Free Marie, Laura - Miss: Senorita and the Soldado [The Miss Series 2] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) by Laura Marie Page A

Elloisa. It was inevitable Mathew, but the good part is that they’ve pooled their resources and will be waiting by the border for them. The bad news is that a drug war is taking place mere miles from where our intel believes that Elloisa and the agent are.”
    “What? What do you mean drug war?”
    “Mathew, they could be caught in the middle of the biggest massacre in Mexican history. Right now, early reports are saying fifty or more victims.”
    “Jesus, John! What is the Mexican government doing?”
    “They sent the Mexican marines in, but the scene is bad.”
    “John, do you think Elloisa is there? Could she be one of the victims?” Mathew swallowed hard at the thought, and his eyes filled up with tears. In the background, he heard his mother gasp. To get this close to having Elloisa back only for her to not make it here and die in a drug war was insane.
    “I just don’t know. I wanted to be up front with you and let you know I’m on top of this. I will get you answers as soon as they come in.”
    “I appreciate that, John.”
    Mathew disconnected the call and took a deep breath. As he turned towards his family, he regretted having to tell them he didn’t know if Elloisa was dead or alive.

    * * * *

    Thirty minutes later, they approached the final stretch of Mexican land before the gates and border security check. They had traveled all night, and the sun was beginning to rise in the distance. She looked at Gustavo and his rugged appearance. His disguise was commendable. Even dirty and exhausted-looking, he was attractive. He glanced at her, and quickly, she looked ahead of them.
    “Do you think there will be any more obstacles before the check-in booths? Josè mentioned some gangs that worked the border.”
    “We’re driving a military Jeep and will be gaining enough attention.”
    “A stolen military Jeep, and if that is a concern, then maybe we should ditch the Jeep and the guns before we cross?”
    “I think it is in our best interest to keep the Jeep and guns as long as we can. We’re not heading across the border in a traditional manner. This is a smaller location and also a lot tougher to cross. Your papers look authentic. Whatever you paid for them was well worth it. Just relax a bit, and we’ll be there soon. It’s just over this next area. Why don’t you pull on the habit and get ready?”
    A few minutes later, the fencing and gates came into view. In the distance behind the fencing were storefronts and numerous people.
    “Let me do all the talking. You just look forward and don’t say a word.”
    He stared at her a moment and smirked then shook his head.
    “What?”
    “Just clasp your hands on your lap and pretend you’re overheated and tired in that getup,” he told her.
    “I don’t need to pretend. This is hell.”
    Elloisa had no choice but to trust Gustavo’s judgment. He saved her life back there in the desert. He sure as hell wouldn’t steer her wrong now.
    The guards looked mean and pompous. They eyed her and Gustavo from head to toe until some higher-up came out around the small booth. Elloisa did as Gustavo told her and remained quiet.
    Gustavo began talking to one of the officials and passed over the passports. The higher-up eyed her, giving her a small smile before solely focusing on Gustavo. Her insides shook with fear as she looked forward. Just across the road was considered official U.S. soil. She would be home in her own country in a matter of seconds. The anticipation was unnerving and emotional. She swallowed the tears and took a small breath, unable to take a full one yet. Not until they were safe.
    Elloisa noticed that the higher-up and Gustavo had a quick conversation with little nods. Her throat was so dry she wanted to cough, but she didn’t want to bring more attention to herself. Her stomached growled. It had been a long time since she had eaten. As Gustavo spoke to the officials, Elloisa glanced around her. Another security officer eyed her suspiciously.