during the day, ignoring the wary looks others gave her. Finding somewhere to hide that night, her luck held out, and no one recognized her as a woman. The next morning, she put dirt on her face and hands to disguise her features, and thanks to the many hours she had spent in Spanish class, she was able to pass through several cities without trouble. She also found a spot to bury the clothes that would identify her as a woman. If anyone decided to search the backpack she carried, the only thing they would find was an innocuous tube of medicine and some meal replacement bars.
Thankfully, the research to get prepared for finding her sister had clued her in on where to stay away from in her journey to Peñuela. Jane had heard that several areas in Mexico were dangerous, but she had no clue as to just how much until she was sitting at a small restaurant when a gun battle broke out on the sidewalk outside. She dove under her table with her hands over her ears until she heard the gunfire stop. Afterward, she almost lost the lunch she had just eaten when she saw the bodies lying in the street.
Over the next few days, she was on buses that were routinely checked by someone dressed in military garb who would often demand toll fees from everyone onboard before the vehicle was allowed to proceed.
Shaking herself out of her reverie, she saw the bus she had been waiting on slide to a stop. Casually, she walked out from her hiding place and stepped onto the bus, handing the driver the money to cover her fare before taking a seat toward the back.
Jane hunkered down in her seat, trying to go unnoticed on the crowded bus. If she stayed on this particular bus, it would take her to Córdoba. She would stay there until she could find a way to Peñuela.
A young woman on the seat next to her kept giving her curious looks. Usually, others would glance away when she caught them looking at her, but this woman didn’t. Jane was startled when she suddenly stood up, sliding into the seat next to her. Jane cast her a startled look, praying she wouldn’t start flirting with her. It wouldn’t be the first time a young woman had, and Jane had felt uncomfortable rebuffing the women when it happened.
“You have family in Córdoba?”
“No.” Jane lowered her voice, trying to sound masculine.
The woman was dark-haired and beautiful. Jane would never be able to compete with her in the beauty department, even when she was dressed as a woman in her tightest leather outfit.
“My name is Carina.”
Jane remained quiet, hoping her silence would drive her away. Instead, she began talking about her family in Ciudad Valles before speaking of her own life. “I work in a bar in Córdoba.”
Jane wondered frantically why Carina kept divulging so much information about herself. The woman had to be aware of the danger she was putting herself in.
“I deal with men every day. They have certain habits that are hard to hide.” Jane stiffened, looking at the woman out of the corner of her eye. “Men do not cross their legs.”
Jane hastily uncrossed hers.
“Why are you pretending to be a man?” Jane saw no malice in her face, only curiosity.
“I thought it would be safer,” Jane answered quietly, trying to keep her voice lowered so no one else could hear.
“Possibly. On the other hand, it could be even more dangerous if another man wants to challenge you.”
“I’d rather take my chances with a gun battle than be kidnapped and raped.”
Carina’s eyes darkened. “I see you have been listening to all the gossip about Mexico in United Sates.”
Jane felt ashamed of herself. She didn’t want to assume the worst, but witnessing the captive women and her knowledge of Bailey’s confinement had her on her guard.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It is dangerous; however, as long as you’re cautious, you will be safe. If you’re so concerned for your safety, why are you traveling alone and going to Córdoba?”
Jane decided to be truthful.
“I’m trying to find my sister. She recently came to Mexico to visit her husband’s relatives in Peñuela and never returned home.”
“Maybe she doesn’t want to?” Carina’s face had paled when Jane mentioned Peñuela.
Jane shook her head. “Her last text message was to my father, saying her husband wanted them to stay longer, but she wanted to come home.”
“You are going to Peñuela?”
“As soon as I can catch the next bus.”
“You know where she is in Peñuela?”
“No. I only met her husband once, and we didn’t talk much.”
“You can’t go knocking on people’s doors, asking questions,” Carina warned.
“I know that. I thought I would ask around if anyone knew Raul’s family, Silva.” Actually, she had been so focused in trying to reach Peñuela safely that she hadn’t given much thought to how she would find where her sister was living.
Carina’s face went white. She gripped Jane’s arm tightly. “You can’t do that!” she hissed.
“Why?”
This time it was Carina’s turn to remain silent.
“Please tell me,” Jane pleaded.
“I have heard of the Silva family. They are very dangerous and involved in many things I do not want to know about. My cousin worked in the bar before I did. She met someone from the Silva organization, and they became involved.” Carina shuddered. “She moved to Peñuela to be with him and
rarely sees her family anymore. They keep their women close.”
Jane already knew that piece of information. Bailey wouldn’t have easily given up her pampered lifestyle in the United States unless she had been forced to.
Jane’s mind whirled as she tried to think about what her next step should be.
“Where are you going to stay tonight? No bus will be leaving for Peñuela so late.”
“I don’t know.”
“Stay with me. I think I may have an idea to help.”
Jane stared at her steadily, attempting to decide if she should trust the woman.
Carina’s tanned complexion was smooth and without blemish, her dark eyes clear and straightforward, and the long mass of black hair had been swept away from her beautiful face. It was ultimately the concern in her expression for a stranger that had Jane deciding to trust her.
“I’ll stay the night and take the bus tomorrow. Thanks.”
After Carina nodded in response, they talked quietly as the bus drove. Carina told her more about her large family as well as her fiancé who was also waiting for her in Ciudad Valles.
“He doesn’t mind you being away?”
“No, we are saving money to buy a home when we get married.” Carina took her phone out of her pocket to show a picture of a handsome man standing next to her. It was obvious by way they were staring into each other’s eyes that they were very much in love. It was the same expression Jane had caught on Sex Piston’s and Stud’s faces when they thought themselves unobserved.
It was almost dark when the bus entered Córdoba, but there was enough light for Jane to see the city was much larger than she had envisioned.
She got off the bus and walked next to Carina, trying to keep up with her fast pace.
“I thought you said it wasn’t as dangerous as I had heard,” Jane puffed.
“It isn’t until it gets dark.”
Jane gazed up at the rapidly darkening sky. “How much longer?”
“Not far.” Carina turned down one street then another, the buildings getting farther and farther apart and older and older as they passed. She made a right onto a street that was almost completely dark, the only light coming from a sign outside a small building.
Carina pointed in relief. “That’s it. Come on.”
Jane’s wariness returned, but she foolishly followed, telling herself everything would be fine. If Killyama were there, she would kick her ass for being so trusting.
Carina didn’t go in the front door, going instead to the back where she kicked a beer bottle out of their path that led up a flight of steps. Taking a key from her pocket, she opened the door. Jane took a hesitant step inside, instantly relieved when she saw the bright apartment.
“It’s very pretty,” Jane complimented, staring at the bright red couch with the small coffee table sitting in front of it. It had a small kitchen with two stools sitting in front of the counter that was tiled in a myriad of bright colors.
“The couch pulls out into a bed. I share the apartment with Teresa. We sleep in the bedroom.” She pointed to an open doorway down a small hallway. “She’s working downstairs in the bar tonight. I need to get changed and go down to help out. Will you be all right alone?”
“Yes. I’ll take a shower if you don’t mind and get some sleep.”
“That sounds good. I’ll be back after my shift.” She went inside the bedroom and closed the door.
Jane found a hiding place for her backpack with the gun inside before taking off her cap. She ran her fingers through her damp hair, feeling its filthiness. Although she was anxious to take a shower and wash the grime away, she wasn’t thrilled about having to put her dirty clothes back on.
Carina came out of the bedroom dressed in a loose black skirt and a bright pink T-shirt, packing a bundle of clothes in her hands. “I didn’t know if you had anything to sleep in, so I brought you an extra gown of mine.” She handed Jane the small gown that she was sure would reach the floor. Carina was much taller than her. “I need to go; I’m already late.”
“Go ahead. I’ll be fine,” Jane assured her, trying to hide her uncertainty.
Carina went to the front door. “If you hear a key in the door, don’t be scared. Sometimes, Teresa brings someone upstairs to the bedroom for a little while. I’ll tell her to be quiet so she won’t wake you.”
“Thanks.” Jane didn’t know what else to say.
Her new friend simply nodded before going out the door, leaving her alone.
Jane stood still for several minutes, merely staring at the closed door, wondering if she had lost her mind to trust someone she had just met. She really didn’t have any other options at that point. She would get some sleep then catch the bus to Peñuela in the morning.
She went into the tiny bathroom, taking off her filthy clothes while the bath filled with water before getting in. She laid her head back as she soaked, letting the tension ease out of her shoulders.
She was jerked awake when she heard the front door slam shut and voices coming from the living room. Jane almost slipped and fell out of the tub as she climbed out. Drying off, she heard them pass the bathroom and go inside the bedroom. She pulled on the nightgown Carina had given her and then left the bathroom to go back to the living room.
The couch was easily pulled out into a bed, already made up. Thankfully, she climbed underneath the covers after turning out the lights, trying not to listen to the sounds of the bed and the female moans coming from the bedroom. Jane knew her cheeks were bright red in the darkness of the room.
It took several minutes before exhaustion had her dozing off again. If her friends could see her right then, they would rip her a new one for placing herself in such a predicament. She missed them badly, even though she told herself she hadn’t been gone for that long.
Her last thought before sleep claimed her was that she would find Bailey tomorrow, get them to the closest airport, and then get out of Mexico as fast as they could. If all went well, she would be home before her friends became really pissed. They didn’t react well when they became angry.
Chapter 2
She woke up in the morning to the smell of coffee and the sight of two grim-faced women staring at her. Carina was sitting on the bed next to her, holding out a cup of coffee, while the other woman, who Jane assumed was Teresa, sat on a stool at the counter, drinking her own.
“Would you like some more sugar?”
“No, it’s fine. Thank you.” Jane sat up, careful not to spill the overly sweetened coffee.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I told Teresa you planned to search for your sister in Peñuela.”
“I don’t mind—” Jane began, only to be cut off.
“You’re an idiot if you think you can just walk in and then leave with her.” Teresa’s insult had Jane’s stomach lurching as she sipped the hot coffee.
“I don’t understand. Why not?”
“The Silvas are highly organized, and they don’t allow outsiders near their homes.”
Jane sat undecided on her bed.
“I could go to the police.”
“Who the Silvas own. They hold the power in Peñuela. No one will lift a hand to help. You will simply disappear,” Teresa said matter-of-factly.
“What am I going to do?” Jane said out loud to herself.
“There may be another way,” Carina’s soft voice drew her attention. “Some of the men in Peñuela come to the bar on the weekend. Maybe you could ask them about your sister after they have a few drinks. It will still be dangerous, but you could find out where she is before going in blindly to find her.”
Jane nodded her head, but Teresa shook hers.
“Are you crazy? If she starts asking a bunch of questions, it will be just as dangerous! They will want to know why she wants the information. She can disappear as easily here as in Peñuela.”
“That is true,” Carina agreed.
The women went quiet for several moments before Teresa said, “She could still work in the bar,
listening. No one pays us any attention unless they want to fuck.” Carina threw her roommate a dirty look. “It’s true, and you know it.”
Jane watched Carina’s face turn bright red. “Your fiancé?”
Teresa gave a shrill laugh. “What he doesn’t know doesn’t hurt him. Besides, all he cares about is the money she gives him.”
“That isn’t true!” Carina yelled.
“It is, but you don’t want to admit it,” Teresa said snidely before giving a careless shrug. “You can listen and maybe find out something that way, without drawing attention to yourself.”
Jane took a drink of her now lukewarm coffee. “But I don’t want to … fuck anyone.”
Teresa gave another shrug. “If it gets to that point, just motion to Carina or me, and we will take care of them. Are you sure, though? The money can be good for very little effort.”
“I’m sure.” Jane nodded her head empathically.
“Okay.” Teresa stood up, stretching. Yawning, she set her cup down on the counter. “I need to get some sleep before tonight.” With that, she left Jane and Carina alone.
“Are you sure you want to do this? You could go back and try to get the authorities there to help you.”
“Would it work?”
“No.”
“Then I don’t have a choice, do I?”
* * *
Jane casually wiped the counter while listening to the conversations going on at the bar. She hadn’t come any closer to finding Bailey; however, the little she had found out terrified her. The Silva family was heavily involved in organized crime and controlled not just one city in Mexico but several. It wasn’t going to be as easy to get Bailey out as she had believed.
“Give me another beer.” A loud voice drew her to the end of the bar.
Reaching for a beer under the counter, she placed it in front of the man, intending to turn away after she took his money, but his hand closed around her wrist.