El Tiburón: McGee Crime Series, #3

By H. Schussman

Sean McGee, agent for the CIA, is on a routine drug trafficking case in Guatemala when his wife is kidnapped in an attempt to stop him. It has the opposite effect. McGee follows a trail of corruption leading him back to the USA.
The much sought after criminal, El Tiburón (The Shark), is watching from the shadows. He has been controlling the drug borders of the USA from the inside. He is untouchable, until now. Suddenly exposed, El Tiburón fights back.
But McGee and his own team of local indigenous Guatemalans and military-trained Americans refuse to back down. The tension mounts as the victims of generations of suppression join in the battle that will risk lives. McGee will rescue his wife no matter the stakes, but will this be his final fight?

• Language: English
• Publisher: H. Schussman
• Release date: Nov 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215637883

H. Schussman

Heidi Schussman Gilbert was born in a small Northern California coastal town to a police officer and a mother who gave up med school to raise a family. She was raised to think on her feet and view adventure as way of life. She starting shooting when she was five years old, and continues to practice her marksmanship. Schussman began working when she was eleven years old, starting her first business when she was thirteen selling flower arrangements at a flea market. Now Schussman's favorite past-time is traveling with her husband of thirty-five years. Travel for H. Schussman is usually a cultural immersion, actually living with families in Spanish speaking countries or in Italy and Portugal. When in the tropics, they SCUBA dive every chance they get. The rest of Schussman's time is divided between gardening, exercise, and of course writing. She carefully researches weaponry and police/military intervention. Schussman believes research is a critical component of writing conspiracy theory. All good conspiracies are based on solid facts… that is what makes them believable. H. Schussman has published five conspiracy novels. COUNTERPART is a complex Russian conspiracy. This is the introduction of the popular characters, Sean and Sport. These two captured the hearts of readers, so EL TIBURON brings them back by request. EL TIBURON is a conspiracy set in Central America, mostly Guatemala. A group of teens on a mission trip to Colombia find themselves in THE CROSSFIRE OF REVENGE. Then Schussman gives us SAVE THE GIRLS as the backstory on the beloved character, Sean McGee, as he rescues girls from human trafficking and prostitution. Her most recent book in this crime series, PIRATESSA, is a black-widow story set amongst the billionaire playboys in the yachting community of Costa Rica. H. Schussman interviewed and wrote the biography for a rocket engineer legend, Clay Boyce—BRINGING APOLLO HOME. His life leading up to being a chief engineer on the Apollo Program and beyond are written in a fast-paced story-telling style. Last year Schussman turned her hand to writing a romantic comedy with a criminal element, of course. THE TATTERED BOOK answers the question; What would happen if the main character in a book fell in love with the reader? She claims this was the most difficult book to write to date, however she is now writing the sequel; THE SECOND TATTERED BOOK. H. Schussman also writes two blogs: A Dashing Bold A...

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El Tiburón

H. Schussman

Published and Written by H. Schussman

Second Edition 11/19/2023

Copyright 2023 H. Schussman

El Tiburón Reviews

With well-developed, modern day characters on a white-knuckled ride, El Tiburon kept me on the edge of my seat.

Claire Fullerton (Author of Dancing to An Irish Reel)

Once again Sport and Sean McGee find themselves in the midst of another adventure. Along the streets of Guatemala, Sport and Sean find themselves dealing with the infamous Guatemalan Cartel. Is the Cartel in bed with our CIA? Danger and suspense is around every corner. El Tiburon is an excellent story with nonstop action, and a great plot. It is an enjoyable and delightful read from beginning to end that you won’t be able to put down!

Jeanette Lawson

I really enjoyed reading this book. In fact, I turned off the TV each evening so I could hop into bed and relish it! From the beginning of the book, it builds like a slow crescendo until the end. Heidi includes fascinating facts about several Central American cultures, making you feel like you are right there. Of particular interest to me was the description of the basurero, or the city within the dump in Guatemala, and the tying in the story of the occupants of the basurero to the intrigue of the hunt for the drug lords by the CIA. This is her second book and I am excited to now be reading the first book, enjoying the beginning of love story that is continued in El Tiburon

Mary Hall

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This book is licensed for your enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a purely fictional story. Any parallel to real life is unintentional.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

There are many people to whom I owe thanks, especially my amazing husband, Joe. Thanks for your belief in me, and your creative help getting me past writer’s block. I don’t know how I would have done it without you.

My thanks go to my Vinspire Publishing for originally publishing this book. Also thanks to David Ruiz del Vizo, my first editor of El Tiburón. I appreciate your encouragement to get this published.

Thanks to Douglas Potter for badgering me. Every time we saw you, you would ask, What’s new with Sport? You believed in me and never let me give up with my first novel, and continued to push for the second.

Many thanks to all my friends and family, especially my second mom-Kathy Schussman, Aunt Judy Maben, my sister Debbie Paul, Jeanette Lawson, Mary Hall, Marylou Lopez, Theresa Lynch, Bill Roehrich, and Kim Highsmith.

Most of my thanks go to God who created me and my wacky imagination.

Prologue

Alonsa crept along the side of the black SUV. It was just before midnight on a smoky night. Volcán de Fuego had erupted that afternoon causing an ashy haze to hide the moon. Alonsa took a deep breath. She needed to cross the courtyard to get to the wall. She would be free if she could scale the wall. The group of men continued making small talk, unaware of her proximity.

A slight rustling sound behind Alonsa made her spin around in alarm. The other slave who shared the master’s bed was behind her. Alonsa could barely make out her features. The scar ran diagonally across her cheek and chin. For years they’d been together, loving each other as sisters caught in the same web. Alonsa’s spirit drooped. She couldn’t leave Raimunda behind.

Raimy? What are you doing here? Alonsa whispered. Her friend and protector for the last four years lifted a finger to Alonsa’s lips, and slowly shook her head. Gently Raimunda kissed both of Alonsa’s cheeks in a solemn farewell, and stepped around the truck into the open. Alonsa stared in stunned silence, not understanding at first that her friend was sacrificing herself. Now she could see that Raimunda was wearing Alonsa’s clothing. As Raimunda stepped around to the other side of the SUV she made a scuffing sound with her feet on the packed dirt driveway.

The conversation stopped as the men turned toward the sound. Alonsa could see Raimunda lift her hands and aim a gun at them. Alonsa dropped to her hands and knees, and scurried to the wall. One shot was fired from Raimunda’s side followed by a shower of bullets from the group of men as they scattered.

Alonsa ran through the darkness to the area she had been preparing for since the master had grown tired of her and let her tend the garden. Alonsa had set pots around a small tree. Now she quickly stacked them and climbed up. With one hand on top, she turned to take one last look at her best friend. She lifted herself up and kicked away the pots. Hoisting herself up on top of the wall she muffled a cry of pain as the shards of embedded glass cut her hands and then her thighs. Suddenly the sky lit up and a massive explosion punched the air as the SUV exploded.

Then Alonsa understood. She had just died, and was now set free.

Chapter One

He was a tough lean man. The dark magnified his sharp features and coffee colored skin. His bodyguards towered over him in stature, but not power. Few men in Central America matched the fear he created in those who served him, and especially those who opposed him.

At the moment he stood in a cloud of smoke from his cigar. A guard near him glanced at his mobile phone when the screen lit up with a new text message.

It’s done, Jefe, the guard told his boss.

El Jefe, ‘The Boss’, dropped his cigar, grinding it out on the cobblestone walkway in his garden. Turning, he walked back to the house. His men followed.

Confirm the hits. Send a bouquet of flowers to their families. White lilies with a black bow… and a note…. His piercing ferret eyes gleamed in the porch light. ’Death is especially painful to those who are the cause.’ These Mexicans must learn to stay out of our business. He gave a low chuckle as he walked into his house alone. No family, no friends. Just bodyguards.

***

The next morning started as a typical day for Sport. She was sound asleep with a pillow over her head when her husband came in to shut off the alarm. He shook her inert form, knowing from experience that though she may appear dead she was not. She twisted away and burrowed deeper, making a growling sound.

It’s Monday morning, whether you like it or not, Sean informed her. It’s seven o’clock, Babe. You have a full schedule. Wake up.

Coffee?

Right here.

Sport threw the pillow and blankets back dramatically, and lay with her arms thrown wide for several moments before swinging to the side of the bed. Forty-five minutes, and two cups of coffee later she was out the door with the third cup in her hand.

Sean stood waving good-bye as she backed the Jeep out of the garage. He leaned pensively against the doorframe for several minutes after Sport left. Though he had played it off lightly the day before, he was concerned about Sport. She was a perceptive woman. As a detective, Sean had learned to appreciate the talent for observing subtleties and nuances of human behavior his wife seemed to come by naturally. Sport had experienced the ebb and flow of his disappearing acts in their short marriage, but this time she was quiet. She was concerned about something. Sean decisively pushed off from the doorway. In his home office he logged off the data base of the CIA.

An hour later he was still trying different searches when his partner popped up an instant message to ask him what he was doing. You are all over the place buddy! What are you doing? None of your searches have anything to do with the cases we are working on.

You nosey S.O.B.! Sean retorted with a laugh. Stop snooping around my computer. Sean leaned back to await the reply.

I can’t help it, you’re irresistible. Let’s have breakfast.

The IM disappeared from the screen and the arrow began to go through the process of shutting down the computer while Sean watched.

I hate it when he does that, Sean told the feline sprawled across the desk. The Scottish Fold lifted her head and gave Sean the scared, owlish look common for the breed. Sean gently patted the round head as he stood up. Well, Scaredy-cat, I gotta go.

Sean pulled a t-shirt on and slid his feet into a pair of flip-flops at the door. Good-bye kids, I’ll be back in a bit.

He strolled into the up-beat coffee shop within ten minutes. His partner hadn’t arrived so Sean stood in line to order for them both. He settled into his favorite pastime—people watching. Sean could guess what drink someone would order just by looking at them. He decided the pencil thin woman in front of him would order something non-fat, and then he realized she was too thin. She was either genetically thin or obsessively thin. After noting the long slender nose, he revised his decision and chose a mocha with whip cream. She leaned forward and ordered a mocha with whipped cream in a nasal voice. Sean smiled.

Gary walked in and spotted him in line. He indicated the much-coveted plush lounge chairs by the window. Sean nodded in approval. Gary always ordered the same thing. Sean always ordered something different. The teenager at the register smiled at Sean and shouted out Gary’s order, Large coffee with room for cream! So, Sean, what do you want today?

I’ll try the light peppermint mocha Frappuccino, with whip, and those little sprinkle thingies on it. And a biscotti… no… a plain scone! Sean turned and pointed at the bakery display. Gary shook his head no. That’s it.

Sean walked with the ease of an athlete and beach bum. His upbringing in San Diego had left a style which often deceived people into underestimating both his speed and his intelligence. This suited Sean perfectly. His partner was also athletically built, but he had an abrupt manner that made him less approachable. His keen eyes followed the movements of those around him in a way that made people slightly uneasy. Gary liked it that way.

At a glance anyone would assume they were work-out partners at some local gym. Both in shorts and sweatshirts. Sean sank into the soft chair. The cushions were much more comfortable with their guns against their backs in snug lumbar holsters.

So what’s the interest in language schools? Gary asked immediately. Are you guys planning a total immersion vacation or something?

Yeah, right! I’m gonna go on my laptop and search for a vacation spot when I own a travel agency. Sean rolled his eyes. What, do I look stupid?

Gary raised one chiseled eyebrow.

I’m researching travel excuses for going to Guatemala. Sean watched a man come in and said he’ll get a double shot straight espresso. He looked back at Gary and stated, Sport says they have a lot of schools in Guatemala. Apparently she went there, back when she was in college. She and Mellie stayed at one of those total-immersion language schools in Antigua.

No kidding? Gary affected an innocent look. And why were you talking to your wife about Guatemala? Did I miss a memo? Are we allowed to discuss our cases with civilians now?

I’m married. Married couples talk to each other about all kinds of stuff which you wouldn’t understand since the longest term relationship you’ve ever had was with your dog! Sean retorted. Besides, she brought it up because she has a patient from Guatemala. It brought back memories for her. So naturally I picked her brain about the region.

Sean shared the whole story and saw that he had kindled Gary’s interest. They both agreed that it would make it easier to go to Guatemala if they had an excuse. Once they got there, they would simply disappear. Gary assigned himself the task of researching the schools.

So let’s get started, Gary began. We have a plane wreck. Unknown act of terrorism targeting a private jet. Gary tossed several satellite photos displaying the wreckage onto the coffee table.

Yeah, I heard about it on the news.

Well this investigation is being handed over to us because the ambassador of Mexico’s son was on it.

So, someone thinks Ortiz Junior was the target, Sean commented as he glanced over the passenger list.

Yeah, Ambassador Ortiz is in a stink about it. Gary leaned back into the chair.

"A stink about it? Sean laughed at his serious friend. Where in the world do you get such archaic sayings?" Sean was rereading the list when he paused and chewed his bottom lip.

What?

Sean handed the list back to Gary. Just a familiar name. Where was this plane heading?

Arizona… Phoenix. Honestly it doesn’t look all that suspicious to me yet. Two survivors in critical condition. Had eight teenage boys on it, heading for some pre-college camp in Phoenix. It was flying over the desert south of the border when the pilot reported an explosion. That was the last transmission. So who’s the familiar name? Gary asked.

A contact of mine from way back. He used to keep me in the loop on any drug trafficking coming through Mexico from Guatemala. Now he is an official, higher up the food chain so we lost contact. Name’s Herrera. Sean stared at the wall above Gary’s head for several minutes with his brows furrowed. Ortiz’s son, Herrera, teenage boys, plane wreck… hmmm. What’s the connection?

Could be Herrera’s son. He’s one of the deceased. Maybe traveling with Ortiz Junior?

Yeah, that’s true. Sean shook his head. I hope not. Herrera is a great guy. He adored his son.

All right, let’s shift gears. We’ve got a drug lord to catch. Gary moved forward in his seat and fanned out the information he’d acquired up to date for the Guatemala trip. An hour later they separated to pursue various leads.

***

Sean was unpacking a box of brochures for a cruise line when his secure cell rang. He quickly went into his office to answer it. Looking at the name Sean flipped the phone open and said, Bueno?

Are we secure?

Yes. Sean looked at the thick walls lined inside with aluminum, no windows, no reflective material, and no decorations. No one was going to get a voice bounce here.

"How are you?’

Very good Don Herrera, how are you? Sean asked politely. He knew from experience that small talk and asking about one’s family was required for any conversation with a Mexican, especially this one. How are your children and your wife?

Ah, you must know about my son, Herrera’s voice cracked with emotion.

I wasn’t sure it was him, I’m sorry Juan. I can’t imagine how you and your wife must be feeling. Sean pinched the bridge of his nose as he remembered Juanito. Vibrant and full of promise.

You are right.. you have no idea, he responded without malice. I called to wish you well on your trip to Antigua.

How did you know I’m going to Guatemala? Sean asked, every nerve on alert. It most likely had something to do with the drug trade, but the loss of Juanito made Sean doubt the ultimate meaning.

I still have my contacts. This El Jefe you seek is a very dangerous man. He will stop at nothing to make money. Drugs, kidnapping, slavery, extortion, murder… terrorism. He has no soul. After a poignant pause, Herrera continued, "He will go after your family. He must be stopped.

Be very careful on the road from Guatemala City to Antigua… it is very dangerous, especially on the tourist busses. In Antigua go to Sangre and say hello to Cesar for me. It is a wine bar on Calle de Arco. Vaya con Dios, McGee." The line went dead.

Sean flipped his phone shut and sat silently, deep in thought. He grabbed his other phone and called Gary.

Yeah Sean, what’s up?

Let’s go for a run, Sean said as he walked through his travel agency. He mouthed "I’ll be back tomorrow," as he waved to his one travel agent.

When? Gary asked.

Now, I’ll meet you at the bridge in half an hour.

Twenty minutes later, Sean pulled into the parking lot near the beach. This swimming hole was a favorite of his when he was a teen, but on a weekday in April the lot was almost empty. The water from the underbelly of Folsom Lake poured down this short river and met Nimbus Lake here. The water was cold in the heat of summer, right now it was frigid. Sean changed into running shorts in the front seat of his 4-Runner. Hopping out, he pulled a sweatshirt over his head.

He was sitting on the tailgate, tying his shoes when Gary pulled into the spot next to him. Gary slid out of his non-descript silver Accord, already dressed to go jogging. Within minutes with no words spoken they were running up the trail leading to Folsom Lake. The trail was grueling, at times so steep they were running on their toes.

When they reached the lake they ran down the long beach to the water’s edge. After peeling off sweaty shoes, socks, and sweaters they ran into the cold water and dove under. Standing thirty feet out in waist deep water they stood panting.

So what’s going on? Gary asked. The only time they came out in the water like this was if one of them needed to be absolutely sure they weren’t overheard. No listening device was going to pick them up here. If one of them had a bug in their clothes it was underwater now.

Herrera called. He confirmed it was his son on the plane. But then he brought up our trip to Antigua, Guatemala. He told me to find his friend, Cesar at a wine bar called Sangre. Sean ran his hands through his wet hair. It’s very strange. I haven’t worked with him for years. How did he know I was going to Guatemala?

"Are you sure he knew? Maybe he was telling you to go there. You said he was your connection for drug traffic from Guatemala through Mexico. Maybe he’s still in the loop and he knows El Jefe is there right now."

Yeah, he knows El Jefe is there, and he brought up Guatemala. He hinted that his son’s death was a retaliatory act of terrorism. They stood there with their hands on their hips, lost in thought.

But why’d he tell you? Why not hand it off to one of his own people?

I was just thinking that. I think he was both warning me and giving me a lead

Do you feel this mission is compromised? Gary asked.

I don’t know. It’s either a set-up, or the best lead we’ve had yet.

Chapter Two

Congratulations! You’re going to be a mother. Sherry smiled at Sport as she handed her the test results.

Sport smiled meekly. This is good news, right? Of course it is. It’s just bad timing. They had decided to wait until this mission was over before trying to have a child. Sean would be thrilled, but he’d also be a nervous wreck. Sport couldn’t put him in that kind of danger. She would wait to tell him. From the way he was acting, it would be soon. She knew it was a major catch and it had to do with imported drugs. Based on his gentle interrogation the other day about Guatemala, she guessed it was involved in the investigation.

You look nervous. Sherry came over and sat next to her. I thought you’d be happy.

Oh, I am! Really. Sport smiled down at her test results. It’s just sooner than we’d planned, that’s all. Sean has a lot on his plate right now, so please don’t tell him yet. I’ll tell him when he gets back from this next Egyptian tour he’s leading. He’s going to be so excited.

Okay. Do you want me to run some standard tests to make sure the baby’s okay?

No thanks. Sport grinned as she stood up and put on her white lab coat. I’ve got to get back to my office. I’m swamped today.

Well take it easy now. You’ve got a precious package to protect, Sherry warned. Call if you have any questions… just because we’re doctors doesn’t mean we have all the answers! It’s okay to admit you’re not an OBGYN, Sherry teased as she walked Sport out.

***

When Sean came home from his run that evening he found Sport curled up on the couch, sound asleep. Boxer greeted him at the door, but Bunny and Scaredy Cat just looked at him from the folds of Sport’s bathrobe. Sean sat next to her on the couch and gently ran his hand down her back. She opened one sleepy eye and grinned.

Good run? she asked.

Gary ran me into the ground. Sean kissed her forehead and stood up. I’m going to take a shower.

Sport listened to him talk to Boxer as he opened the refrigerator and pour juice into the blender. The rattle of frozen fruit followed. He gulped down the smoothie, grabbed a light beer.

She wondered how long it would take him to notice she wasn’t drinking wine. Being married to a detective definitely had its draw-backs. She stretched out and yawned. Lying wasn’t her forte, but she decided to give it a try as she stood and followed him down the hall. She admired his back as he pulled off his t-shirt and tossed it on the clothes hamper.

Sean watched her sit cross legged on the bathroom floor as he waited for the water to heat up. You want me to get you a glass of wine?

No thanks. My stomach doesn’t feel so great. She grimaced as she patted her belly. Not an actual lie. I hope I’m not catching the flu.

Me too! I don’t want to get sick.

Gee Sean, your compassion is touching, she smiled. She knew it was a matter of time before he suspected something was up. Coming from a family of women, he was perceptive to changes. She had already switched the regular coffee for decaffeinated. She changed the subject.

Mom said she and Penny are going to book that Alaskan cruise you suggested. I think that’s awesome. I don’t think she’s ever gone on a fancy vacation before. My dad wasn’t much of a traveler. Sport picked at the rug with her fingers. She felt tears well up as she realized her baby would have only one grandpa, then she smiled. Being emotional must be part of pregnancy.

I was thinking we could go with them, Sean said. Alaska really is beautiful. If you want to go, we could invite my folks too. And Mr. Peterson would probably want to go.

I love it! I think that would be so fun. John is already trying to figure out how to wheedle his way into Penny’s plans. Now for the critical question. When do you want to go?

How about late September?

That was a long way off. It was only April. September? Why so long?

He rubbed the steam off the glass to get a better look at her. First of all, it’s too busy in the summer. Secondly, I didn’t think you could get time off work in May because it’s too short of notice.

Yeah, you’re right. I forget about summer rush. She calculated she’d be six months along. At least they weren’t going on a tropical cruise where she’d have to wear a maternity swimsuit.

Sean stared hard at her for a moment and went back to shaving. She was up to something. He couldn’t put a finger on it, but something was definitely on her mind.

I’m leaving soon. He wiped the glass again.

I know, she smiled up at him. I’ll miss you, but I’ll be fine.

Do you feel up to going out to dinner tonight?

I always feel like going out to dinner. I can order something mild.

***

The next evening, when Sport came home from her mother’s, the first thing she saw was an envelope with her name on it. She burst into tears as her cats circled around her feet in confusion. She walked down the hall, flung herself on the bed, and sobbed for half an hour before she opened the card from Sean.

Sweetheart,

I will be thinking of you every chance I get. You are the love of my life.

Sean

Sport gently traced the words he had written and wondered how long it would be this time. She reached for the phone and called Mellie. Mellie picked up on the second ring. After hearing Sport’s voice she said she’d be right over.

Fifteen minutes later Sport opened the door to Mellie’s timid knock. Mellie turned and waved to Randy. Randy waved back and gave Sport an understanding smile.

Are you okay? he yelled from the car.

I’ll survive. I always do! Sport answered gamely as she embraced her best friend with one arm and waved with the other.

Mellie had been Sport’s friend for most of her adult life. Their friendship had deepened further when Sport had witnessed her being shot in the head two years ago. Miraculously, Mellie had survived. She was still dating the man who had hidden her as part of a witness relocation program. Unfortunately, she suffered from short term memory loss, and preferred to get a ride when she could.

Are you really okay? Mellie asked after they shut the door. She was almost positive Sport had called her, but the memory bordered on a sense of intuition. Did something happen?

Yes and yes, Sport grinned as she led Mellie to the kitchen bar, and yes. Yes I called you. Yes I’m okay. Yes something happened.

Sport laughed at Mellie’s look of relief. She turned