Walker (In the Company of Snipers #21) - Irish Winters Page 0,143
his eyes and take a deep breath at that totally unexpected, downright impossible, reply. Seriously? Did this TEAM know everyone who was anyone? Guess so.
Everyone aboard looked more and more like a group of suntanned tourists, instead of special operators. Persia was dressed in cutoff jeans with a pink bikini top that revealed enough of her mocha chocolate skin, that Walker couldn’t keep his eyes off her. He was hard for her from sunup til sundown these days. And there was no relief in sight. He was dying to go swimming with her, maybe duck out of sight around the bow. Fondle her. Slip the straps of that skimpy, sexy top off. Kiss the hell out of her. Grab a quickie.
But no such luck. It was Julio Juarez’s quiet report coming over the loudspeaker now. “Senator Sullivan. Mr. Stewart. Kruze and I were too late. Officer Bruno has been reported missing, and Renzo was murdered by unknown assailants at his beach home.”
“Obvious arson,” Kruze cut in. “Nothing left but ash. They found him hanging from gallows behind the place. Birds picked the body clean by the time he was found.”
Sullivan asked, “Is any effort being made to locate Bruno?”
“He went missing a year ago,” Julio replied. “The police consider it a cold case.”
“Someone’s tying up loose ends,” Ryder muttered.
“Any luck with the gangs who abducted Dooley’s daughter?” Alex asked.
That caught Walker’s attention. He lifted his wrist to his lips and kissed the red beads on the only bracelet he’d ever worn. Knowing Alex was as vehemently against sex-traffickers as Walker was—helped.
“There are currently no gangs in or around Monterrico,” Julio replied. “A small army came through and assassinated all gang members over a year ago. Many people think it was the government’s way of clearing the way for the new democracy.”
“What do you think?” Sullivan asked.
“Not sure what to think,” Kruze spoke up, “but the city’s clean of all gang activity. People are pleasant, willing to talk and answer questions. It’s safer now.”
“That’s one way to dispose of evidence,” Alex muttered. “Clear out the rats in the name of public service. Find out who was behind that kill order.”
“Yes, sir,” Julio replied.
“Anything else?” Sullivan asked.
“We’re still talking to people, sir,” Julio answered. “Showing Commander Goff’s picture around in case anyone recognizes him. We’ll be in touch.”
Sullivan signed off with a curt, “Copy that.”
Adam Torrey was next on the horn with a casual, “Hey, Boss.”
“What’s up?” Alex replied evenly.
“Ember’s still working her magic. I’ve got accurate account numbers, just need a way inside.”
“You’re breaking into a bank?” Walker asked. Unbelievable.
Adam’s chuckle came through loud and clear. “Sure, why not? Goff’s mother also retained a deposit box on site. I’d like to know what’s inside that, wouldn’t you?”
“Well, yeah, but…” What Walker really wanted was to be working with Adam. Like the old days. “Don’t take chances.”
“Are you alone?” Alex barked.
“Nope. Rory Dennison and Renner Graves are here in Singapore, too. Figured the more the merrier.”
“Be safe.”
“Copy that.” Adam ended the call.
Beau Villanueva came online next, but he had nothing new to report in his quest to locate Prince Khalid and his family.
“Where are you?” Alex asked.
“Outside Louveciennes.”
“You’re in France?” Walker asked, as the very proper French pronunciation rolled smoothly off Beau’s lips.
“Well, yeah. I’ve got good intel Khalid was spotted here. Where else would I be?”
It was common knowledge the Saudi royal family owned some of the poshest palaces in the world. But France? Really?
“Hmmm,” Izza mumbled dreamily. “Connor’s going to take me there some day.”
“Stay in touch,” Alex ordered.
And that was that.
“Were you planning on going ashore in Guatemala?” Persia asked.
Walker shook his head. “Not until we hit Mexico.”
Which they did three days later. By then, everyone was antsy to get off the yacht. Since Puerta Vallarta was convenient and accessible, both by sea and by air, there were plenty of cruise ships docked and thousands of tourists. Walker opted to stay behind with Ryder.
“What’s your real plan, Chief?” Ryder asked once Persia and Izza disembarked like two BFFs going shopping. Alex and McQueen had gone on ahead to replenish supplies. Brim had taken Rover for a walk to stretch their legs.
“Nothing,” Walker replied as he watched the woman he loved turn around, smile, and wave. He waved back. She was grinning, and that had to be enough, considering it was the last time he’d see her.
“Come on,” Ryder growled. “I know better. This is me you’re lying to.”
Walker turned on his XO. Sighed. Then admitted, “I can’t put these