Page 38 of Cartel King

“Andrés, how do I get a message to Enrique?”

Over the past couple days, I’ve gotten to know the guys who guard my place. They never ask anything of me. They relieve each other every few hours, never getting out of their cars, never asking to use the bathroom or get a drink of water. When I walk by, they nod with a smile. They’re always polite. I’m certain it’s on pain of death if they aren’t.

“I can pass it along to his brother. He’ll know how to get in touch withel jefe.”

It was too much to hope I could keep my message private. I definitely don’t want to discuss this with my guard before Enrique knows about it.

“Actually, is there any way I could speak directly toel patrón?”

I’m guessing at what Enrique’s brother goes by. But I don’t know for sure if his brother is his second-in-command or his heir or what. He might be the cartel equivalent ofconsigliererather than underboss. He might be Enrique’s top advisor, and one of his nephews could be the equivalent of his underboss. I can’t ask those things without giving away that I understand even a little about syndicate hierarchies.

Andrés calls somebody and hands the phone to me. “It’sseñorLuis, his brother.”

“Okay, thank you.”

I accept the phone and straighten, taking a step back from the window. Andrés takes the hint and winds it up.

“Luis?”

“Hello, Ms. McCann.”

“Hello, Mr. Diaz.”

“No, it’s Luis.”

“It’s Elodie.”

“It’s Ms. McCann until my brother says otherwise.”

I want to roll my eyes, but this is hardly the hill to die on. Considering what I dealt with the other day on my call with Tommaso and Frank, I’ll take all the chivalry I can get. It may be the last for me.

“I didn’t get to tell Enrique I already had a trip planned, and I’m leaving in a few hours for about a week. It slipped my mind since I haven’t had a way to get in touch with him. I hoped I could tell him myself that I won’t travel without letting somebody know.”

There’s a protracted silence before Luis responds.

“Where are you going?”

“On a trip with some friends. Just a little getaway.”

“If you’d like to use our family’s jet, it’s at your disposal, Ms. McCann.”

There’s not a chance in fucking hell I’m using the Cartel’s jet. I’m not telling them where I’m going either. They aren’t taking me there, and they sure as shit won’t be watching me while I’m in Brazil.

“No, that’s not necessary. I already have flights arranged.”

In the Vizzinis’ jet.

“I wanted to let you know I’ll be away, so if you hear from Enrique or he gets back, I don’t want him to think I just took off.”

That’s exactly what I want to do.

“I’ll make sure he knows. Andrés and Carlos can take you to the airport.”

I’d rather take an Uber or Lyft.

“I appreciate that. Thank you.”

“Buen viaje.”

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