Enslaved (Colombian Cartel #6) - Suzanne Steele Page 0,25

we get back, we’ll go to the animal shelter. You’ve never gone overseas with me, Judy. I want you to experience it. Your outlook on life will never be the same.”

“I’ve never been overseas. It sounds exciting.”

“A real-life adventure,” Page laughed. “There’s no sound in the world like bullets whizzing past your head. Make sure you take your running shoes.”

“There has to be some good things too.”

“The beauty of the land. Whether it’s Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, or Mexico, the mountains are breathtaking. And the people are amazing. They are so kind. They’ll kill their last chicken to feed you. It’s heartbreaking, but to say no is considered rude. I usually try to leave money for them to buy a flock of chickens or a couple of goats. The people and the country pull you into the magic and intrigue the land possesses. You need to experience it with me. You’ll never be the same. The land calls out to me when I stay away too long. I miss you when I’m gone. It’ll be cool to take you with me.”

“Well, you’ll have to translate for me. My high school Spanish is rusty.”

“There’s nobody I’d rather translate for. Sometimes it can be a headache going back and forth with two languages, but for you, I’ll suffer through. You do know high school Spanish and street Spanish are two different things, right?” Page looked at Judy to ensure she understood what she was saying was important. “They tell the missionaries: ‘Okay, you’ve been to school for Spanish, now go and learn how to speak the real language.’”

“Yeah, right. You’re fluent, you grew up speaking it from when you lived in Puerto Rico. Save the headache argument for people who have a hard time speaking Spanish. Totally off subject, but… I wonder what this guy we’re meeting looks like.”

“We’ll know him when we see him. He’ll have a look of distrust and determination.”

Page pulled the SUV in front of the neighborhood diner and parked. “We’re getting ready to find out,” she breathed out a sigh of resignation as if talking to herself.

“We need a yoga class and quick Page. This stress is enough to send anybody into overdrive.”

Judy took her own deep breath and blew out the stress she was feeling about meeting a stranger with cartel ties. This wasn’t something she was used to doing, even though she listened to Page’s stories of travel and adventure. Stories were one thing; the reality of the situation took it to a whole new level.

“You’ll be fine,” Page said. Reading her friend’s mood—which wasn’t very difficult to do at the moment.

Both girls jumped from the SUV, ready to meet the man who had messaged them. Hopefully, this would be a friendly meeting and a potential prospect for a story. Page had followers who religiously read anything she wrote. She had piqued the interest of the public. There were very few people with the bravery to write about the Colombian cartel, and Page was one of the few who did it with no reservation. If she was scared, it sure didn’t show in her writing.

“Hey, ladies,” the owner of Honoria’s—the neighborhood Taqueria smiled and greeted the two girls who were regulars. Honoria leaned in closer and whispered, “El Guapo over there”—she nodded in Tad’s direction— “has been asking for you.”

“Who has he been asking for?” Page looked at Honoria wide-eyed and anxious.

Honoria raised her eyebrows and chuckled, “La mujer que escribe ‘Narcos Verdad.’ You of all people know South America, Central America, and Mexico have no secrets.” Honoria waggled her eyebrows, “There are eyes everywhere, Chica.” The owner walked away as if she hadn’t just thrown a grenade of truth at her friend. Yes…Page of all people knew ‘La Cultura.’ She knew firsthand that nothing was what it seemed.

Both girls looked over at the booth where a man who was indeed a handsome hottie, was seated, watching them. The eyes were already upon them.

Judy gave a low whistle under her breath, “I’m glad I came. That could be my future husband.”

“Or your future one-night stand,” Page laughed.

“Well, let’s go see. Shall we?” As if there were any questions.

Honoria winked at the girls as they turned and walked in the direction of Tad’s table. This…was going to be interesting. Great time to be on the floor working, watching, and listening. Page and Judy were entertainment at its best. You never knew what these two might get into. She resisted the temptation to sit at the table behind