GHOST

GHOST

Chapter 17

I didn’t have a plan when I got to the airport. I took my passport to the front desk and when the lady spoke I looked up at the plane's boarding and I chose one. Choose the one boarding in 20 minutes. The lady warned me I should hurry so I could catch it or that maybe I could get on the next one going out but I shoke my head. I needed to keep moving. Keep moving so I wouldn’t get a chance to think. I wouldn’t get a chance to sit and start thinking about what I did wrong. What could I have changed? Is this how I really wanted to end things?. Sitting on that plane, I did get a chance to think. I didn’t want to end things like that with my mother. Not when I could die. But it was too late. I knew if I went back I would stay. Stay although my heart belonged to the air. It was blowing as hard as possible and if I stayed it would fill my lungs. Fill it until I explode. I couldn’t go back, not yet. “Mija do you need anything else?” I look up at the vendor and shake my head.

“Thank you” I walk out to the street and make my way down to the hotel I was staying at. It was currently dark out and the weather was not nice. It wasn’t snowing or wind, it was just plain cold and I don’t do cold. December was just next door and I had a feeling it was going to be a long holiday.

“Miss l/n. You got a message” I stopped by the front desk reaching for the small paper in the man's hand. “I couldn’t understand so I just wrote the number down”

“Don’t worry, thank you” I send him a smile and run up to my room. Setting my things down I pick up my phone and dial. “Hello?” I speak first.

“Y/N?” fucking hell.

“Murphy?” How the hell did he get my number?

“I need a favor”

“Give me a minute” I throw the phone on the bed without waiting for a response. I had to prepare myself before hearing what Steve wanted. If he was asking for help then it must be important. I throw my coat on the bed and take out my shoes. Before returning to the phone I took a deep breath and sat down on the small chair beside the window overlooking the town. “Am all ears”

“Okay” I hear him let out a groan before mumbling to himself.

“Murphy” I warn not really wanting to play a game with him. I hate silence.

“You need to hear me out before interrupting me” I nod unconsioulsy. “Y/N?”

“Okay” I whisper, switching the phone to the other hand. “Speak Murphy”

“I don’t know if you have been keeping up with the news but I will give you a summary. The Search Bloc was put in place again with Carrillo leading but it took one wrong tip off for Escbor to place a bullet in him” Right. “Martinez made a pretty good strategy narrowing down on him but somehow Los Pepes was always one step above. They are a group who have let us know that their clear message was killing everyone involved or who helped or is helping Escobar. Escobar’s message back was bombing places with innocent people. Lately his family has been trying to flee to another country but the government hasn’t allowed them and his response is more bombs”

“Where is this going Murphy” Of course I have read the news. It was everywhere. The newspaper, the tv, hell even if you step outside you would hear gossip from your own neighboor,

“You know how this works.” I hear another sigh. “Giving federal information is not exactly a good thing and even worse if you are giving it to other criminals” My mind ran through different scenerios. Was he the person? Was he asking help to cover it up? “The ambassador found out after Judy let out a statement”

“It was Pena wasn’t it?” My heart sank a bit. While I have been away I have barely spoken to him. The difference in time made it difficult to connect. When I told him I would be on my way he told me that it wasn't safe. That he would prefer I stay where I knew I was would be okay. He barely spoke and I had nothing to say so our conversation cut short until it got to the point where it went weeks without talking to him.

“The ambassador took him out of the search and sent him back home” His home?

“Where do I come from in all of this?”

“You told us you were able to take him out of the case, can you put him back?” I closed my eyes, leaning my forehead in my hand. “y/n?. We intercepted his calls with his wife, we are so close to catching him and I think he should be here. He gave up so much and he is most of the reason we are so close” I took in a deep breath and spoke.

“I would want nothing more than to help but I can’t” I let out my breath slowly. I feel my head getting a slight headache.

“Y/N if this is about what I did-”

“No” I quickly blurted out. I don’t want him to think that. “I quit my job Steve and it was for a good reason” Although the reason for me leaving my family was because I wanted it back.

“You don’t have any contacts? Anyone who can go on behalf of Pena and let him explain himself?” I lean back as my head falls tirelessly to rest on the chair.

“I can make some phone calls but I can’t promise it will be quick” Or just in time to catch Escobar.

“Thank you” I remove the phone from my ear and hang up. I push my chair back and take a second looking at the phone as it lays on the table. I wanted nothing more than to call Pena. I don’t know what I would say. Get upset he wasn’t telling me about what happened? Tell him I feel sorry because of it? Then again I wasn’t telling him my side of the story. How I have left my family after an argument with my mother. How I was technically hiding in a hotel. How I have come close to calling the embassy to get my job back. Lately I feel that breathing doesn’t help anymore. I pick up the phone and dial a number that was tattooed in my brain.

“Hello? Senor Rodriguez’s office” Here goes nothing

“Christina, I need to speak with Rodriguez”

“Niña l/n, so nice to hear your voice” I smile. I always liked her. A sweet voice always welcomed me back each time I returned to the embassy.

“I will come see you soon, can you get him on the phone?” She agreed and soon enough I was transferred.

“Calling to beg for your job back?” I hear a soft laugh

“We will see how the conversation goes”

“Y/N” His tone changes. It was slow and steady. I know what followed and somehow I was ready. I spoke to him about Javier Pena. One of the agent who have proritize Escobar over his damn life. How he was supposed to be in the case with Murphy and there when they catch Escobar. But what I heard wasn’t what I wanted. “I can’t make that happen mija” There’s always a but. “But if you were to go down at the american embassy and put a plea-”

“I am not begging to the gringos” I had nothing against them. I just didn’t want to practically beg the new ambassador. I would if it were Noonan. “Or you can take your position back” I say no knowing it wasn’t my latest old job.

“No, atleast not for now. I am still fresh out of their radar, I can’t put my family in danger” Before moving myself to my own operation of searching for missing people I was part of the FBI in Mexico. Helped with kingpins, crooked poloticians, and any criminal you can think of. I was not in any of their nice lists and if you haven’t connected the dots, they are all somehow connected to one another.

“You want Crosby’s job?”

“Rodriguez, help me get Pena back to Colombia and I will return to work for you” Those were the magic words. It could follow a bunch of other rude and ugly words that would describe someone I was pissed with but he wouldn’t take them to heart. I had said what he wanted to hear a long time ago.

“You have made yourself a deal” I hear paper shuffling on his end. “I will buy you a ticket to Texas and as soon as you are done you will have a ticket straight to Mexico”

“What's in Texas?” I hold the phone in the crook of my neck as I walk to pull out my empty suitcase.

“Dear Agent Pena” My hands drop. “I will keep my word and get him back to Colombia, mark my words. You should be there to tell him the news.”

“Okay” That was the last word I said for the rest of the night.

“I will call you with the details as soon as I can. Stay safe Mija” Along with my heart the phone line ended. Now I had to face him. Tell him how I might have gotten his job back. Tell him how I got a job I swore never to take, well technically I didn't. As I watched my uncle die his eyes told me everything. He held onto my hand and choked on his blood before I noticed the last tear rolling down his cheek. I knew the man who caused him such pain, and soon I will come face to face with them once again.

Chapter 18

GHOST

Chapter 19

I can feel it in my bones that it was too early. It should be illegal to wake up this early. Those animals out there should have a shut off button or atleast be gracicious enough to let me sleep until the afternoon. “Javi?” I looked over hoping to snuggle into him for some warmth but his side of the bed was cold. The bathroom door is wide open with the lights turned off. I look over to the balcony and find him leaning against the railings and of course, with a cigarette in hand. I get up throwing on my clothes quickly on knowing it was colder in the mornings. “Have you ever tried quitting?” He turns with a smile and a shake of his head follows.

“Goodmorning sunshine” He pulls me against him giving me a side hug. I snuggle up against him, wrapping my arms around his waist. “Does it bother you?” He simply asks after placing a kiss on my head.

“Yes. It's a love and hate thing. Everytime I smell it, it reminds me of my father or the fairs in my childhood” It probably wasn’t good inhaling or loving the smell but whatever. “He never smoked infront of us but the smell always lingered, even after a shower” I feel Javiers tighten. “Although I wouldn’t see it I knew he would smoke atleast 2 everyday and so sometimes hearing my mother argue about how it wasn’t good for your health well,” That meant I could have a short time with my father. “I couldn’t say anything to him, thankfully he is still alive and well” I didn’t see Javier dispose of the cigarette but I knew he didn’t have it in hand when both hands moved to cup my face.

“This will be my last one” He places a small kiss on my lips.

“Javier I didn’t-”

“I know” He gives me another kiss. I couldn’t help but smile a bit. “Mi princesa shouldn’t have to ask” I roll my eyes with a laugh.

“That's so stupid” I hit his chest jokenly.

“It's not stupid” He pulls me closer to my face. “Either way I was planning to quit” His face inches closer, hovering over mine. “You were my incentive”

“Yeah?” I whisper, holding on to his shirt.

“Mhm” He nods. We probably looked stupid with a grin on our face looking at eachother in such a way.

“How about we play a game” I pull my face an inch away so I don’t get tempted to just give into those brown puppy dog eyes. I move my hands and down his chest.

“Listening” He smiles.

“If I smell a cigarette on you,” I pause as one hand makes its way under his shirt. “If I see you with one,” The other hand moves under. “If I see you near one,” I unbuckle his belt. His grasp on my face loosened. “If I hear you snuck one,” His belt loose and his zipper down I sneak my hand in.

“Fuck” He hissed. His head falls against my shoulder. His body twisted a bit to cover my actions from who? I don’t know, it was an empty field with animals. My hand starts to tease his tip already spilling with precum. His hand grip my hips pulling me closer.

“No more fun time” He quiets his moan as my grip lowers. “No more kisses” His whines sounded like he was a teenager getting touched for the first time. Like he didn’t wet his dick less than 12 hours ago. “But if you hold out” My hands come out and I lick my palm going straight back to give him attention.

“y/n” His voice low, barely above a whisper. I cradle his head with my other hand, playing with his hair in the process. My hands moving with speed his pants allowed me to, but it seemed to be enough for Javier.

“You don’t even have to ask for my promission” He grunts. His grip on my hips trying to crush me. I knew I was teasing him but I wasn’t joking. I would allow Javier to do unimaginable things to me whenever he wanted to but that's because I trust him and he would never do anything I wouldn’t be okay with. My hands speed up. His pants against my ear.

“I don’t want to cum in my jeans like a 14 year old kid” He kisses my neck. “I want to know what your tongue feels like choking on my cock” He made my knees buckle in 2 seconds. He continued to kiss me but his breath got caught when I felt him twitch in my hand. “No wait” He groans. I smile, pulling him into a kiss. He desperately held on to me, pouring all his noises into my mouth.

“Javier?” Our bodies move away in a hurry. Thankfully like I said, his body covered our actions. If people were looking up to the balcony they would see just two people kissing with their hands wrapped around eachother. I hear Javier clear his throat and I could start feeling my cheeks turn red. I look over and see an older guy.

“Goodmorning Pops” Javiers looks over to me and smiles. “This is y/n” He says softly. I wave over.

“Nice to meet you” A big smile appears on his face from down below.

“Canijo” The older gentleman whispers, shaking his head. “Nice to meet you mija” He sends a smile before looking over to Javier. “You and I will have a talk later, I taught you better than this” I look over seeing Javier with slump shoulders. “Come have breakfast” He smiled at both of us. “It's his teenage years all over again” It seemed he wanted to keep that to himself as he made his way into the house but we heard that. I turn to look at Javier whose smile disappeared.

“Do you think we have 5 minutes?” I look up hopeful, which I respond with an eyeroll and walk into his room again. “Come on! I am going to die if-” I shook my head and decided to cut him off.

“So what did he mean by, his teenage years all over again?. Were you the one who sneaked girls into his room and paraded them in the mornings?” I was praying for a no. When I didn’t hear an answer I turned to look over at Javier. I raised my brows seeing him only staring back at me.

“Are you jealous?” Of course he would try to turn the conversation to favor him. I roll my eyes once more and turn to finish looking presentable.

“That was years ago, unless you plan on sneaking another girl here-” A hand grips my waist turning me around to be pushed between his dresser and him.

“It wasn’t as many girls you may be picturing” My head twisted a bit wondering if he would continue. He softly exhaled and continued, “It was only one and it wasn’t a one time thing” Now I was beyond intrigued. “She became my fiance at one point” Shocked. It was the only words I could think of to describe my state. “We were young and things got in the way” He spoke like it was instructions on how to cook an egg, quick and simple.

“You can’t just spill something like that and just leave me hanging” I hit his chest. “What was her name? How old were you guys? How did she look?” I see him close his eyes trying to fight himself. “How many times did yall do it on the bed? Wait!, did yall do it in the bathroom?” I gasp jokenly, “Against this dresser?” I pushed myself off but I was against it in a quick second. His grasp on my hip pushed me harsher.

“Her name was Lorraine,” He whispered. I look up, his eyes intensely looking at mine. “I can’t remember where we did it” His tone lowered. “The only thing I remember is you on my bed” His face moves closer but to the side of my face. He places a kiss and another moving lower towards my neck. “How I want to remember you in the shower” I close my eyes. His breath was hot,traveling further down. “On the countertop” He moves my shirt to reveal my shoulder. “On this dresser” Slowly I came back to life. I felt his hand circling my back. His pelvis rubbing against my stomach and his lips which already left marks on my neck was currently leaving some on my shoulder.

“Javi” I pull on his shirt trying to grip something for stability.

“Mi amor?” He pulls back and I groan, already missing his attention. “Years ago my horny teenage self would stop at nothing to have you in his bed” I chuckle.

“I can always count on you being romantic” I laugh, shaking my head. My laugh quiets down as a small smile is on his face.

“I just want you to know that it was the past” He wraps his arms around me and pulls me into a hug. “My whole existence is stained with you. My past nor my future matters to me because I am stuck in the present with you” That tugged on my heart strings.

“Javier Pena” I smile looking up. “I don’t care what happened back then” I move my hands to grip his face. “As long as you stay here with me” Before he could answer a soft knock interrupted us.

“Breakfast is ready! Hurry up you two” We looked at eachother and smiled.

“Coming Pops!” Javier answers. He looks down, stealing a kiss before enterwining our hand and making our way out his room to the kitchen. I was always able to control myself, but that was when I was in charge of a minimal situation. This was not the case here. This was huge, I had never met someone's parents. We didn’t even know what we were. I know I'm not a little kid but having been caught in someone's bedroom by their parents as an adult is worse. I have never done such a thing.

“I have coffee and conchitas in that bag” he points out to the table. “Bacon and sausages will be out in a second” I thank him before he heads back into the kitchen. I guess Javier read my body and noticed I was stressing.

“Baby?” I felt a tug on my hand which guided me towards the table to sit down. “Do you feel okay?” I look over trying to calm myself down

“Yeah” I cleared my throat making sure I was okay in the chair. “I just havent’ been in this situation before” It was his turn for his eyebrows to furrow.

“What? Like having breakfast with someone?” I look over and roll my eyes.

“No, I havent met someone's parents or have had breakfast or any kind of meal with one. I have been caught with someone's son in their bedroom! What could he be thinking of me” I looked over freaked out but a stupid grin appeared on his face.

“You’ve never met a boyfriend’s parents before? Never sneaked into their bedrooms?” I give him an, are you stupid look? Do I look like the kind of girl who would? Well now it was a different story, I was older but that still didn’t make it okay.

“I’ve never had a boyfriend before let alone try to do these sort of things” I hear a gasp from Javier.

“So?” I look over to see him scooting closer. “You mean am your-?” His stupid grin was just waiting for my answer to grow bigger. Like a medal of ownership.

“Technically no” Grin disappeared. “You haven’t asked me properly or even taken me on a date” I shrug, turning my attention to the older gentleman who walked with a plate of bacon and sausage.

“So tell me,” He starts to speak as he settles down. “Javier told me about you but I still have questions” I give him a gentle smile. I look over to Javier who looks embarrassed. I held back the big smile, Javier spoke to me to his father.

“What do you want to know Mr. Pena?”

“Please, call me Chucho” He smiles as he passes me a cup of coffee. “So you are mexican?” I nod

“From Veracruz”

“Beautiful place” I agree. After my other grandmother died there was no use to visit

anymore but as a child I remember the bright pink roses in her garden and how wonderful the people were there. “But your family lives here?”

“Yes. I don’t have a huge family so most of them stay in a communal farm made up of a couple houses”

“Where?”

“Pops” Javier shakes his head.

“Right, I am sorry I asked” I gave him a smile. “Javier tells me you have many talents” I heard a sneaker from Javier who covered it with a slight cough. “Do you mind sharing?”

“Not at all” We spoke a while about my job and what I did for college. He embarrassed Javier with stories of his childhood. I enjoyed talking with someone and enjoyed it even more seeing the relationship Javier had with his dad.

“Well I better get started on my day” He stood up grabbing his hat. “Will you be staying for lunch?” I turn to Javier who slightly nods. Under the table he takes hold of my hand reassuring me it was okay.

“I have to go back to town-” I had to tell Javier why I was here and who knows how that is going to end.

“Well we would love to have you.” Chucho smiles as he excuses himself to go outside.

“What's wrong?” Javier makes me nervous hearing him acknowledge my discomfort.

“I am just going to come out and say it” I took a deep breath. “You have been called into the embassy” Javier nods

“For an evaluation, I think I can explain it to them so there's nothing to worry about” I shake my head

“It's not an evaluation. The ambassador sent me out to talk to you first.” I didn’t even know what details to give him to make it make sense without hurting his pride. “You are not going to continue with the Escobar case” Jaiver straightens up. His nose flaring trying to take it in.

“I expected that” He simply says leaning back against the chair. I grab his other hand making him look at me again.

“That's not it.” I know how much Escobar’s case took a toll on him, would he be willing to put himself in that situation? “The USA counsel wants to place you on another case”

“What? What case?”

“Once Escobar is captured, which could be any day now, they want you to lead a team to capture the Cali Cartel” His eyes fall to the ground. He was searching for an answer. “Javi?” When he dropped my hands I knew he was having a difficult time taking in the news. I took a chance and decided to invade his space. I got up and moved to sit on his lap which he surprisingly took with open arms. His arms moved slowly around me and I engulfed him in a hug around his shoulders.

“I need you to talk to me about what I am going to tell you next” His head fell against my chest. He nods without looking up from his spot. “I made a deal with the Mexican embassy who helped get to that decision” Now his eyes were plastered on mine. I nervously played with his hair. “As an agreement whether you take the position or not I have to take mine”

“What position?”

“Before I worked for the Embassy directly looking for people I had another job.” How do I even start? “I started off as an intel person. I went into bars, clubs, and even joined girls on the street to get information.” His eyes widened. “I never had to do anything else other than listen” I grab his face hoping to ease the thought that may be forming in his mind. “It got to the point where I was in deep in the Cartel”

“How deep?” He took my hands knowing it was a defense machinism.

“Deep enough to be considered family” Of course that wasn’t the worst part. “I was young so it was easy to lead the guy I was involved with into a trap and when he fell, the rest fell with him”

“So you are going to go undercover again?” Kind of.

“I can’t tell you much about it other than that I will be using an old member to create a new group. That group will infiltrate a cartel,”

“And then?” He spoke harsher

“I don’t know Javi. The goal is to capture or threaten them enough to weaken them”

“What happened to moving to Colombia together?”

“Javi” I cup his face pulling him into a kiss. “I think we are in the right time to do this” It pained me to say but it was the best for us both. “I think you are going to take the job and I have to take mine. Either way I have to do it and I know you wouldn’t move with me because you are a man who can’t stay still and would hate seeing the Cali Cartel winning”

“We made it work before” I smiled knowing that was not true. He took it hasrsher than I did at the time. I opened my mouth to talk but was interrupted with Javiers father walking in. Javiers face was filled with thoughts. Like millions of dots were trying to connect to make it work.

“Javier, I need you to-” Javier suddenly removes me from his lap to stand. He takes hold of my hand and walks over to the door.

“Sorry Pops, I have to do something important first” I tried to hold myself back knowing he wasn’t thinking straight.

“Wha?” Chucho asked as he walked after us. I was asking the same thing, what was Javier doing?

“I need the keys to the truck” Javier stops turning to his father.

“Javier?” I moved infront of him before he took another step. He looked down at me and then at his father.

“I am taking her on a date” He announced. He lifted his arm catching the keys in a quick move. I look over to Chucho who had a smile filled with pride. I didn’t have time to think when Javier pulled me to the truck and into the passenger seat. “Do you have your passport?”

“What do I need-?”

“Answer me woman?” He closes the door pulling my head closer to his through the window. I looked for answers in his eyes since he wasn’t going to tell me anything even if I ask. His eyes were soft. No anger nor confusion. I think about the man infront of me, it was a man I could trust, my Javi.

“Yes” He plants a kiss on my lips before running around the truck to get in. He put the vehicle in drive and we were on our way. I looked over to him and I couldn’t help but smile. “Javi?” I grip his hand to make him aware I wanted to talk. “Are you okay?” A smile appeared as he shook his head. He moved our hands to place a kiss on mine.

“I am taking you on a forever date” I laugh a bit. I have never seen Javier this way. “A date you will definitely say yes too” I looked into his eyes and knew I would definitely say yes to the date.

Chapter 20

GHOST

Javier Pena x Reader

Chapter 11

“Mija! Someone is here to see you” I get up in a hurry and move my hand to hold on to my gun. I don’t know anyone around and my grandmother isn’t expecting anyone. “This kind gentleman-” I came around to see a tall figure dressed in a suit standing there. “Do you know him?” She was questioning the whole thing too but I couldn’t get her worried.

“Yes. I will be right outside” With a nod she sends me off. “Who sent you?” I continued moving until I knew it was far away for my grandmother to see or hear anything.

“Noonan. You have been assigned a new case” He pulls out a folder and hands it to me. “She wants you on the earliest flight out” I nod.

“Tell her something for me?” The guy nods. “Tell Noonan the next time she sends someone to my grandmother's house, it will be the last time she hears of me” The guy nods again. “You know what?” I examine the file to see the location. “I will go and tell her myself” With a smile I motion for him to go ahead and leave. I make sure he does too.

“Is anything wrong?” I shake my head throwing the file in a drawer. I turn around to see my grandmother standing in the doorway with her arms crossed. I gave an annoyed sigh knowing she wasn’t going to let it go. “There are different ways to get in contact with me and she chose to send someone to your house” She doesn’t seem angry, she never was. It would be hard to read her at first but living with her from the age of 3 made her expressions obvious.

“He was cute” I shake my head with a smile.

“I can get you their number” I say jokenly which earned me a hit on my arm

“I mean’t for you, have to leave some for you right?” I roll my eyes laughing. “But you don’t want any of them do you?” She came closer grabbing onto my hands.

“I am not underestimating their true value but for now, men are useless” I didn’t need a pause on my life

“Honey” We both sit on the edge of the bed. “Building a big farm with a bunch of animals. The beautiful brick house with four pairs of feet running around will not happen with you moping.”

“Yeah, but I don’t need it right now. Plus the men I have met are just not it” I didn’t want to be descriptive but the only men I meet are on my travels and at work. They both have the same priority and that's hook up and disappear. Dine and Ditch. Seduce and then reduce.

“What about the guy from your last trip?”

“Ehh” I try to defer her question, which I have successfully done for a couple of days that I’ve been back. “What's for dinner?” But no good. She grabs my arm and pulls me back when I try to stand up.

“Mija” She says calmly at first but gets louder and annoyed with every word after that. “You are going to turn old and sour and no one will put up with you! You will be the crazy lady on the block and I will die before I get affiliated to that!” I wanted to mumble something along the lines of, You will be dead before that happens anyways, but it will be like passing down the crown. “You’re a good kid. Always so nice even when you have your father's temper and some other qualities that have to be genetics” She chuckles a bit. “Stubborn like your mother but I know I raised you to be better than all of that. I want you to find that someone who is right for you and I know you have to feel ready but you have to put some work into it too” I nod knowing she was right.

“I just haven’t felt the right thing. I want to be right” She nods slowly before getting up. I look up only to be hit on the side of the head. Not hard of course.

“Mija, get off your high horse. Nothing is going to be perfect, you just have to go for it. You don’t find the right person, it just happens and you can’t let fear of them not being the one kill that for you.If you allow it too, you will searching your whole life”

“Abuela?”

“Yes?” She says sweetly

“I think my problems are all caused by the hits you give me to my head” My grandma shake her head with a smile

“I should have sent you back a long time ago” I hold my laugh. “Let's go eat before it gets cold” The rest of the evening was spent enjoying the food and then it moved outside to see the sun go down behind the mountains. It felt safe staying here. I always thought in a couple of years I would move back for certain. I look over to my grandmother who has no one here most of the time and I think of doing it for her, it makes the decision feel better. But then I try to look past the mountains at what could be.

“You were always an overthinker” I turned to face her again as she was on her rocking chair. “But when things came to a decision point even if it was sudden, you always figure it out”

“Half of the time am praying it's not the wrong one”

“You are always doubting yourself too. You do for the people and you don’t seem to understand how grateful they are for you” I think helping is a normal thing, not something someone should be praised about. Its natural human decency. “You help families come together, have closure.” She stops rocking her chair to turn towards me. “Even if it's not publicized to the whole world, you continue to help the less known. People without a big voice. You just turn around and don’t truly take in what it means to them, you think of yourself as someone who just simply picked up something they dropped.” I look anywhere but her eyes. I didn’t feel like being lectured about another thing. “All I am saying is, you don’t have to change. You are already doing bigger things and becoming a better person. I just want you to be happy” I look over nodding my head.

“I am happy. It's just some rough patches I go through, but I am okay”

“Okay” She nods, leaning back in her chair to continue rocking. I can't help but roll my eyes. “If you continue to roll your eyes it will get stuck” Of course she would know. I swear she actually has eyes in the back of her head. I look back at the scenery and start praying for this time to last. But it didn’t, soon enough I was on my way back to Bogota, Colombia.

Chapter 12

GHOST

Javier Pena x Reader

Chapter 8

I spent most of my day just like yesterday. Talking with Elisa and binge eating, normal things a girl does with their girlfriends. Except Elisa wasn’t a girlfriend, she was an informat. Part of the communist groups fighting for another cause. Taking her in puts at risk the job of Pena and Murphy. A girl who I am pretty sure slept with the guy I couldn’t stop thinking about. Now that it comes up in my brain I can’t stop picturing those two together. Wrapped up in his bed or even this couch. He has been inside her. His amazing tongue and I can only imagine his dick. Moaning and sweating. Great, now I am pissed. Couldn’t be angry long when a knock is heard. “It's Steve” I felt relieved.

“Hey” I furrowed my eyebrows to see Connie aswell coming through the door.

“Pena got your documents. You will be travling to Cumaral.” Elisa knew this was happening so she had her bag prepared. Steve turns over to me trying not to look so stressed but ever since I’ve known him, stress is part of his everyday look. “I got the information you needed” He lifts up a folder but quickly yanks it away. “First I need you to tell me what it is about. I didn’t look at them because I trust you but I can’t continue putting my job at risk for anyone else '' He took a quick glance down before focusing back on me. I know it was stressful worrying about Pablo and how at any second he could be a target. But having to risk his job for some information and risk being fired or seen as a traitor, well that's tough.

“Okay” I nod. He hands over the files and I motion him to follow me into the kitchen. I watch Elisa get out of the spare room but Connie calls her over. “I am part of the DEA but from Mexico. Came over to the states following a trail and it landed me in the ambassador's office. The job I was doing left me for dead so I was no longer an issue for the cartels. So we used it to our advantage.” I open up the file and see the said documents and pictures.

“So you act like some sort of ghost going in and out of undercover missions?” I nod

“Something like that. Everything from birth up to my credentials have been erased or deactivated.” I look at a confused Steve. “I don’t believe that we will ever put a stop to cartels and drugs in this world. We can capture or kill the leaders but there's always another one that follows, atleast I can save innocent people or give some families closure” I pull out a picture of girls lined up. “Melissa. 16 year old” I pointed at a girl with short black hair. “I know the rest by heart” I shake my head putting the picture back in the file. “Escobar might not had anything to do with it but his partners did”

“I think we are making a difference. Saving people aswell.” I chuckle a bit.

“Of course Steve, but you are following a rope with no end”

“So if you work as a search and rescue team” I roll my eyes knowing he was teasing. “Back then in the office you said-”

“I say a million things. Some are true and some are not. That part of the story, I don’t need to share it with you”

“She’s ready” Connie comes between us, putting a hold on the conversation because Steve’s stare wasn’t telling me we were done just yet.

“I’ll put the bag in the car” Connie nods. We walk over to Elisa who is pacing the floor by now.

“Try to stay calm. Pena got you a valid Id and soon you will be safe in Cumaral” Elisa nods, stopping her tracks and taking a deep breath.

“Thank you Connie”

“Of course,” She smiles.

“There is a recorder in the vehicle. So that means Wysession is not far behind” Steve starts pacing now.

“What are we going to do?” Steve stops and looks over at me and Connie. He takes my hand and leads me to the door.

“I know you are trying to stay low but I need your help with this and I don’t want to put Connie at risk”

“Of course. What do I have to do?” I was cursing at myself every mile that went by. Steve had the idea to trick Wysession, making him think he was traveling with Elisa but the truth was I was driving Elisa on a different route. He let me know Pena was with Carillo catching Gacha so he couldn’t help Elisa get to his contact who will keep her hidden.

“Thank you. I know this puts you at risk too” I turn over with a smile.

“Its does but I owed Steve one”

“And you care for Pena too” I shake my head ignoring her comment. “How long have you two been together or?”

“We used to work together. Acquaintance and nothing else” I say nervously fixing myself in the seat.

“Oh I just thought-, He speaks about you all the time so-, never mind” She shakes her head and turns to look outside. I didn’t want to add any more questions because it would turn into a statement and I don’t want to start an argument. Like, Didn’t you fuck him? Why would you think we were something if he messed around with you? You slept with him so you must know he doesn’t care much about womens feelings or in general after he sleeps with them. “I mean the first day I stayed over I tried to you know-” That got me twisting my neck so quickly towards her. “But he told me it was strictly information he wanted and walked back into his room locking the door” Her laugh makes me chuckle a bit. “Of course I am not begging so I didn’t make any more advancement but as we started talking he always mentioned you” Shocked was an understatement and I had mixed feelings about it.

“So you two didn’t sleep together?” Elisa laughs, shaking her head. Why didn’t he deny it when I mentioned it?

“Is that what he told you?” I shake my head.

“Well let me tell you one thing” She shifts towards me. “A guy like Javier doesn’t act obsessed with a girl but if you look up what that word mean it describes him perfectly when it comes to you” I roll my eyes shaking my head once again.

“There are plenty of guys like Javier in this world. Those bachlors who can’t hear the word no so they don’t stop until they get what they want. It's not obsessed more than it is pride. But that doesn’t stop them from jumping on the first moving things that get in their way.” I speak of him like I was spitting poison. It was what every girl in the office who slept with him described him as, who could blame them? Javier isn’t a man of one girl and I understood that when I decided to let him kiss me. When I decided to let him make me cum in his mouth. When my own body decided that if I don’t have him I can continue. It goes on beyond my morals but I prefer being dead than being one of those girls. It's just pure lust surrounding what we have, after getting it out of my system things will go back to the way they were, him working in Colombia and me in Mexico.

“Maybe, but don’t you believe in change?” I chuckle an, are you serious?. I shake my head.

“I don’t either. From experience.” She laughs. “But if you asked me, a guy who doesn’t stop talking about a girl and hasn’t brought women home or took advantage of one living there, well I’d say that's a change” Maybe but that is a big stretch for Agent Javier Pena.

Chapter 9

GHOST

Chapter 15

Every minute and every second was filled with questions and concerns. My grandmother said it was not a good thing to get stuck in my head while making a decision. It's best to make it at the moment because then I start to think about everything that could go wrong and then I get afraid or worried and I back off. That is what is currently happening right now. Since I got on the plane and all the way to Mexico. While in Mexico helping my grandmother pack and now on the plane about to land in the United states. “After many flights, don’t tell me you are afraid of flying?” I narrow my eyes at my grandmother who is calmly sitting beside me. I took in my senses and my body does feel warm. I bet if I touch my forehead there will be some sweat. My leg always shakes but it's like it wants to go on its own. “Wanna hold my hand?” She speaks again

“No” I shake my head, turning it to see the plane preparing for landing. I could hear a slight chuckle but didn’t turn to give it any attention.

“I feel like there is more bothering you than you let on. And I know it's not being jobless because I have not seen such happiness before you left for Argentina” I wanted to blurt out everything. Tell her what was going on but it was a decision I could only make and knowing her, that was exactly what she would tell me.

“You know I hate change and this brings major changes in my life. It's not the uncerntanity but the stress of making the wrong decision from now on” My eyes are still focused on the window as the plane descends on the ground.

“You have always had a good compass guiding you. Whether it's job wise or personal things, I know everything will turn out okay” I nod this time turning to look at her with a smile. Our attention turned when the flight attendant announced we were going to begin our exit. I took a big inhale and calmed down more. As we got out of the plane and walked out the airport I felt more content.

“Where is he?” My grandmother spoke a little irritated. I only smiled while checking my phone for the time.

“There he is,” I pointed at a known vehicle that was pulling up just in time before my grandmother got more annoyed. That is certainly where my mother gets her patience. I took hold of her suitcase as she climbed right into the passenger seat of the truck.

“I’ve missed you too grandma” I laugh helping him put our suitcase in the back. “Prima!” He finally turns and wraps me into a hug.

“Primo” I say really missing the only person my age I grew up with in this family. “How's Holly?”

“Pregnant as ever” He sighs. “I know we planned not to have kids but you took it too seriously, when's your turn?” I rolled my eyes shaking my head

“Once I see how well you adapt I will start thinking about it” He laughs, throwing his head back.

“I wouldn’t relay that on me” Our laughs were quite down. “So glad you are here. I know you are keeping this a secret from the rest but don’t you want to see them atleast for a while?” I looked over to my grandmother who was currently rolling down her window.

“I have been on a plane for hours! Can we get moving?” We both respond with a yes. I look back and nod my head.

“I think it would do me good seeing and interacting with some else for a while” I laugh walking over to get in the car

“For a while?” He raises his eyebrow.

“Do you mind?” I ask before getting into the car.

“Not at all” He smiled, pulling the driver doors open and getting in. “So? Abuela how have you been?” As we are still a way out from our small town they stay talking for a bit.

“Great.” I have not seen my grandmother respond so harshly. Before I could settle the situation down my phone started ringing.

“Hello?” I answer unknowingly because I still have an unmarked phone. There were only a couple people who could contact me and none of whom I wanted to talk to right now.

“Hey” My brows lowered while my heart beat started to rise. I look over to the front and how quiet it got, great. “We haven’t spoken since you left, I wanted to know how things were going” I had lost all my knowledge of the english or spanish language. “Is everything okay?” I could hear on the other side of the phone a chair scraping the floor along with chatter but soon the slam of a door closing. I was punching myself in the gut right now. I mean I have been trained to carry out a negotiation or any type of interrogation and I can’t even make up some words.

“We will be home soon” I look up to my cousin's words. I look past the windshield and notice us turning to a dirt road.

“Who was that?” I didn’t know why my whole body was failing right now. I don’t know if it was the Javier part. Not knowing if to let my family know about him now or the part where I was nervous and on the verge of throwing up because this is the first time in years I would see them again. I shake my head, focusing on what was happening right now.

“Javi” My voice was low and until I spoke I didn't notice my hands shaking. I looked down at my feet trying to focus on the sound of his voice.

“Mi amor?” I took a deep breath knowing I wasn’t prepared to speak freely infront of my family.

“Yeah?” I cleared my throat trying to sound better.

“On your way to see your family?” I unconsciously nod my head. But like always, Javier seemed to know me best and knew what my silence meant. “It will all be okay. They never stopped loving you and would never question your decision because I know without knowing them that they are beyond proud of you” The sting in my nose began as tears welled up my eyes. My mind wanted to scream to him. I couldn't do it but he was one step ahead of me. “You owe them no explanation, don’t be afraid to tell them how much you missed them. Trust me, once you are with them all the nerves and stress would look silly to you” I nod my head again with a small and quiet laugh I couldn’t help but let out. “There’s my girl” My eyes closed as my smile grew bigger. I need to remind myself to go to a priest as soon as I can. Having such a word turn all my senses into wanting, is not normal. My voice was held up now for totally different reasons now. “Feel better?” I could sense a grin on his face. One of those grins I dream about most nights.

“Much” I straighten up in my seat as the truck does another turn.

“Okay” I hear a sigh from his end. “Now are you going to tell me who that male voice belonged to?”

“No” I bet my voice sounded giddy at this point. I couldn’t help it every time I spoke to Javier.

“Do I have to make another trip?”

“You wouldn’t know where to start” I whisper, noticing somehow the ambiance getting quieter.

“I just have to follow one thing”

“Yeah? What is that?”

“My heart” My head falls down as one hand stops what would be an obnoxious laugh to be let out.

“I am going to hang up now” I tease obviously without a single inch of truth in that statement.

“Yeah” He chuckles. “I will reel it in a bit” Another pause. I started to wonder where he was and what he was doing. In Colombia it is early morning so he probably just got to work. “How long?”

“I don’t know” I speak a little louder not wanting to attract the wrong question from my grandmother later on.

“That's okay. Just tell me one thing?” My hand was clammy against my skin as I tried to calm myself down. “I will see you again?” A slight weight had been removed. I don’t think I could take another worry on my shoulder.

“Yes” I hear an okay on the other side.

“Give me a second” I hear him say before speaking to another person who entered the room he was in. “What?” I smile remembering how he was at work. He would walk around with such a stare on his face. Full of thought or just hating the world but I could never tell with him before. “Tell her I will be right there” Her? Maybe Noonan? I try to hear a little closer.

“Messina has asked me to escort you to her office sir” Messina? Not Noonan? Who was this lady? Must be important if she has an office.

“Give me 5 minutes” Javier grunts getting back on the phone. “Mi-” He gets cut off by a slam of the door.

“I am not going to put up with your shit too Peña! I ask for your presence and you will come as soon as I say jump” It probably should make me a little angry hearing someone talk to him like that without reason. But then again I know how Peña acts and am sure he has given her reasons to talk to him like that. A small smile appears on my face. “You should be out there with Murphy and I explaining the sting operation on capturing President Bush!” Bush? Now that made me laugh.

“We are here Prima” I looked up not noticing when the truck came to a full stop as my grandmother was already out the truck.

“I will be right out” He nods, closing the door behind him. I go back to hearing the conversation and it hasn’t turned pretty.

“We don’t need supervision! We were fine without it”

“Really? Remind me how many times you have let Escober escape through your hand?” Bam. “How many times have you made the wrong decisions? Cost us men and made you and your team look like fools?” That was definitely not needed. Who was this lady?. I could hear footsteps getting closer and it was confirmed when I could literally feel like she was on the phone with me. “In my office in 1 minute or I will have you on a plane straight to Miami since something else seems to be more important than your job” I was going to hell for laughing at someone being screamed at. The door slammed and I heard his voice.

“I apologise” I was about to ask when he continued talking. “Such a bitch” He sighs. I hear the door open and his footsteps heavier and heavier. “She comes in here and tries to act like such a-”

“Javi” His words stop. “I need you to be calm and sensisable although that would be foreign for you” I hear a small laugh on the other side. “I will call you later so you can tell me all about who that lady is” It sounded like I was spitting posion.

“Jealous?” I laugh

“Not even a little.” I changed the topic real quick knowing he was probably standing outside her door right now. “Be nice. I will call you in an hour”

“Okay. Pray for me mi angel” I laugh again opening the door.

“I always do.” With that we hang up. I close the truck door and I am welcomed with the scene of something I have very much missed. The beige walls. The brown clay roofing. The wind shaped entrances and columns. The sound of the wind running throught the familiar trees. The animals and birds singing, it's like I never left. I walk around the side and notice no one in there through the big windows. I walk around back and from a distance I freeze. My grandmother is surrounded by her family. My family. It stayed the same, like I never left.

Chapter 16

GHOST

Chapter 13

After agreeing a set time to meet tonight I turned around to open the door but was pulled back. He convinced me to sit down and talk to him about what was going on. I wasn’t stupid. Not just because he gave me a good time, it doesn’t mean I am willing to open up to him.

“You got assigned another job? Why would you resign? Why-”

“Woah there agent” I hold my hand stopping him mid sentence. “One question at a time.” I fix myself on the chair preparing myself for this conversation. “I can’t tell you every detail but yes” Javier leans back in his seat ready to listen. “Noonan assigned me to Argentina. A form of undercover work”

“For Pablo or another narco organization?”

“No, I don’t know” His eyes shot daggers. It said, No? I don’t know? Then who the hell does? Aren’t you supposed to know before throwing yourself in those kinds of situations? To be honest it was the truth. I didn’t ask questions and it was dangerous but that's how it has always been. But in this case, I couldn’t tell him what it was about. “I don’t get the full run down for my safety”

“Bullshit!” He rolls his eyes. “They don’t give you everything because they don’t want you to say no”

“Javier” He looks back at me. “It's part of my job. I know enough to do it, plus it is my last job with them” It's my turn to relax back on the chair. It finally hit me that I would be able to do whatever I want after this.

“Why?” I shrug trying to get on his nerves and it worked. As he rubs his face he lets out a sigh.

“Noonan broke the agreement and it was a major screw up I couldn’t take lightly” Our heads turned to the door opening and it revealed an agent Murphy.

“Were you two here talking the whole time?” I gave Javier a glare knowing his stupid smirk would follow a snarky response. “Can we talk for a minute?” I find Murphy's eyes.

“No” I shake my head. I stand up grabbing my things.

“Care to put this on hold for Connie?” He whispered as I got closer to the door. I furrowed my brows confused

“She needs someone to talk to and heard you were here so she invited you for lunch” I rolled my eyes but I knew it would be harsh to say no to Connie when she wasn’t involved.

“Fine” With that I push myself out the door.

“I’ll drive you” Murphy lifted his keys. I look back to Javier who was just standing behind him.

“Food? Am coming too” Javier snatched the keys from Steve’s hand, getting a head start towards the car. It was the least amusing situation. We got to the car and I moved straight to the back seat. The driver who I recently got fucked by, was locking eyes with me every other minute in the rear view mirror. But can you blame me? He had pretty eyes. The passenger cost me a job and could’ve cost me a life. He put in jeopardy my work ethic and he had no right to get himself involved like that. The drive down to their house was silent so when Javier put the car in park I was out like a flash. Connie opened the door with a big smile and open arms.

“Hey!” She engulfed me to her side. When I noticed what she was carrying it was too late, it was in my arms now. “Her name is Olivia” She screamed back as she ran back into her house towards the kitchen.

“We are adopting her,” Steve said, moving into the house aswell but not before kissing her forehead hello. I looked down and it was obviously a Colombian baby. Not older than 1. Dark hair and eyes. She was beautiful.

“Come on” I felt a slight push on my lower back and I turned to see Javier there. I slowly move in and hear the door close behind me. The babygirl was wide-eyed looking at my unfamiliar face.

“She’s beautiful” I say walking over to the kitchen to sit on the island chairs. “Her parents-?”

“Yeah” Connie nodded. “She is a pretty little girl who needed a home and I was so happy to be able to give her one” By the middle of that sentence her voice turned mushy and baby-like as she was caressing her face now.

“Being a mom suits you” She whispered a thank you before hurriedly moving to the stove again.

“What are you doing in Bogota?” I turn my head to the boys watching tv but still ear shot away. I stood up, placing Oliva on my hip. I walked over to Connie as she was finishing up the food.

“Came to resign”

“What!” She yelped a little loud for my liking. It made Javier and Steve turn to look at us. “So you are not staying? What are your plans?”

“Yeah, you got the whole parent act down” We chuckle. I look down at Olivia bouncing her as she is starting to get fussy. “Problems at work made me realize it was time for something new”

“So you are thinking of traveling?” She looked over at Olivia and I. “Start a family? Or even settle down?” I shake my head quickly.

“No” I look over and try to find something to settle Oliva down with. “Bottle?” Connie turned and pointed at the cabinet next to the fridge. “I meant a new start to a new career” I pull down a bottle and start making it for Olivia. “Never saw myself as a parent or with someone, atleast not for a couple of years”

“Well I’d say with how easy you are handling an uneasy baby while preparing her bottle without a drop, I think you are ready when you decide to have one of your own” I start shaking her bottle and it's like no one has ever fed this baby before. Her small hands trying to reach for her bottle. Pouting and fussing because the bottle can’t be done soon enough.

“Had a lot of practice. Siblings. Nephews,Nieces, and a lot of family friends kids” I settle Olivia on my lap and handle her strong hands pulling on the bottle.

“You have never mentioned your family?” I look up as she serves the plates.

“Isn’t safe to do so in this line of work” She gives me a sympathetic look coming over to set the food on the table.

“How long has it been?” Since I've seen my grandmother?, a couple days. But the rest of my immediate family?

“6 years”

“Communicated?”

“Once in a while through a trusted contact” She nods understanding there wasn’t much to say about the topic.

“Food is ready boys!” She didn’t even have to wait another second because they were rushing to the table.

“Thanks honey” Steve kisses her cheek and sits down to start eating. I look down, noticing Olivia still with her eyes open.

“Let me settle her in her crib for her nap” Connie comes over but I wave her off.

“Don’t worry I can do it, eat” I can see the exhaustion in her eyes and how tense she was.

“Okay” she smiled, moving to sit beside Steve. “She doesn’t go down easy!” She screamed as I walked over to Olivia’s room. Her room still needs to be decorated but she has her dresser and crib equipted.

“Ready to go night night?” I put her on my chest and pat her back gently trying to burp her. “You have wonderful parents,” I whisper. “ But they choose this pair just for you” I can feel her stir less and her quiet goo’s slowly respond to me. “I know that they will bring you up wonderfully. Loved and treasured for as long as you let them” she responded with a burp but I wasn’t mad, my hand was getting kind of tired. “Ready to sleep?” I cradle her in my arms and start to sway her. She began to shake her head fighting the sleep that wanted to take over her. Surely over the next five minutes she fought strong but allowed sleep to win once again. “Beauty sleep is important, you know?” I whisper as I move over her crib and settle her down. “I’ll see you soon” With one last glance at her I turn around and head down to the kitchen.

“That was quick,” Steve announced, surprised.

“Always been good with kids. They love me”

“Sounds like the opposite to me. She probably fell asleep because it was better than having you hold her” Javier with a stuffed mouth turned to say. I know he was joking but it earned a punch to his arm.

“Shut up and eat your food. You probably spend more time shoving things in you face than actually working”

“I prefer to shove something else in my face but food will do it for now” I didn’t even want to look at him but his hand slipped to lay on my upper thigh and gave it a squeeze.

“Javier! Not in my house with that foul mouth” I chuckle at the scolding Javier was getting as I enjoyed a fresh meal. “So, Y/n?” I look over to Connie as she starts her question. “Change of career? Like what?”

“Teacher” I say noncholant. Not crazy about the kids but I like the idea of teaching

“College?” I can feel the shocked eyes Steve and Javier were giving me.

“Kindergarden” Now their eyes were popping out their sockets.

“Analyst to agent to accountanted to teacher, are you going to tell us your a doctor too”

“Maybe a lawyer?” Steve chuckles when Javiers reponds to his comment.

“Scared to take the bar. I have a doctorate degree in pyscology, so not technically a medical doctor if that's what you mean” Steve’s jaw fell open.

“Dr. Agent. Miss, y/l/n” Javier said trying to piece it all together

“Actually, SSA Dr. y/l/n” I look over with now his jaw on the floor. “But it's too technical, don’t worry your pretty head about it honey” I patted his cheek before continuing eating. The whole lunch we spent talking and laughing like friends who come together every weekend to share their lives. In this time I spent it thinking how it would actually feel. When I was younger as a teen I thought of myself married and traveling the world. Buying a home and enjoying my job. Coming home after a long day and talking to my husband. On a gateway weekend or go hiking with friends. It didn’t involve living a made uo life. Not seeing or having anyone that personal you can go and talk too. Can plan for the future because there is no guarantee there will be one.

“Have somewhere to be or can you stay awhile?” Connie asks as we walk towards the living room and leave the boys to clean up the table.

“I can stay awhile” I send a smile towards her.

“I’ll be back” She quickly says, running to Olivias aid.

“Am going to say goodbye then we can leave” Steve tells Javier as he dries his hand and runs behind Connie. I walk over to the book stand they had by the door and scan my eyes through the pictures.

“Ever see yourself in a white dress” I jump a bit hearing Javiers voice hoovering beside me.

“No” I cross my arms trying to not give into the feeling he always causes me whenever he is near.

“What about with a baby?” He moves closer pressing up against me. One hand falls to grip my hip to pull me flat against him while the other hand points at the picture of Steve’s little family.

“No” I grunt. His loose hand grabs my chin and makes my head turn to look at him.

“I do” I swore there was no stopping my next move. I twisted my body, grabbing fist full of his jacket and pulling him in for a kiss. His hands wrap around me settling themselves on my back to give us stability. Mouth fighting for dominance. “You would look so pretty” He pulled away.

“Shut up” I whisper, pulling him back in. He tasted so sweet. His tongue asked for entrance and I gladly gave in.

“We should go Javier” I turned around in embarrassment to fix myself.

“Thank you for the food Connie” Javier smiles before following Steve out the door. I cooled myself down before sitting alongside Connie on the couch.

“I need your opinion” my mind is still in a haze. I tried my darnest to focus on the words coming out of her mouth. “You are the only one who understands english and knows the kind of work my husband is in” She let out a sigh trying to gather words up.

“Connie,” I whisper, taking hold of her hands. “Is everything alright?” She shakes her head and that's when I notice tears rolling down her face.

“I want to leave this godamn place. Steve is stubborn on catching Pablo but I just can’t do this anymore” She sobs, leaning her head against me. “I wanted to leave before Olivia arrived and now with her, it's all I can think about” She wanted her safe. She wanted her whole family safe.

“You just have to talk to Steve about it. Colombia is not a safe place for a DEA agent’s family. Like it or not if it comes down to it, the narcos are willing to kill anybody” I didn’t know what to say, it wasn’t my place to say anything. But I could tell Connie needed it. “The reason I haven’t talked to my family or seen them is because of my job. It's a lonely job but I prefer to keep them safe. It is also the reason why I don’t plan to start a family anytime soon” Connie sits up wiping her nose and tears. “I see how the work falls on Steve and you being here is the only thing keeping sane and not running towards the bullets like a mad man” I smile hearing a slight chuckle coming from her.

“I know he needs me and being here before knowing he was coming home everyday was all I needed too, but now we have Olivia” We spoke more about her worries and discovered she was scared and anxious. This life gets you that way. She decided to have a talk with Steve as things have started to cool down with Escobar in prison. “So how long are you planning to stay down here for?”

“Am leaving tonight” I took a look down at my purse and saw the plane ticket.

Chapter 14