Post Traumatic: Part 1

By Lamar L. Walker

Ra and Sophia make it a life's mission to rescue kids off of the streets, and more importantly rescuing them from the sadistic sex camps spread throughout Mexico. A battered women's shelter ran by Sophia's grandmother, is unknowingly turned into an orphanage for dozens of recused kids — kids with unthinkable trauma.

Threatened by an old enemy, and the Jefe of the Knights Templar Cartel, Ra and Liz learn too late that Sophia has been raising an army of emotionally unstable orphans the entire time. When she gets the opportunity to turn her young familia lose, everyone is suddenly put on notice.

"The orphans are now grown!" Sophia roared to the wild, and Ra is the most shocked of them all. He finds himself on a ride with too much turbulence, even for a sociopath like he. Ra fights hard to reel his young familia back in, but Sophia is hearing none of it. She declares war on every Jefe whose ever harmed a hair on the heads of anyone within her familia.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lamar L. Walker
• Release date: Jun 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463901960

Lamar L. Walker

Lamar L. Walker is a Detroit native, who was inspired to write novels by Detroit's Great, Donald Goines.With a talent to weave stories, Lamar has been ghostwriting behind the scenes for eleven plus years. He was recently published in a special November edition of the Washington Post Magazine, covering mass incarceration in America. Lamar has also written three novels under his pseudonym name Kam.Now eager to jump start a career as one of the top story tellers, “Post Traumatic” is his first book published under his real name.With an uncanny perception on the life styles of urban life, Lamar L. Walker is a talented story teller, and unorthodox teacher.After thirty years of incarceration, he is now ready to show the world how he's lived vicariously through some of the most compelling characters in print.It appears his mind has never been incarcerated, and his compulsion to put pen to paper only grows stronger.

Book preview

Part 1

By

Lamar Walker

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author.

Distributed by:

Smashwords.com

ISBN: 9780463901960

The characters and dialogue contained here-in are products of the author's imagination, and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to an actual person, living or dead, or establishment, existing, or defunct, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication

To my son, whom I love infinitely, one word of advice, It's never too late to turn it around.

Lamar

Prologue

Ra walked through the door of the small gym, while glad to be out of the hot, Mexican, weather, and started smiling. Carolyn had 40 plus young adults on the gym floor, practicing martial arts. A naturally pale, red head, stood in front of a group of brown faces, stepping through defensive moves like some old Asian guy. The visual was humorous. Ra couldn't help but to smile at the contrast.

Instead of disturbing the practice, he found a seat on the bleachers, and closely observed their work out. He glanced at the brown faces and marveled at how fast everyone had grown up. Some of those faces had been around The Shelter for 6 or 7 Years. Once frightened little kids, some now had scratchy beards, and light mustaches growing in, while the young girls had blossomed into young women.

Ra noticed something else as he watched. The passion in their movements almost came off as rage. They chanted something together in Spanish that he didn’t understand, but it was repeated a lot. During every fourth move or so, or every strike, Jamás! was yelled on the blocks, and, Otra vez! on the strikes. Ra put them in his mental file to find out what those words meant.

Carolyn looked graceful as he watched her movements. Ra watched her a moment, and knew that a fight with Red, would be a hard one. Her movements not only looked quick, they also looked effortless. Her high kick stretched out like a powerful, ridged, poll, and while being tall for a woman, with a natural red head, she had a ton of sex appeal.

But the lady of the hour was Sophia. She led the chant every time it came around. It looked as if she pushed the rage element, as the driving force of their training. Sophia's moves were powerful, and violent. She looked like she was trying to maim her opponent every single time she struck. This was his twin.

Jamás otra vez! They screamed at the end of the work out, drenched in sweat.

Ra stood up, and gave Carolyn a sharp nod. General. One of the guys walked over to Ra.

What's up Manny, Ra flashed a big smile.

When you gonna come work out with us?

Oh. You think you ready for this? Ra put his hands up like a boxer. Manny immediately shot out a low calf kick, but Ra quickly lifted his leg to check it. Yeah, Ra nodded, smiling at him.

You can't beat us all, Sophia yelled from behind the crowd. The crew looked on as if thinking, what do you have to say to that.

No I can not, Ra put his hands up. I know y'all ready to jump on something. It won't be me. The laughs were genuine, as the crowd made their way to the door, each giving Ra a pat on the shoulder, or a smile, on the way out.

What's up? Ra hugged Sophia when she came up, and he gave her a warm kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and marveled at the attention he gave her. I just filled up the basement with pesos. It should last you the rest of the summer.

You'll show me after I get out of the shower?

For sure. Ra flashed a mannish smile. He knew exactly what, show me, meant. Sophia returned the mannish smile, and headed off for a quick shower.

How did everything go? Carolyn asked, as she walked over.

Everything went smooth. I put your money in the car. We got at least two weeks before our next job.

That's enough time. Carolyn snatched up her towel, and wiped at her sweat. I'm going after this strangler guy. I don't care if Tim agrees or not. This guy just killed another young tourist on Cozumel Island. It looks like he's bouncing around to these little resort towns, baiting women.

You ain't bout to get a fight out of me. Ra put his hands up.

So you'll speak up if he has a problem?

It's too important not to. Ra gave her a firm look to let her know that he had her back. She gave a nod, and headed for the shower. Anybody preying on women drove Carolyn insane. This jerk going around resorts, kidnapping and strangling young women, she thought. Carolyn had been worked up about the creep every since she watched the news coverage three days ago.

Once an FBI agent, Carolyn still held on to the principles of protecting the helpless. This guy has strangled five women, and the cops acted like they didn't have a clue, much less, cared.

Sophia hurried through her shower, like she was late for an appointment.

I see what's on your mind, her girl, Rosa, teased. Lety, look at her. Rosa called to another girl.

I see, Lety gave a naughty smile. That chocolate must be good, she teased.

Y'all need to shut up, Sophia said drying off. It's been too long, she said, defensive.

What, a week? Rosa’s mouth fell open. I haven't had sex in over a year.

That's not my fault, Rosa. Sophia slid into her shorts, and pulled a sports bra over her head. Most of the young women here were sexually repressed. Some were not ready to have sex again, and others couldn't even stand the thought of it. But they all watched Sophia hurry off to her lover, with a pang of jealousy. Being able to find a man that they could trust enough to give themselves to, seemed like it would never happen again.

The Shelter was a huge sanctuary for the battered women and children of Mexico. It was run by a strong spirited woman, who, also, happen to be the grandmother of Sophia. Liz was her name, and she made it her life’s mission to help the women and children effected by the crazy crime wave of Mexico. These young women here were all rescued from some tragic situation, and most owed their very rescue to the couple, Ra, and Sophia. The Shelter was Liz's life mission, and her granddaughter swore to save every little girl in Mexico from life threatening situations. Together, the duo were a compelling pair.

Abuela, Ra greeted, walking through the kitchen door with a huge smile plastered across his face.

Good to see you back safe. Liz wiped her hands off, to hug Ra. She got on her toes to kiss his cheek. Happy to see you.

Happy to be back, Ra nodded. I brought you back a gift. He held up a black gym bag. Liz knew exactly what was inside. This young man helped a lot to make sure the Shelter had the necessary resources to keep the doors open. Her granddaughter almost made that impossible. Sophia wanted to save every kid she came across.

I'll take it down stairs, and lock it up, Ra, said.

You're staying long enough for dinner?

I don't have the energy to fight you, and Sophie, he grinned as he headed for the basement. She gazed his way a second then turned back to the stove. Ra was her first, close encounter, with a black person, and it was a humbling experience. He changed a whole generation of a naive perspectives of black people. At one time, she hated the idea of her granddaughter wanting to date a black guy, but Ra changed her mind. He may be the best thing to happen to her granddaughter.

Sophia had one of the worst tempers Liz has ever seen on a woman, and she had a strong desire to kill. That made things extremely tricky in a country like Mexico.

Ra walked through the massive basement, making a silent inventory of supplies as he headed on his way. He reached in his pocket for his keys, and unlocked the storage room they kept the money in.

Man, he shook his head when he walked through the gated door. There were boxes, on top of boxes of Pesos, and they took up a lot more room than the US. dollars. The storage room was getting tight. The small sofa in the corner had boxes stacked on top of it.

Ra walked over to the love seat, and picked up one of the boxes. He carried the box over to a stack, that almost reached the ceiling, and grabbed a chair to add this box to the stack. He quickly decided to better organize all of this stuff. This small room was his sanctuary when he first came here.

You can slow down, Liz teased Sophia.

No I can't nana. Soon as I get comfortable, somebody will come by to take him away. Sophia could hear Liz's laughter in her ear as she opened the door to the basement. Her little feet sped down the stairs. She waited for years to be able to fuck Ra. He kept telling her that she was too young for sex, and she kept pushing the limits until she was actually old enough. Those days were finally behind her, and Ra was hers.

He looked back when he heard her behind him. Hey sexy. Ra smirked at the pout on her face. She looked great in her short shorts, and sports bra. He walked forward, and scooped her up in his arms. You miss me? He smiled down on her, and leaned forward for a kiss. Soon as their lips met, Sophia jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist.

Ra hands went to her butt, and held on to her from that vantage point. Sophia kissed him with so much hunger, his dick got instantly hard. Ra felt like he was about to split the seam of his pants. Soon, Sophia began pulling at his shirt. There was suddenly a quick break, so they both could strip out of their clothing.

Ra hurried out of his shirt, and pants. Sophia pushed her shorts down her legs, and pulled the bra off with one fluid motion. She looked up at Ra, and ran her hands over his chiseled stomach, while biting down on her bottom lip. His erection stretched out like a stiff arm. Her fingers delicately caressed its length, as she leaned forward for a kiss.

Ra loved how soft, and smooth her body felt in his hands. He caressed her back, and eased his hands down to her butt. When Sophia felt his fingers grip her ass, it sent her ablaze. Ra lifted her up, and sat her on top of the nearest stack of boxes, then craned his neck to take in one of her erect nipples. His fingers went to her crotch, and felt the wettest pussy he'd ever felt.

Damn, she was on fire. He caressed her clitoris for a moment, then eased down to his knees to taste her.

Noo, Sophia pulled at his shoulders. Fuck me before somebody come.

Hearing the words fuck me pushed him to new heights. Ra stood up in a trance. He couldn't wait to mount her.

Sophia gripped his ass, when he lined his erection up, and slowly thrust inside her. She pulled at his ass like he didn't have enough dick to make her feel it. Ra gladly took on this challenge. He lifted her to the edge of the boxes, and slowly grinned into her to find his rhythm.

Auu, papi. Sophia breathed and he knew he found the right rhythm. Ra lifted one of her legs, and stepped even closer, as he began his pounding into her like she wanted.

Auuu, show meee. Show me you miss me. She grinned upward to meet his thrust. Show me papii—

Ra fought an explosion. Sophia was super wet, and her words were really turning him on.

Up stairs there was a sudden alarm caused by a fleet of Suv's turning down the dirt road leading to The Shelter. The Shelter had no neighbors. The 20 acre lot stood alone on this end of the street. Whoever this was, speeding down the dirt road, knew exactly where they were heading.

The young familia hurried out of the front door of their living quarters, with automatic weapons braced against their shoulders. They quickly fanned out to meet the threat with the a fierce resistance.

Carolyn hurried out the front door of the recreation building, to see what the commotion was about. The first things she noticed were the government plates, and Mexico flags waving on the hood of the suv's. Sophia was a wanted fugitive in the states, and, they're coming to get Sophia, was her first thought.

Don't nobody shoot, Carolyn yelled as she hurried to the front of the line. Nobody shoot. She yelled a second time, waving her arms in the air. By the time the convoy came to a stop, Carolyn was stepping down to the side walk. The young familia eased closer with their weapons trained on the vehicles.

Go get the General, Liz told one of the girls. He's in the basement.

The back door of the third suv came open, and Esperanza stuck her head out. It's me, she waved her arm. Esperanza was not only a part of their extended family, she was the top super model in Mexico. Her face was plastered on almost every billboard in the country.

The young familia lowered their weapons when they seen that it was Esperanza. The super model turned around, and waved for her guest to come out. First a clique of secret service men climbed out of their vehicles, with guns in their hands, then Carolyn's eyes almost bulged out of her head.

The First Lady? she looked stunned.

Yes, Esperanza grabbed the hand of The First Lady of Mexico. And this is my best friend Isabella, her daughter, she introduced the second woman stepping forward. Someone has kidnapped her son, and I told her about Sophia, and the General.

Put those weapons away, Carolyn fanned at the young familia. I'm sorry, ma'am. Please, follow us. Carolyn held out a hand to gesture for them to walk for the main building. The Shelter had four separate buildings that covered all of the living needs. The main building was a massive brick building that appeared to have been standing here since the early 1700's. There were three recently built smaller buildings, surrounding the main building, to accommodate the needs of all of the new children Sophia kept bringing to the shelter.

I told her that you guys specialize in rescuing people, and that you could be of help finding her son, Esperanza explained as they made their way to the main building.

That may be a tall order, Carolyn murmured.

Liz stood on the porch of The Shelter to greet the First Lady of Mexico. This was a huge honor to host someone of this magnitude. The women inside all hurried out to see the First Lady. Her presence caused quite a fuss inside the building.

Rosa turned the corner to the storage room, and got a eye full. Ra was plowing into Sophia, who was holding on for dear life screaming how much she loved and missed him. It looked like she was about to fall off of the stack of boxes as she reached far behind her for support. Someone important is here . . . There are guns out, and—

Gooo! Sophia fanned as her climax mounted. Goo! she fanned. Don't stooppp. I'm cumming. I'm cumminggggg!

Rosa's eyes got super big watching Ra speed up, and Sophia screaming and clawing. Rosa looked at the muscles in his back contract, and saw for the first time how muscular he was. Her eyes couldn't turn away. Sophia pulled at his butt, and screamed some crazy stuff, while he plowed into her. Soon they both shook, and moaned, and shook even more.

Rosa didn't speak again until they finally collapsed out of breath. We got company upstairs, Rosa said, and walked away.

I knew it, Sophia got instantly mad. She freed her leg, and got to her feet. Ra walked out to the sink to quickly clean up.

. . . how long has he been missing? Carolyn asked.

Two days. I'm told that it was some Golfo Cartel, I don't know. But I know my baby is scared and confused— her voice broke and her daughter hurried to comfort her.

The name Golfo rung loud in Carolyn's ears. They've had quite the experience with this particular cartel. Felix Sanchez is running this cartel?

Yes. Isabella answered. You know him?

Felix Sanchez? Yes, unfortunately we know him well.

Did you say Felix? Ra asked, walking into the room. Everyone looked up at his shocked face. The mere mention of this name caused slight anxiety.

Yeah, Carolyn nodded. This is the First Lady of Mexico, Carolyn gestured with her hand. She believes that Felix Sanchez has kidnapped her son.

Ra eyes got super big. . . . you are asking what exactly? He looked at her close. Esperanza jumped up.

I told them that you could find her son.

What can we do that the government can't? Ra frowned. Sophia materialized finally and looked around the huge den strange. 'Who were all of these people?'

We're told that Bruno will be killed if they see any Judicia police, or marine in the region.

So you're just waiting on terms? Carolyn asked.

Yes, but he has not called with a price, and I'm starting to think my baby is already dead.

No momma, he is not dead.

Carolyn stared at Ra and knew what he was thinking. The Golfo cartel was not someone to fool around with.

Who has your son? Sophia asked.

Felix Sanchez—

What?! Sophia leaned forward with strong exaggeration. She turned and looked at Ra. Why are you not saying nothing? This bastard has tried to kill us too many times.

That's just it Sophie. We're not in the states. The rules are different here in Mexico. They're stronger, and—

The rules are different for us as well. She stared harder. What?

It felt like every pair of eyes in the building turned to stare at him. The First Lady watched him closely.

We have to at least try, Carolyn spoke up. Ra took a deep breath, knowing he might be agreeing to a suicide mission.

Where was your son taken? Ra asked finally, and everyone in the den took a big exhale. Everyone besides the First Lady. How the hell was this kid going to help? Ra looked no older than 22.

Tell him, Esperanza encouraged. I would not have brought you all this way if these people were not the best.

I would prefer the footage, Carolyn spoke up. Do you have the footage from when your son was kidnapped?

The First Lady nodded, and went into her pocket for her phone. It was a long shot, but why not. She was willing to do anything to get her baby back home.

Chapter 1

Ra had to go to the elder of the family to learn what was going on with the Golfo cartel. Why would they even do something this bold? That question burned in the back of his head. He knew Felix too well. Dude was obsessed with his business affairs. This was not a business move. A call for ransom still haven't come in.

So, Ra went to Sophia's granddad, and his personal mentor, El Mayo. Once the Jefe of the Sinoloa cartel, but El Mayo long since retired, and was now focused on his legitimate business affairs and his personal family. A loving family man, and priceless resource.

You may be right, in your thinking, El Mayo told Ra. I've called around, and learned that Felix has been forced into hiding. Golfo is in the middle of an ugly conflict with Los Zetas, and this could be a strategy by Zetas to weaken them. Marco is a viper, El Mayo frowned. Doesn't play fair.

So, Zetas snatched the kid, and blamed it on Golfo? Ra put his hands together, and thought on that a second. How exactly does this work for Marco?

Felix is smart, El Mayo nods. He's taking over business in a lot of Zetas territory. Maybe Marco wants to get Felix out of the way.

Maybe, Ra nodded. That was what he remembered most about Felix. And who's running Golfo in his absence? Ra looked up thoughtful.

I'm told his old man was forced out of retirement. That got a snort out of the elder. He would hate to be forced out of retirement in these times. The world of cartels were totally different. Most seemed more concerned with murder, than business.

Okay, my last favor. I need you to put me on the phone with his pops. Ra held his hands together, thoughtful. He needed an inside track.

Okay, but I need help with an issue as well. The elder gave a firm look, then the cheeks on El Mayo's chubby face turned red with laughter. Ra started grinning. El Mayo started grinning too. The elder was a shrewd business man.

Deal, Ra nodded, and reached for his lap top. I'll be out back when you have time. Ra stood and headed out to do some personal research.

***

Carolyn sat in a meeting with her supervisor, and the other two members of their small cell. This is not why we're here, Tim stressed. Your job is to keep the asset safe, not help him go off on suicide missions! Do you understand how important this operation is?

Yes. Of course, but how do we deny the primadonna. She's crying—

She has the might of the entire Mexican government.

But, she has fear like any other mother. The might of the government, may get her son killed.

Sir, Tank, spoke up. He was a senior agent, and agreed with Tim's position most times. Tim turned to hear what Tank had to say. I believe we could use this connection to our benefit in the near future. If we were to retrieve the kid, the First Lady, and President will be inclined to accept any request made by us in the future.

Tim rolled that over a second, and turned to the final member of their small team. And Jess what do you think?

I would be happy to help rescue the kid. With our skill set, it's highly probable. Jessie was the weapon specialist of the cell. She hadn't been in the field in several years, and would love a little action.

This is my warning . . . if something happens to the asset, you all can pack your bags. With that, Tim stood up, and left the three of them sitting.

Carolyn shook her head. All this bastard cares about is his money, her eyes rolled.

***

Felix Sanchez's father was extremely receptive when he received the call from El Mayo. A respected retired jefe, that could possibly shine light on their current crisis.

. . .yes Mayo. This snake has disrupted a lot with his foolishness, the father complained into the phone. They don't live by the same rules. So, yes I'm open for anything at this point. We're afraid to move around here.

Good. I have someone that wish to speak with you. How's your English?

My English is fine, he respond.

Okay, this line is secure of course . . . he and your son has some history, but my grandson promises that everything is in the past.

Sure El Mayo, I'll talk, the elder agreed.

El Mayo passed the phone to Ra. There was a huge grin on Ra's face as he took the phone. This was crazy.

Hola, Jefe. Your son knows me as Ra. And, I'm sure he doesn't have too much good to say, Ra smiled.

This is true, the elder on the other end chuckled. You are the bad taste in his mouth. But, I personally appreciated that warning you passed on in the states. You did not have to do that. So, that alone has earned you an unbiased ear. I'm listening . . .

Thank you, Ra paused a second. The way I think I'm understanding this situation is that, our friend Marco has caused trouble, because you invaded his home base. And snatching the kid is a huge problem.

That's the meat, sí.

Okay, this is my pitch. Remove your men from Monterrey, if he agrees to turn the kid over. Alive of course . . . It will take the heat off of you guys, and I'll make sure the right people know you weren't involved. As a show of good faith, I'll be indebted to you. Any favor, outside of hurting my family, is yours. Ra looked across the room at El Mayo and Liz. All three of them held their breaths. There was a long pause on the other end. Ra pushed the speaker phone, and sat the phone down on the coffee table.

Will the President know that Golfo had no hand in the kidnapping?

Yes. Ra nodded at the phone.

And, who will receive the boy? We have no parts.

Correct. I will receive the boy, but I will need for you to make a call to Marco, to broker the deal. You guys back out of his territory, if he agrees to hand the boy over.

If he refuses?

I'm still indebted to you for trying.

Okay . . . I'll give it a shot. After me, and my men regroup, you will help me regain whatever we're giving up? This was the Jefe's. Ra gained the nick name El General because of his tactical mind. He actually out witted Felix in the states.

It would be my pleasure, Ra answered. Marco put a half million dollar bounty out on my head. But, you must tame Felix, Ra teased.

I may have better luck with Marco, the elder laughed as they hung up. Ra looked down at the phone nodding his head. Thanks poppa. He walked over and gave the elder a firm hand shake. The retired boss was a perfect mentor. Once we get proof of life, I got it from there, Ra nodded and hurried off. It was time for Carolyn to work her magic. She had gained the nick name The Wolf, because she could track anybody on the planet, if she got a scent.

Liz turned to El Mayo when Ra cleared the room. You people will leave him alone after this job, she scolded El Mayo. His face lit up into that handsome smile.

This is your problem. This comes from The Shelter, not me, he wagged his finger. She gave him that beady eyed look. He knew what the hell she was talking about.

***

Rosa was on Sophia's heels about what she saw in the basement. You were really into it, Rosa smirked. Is he really that good?

To me he is. I don' know, she hunched her shoulder, while watching Ra hurry off in the truck.

That's why I don't like having sex with the guys around here, Rosa turned her nose up. They're to inexperienced. I need something like that.

Not all of them, Lety weighed in. I hear Pablo is real good. And Manny, she started smiling. I like Manny, but just for sex, she flashed a sneaky smile.

You fucked Manny? Rosa eyes got big.

Noo, not yet, but we been talking.

The Shelter housed over a hundred people. About 30% of that number were young men. Nice looking young men, who've lived here on the grounds since they were young boys.

I think Leon is cute, Rosa admitted. And I like how he carries himself. But, I don't know if he's good in bed.

Is that all you care about? Sophia challenged.

No, but right now, that's all I need. I don't need a husband.

The trio sat around talking, while looking out into the fields. These three had been best friends for a good while, and they were no longer girls. Adulthood was creeping up with rapid speed, and it was time to start thinking about life beyond The Shelter. A thought that was quite scary to a lot of the young adults around there.

***

The boss of the Los Zetas Cartel was a war savvy veteran by the name of Marco Gonzales. A revered strategist throughout Mexico, who also had a reputation for playing extremely dirty. There were no extremes Marco wasn't willing to take in order to gain an advantage. Snatching the President's son was one of these extremes.

The Golfo Cartel were not only infringing on his plaza (drug route) in Monterrey, they were also expanding their business into Texas. Felix Sanchez waltzes into Houston, and drop the cocaine prices by three grand. Marco lost it when he found out.

Felix has to go, Marco decided. This fucking idiot don't understand business. Don't fuck wit thee market prices! He stressed like it was an unforgiving rule.

Jefe. If we clip Felix, that will start a huge war. A war we cannot afford right–

Nada. Marco pointed. He's a fucking boy. There are plenty ways to teach a boy, a devilish smile creased Marco's face. He knew exactly how he planned on shutting Felix Sanchez down.

If the President is taking this hard line against cartel corruption, he would be very hard on someone who went after his familia. . .'

When Marco received a call from Fellepe Sanchez, he was not surprised one bit. Marco knew that the military pressure had to be bad for business. He gloated into the phone, as Fellepe talked.

Not just your men out of Monterrey, Maco countered. Your business in Houston needs to stop. No one wants you there.

Monterrey is the business in Houston, Fellepe clarified. Marco understood. These farm boys found some type of route into the United States through Monterrey.

I'll release the boy, after I know your men are gone.

Of course I'll need proof of life, before I agree to do anything.

Sure, Marco snorts. The kid is alive.

Take down this number, Fellepe grunted. He was so upset talking to this jerk, he wanted to send a bomb through the phone.

Chapter 2

Ra looked over at Carolyn as the phone rang. She nodded for him to answer. Everything was set up. Sophia stood ready to interpret.

Hola? Ra answered the phone on speaker.

You need proof of life? Here is your proof. The caller put the phone to the kid's ear.

Bruno, are you all right? Sophia asked in Spanish.

Momma!

The phone was quickly snatched away. I'm sending the video. I expect the men to start moving after you receive.

Ra looked across the room to Carolyn. She nodded her head on the location. She had the phone tracked.

I understand, Ra said.

Any false move, the boy is dead.

The men are moving. Tell me the meet up spot.

I'll call back in hour. The phone went dead.

Ra grabbed the phone, and looked at the room. Can we arrive within an hour? He looked hopeful.

Hell Yeah, Carolyn answered. Let's go.

The team hurried out of the door. Sophia called Esperanza as they headed out.

Yeah? Esperanza answered first ring.

Tell the First Lady Bruno is alive. We're going to get him now. I'm sending video to your phone.

Bruno is alive, Espeanza announced to the room.

Oh god. Are you sure? The Fist Lady rushed to the phone. She needed to hear more.

Hold on primadonna, Esperanza looked down at her phone. She's about to send video.

How can they know where he is already? Are you sure it's my son?

No sooner the question left her mouth, the video came through. Esperanza passed her phone to La Primadonna.

My god, her hand went to her mouth. It's my baby. The video showed Bruno sitting in the back of some type of cage. It looked like a big dog kennel. That broke her to pieces. Why would they do this? She broke down, and started shaking.

Madre, he's alive. We know he's alive, Isabella hurried over to comfort her. Isabella looked up at Esperanza confused. How can they have found him so fast, but my dad's men can't—

El General know these cartel people. He might have paid for the information, I don't know Bella.

But Bella looked on like she smelled a rat.

***

Tim couldn't help but to micro-manage the mission. Loosing an asset like Ra was not as easily replaced as his team may think. He planned to see them through this, then tighten up the reins on the operation. They weren't here to play vigilante.

Tim had live footage feed up on the big screen, in their small operation center. Everything Carolyn was looking at, showed on his screen. The boy was tracked to the territory of Los Zetas, and he sat smack dead in the middle of a fucking hornets nest. Hostiles were everywhere.

I don't like this, Tim stared at the screen.

***

Jefe, the men are leaving, one of Marco's scouts spoke into the phone.

All of them? Marco asked

Sí.

Okay, keep a close eye on them. I need to make sure this is no trick. Call me when they are truly gone . . . then I'll release the boy.

Copy. The scout put the binoculars back to his eyes. Let's follow, he told the driver, but stay back.

The driver nodded, and slowly pulled out into traffic, after the last truck piled up and left. The scout followed the Golfo for more than 20 minutes, before he called his boss back. 'This looked legitimate.'

***

Ra and the small team drove pass the store front that held Bruno. He looked over Carolyn's shoulder as she studied the thermal imaging inside the building. A small figure could be seen in the back of the building, alone. This might be Bruno here, Carolyn pointed at the lone figure.

Give me a shot of the back of the building, Ra looked closer. There were only two bodies shown in the front of the building.

Carolyn typed in for a physical view, and the back of the building popped up on the screen. The image showed a steel back door, and a row of narrow windows, that looked to be second story. Ra eyes searched the ground. He looked for a ladder or something to climb on.

Team one, stay in position, Ra spoke into his head set. I'm going around the back.

No, the secret service man spat. We stick to the plan.

Sometimes we improvise, Ra smiled as their van turned the corner. Bruno is alone in the back. Just be ready to cover me when we come out.

If something happens to Bruno—

Ra pulled the ear piece out of his ear. He didn't need to hear the rest of that statement. Jessie pulled to the side of the road.

When I call, I need two of y'all to walk into the store to walk me out.

Got it, Jessie nodded. Ra looked at Sophia and winked. With that, he climbed out of the van. He looked around the street, and pulled the baseball hat down on his head.

Ra looked like a guy delivering water, or some type of supplies. The ole dark brown Dickies outfit did the trick, with a clip board in his hand.

This was Mexico . . . people looked up, but common folk minded their own business, here. Ra moved like he was actually doing a job.

He replaced his ear piece, and looked down to the clip board like he was checking his paper work.

Talk me Red. How we look?

Still clear. Carolyn came back.

Ra hurried down the short alley, and walked into the back of the building. Wasting no time, he walked right over to a stack of wooden skids, to start a make shift ladder. He quickly began stacking the skids up. Carolyn, Jessie, and Sophia held their breath as they watched him on the screen.

Ra hopped on top of the skids, and steadied himself. He squatted down for a good balance, then jumped as hard as he could. His hands grabbed hold of the window frame, and held on a second to steady himself. Ra adjusted his fingers a little to get a better grip, then simply pulled himself up like the ledge was a pull up bar. Ra looked inside the window, and noticed the boy in a small cage.

I see the boy, he whispered. Ra quickly grabbed hold of one of the iron bars running across, and pulled himself up further. The window almost bulked under his pressure. I gotta hurry, he talked to himself. The window was opened at a slant. He grabbed hold of the inside of the window, and pulled himself further. His next move was getting the upper half of his body through the narrow opening.

The women watched as Ra snaked his body through the window. Carolyn held her breath the entire time. Soon as he got the top half of his body all the way inside, he knew he had it.

I'm in, he whispered. Ra worked the rest of his body through the window, then did a quick hang jump to the floor. There was a loud thud, that made him look around nervous. Talk to me Red.

No one out front has moved. She stared at the screen. The bodies in the front were still.

Send my ladies in.

Copy. Carolyn turned to the women. Jessie, Sophie, you're up.

The two women happily climbed out of the van, and headed for the corner. Women had that type of advantage. People wouldn't immediately see women as threats. Sex was the initial thought. Sophia, and Jessie walked up the street with no problem.

Ra walked over to the cage and put a finger to his mouth. He had a phone to his ear.

Hello?

Esperanza, Ra whispered. Talk to Bruno while I work on this lock. Tell him I'm here to help.

Okay, Esperanza waved the First Lady over. Ra passed the boy the phone. Bruno, Esperanza whispered in Spanish. that man is there to help you. Listen to everything he tell you. Here is your momma.

Bruno babe—

Momma!

Ra looked up, and put his finger to his mouth. He had a steel pipe in his hand.

Bruno babe. You listen to that man. He is there to help. You hear me babe?

Sí, he nodded his little head. Bruno watched as Ra used the pipe to break the aluminum fence. He wedged the pipe between the fence, then began pulling.

Once a piece snapped, Ra dropped the pipe, and grabbed a hold of the fence with both hands. He put his foot to the side pipe, and yanked as hard as he could. The fence damn near fell apart he yanked so hard. Bruno ducked to the back of the cage.

Come on, Ra waved him forward. The boy hurried to the hole in the fence, and climbed through. Bruno stood up, and looked at Ra for further instructions.

Red we're ready to come out. How we looking?

Hold on. Carolyn went to Jessie. He's ready to come out.

I hear him, Jessie whispered, and sat her items down of the counter. I'll take one of those scratch offs too, she nodded to the side of the register. The cashier nodded with a flirty smile. The second guy was looking Sophia up and down like he wanted to eat her for lunch. Both men were distracted.

Jessie quickly pulled out a silenced 9 miller meter, instead of a wallet.

Qué los— 'Pop-pop.' he caught two bullets right between the eyes.

The second guy went to react, and Auw!

Sophia stabbed him in the throat, right as his hand gripped the gun. He looked at her shocked, when she snatched the knife back. The man was forced to grabbed at his throat, while he fell out of his seat.

We're clear, Jessie whispered.

Ra nodded and looked down at the boy. Let's get outta here Bruno. Ra picked the six year old boy up like he was a toy poodle. Team one, get in position. We're coming out with the package.

"Team one copy.