The Cartel

Chapter V

Everyday was similar for a few weeks. Every evening, they reviewed what Penelope, Andrew, and Carly knew. They traded information, but it was rare there was anything new. And anything new was too small to be really useful. What the trio had was all far from ground breaking.

The definite leader(s) remained mysterious. Though there was no solid proof, the three were sure Kayla Rax was the Hydra, but then there was another who could easily be a leader: William, or Bill, Mandeigh.

Was he the Hydra, not Kayla? Was Kayla the Hydra and he second in command? Was he just high in command, but not that close to the top? No, he had to be at least deputy-ranking. He rarely showed his face, and Andrew had seen Kayla no more than once. Carly had seen Bill once, but made sure to avoid seeing Kayla. She couldn't risk being seen by her. Both Kayla and Bill worked on the top floor, which had the highest amount of security. Everything and everyone was secretive.

Why was it so hard to figure out who really led The Cartel? Because none of the workers talked about it to one another, for one. There was also the fact that only the "highly trusted" could meet with the leader(s), and the "highly trusted" didn't talk about it-unless asked. The scary part was that Andrew, after studying them, knew they would be willing to talk about, but then they would relay it to the leader(s). Who knew what would happen to you then. 

As a result, it had been nearly a month before they struck gold. One evening, Penelope revealed something extraordinary that she had found out while snooping around the office. Penelope had overheard the Bill Mandeigh's secretary on the phone. There would be a meeting with some arm dealers from Egypt. The meeting would take place on Bill's yacht at Neeve Dock at 7:00P.M. the next day. 

Why Bill's? Was he really the Hyrda? Or did he just do the dirty work? Like a dutiful double. 

Yampa thought it a perfect time to tear the power from Bill's very hands. Whatever his role was, they had him. 

* * *

It was 6:30 the next day at Neeve Dock. Andrew, Carly, and Penelope were armed and ready. Andrew was really hating how strong the security system was there. They were short on weapons and had no bullet proof vests. So, a few things belonging to security had to go missing before they could sneak out to the dock. 

Carly fidgeted with her vest. Dammit, why are they so uncomfortable?...At least not much has changed since I left.

"What are you doing?" Andrew whispered harshly. "Quiet down." He was on high alert, his senses raving. Carly's clamorousness was all but helping. 

The trio was hidden behind some guava trees covered by mile-a-minute vines. The vines covered the ground surrounding the tree as well. When Carly ceased her fussing, they waited in a restless silence by the plants. There had been movement since about five, when workers had begun to set the yacht up, make everything perfect. It was until 6:45 that an ugly face showed itself.

Bill had a large nose, like Adrian Brody. His eyes were almost squarish, and his cheeks were high. He held himself erect, showing how fabulously proud and arrogant he was. Bill Mandeigh was just as high-handed as the next villain. His dark brown eyes seemed black in the dark evening. When he turned towards the trio, his eyes glinted from the moonlight. Carly shuddered.

Suddenly, Andrew turned frantic and tense, and he began to swear under his breath. Carly turned to him, surprised by his sudden panic. When she saw the problem, she too struggled to stay calm.

Damn, she thought, seeing what was upsetting him: Where was Penelope? Her eyes widened in fear and shock. Carly shut her eyes and calmed herself, breathing evenly.