Chapter 25
25
“We're stopping a large number of drugs coming into Canada by using vehicle scanning technology, although admittedly, we're only able to catch a certain percentage of private and commercial vehicles carrying drugs.”
Sisco, Frazier, and Dalton listened intently to the local head of the Canadian Customs and Border Protections just across the border from Montana.
Bruce Skelton continued, “It's the volume of vehicular traffic we face. Everyone talks about the southern border of the US, probably because that's where most of the drugs originate from. About one hundred thousand vehicles cross from Mexico to the US every day. We know the problem exists for Canada’s southern border, as well, but about four hundred thousand people cross the Canadian border daily.”
“And on foot?” Frazier asked.
Bruce snorted. “For the drug runners who travel over the land, it's a wide-open opportunity to bring drugs into Canada. They come into ports from France, South America, the Caribbean, Asia… this is not just a problem with the US southern border. Once they reach America, our southern border is a huge area to monitor and police.”
Dalton glanced at Sisco, then asked, “Do you know a drug cartel member named Raul Mendez?”
Sisco felt his blood flow hotter at the sound of the asshole's name. He knew why Dalton asked the question—it was no secret that Sisco wasn't objective.
Bruce's brow furrowed, and he turned to his computer. Finally, he looked over at the three Keepers in his office. “The name is familiar. My most recent information is that he was arrested in Montana but managed to escape when he was knifed in jail and taken to a local hospital where he escaped in what seems to be an orchestrated plan.” His gaze moved between the three, then stayed on Sisco. “I have a feeling this is information you already know.”
“Yes,” Sisco replied. “But we want to know if you've heard anything unofficial about him recently.”
Bruce rubbed his chin, then picked up his phone. “Delores, I thought I saw Akiya walking through here earlier. Is he still around?” After a moment's pause, he said, “Ask him to come to my office, please.”
Looking at Sisco, he said, “We have a man who's working inside the tribal territories. If Raul is hiding there, he might know about it.”
Sisco leaned forward as a knock on the door sounded. A tall Indigenous American walked in. His black hair was cut short on the sides but longer on top, standing almost straight up. Attired in jeans, boots, and a tight black Henley shirt, he gave off a casual air except for his eyes. His dark eyes were alert as they moved around the room, belying the body language that seemed loose and comfortable.
“I'm Akiya Lone Fighter,” he said, his voice clipped. His demeanor was professional but not friendly.
The three Keepers took to their feet, their hands extended as introductions were made. When LSIMT was mentioned, his eyes narrowed, then his lips quirked ever so slightly. “I believe we might have a mutual friend—he is known as Devil.”
Sisco couldn't keep the small grin from his face. “Devil and I served together.”
At this, Akiya cocked his head to the side. “Sisco Aguilar. I believe you saved his life… maybe more than once.”
“I see he's been telling tales.”
“Only at night when we were on surveillance in the mountains, and staying awake meant talking.” He held Sisco's gaze. “I work both sides of the border.” He then turned to Bruce. “How can I assist?”
Bruce opened his mouth to speak, but Sisco jumped in. “Do you know anything about Raul Mendez?”
“I know he's an asshole.”
Sisco's chin jerked back slightly as his brows lifted. “Sounds like we have the same opinion.”
“I've never met the guy. Never been around him. But I've heard his name. He's climbing in the Sinaloa cartel, but he's trying to make a name for himself. The cartel has discovered this area is ripe for drug running. Get people hooked, whether they are kids or Indigenous people on a reservation. Then they use them for running back and forth over the border. Wide open land. Lots of hiding places. They can even hide on the reservations, and no one knows where they are. The cartels are even encouraging criminal gangs on the land.” He shook his head, his expression hard. “It's not like we don't have enough fucking trouble.”
“Since Raul is now wanted for escaping, kidnapping, and murder as well as his drug charges, do you think he's here in Canada or stayed in the States?” Frazier asked.
“Honestly? He could be in either place, but my bet is that he’s made it to Mexico. He’s got a brother… Enzo. Still in Mexico, from what I’ve heard.” His gaze shifted to the three Keepers, then settled once again on Sisco. “This is personal to you.”
“It is.” He almost left his answer at that, not willing to divulge too much, but then added, “I was at the hospital and witnessed the deputy getting executed.” He said nothing about Lenore or Evie since their names had stayed out of the news, and he didn't know Akiya. He would undoubtedly ask Devil about him, but until then, Sisco held his cards close to his chest.
Dalton asked, “What about Freddy Weston? Do you know anything about him?”
Akiya responded, “He was the one who helped get Raul out of the hospital?” When Sisco nodded, Akiya added, “Then he's got more balls than brains.”
That was Sisco's take on Freddy, but he wondered why Akiya said the same. Lifting a brow, he sent a silent question to the other man.
“Raul wants to move up, according to everything I've heard. He's not going to give up anything in his control lightly. If this Freddy gets the idea that by doing Raul's bidding will help make a name for himself, it won't do anything more than make him continue to be Raul's errand boy.”
“We've been told he's also a user.”
Akiya snorted while nodding. “That will keep him in place. Feed him drugs, keep him high, give him enough money to make him feel like he's a big deal, but keep him under his thumb. If he can't stay out of the product, he's not going to become the next cartel's money man. An errand boy is all he'll be.” Akiya added, “But that can make him dangerous when he figures that out.”
“Absolutely. I've seen that over and over. Pet the dog enough so they're loyal, but they'll never be the leader of the pack.”
Sisco sighed heavily, feeling they had little more to go on than they had when they came. As Akiya stood to leave, he stopped at the door and turned. “I know Raul had help with his hospital escape and took hostages.” His gaze hit Sisco before he continued. “But it's hard to imagine they had no inside assistance.”
“FBI checked the hospital cameras and said there was no one else around,” Dalton said.
“Keep in mind, we're not officially investigating.” Sisco shook his head and added, “Of course, the feds take our information unofficially. But I'm after Raul and anyone who had something to do with what happened at the hospital. We know the deputy who was killed was on the take, but he paid the ultimate price. I figure the brother also paid the price now that his brother was killed.”
“I'll check with my contacts. If Raul is around, hopefully, I can sniff him out.” Akiya stood and dipped his chin. “Nice to meet you. Tell Devil I hope we have a chance to work together again.”
With that, he left the room. Since Bruce had no more information for them, the three Keepers also headed out. Once they returned to their vehicle, Dalton asked, “What's next?”
“Mexico. You two can go back.”
“I'm going with you,” Frazier said.
Nodding, Sisco silently agreed.