Evelyn and Brittany relaxed in the comfortable leather seating of the private jet as it cruised back towards Dallas. Both were pleased their plans were coming together; both were apprehensive about the dangerous missions ahead.
“I’ve asked the pilots to fly me on to LAX after we drop you off in Dallas.” Evelyn stated. “I need to get some fresh clothes, maybe even spend some time with Jared and Tanya.”
“Ok.” Brittany responded. “We can’t do much till we get the latest information from Langley anyway.”
While Evelyn spent a couple of days with her husband and daughter in Beverly Hills, Brittany took some time for herself, watching her favorite movies and sleeping in late. Contacting each of the team members, she put them on alert to be ready to go.
Evelyn arrived back in Dallas late Wednesday afternoon. Brittany picked her up at the airport, fighting heavy traffic back to her apartment in Fort Worth. Evelyn seemed in good spirits, chatting about a shopping trip with her daughter and getting to sleep in her own bed for a change.
“How’s Jared?” Brittany asked.
“He hasn’t changed any.” Evelyn replied. “We didn’t spend more than a few hours together the whole time. He’s all wrapped up in his political campaign.”
Cleaning up the kitchen and diningroom after dinner, the women discussed their past weekend with Trace and Wayne.
“So, you and Trace back on again?” Evelyn inquired. “Seems like you two have got your differences worked out.”
“Well, we kinda know where each of us stands.” Brittany replied. “He knows I’m not going to get serious about him or anyone else for that matter. He‘s not wanting a serious relationship either.”
“What about you and Wayne?” Brittany quipped. “He really rocked your boat every chance he got!”
“Oh. We’re just friends.” Evelyn responded, grinning. “He’s just another notch on my bedpost! I need alot more boat rocking than he can give me.”
The sudden knock at the apartment door startled both women.
“Brad!” Evelyn exclaimed. “That’s got to be him!”
Answering the door, it was indeed, Brad Langley. Entering the apartment, he was actually expressing a true smile. Brittany noticed he had a handful of file folders under his arm.
“Damn! Knew I’d be late for dinner.” He stated, sniffing the air.
“How about a nice T-bone steak, baked potato and a salad?” Evelyn offered. “Won’t take me long to get it fixed for you?”
“Wow!” Langley exclaimed. “You ladies are spoiling me. I may have to move in.”
While Evelyn set about preparing Langley’s dinner, he and Brittany sat on the couch in the livingroom. After handing Brittany the handful of folders, he sipped on the cold beer Evelyn had brought him.
Brittany opened the first folder. It contained numerous photographs of two college students from UNC. Both girls were sophomores, studying towards degrees in journalism. They’d been kidnapped from a boat, owned by the father of one of their boyfriends. One of the boyfriends had been fatally shot during the kidnapping and tossed overboard.
“Now for the bad news.” Langley said. “According to latest reports, the girls are no longer in Esmeralda. They’ve been taken to Yaguajay. It’s a small town on the inner coastline.”
“Why’s that bad news?” Brittany asked.
Yaguajay is notorious for its drug trafficking and smuggling operations.” Langley replied. “It’s busy day and night.”
“Even the coastal patrols won’t enter the bay.” Langley added. “Those that have, never made it out.”
“How sure are you about your sources?” Brittany inquired. “I’d hate to go in there and find out these two girls weren’t even there.”
“Miguel Ramos has a hacienda in Yaguajay. It’s right along the coast, overlooking the bay.” Langley stated. “He keeps both girls with him and his wife at all times. Miguel isn’t the one you’ll have to worry about. His wife, Jessica is the real threat.”
“Jessica?” Brittany asked. “Sounds American?”
“She is American.” Langley replied. “She’s a former Las Vegas showgirl. Miguel met her on a trip there about seven or years ago. They got one of those quickie Vegas marriages.”
“She’s into sadomasochism and satanic worship.” Langley quipped. “She uses the girls to entertain their drug buyers. Bet she’s alot of fun at parties!”
While Brad ate the dinner Evelyn had prepared him, Brittany glanced through the remaining folders. There were grainy, black and white photographs of Miguel Ramos and his wife, Jessica along with photos of the hacienda.
“Check out the folder with the aerial photos in it.” Langley suggested. “Those were just taken last week.”
Brittany and Evelyn examined the aerial photographs of Yaguajay and the coastline. Several photos had been enlarged to detail the docks and the area immediately surrounding the Ramos home. While the coastline was rocky with craggy outcroppings, the house appeared to be surrounded by lush, thick jungle. The house was built on a plateau, which overlooked the small town.
“Maybe we should think this over before we decide if it’s worth the risk.” Evelyn suggested. “It looks way too dangerous.”
“No. We’ll go.” Brittany replied. “If I think about it, I might talk myself out of going.”
Evelyn wasn’t happy with Brittany’s decision, realizing the mission was more dangerous than she’d ever expected. Thoughts of the entire team being killed, immediately crossed her mind. The idea of losing Brittany made her shudder with fear.
“You alright?” Brittany asked, noticing the look of fear on her face.
“I’m alright.” Evelyn replied, choking out the words. “It’s you I’m worried about.”
“I’ll be ok.” Brittany murmured, grasping the woman‘s hand in hers. “We’ll all be ok.”
“I couldn’t live with myself, knowing I financed this whole thing and got everyone killed.” Evelyn muttered.
“Think positive!” Brittany responded. “None of us is going to get killed!”
“Take my advice.” Langley said. “Take along a well stocked first-aid kit. Just in case.”
“When will you have more information about the other women?” Brittany inquired, trying to sound confident about the first mission.
“I should have just about everything by the first of next week.” Langley replied. “Depends on what comes in over the weekend.”
“You can get in touch with me in Nassau.” Evelyn stated. “I’ll be staying at the Marriott.”
“Ok, that’s not a problem.” Langley responded. “We should stay in touch so you can keep me informed on how things are going with Brittany and her gang.”