Cartel

By Brian Leslie

In the dangerous world of drug cartels, no one knows who to trust. Jose Sotelo is the head of the Sotelo Cartel, the top traffickers of heroin to the United States. But when he suspects an informant in his organization, he orders his hitmen, Tolomeo López and Quintilo Meléndez, to find and make an example of them.

 

Spiro Cortez, a deep cover agent for the International Organized Drug Enforcement Unit, has been working undercover for five years within the cartel. He has risen through the ranks to become a lieutenant and is dating Jose's daughter, Yamila. However, when he learns that Jose is looking for an informant, Spiro fears for his life and decides to take drastic action. He sets up Jose's driver, Cesáreo Alvarado, as the informant and has him executed.

 

Angela Brown, Spiro's handler from the I.O.D.E., discovers that he had Cesáreo murdered and realizes that he may have turned against them. She sends in a dark agent, John Ruble, to kill him. However, Yamila sets John up, and Spiro ends up executing him himself after discovering that Angela hired him.

 

Spiro realizes that Angela is the only person who knows his true identity and decides to take her out. In a final confrontation, Yamila reveals that she was actually Angela's informant all along and that she cannot let her father know. She kills both Angela and Spiro and walks away silently, leaving behind a trail of betrayal and bloodshed.

 

The Sotelo Cartel is a thrilling tale of suspense set in the dangerous world of drug trafficking. With its twists and turns, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: True American Publishing
• Release date: Mar 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224120628

Brian Leslie

Brian Leslie is a Nationally Recognized Coercive Interrogation Expert and Best Selling Author. He is regularly retained by Federal, State, and Military Courts on high-profile murder cases throughout the United States.

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

In the dangerous world of drug cartels, no one knows who to trust. Jose Sotelo is the head of the Sotelo Cartel, the top traffickers of heroin to the United States. But when he suspects an informant in his organization, he orders his hitmen, Tolomeo López and Quintilo Meléndez, to find and make an example of them.

––––––––

Spiro Cortez, a deep cover agent for the International Organized Drug Enforcement Unit, has been working undercover for five years within the cartel. He has risen through the ranks to become a lieutenant and is dating Jose's daughter, Yamila. However, when he learns that Jose is looking for an informant, Spiro fears for his life and decides to take drastic action. He sets up Jose's driver, Cesáreo Alvarado, as the informant and has him executed.

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Angela Brown, Spiro's handler from the I.O.D.E., discovers that he had Cesáreo murdered and realizes that he may have turned against them. She sends in a dark agent, John Ruble, to kill him. However, Yamila sets John up, and Spiro ends up executing him himself after discovering that Angela hired him.

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Spiro realizes that Angela is the only person who knows his true identity and decides to take her out. In a final confrontation, Yamila reveals that she was actually Angela's informant all along and that she cannot let her father know. She kills both Angela and Spiro and walks away silently, leaving behind a trail of betrayal and bloodshed.

––––––––

The Sotelo Cartel is a thrilling tale of suspense set in the dangerous world of drug trafficking. With its twists and turns, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

CHAPTER 1

The dimly lit room was filled with an air of tension so thick one could almost taste it. Spiro Cortez sat at the large, wooden table; his fingers steepled together as he carefully regarded both Jose Sotelo and his daughter, Yamila. The only sound in the room was the steady ticking of an antique clock on the wall, counting down the seconds to a decision that could change everything.

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Jose, Spiro began cautiously, I believe we should consider expanding our operations to the east. It's a risk, but the rewards would be substantial. He held his breath for a moment, knowing that every word had to be chosen carefully to avoid suspicion. What do you think?

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Jose leaned back in his chair, his piercing brown eyes never leaving Spiro's face. And what makes you so sure this is a good idea? he asked, his voice low and dangerous. Spiro felt the weight of that gaze, like a physical force bearing down on him, threatening to expose the truth hidden beneath his charming exterior.

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Because it's an untapped market, ripe for the taking, Spiro replied, maintaining eye contact with the cartel leader. We have the resources, the connections, and the expertise to make a significant impact there.

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Yamila, who had been silent up until this point, finally spoke up. My father is right to be cautious, Spiro, she said, her voice soft yet firm. We can't afford any missteps. Tell me, how will you ensure our success in this endeavor?

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Spiro turned his attention to Yamila, trying not to let his emotions betray him. His relationship with her was a delicate balancing act, and he couldn't afford to let it slip. I've already begun scouting potential allies and suppliers in the area, he explained. We'll approach them with careful diplomacy, offering mutually beneficial deals that they'd be foolish to refuse.

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Your confidence is admirable, Spiro, Jose said, his tone unreadable. But remember, in this business, loyalty is everything. I need to know that I can trust you to put the interests of the cartel above all else.

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Of course, Jose, Spiro replied without hesitation, his voice steady. You have my unwavering loyalty. The words tasted like ash in his mouth, but he knew they were necessary.

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The room fell silent again, the ticking of the clock filling the void as Jose and Yamila exchanged a long, meaningful look. Finally, Jose leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. Very well, he said. We'll proceed with your plan, but know this, Spiro – if you fail us, there will be consequences.

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Spiro nodded solemnly, hiding the storm of emotions brewing beneath his calm facade. This was a dangerous game he was playing, and one wrong move could mean not only his own death but the destruction of everything he held dear. As the meeting came to an end and the three of them stood to leave, Spiro couldn't help but wonder if this was the point of no return.

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The air was thick with the scent of cigar smoke, each curling wisp a reminder of the power that filled the room. The walls were adorned with opulent artwork and trophies from Jose Sotelo's numerous conquests, both in business and in blood. As Spiro sat at the meeting table, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the cartel's influence bearing down on him like a physical presence, a constant reminder of the danger he faced as an undercover agent.

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Jose, Spiro began, his voice smooth and confident despite the tension in the room. The new shipment has arrived, and our partners are eager to proceed with the distribution.

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Excellent, replied Jose, a light flickering in his eyes as he leaned forward. Our reach is expanding, Spiro. Soon, we will control every aspect of the drug trade in this region.

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As Jose spoke, Spiro studied the map spread out before them, noting the various territories marked by colored pins – red for the Sotelo Cartel, green for their allies, and black for their enemies. His mind raced, cataloging the information and searching for any gaps or weaknesses that could be exploited. It was a delicate balancing act, gathering intelligence without arousing suspicion. But it was a skill he had honed over years of working deep cover and one that had served him well so far.

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Of course, with greater power comes greater responsibility, Spiro mused, carefully gauging Jose's reaction. We must ensure that our operations remain efficient and secure, even as we grow.

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Indeed, agreed Jose, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. Which is why I trust you to oversee the expansion and make certain that our interests are protected.

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Thank you, Jose. I won't let you down, Spiro said, his voice betraying no hint of the turmoil within him. As he spoke, he mentally filed away the information gleaned from the meeting. The Sotelo Cartel was growing bolder and more ambitious, and if he didn't find a way to bring them down soon, the consequences would be unthinkable.

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Good, Jose nodded, his eyes flicking briefly toward Yamila before returning to Spiro. And remember, Spiro – loyalty is everything in this business. You've proven yourself a valuable asset so far, but never forget who you serve.

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Of course not, Jose, Spiro responded, feeling the weight of those words like a vice around his chest. He knew all too well the price of betrayal, and it was one he could not afford to pay.

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The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows across the room as the three of them sat in silence. The scent of Yamila's perfume lingered in the air, a delicate yet intoxicating reminder of her presence. Spiro found it difficult to focus solely on the business at hand, his thoughts drifting towards her more than once during their tense discussion.

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Yamila, why don't you tell us about the new shipment coming from Colombia? Jose prompted, his gaze never leaving Spiro.

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Of course, Father, she replied, studying the documents before her with an intensity that belied her youth. It appears the quality of the product is even higher than our usual standard, and the suppliers are eager to establish a long-term partnership.

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Excellent, Jose said, nodding in approval. But his eyes remained fixed on Spiro as if searching for any sign of weakness or deception.

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Spiro could feel the mounting pressure, knowing that one false move could spell disaster not only for himself but for Yamila as well. Their secret affair was like a ticking time bomb, threatening to destroy everything they'd worked for and everyone they cared about.

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By the way, Yamila, I heard you were seen talking to one of the guards last night, Spiro said casually, hoping to divert Jose's attention while simultaneously gauging Yamila's reaction.

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Ah, yes, she replied, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly. He was just telling me about his family back home. It was nothing significant.

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Spiro felt a twinge of jealousy at the thought of another man sharing intimate details with Yamila, but he quickly pushed it aside. This was no time for personal distractions.

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Very well, Jose said, finally breaking eye contact with Spiro. We must always be vigilant, especially now that we're expanding our operations. We can't afford any loose ends or security breaches.

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Absolutely, Jose, Spiro agreed, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew the risks they were taking, but the thrill of their forbidden love was more intoxicating than any drug he'd ever encountered.

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As the meeting drew to a close, Spiro couldn't help but steal a lingering glance at Yamila. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and in that instant, he knew they'd do whatever it took to protect one another – even if it meant betraying everything they stood for.

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But as he rose from his seat and prepared to leave, Jose's voice stopped him cold. Remember, Spiro, he said, his tone chillingly calm. In this business, trust is earned, not given. And loyalty can be a double-edged sword.

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Spiro nodded, swallowing hard as he felt the weight of those words sink in. This dangerous game they were playing was far from over, and with each passing day, the stakes grew higher, and the line between love and betrayal grew thinner.

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The room was dimly lit, casting ominous shadows across the faces of those present. The air hung heavy with tension and danger as if a single misstep could ignite a catastrophic chain reaction. Spiro Cortez sat rigidly in his chair, acutely aware of every movement and expression around him. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, not even for a moment.

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Trust is everything, Jose Sotelo said, his deep voice resonating through the room. His eyes bore into Spiro's, searching for any sign of weakness or deceit. Without it, we are nothing.

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Of course, Jose, Spiro replied, carefully choosing each word. I've always been loyal to you and the cartel.

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As he spoke, Spiro noticed Yamila Sotelo – Jose's sister and his own secret lover – shift uncomfortably in her seat. Her dark eyes flicked nervously between him and her brother, betraying her inner turmoil. Spiro knew that she, too, was walking a fine line between loyalty and betrayal.

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Actions speak louder than words, Spiro, Jose continued, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table. You've proven yourself capable so far, but can I truly trust you when it matters most?

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Absolutely, Spiro said firmly, doing his best to project an aura of unwavering confidence. Internally, however, he felt the pressure mounting. Maintaining his cover was becoming increasingly difficult, especially with Yamila involved.

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Good, Jose said, leaning back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. Just remember, loyalty can be fickle. We've seen it happen before. He glanced around the room, and everyone shifted uneasily in their seats, recalling past betrayals and the bloody consequences that followed.

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Jose, I assure you my loyalty is unwavering, Spiro insisted, his voice steady despite the pounding of his heart. He couldn't help but wonder how long he could keep up this charade – and what the cost would be when it all came crashing down.

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Let's hope it stays that way, Jose said, his gaze lingering on Spiro for a moment longer before moving on to other matters. Now, let's discuss our next shipment.

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As the conversation shifted, Spiro forced himself to focus on the task at hand, gathering information and analyzing the cartel's movements. But throughout the meeting, he couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease, the constant fear that his true identity would be exposed.

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He knew that trust and loyalty were the threads holding everything together – but how long would they continue to hold? Only time will tell.

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The shadows of the room seemed to deepen as a sudden silence fell over the gathered cartel members, their eyes riveted on the intricate patterns of spilled wine that spread across the expensive tablecloth. Spiro's heart raced, his mind reeling from the near-miss moments earlier when Jose had questioned his loyalty.

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Your attention, please, Jose commanded, snapping Spiro out of his thoughts. His voice was calm, yet it carried an air of authority that forced everyone in the room to obey. Our business is not yet done.

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Spiro's palms grew clammy as he listened to Jose outline the details of the next shipment, the weight of his double life pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket. The stakes were higher than ever, and one misstep could cost him everything.

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Is there a problem, Spiro? Yamila asked, her dark eyes piercing into his with a mixture of concern and suspicion. She knew him better than anyone else in the room, and her gaze seemed to strip away his carefully constructed facade.

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No, Spiro replied, his voice betraying a hint of weakness. He couldn't tell if it was the pressure of the situation or the intensity of Yamila's stare that sent a shiver down his spine. No problem at all.

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But as he tried to concentrate on the task at hand, doubt crept in, whispering insidious questions in the back of his mind. Was this worth the risk? Could he continue to play both sides without consequences? And what would happen to Yamila if his cover was blown?

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Good, Jose said with a nod, seemingly satisfied with Spiro's response. I expect nothing less than your complete dedication.

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A light tap on the door interrupted the meeting, and a member of the cartel's security detail stepped inside his expression grave. Mr. Sotelo, there's something you need to see.

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Very well, Jose replied, rising from his seat. We will continue this later. He glanced at Spiro one last time before exiting the room, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

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Spiro's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Jose disappear down the dimly-lit hallway, the door closing with an ominous click. He couldn't ignore the sense of foreboding that gripped him, the feeling that things were about to change – and not for the better.

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Be careful, Spiro, Yamila whispered, her voice barely audible above the murmurs of the remaining cartel members. Something doesn't feel right.

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Neither do I, he admitted, swallowing hard. As he looked into her eyes, he knew that the choices he made from here on out would not only determine his own fate but hers as well. The game was changing, and there was no turning back.

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Promise me you'll be careful, she urged, her hand brushing against his for the briefest of moments.

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I promise, he whispered, knowing that the real danger had only just begun.

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Spiro's eyes followed the lean silhouette of Tolomeo López as he entered the room, his tattoos shimmering beneath the dim light. The air thickened with tension. Spiro's fingers curled around the base of his glass, knuckles whitening.

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Sit down, Jose ordered, his voice cold and steady as ice.

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Tolomeo took a seat, his gaze flicking between Spiro and Yamila. We found something during our last shipment, he began, a cruel grin stretching across his face. Something that doesn't belong.

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Show me, Jose demanded.

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Tolomeo reached into his jacket pocket and placed an object on the table, wrapped in cloth. As he unwrapped it, Spiro's heart skipped a beat.

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A tracking device.

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Where did you find this? Jose asked, his voice dangerously low.

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Inside one of the crates, Quintilo added, his eyes narrowing as they met Spiro's. Someone's been playing us.

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Damn it, how did they find it? Spiro thought, his pulse racing.

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Yamila, Jose said, turning to his daughter, I want you to find out who is responsible for this. They will pay for their betrayal.

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Of course, Father. Yamila's voice was steady, but her hand trembled slightly as she picked up the device.

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Maybe we should start with our new 'friend' here, Tolomeo suggested, his eyes never leaving Spiro's face.

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Enough, Tolomeo, Jose snapped. For now, we focus on finding the traitor among us.

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Very well, Tolomeo conceded, his gaze lingering on Spiro before he stood and left the room.

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Leave us, Jose commanded, gesturing at the remaining cartel members. As they filed out, Spiro tried to calm his pounding heart. He could feel the walls closing in, the noose tightening around his neck.

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Are you alright, Spiro? Yamila asked quietly, her eyes searching his face for any hint of weakness.

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Fine, he lied, forcing a smile. Just tired.

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Stay sharp, she warned, her voice barely a whisper. And remember our promise.

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Always. He offered her a reassuring nod before following the others out of the room.

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As the door closed behind him, Spiro's mind raced. The stakes had just been raised, and every move he made would be scrutinized more than ever. The game was far from over, and he knew that one wrong move could mean not only his own death but Yamila's as well.

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All it would take was one slip, and everything would come crashing down.

CHAPTER 2

Spiro Cortez leaned against the wall in the dimly lit hallway, his back pressed against the cool, rough surface. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple as he glanced down at the burner phone in his hand. The message had arrived seconds ago: Jose suspects there's a rat. He's ordered a hunt for the informant. Be careful.

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His heart pounded in his chest, the blood rushing in his ears as if nature itself was screaming a warning. The stakes had never been higher; one misstep and his cover would be blown.

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Hey, Spiro! called out Yamila Sotelo, her voice echoing through the empty corridor. She sauntered towards him, her long dark hair cascading over her shoulders, eyes gleaming with curiosity. What are you doing alone here?

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Nothing much, just needed a moment to think, Spiro replied, forcing a smile as he quickly tucked the burner phone into his pocket. His fingers brushed against the cold steel of his concealed weapon, an ever-present reminder of the life he'd chosen.

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Thinking, huh? Yamila said, closing the distance between them. Her intoxicating scent wafted around him, momentarily distracting