Author's Note: Here's the next installment with a nice cliffhanger for you :) Sonny and Trudy are getting in deep now. I hope you have been enjoying the story. Thank you for the reviews, keep them coming please. And stay tuned, there's more to come and hopefully, it won't be so long for the next chapter.
Next Day
Sonny had spent the day alone at the mansion going over things with Alvez before their meeting with Torres. He had purposely sent the maid out for most of the day so they wouldn't have to worry about prying eyes and ears. Trudy kept up appearances as the girlfriend who loved spending her rich boyfriend's money, so she went on a shopping spree and then met up to have lunch with an old friend 'Gina'. It was a great front that allowed Trudy to get updates back to Castillo without suspicion.
By the time Trudy had arrived back at the mansion Sonny, Alvez, Torres and his men were just about to head out.
"Hey baby, where are you going?" She questioned as she sat her many bags on the couch and move to the large French doors that led out to the beautifully manicured backyard that held a beautiful view of the lake on the property that merged with the ocean, as well as a huge dock with a mini yacht attached.
"Hey darlin, I wasn't expecting you back so soon," Sonny greeted as he reached for her and he kissed her cheek when she stepped up to him. Secretly he had hoped her lunch with Gina would run long, and so he had Alvez push the meeting up a bit. Sonny could tell by the slight stiffness in Trudy's shoulder she was now well aware of his deceptive plan.
"I missed you, so I hurried back," She stated. "And looks like I'm just in time, so where are 'we' going?"
"Oh, us boys were going to take a little boat ride on the yacht," Sonny said as he rubbed his hand across the small of her back. "Why don't you stay here and put away all the pretty things you bought. We'll be back soon," Before Trudy could open her mouth to protest Torres spoke out.
"I was actually hoping you would make it back in time to join us. C'mon Sonny, bring your lady along, I'm having a little party so there are plenty of other lovely ladies she can talk to, while we handle our business," Torres stated as he raked his eyes appreciatively over Trudy's curvaceous body that was being hugged by a turquoise colored spandex mini dress accented with hot pink pumps and matching earrings. "I even have a couple of casinos on my yacht, so there are plenty of things to keep her entertained," He added and made Sonny turn surprised eyes to Alvez and then quickly to Torres.
"Sorry, but I thought we were taking a spin on 'my' boat," Sonny said as he gave the smaller man his full attention.
"Well, mine is bigger," Torres said as he pushed the sunglasses he had been holding in his hand back onto his face. "And as I just said I'm having a party. Just some close acquaintances and business partners and some of their friends. So, I thought since we're going to be doing business together now that I should invite you and your beautiful lady to meet everyone involved in my organization," He added as he nodded at Trudy with a smile and even though he made her skin crawl she put on a convincing show of being flattered by his words. "I promise she'll have plenty to keep her occupied while we finish working out the arrangements of our new partnership.
"These casinos of yours are they just for fun?" Trudy questioned and Torres quickly answered hoping to entice her.
"I assure you all bets are real and big and I'll even give you $50,000 to start you off with. My way of welcoming you two into the family, so to speak," Torres said this directly to Sonny. Sonny didn't like the idea of both he and Trudy being taken off unexpectedly to Torres' boat, in his territory, but he knew Trudy had no intentions of staying behind and leaving him without back up. Alvez was going too but she didn't think he'd have Sonny's back like she would. Also, Sonny knew this was probably the best chance they'd ever have to get Torres and maybe some other smaller fish that may be at Torres' party.
"All right," Sonny conceded as he playfully smacked Trudy's plump backside.
"Great, let me just go grab a bathing suit," She said as she quickly turned and moved towards the stairs. Her true intent had been to grab one of the tracking devices they had been given for just such an occasion in case Sonny wasn't prepared with one.
"There's no need," Torres called out to her. "And no time. Besides we have plenty of suits for you to choose from on my Yacht. Now, we really must be going," He then turned and led the way out the back. Alvez followed him out, Sonny with Trudy on his arm followed Alvez while Torres' guards brought up the rear. They all made their way down to the dock where the mid-sized yacht that came with the house was already anchored and on the other side a speed boat that was nearly as big. The speed boat had a couple more armed men on it, one of which helped Torres board. When Alvez stepped up the guard stopped him. "Sorry, my friend but there's just not enough room for you now that Miss Trudy will be joining us. You already know the plan anyway, so I'll just go over everything with Sonny, myself." Torres said as he reached out for Trudy's hand and helped her into the boat. "You don't mind, right?"
"Not at all," Alvez spoke around a forced smile while he watched Sonny and the remaining guards board the boat. He decided to play it cool since he had already invested so much time and energy into this case. He was determined to see it through to the end. "I'll see you two when you get back, call me and we'll have a late dinner," He added as he waved them off and the boat began to pull away from the dock.
"You know I feel kind of bad leaving Alvez out of the loop. He was the one that brought me in on this," Sonny spoke a few minutes late as they sped out into the ocean. Suddenly a loud explosion could be heard. Sonny and Trudy were the only ones that ducked down with Sonny instinctively shielding Trudy in his arms. When they rose back up and turned to where they had heard the noise they could still see the outline of their mansion as well as the plume of smoke that filled the sky around it.
"Now you don't have to worry about Alvez," Torres announced and both Trudy and Sonny turn to him with stunned eyes that quickly hardened in anger, though it was hidden behind the shades he wore. "Sorry I know that he was a friend of yours but look at it this way, now we only have to split the profits 50/50," He smiled and then settled back more comfortably in his seat and let his head fall back against the genuine leather seat.
"But did you have to blow up the car?" Trudy asked and Sonny shot his scowling eyes to her. "That was a '67 Shelby Mustang, it was a thing of beauty," She huffed out as she put on a great show of being disappointed by crossing her arms across her chest and plopping down in a nearby seat. Sonny quickly composed himself and played along as so to not blow their cover and possibly get them both killed. He plastered a huge smile on his face. "Don't worry baby with all the dough we'll be getting now I'll buy you your very own '67 Shelby Mustang," He said as he took a seat beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
"I'll buy you one as well, and then you'll have two," Torres tossed out as he let his eyes hone in onto her toned legs, which both Trudy and Sonny took notice of. Sonny placed a hand on her thigh in a vain attempt to cover her, but also to let Torres know she was his, even though it was quite obvious that Torres wouldn't respect that claim.
"I only need the one," Trudy replied as she briefly regarded the man seated across from them, whose heated eyes she could feel on her even though she couldn't see them through his sunglasses. She then grasped Sonny's face in her hand and turned him to face her. "Thank you, baby," She cooed out and then pulled him into a kiss. The kissed was intense, slow and very sensual. She had hoped it would get the message to Torres that she was Sonny's girl. She hadn't expected her stomach to get butterflies or for her body to start tingling all over from just being so close and intimate with Sonny. For his part, Sonny gripped her at the nape of her neck pulling her closer and holding her to him as his mind and body reacted instinctively. He deepened the kiss, momentarily forgetting who they really were, where they were and the company they were in. He thought Trudy tasted incredible and he knew that if they didn't stop it would become a taste that would quickly become addictive. They both pulled back and released each other at the same time, and Trudy quickly lowered her head and rested it against Sonny's shoulder in the hopes to hide her face before it told him just how much their kiss had affected her. Sonny held her more tightly in his arms and pressed his lips against her forehead as he looked out at the ocean over her head.
They had been on the water for well over an hour before a large yacht finally came into view, "Nice boat," Sonny said casually as they got closer.
"It's my home so I spared no expense," Torres replied as he beamed proudly at his yacht. "I'll give you the information of the dealer so you can get one of your own. With all the money we stand to make you can afford it." He added as the speed boat began to dock alongside the massive yacht. When they all boarded the yacht, it was very apparent that Torres had not been lying about his party. There was music blaring and partygoers seemingly on every deck talking, dancing and making out. Torres would stop occasionally as he led Sonny and Trudy down into the lower decks of the yacht, making brief introductions with people he thought Sonny should get to know. There were several criminals both Trudy and Sonny were familiar with either having read a file on them or hearing of their reputation. They arrived on a secluded deck that was guarded and no partygoers were allowed in. The guard stepped aside and allowed Torres, Sonny, and Trudy to pass. There was only one door at the end of a short corridor when Torres opened it and they all entered it displayed a huge living quarter. The entire deck at been converted into a home with a living room, kitchen, a main bathroom, 2 bedrooms one with an ensuite bathroom.
"Wow," Trudy said and then whistled. "Man, you weren't kidding when you said this was your home. This is amazing," She said genuinely as she walked further into the living room to then plop down onto the huge cream-colored leather couch.
"I'm glad you like it, it's all yours," Torres replied causing both Sonny and Trudy to turn and regard him curiously. "It'll be your home away from home for the next few days."
"Excuse me, wait a minute we were just supposed to be coming out here to discuss business," Sonny chimed in as removed his shades and hooked them in the collar of the light blue short-sleeved tee his wore under his white jacket.
"And we shall," Torres assured. "I assume that Alvez told you about this business transaction that I need?"
"Yeah, you need to get some drugs smuggled into Miami and he thought I might be able to help you do that since it's something that I do for myself," Sonny answered.
"Right, he tells me that you have connections at all the surrounding docks, that you pay a lot of money to get the dock workers to look the other way when you bring in certain shipments," Torres spoke and Sonny simply nodded at his words. "Well, if you can get in just a couple of shipments for me we both could retire."
"Really, just a couple of shipments and just how big are these shipments?" Sonny asked as he tucked his hands into his pant pockets while he stood in the middle of the room facing off with Torres.
"A thousand kilos of heroin in 2 shipments, a thousand in 'each' shipment to be more precise," Torres answered and Trudy's eyes bulged a bit at his words but she quickly adjusted them. Sonny kept his emotions cool and under control not reacting at all except to chuckle as he bowed and shook his head a bit.
"You've got to be kidding me," Sonny finally said as he looked back at the smaller man standing before him. "Just how do you suppose I smuggle a thousand kilos of heroin into Dade County, where the DEA practically has its headquarters? Hell, a hundred is pushing it! I'm beginning to think this has been a big waste of time for us both, c'mon Trudy, let's go," He held out his hand towards where Trudy sat and she quickly rose from the couch as Torres turned and moved to the nearby bar where he began making a drink.
"But don't you even want to hear my plan first?" Torres asked as he smiled at them and calmly sipped at the bourbon he just poured himself.
"No, not really. Unless you're going to tell me that you have a Wizard somewhere on this boat who can cast a spell to hide a thousand kilos of heroin because my usual way of hiding drugs in a hollowed-out compartment in my boat is not going to work. Never mind that a thousand kilos would never fit, there's no way in hell we could cover the smell of that much of it from the drug dogs they have all along the docks," Sonny stated as he grasped Trudy's hand once she stepped up alongside him.
"C'mon baby we're already here, let's just hear his plan," Trudy cut in making Sonny turn to glare at her, while Torres looked pleased that she seemed to be siding with him. "I mean, we're talking about a lot of money here. Just 2 trips and you never have to do it ever again. We could go live on some tropical island, somewhere."
"Your lady is not just very beautiful, she's also smart," Torres said as he raised his glass slightly in a toast, but Sonny just kept his eyes on Trudy hoping to relay to her that they really needed to leave. He knew there was no way that the DEA would allow them to go through with a plan to smuggle in that amount of drugs for fear of something going wrong and any of that heroin getting out on the streets.
"We may never get another opportunity like this again Sonny," She continued as she reached up and rested her hand against his chest. Sonny understood the true meaning of her words. This was not only a great chance to capture Torres but also a chance to get a lot of drugs before they get out into the population.
"All right," Sonny replied as he stared at Trudy a moment more before then turning to face Torres again. "Exactly what did you have in mind?"
"It's simple really," Torres began. "You just bring your boat," He waved his hands in the air to indicate he meant his yacht. "Into Miami's docks to drop off your party guest, that's it," Sonny's brow bunched up in confusion at the man's words until the revelation of the plan finally hit him.
"So, the guests just walk off the boat with the drugs, that's your plan?" Sonny asked as he chuckled a bit. "Bub, they won't get five feet out on those docks before they're sniffed out."
"Look, Sonny, all you have to do is pay your usual guys to run some interference and look the other way. Tell them you'll double what you usually pay them, I'll front that share. You just need to use your connections to get this boat docked and have the guests be allowed to leave. I promise you no dogs will sniff out anything, they'll find nothing," Torres announced confidently leaving both Sonny and Trudy to wonder about how he planned to hide so much heroin on the partygoers.
"Okay, say we get the boat in and everyone leaves, are you sure one of your 'guests' won't blow this plan of yours sky high? There are a lot of people out there," Sonny questioned as he jutted his thumb towards the closed door.
"Oh, I can guarantee they won't do or say anything to cause suspicion because they won't even know that they're mules. See, they'll each be given a gift basket to take with them when they leave. In that basket will contain a box of Cuban cigars which we all know is not allowed in these great United States. So, the Customs officers that I have planted already will confiscate each and every one of those cigar boxes and take them...someplace safe," He ended with a smile.
"That's a very creative way to smuggle, I'll give you that," Sonny admitted his true thoughts aloud and again Torres raised his glass in a toast and then took a swig of his drink. "Except the dogs they have patrolling those docks will sniff out the drugs even if it is stuffed in with some fancy tobacco, which is why I always arrange to have my boat waved through without actually docking and moving anything on the actual docks, which ain't gonna work with this size boat and with all the people you have on here."
"Sonny, trust me, my friend, I have it covered," Torres spoke and Sonny snorted out his next words.
"Oh, we're friends now?" Sonny asked with an unamused smile.
"If you do this for me we'd stand to profit $300 million, that's $150 million each. So, if all goes as I plan, then yes, I proclaim you to be my very best friend and god father to all of my future children," Torres joked promisingly. Again, Sonny chuckled as he smirked at the little man and then he turned his eyes back onto Trudy.
"What do you think darlin?"
"I think that's a lot of money," Trudy said with a playful smile. "And it sounds like Mr. Torres has it all planned out so that if anything does go wrong it's no skin off our backs. I mean we don't have to be on the boat when it docks, right?"
"Not at all, we'll take the small yacht back to your place and wait," Torres chimed back in. "Like I said, I only need you to make sure your contacts on the docks look the other way when the yacht docks, and allow my guys on the dock to take care of our 'guests'. Do you think you can arrange that?" Sonny nodded his head as he spoke.
"Yeah, I'll make the calls when we get back. It's definitely gonna cost double maybe even triple what I usually pay," Sonny stated.
"Which I will happily cover," Torres reassured.
"All right, we'll see how it goes but if anything in this brilliant plan of yours falls through, I don't know you and you don't know me."
"Understood," Torres agreed. "Now, it'll be approximately 3 or 4 days before the shipment is delivered to me here, I'll take you back home then, so you can make the arrangements," Both Sonny and Trudy were set on edge by the knowledge that Torres planned to keep them over the next few days, but both tried to hide their concerns. "Today is Sunday and this has to happen Friday night, so I'll take you back home Wednesday to give you plenty of time to set things up with your contacts on the docks. In the meantime, I want you two to relax and enjoy yourselves like everyone else. Think of this as a mini vacation, on me."
"Well, can't we at least make a quick stop back home so I can pack a few things I'm going to need?" Trudy asked looking for any excuse to get them back on land so that they can get word to Castillo about where they were now that Alvez would be no help to them.
"No need, I asked your lovely maid to pack a few things for you both," Torres replied. "You'll find your bags in the bedroom, just through there," He pointed to the large closed double door across the room.
"So, our maid was working for you?" Sonny asked although they had known it from the day she had arrived.
"Yes, I needed to make sure you could be trusted, I've learned from experience that one can never be too sure about the company one keeps."
"Well, did we pass inspection?" Trudy asked as she made her way to the adjoining bedroom doors.
"So far you both check out," He answered as he openly gawked at her ample backside and the sway of her hips, not caring if Sonny saw him. "But I also brought you here so we can spend some time 'alone' and we can get to know each other better on a more personal level," He added his eyes still locked onto Trudy's frame as she disappeared through the open doors.
"That's fine, just don't try to get too personal," Sonny stated making Torres focus back onto him and cast out a knowing smile, just as Trudy re-entered the room.
"Come, Sonny, I want to discuss some further business with you," Torres stated as he moved from the bar towards the door, where he paused and turned back to the couple in the room who were eying one another. "Sorry, but this meeting is just for us boys. Trudy, you can find the casinos down on the lower decks, Miguel will take you," Torres then waved towards the large guard who stood by the front door. "I have already made sure that you have all the funds you'll need to play with. So, please go and enjoy yourself," Trudy had already made her way back to where Sonny stood her attention completely on him. To any onlookers, it would appear as if she was awaiting her man's consent but the truth was, she wanted reassurance that Sonny would be ok alone with Torres. Sonny nodded and then spoke.
"Go on darlin, go have yourself some fun. I'll find you later," He said as he gently smacked her back side. For her part, Trudy, plastered on a huge fake smile, giggled and acted as if she was excited to go gambling. Sonny kissed her lips before he headed out with Torres. Once the two men were outside Torres turned to Sonny and spoke.
"You do not seem concerned about sending your lady love off alone. I mean, you two seem so inseparable."
"Yeah, we're pretty tight, but she knows how to take care of herself," Sonny agreed as they walked through the corridors in a section of the ship that seemed purposely private from the rest. "Besides you've just given her permission to spend as much of 'your' money as she wants, and I'm not about to protest when me and my bank account get a day off, which we greatly appreciate," Sonny chuckled out as Torres laughed along.
"Why are all the most beautiful ones so hard on our pockets?" Torres asked as he opened the large door at the end of the corridor they had ventured down. "I guess it's our own fault, we tend to spoil them in order to keep them."
"Yeah, but Trudy makes up for it in other ways," Sonny added as Torres turned and graced him with a huge knowing smile while he led the way into the room. Upon entering the humongous room Sonny was stunned to find that Torres had set up an impressive surveillance station with what looked to be two dozen people, who sat watching nearly twice as many TVs with videos of every inch of the yacht. "Man, you really don't trust anybody do you?" Sonny questioned aloud as his eyes roamed across the many screens, taking in the scenes.
"Like I said before I have learned to be very careful in this business," Torres answered. "And the best way to learn of someone's true intentions is to watch them closely."
"So, you just spy on your business associates and listen in on their private conversations?" Sonny inquired further as he turned to face Torres.
"I watch only," Torres corrected. "You see," He then pointed to one of the screens that showed a couple of men in a room with what Sonny could tell were equipment for tracing bugging devices. "I am not the only one who is cautious about whom they do business with. I can't bug the rooms because most of my associates have their people search for that kind of activity. So, instead I have cameras everywhere and lip readers to try and find out what they are discussing," It was then that Sonny noticed the people studying the screens and writing things down on notepads. "But really, it's what they do, but more importantly what they 'don't' do that interests me because it truly speaks to who they are. Now, come let us work out all the details of our business transaction. If all goes according to plan you and I both can finally retire from this game."
Sometime later
After nearly an hour, searching the many casino rooms throughout the lower decks of the yacht, Sonny finally found Trudy at one of the crap tables looking to be genuinely having a great time, and racking up a lot of chips.
"Having fun darling?" He greeted as he moved up beside her and wrapped an arm around her waist. Trudy turned with a wide smile.
"Yep, and look at all the money I've won," She half squealed out as she bounced on her heels while the other patrons around the table watched and cheered her on.
"Well, it's time to cash in, it's getting late and I'm hungry," Sonny said and Trudy immediately agreed.
"Can you cash me out?" She asked the dealer as some of the patrons groaned out their displeasure at losing their entertainment.
"Yes ma'am, we will have the cash placed on your account with us and you can pick it up before you leave the boat." The dealer replied.
"Thank you," She tossed out with a super sweet smile and a wink to the younger man, who bowed his head a bit as he blushed and smiled back. Trudy then allowed Sonny to escort her away from the table. She pulled her arm from his slightly painful grasp and casually draped it across his shoulders and neck. "What's wrong, baby, did your meeting with Torres go bad?" She asked lowly but still asking in a way that even if they were overheard it wouldn't raise suspicions.
"We have a problem," Sonny mumbled out to her as he leaned in and kissed her earlobe. "First let's go out on the deck before we talk," Trudy's curiosity was peaked but she said nothing else somehow knowing that it was important that she not say anything more. They silently walked until they made their way up to a relatively deserted deck where a few lovers were about making out. So, they both decided to play along. Sonny tugged Trudy to the railing that allowed the guest to look out at the expanse of the ocean without fear of falling into it. Trudy had her backside against the railing as Sonny moved right up against her. His hands pulled and groped at her body while his mouth kissed her lips and then moved to her neck. "Don't speak just play along and listen," Sonny whispered in between his kisses. For her part, Trudy closed her eyes in seeming ecstasy and tilted her head to the side to give him better access to her neck and ear. "Torres is watching our every move, he's got cameras everywhere. But not bugs thankfully. Though he has his people everywhere listening, so never let your guard down." Sonny continued. "We need to pull out of this now, find a way to get off this boat tonight. Otherwise, our cover will be blown," He said and his words caused Trudy to push him back from her neck. She then pulled him into a deep kiss as she maneuvered them to where Sonny was now with his back against the railing and she faced the ocean. She then mimicked his actions and dove in to kiss at his chest and then up to his neck.
"Why," She huffed out around kissing and nibbling at his neck and earlobe. "How will our cover be blown? Torres already said we checked out. Sonny, we need to see this thing through, we'll never have another opportunity like this. We'll never get this close again, and you know it." She replied and he wrapped her more tightly in his arms as he once again buried his mouth against her neck, he was glad she had worn her hair down because it partially hid his face.
"He thinks we're lovers, Trudy, and he's got cameras 'everywhere'," Sonny said plainly and the weight of what he was telling her crashed down upon her and made her pause for a split second. Her thought drifted back to an earlier promise she made about not getting in so deep that she would literally sleep with the enemy. But Sonny wasn't the enemy he was her partner in this. He had her back and she had his. She pulled from their make out session and placed both of her hands on the sides of Sonny's face gaining his undivided attention.
"Sonny, we're in this together remember, baby?" Trudy made sure to use specific words that would keep them in character but still let Sonny know that she was speaking to him cop to cop, partner to partner. "I've got your back and I'll do whatever I need to do to help you with this deal, okay?" She said as she arched her brows at him and Sonny nodded his head a bit. They stared into each other's eyes for a couple of quiet minutes. Relaying with their eyes their respective gratitude and apologies for what they knew they would have to do to, hopefully, get them both out alive and with Torres in cuffs. "Now, let's go to bed," She added and Sonny grasped her hand, lifted it to his lips, kissed her knuckles softly and then led a slow trek back to their cabin.