Free Enemy in Blue by Derek Blass

Don't forget who's green around here!”
    “ Listen, Diego,” Sandra said raising her voice, “we are here despite my better judgment and we aren't goddamn kids anymore. So treat us with some respect, especially in a situation like this.”
    He shrugged off her attitude. “You know that coming to me for something related to la polic í a is dangerous, right? Esos cochinos and I don't get along. Look, look here!” Diego said excitedly drawing them to a particular rose bush.
    “ See that?” Diego asked pointing to a stem on the rose bush.
    “ No, what are you looking at?” Cruz asked impatiently.
    “ It's an aphid.”
    “ Okay, why the hell does that matter?” Sandra asked.
    “ Because the cops are like these damn aphids. We build beautiful things in our community. We start beautiful families. We raise beautiful families. But, it's all as delicate as this rose.” Diego reached towards the stem and held it up as the aphid moved slowly in the opposite direction of his hand.
    “ Then these little putos come along and start to destroy what we've built. It isn't fast or visible. If it was, our reaction would be violent and they can't have that. It's slow, degrading. Small bite by small bite. Once you recognize that they are there though, they must be dealt with.” Diego pinched the aphid between his fingernails. “Understanding my philosophy, are you still interested in my help?”
    Cruz and Sandra looked at one another. They knew Diego was the only alternative. He was the only one that would fight fire with fire. Nothing else would do. They turned back to Diego at the same time and said, “Yes.”
    * * * *
    Carmen ran to the car and took Alicia into her arms. They stood there for some time before Carmen led Alicia inside the house.
    “ Sit down preciosa ,” Carmen said as she directed Alicia into a lazy chair. “I want you to know we're here for anything you need, okay?”
    “ Yes Carmen, I know,” Alicia said as she wiped tears from her face.
    Carmen turned to Martinez, her face changed instantaneously, “ Que paso aqui? How did you let this happen?”
    “ It's not really that simple Carmen. This…this situation...”
    “ It was Shaver and his racist punks, huh?” she asked.
    Martinez took a second to gather himself before responding, “Yeah, and it's Shaver and Tomko after us.”
    “ Not to mention the Chief now,” Alicia added.
    “ She's right,” Martinez said. “We just met with the Chief and he knows what we got.”
    “ Pues , are you going to finally tell me what you have?”
    “ It's a video of Shaver killing that old man a couple days ago.”
    “ No puede ser! ” Carmen said as she sat down. “No wonder he's going nuts trying to get it.”
    “ Right, and that's why we need to figure out a game plan,” Martinez said as he went to the kitchen. He grabbed a glass of water and rejoined the women. “I only see one option for you two, which is for both of you to leave.”
    “ No way hombre— this is our home and I'm not running!” Carmen exclaimed.
    Martinez cherished how strong Carmen could be. However, a companion of strength is usually stubbornness—and she was no exception. He knew this mini-battle would erupt and that he would have to win. He looked Carmen directly in the eyes and said, “I'm not giving you a choice. What's up is bigger than both of us. It was bigger than us when Shaver murdered that innocent man, and became even bigger after they killed Alvin.”
    “ I know this is bigger than us! That's why I want to stay and help!”
    “ Any help you give by staying is outweighed by the risk of having you here. If Shaver is able to leverage me through you, the whole situation is fucked.”
    Martinez could see the disappointment in Carmen's eyes as she considered what he was saying. “The greatest sacrifice is for you to leave what you know, what is yours, and where you feel safe. But it's necessary.” Martinez looked at both women without an ounce of doubt. They sat near