Free Cheyenne McCray - Point Blank (Lawmen Book 4) by Unknown

the floorboard behind his seat as he drove. His phone rang and he sniffled as he looked at the caller ID. His stomach twisted into a knot. “Unknown Caller” was on the screen. Every single time Mark answered that ID, the unknown caller was Rodrigo Jimenez. Rodrigo was better known as El Verdugo, The Executioner. EV was the leader of the Jimenez Cartel and Mark’s employer. He was probably calling from the family compound in Mexico.
    Sweat broke out on Mark’s forehead. He positioned his Bluetooth earpiece in his right ear before touching the answer/disconnect button. “This is Okle.”
    “What is the status on the Denver shipment?” EV always sounded like he was pissed off—unless some piece of ass was sucking his dick while he was on the phone. EV was known for enjoying getting off while conducting business, likely forcing a young woman—one of the compound servants—to do it.
    “Everything’s in place.” Mark guided the car along the two-lane highway. He always tried to sound smooth and professional, as if EV didn’t scare the shit out of him. “The tradeshow opens tomorrow and the buyers are ready to go.”
    “Good.” EV had a hard edge to his voice. “The bitch is gold, so don’t fuck it up. I have millions invested in the product she is delivering to the buyer in Denver.”
    Mark had to bite his tongue. He , not EV, was the one who had come up with the way to move the product. He, not EV, had found Natasha and convinced her to sell the statuettes filled with product. The bastard should show a little respect. Mark didn’t give a shit about Natasha beyond the fact that she could make him some damned good money. She was a means to an end.
    Mark clenched his teeth before letting out his breath. “I’ll let you know as soon as the product is in the buyer’s hands.”
    “Yes, you will.” EV disconnected the call.
    Mark clenched the steering wheel tighter as the phone went dead. “Bastard.”
    A moment later, he removed his Bluetooth and tossed it into an empty drink holder. Sometimes he wanted out so badly that he had the desire to yell at EV and tell him to fuck off. That, no doubt, would get Mark executed. EV wasn’t called The Executioner for nothing. Mark had seen what the cartel leader did if his employees crossed him, and he had damn near shit his pants. What Mark did to men who deserved a little extra “attention” was child’s play compared to what EV could and would do.
    He’d gotten involved with EV for the money to get his mother into the best local retirement center. He’d done it for her. But then he’d grown accustomed to the perks as the money rolled in. Mark was good at what he did, which was moving product, and that afforded him a lifestyle he couldn’t have had any other way. He never used the product himself, something EV had made clear was against the rules for his key men.
    Yes, Mark had learned a lot from the cartel leader, from staying away from blow to torturing information out of anyone he needed to. He’d been surprised how easily that had come to him.
    He glanced at Selena to see her still staring out the window at the winter-yellowed grass and other scenery passing by. She didn’t pay attention when he was on the phone for his legitimate or illegitimate endeavors. She preferred to clean her Beretta or shoot someone rather than being concerned with his business.
    When they were alone, they sometimes spoke of politics, and he’d been pleased her views were much the same as his. She was a great conversationalist when she needed to be in social situations, while other times she remained quiet and let him do the talking. She always knew what to do or say at the right time.
    He smiled to himself as he paid better attention to the road, and narrowly missed a pothole.
    Selena was the perfect companion. Supermodel gorgeous, she was intelligent and easy to talk with. She refused to have anything to do with drugs, was pleased to donate her time to the retirement home,