The Cartel Enforcers (The Bill Dix Detective Series Book 2) by C.L. Swinney Page B

right now per El Hefe. If the local cops become a nuisance, kill them. The number one priority is to get El Hefe’s money back.”
    “That may not be possible. The money was in Pedro’s car and it has been seized. In a few days it will be moved by a heavily armed convoy to First National bank. If we’re going to get it back, it has to be before it’s moved,” Romero replied. He was curious as to why El Hefe wouldn’t want Pedro dead and how in the hell he would get the money back.
    Calderon simply said, “Get me the intel, we’ll take care of the rest. Also, figure out where they moved Pedro and let me know.”
    “I thought Pedro was no longer of interest to El Hefe?”
    Calderon laughed and said, “Pedro is no longer of interest to El Hefe, but he is to me. You have four hours to figure this out and advise me.”
    Romero could feel himself getting flustered again. He cursed himself for ever taking money and selling out to the devil. Either his family would be murdered or he could live very well while compromising investigations and leaving people out to dry. Sometimes these people ended up dead. He became desensitized to it after awhile.
    “I’ll do what I can. I have a friend working at the warehouse where the money is and since I’m on this task force to catch you, I should know soon where Pedro is,” replied Romero.
    Calderon flatly replied, “For your sake and mine, I hope you do.”
     
     

 
    Chapter 15
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    Romero exited the building and walked over to the car he could see Dix sitting in. He steadied his nerves and took a deep breath before getting in.
    Dix noticed the young agent was trying to calm himself. He thought maybe Romero was just trying to save a little face since he admitted his affair while engaged to Sullivan. He watched as Romero reached for the door handle to enter the car and noticed he was talking to himself.
    Dix said, “Hey buddy, everything okay?”
    Romero laughed and shrugged, “Yeah, why?”
    “Oh nothing, you seemed a bit on edge.”
    Romero was rattled by how well Dix read him. He decided he was a major problem. He considered being upfront with Dix since he assumed he wouldn’t be able to fool him anyway.
    “Oh that, I was just feeling sorry for myself. Sullivan never did anything wrong and she has done well for herself. I, on the other hand, screwed everything up.”
    Dix mulled the statement. He was impressed with Romero’s ability to reflect on his own actions and sort of felt bad for the guy, just a little. Sure Romero was a jerk and earned the cold shoulder from Sullivan, but he seemed like he wanted to apologize and should be forgiven. Plus, he needed Romero’s connections and understanding of the situation to help solve this case. Dix decided to lie a little to keep him happy.
    He said in a fatherly tone, “Look, you messed up. But you have great potential. As soon as you get past the past, you’ll be fine. Now, let’s go wrangle up some murderous cartel members.”
    Romero shook his head and stared at Dix. For a guy I might have to kill, he isn’t half bad , he thought.
    “I know, I actually think what you said is right. I’m going to meet with her again if she will let me and apologize. I’ve never actually done that. My head is in the game. Let’s go meet the guys involved with the latest attempt on Pedro. I think we may have some leads there.”
    “Ok, sounds like a plan,” Dix replied. He pulled the car out and drove away. Romero wasn’t even paying attention as his mind was working overtime. As Romero finally snapped out of his daydream he looked up and noticed they were already at the hospital.
    Romero alertly stated, “See those guys to your right in the beat up Honda Civic?”
    “Yes.” Dix assumed they were undercover officers based on their appearance with longer hair and dirty looking clothes.
    “Those are a few of the narcotics detectives currently working a wiretap investigation in San Diego. If anyone will know who’s behind all