Chapter 26
Scott’s eyes slowly adjusted to the daylight. If Doc hadn’t been holding him up, he would've fallen.
Down the hill they went. First Carlos, then Doc and Scott. Doc kept the gun pressed up against the Hyena’s back, helping Scott stay upright with the other hand.
Carlos’s men soon appeared from their suites, the restaurant, and the pool area, like a pack of wild dogs drawn to the sight of blood. They muttered to each other as they followed close behind, pistols and shotguns at the ready, some even held machetes.
“Tell your men to drop their weapons!” Doc said as they were halfway down the hill. The other hotel guests stayed in their rooms like townspeople in the Old West when the bad guys were in town.
Carlos said nothing, so Doc grabbed him by the collar and shook him like a ragdoll. “Now!”
“Put your guns down, Dogs,” Carlos said calmly. “They won’t get far. Be ready.”
The Dogs obeyed, placing their weapons on the ground. Doc, Scott, and Carlos continued down the hill.
They arrived at the pier where a speed boat like the one they used for waterskiing was tied up. Doc told Scott, who had regained his balance, to get in the boat and start her up.
Scott moved carefully, climbing aboard. He turned the key and the engine roared. Doc shoved Carlos toward the boat as the cartel members inched closer.
“Back up!” Doc yelled as he held the gun to Carlos’s head. The Dogs took a few steps back.
“Once we’re 50 feet from the pier,” Doc said, “I’ll throw your boss overboard and he can swim back.” He turned to Carlos. “Hyenas can swim, right?”
“Fuck you,” Carlos said and spit on the ground.
Suddenly, the Dogs parted as Carlos’s right hand man Javier walked onto the pier holding Daniela and her father at gunpoint. She was crying. Adolfo, hunched over his cane, looked defiant and angry. “Get your hands off me, you filthy dog!” he yelled.
“They didn’t quite make it to the airport,” Javier said. “But nice try.” Scott’s head fell to his chest. The Dogs laughed. The tables had turned.
“Good work, Javier,” Carlos said.
Scott got out of the boat with his hands up. “It’s me you want, Javier. Let her go, and I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Kid, step back and let me handle this,” Doc said.
Doc turned to Javier. “Look, pal, I’ll release Carlos. Just let Scott, Daniela, and her father go.”
“Stranger, you’re in no position to negotiate. Release Carlos and I won’t put a bullet in their heads. That’s my only offer.”
“Alright, pal,” Doc said. “You win. Here’s your boss.” He shoved Carlos forward and laid his gun on the ground. “Now let them go.”
“Looks like the game’s up, amigo,” Carlos said, turning toward Doc. “Javier, shoot them, starting with him.” Javier aimed the gun at Doc and held it there for a moment. He tilted his head slightly.
“Shoot them now!” Carlos yelled, annoyed at the hesitation. Javier looked at his boss, then back at Doc. “What the hell are you waiting for!”
Javier’s arm dropped to his side. He lifted the gun again, this time pointing it at Carlos.
A gunshot echoed off the mountainside. Scott could no longer hear anything but the ringing in his ears.
The faces of the Dogs went from triumph to confusion to disbelief.
Carlos stumbled forward and grabbed his chest, his face frozen in a silent scream.
His knees hit the ground and a large red plume spread across the back of his white shirt.
He dropped to all fours and let out a cry like an animal.
His body twitched once. He fell on his stomach, arms spread wide.
His movements stopped but his eyes stayed open.