Into the Fray (Daring Escapes #3) - Margaret Daley Page 0,53

ago, I came downstairs and found Ramon in the living room. He had a gun in his hand but didn’t point it at me at first. He told me he was scared because the dig site was invaded by mercenaries who trashed all his work. His face was bruised with several gashes that had been stitched up. He acted like he had nearly died and was scared. He needed money to go into hiding with his family. Something didn’t seem right about what Ramon was saying though.”

“When I looked through the window, he was threatening you.”

“That’s because I’m not a good actor. I was going to go into the kitchen and call the police, but I only took a few steps before Ramon grabbed me and put the barrel of his gun against my chest.”

Tory moved into the living room and peeked out the window. “A car’s coming down your driveway. Are you expecting anyone else?”

Juan shook his head and walked to where Tory stood and looked out. “I don’t recognize the car.”

Guerrero went to a window that gave him a view of the east side of the house. “We have three guys coming from the neighbor’s yard.”

Juan hurried in the opposite direction and quickly came back into the living room. “Two on the west side.

“They’re coming for you. You need to let me go,” Ramon said in a shaky voice.

Tory headed for the back. “You need to hide Ramon and put duct tape over his mouth.”

“Great idea.” Guerrero grinned and did what Tory suggested. She might have issues with her father, but the man’s military training that he passed on to her might just save them.

“Three from the rear,” Tory said as she reentered the living room. “So, there are at least ten assailants outside. We need help.”

Juan slipped his cell phone out of his pocket. “I’m calling someone I know and trust.” When he tried, he frowned. “I can’t get a signal.”

“Me neither.” Tory glanced back at the front window. “What’s happening?”

“They’re using a jammer to keep us from calling for help.”

Teeth clenched tight, Guerrero moved to where he’d placed Ramon. He ripped the tape from his swollen face, and flipped him on his back. “Are they after Tory? You and your friends left witnesses to your crime. Not smart. That’s why you’re here. Is it true what you said to us about your situation and your family?” The fear on Ramon’s face told Guerrero what he needed to know. The man had gotten in over his head. Had he done it before? Had his actions led to Anna’s death? Guerrero turned to Juan. “We need a way out of here. Besides me, who do you think might know about the drug dealer’s tunnel?”

“Not many. I’ve owned the house for fifteen years.”

“Then let’s grab what weapons we can and get out of here. We have to take that risk. We’ll leave Ramon here for them to find and do what they want with him.”

Tory drew in a sharp breath. “We can’t.”

“If we take him, he’ll hinder us. Tory, I could use your help to get some guns and equipment we need.” Juan strode toward a closet in the hallway and unlocked the door.

Again, fear took over Ramon’s facial expressions. “I’ll tell you everything I know once we get away.”

Guerrero glanced toward Tory leaving the room. “We’ll take him.”

Guerrero used a switchblade to free his bound legs. “Let’s go.” He helped the archaeologist to his feet and quickened his pace toward the secret tunnel, making sure everything in the closet appeared undisturbed.

As Guerrero shut the hidden door along the back wall and set the steel bar in place to keep people from following them easily, he heard the sounds of the front entrance being breached. He hurried deeper into the darkness, the only illumination from a flashlight Juan held.

“Remember I have my gun pointed at your back so don’t try anything.” Guerrero clicked on his flashlight and made sure he was within two feet of Ramon.

In his gut Guerrero thought that the man was genuinely scared for his life. As much as he originally had wanted to make the man pay for what he’d done to Aapo and Fabio, he would leave justice in the Lord’s hands. Tory was right. Ultimately, God would judge a person for what he did. All he’d thought about in the past three years was exacting revenge, but what would it mean for him? Would he really be satisfied if he killed the ones