No One to Trust - Iris Johansen [24]
He could see Gomez waiting at the end of the driveway. He didn’t stop, forcing Gomez to fall into step with him.
“It was definitely Forbes. A solo mission. No one in the agency knew anything about it until the woman was in the United States.”
“Where in the United States?”
“I haven’t been able to find out yet.” Gomez was already getting short of breath. “Somewhere on the West Coast.”
“If you’ve found out that much, then you can get me the rest. He wasn’t alone. What did you learn about the helicopter?”
“It was rented by a mercenary, Ian Carmichael.”
“And who hired him? Forbes?”
“Not likely. He’s expensive.”
“Then bring him in and find out.”
“He seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth.”
“Locate him. I want to know who else was involved.” He had reached the outbuilding that contained his gym, and he stopped and allowed himself a deep breath. “It’s been a week, Gomez. You haven’t been efficient.” He smiled. “And I think you’re getting soft. Look at you huffing and puffing. Why don’t you join me on the mats this morning?”
Gomez’s eyes widened and he took a step back. “I have to get back to Bogotá. I’ve a lead on someone in the DEA’s West Coast office who might know something.”
“Then by all means hurry back to the city.” He opened the door of the gym. “I’ll have to make do with a young man I found among the paramilitary group.” He gestured to the dark-skinned, beefy man who was sitting on a bench by the weight-training machine. “He’s very strong and said to be good with weapons. What do you think, Gomez? Can he take me?”
“No.”
“I don’t believe he can either.” He could feel the excitement tingle through him as he walked toward the man who was looking at him with eagerness. He liked that attitude. It boded well for the battle. “But he may make the morning interesting.…”
“Chavez has gone back to his place in the hills,” Jose Manero said. “It’s business as usual with him.”
“He didn’t come to the U.S.?” Galen asked. “You’re sure?”
“Gomez has been the only one stirring. He’s been to Bogotá four times in the last three weeks, and he’s asking questions.”
“But is he getting answers?”
“Maybe. I haven’t been able to track him for the last day or two.”
Galen stiffened. “Could he have left the country?”
“It’s possible. He’s being very quiet.”
“Tell me about Gomez. He’s Chavez’s number one man?”
“If Chavez has such a thing. He likes to be totally in control. Gomez was a hit man in Caracas for four years before Chavez picked him up. He’s not a genius, but he’s canny and he has a healthy respect for Chavez. Chavez would like that. He doesn’t tolerate rivals.”
“Let me know if Gomez surfaces.” Galen hung up. He didn’t like the feel of this. Forbes had hoped Chavez would come running after Elena and her son, but sending a competent underling made much more sense to Galen.
Not his business. Call Forbes and warn him and then sit back and forget about it.
He flipped open his phone and dialed the directory. He was halfway through the dial when he hung up. What could he tell him? That his trap was going to be sprung by the wrong man? He didn’t even know if Gomez was in the country. Manero hadn’t been able to pin him down.
For all he knew, Gomez could be sitting fat and sassy somewhere in Colombia, not heading for that vineyard and Elena Kyler and her son.
There was a full moon shining over the hills. Elena leaned against the wall of the courtyard and took a deep breath of the fragrant night air. It smelled different from Colombia. Not damp or tropical or any of the things to which she was accustomed.
“Is the boy asleep?” Forbes had stopped beside her.
“Probably. Dominic is with him.”
“And I take it you’re not out here enjoying the scenery?”
“Actually, I am enjoying it. I was thinking it was different from Colombia.”
“But you don’t come out every evening to savor the differences. You go over this place like a sentry