Free Lost Voyage by Chris Tucker Page A

has to answer to anything right now.”
    Esperanza didn’t appreciate the tone in the voice of this man. He was not accustomed to being talked back to or disrespected. “You will both learn your place very soon. I promise you that.”
    Mercer took back control of the conversation. “I asked you who you are.”
    “My name is Kervin Esperanza. You have intruded upon the operation of my employer and I have been sent to retrieve you to his presence.”
    “Well, it looks like you’ve failed at that. We’re not going anywhere with you. We’re United States citizens and aren’t governed by your ruthless law. Sorry to rain on your parade, but we’re heading back home in just a short time.”
    Esperanza had a sly look on his face as he replied. “On the contrary, you and your friend will not be leaving for home any time soon. I know you two are all that’s left of your operation and that everyone else left a few days ago. You are alone down here. You should have left with your group when you had the chance.”
    Vigil couldn’t contain himself anymore. The stocky Irish American was eager to get his hands around the throat of this pompous loudmouth. “If you threaten us one more time, you’ll be joining your comrade on the ground next to you.”
    Esperanza‘s patience was also beginning to wear thin. “You cannot frighten me with the threat of death. I have squashed much better men than you in my day. You will answer to my employer for the death of our men. That, I can assure you.”
    Mercer had also heard enough. “You tell your employer that if he wants a war, he knows where to find us. But also tell him to expect the death of more of his men should he continue down this path. We’ll find out what you’re covering up and we’ll make sure you suffer the consequences for it. And if I see you following us again, I may not be so willing to let you live the next time.”
    “The next time you and I meet, there will be a much different outcome. The both of you will die a slow and agonizing death,” Esperanza confidently proclaimed.
    “I look forward to it,” Mercer said, as he gave a little grin. “But just to keep that next meeting from happening too soon, I’m going to have to take your weapons and do something else you may not like.”
    Before Esperanza could respond, Mercer fired two rounds into each front tire of the SUV, stranding the cartel members. With guns still aimed, Mercer ordered Esperanza and his driver to back up while he retrieved their weapons. After retreating back to a close proximity of Vigil, he gave a nod to signal it was time to go.
    “And with that, gentlemen,” said Vigil, “We bid you a good day.”
    The two NESA operatives hopped back into their vehicle and drove off into the Nicaraguan jungle. Mercer turned his head towards his partner.
    “That was fun, wasn’t it?”
    Vigil nodded his head lightly, “Yea, but I have a feeling the real fun is yet to come.”
    Still determined, they knew there was another objective that had just been added to their itinerary.

9
     
    Vallejos had a very displeased look on his face as his head of security told him the news of what had unfolded. This was the second time Esperanza’s forces had failed to capture those responsible for the death of his men and he was seething with anger.
    “You’ve proven you cannot even handle two men who are nothing more than scientists. I will not tolerate any more incompetence. You have one last chance to bring these men to me, Kervin, or it will be you who answers for it.”
    Esperanza was humiliated. This was something he had never felt before. Having to walk back to town after his vehicle was incapacitated made him extremely agitated, but he knew this was not the time to vent that frustration.
    “With much respect, Andres, these are not just two mere scientists. Scientists don’t carry military grade weapons. And the shot he fired was an accurate kill shot to the throat of my man. These men have prior