Free Fatal Divide by Jamie Jeffries Page B

tribe to cross the border with no restrictions? Even though you know they’re trafficking drugs and human beings?”
    Wanda considered her answer before she spoke. “Yes, I do. They wouldn’t be involved in illegal activities if they were allowed to cross at will. It would go back to the old ways; baskets and other handcrafts.”
    Alex almost sneered at her. “You can’t be that naive. Native handcrafts will never bring the money that drugs do. You can’t stuff everything back into Pandora’s Box.”
    Wanda stiffened, pulling her dignity back around her like a shield. “I believe you’re wrong. I ask you not to print what I’ve told you, Alex, both as a friend, and because it would put Dylan in danger. I think we’re done here.”
    Dylan stood in shock. Had Wanda just dismissed Alex? That wasn’t going to go over well. Alex stood as well, her face blank.
    “Will you take me home, please, Dylan? I think I’ve outstayed my welcome.”
    Wanda’s eyes filled with tears, and she shook her head. Dylan trailed his hand across her outstretched one as he guided Alex to the door. He’d have to call her, after he had a chance to read what Alex intended to do. He didn’t know yet if he’d lost Alex. He couldn’t go back on his word to help Wanda. Somehow, he’d have to make it turn out right for everyone.
     
     
    FIFTEEN
     
    6:00 p.m.
     
    Alex stayed silent as Dylan drove her home, afraid to say anything because it might be the last wedge between them. Dylan must have had the same thought; he didn’t talk either. When they got there, she knew they couldn’t leave things like this. She invited Dylan in and asked him if he’d like something to eat.
    “Like what?” he asked.
    “Fish,” she replied automatically, knowing that Dylan was aware of her long-standing joke with her dad. It broke the tension, and both of them laughed. Then she led the way to the kitchen and got out sandwich makings. “Dylan, I don’t even know how to begin,” she said, refusing to look at him as she spread mayonnaise on the bread.
    “Begin by saying we’re okay. Lexi, I can’t lose you again,” he said. He was behind her then, surrounding her and pulling her around to face him. “Please, we’re okay aren’t we?” He tried to kiss her, but she averted her face, her heart breaking as she saw defeat in his eyes.
    “I need some time, Dylan. I can’t believe what Wanda said, and I can barely believe you intend to put yourself in danger for a relative you don’t even know. What if something happens to you? Where would that leave me? Where would that leave your brothers ... your real ones? Don’t you get it, Dylan? This is crazy!”
    “I won’t be in much danger. Wanda’s the one who’s putting herself on the line. She’s going to do the digging to find out which cartel Jimmy’s running from, and to find him. My part is just getting him out of here.”
    “I don’t believe that, and you shouldn’t either. She’ll need your help. Why does it matter which cartel? It’s probably both of them, anyway. And, even though I’m mad as hell at her, I don’t want Wanda hurt either. What’s her stake in this?”
    Dylan sighed heavily. “I can’t give you chapter and verse, the way Wanda could have. I wish she’d started with the history, like she did when she told me. She’s always been an activist. She’s fully committed to the cause of reuniting her people - our people - by at least letting them cross the border within the rez.”
    “But, Dylan, why are you involved? You weren’t raised on the reservation, or as a member. What’s your stake in it?”
    “She promised to help me straighten out my membership in the tribe, Alex. I told you.”
    “Can’t you do it by yourself, now that she’s given you clues?”
    “I could, but I promised to help her. When Mom goes, Tia Wanda is my only link to my past. If I betray her trust now, I may as well denounce the tribe, give up on my brothers, and leave here