Nick moved to Kel, ripped open the man’s shirt, and cut a shallow eight inch cut from the man’s sternum down. Florencia screamed in horror. “That’s just a small sample. One more hesitation, I cut down to your dick, and we all watch what you have inside slither out for cleaning.”
Nick’s actions led to an uninterrupted revealing of monetary and precious metal treasures aboard the ship in a number of locations. The treasure recovery amounted to over two hundred thousand dollars in cash and convertible bonds, plus a hundred one ounce American Eagle gold coins. John completed the necessary recordings of all facts concerning the drug pipeline into East Coast ports, complete with names, ship registries, and the people connected to Senator Cameron who acted as go between agents to convey her wishes or shield the operation. When Caulfield and Florencia finished, Nick took over.
“Sammy, have you ever seen Pinter with any of these weapons we’ve gathered?”
“He uses the Glock with the fancy grips.”
“Does Kel use the Colt we took off him?”
“It’s the only one I’ve ever seen him with.”
“Good enough.” Nick turned to Gus. “Please administer the sedatives to Pinter and Kel for transport.”
Gus retrieved two syringes from the equipment bag they brought with them. He injected their two prisoners. In moments the two men were unconscious and snorting in breaths raggedly. Gus clipped the plastic ties on their hands with side cutters. Sammy took a deep breath, turning to Nick.
“You don’t have an overdose or something instead of a bullet in the head do you?”
Nick grinned. He handed Sammy the bag they put the convertible bonds and cash in, but kept a hand on it for a moment. “You did time in the sand. That means something to me. It means a second chance. Take the money, and get as far away from here as you possibly can. If I ever cross your path again, you better be a man to be counted on or I put a bullet in your head. Here’s my card. Stay in touch at the E-mail address on the card. Let me know how you’re doing. Don’t ever mention my name or anything relating to this incident to anyone. If you do, you’ll meet me in the night, and I won’t be there to read you a story.”
Sammy took the money, his mouth hanging open. “Why the hell would a killer like you do this for me? Man, I seen guys like you overseas, special forces grunts trekking with CIA. I’m grateful, but what’s in it for you? Ice cold dudes like you don’t do shit like this for a special place in heaven.”
“I have people everywhere, Sammy. Think of it as a retainer. Stay in touch. If I reach out to you for something, I expect a return on my investment. That clear enough for you?”
Sammy looked at the name on the card and put it in the money bag. He held out his hand and Nick shook it. “I’m Sammy Rico, Nick. Call me for anything you need me for.”
Sammy gestured at Pinter and Kel. “Those guys ain’t goin’ into no witness protection anywhere, are they?”
“Best to be on your way, Sammy,” Nick replied. “I believe our business is at an end for now. My advice is get far away from anyone who might know you were in with the Sinaloa folks. They have a long reach.”
“I’m from Alabama. I know a place there I can get a new start.”
“If they find you, contact me. I don’t like people messing with my investments.”
Sammy nodded. “Understood. I will let you know where to find me. Thanks, Nick.”
Nick watched Sammy leave the boat. Gus was the first to speak after a brief silence. “What have you done with El Muerto, and who is this sissy boy someone dumped in his place? Seriously, you letting that kid go is on a par with aliens landing in the water next to us.”
“I told you I take chances with people. I’ve never been wrong so far. You do remember our friend John here was an enemy terrorist, right? Sammy was a vet. I don’t know where he went wrong, but I might need a favor down Alabama way sometime. I bet John understands my reasoning.”
“I would have shot him in the head, Muerto,” John admitted. “I am not as evolved as you, brother. You shocked the shit out of me too.”
“Well, let’s wrap this up. I’ll need help to stage my drug runner fall out. The hold’s full of cocaine as Sammy claimed. We’ll arrange the scene where three desperate men decided they could no longer trust each other and got into a gunfight. Grab Pinter and put him over here across from Kel. ”
After John and Gus arranged the unconscious men to Nick’s satisfaction, Nick used gloves to put the Glock in Pinter’s hand. “Florencia, you dirty bastard. You’ve double crossed me for the last time.”
Nick shot Kel in the neck with the Glock. He then went to Kel with the man’s Colt. Nick aimed Kel’s Colt at Pinter’s dead center. “You shot me, you son-of-a-bitch! I’ll get you, you dirty rat!”