I shoved my hands in my pockets to stop myself from hurting him. “What about the Americans? Does Ignacio have any Americans on the payroll or people he’s used on a contract basis in the past?”
He blinked a few times, then shook his head. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb,” I sneered. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. Just like every other drug cartel, Ignacio uses US military veterans for special tasks. I’d like a few of them to join me.”
I could call some freelance operatives I’d met over the last five years, but that would take time. Time I didn’t have. I needed people who were already in Mexico and were familiar with the nuts and bolts of drug cartels. I didn’t want to bring in some guy who usually worked with the Russians or the Jihadists. Every criminal entity had a different personality. Different priorities. Granted, greed and power were at the center of all criminal organizations regardless of whether they hid behind the veil of religious zeal, political ideology or flat out materialism. But I didn’t want to waste time briefing someone on the intricacies of the Mexican drug cartels. I needed people already up to speed and familiar with the Vargas and Alvarez Cartels.
He leaned back in his chair, propping his hands behind his head. “He’s used a few independent contractors hired on a job by job basis.”
“Great. Hire them for this job.”
His left eye twitched. “These things take time. I’ll need a week to work out the details. Maybe more. It depends on their availability.”
“We don’t have a week. Double their standard rate. Make it worth their time.”
Emanuel shifted in his seat, and our eyes locked. “I’ll have to get Ignacio’s approval.”
“Then get it. I don’t care about the money. I’ll pay the difference.” I slammed my open palm on the table, knocking over my glass. It rolled onto the floor, exploding into tiny slivers as it collided with the tiles. “Offer whatever it takes to get the right people here.”
He blew out a breath as he ran his hands through his hair. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do. I know a couple guys who used to be in the Marines. They only take a few jobs a year. They might be compelled to accept this one if I tell them we’re trying to rescue the daughter of a high profile politician.”
“Don’t reveal her identity until after they accept the job,” I said.
His bushy brows knitted together. “Why not? We can use it in our favor.”
“I don’t want this incident to follow Hattie for the rest of her life. Being abducted by a drug cartel once is a tragedy. Two times would make her a circus sideshow.”
“Why does it matter what people know? According to Ignacio, you’re staying here to help him now, so she’ll be here too.”
A wave of guilt rippled through me as I poured another glass of tequila. “No. I’m putting her on the first plane back to the US. I’m done with her. I need to get her out of my life. She’s a distraction I can’t afford. Not anymore.”
“All this for a woman you don’t want anymore.” The corners of his mouth curled up in a stomach-turning grin. “Interesting.”
My lips flattened. I didn’t care what Ignacio said about Emanuel. He rubbed me the wrong way. Unfortunately, I still needed him, so I refrained from planting my fist in the dead center of his smug face.
“What the fuck is your point?” Hattie’s absence in my life would be hard. I didn’t need to explain myself to this asshole. She’d given me something nobody had. Unconditional love and acceptance, and now I had to throw it all back in her face. She wouldn’t leave willingly. I’d have to break every promise I’d made to her and shatter her heart in the process.
He held up his hands in mock surrender even as his eyes glittered with anger. “Nothing. It’s not my business.”
“You’re right. It’s not.” Against my better judgment, I downed another glass of tequila and grabbed the decanter. “When can we make our move?”
“Give me an hour to make some calls and if everything falls into place, we’ll be ready to launch our attack in the next few days.”
I opened the door to Ignacio’s study. “Fine. I have some stuff to take care of. I’ll be in touch later today.”
I didn’t wait for any answer. I was out of the house, stripped naked and diving into the pool less than five minutes later. I couldn’t be around anyone right now. I needed to clear my mind and calm my nerves. I felt like a noose was tightening around my throat, and my sanity was dangling from a frayed rope.