Page 75 of Everything We Found

Cammy plunked a fist on her hip. “For crying out loud.” She roughly gestured at the TV. “That’s why we relocate prisoners in the first place, so they don’t corrupt the guards and build networks.”

“At this hour,” Maureen continued in her crisp broadcast voice, “Fernando Ruiz remains at large. A massive, multi-agency manhunt continues across several states with increased border security, ground and aerial searches, and extensive intelligence-gathering operations.” Live footage of Border Patrol operations and helicopters flashed on the screen before cutting back to Maureen. “This is a developing story and we’ll continue toupdate you when we know more. I’m Maureen Curry, ABN news.”

The broadcast switched to a financial market report. Thomas muted the TV.

Nadia held herself tightly, still feeling that frost of apprehension. “Ruiz would have had to know the tactical specifics of that operation for his people to know exactly where to hit.”

Cammy nodded. “Which wouldn’t have been anywhere near where the feds anticipated the Zopilotes to attack. It had to have been the Hidalgos. They broke out Ruiz before Guerrero had the chance because they knew Guerrero was coming, and the feds would have sacrificed Ruiz if it meant capturing Guerrero.”

Thomas dragged a hand down his face in obvious frustration. “It was Kane.”

“It could have been anyone inside the agency,” Cammy said. “More likely anyfewsomeones.”

“No, it was him.”

“We don’t know that, Tom.” Nadia tried to reassure him. She knew he was blaming himself for trusting Kane.

“She’s right. OPSEC.”

“Op what?” Nadia asked.

“Operational security. Our agencies divide information into isolated compartments where intel is only shared with individuals who absolutely need that specific info to carry out their duties.”

“I know about need-to-know,” Thomas said with impatience.

Cammy glared at him. “Then you’d know only a few at the top would be privy to all the coordinating parts. It’s more likely than not multiple agents have been compromised.”

“All Ruiz had to know was the route, date, and time. Enough for his sons to plot his escape. The idea alone of making Ruizexpendable to capture Guerrero was motivation enough for the brothers to strike back.”

“That would mean the semi-truck intentionally T-boned the transport van,” Nadia said.

“Yes.” Thomas passed her a look she took as a sign she understood where he was going with this. “The Hidalgos most likely forced the truck driver’s cooperation. The FBI is probably looking into his family and history already. And I doubt Ruiz escaped on foot. He was shackled. There was a ride waiting for him. Hell, they probably even had a key to remove the chains. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was satellite imagery proving just that and that the FBI, DEA, HSI, U.S. Marshals Service, and every other goddamn agency involved in this massive fuckup doesn’t want it to go public. That’s why we haven’t seen it yet on the news.

“The Zopilotes were probably there, right where our government’s test models projected they’d be. But the transport never got to them because the Hidalgos broke Ruiz out first. He’s long gone, Cammy. They’re never going to recapture him.”

“We’re speculating,” Cammy said, shifting with unease. “We don’t know this for sure. But I agree we’re dealing with something far bigger than we envisioned. Kane wasn’t the only leak.”

Hands on hips, Thomas walked a tight circle. “A semi T-bones a van carrying a very valuable prisoner. It happens in the middle of nowhere with no cell service.” He stopped and faced Cammy. “I know, I looked at the map. Ruiz is the only one who wasn’t killed or injured.”

“As far as we know,” Cammy pointed out.

“He was prepared. He knew the accident was coming and that his people were waiting for him. They struck when least expected, taking everyone by surprise, because our guys were focused on what was supposed to happen farther down the road.

“Ruiz’s guys drive him to an undisclosed location where his plans for revenge—plans I would bet my life on he plotted from inside prison and had his sons ready to implement on a moment’s notice—are put into motion. Kidnapping Kane’s family to force his cooperation wasn’t just a part of their overall strategy. It was a huge component. Kane’s one of the only ones left with access to the full list of everyone involved with or connected to Operation Eclipse.”

Nadia frowned. “What’s that?”

“Operation Eclipse? The sting op ten years back that targeted Donato and a bunch of other businesses the Hidalgos were using to launder money.”

“So, they’re just checking you off the list,” Nadia said, going back to that list Kane had access to. A list she was now on by association.

She inhaled deeply, breathing through the queasiness swirling in her stomach.

“Ruiz isn’t in Mexico. He’s still here in the States. He isn’t leaving until his cartel has killed off everyone.”

Cammy slowly nodded. “I think you’re right on that point. The border is locked down tight. Nobody’s crossing it.”

Nadia was hit with a sudden realization. “This isn’t just about revenge.”