We made it to Teustepe.

It took all of the four hours Tex said it would and then some because of the treacherous makeshift roads. I did everything I could to divert Lillian’s mind from what we’ve been through and what could’ve happened or could still.

I felt like a starved man desperate for time with her, like I was chained in an enforced captivity by not allowing myself any contact. I was greedy for anything Lillian Burkette.

She answered more questions for over two hours as we drove through the dark rainforest before she started yawning. I told her to lay down on the bench and take a nap.

With hesitant eyes, she finally relented. I guided her head to my thigh and pulled the tie out of her hair as I white-knuckled the steering wheel, trying to control myself as I touched her. Her hand came up and gripped my thigh as I pulled my fingers through her hair until she finally relaxed.

I can pretty much say with full certainty—the woman can sleep anywhere and through anything. Never seen anything like it. She even snored again.

Now, with Lillian still sleeping in the truck, I’m standing on the side of the road at an old payphone.

“Will you accept a collect call from Gabriel Blackburn?” the operator asks when Tex answers.

I hear my friend chuckle and he has the nerve to say, “I guess so.”

“Damn, Tex,” I start when the call goes through. “I’ll pay you back for the call.”

He laughs. “Been a long time since I’ve gotten a collect call, man. Didn’t even know it was still a thing.”

I get down to business because I feel like a sitting duck. “What do you have for me?”

“I’ve got a place secured in Managua where you can stay tonight. It’s owned by an American. He’s a retired Marine and has a place he stays there while on business. It’s only a one-bedroom condo—it’s the best I could do on short notice.”

I look back at the truck where my employee that I’ve crossed the line with is sleeping. We haven’t been separated for days and I’m not excited for that to happen now. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll make do.”

“Smith is working with the Embassy. Your temporary paperwork to get back into the US should be ready late afternoon. I don’t know how he pulled that off. He must know some important people, which makes me want to know him, too.”

“Smith was CIA. You could get to know him if you came and worked for me.”

I hear him smile. “Nice try.”

“How about getting home?” I ask.

“Smith and I are both worried about your name circling—no way do we want you at the airport in the capital. He contracted a private jet. It’ll be there to pick you up tomorrow. He couldn’t get it arranged sooner. But that’ll give you time to get your paperwork from the Embassy. You’ll be flying out of a small airstrip and Smith assured me no questions will be asked when you leave.”

I exhale, grateful for the friends I’ve made and kept over the years. “Perfect.”

“You armed?” he asks.

“Yeah. I grabbed a Glock and a couple other handguns. I think I have enough cash to gas up and get us to Managua. Give me the address.”

I memorize the directions and how to get into the condo.

“You’re a lifesaver, Tex. You ever get tired of pulling people out of the shit they get themselves into?”

He laughs again. “Tracker, Gabe. I’m sending you one. Carry that fucker at all times from here on out.”

I smirk. “I’ll think about it.”

I hang up and head back to Lillian. We need food, new clothes, and a shower. It seems like we’ll be hiding out in the capital for a day before we can get out. I’m going to do everything I can to find Lillian chocolate and a rum drink in a coconut shell with an umbrella that will hopefully make her smile.