Chapter 13
THIRTEEN
brUNO
“Bruno, he’s here.” Armondo found me in the west wing of the new house. I had to admit Mama had said the view of the kitchen was going to be fantastic, and it was. I could see for miles, and that also meant it would be easy to spot anyone coming and we could be ready for them.
A small group of local men came into view. They were installing cameras, and I wondered how many of them would regret working for us. I had to smile at the idea of what we were building. These people had no idea how powerful we were about to become.
“I’ve never seen that many shades of orange in a single sunset before,” Mama said from behind me. “It makes me wonder if we should stay here.”
“We own six properties, and this one is the one you want to live in?” I leaned my weight against the wall and felt my foot throb inside my shoe. Though I liked the location of this one, it wasn’t my favorite. I had a sudden thought. “How long are you staying?”
“A few more weeks.” She stepped into view. “I need the men to understand I’m in charge and there will be no room for error.”
Mama never let me forget she was the one in charge of our family. It was the reason my father kept his distance. Two type A people needed miles between them to work. He stayed in Mexico City, and she stayed in Rosarito. Where I hoped she’d soon return.
“Did you meet with your sleeper today?”
“I did.”
“And?”
I pulled out the little box “J” had given me and handed it to her. “It’s a start.”
She read the label and flipped it over. “You’re not to make a move until I say so,” she reminded me, and I turned to look at her like she was mad. “I mean it. Gather all the information first, then we’ll hit all three at once. If you show your cards early, we’ll lose the element of surprise.”
“If I see an opportunity to take out the very men who killed Uncle Martin, I’m pulling the trig—” She grabbed my ear and yanked me down to her level.
“You know the plan, Bruno. Don’t forget I’m the one who brought you into this world and I can take you out. This will be done my way.” She twisted harder, and my ear burned. “Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Mama.”
She let go and patted my shoulder. “Sometimes boys forget where they stand in the family,” she said. “Don’t let it happen again.”
“Mr. Perez.” Armondo walked up with a man who positively reeked of America. When he smiled, his teeth flashed so white, he reminded me of a toothpaste model. “Meet your new Nando.” The man flashed that smile again as he stepped forward.
“Archie Kidd,” he offered. “I’m honored to be working with you.”
Mama stared at him hard, and his smile instantly faded. Then she raised a brow at me as if to say, “See? He obeys.” She turned and left the room. I waited until the sound of her clicking heels faded, then I turned my attention to him.
I’d already checked the young man’s past. He had a less than savory military background and had been dishonorably discharged for fighting. Apparently, he had put his bunkmate in a coma. The US Army didn’t approve of such things. It was sure to be my gain.
“You will have only one chance with me,” I warned. I waved toward the window. “Can you see the property line?” I stepped forward and looked out.
“No, sir.”
“Exactly, because we own it all. Your family will never be able to find your body.”
He turned to look over at me. “Then I better behave.”
“Bruno.” Armondo’s voice sounded strange, so I turned my attention immediately to him. He rarely smiled, and the smile he wore in that moment was chilling. “We’re needed back home.”