In the Blink of An Eye by Jerry Baggett (ebook reader for surface pro TXT) 📕

Chapter 29

A dark shadow fell across her already dark mood. She had not been able to reach Marino. Their only contact through burner phones purchased for just such an occasion. His had been discontinued, meaning he was in deep cover. She was not a paranoid person. Her position in the middle between Marino and the local man at the top of the food chain was not without peril. She made up her mind. It was time to cash in her chips. A wise man once told her; Any man who hesitates in time of peril is a man who has already lost.

She knew first hand, the two men talked frequently. They’d included her in their conference calls for years. But they had deliberately avoided meeting face to face. Neither would be able to recognize the other on the street.

The nurse knew she was the only person in the organization who could positively identify both men. That was a serious concern for her. She also knew she would be the first domino to fall when the time came for separating links in the chain. She had access to the firm’s bank accounts in Alabama, Mexico and the Bahamas. She kept accurate records for the accountant. Her shell company, Mar’ Di Gras’ Jewelry, LLC, a limited liability company, laundered money for the firm. The LLC dealt in cheap imported jewelry for sale over the internet. She also held a long-term lease on the ranch. Her trucks hauled hay for the ranch’s cattle, and brought in bulk shipments of drugs to the ranch, their main distribution point. She was confident ranch manager, Oscar Fortas, would keep things running for weeks, as he had always done while she was out of the country buying inexpensive jewelry for the LLC.

She had always stuffed the cash into a drop chute in the walk-in safe at the ranch. Only she had the combination, and the people in Mexico wanted it that way. Cash was bundled monthly for pickup. Who knows what’s next as far as the cash is concerned? Only a fool would go after their money.

She had squirreled away millions in her personal Bahamas account for the inevitable coup de grâce. After a sleepless night she made the decision of her life. She would tie up all loose ends, live today and fight tomorrow, if it came to that. There was only one problem, a huge one, the doctor. She hadn’t worked it out yet.

She knew there was a half-world out there. A world of fake papers, borders to cross, officials to deal with, and agents to pay off. To become completely invisible, one had to blend into crowds, mingle with people out in the open. And, most of all, display absolute confidence when dealing with monetary matters like bankers, brokers and tax authorities. She had mastered the craft in her more than thirty years of international travel and negotiations with that half-world, where one bad deal can kill you. She had dealt with both worlds. Now, she wanted to live and enjoy her hard-earned retirement.

Surviving through the end game meant she had to think radically, act conservatively, yet, make some bold moves. The writing is on the wall, it’s time to bet the pot.

The ranch, the key to their whole operation, had only her name on the lease. She and the ranch were the primary connection to their massive enterprise. How could she have been so stupid. She decided not to return. An ounce of caution right now could mean a pound of survival chances. Go to the safety deposit box immediately and disappear. The ranch would likely be their last safe haven for the American partners. They would fight over the treasure there. She felt she knew a lot about human nature.

She called her only ally, the one person she thought would be with her. Their youthful love affair had been deep and fulfilling. The highly secretive relationship continued on through today, and rewarding for both, without the recklessness of rampaging hormones clouding their judgement. She had made them both wealthy.

Her plans had long ago been made in anticipation of this day. She would make one phone call and strange things would begin to happen. Get out of the country first, she told herself, and light the fuse.

Chapter 30

Marino knew Hans too well. “I’m not ready to turn her into fish food, Hans.” He gets a special pleasure out of using and then abusing the life out of young women.

He put a fresh cigar in his mouth. “Don’t under estimate our adversaries. The heat’s on high, and it’s going to stay that way for a while. We either leave the country or go someplace far enough away that they won’t be looking for us. That would be the farm. It’s practically all the way across country. However, we can’t contaminate our welcome by showing up there with a half dead woman. I want her alive when we get where we’re going. The distance makes the trip more difficult, but, not impossible.”

Hans said, “That’s a shame, boss. You’ve always said there are plenty of buildings on the farm. We could set one up for our purposes. We wouldn’t even have to go near the big house.”

“I’m thinking about that, Hans. There may be one place near there where we can set up a temporary base of operations until things cool down. I know that area like the back of my hand. Thirty years ago, I hunted wild turkey and deer on the McGowin property. It hasn’t changed much because it’s in an old-line family trust. I tried hard to buy the farm site, even went to a lot of trouble to prevent anyone else taking it over. We only have a long-term lease on the pasture and farm buildings, not in my name of course, but under our control.”