The good news was that he could keep his weapon, his credentials, and his federal agent status. He could transfer to another agency at the same pay rate. The fact that he had a pending job offer with ICE probably made a difference. As soon as he left the hearing, LaGuardia booked him a flight to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia.
Ian had completed basic agent training before he’d started working for the DEA. He’d done eighteen weeks in Quantico for the DEA. He’d also spent thirteen weeks in New Mexico for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He had more academy hours under his belt than most ICE agents, but he didn’t mind having his skills tested. He passed the physical and written exams with flying colors. He was in great shape, he understood immigration law, and his Spanish was excellent.
Although the ICE program was twenty-two weeks total, and the competition was fierce, they’d sent Ian home after twelve weeks. There was no need for him to take the same classes twice, or three times in some cases. He did the advanced coursework and tactical exercises. Then he went back to San Diego to wait for placement.
That had gone better than expected also.
Grinning, he exited the vehicle and walked into the shop. He hadn’t told Maria about the visit. He’d wanted to surprise her, and honor her family tradition of showing up unexpectedly.
Her mother was behind the front counter, alone. “Se?or Ian,” she said, brightening. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
“?Está Maria?” he asked.
“No.” She came out from behind the counter to greet him with a kiss on the cheek. “I think she’s down by the river with Delfina.”
“I’ll go look for her.”
She clasped one of his hands between hers. “I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for Hugo.”
He hadn’t done much, so he just shrugged. He’d bought plane tickets for Maria and Hugo so they didn’t have to take the bus. Sarai had flown with them.
U.S. and Mexican authorities had agreed that she would be safe at her school. Now that her father was dead, the danger had passed. She took care of the burial arrangements before she went back to Taxco. There was no funeral, as far as Ian knew. Maria had visited Sarai twice to check up on her. Maria said the girl was quiet and withdrawn. She’d been exchanging emails with Hugo.
“How is his arm?” Ian asked.
“It’s healed. He’s already playing fútbol again.”
“Good to hear.”
“If you don’t mind my asking…what are your intentions toward my daughter?”
He smiled at the question. “I intend to marry her, if she’ll have me.”
“I’m sure she will.”
He didn’t tell Maria’s mother that he’d already asked twice. Perhaps a third time would be the charm. Nodding goodbye, he left the store and walked down the cobblestone streets, enjoying the warm air. It had rained a lot in Georgia. The past week had been cool in San Diego. Mezcala felt warm and lush, like a lover’s embrace. He found a path along the riverbank, so he followed it.
High-pitched laughter and splashing led him to a swimming hole. There were children of various ages in the river. Someone had attached a rope swing to the branch of an overhanging oak. He watched them play for several minutes. Two boys were doing daredevil tricks, swinging from the rope to the deeper water.
He’d gone to his mother’s house the other day. He hadn’t seen her in over a year. She hadn’t looked good, and she’d asked him for money. It was a typical visit in many ways. His childhood home appeared small and shabby. She hadn’t changed, but he had. He told her he loved her, and she cried. Then he gave her the cash from his pocket. He’d felt lighter after he left.
Now, watching these children, he felt lighter still. He thought about making a life with Maria, different from the one he’d known as a kid. They could do it right. They could start a family. They could have something pure and good, like her.
“Tu novio,” a female voice cried. “?Tu novio, tu novio!”
Your boyfriend.
Ian glanced around and saw Maria’s little sister, Delfina. She was standing in the shallow water, waving her arms over her head. Maria was wading toward her. She was wearing a long black skirt with a red blouse. The skirt was wet, clinging to her bare legs. She had a plastic bucket in one hand. She dropped it and started running.
He met her on the shore.
“I’m all wet,” she said, breathless.
“I like you that way.”
She didn’t protest as he drew her into his arms. The children hooted and hollered, heckling them, but he didn’t care. He kissed her anyway. He’d kiss her in the middle of the river, or the middle of town. He wanted everyone to know that she was his, and he’d come to claim her.
When he released her, she stared at him in disbelief. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to surprise you.”
She gave Delfina the bucket, which had three fish in it. “Take these home to Hugo.”
Her sister left the riverbank with a group of children. Maria pulled him behind an oak tree for another kiss. A passionate kiss, with her tongue in his mouth and his hands in her hair.
“I missed you,” she said.
“I can tell.”
“How long can you stay?”
“It depends.”
“On what?”
Her lips were moist and parted, her hands gripping his shoulders. She was so fucking beautiful. He thought about their night in the hotel room, and blood pooled to his groin. She felt him swell against her and smiled, kissing him again.
“Wait,” he said. He needed to focus, so he disentangled himself from her embrace. “I have important news.”
A crease formed between her brows. “Is it about your job?”
“Yes. I got my assignment.”
She moved away from him, crossing her arms over her chest. “I see.”
His stomach clenched with unease. Maybe he should have called ahead. They’d spoken almost every night on a cellphone he’d purchased for her, but they hadn’t talked about the future. He knew she didn’t want to wait for him. He couldn’t convince her to marry him. So they’d focused on the present, and he’d said things that made them both feel good.
He stared at the river, swift-moving and surrounded by vibrant greenery. Teeming with life. “I thought you’d be happy for me.”
“Happy you’re leaving me and going far away?”
“I got assigned to Mexico City.”