If he had created some kind of cutting-edge treatment, Luca figured it would be worth the price to get him to do this. As long as he wasn’t here to kill the patient and make it look like an accident.
Francisco looked at him. “Saxon?”
“Luca Saxon.” He nodded, unsure if the guy wanted him to explain the years of service and deployments he’d experienced, or the two years fighting wildfires in rough terrain, or the fact he was now licensed as a private investigator in this city. Truthfully, Luca didn’t feel the need to justify himself to this guy. All he wanted was to do his job. “I’ll be outside.”
He looked around before he walked out. Assessing the room that he had chosen specifically for this patient. No window. Adjoining bathroom that only had one door—the one into this room. Luca wandered over to it and looked around inside, confirming it was empty.
He went to the door and stepped into the hall, where the marshals had gathered. Definitely not inconspicuous, having all these guys with silver star badges on their belts hanging around in the hospital. As if anyone wouldn’t immediately guess they were protecting someone high-profile.
Butler broke off the conversation. “You’re good?”
“Any idea how long they’re going to be here?” The initial paperwork suggested a few days, but Luca had prepared a detail for longer than that. If this thing dragged out weeks, he would have to make some adjustments.
“I’m sure they’ll let you know what their plans are.” Butler hesitated. “And…maybe if he mentions anything about smuggling routes between Mexico and Texas, you could write it down and pass it over to us?”
“He hasn’t told you anything yet?” This was definitely some kind of deal if Francisco had given them nothing so far. He tried to think back to what Judge Mullinax had said in that meeting, but all he could remember was Kira saying no to coffee.
“He refuses to say anything until the treatment is complete.” Butler shrugged. “To be honest, I don’t really blame the guy. He gets what he wants, and as long as he holds up his end of the bargain, then so do we.”
“Do I need to worry about Kira’s safety in there with Dr. Torres and the head of a cartel?”
One of the other marshals said, “Former head of a cartel.”
As if that was the point here.
Butler said, “If he wants to finish the treatment before he’s taken away and actually have a shot at kicking this, he knows he can’t mess with her or hurt her. We gave him a whole lot of stipulations, and he promised to adhere to every single one. Otherwise, he doesn’t get this doctor’s help.”
That might have to be enough to satisfy Luca, even if it still presented a risk. But he got the feeling he would be looking out for Kira as much as he was for threats against this guy while he was here. “Got it.”
Butler stuck his hand out again. “We appreciate it.”
The marshals took off, leaving him in the quiet hallway. Luca eased toward the door and listened for a second, hearing the low murmur of conversation. Hallway clear. His tablet was patched into hospital security, so he dug it out of his backpack and checked that everything was normal from the security guards’ point of view. In addition to that, he’d added his own cameras in this hall and the room itself, as well as the closest entrance and the nearest elevator.
Things were about as covered as they could be.
Now all he had to do was stay at this post until he was relieved by Hammer for the next shift. Not the first time he had pulled an all-nighter for a mission. Maybe later, Kira would be up for hanging out a little. Like getting a drink to break the monotony of hours of observation.
He could use the time to persuade her they’d make a great team. And even though he didn’t think she should do what she’d said and quit her job to become his sidekick, that would mean spending time together.
Something he was definitely interested in.
“He’s a good man.” Kira didn’t know why she felt like she had to defend Luca, but the words were already out.
Dr. Torres stood on the opposite side of the bed, holding the patient’s wrist and looking at his watch. Francisco Abalos had tanned skin, dark hair threaded with plenty of gray, and a gray shadow of beard around his mustache that was likely scratchy to the touch. A slight yellowing of the skin was the only noticeable indication that he suffered from a rare type of anemia.
Francisco’s breaths were shallow. He rested his head back against the pillow. “Powerful men are often complicated.”
“Speaking from experience?” She went for an easy smile, but this man was a dangerous criminal. Even if the Marshals believed he would give them what they wanted, it would never erase the pain Francisco had caused others.
Dr. Torres looked up.
She’d overstepped? That wasn’t the read she got from Francisco. Kira’s stomach clenched for a second, and then Francisco chuckled. The laugh turned into a cough that seemed to tax him.
“Sorry.” She grabbed the water cup beside the bed and offered him the straw.
He took a sip of the cool water. “Powerful people don’t apologize.” He smiled at her. “It’s refreshing to meet a beautiful woman who speaks her mind.”
She didn’t consider herself anywhere near on the same level as this man, but didn’t mind being someone he considered equal to Luca. That was a nice idea. Even being in the same category made her feel good.