Page 53 of Mouse Trapped

Tse’s face softens, rather than hardens at my words.

“Get out.Get out now.I never want to see you again. Got it?”

My voice rises, the guard comes across. “I want to go back,” I tell him. He nods, seeing my visitor is upsetting me, well, it’s probably the other way around. But knowing that doesn’t stop me walking away, leaving Tse sitting with such a look of compassion on his face, I feel emotion welling inside me, but haven’t a clue what it is.

With tears streaming uncontrollably down my cheeks I’m taken back to the prison ward.

In my cell, I throw myself onto my bunk, and cry inconsolably. I really don’t know why I sent my lifeline away. Tse’s the man I fantasise about, but now he must hate me. But I can’t allow myself to think of a man with whom I’ve got no future. The longer I’m here, the more I’m convinced, the US has already washed its hands of me.

Chapter 22

Mouse

It broke my fucking heart to see Mariana so beaten down. I didn’t get angry or riled when she was spewing those words at me, words which tried to dismiss me from her life. It was why I hadn’t taken Drew with me, last time I’d visited I could already see she’d given up hope.

I’ve done one thing for her, got her record clean. The reason for her arrest doesn’t exist now. But I’m too aware that they won’t just set her free. Now they’ve got hold of her, she’ll be processed like everyone else. All I can do is to keep trying, digging up evidence that might help her.

Which would be easier if I could find a General De Souza in the military database in Colombia. The fact I can’t worries me. The lack of data is annoying. Could he be in intelligence? His records are hidden deep where even I can’t find him? Or had he been lying to her mom, claiming a rank he’d never ascended to? All I’ve got to go on is the information in her mother’s letters.

A reminder goes off on my watch. Standing up, brushing back my hair in frustration, I walk to the room a couple of doors down from mine and enter the meeting room where we hold church.

I take my seat, my laptop in front of me in case I need to look anything up, and prepare to sit through another meeting. It’s business as usual, not much on the agenda that’s any different. No one gunning for us.

Joker raises his hand. “I’m not happy with the surface of the kids’ playground. Can it be replaced with something softer in case they fall?”

Lady’s nodding. The pair make me smile. Hell, who’d expect them to end up with a daughter? Well, she’s technically Joker’s niece, but they’re both acting the part of her dad. Going through a proper adoption. Surprised us all when they brought her back to the compound a couple of weeks ago.

Viper puts his head in his hands, then looks at Drummer. “Prez. We’re working construction on that mall. Ain’t got time to keep doing shit here.”

Prez’s eyes narrow, then he grimaces. “You’re right, Viper. Joker, you’ve raised a good point. Be good to have a place where babies can crawl and play, and where Grunt doesn’t shit.” He throws a pointed look at Joker. “You want it done? Why don’t you look into it?”

Joker glances at Viper, who nods. “Sure, just didn’t want to step on Viper or Bullet’s toes.”

“We’re good,” Bullet replies.

Beef raises his hand. “Can I suggest you have a separate meeting to discuss kids? I prefer the topics of killing and blowing up shit.”

My lips curve up. You can tell by his face that he’s joking. It’s just good to have our brother with us and fully recovered after being so close to meeting the grim reaper a few months back.

“Mouse. How’s your ol’ lady doing?”

Prez’s direct question has me off-balance. I close my laptop, sit back in my chair, and sigh. These are my brothers; now I’ve brought them in on my problems, I don’t mind sharing. “She’s refusing to see me or the kid now. She’s given up, Prez. It could be months before she has a hearing, and she’s not hopeful of the outcome of that.”

“Meanwhile you’re trapped in a relationship that’s going nowhere.” Wraith sounds sympathetic.

“Good one,” chuckles Blade. “Our Mouse has been trapped.” When no one laughs, he continues, “Mouse trap. Get it?”

Everyone ignores him, well, except Prez who sends him a glare, before turning more compassionate eyes on me. “No one would think worse of you if you stepped away, Mouse.”

“Don’t want to do that, Prez.” The more Mariana’s pushing me away, the more I want to stay close to her.She’s mine.We’ll be together one way or another.Even if I have to follow her to Colombia.

“The car’s perked Drew up. Like the kid myself,” Blade throws in, redeeming himself.

He’s right. It has.

Something occurs to me. “Anyone got any objections to Drew being here? It could be for longer than I expected.”

“You’re his legal guardian now, aren’t you? Making him your responsibility makes him ours too.” I hadn’t thought of it that way. I raise my chin in thanks toward Prez. “Okay, if there’s no other business, let’s wrap this up. Mouse, can you spare a minute?”

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