Luca had plenty to keep him busy, with the men they had in custody and everything else that was going on now. If anyone could disarm the doctor and find out why he was being targeted specifically, it was her.
Either those men Luca had seen earlier intended to force the doctor to tell them where Francisco was, or they wanted him to mess up the treatment protocol. Whichever one it was, the patient’s life was in danger from men associated with the very cartel that had been stolen from him. Nothing but a bunch of infighting between bad guys, one of whom was protecting his own behind by making a deal with the US government.
Not a situation she ever would want to be in. But criminals like Francisco might feel they had no choice but to take whatever deal they could be offered, in order to save their own skin.
The doctor looked up from his novel, and Kira gave him a little wave.
“That’s a very fancy dress.”
“I was at an event tonight, but we heard that there might be an attack on the patient here, so we rushed back over to make sure everything was all right.”
The doctor set aside his book, using a piece of paper as a bookmark, and kept his voice low when he said, “And is it?”
“As far as I know.” She brought the second chair over and set it down beside him as quietly as she could, then settled into it. “How is the patient doing?”
“Everything looks good right now. We should be able to begin the procedure first thing tomorrow morning.”
She nodded, even though that completely upended her usual sleep schedule. She’d explained it to him, but he must’ve forgotten. Still, Kira wasn’t going to delay Francisco’s treatment just because she normally worked nights and slept during the day.
“That’s great news.” She gave it a second, smoothing her dress over her knees. “And how was your day? Did you do anything interesting while I was here?”
She had no idea if he was aware that she knew what’d happened with Luca and the two men earlier. He might be completely unaware that Luca had filled her in on nearly everything about the investigation and this assignment.
“I had lunch with a friend of mine at this tapas place not far from here.”
She tried to keep her facial expression neutral. “I know you’re a local, but did you know the patient before he made this agreement with the Marshals?”
“Francisco and I have been friends for a long time.”
That sounded like a serious security threat to her. It might not take much for someone from the cartel to look up Francisco’s old friend and discover he was capable of treating the former boss. “Isn’t it risky to do the procedure on him here in Renegade?”
“We didn’t have another choice. The judge refused to authorize the Marshals taking Francisco and me out of town for the time being.” He shifted in the seat, as if nervous.
“Is anyone harassing you about what’s going on? Maybe asking you to tell them where he is?”
“It wouldn’t be the first time the cartel has approached me about giving them information, or even working for them.” The doctor shrugged. “I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t Francisco. I owe him a lot.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just that if I do this, then not only do I repay an outstanding debt from a long time ago, but Francisco is going to work it into his deal that I also get protection.” Torres didn’t seem fearful. “We all have enemies, and it’s up to us to take steps to protect ourselves. After all, no one else is going to do it.” He nodded to the door. “At least, not beyond the short term.”
“I’m sure the Marshals will be able to keep both of you safe.” She tried to figure out how to word it. “If you pass what you know to the police, or the man who is in charge of your security here, they can work to eliminate the threat against you. Then you’d be free to live your life.”
“Francisco might be prepared to hand over what he knows to the US government, but I haven’t reached the point where I’m willing to do the same. There’s far too much water under that bridge for me to trust any deal the government is going to give me.”
Kira said, “But you trust what they are giving Francisco?”
He shrugged. “That’s different.”
She wasn’t sure how that could be true, but he seemed to believe what he was saying. This wasn’t a man who was trying to do an end run around her concerns. “I’m sure the procedure tomorrow will go well. Then there will be one less thing to worry about, and the two of you can move on with your lives.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” He didn’t smile. It seemed more like he felt nothing, which was odd for a man who was working to get a different life or some kind of fresh start.
“You’ve built a good life here with all that real estate I see your name on the side of.” She thought back to the first time he had rolled up in that car and the marshal had told her that Dr. Torres wanted to speak to her. “You have a lot to leave behind.”
“Sometimes, cutting ties is the only way to get what you want.”
The door swung open. Kira turned to it as Luca stuck his head in. He didn’t have to say anything for her to get up and step outside with him.