𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥'𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝟐 | 𝟏𝟖+

Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ Nɪɴᴇ: Wʜᴇɴ ⵊ Gʀᴏᴡ Uᴘ

"I need you two to scope out all the potential locations we have, figure out what times Mateo will be at each place and who he's with at those times." I say, looking between Amell and Ramos.

"You want a headcount whenever the kid is spotted?" Amell asks.

"Yes, we need to know the size of his security team, any routines to his movements, and figure out the best opportunities to snatch him up with minimum fuss or chaos."

Ramos nods slowly. "So you just want eyes on him for now? You don't want us to grab him for you?"

"Just eyes, we're going to need a way bigger crew for this one."

I have zero doubts about Amell and Ramos' skills. In theory, just those two could probably snatch up Mateo without too many issues on their own. These guys have been some of Luis' best operators for years, which is exactly why he handed them over to work under my payroll way back when. But, as good as Amell and Ramos are at their jobs, I'm not willing to take any chances whatsoever. When it comes to your kid, you don't fuck around. And Alonzo surely won't be fucking around when it comes to his son and most importantly, his heir.

Mateo is undoubtedly going to be the highest profile, most insanely risky hostage situation I've ever orchestrated. If I could take Alonzo himself, only the entire Ramirez cartel would come after me. But when I take Mateo, it's not just going to have Alonzo's cartel going absolutely wild trying to get him back. No, this is going to mobilize the full force and might of every single cartel throughout all of Chihuahua directly against me. But that's the risk I'm willing to take if it means finally avenging my childrens' deaths, and finally taking out the biggest threat to my daughter.

I pull out a glossy photo and slide it across the table towards them both. "This is him- Mateo Ramirez."

They both study the image intently for a moment before Amell looks up. "When do you want us to head down there?"

"Tonight. The sooner the better."

Ramos nods as he pockets the photo. "You got it, boss."

They both nod firmly before turning to go gather their gear and make final preparations for their trip to Mexico.

"Be safe down there. I'll see you two when you get back." I say, leading them out of the house and shutting the door behind them.

"Faith! Come down here so I can get you ready for school!" I call up the stairs.

Stomping little feet soon come running down the steps, Faith bursting into the living room. "I'm ready, Mommy!"

I chuckle at her excitement, patting the couch beside me. "We have to do that hair before we go."

Faith eagerly plops down in front of me on the floor, handing me her hairbrush. As I start gently working through her dark curls, she leans back against my legs.

"Are you excited for your last day at school, babygirl?" I ask, parting off sections to begin braiding her hair.

She shakes her head confidently. "Yes, mama!"

I laugh, placing a kiss on the top of her head. "Let's practice what you're going to say at graduation one last time," I say, weaving her hair. "What does my big kindergarten graduate want to be when she grows up?"

"I wanna be a doctor!" Faith declares firmly. "So I can help sick people feel all better."

Pride swells in my chest as I tie off the ends of her braids. "Good job! You got this in the bag!"

I walk Faith to the front door. Reaching down, I smooth out her hair one last time before bending to give her a big hug. "I'll see you really soon, okay?" I open the door and watch as she scampers outside to the waiting car.