Sleeper's Run

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Making sure we're not being tailed, I ask the taxi to drop me off at Dadeland Mall for some shopping, and then I find new lodgings at the prestigious Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Corso's branch in Australia will be footing the bill for my cozy, pool-view suite.

Fortunately, laziness has helped me this time around. If I had unpacked my dry bag the night before, I wouldn't have my phone, my laptop, the cash I stole from Tony, or my tools.

I shave my hair and dye it until the stink gets too much. A pair of green contact lenses and a can of self-tanner later, and I look like a David Beckham wannabe.

Part of my purchases include a new holster for my gun, two extra magazines, a couple of boxes of ammunition, and a cleaning kit, which I use to tend to my weapon as I check the local news about the high-speed chase.

The report says a woman was gravely injured after a head-on collision on Brickell Avenue. Two police officers were injured in a car crash, resulting in the death of the other driver. And another two policemen were gunned down at Kennedy Park. The authorities believe it could be drug-related. They also mention the shootout at my apartment. The FBI is currently investigating the incident, but has offered no statements.

The heat in Miami has become too intense for me. I need to survive one more day in order to get my new passport from Ilich, and then I'll be gone.

I check on the spyware I uploaded on Tony's fancy encrypted cell phone while he was unconscious. My laptop has been recording every phone call, text message, email, and even conversations held around the mobile, which acts as a microphone.

Tony's first phone call was to a doctor friend of his. He asked him to come to his house at once to treat his wounds. Not an uncommon request judging by the doctor's reaction. If Tony shows up at an ER looking like a human punching bag, the police will have to get involved, damaging his current innocence campaign. The second call is from his father. The conversation is in Spanish.

"Que Dios me lo bendiga, mijo," Rafael Montenegro says, blessing his son as is customary in Venezuela.

"Things are getting heavy, Dad. I just got jumped by Eric."

"Are you OK? Did he hurt you?"

"No, I'm fine, Dad. He just really scared the shit out of me. He knows about what's going on."

"Did you talk to Blake?"

"I will after hanging up with you."

"You should have talked to him first; that man is dangerous. You're lucky he didn't kill you, God forbid! What is he doing in Miami? I thought he was in Colombia."

"Not anymore," Tony says. "He's trying to expose us."

"That son of a bitch. After all the sacrifice we've gone through to get rid of the president, now he wants to ruin everything. It's his own country for God's sake."

"Yeah... But don't worry; you know I can take care of myself. I just wanted to know how everything is with you. How's Mom?"

"Mom is fine; she's shopping in Milan with Aunt Gladys."

"And you?"

"Suffering from acid reflux, as usual," Rafael says. "Aside from that, everything is fine. President Ramos wants to have a meeting with all the members of the opposition as soon as possible in Miraflores." He refers to Venezuela's equivalent of the White House. "He called me personally to extend the invitation and all. I also talked to Washington; they can't be happier."

"That's fucking great, Dad!"

"I didn't spend all that money on your education so you can talk like a street punk."

"Sorry. That's awesome news, Dad."

"I'll be traveling to Caracas as soon as the government gives me safe passage. In the meantime, I want you to keep maintaining a low profile. Call Blake and take care of yourself."

"I will."

"Are you sure you're alright? You sound a little odd," Rafael says.

"I'm fine."

"This is almost over, son. You've made me very proud. One day, history will look back at this moment as a pivotal event in our country's freedom. That's the legacy of the Montenegros and you helped me make that possible."

"You're going to be a great president, Dad."

Aw, that's cute, I think. The amount of shit in these pricks can put any roadside toilet to shame. At least I have another nail in this conspiracy's coffin. The last call is less bizarre and far more interesting.

"Mr. Montenegro," Blake's monotone answers.

"He's here!" Tony says.

"I know."

"You knew? Then why the fuck didn't you tell me?"

"Are you on a secure line?"

"Of course!"

"Secure as it may be, there was no need to jeopardize our operation by breaking radio silence. As you know, our target is quite resourceful."

"No shit. He broke into my house last night, beat me up and tortured me."

"You talked."

There's a pause. "Do you have any idea what he put me through?" Tony says. "You would have talked too if you were in my position."

"I doubt it."

"Oh yeah?" Tony says. "Well fuck you! This wouldn't have happened if you had done your job to begin with."

"Calm down, Mr. Montenegro," Blake says. "We almost had him in his apartment. We're very close to resolving the Caine situation."

As close as you are to enjoying a 3D movie, you one-eyed fuck, I think.

"How?"

"You should stop taking chances and kill the motherfucker once and for all," Tony says. "What if he escapes from you again?"

"I suggest you take care of your part in the operation and leave Caine to me."

"I'm gonna need something better than that, Blake. I can't even tie my own goddamned shoes! So I need to know if you're manning up to the situation or should I start considering adding a panic room to my house?"

"There's no need for melodrama," Blake says. "I have arranged for Caine's girl to be brought here tomorrow. A surveillance team will be following her and news of her return will be leaked to the local media. All we need to do is wait for Caine to contact her."

"And if he doesn't?" Tony says. "He already suspects that she might be involved in the operation."

"Then we'll kidnap her and use her as a bargaining chip whenCaine resurfaces. How's that for manning up?"