Page 96 of Four Cards Exposed

“Did somebody send you here?”

Maybe the FBI forced him to come. Maybe they wanted Mendoza and—

“Nobody sent me here,” he said quietly. “I didn’t have a choice, because I love you.”

Susan’s breath hitched. She didn’t think she had any tears left inside of her, but she must have had a few left, and they rolled down her cheeks now.

“I love you, too,” she whispered. “That’s why I don’t want you here.”

James licked his lips, looking like he was in pain. He was looking at her white gown. “Did they hurt you, sweetheart?”

She knew what he was asking.

“No. Nobody touched me.”

James’s frame relaxed slightly.

“You need to hold on. Stay strong for me, sweetheart.”

Something crackled in the air—some energy that had previously been missing.

And then Mendoza started talking in rapid-fire Spanish, addressing what now seemed to be a full house, at least forty rugged, hard-looking men, their gazes all fixed on Mendoza.

“What is he saying?” James asked in a low voice. “I can only catch words here and there.”

“He’s talking about his brother like he’s dead. About what a great man he was, and how much they will all miss him.”

James nodded. “He wants everyone to forget about Ernesto. He probably wishes the FBI had killed him in the raid, but locked in prison for the rest of his natural life works as well, as long as people forget about him.”

Mendoza continued. He was standing strategically close to one of the lanterns. It made his face glow as he spoke. In the semi-darkness, he looked larger than he was. Larger and completely in control.

“He’s saying it’s time to take things to the next level. I’m not sure what he means by that.”

“He probably doesn’t, either,” James scoffed. “He’s bluffing. Trying to keep the men distracted.”

Mendoza’s speech went on and on.

“What are we going to do, James? Please tell me you have a plan,” she begged.

His eyes rose to look at hers. In his blue gaze, she saw his exhaustion, his fear, his worry—and also his love.

He doesn’t have a plan.

He came because he’s willing to die with you.

A part of her rebelled. This couldn’t be the end—not now, not when they’d just found each other.

“We wait. Lorraine will find a way to get to us. She just needs some time.”

Time… that was one thing they might not have.

“I don’t want you here.”

“Noted, sweetheart.”

“But your being here makes me feel … braver.”

James swallowed. His blue eyes filled with tears and he blinked them back quickly. “You are brave. You’re the bravest woman I know, Susan. I need you to hold on to your incredible courage, just a little while longer.”