“I understand,” I replied, sliding the license back into my wallet. “I’ve been on the highway all morning. I can even pull up my GPS route if you’d like.”
He shook his head. “Not necessary. Safe travels.”
“Thank you, officer. I appreciate it.”
As soon as I merged back onto the road, Marcos’s voice came through the speaker again, but it was smoother, almost impressive.
“You handled that like a pro. You handed him a clean alibi without overexplaining; that’s the kind of composure people can’t teach.”
I could almost hear the smirk in his tone.
“Yeah, with your assistance,” I grumbled. “I thought for sure he was gonna check the car.”
“But he didn’t,” Marcos countered.
“He still wanted to; you can’t tell me he didn’t.”
“Wanting to ain’t the same as doing it. Good job, though. Now let’s stay focused these next six hours.”
***
I checked the GPS, and it showed I had two hours until I reached the drop spot. I’d already switched cars at the second checkpoint. It was a smooth and silent transition. Everything was running clean, until I had to pee…badly.
Marcos’s advice about limiting what I drank? Yeah, apparently I didn’t limit enough.
I pressed my thighs together, wincing. “I swear if I pee on myself during a drug run, just bury me where I sit.”
I dialed Marcos.
It rang… and rang.
No answer.
I called again.
Still nothing.
My bladder throbbed in protest.
I stared at the phone, remembering the extra number Marcos programmed and told me to callonlyif I couldn’t reach him—the guy Dom’s number.
I hesitated.
Ihatedthe idea of askinghimfor permission to pee like I was five… but the alternative waswet, so I called.
He answered on the first ring, sounding irritated and half-distracted. “Speak.”
Great… off to a fantastic start.
“H-Hi,” I said, voice small against my will. “I, um… I need to stop and pee.”
There was a long, heavy silence.
I didn’t know if he was thinking it over or considering how to kill me for asking something that probably sounded stupid on a long-distance run.
Finally, “Yeah,” he allowed, tone low. “But you’re taking that camera with you.”
I blinked. “What? I mean… okay. But why?”