Page 94 of Tango

“I trust him,” Trigger interjected and pointed at Grim with his chin. “Me, him, and Elio all have history that dates way back. If Grim says there’s nothing brewin’, there’s nothing brewin’.”

When I didn’t speak, Keith leaned over my shoulder. “If Trigger vouches for him, trust his word.”

“Elva and Jerry Cano have no clue who you are, Agent Paul,” Grim lit a joint and puffed on the tip a few times then hauled in the smoke like a backdraft, “nor will they.” Again, his silvery cold eyes moved to mine. “As far as they know, I removed Castillo from his place at the top, and his men went AWOL.”

“And what about that police unit that stopped us in the city?” Keith asked.

“What police unit?” Grim shrugged in a way that meant they had been either killed or bought off. I was going to guess they were killed. “No one needs to know you were there to wipe out their operation.”

“We,” I corrected.

“Yes, we.” He pushed the smoke out the side of his mouth. “We were in on it, all of us. But we’re the only ones who know the truth. I’d like to keep it that way.” I agreed but didn’t speak. I wanted to know what else he had to say. “In exchange for my name never being associated with yours, I will forever keep your name away from my lips.”

“We have no reason to involve you in anything, Grim,” Cole said loudly. “We appreciate the information, and we’ll be sure to be in contact if we hear anything that might be coming your way.” He looked at Trigger. “You as well.”

“What was in it for you, Grim?” I couldn’t help but ask. “Did Castillo have something on you?”

“No,” he tapped the joint and caught the ash with his hand as it fell, “I just hated that son of a bitch.” He brushed the ash into a tin can on the table. I noticed Trigger glanced at him but didn’t say anything. Instead, the lighter between his fingers spun faster.

“I have to know,” I pressed my fist into the table, “that night when I saw you at the bar after Lexi’d been—” I shook my head, not able to finish the sentence. “Why’d you help me?”

Grim shook his head. “It’s over now, anyway.”

“Yeah, it is,” Trigger grunted under his breath to him. “Tell him.” Grim eyed Trigger for a moment. I could see the battle that went on behind those silver eyes, but Trigger held his stare, and it was Grim who looked away. He probably hated to explain himself to anyone.

“I was there to flush you out, drive a bullet into your skull, and take the girl to Brick, who was waiting at the border.”

“Fuck.” I rubbed my head.

“You asked.” Grim shrugged.

“This was before I knew who you were,” Trigger clarified.

“I saw she was dead.” He gave a quick glance to Keith then back at me. “But you still held her. You could have just dumped her—” He paused and cleared his throat. “Something about it was off. Let’s just say I went with my gut.” He ran his tongue along his teeth. “Anything else?”

“Okay, I think we’re done here.” Cole stood, and Keith and I followed his lead.

“Wait,” something hit me, “do you know anyone in the FBI?” The corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly.

“Not really. Why do you ask?” I shook off the fact that he might know Agent Collins, and I wasn’t about to name drop anyone to these guys.

“Nothing.” GG could be anyone. “All right, I’m done.” I looked at Cole.

“Actually, I have a question, Paul.” Grim fussed with the lapels of his expensive suit. “I know you loved Talya Cano. So, why’d you break her heart?”

Everything inside me twisted, and a painful heat shot up the back of my throat. It smothered me and made it hard to breathe. I wanted to ask if he knew how she was. The question was on the tip of my tongue and begged to be answered. It would give my heart something—anything to ease the ache. But my mind kicked in and took over.

“Because she’d never forgive me,” I whispered. “Because she’d never belong in my world.” He seemed to consider my words. “It’s better to be hated than constantly longed for.”

“Understood.” I was surprised by his answer. He seemed to get it. I inclined my head at him then turned and followed Cole, Mike, and Keith to the car. Once inside behind closed doors, I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to bring my heart back to a normal rhythm. The pain that came with thoughts of Talya was so raw. I hoped I never heard her name again. It was too hard to bear.

Keith’s heavy hand fell on my forearm, but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to. He understood.

Cole checked in with his father on the ride back to the airport as we took off smoothly into the evening sky. The sunset and the few pink clouds that gave contrast to it was calming, and my head betrayed me as it brought up an image of Talya. I spent the next while purposefully tucking memories of Talya back in the box where she would have to stay.

“Are you going to miss this?” Keith asked from across the table.

“No,” I kept my gaze out the window, “I think a desk job will do my body some good.”

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