Free Survivor's Remorse: Brothers of Ink and Steel by Kathryn Thomas Page A

was standing there, I got a call from Mr. Vanderford. One of his hands had caught some kids in a truck tearing up his land.”
     
    “There’s more, isn’t there? Drugs?”
     
    “Yeah. The Prieto Cartel must be getting desperate to send kids out with the drugs. Not one of them was over seventeen. The youngest was probably fifteen… maybe fourteen. They had sixty keys of Colombia’s finest… uncut.”
     
    Jamie blanched. She knew what happened to drug runners. “Did you…?”
     
    “No. We talked about it then let them go. Doing otherwise is a bridge too far.”
     
    She had been a bartender long enough to know when there was more to a story, but, once again, she held her questions. Leo seemed fragile tonight. “That’s good. Killing kids… Shit. Don’t move. I’ll be right back,” she said moving away as Bobi stepped up to the bar and signaled another order.
     
    As she filled the drink orders, Jamie kept an eye on Leo as he stared at the beer he was gently spinning the bar. The darkness that had eased a little this morning was back, and darker than ever.
     
    “So you woke up with a hangover and you busted some kids running drugs. Sounds like you had a pretty full day.”
     
    “You left out the part of being hassled by ICE.”
     
    “Immigration? Why?”
     
    “Some Coyotes were killed last week. Their bodies had been found in Mexico. She wanted to know if I knew anything about it.”
     
    “But you don’t, of course,” she smiled.
     
    “That’s right. Why would have any idea about a couple of dead bodies found in Mexico?”
     
    “Why, indeed?” She looked up as a couple of men sat down at the bar, and another couple was coming through the door. It was about to get busy. She patted Leo on the hand. “I gotta go. But if you need anything, let me know, okay? Either a refill… or just a sympathetic ear.” She smiled at him then gave his hand a squeeze and moved off.
     
    As she worked the bar, she kept an eye on Leo as he slowly sipped his beer. Sometimes he watched her, other times he stared into his beer. She wished she could do more to help him. He seemed like such a nice guy.
     
    “You want another?” she asked when his mug was low.
     
    “No. I think I’m good.” He said standing up.
     
    “You okay to ride?”
     
    “Yeah. I can handle a couple of beers.”
     
    “Do me a favor, okay?”
     
    “If I can.”
     
    “Don’t drink alone tonight.”
     
    Leo smiled. “Yes, mother.”
     
    “Leo… I’m serious. Something is bothering you. I can tell. I worry about you.”
     
    He looked at her a moment, then smiled. A real smile. “I promise.”
     
    It was her turn to smile. “Thank you.”
     
    “I have to go, but I forgot to tell you, Lima 6 will meet your brother in El Paso if you will give us the date and time.”
     
    Her smile grew until she beamed. “That’s wonderful, Leo! Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. Thank the guys in the club for me, okay?”
     
    “I will. We’re glad to do it.”
     
    Jamie glanced down the bar and held a finger up to a customer. “I have to go.” She started to turn away, but then turned back. “Join me for dinner some night? I’ll cook.”
     
    “Thank you, Jamie, but you don’t have to do that. We’re honored to escort your—”
     
    “That’s not why I’m asking.”
     
    “Why, then?”
     
    “Because I get tired of eating by myself. Don’t you?”
     
    He paused a moment. “Yeah. I do.”
     
    “Okay. It’s settled then. We’ll work out the details later.”
     
    “If you’re sure.”
     
    “What? Are you worried that I will take advantage of you? Don’t worry. I will be the perfect lady.” She grinned at him, turned, and hurried to her waiting customers.
     
    Leo snorted out an abbreviated laugh, looked at his tab, and dropped some bills on the bar. As he walked out he glanced at Jamie as she moved with fluid grace behind the bar. I’m not sure I would mind if she took advantage of