“I can’t believe you have people volunteering to become drug addicted.”
“The Honduran countryside can be very unforgiving. With starvation and disease running rampant, many villagers would do anything if it meant a better life for their family—or one less mouth to feed.”
“You use locals.” And anyone else who’s threatened to throw a chink in his plans.
“To a varying degree, yes. And as for production and distribution, a few well-placed connections grant me relative free rein to do with Freedom as I please. And now with your involvement, Freedom could span across the four ends of the globe as soon as spring.”
Rafe snorted. “While I’m flattered that you think so highly of me, you’d have to have a significant degree more than well-placed connections. You’d have to have inside men or women in every continent and from every government agency out there.”
“I am a man of many talents, Rafael. And I also happen to be very persuasive. Even the once-feared American DEA has been relegated to nothing more than a nuisance to my general plan.”
Despite having been the agency to have contracted them to track Diego’s movements, the DEA being compromised wasn’t without possibility. It would explain how Fuentes kept his operation from authorities for so long.
“You have someone on the inside helping you.” Rafe chuckled, feigning an impressed look. At Diego’s slow smile, Rafe’s stomach curdled. “From what I heard, the DEA was your biggest obstacle, so why do you need me if you already have someone paving your way?”
“Do the Americans not have a saying about not putting all your eggs in one basket? My contacts remain beneficial for as long as they remain discreet. When there is nothing to lose but money, discretion can be compromised. As you’ve said, you would be putting your name, your company, and your reputation on the line. You have a vested interest in remaining discreet and efficient.”
“I admit I’m intrigued, but as I said, I don’t do a damn thing without physical proof,” Rafe stated firmly.
“As you wish,” Diego finally conceded. “But it will take a few days to secure a flight and to make certain everything is prepared for your arrival.”
“You don’t perform any of the testing here?”
“What I have on location is nothing but a decoy, something that if found, would distract authorities long enough to protect my other assets. But you will get your wish, and then we can start this new venture. Together.”
“Se?or Fuentes.” Diego’s head guard appeared at the mouth of the office, a grim look hardening his face. “We have a situation—with Se?or Manuel’s friend.”
Diego smiled as if unconcerned. “Then let’s go see her, shall we?”
Rafe schooled his expression to show nothing but the faintest bit of curiosity as Diego’s man led the way toward the back of the mansion. Penny’s voice reached him before he laid eyes on her. Two of Diego’s men clenched each of her arms in a grip that would more than likely leave behind handprints.
“What do we have here?” Diego asked calmly as they approached.
“Oh, thank God,” Penny cried out. “I was just explaining to these gentlemen—and I call them that very loosely—that I was simply out for a walk when I bumped into Carlotta. She was upset and I was just trying to make her feel better. They’re acting as if I tried to shove her into my suitcase and kidnap her or something.”
Though her performance made the explanation sound feasible, Rafe still took a step forward when Diego did the same. Cover or not, he wouldn’t tolerate anyone threatening her in any capacity.
“It is thoughtful of you to want to help someone in distress, se?orita.” Diego kept his voice low as he brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “But I assure you that Carlotta wants for nothing. She has been my constant companion for many years now. Your concerns are best turned in your own direction.”
Despite Penny’s supreme efforts to hide it, Rafe saw the flinch. Hell, the double meaning nearly made him cringe. He brushed by Fuentes before tossing a lethal glare to the two men restraining her. Only his Delta-taught control kept him from ripping their arms from their fucking sockets.
At Diego’s slight nod, they released their holds. The second she flew into his outspread arms, Rafe cupped the back of her head and pulled her close. He shot Diego’s thugs another death glare before leveling the man himself with a fixed stare.
“Nell’s misguided attempt at assistance or not”—Rafe’s voice went flat—“I will not tolerate anyone putting their hands on what’s mine. The next time your men do more than give her a passing glance, they’ll be wiping their asses with their noses. If you want this business arrangement as bad as you say, then you’ll make sure they remember that.”