The Beasts of Juarez by R.B. Schow (story books to read .txt) 📗

they would be sent right back to Mexico. That was before COVID. When the pandemic shut the border down completely, not only did human smuggling all but dry up, the cartels were unable to get drugs into America. Do you know what happens to businesses when they have product to sell without their regular distribution channels intact?”

“The big businesses eat the little businesses, turf wars escalate, and after that, there are but a few main competitors who will carve out new distribution channels.”

“Sort of. Juárez is a self-inflicted wound. They have almost one-hundred-thousand drug users, seven thousand drug dealers, and a host of cartels that can’t stop killing each other. The cops are either extra dirty or sparkling clean, but they are at war with each other because President Obrador, like our former president, is a change agent who can’t stand corruption. The city has one and a half million souls in it and it is in constant turmoil. What do you think that means for little girls and kidnapped wives?”

“New distribution channels,” Camden said.

“But to where?”

“Middle-eastern countries, some European markets—”

“Now that the border is wide open and the trade routes are active and virtually unregulated, take the new demand and add it to the old demand with renewed distribution channels and what do you get?”

“A crap ton of demand but without the supply to match,” Camden said with despair in his voice. “I know that it’s simple economics but the repercussions are frightening.”

“It helps that you understand economics.”

“I understand economics just fine,” Camden said.

“Well, then you’re one of the few politicians who does.”

“There aren’t many of us.”

“Drugs, women, weapons…now that things have changed in America, everyone’s buying. You’re a smart man, Camden. You know what happens next.”

Outside by the pool, the girls took off their tee-shirts and underwear then they stood and dove headfirst into the heated waters. He turned his back to them hoping to maintain his concentration.

“I guess I do,” he said, even though his tone would suggest that he had just come to this conclusion moments ago.

“The girls will sell for a premium and they’ll sell quickly. If you think for one minute that I don’t understand the importance of time in this matter, you’re sorely mistaken. I understand it well enough to know that you can’t wait for local and federal authorities to coordinate their activities and react on an international level. You need someone to hop the border and get started immediately. That’s why Damien had you call me. He knows this, too.”

“You make it sound hopeless,” Camden said.

“You need skilled operators to slip into Juárez under the cover of night and lay waste to these monsters. These operators must be free from international rules and they must respond with savage force. I have those operators and they possess such a skillset. Local law enforcement and the FBI don’t, which means you don’t. What I’m offering you here are recovery and retribution. So now that we’re clear on the lay of this land, I expect you to understand the risk on my part versus the reward on your part enough to not make an issue of the price.”

“Which is?” Camden asked.

“Well, here’s where I told a little white lie,” Leopold said. “The price will be ten million, but you only have a little over seven million in all of your accounts. Where I lied was in saying I wouldn’t back off the price if I knew you couldn’t afford it. I’m going to make an exception.”

“I appreciate that, but why would you do that when you explicitly said you wouldn’t?”

“It’s not because I need the money. I don’t need it at all. And it’s not because my operators need work. They don’t. I’m doing this for Sydney, Callie, Zoey, and Maisie.”

“How did you know their names?” Fox asked.

“The minute I said I needed to clear my slate, I began working. For you, I will do the job for four million with one million good-faith money up front.”

“I can’t get that amount right away.”

“You have to transfer offshore money, I understand. And that kind of money doesn’t transfer into the United States so easily.”

“That’s correct.”

“It so happens I have a small account at the same Swiss bank as you, Mr. Fox. Migros Bank. We can do the transfer without issue tomorrow. If you agree to the price and the transfer of funds, I will put my team to work immediately.”

“I’m in agreement,” he said quickly.

“There is no backing out of this, Camden. Once you’re in, you’re in for the duration and I need you to understand that.”

“What if something bad happens to my family?” he asked.

“Something bad already happened to your family.”

“What if they want ransom money?”

“Let me handle that.”

“I can’t pay them and you at the same time,” Camden said. He was starting to sound a little worried.

“I will make you two promises,” Leopold assured him. “First, when we begin, you will have the most qualified assets in the country working for you.”

“And second?”

“If you do not follow through with your payment, I will personally cut off your head and bury it in a burlap sack at my vacation home in Switzerland.”

“I agree to those terms,” Camden said less enthusiastically but without hesitation.

“I will forward you my account information with Migros Bank in the next few minutes. Make sure the transfer is complete by tomorrow or I will be coming after you.”

“I understand,” Camden said. “And, thank you.”

“Don’t thank me just yet. Your life is about to get really, really rough,” Leopold said. “Before you go, I need your contact information.”

The congressman gave Leopold the name of the hotel where he was staying in El Paso as well as his room number.

“I’ll have someone there by midnight,” Leopold said in conclusion. “Stay