Page 15 of Tango

I could feel something and knew it was someone’s hands tugging at the edge of the carpet above me. I knew once that was lifted, it wouldn’t be long before they found the seam in the metal floor. I held my breath.

Fuck. Here we go!

“Agent Collins,” someone called, and the sounds above me stopped, “forgive the delay. I see the order to let you pass didn’t make it down here.”

Slowly, my muscles relaxed, and I allowed myself a slow breath. My fists uncurled and flattened out. I’d been ready to swing regardless of the consequences.

“I was surprised by the holdup.” Collins’ voice sounded calm. “I trust this won’t happen again?” Another pause.

“No, it won’t. You’ve got my word on that.” The man’s voice seemed nervous.

Who the hell was this Collins guy? He obviously had pull.

“Excellent. How are the kids doing? And how’s Ruth? Is she still baking her pies for the fundraisers?”

“Yes, sir, she is, and my kids are doing well. Thank you for asking. Now, I’ll let you get on with your drive.”

“That’s real nice to hear. You carry on with your day as well.” Collins’ smooth voice oozed confidence. “I’ll see you again soon.” This time I thought I heard a hint, almost a threat in his tone.

If that wasn’t a shift in power, I didn’t know what was. I wondered how well Frank knew Collins, because everything inside told me he had a lot of pull here, and that meant money and lots of it. He had to be a guy who got his hands dirty. These guys didn’t cower easily, but it was obvious he instilled fear.

The vehicle started, and we were on our way. The vibe in the vehicle was different. No one spoke, and I could only hear the engine. I pushed a finger up through the hole in the carpet to widen the gap a bit to let in a little more light.

I thought again about the whole border incident and let it go ’round and ’round in my head. I decided I just couldn’t deal with it right now. Shady FBI agents who smuggled people across the border, that was for a different day.

I took a slow, deep breath in through my nose and out through my mouth and tried to let the stress of it all leave my body so I could focus on what I might have to face next. I knew I had to reach out to Chili and find out what he knew.

I began to lose the feeling in my arms, and my back started to seriously cramp up, so I was very happy when I felt the car slow then stop. I felt the trunk as it was lifted, then I blinked up at a gloomy sky. It was a wonderful sight.

“Welcome to San Diego.” Agent Collins smirked as he helped me out of the vehicle. Then he opened the car door, and I managed to slip into the back seat. We continued our drive north. “I figured you’d want to get out of there.” He pointed to the floor.

“Yeah, no kidding.” I unfolded and awkwardly rubbed my now tingling arms and legs. “Got any water?” My mouth was like sand.

“We do.” He reached into a cooler between us and handed me a bottle. “Hungry?”

“No.” I opened the back of my throat and downed the entire bottle of water, and he handed me another. “How far out are we from the hotel?”

“Forty-five.” Collins looked at the GPS. “Just enough time for you to explain why you were worth Frank calling in this favor.”

“That,” I crumpled the empty bottle between my hands, “is for Frank to explain. I do want to thank you for your help, though.” I took another swig.

“You can thank me by answering my question,” he pushed.

“You have your orders, Agent Collins, and I have mine. There’s nothing more to be said.”

“Fine.” He reluctantly let the topic go.

My head started to thump, and I closed my eyes and leaned back. I allowed myself a moment to soak up the realization that I’d made it this far with my head still attached. I took a quick peek at Collins. His eyes were shut as well. I studied him a moment then closed mine again.

I must have slipped off to sleep. The sound of a phone as it vibrated in a cup holder pulled me out of my groggy state. Carefully, I opened my eyes a slit and focused in on Collins’ phone screen.

GG: Did you cross yet?

Collins: Slight trouble at border. We’re through now.

GG: Now what?

Collins: Now we drop off package. I’ll be in touch.

---