Page 4 of Betraying Bexley

“Plus, I have dispatched one of my men from another team to the agent as back up as well,” Asher added.

Iliana began to tremble. “So, what happens now?”

"Now, you get an all-expense paid vacation courtesy of the U.S. government. You'll be staying here with all of us. I have a room set up for you, with all of your stuff, in the family wing. There is plenty to do here, including going to the movies, swimming—all that fun stuff. It's not the same as being above ground and out in the world, however, this small sacrifice will be worth it. When this is over, you will be reunited with your sister and brother." Asher flipped the lights on. "I'm sorry, Iliana."

“Sorry?” She snorted as she swiped at the tears leaving black streaks on her cheeks from her makeup. “My family is dead because of some puta cartel leader who should have been killed weeks ago.”

“I agree with you,” Asher said. “Don’t let the rage consume you though. It’ll make you do something stupid. I don’t think your sister or Brother could handle your death on top of everything both of you have lost.”

“Yeah, whatever.” She sniffed.

Rage burned through Alé. No one deserved to have their family cut down in such a needless way. He curled his hands into fists. Raul needed to die for the shit he’d done. If it was by Alé’s hand, all the better.

“Take the time, mija. Once Raul is captured you can start over with your remaining family by your side.” Jamie squeezed Iliana shoulder.

Iliana nodded. “Sure.”

“Which brings us to another point of business. Iliana, you will never be replaced on this team. You had a very intracule part with us and we appreciate your service. Unfortunately, that means we’ve had to bring another member onto the team.” Asher opened the door to the room and a girl he hadn’t seen when they arrived, entered.

“Bronx?” Alé tilted his head. “When did you get here?”

She rubbed her arm. “This morning—er—this afternoon I guess, since I’m in a different time zone now. Tex called me while I was having lunch with my dad yesterday. Said I needed to get my ass ready to go. He arranged my plane ticket and transportation here.”

“I knew he’d relay the message,” Jamie said.

Bronx came from East L.A. like Alé and Iliana. She grew up in a chop shop with her Pops and his crew. Where Jacolbi had a biker for a dad, Bronx had a dad who disassembled and reassembled vehicles into new cars, trucks, and SUVs. She on the other hand, at a young age, learned how to clone and forge VINs to keep the cars from coming back stolen. Together Bronx and her father were gear-head millionaires. From what Alé could gather, her father brought someone else in to do the dirty work Bronx wouldn't do anymore. Why she gave up the life, he didn't know. She never talked about it, however, she and her father were still close.

“Good to have you here,” Alé said. “We’ll catch her up when we get back to the apartment.”

“Make sure you do,” Asher said. “With Raul on the run, we might have to push our timelines and make our move with Bex.”

“With a gentle touch,” AJ said at the same time Mateo said it.

Asher held up his hand. “You can only treat her with kid gloves so much. It’s time to sink or swim.”

"Ugh." AJ sighed. "Men. Sometimes you are clueless about women."

“With that, we’re done.” Asher stepped away. “Iliana if you follow me, I’ll show you to your room and then, if you want, I can have Rae show you around the base.”

Jamie went with Asher and Iliana leaving the remainder of the team with Alé in the conference room along with Mateo, Noah, AJ, and Scotty. "We should be getting back too. We'll grab dinner on the way."

“Sure.” Bronx followed them out the same way they came in.

"Remember to check-in when you arrive at the apartment. Jamie should be there within an hour or two. Also, if you see anything suspicious, call it in. We don't need any more sneak attacks," AJ said, stopping them at the elevator. "Bringing Bronx into the fold might be hard in the beginning with Bex. It appears maybe Iliana would have been our best shot, but I know you've got this."

"Thanks, mom," Jacolbi teased.

Since they’d met the small leadership crew who’d be watching their asses, AJ had taken over the wellbeing of the group. She acted like a mom, and perhaps in some weird way, her compassion was what they all needed, even if she was only a couple of years older than them. She was like the Wendy to their lost boys.

“Don’t be such an asshole.” Scotty signed while she translated. “She’s only trying to help all of you.”

“They know.” AJ touched Scotty’s arm after she signed her response. “Right, Jacolbi.”

“Yep. I just like fucking with you is all.” The guy grinned. “Hey, you think Iliana is going to be okay?”

AJ shook her head. “Not sure. Losing one’s parents is a fucked up situation for everyone involved. I hope she finds some peace, but this is her journey now. She has to navigate it and know we’re all here for her.”

Alex and Eito didn’t say much as they waited for the doors to the elevators to open. Out of all of them, they were the quietest. Ale couldn’t put his finger on why, but he wondered if it had to do with their upbringing or if they didn’t speak until they had something prolific to say. When the elevator opened, they all stepped inside.

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