Stuck Between Them

Chapter 23 - Aye Aye Captain

Five Years Earlier

LISA POV

Yet another successful mission, these things are almost too easy. Currently, I am leaving for L.A. It's been pleasant being in Huston, not much trouble. All I had to do was steal a prestigious book from a local library. The job was simple. It would be days, maybe weeks, before anyone notices that the book is missing, but it was essential for my boss, and its context is so dull. Now, if I remember correctly, a client was obsessed with an early 18th century Spanish Author; in the early 70s, a special edition containing all the author's work was published, a copy of that edition was autographed by an activist who also happens to be our client's idol, and the story doesn't end here, this book was owned by client's friend who later turned to foe. My handler, Jack, was still telling me the remaining tale, but I stopped him. It was getting out of hand.

As I reached the airport, my cell phone started ringing. It was Jack, my handler.

"Hello, change of plan; you are going to El Paso.", He came straight to the point.

"What? But I was given this stupid job because, and I quote, too important to be screwed up but by a two-cent hand for hire.", I exclaimed.

"The part that could be screwed is already done by you; I will text you a drop point. Leave the book there; I will send a two-cent hand for hire to extract and deliver back to LA."

"Ok, what's the job? It better be interesting.", I said getting back in a taxi.

"Don't worry girl, you are going to Mexico; it is always fun there.", I could feel him smile on the other side.

"Finally, some worthwhile job, Give me details.". the taxi took off.

"Two days ago, a corporate electronic ledger was stolen; as could be guessed by its name, it has shady and time-sensitive information. Those company guys tried to apprehend the situation themselves; they chased the thief until he passed the Mexican border.", he replied.

"That's where we come in.", I inquired.

"Yes. The thief doesn't know that the ledger pings to us when connected to a power source. The last time it pinged was in Juárez, Mexico. The information is needed within two days. You will send me a file on a secure network when the ledger is obtained. And also, the thief doesn't matter; they don't give a rat's ass about him because he is just a pawn. they know who's behind it.", He explained.

"Now that is what we call a mission, a journey to an unknown place, tracking down the package, eliminating the target, the time stamp makes it even more exciting.". I said excitingly.

"Hold your horses as for the journey to the unknown; you will have a partner.". Jack said.

"So, you are coming with me?" I said.

"No. You will meet a woman in Al Paso. She will be your passage and guide in Mexico." he replied

I frowned. I don't do partners; either I do this alone or with Jack.

"Why doesn't your woman do this job? She can get in and out, also knows the place by the sound of it.", I asked.

"She is a freelancer, not one of us; Maze doesn't want outside eyes going through the ledger.",

"You know I am one women operation; either you come with me, or I go by myself."

"Everything is in place, and no one is closer to Al Paso who we can trust; please do this for your old man."

Jack wasn't just my handler. He was my mentor; he discovered me; I would have been dead by now if it weren't for him.

"Ok, Dad," I said sarcastically, "I will do it. So, who is this woman?"