Angel

Chapter 60

Marc

"What do you mean she's missing?" I roared.

"Carlos took Tori, and when we found him, he vanished. We're guessing he had help, because by the time Emilio ran back to their room, Mattie was gone, but there weren't any signs of a struggle. She had to have known whoever took her," Owen explained.

"You better prepare my brother, because I'm on my fucking way now. Screw doing this the delicate way," I shouted and stormed out of the room with Axel and Brandon fast on my heels.

"Marc, take a breath," Brandon said. "Just take a moment to calm down and think this through." I stopped and turned to look at him. He put his hands on my shoulders, "If Carlos is trying to take down Cardoza through Mattie, then that means Violet is also a target. We can't take her down there. When they realize you're related, then, well hell he might consider her a risk as well."

A light bulb went off in my head. "I need to talk to Nate and Corey. I need to call her grandfather. That's our way in," I said.

****

A few hours later the computer screen lit up as we were airborne. "Hello? Who the hell is this?" Alberto Cortez demanded, his scowling face filling the screen. "How the fuck did you get this number. Only family has this number!"

"Then I guess it's a good thing I'm family, sir. My name is Marc Weiland, I'm Violet's father."

I heard him draw in a breath, "How the hell did you get this number?"

"I have my connections, sir, but right now that doesn't really matter does it? I also know Carlos and his followers have abducted Mattie. I am currently in the air and fully intend to help find her. Violet is safely tucked away to keep her out of the line of fire, but I need your help."

"Why would I help you?" he demanded. "You just want to take her away from us."

"Actually, sir, I don't, but that is a discussion I need to have with Mattie and Emilio first. For now, I offer my help. I along with my family and friends are former members of the Academy and we think Vivian Theriot, Mattie's grandmother, is working with Carlos to try and take over both the cartels," I explained.

"Joder," he spat, "Of all the pendejo fools...What do you need?

"I need to get into the compound and speak with Emilio. If you speak for me, he will listen. Time is of the essence. Vivian will make a move on Violet and when she realizes we've moved her location, she will panic. We need to stay one step ahead of her," I explained, praying that he would listen. I knew I was right about this, I just needed them to believe me as well.

"Give me the airport you're landing at and I'll meet you," Alberto said. "If this is a trick, I'll kill every last one of you," he gruffed.

"I promise, it's no trick. I just want her found safe and healthy," I said then quickly gave him all of the information. The moment I hung up, we dialed Owen and Sean.

"What's the verdict?" Sean asked, coming into view.

I passed the computer to Kota. "Cortez is meeting us and getting us a way into the compound. Any news? How's Tori?" he asked.

"She's fairly torn up but should heal physically at least. It will take a long time to heal mentally," Sean said, his eyes watering. "She's blaming herself for Mattie being taken. She thinks if she had just cooperated then Carlos wouldn't have targeted her. We've tried explaining that this was his and Vivian's plan all along, but..."

"Where's Owen?" Victor asked, coming closer. He'd avoided most of us since the day we learned what he'd said, but despite the tension, he refused to stay behind. None of them would. They wanted to help find Mattie and check on Tori.