Switch Back by Jack Lively

Author:Jack Lively [Lively, Jack]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781838047504
Publisher: General Projects Press

I said, “After you left for the medical tests, I went out to Big Bend for a hike. Because you were gone, and I’d been cramped up in airplanes and automobiles all night and day. Five miles in, I ran across Elena.” I gestured toward Elena. “Make a long story short, she was having some issues with the Coyotes running her across the border. By that, I mean she had to fight off a rapist. Hit the guy over the head with a rock. I showed up just after that.”

Mallory said, “Coyote tried to rape you, and you fought him off?” Elena nodded.

Dave said, “Hit him with a rock, he get knocked out or what?” He looked at Elena.

Elena said, “The guy was lying there. Then Keeler showed up out of nowhere.”

I said, “She killed him, guy was dead as a door nail. Multiple blows with a heavy object. Skull fracture, herniated brain, and a good deal of hemorrhaging. Elena took the guy out.”

Elena looked at me, horrified.

Mallory said, “Nice work if you can get it, taking out rapists.”

I said, “Problem is, he wasn’t alone. A couple of his buddies showed up and I had to get her out of there. Why I took her out in my rental car and brought her up here to get safe.”

Dave said, “You know they prosecute for bringing illegals over, these days.”

“I know that. Which is why I did not want you and Mallory involved. I brought Elena to the Desert Inn and got a room. The plan was to pause and assess the situation.”

“And they found you at the motel.”

I said, “They found me in town first, I was coming out of the General Store, noticed I was being followed, and brought them out here to Walmart. Figure they got the plates on my rental car.”

Mallory said, “Brought them to Walmart, for what, take them shopping?”

“I couldn’t think of any other place to bring them. I neutralized two guys in the vehicle. Then I went back to the motel and you know the rest. Others showed up.”

Dave said, “Neutralized?”

“I cracked their heads a little and slashed the tires of their vehicle.” I gestured to the parking lot. “It’s still out there if you’re interested in seeing a Jeep Cherokee with two flat tires.”

Mallory smiled and crunched on an ice cube.

Dave said, “I get that, but why would they follow you all in the first place, if they were just a bunch of Coyotes? Those traffickers are small time. It’d be highly unusual if they were to bring their business up here.”

I said, “That’s the question. But first off, just to finish up, Elena’s not a regular illegal, she’s a journalist. She says cartel people put a hit on her.”

Dave and Mallory looked at Elena, sizing her up. Elena glanced back at them, and then at me, but something caught her eye and she looked up. Camila the waitress leaned over our booth and put down a big plate of deep-fried jalapeños stuffed with cheese.

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