Mexico Heat

Our speech reflects the kind of person we are, exposing our background and our way of life. It describes our thinking, as well as our feelings. Today, probably more than in any other period of history, we find more profanity and vulgarity being used. It seems to stem from our television and movie presentations. Many are filled with language that can only defile the minds of men. — L. Tom Perry

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. — Eleanor Roosevelt

The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie—deliberate, contrived, and dishonest—but the myth—persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic. ― John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Propaganda is a soft weapon; hold it in your hands too long, and it will move about like a snake, and strike the other way. ― Jean Anouilh, French playwright

Yes! to this thought I hold with firm persistence; The last result of wisdom stamps it true; He only earns his freedom and existence who daily conquers them anew. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Source: Faust (act V, sc. 6)

1

Chapter 1

As Jim Olds sat in the Dr. Antonio Nicklás Briceño Airport in Trujillo, Venezuela, anxiously waiting for the flight that originated in Phoenix, making a stop in Mexico City, he was excited about seeing his son for the first time in ten years. He wasn’t there alone he had two bodyguards with him, there to keep an eye on him in case something came up that he couldn’t handle. Even still, he kept looking around for anything that didn't look or feel right.

Since leaving America and moving to Venezuela, he had done well making a living at selling and buying imports from all over the world. It was a legitimate business that had thrived when all the rest of the country was suffering from the ideals of socialism. The fact was, that he rarely ever went into the city, because of the poverty that was rampant everywhere except for where the government leaders resided. He could always tell which part of town the government leaders lived in because of the heavy military presence that was always there. He had chosen to settle on a ranch out in the mountains where he could be self-sufficient, having everything he needed to live quite comfortably. In fact, the leaders of the country would come and visit him occasionally to ask him questions about America and how it worked versus what was happening in their own country. Jim would tell them that in order to thrive they would need to get rid of their socialist form of government and start giving back the freedoms to their people. He knew that this would never happen because they were to greedy and would never give up their wealth and power to save their country.

Jim had stayed away from selling and distributing drugs for the sole purpose of not wanting to upset the balance of power in the country he now decided to call home. And also because he didn't want to get killed by any of the local cartels. His main goal was to enjoy life as best as he could since leaving his son and America behind. He had started a new life that included moving to his ranch. Life here had been so good that he even found someone to replace Karen, something that he had thought impossible in the beginning. But the adage of 'Time Heals all Wounds' was correct, he had found a beautiful woman to ease his pain and fill the void left by Karen who had saved him from being a lonely man. She was a native-born lady that looked every bit of a Miss Universe model with striking features that not only made her stand out in a crowd but her intellectual capacity was only outdone by her beauty. Jim had struck it rich here in Venezuela and on top of that he had found a lady to share it with.

When the PA system announced the arrival of the plane from Mexico City it brought Jim back to reality. He stood up and waited to see if he could identify his son as he walked from the tarmac after departing the plane. After about fifteen minutes and after all the passengers were off the plane, he realized that his son wasn’t there. Now starting to panic, he went to the lady working at the counter to ask about his son being on the plane that had just landed. Let me check for you, she replied.

Not seeing his name on the flight manifest, she walked out to the plane and talked to one of the stewardesses and came back in with an envelope in her hand. She handed the envelope to Jim. As he looked at the front of it all he could see was his name. He quickly opened it and pulled the stationary out of the envelope and began to read what was written on it. After reading the message he went as white as a sheet and then red with anger. Not saying a word he thanked the lady and went to the baggage reclaim area to pick up his son’s luggage. After he had located his bag he handed it to one of his bodyguards and they left the terminal and headed back to his truck. As he sat there in his truck for a moment he re-read the message again. He felt helpless. Being unable to do anything about it for the time being, he decided to drive back to his ranch. As he drove out of the parking lot he laid the message down next to him. With the breeze blowing through the windows the message fell open and one of his guards reached down to pick it up and started to read it. The message read as follows, ‘We have your son and will expect payment for money owed by you to us in the amount of 250,000.00 dollars. We will be in contact with you shortly for the transaction,’ signed by 'Some very old friends'.

Jim’s past had finally caught up with him. As he thought back on it, he could hardly remember any of it. He had been so clever about getting the two gangs in California to fight it out for the territory and the drugs as a diversion, so that he could slip away from the FBI and the greedy sheriff’s department in Arizona. He thought he had pulled it off. It had all worked out as he had walked away into a new life and into a new place in the middle of nowhere. After ten years he thought that they had forgotten about him and the theft of the drug money he had taken from them.

Evidently, this was not the case, especially now that they had taken his son and were holding him ransom for the money he had taken. The problem he now had was what to do and who to call for assistance. Jim knew he had burned all his bridges before leaving America to get even for what they had done to his wife Karen. He had learned to forget about the pain and anger that he had felt when she was murdered by them. Now he was with a new wife who loved him, never knowing or questioning his past history as to why he was in South America or what had gotten him started in his business in Venezuela.

The Monterrey Cartel knew that he had ripped them off while he worked for the Chicago mob. Therefore the cartel was never that far away and they were always watching Jim as he became quite wealthy from his business smarts. Situations like this were very simple, pay the money and get your son back for the amount owed. The problem was, Jim knew they would continue to hold his son and keep asking for more money till they bled him dry and then return his son to him maybe alive and most likely dead. At this point he wasn't sure they would honor their own demands.

What to do and who to contact to get his son back were the questions that rested on Jim’s mind right now. He could call his friends in his new country and ask for assistance. Not knowing if they would get involved in going after the cartel was questionable at best, and could be a death wish for them and their families. Something had to be done and now. It became apparent that it all rested on his shoulders to rescue his son and stop the threat from ever happening again. As he thought about his choices of where to start, he needed to make sure that the letter was real and not a joke of some kind, hoping it was a joke, a bad joke none the less, he had to be sure. The first thing he needed to do was to contact his sister in Phoenix and find out what could have possibly happened on her end. Then proceed from there to figure out how to pay the ransom to get his son back. The U.S. law enforcement agencies would be loath to help him, simply because of his earlier actions with the gangs in California and all the hell that was raised in that operation. For all he knew, they might try to arrest him for all of it. He knew that whatever he did had to be done without anybody else being involved.

Once he got back home to his hacienda he contacted his sister in Phoenix hoping to get some answers to his questions. As he waited for her to pick up the phone, a different voice answered, Your sister and her husband are indisposed for the time being, leastwise, until we get our 250,000 dollars, it said, laughing just before hanging up.

As he heard the dial tone once again, he was shocked to find that his sister and her husband were caught up in this as well. He started to get angry, thinking about how all of this was his fault and now the people he loved the most were in danger. He felt helpless, which frustrated him. Not knowing the best way to handle this dilemma. He had to think of his sister and brother-in-law now, as well as his son, and what it would take to keep them alive. Should he call the local police and run the risk of getting them killed in the attempt to free them and maybe get his son killed in the process as well.

Thinking about all of the options he had, which at this time, he realized was getting smaller every minute. He didn’t know what to do and he knew that whatever option he chose could make a difference of his son and sister surviving this ordeal. He sat down in one of the chairs next to the end table, realizing his next step would require help from an unlikely source that would be more interested in coming after him than going after his son and sister to rescue them. Thinking about this last option, with no guarantees that it would work, was the chance he would have to take to get his family free from the cartel. He open the drawer to the end table looking for an old black book. Once he found it he skimmed through the pages and found what he was looking for. He then picked up the phone and started dialing the number. As he did so he could feel the sweat starting to run down the middle of his back.…….

2

Chapter 2

Buck and Rachael were having a typical hectic Monday morning dealing with the kids and having to get them fed and out the door for school. They made sure each of them had their completed homework with them, ready to turn in when they got to school. The older kids were responsible for the sports equipment needed for their after school activities, stacked and ready by the door to be picked up as they left, which was one less thing Rachael had to worry about in the hustle and bustle of the morning.

As usual, Buck was running late. Not having enough time to eat breakfast, he quickly grabbed a cup of coffee to take with him. He kissed Rachael as he hurried out the door, I’ll see you later at work.

I’ll be there shortly, drive safe.

Buck got into his truck and drove off in a flash, hoping he wouldn't get a ticket for speeding.

Rachael was used to the morning routine by now. Over the years she had learned that by having the older kids help the two younger ones it made things run smoother and less hectic. With their help they could to pull off another morning in the Tanner house. While the older kids helped feed the younger ones and rinse and load the dishes into the dishwasher, Rachael would go back to her room and finish getting herself ready for work. She looked at herself one more time in the mirror and made sure that everything was in order. With a clean uniform on, her hair and makeup in place, she stepped out into the morning ready to take on the challenges of the day. She grabbed the kids, put them into the car and drove them to school before heading off to work herself. As she dropped off the two younger kids, the crossing guards would always gave her the evil eye because she always drove to fast when she left the school zone.

When she finally got to work, coffee cup in hand, Rachael checked last night’s activities log to bring herself up to speed on anything that was still pending or needing her attention. Not seeing anything, she sat down at her desk and began going through her e-mails. Seeing as how there was nothing needing her action right away, she got up from her desk and went to refill her cup of coffee. When she sat back down at her desk Buck walked over to her, Did the kids get off to school alright this morning?

The kids did but I’m not sure about the parents.

I don’t know what it is, but it seems like every Monday morning it’s a mad house to get the week started off right.

Yeah, I know what you mean. It’s as if there is a curse on our family on Mondays.

Fortunately, for us, Sundays are pretty quiet so we can be rested and ready for Monday.

As it worked out, this Monday morning went by slowly due to all their meetings being canceled for the day because IT had come in to replace the main servers for the computers. Normally this would have been done over the weekend but for some reason the new servers hadn't been delivered on schedule which required that IT would need to work on the servers today. Because of this Buck now had the time to start working on the backlog of paperwork sitting on his desk. By noon, he was starting to see daylight and the top of his desk. As he continued working, by that afternoon he was ahead on all of the reports that were due that week.

Later that afternoon, Rachael tapped on the door and then went into Buck’s office with the monthly report of arrests and tickets handed out for the previous month. Here's the last months report on the arrests and tickets that had been handed out.

How did you know that I was ready for that? Thanks.

Buck had been looking for this information for one of the reports that he was just starting to work on. Rachael sat down in the chair next to his desk and waited to read the numbers off to him while he wrote down the information needed for the report. When they were done, Buck looked at his watch. How about a late lunch today?

I wish I could but my yearly shooting qualifications are due today and I haven’t practiced at all. Especially, since last week was so busy due to the DUI crackdown we did in Santa Rosa. I still can't believe that there was so many people out there drinking and driving!

Yeah, I forgot about that, maybe after you re-qualify we can do lunch then.

I’ll have to give you a rain check on that, simply because of my own workload.

Fair enough on the rain check. Hey, take a look at this, the computers are back up.

Well, it's about time, now I can go get some work done, Rachael said, as she stood up.

I think I have a love hate relationship with computers. When they work, I love them and when they don't, I hate them because we depend on them to do everything for us, Buck replied.

It's the curse of the modern age, I'll see you later.

Buck sat back in his chair and let his fingers do the work looking for the next report that was due. When he found it he once again had to dive into the stack of papers on his desk looking for the information he needed to complete it. The coffee his secretary brought in every so often helped him to stay focused and on task. Allowing him to complete all the reports on time this month without having to leave his desk. This, of course, brought a smile to Buck’s face as he closed out his computer. Finally finished with all his work, he stood up to stretch his legs. In no rush to sit down, he was standing there for a moment when his secretary walked in with a APB (All Points Bulletin) dealing with a kidnapping that took place in the Phoenix area. Buck glanced at it and handed it back to his secretary. Would you make sure this gets out to dispatch to let our deputies know to be on the lookout for the victim.

Already done, she replied.

Good on you, he said, as she walked back to her desk.

Buck looked over the bulletin again, the kidnapped victim had been identified as a white male, aged 14 or 15, last seen at the Phoenix airport getting ready to board a flight to Mexico City and then onto Venezuela, to be picked up by a parent or legal guardian. Buck looked over the victim’s name and it hit his old memory bucket for some reason, but he didn’t know why. Looking closer at the bulletin he read that the name of the victim was Michael Olds, he had lived in Phoenix most of his life. The legal guardians, Bill and Becky Welche, had to use their neighbors phone to report that the boy was not on the scheduled flight when it landed in Venezuela. They had lived in Phoenix area for about twenty years and were considered stable in the neighborhood and in their relationship with each other. Buck called Rachael on the phone and left a message for her to call him when she got the chance. He put the bulletin down on his desk and went back to the secretary, I need a rundown on this Michael Olds and his family when you get the chance.

Yes sir, give me about 30 minutes, she replied.

Buck knew that, most of the time, kidnappings that took place in the Phoenix area never made it out this far due to the distance and the accessibility of the country. Just the same, he would have his deputies keep an eye out, just in case. He had learned that the kidnappers were always coming up with new gimmicks to kidnap their victims. They could be enticed by money, candy, family emergencies, and even cute puppies. And of course, there was always the old standby of taking the person by force. Then taking them to a predetermined place to do their business, then releasing them or killing them and burying them out in the desert, never to be found again. Or maybe put them on hold in a safe house waiting for the ransom money. After getting the requested ransom, the kidnappers would get out of dodge before they were caught by the FBI, just long enough to spend their money. Unfortunately for the kidnappers, most of the money used in the payoff would have been marked, making it easy to follow the bad guys wherever they went, leastwise, in the more populated areas of the Americas and parts of Mexico.

Now kidnapping in other countries, like South America, Mexico, etc, posed another set of problems. First, being outside the jurisdiction of the FBI. Because of that the local law enforcement officials would, at times, destroy necessary evidence without knowing they had done it. This was the result of poor training. Second, the officials in the country where the kidnapping occurred might be corrupt and could be involved in the kidnapping. And third, in South America the bad guys were badder than most of the local thugs or law enforcement in the area, this was because they were willing to harm their victim by sending body parts to reinforce their demands. Lastly, the terrain of the area where the kidnapping took place could be in the vast expanse of a jungle, desert, or even in the mountains. All of which would make it hard to find the victim alive or dead. No matter the situation, the risk was always there, especially, for the rescuers who were trying to save the victim without getting caught or killed in the process.

With the day almost over for Buck, he decided to go over and check on Rachael on the firing range to see how she was doing. Finding her on the firing range was easy as she was the only one there. Buck walked up and watched her as she put her grouping in an approximately a three-inch circle at twenty yards. After she stopped firing and was reloading the second clip Buck reached over and tugged on her arm causing her to jump a little as Buck caught her off guard. He started laughing at her as Rachael looked at him, turning a little red at being surprised by him. Real funny. You should know sneaking up on a person with a gun can be dangerous, she said.

Another Kodak moment for the family album. So how goes the training?

So far so good, my grouping is a little sloppy but it’s getting better.

Looking at the paper target Buck said, I wish all my deputies were sloppy like that when they fired their weapons.

Yeah, well you know we have to set the standard for the underlings.

Are you finished with practice for today?

I guess so, how about a free cup of coffee, you buy?

Sure, you got a dollar I can borrow till payday?

Both of them walked back into the office and stopped at the coffee station, and of course, Buck paid for the coffee.

So, did you get all your reports done?

Yes they are, racked and stacked till next month. Hey, how about I go get the kids after practice? I've got just enough time to go and watch them for a little bit and then bring them home.

Oh, I'd really appreciate that. In that case, I'll pick up the other two.

Buck checked his watch. I'd better hurry if I'm going to do it. See you at home.

He kissed Rachael and hurried over to watch his kids practice their sports.

3

Chapter 3

Buck and Rachael were up earlier than usual the next morning in order to get the kids ready for school. Both of them had been working together to fix breakfast before the first of their kids had started to stir. To Rachael this was her moment of feeling and knowing she was doing her part for her family and, in a way, Buck felt the same as he helped her with placing the dishes and the container of juice on the table. When everything was ready, Rachael called out to the family, Time to eat! With the food ready and sitting on the table the kids showed up and sat in their respective places, Buck and Rachael joined them so they could eat as a family. The kids wouldn’t say it, but the time they spent together at breakfast was their favorite time of the day. Because of everybody’s schedule, this was their quality time as a family. The older kids understood the kind of work their parents were in and didn’t take it for granted when they were able to be together as a family. Being together in the morning put the world right for all of them for the rest of the day.

When the family was finished with breakfast their day began as everybody went their separate ways. On days like this, Buck and Rachael would go in together after dropping the kids off and kiss each other as they separated at the front door of the building that housed the County Sheriff’s office. Each with their own duties and responsibilities tugging at them once they walked through the door.

Buck walked into his office and checked with his secretary to confirm his schedule of events and meetings for the day. She followed him into his office as she read out loud the day's scheduled events. As Buck listened to her he would tell her to reschedule some of the upcoming meetings for other times in the week depending on their importance. With this in mind he planned the rest of his day accordingly for the meetings and anything else that somehow had slipped through the cracks. Rachael, being the day shift supervisor, checked the nightly activity logs, arrest records, and any other incident reports, looking for anything that was out of place so that she could address it before the shift change. After that she checked to see who was going to be out sick for the day so she could set up the patrols accordingly. This way she was able to make sure that if any of them required extra manpower, for whatever reason, they would be covered.

As it was, the APB about the kidnapping from yesterday was already forgotten due to the new day’s events demanding Buck’s attention. Besides, kidnapping was outside the county’s jurisdiction anyway, and was better left with the FBI to handle the case with their wide range of resources. In fact, the FBI had already been contacted regarding this case and as they started checking into it they found that there was no evidence to suggest foul play in any way. The only thing they knew for sure was that the victim just disappeared into thin air. The Welches were the only ones who were concerned at this point of the investigation. Of course, the FBI was doing their part to try and figure out what had happened to the boy, but with nothing to go on they were stymied by the lack of evidence for the missing boy. No phone calls to the parents or notes demanding money had been received as yet. In fact, there was no evidence to show that a crime had even been committed except for the Welches' say so. The FBI had more questions than answers to work with than most of their typical kidnapping scenarios. They had checked the airport in Mexico City to verify that the boy was there when the plane landed. But from that point on nobody saw the boy or who took him. The security footage of the different concourses showed him walking to get to his next plane and then disappeared in the crowd of other travelers. From that point on he was gone, it was as if he had never existed.

Michael knew he was in trouble when the men showed up and basically grabbed him by the arms, half carrying him towards the exit doors of the terminal to a waiting car with two other men sitting in the front seat. The guns they displayed were real and they looked like they meant business when they pulled them out to get him to go into the car. Not knowing why or what was going on, he sat there in the car, not making a move. They covered his head with a hood once they left the airport. Not being able to see anything, he was scared to death and being tied with his hands behind his back only made things worse. Michael gained some courage and asked, Where are you taking me?

To which one of the men replied in broken English, Some place safe until your dad decides to pay the ransom. Otherwise, your visit here will be short lived, he said, as everybody else started laughing at the comment.

Hearing this, Michael continued to sit there without saying or doing anything. After what seemed like forever, the car stopped and one of the men whispered in his ear, Alright, we're going to take the hood off now. Don't get any ideas about trying to escape. It would be unfortunate to have to deliver you to your papa with a bullet in you.

The men who had taken him were, of course, mean and intimidating to him and he could tell that they meant what they said. However, once they got inside the house he was allowed to watch TV and get something to eat. He just couldn’t leave the room he was in. Michael noticed that all of the men that were guarding him were carrying guns, and would take turns watching him while the others played cards and talked amongst themselves about the weather, sports and their girlfriends. Michael had learned Spanish while he was in high school so he could understand a just a little of it for himself. For all intents and purposes, he knew he was in trouble but didn’t know why.

Jim was pacing back and forth in his den, thinking about the options he had to get his boy back from the kidnappers. He knew he had the money to pay the ransom but realized that once it was paid, the demands would never end and they would continue to want more from him. His boy could be held and used as a pawn for as long as they wanted when it came to asking for more money. He thought about hiring someone to go find his son but they would need to know more about his past than he was willing to share at this point. He knew he had to do something he just didn’t know what it was till further information came forth. He also knew that if the FBI were to start checking into this case they would find him and find out who he was and that could possibly end his new life and marriage. Being stuck between a rock and a hard place was the best way for Jim to visualize it for himself right now. For the time being, he decided he would let his sister and brother-in-law run it from their end and hopefully it would stay there in Phoenix. He was happy to know that his sister and husband were safe and that, of course, took a load off of his shoulders. In the meantime, he would send out his feelers to try and locate his son. One thing for sure was that his son wasn’t in Venezuela or Phoenix, Arizona so, that being said, he decided that the most logical place to start looking for his son would be Mexico City. The question he had was who could he trust to get his boy back safe and sound.

Lucas and Miguel were relaxing in their office when the APB came across their desk. The Special Agent in Charge now was Agent Bertrand. He had relieved Agent Smith who had been moved to Denver to be Agent in Charge, working with the Secret Service in their Counterfeiting and Money Laundering division. Bertrand was a by the book agent and from all aspects seemed to be a firm but fair supervisor. Lucas and Miguel considered him a rookie because it was his first assignment to a management position and they were hoping that it wouldn't take to long to get him broken in. After talking to him the two of them realized that he was not above listening to his workers. This made the transition from one boss to another a smooth, almost enjoyable, change.

Miguel showed the APB to Bertrand. What do you think about letting Lucas and I look into this?

Should we call our girls and let them know we'll be late for dinner? Lucas asked.

Hearing this and seeing that both of them were anxious to go check it out, Bertrand responded, Let me look into it and I'll let you know.

Bertrand had already considered letting Miguel and Lucas look into it when he saw the APB earlier that day. After making a few calls to his superiors, offering his agents to help locate the boy, he was told to standby until further notice. Not having received a 'no' answer, Bertrand passed the information onto Lucas and Miguel. I suggest that you two get ready to fly to Mexico City.

This had been their first case in weeks and they were chomping at the bit to go, just for something to do. With Bertrand's statement, Miguel called Marissa, I may be late coming home tonight.

It was his way of letting her know that there was a possibility that he and Lucas would be leaving the area for an upcoming assignment. Marissa was pretty much used to the suddenness of these types of phone calls. Okay. Give me a call and let me know for sure when you'll be home.

Will do and I love you.

Lucas, who was still dating Amber at the time, knew that she was at an art convention in Florida, so he left a message for her to call him on her voice mail. Now that the local stuff was accomplished both Lucas and Miguel started concentrating on what little information was had about the case. They both knew that the cartels were not operating per se in Mexico City, but everyone knew that their feelers were in place in the national and local governments throughout all of Mexico. The cartels knew about all of the decisions that were being made that would affect their business operations throughout Mexico, the United States, and other countries of Europe and Southeast Asia. Trying to keep anything secret was like hoping a screen door on a submarine would stop the water from coming inside. These were the normal problems faced by the DEA, FBI, and especially the CIA, when working in other countries. That all being said, once permission was given from the FBI higher ups, Lucas and Miguel went to Mexico to do their best to find the boy and bring him back home to Phoenix.

They decided to take a break from doing nothing in the office and go get some lunch. Hey boss, we're going to go get something to eat and should be back in about an hour. Did you want us to pick up something for you?

How about a cheeseburger and some fries? he said, as he reached into his pocket to get out his wallet.

No problem, Lucas said, as he took the money.

Make sure you have your cell phones with you in case I need to get a hold of you.

Got'em boss, Miguel said, as they headed out the door.

As they sat at the table eating their lunch in the shade, with the misters working to keep them cool, Lucas started teasing with Miguel. I don’t know Miguel, it seems to me to be tied down to a wife and kids could ruin a man. I was just wondering if you've turned your man card in yet?

At least I got one to turn in.

Oh, I see, you found out, did you?

Yep, it was the last weekend in July when you came back all happy from visiting Amber. She must have accepted your proposal, huh?

As a matter of fact she did, on condition that I give up on Marissa and the kids.

Well, I want you to know I'll rest easier knowing I have no competition anymore.

It’s probably for the best anyway. Tell her not to cry for me too long. You can tell her I’ve gone to a happier place now and I’ll be okay.

I’ll send the counselor’s bills to you till she gets over you.

Fair enough, I just think it was inevitable, it had to happen sooner or later.

So, when are you two getting hitched?

Sometime in October, when it cools down a bit from the summer heat, hopefully in Sedona. I was wondering if you would be my best man?

I would be honored. Are you sure you trust me to take care of you for the bachelor’s party?

Yes I do. I know you used to sell used cars part time, so I know I can trust you on this.

Good enough for me.

By then both of their cell phones went off. They quickly cleaned up everything from the table, rushed back to their car and drove to the office. When they got there Bertrand was waiting for them. It’s a go. You can get your airline tickets at the United Airlines counter at the airport. You'll have a rental car waiting for you in Mexico City when you arrive there.

You're not coming along? Miguel asked.

Not this time. Besides, someone needs to hold down the fort.

Lucas and Miguel had their 'grab and go' carry on bags already packed and set to go just for times like this. This way they could leave from the office for their trip and be on their way in ten minutes, headed to the airport.

Amber called Lucas while they were on their way to the airport. Glad you called. We're on our way and we should be back, hopefully in a week.

After hearing the news Amber asked, Can I speak to Miguel before you hang up the phone?

Looking confused, he said to Miguel, Amber says she wants to talk to you.

Lucas handed him the phone. Yes, what can I do for you?

I need you to do me a favor, keep Lucas from getting killed out there. I know you know we’re getting married, that being said I don’t want to be a widow before I get married. I need you to keep him alive, at least till we get married and then I’ll take over from there.

Yes, ma’am, I’ll do that just for you and congratulations to you two getting married. I thought that rehab would have done you better than that, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Lucas was looking at Miguel now after his last remark as he smiled. Amber just about choked on his reply, from laughing so hard, I tried, but I just couldn’t get past the big guy. I think I’ll be in rehab for quite a while even after we're married.

I understand and I’ll do my best to help you as much as I can.

Will you put him back on for me please?

Miguel handed the phone back to Lucas. What did you tell him?

Nothing important, other than to watch out for you while you’re out there playing games with the bad guys. I’ll see you when you get back home safely. I love you.

I love you too. I'll try and not get killed before the wedding, Lucas replied, as he ended the call as they continued driving to the airport.

Lucas sat back in his seat thinking about how it had been courting Amber and with her finally accepting his marriage proposal. He knew that living on his wages, while being a Border Patrol agent, would be lean at times for both of them and then having a family on top of that.

Is it hard raising a family on your salary? Lucas asked Miguel.

No, not really. You learn to adjust. You learn to identify your needs versus your wants, giving up your wants so that you will have more than enough for what you need. Are you getting cold feet about getting married?

No, not at all. I was just thinking about how we are going to live on Border Patrol wages once were married.

She must really love you if she's willing to sink to your level of poverty.

You know, I think she's marrying me for our dental plan.

What makes you say that?

Well, you know, she has only one good tooth and at night she takes it out to brush it to keep it looking white?

You know, I thought the same thing with Marissa when we got married to. Boy, she was sure excited when she got her own set of dentures instead of having to borrow mine all the time.

I can see how that would've been a problem with you being gone all the time.

Yeah, we had a hard time trying to keep it from our friends when they would see us at the store buying baby food, thinking that we were going to have a baby. When actually we were getting it for Marissa so she could eat without her teeth.

Hey, that's a good idea. Thanks, I'll remember that. I have to say, her new teeth look pretty good with the one real tooth.

That's what friends are for. Hey, by the way, don't tell Marissa or I'll tell Amber, deal?

Deal.

Both of them laughed at what they had been talking about, knowing that they were lucky to be married or be marrying girls that would put up with them.

4

Chapter 4

Buck and Rachael were sitting down to lunch when Rachael brought up the APB on the kidnapping of the young man. Did you happen to get the last name of the boy that was kidnapped?

I did but didn’t think any more about it, why do you ask?

You remember our first case together before we were married.

Then it hit him. As a matter of fact I do, now that you mention it. I wonder if it’s Jim’s son that got kidnapped by the cartel that he owes money to?

I was thinking the same thing to. I think we should contact the Phoenix FBI and let them know about it, just in case it may be true.

I’ll call them after lunch when we get back to the office.

After lunch they went back to the office and Buck made the phone call to the FBI's Phoenix office.

Hello, this is Special Agent Van Dyke, how can I help you?

This is Sheriff Tanner, from Smith County Arizona. I'm calling regarding the APB that was put out on the kidnapping there.

You talking about Michael Olds, the boy from Phoenix?

Yes. I don't know if this will help or not, but a few years back we were investigating a double murder and bank robbery out here. One of the persons of interest was a guy named Jim Olds. The boy that was kidnapped may be his son.

I seem to remember that. That would make sense. So you think that these two cases are connected?

I think so. Jim worked for the Chicago mob and ended up ripping them off for a quarter of a million dollars for killing his wife.

So what your implying is that this could be a way for the mob to collect on what was stolen from them, by taking the boy?

It may be. But then again, I'm not completely sure that is the case. This is just a heads-up in your investigation on your kidnapping.

Thanks, leastwise, it gives us one more avenue to look at. We'll check it out. Thanks for the call.

Your more than welcome, good luck with your case.

Thank you, goodbye.

Agent Van Dyke tapped on Agent Bertrand's door. I just received some information that might help in your investigation to find the boy, Michael Olds, he said, as he passed the new information onto Agent Bertrand.

Thanks.

Agent Bertrand quickly looked over the new information. He then called Miguel and Lucas. What's up boss? Lucas asked.

Just to let you guys know, there might be a possible connection to a man named Jim Olds, from another case ten years back. It might help you two look in the right direction to find the boy.

Thanks, that's good to know. We’ll keep it in mind when we get down there, Lucas replied.

After he ended the call Lucas turned to Miguel. Who's Jim Olds?

Let me think for a minute. And then it hit him. If I remember correctly, Jim Olds is a man that got away from Buck and Rachael years ago. His wife was killed in a bank robbery before Buck and Rachael were married. He ripped off the cartel and the Chicago mob for quite a bit of money and then went to South America to get away from the FBI and the local cops, Miguel said.

It sounds to me like he was getting even for his wife's death. I believe I would've done the same thing myself.

Yeah, I guess I'd go to South America to get away from the guys hunting me and the money I stole.

I wonder why he didn't take his boy with him?

Knowing how he was, after listening to what Buck and Rachael told me, he probably left him in good hands till he got himself squared away in South America.

Maybe he's squared away and is ready to have his son back.

Probably so. There's our turnoff for the airport.

When they arrived at Sky Harbor airport they went to the ticket counter for United Airlines to pick up their tickets and then proceeded to make their way past security, going directly to the gate. The two of them found a place to sit and wait for the boarding call. They looked at their tickets to confirm that their flights were to Mexico City with a possible connecting flight to Trujillo, Venezuela. While they waited to board their flight at Gate A3, Miguel went to get some coffee for him and Lucas.

When Miguel got back with the coffee, Lucas looked at him, I don’t know how to say this, but I have an uneasy feeling about this trip to Mexico.

What makes you say that?

I don’t know, but this trip is different than all of the rest we’ve taken.

Miguel thought about what Lucas was saying as he continued to listen. In all of our travels and adventures driving across the border I’ve always expected to be in harm’s way. But this time we're flying down there and I don’t feel good about it at all. I think we're being set up, not by our people, but by the ones who took the boy.

How would they know we're coming?

How does the cartel know anything about what’s going on?

Miguel nodded his head in agreement. So, how do you want to handle this then?

I think flying isn't the answer to get to Mexico City this time. How about we rent a car and drive there and cross the border into Mexico City that way?

What do we tell Bertrand?

Tell him the truth, that we changed our minds about going down there by plane and instead decided to drive there.

Do you think he’ll buy it?

I don’t know. Tell him we feel better about our health concerns driving down to Mexico City instead of flying. You know me well enough to know I’m not afraid of anything but for some reason this gives me the shakes.

All right, I’ll call Bertrand and let him know we've changed our plans on how we're going down there.

They got up and walked to the car rental area and made reservations for a round trip use of a car. While Lucas did the car rental paperwork, Miguel called Bertrand to let him know about the change of plans, as far as flying down to Mexico City. We were talking amongst ourselves and were not feeling good about flying down to Mexico City, health wise that is.

How do you plan on going down there then?

Round trip car rental, if that's alright with you?

Bertrand didn’t understand why the change but he respected the two men and their judgment. Okay, proceed with caution and call me when you get there.

We'll do that.

Driving the rental car from Sky Harbor airport to Nogales wasn’t what you would call a quick trip, but one that both had made many times before. After showing their badges, crossing the border was easy for them and getting into Mexico was simple enough for the two of them. The highway was good all the way to Hermosillo and to Cuauhtémoc, where they were going to stay overnight. The next day they continued their journey, staying on Route 16 and drove to Fresnillo by the end of the second day. They made Guadalajara the third day and then drove into Mexico City via Toluca town at night, making reservations for the hotel in the heart of Mexico City. The good news is that hiding in the city of almost nine million people was easy if you were so inclined. On the other hand the bad news was finding a kidnap victim would be a hard job in a city of nine million people.

They stayed in the hotel for a couple of days to get the feel of the city which was normal and standard procedure when working in a new environment. Lucas and Miguel flipped a coin to see who was going to call Bertrand to let him know that they had arrived. Lucas lost the toss, only after checking the coin to make sure the coin was legit and that he had actually had lost the toss. Having the honors of doing so, Lucas called Bertrand to update him. Anything new out there for us to know about?

I have no new information about the victim. I only assume that the boy is still alive.

No news is good news.

I hope you’re right and good luck.

Good night sir.

After ending the phone call Lucas looked at Miguel, So where do we go from here?

Miguel sat there for a second, We need to go to the airport and review the security tapes from that day. Maybe we can catch a break from the tapes.

Good idea. What happens if we don’t find anything on the tapes?

We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Let’s go get something to eat, I’m hungry.

Yeah the pretzels and chips we bought leave a lot to be desired.

When they stepped out into the street in front of the hotel, they could see a small cantina that looked pretty busy and decided to take their chances and eat there. They found a table where they could watch the people going in and out and waited for a waitress to come and take their order.

5

Chapter 5

Jim was sitting in his easy chair with his wife, Maria, on his lap, he was getting sleepy from the afternoon heat while Maria rubbed his head to get rid of the headache and help him relax. Deep in thought and frustrated about his son, it came to him that maybe he should do something more about getting his son back. Already having made the first phone call and not hearing anything from anyone, he remembered another name he could call. He sat up quickly and almost dropped Maria on the floor. He apologized profusely to her as he reached for his cell phone to make a call. He began punching in numbers of another person he remembered from his past that he could get in touch with, a guy named Georgey from the old neighborhood in Chicago. A voice answered on the other end. You know who this is? Jim asked.

Well, I’ll be damned, you still are alive after all. Sorry to hear about Karen. That's wasn't the right thing to do. So why the call after all this time? What is it that you need from me?

Thanks, for Karen. I need to ask you for a favor. Can you put together a team of guys and come down here to be my guests for a special job I need done?

Yeah, what’s up?

I’ll let you know when you get here. Just let me know your itinerary before you leave Chicago and I’ll meet you.

Not a problem, be talking to you in a couple of days.

Michael was getting bored with the television programs on the local channels and the food wasn’t that good to begin with. After watching the guards for a while he realized that they weren't the cream of the crop. Most of them were lucky to even be working and getting paid for being guards. They were more interested in talking about what they were going to do with their money once they got their share of it for guarding him. A couple of times he could have walk out of the house because they were all asleep in the front room. He had thought about escaping but once he was outside the house where would he go and what would he do? Maybe that’s why they weren't all that concerned about him running away. Michael knew that wherever his real dad was he knew for certain that he would be looking for him, hopefully. He understood that searching for him was going to take was some time. The question for Michael was how much time would it take for someone to find him. Not sure what to do at this point, he continued watching the TV.

Lucas and Miguel drove over to the main airport in Mexico City having already contacted the security supervisor for the airport, a Mr. Raoul, to follow up with the phone call from the FBI. They were met by Mr. Raoul and found him willing to help them. He took them to the main operations room where all of the security for the airport could be monitored via cameras and guards. In the room were six personnel assigned to watch each section of the airport, two for the main building and the baggage area and one to watch the ticket counters, while the other two were to watch the tarmac and gates where the passengers would load or unload from their flights. The ones watching the passengers getting off the airplanes would run facial recognition software on people of interest as they exited the aircraft into the main terminal. By the time they picked up their luggage the facial recognition would have identified them for possible pick up by the guards working that part of the airport, either for questioning or arrest. All of this done with no one the wiser for it and never knowing that they had been scanned. The sixth person watched the front of the airport where people were picked up and dropped off at the curb in front of the main terminal.

Lucas and Miguel checked the flight plan of Michael Olds and could see him getting off the plane from Phoenix and walking through the terminal to go to his next flight. As he entered the concourse you could see him enter in but by the second set of cameras that he would have passed, he wasn’t there. Whoever had done this knew where the security cameras were placed and made sure that they were able to stay away from the cameras to get to the boy. The next thing anybody could see was when they saw Michael leaving the terminal with two men holding onto him and getting into a car that had been parked out front of the doors they had exited through. From the security cameras, they could see the license plate on the car and the make and model of it as well, as they loaded the boy into the car. The funny thing was about the car leaving the airport was there was another car with four guys in it as well that followed the first car. The four men in the second car looked as if they were waiting for something to happen. Lucas watched the four men as they got into the car and wondered if they were the soldiers used as backup in case something went wrong.

Playing a hunch, Lucas asked the security chief, Do you have any security footage for the time and date for when the four goons arrived at the airport?

The chief fast forwarded the tapes showing the gate they would have arrived at. Lucas had the chief run the tape in regular time and watched the people in the terminal. Within two minutes Lucas saw the same four guys lounging next to the baggage claim area. Can you run a facial scan on the four men? Lucas asked.

Yes, but it might take an hour or two for all four of the men to be identified while we wait for the computer to work its magic, the chief replied.

That'll be fine. There's other things that we need to follow up on, Lucas replied.

In the meantime, while they waited Miguel contacted the local police and had them run the license plate for a match to the owner of the car and the address of their house. The police were able to get them the information on the license plate in a matter of minutes. Now with something to go on, Lucas told the security manager, We need to go and check out this license plate and address and we'll be back shortly.

Okay, we'll be waiting for you. Hopefully, we'll have identified the men by the time you get back.

With the address in hand, Lucas and Miguel left the operations center and drove over to the location of the house, sat outside and waited for the local police to arrive. From their vantage point, they watched to see if they could see any movement inside the house. When the local police showed up Miguel and Lucas met with them and listened to the police as they made up a plan to go into the house. Lucas and Miguel stayed behind at the car while the police went to the house through the front door. After they broke down the door the locals cleared each room finding nothing of value inside. Once it was deemed safe, they motioned for Lucas and Miguel to join them as they continued searching the house. From what they found, evidently the owners were gone on vacation to the coast and had left the house locked up and their car in the driveway.

Now back to square one and feeling frustrated, Miguel and Lucas started thinking that they needed to talk to someone who had information about the cartel operations in the city. The question was, who would that be in a city where everybody was afraid to talk to strangers, especially American strangers. As the local police went door to door trying to find a clue, both Miguel and Lucas knew it was a waste of time, but a necessary waste