Chapter II

The Hunted Hunters, part I

Soon after arriving to their room, Tintin went directly to his suitcases, where he took the necessary tools to send the message to the Interpol.

-Lad, are you sure you'll manage to have the European police here before the packages are sent?- The Captain asked

-Of course.- Tintin replied.- I have faith on my work.-

-You know you might not succeed on this one, do you?-

-Captain, why so pessimist?-

-I'm just worried.-

-I know. I'm also worried too.-

-Why?-

-It's just... we have just a day to stop it... and all we know has nothing to do with this.-

-Sending the message will accelerate the process, no?-

-Perhaps it will.-

-Tintin, I know it's strange, but...-

-But what?-

-I feel there's something more than those drugs going to be sent to Europe.-

-Like what?-

-Probably firearms, ammo, you know, that stuff.-

-I get what you're saying. Don't exhaust yourself.-

-So, what are the plans for tomorrow?-

-As the Drug Lord said, we'll be in the city's square at 7:00 am, and then, I don't know.-

-I just hope to be alert if the police spot us. I mean, they don't know we're working undercover. They don't trust strangers, lad. If the jellyfishes arrive earlier...-

-Captain, what if you rest a little?- Tintin interrupted and suggested

-Okay, Tintin. Do I turn off the lights?- Haddock sighed

-I'll do that later. I need to check if there is a "sending point" in the book.-

-Fine. Good night.- Said the Captain as he went to his bed.

Tintin didn't seem to give up. After his message was sent, the reporter took the book and started to study it.

The next day, the whole group met at the city's square, resting in a bench and drinking some cold lemonade. They were not using formal clothes as the last night.

-So, what do you think of the country?- Jorge asked as he was putting some tequila into his drink.- Very cultural, right?-

-It's beautiful.- Tintin replied.- So touristic and cultural.-

-Not to count those soldiers.- Haddock added.- It makes me feel they know all we're doing.-

-Follow my advice, Mr. Peck.- Jesús commented.- Never get scared when those dogs are around. They can smell the fear.-

-He's right, Mr. Peck- María said.- And you must not see their eyes directly.-

-Thanks for the advices.- Haddock replied with a sort-of-annoyed tone.- And what if we talk about the business?-

-What about later?- Juan proposed.- We still have time. Besides, free time for us never arrives.-

-But why if we do this first, and then you have the rest of the day for you?- Tintin asked

-Demonios, no.- Adolfo said.- I like to relax in the days and work in the nights.-

-Fine, fine.- Tintin said a little annoyed

-Don't get annoyed, mi querido Puma. We still have time for everything.- Juan commented

-Want to try some homemade tequila?- Jesús asked

-No thanks.- Tintin declined very gently.- I don't drink alcohol.-

-Are you sure?- Adolfo asked as he was drinking a bottle of it.

-We're sure, thanks.- Haddock said

-So, Puma.- María said, trying to change the topic.- Could you tell us all about Europe?

-Sure thing.- Tintin replied as he was drinking lemonade.- It's a beautiful country with big roads and buildings.-

-It's not as colourful as your country.- Haddock added

-Why, thank you.- Juan replied.- And what else can you tell us? Is it true people from that place are cold-tempered?-

-Not everybody's cold-tempered.- Tintin said.- Some are easygoing, others are friendly, not as much as you, and, as here, danger's in every corner.-

-I know what you mean.- Adolfo said.- The business of this special products is increasing so much the security's getting more annoying than ever.-

-They're in every corner.- Jorge said.

-We just hope they won't be entering to the houses.- Juan said.- The last thing I want is those dogs watching me in my sleep.-

-We agree.- The Mexicans said in unison

After their conversation ended, the men agreed to meet in front of the Cathedral in three hours.

Tintin and Haddock returned then to the hotel room.

-Lad, this place is boring.- Haddock said.- They were drinking a lot... in front of me!-

-Stop exaggerating, Captain.- Tintin said.- I know how you feel. The heat is sort of worse here than in home.- added as he was turning on the air conditioner.- And what about you, Snowy? Did you had a good time here?-

-Tintin, I hate this place!- Snowy said.- It smells weird! And the dogs here have tiny bodies and big heads!-

Sadly, his owner was just able to hear barks.

-I know you want to stretch your legs, buddy.- He said as he took the dog in his arms.- We have plenty of time before getting reunited with those gangsters.-

-Talking about time.- Haddock said.- Do you think the jellyfishes have arrived or something?-

-I'm not sure, Captain... but, for now, let's remove these costumes and walk around.-

-We just arrived and now you want to go outside?- He asked very annoyed

-I'm sorry, Captain. But Snowy seems to be a little stressed.-

Then, the men and dog left the building and started to see all the cultural stuff of the country.

The streets were very crowded. A lot of people, especially soldiers, were walking, running, and pushing.

Things cannot get worse. The dog thought.

From a distance, two people, wearing the traditional Mexican outfit, giant sombrero, and that weird-coloured piece of cloth, started to follow the group.

Like almost always, Captain Haddock had that feeling and then, not thinking it twice, attacked the men.

For Tintin's surprise, those were shown to be the dim-witted detectives.

-Detectives, how do you managed to arrive so fast?- Tintin asked

-Interpol has private planes, in case you were not aware.- Thomson said

-To be precise, Interpol planes are private.- Thompson commented

-Well, yeah, whatever.- Haddock said as he was getting the jellyfishes and himself up.- Now let's go to the police and tell them all this marihuana thingy.-

The detectives then joined the group as Tintin saw the clock the nearest cathedral had. They had like one hour left before meeting the Aztec Hawks.

-You have the address of the police, right?- Haddock asked to the detectives

-Of course we have.- Said Thompson as he took a paper out of his hat.- We need to go to the Costilla street, and then...-

-Just guide us to the stinky Mexican police station!- Haddock shouted desperate.

Everybody appeared to have heard what the Captain shouted. The people looked either offended, ready to kill him, or surprised. One can't really tell.

-What if we just go before the situation gets worse?- Tintin suggested with a very serious tone

The men continued their way as if nothing happened as soon as the residents went back to whatever they were doing. Sadly, the impression they had about those "tourist" might never be eraser from their minds.

Many streets later, the group managed to arrive to the station, hoping the "news about a European tourist insulting the country" wasn't being spread. They went inside the building, and it was full of soldiers, keeping an eye to every corner, every living being inside the place.

The Thom(p)sons, and even Captain Haddock, were feeling very intimidated because of the size of the armed men.

-Excuse me, sir.- Tintin asked to the nearest soldier.- Do you talk our language?-

-I just understand a bit.- he replied.- Do you need help?-

-We want to see the chief.- The reporter said.- Is there a chance to see him now? It's urgent.-

-Boss is like a little busy, but I think he will like to receive you and your friends.- the soldier replied.- Follow me, I will be your guide.-

The group then followed the soldier to the chief's office.

-Here is it.- The soldier said.- Boss will be glad to receive you.- said and left to his place.

The men knocked the door and entered.

-Entren, entren- The 30-year-old man said.

Because Tintin knew what the meaning of those words was, he translated them to the group and went directly to the chairs in front of the Chief's desk.

-Como les puedo ayudar?- The Chief asked

-You talk our language?- Haddock asked

-Not as professional as you, my friends.- The man replied.- So, how may I help you? Is an Aztec Hawk or some pathetic thief stealing luggage at the airport or something?-

-No, it's not that.- Tintin said.- We come from Europe and we know where those smugglers are hiding.-

-Oh, really?- The Chief said very impressed, then he got up and checked his office, just to be sure nobody was around to hear the information.- I don't trust this place, you know.- Said with a scared-like voice.- Let's go to my special bunker. Siganme.-

Then, the Chief opened a secret door behind the library he had and the men followed him to a secret dungeon. Every twenty steps, the place was getting darker and darker, as weird sounds, like missing radio frequencies (but scarier), were starting to be heard.

-I know this might look like it appears like.- The Chief said with a nervous voice.- This dungeon was used during the Mexican rebellion against the Europeans many years ago.-

-We understand that, Mr. Chief.- Haddock said with a sarcastic tone.

Then, it got very dark. The men fell into an underground cell.

-What the?- Tintin exclaimed.- Chief! What's the meaning of this?- Said with a serious tone.-

Then, a mumbling was heard.

-Who is that?- Haddock asked.

The same mumbling again.

Suddenly, the lights were turned on.

The first thing Tintin saw was a 60-year-old man, gagged. He had a very sad and desperate look, and was also in his underwear. Scars were seen though his legs, arms and face, and also, a few stains of blood in his neck. The lad didn't doubt to help him and liberated the old male.

- Ese maldito traidor me las va a pagar!- The man exclaimed very angry.- Ceniza y fuego va a respirar cuando acabe con él!-

-Mister, we don't get all the crap you're saying!- Haddock exclaimed angry.-

-Crap? Mierda?- The man asked him angry.

-Captain, don't make the man go angry.- Tintin replied and then turned his head to the man.- Mister, I know you understand us. Who did this to you?-

-That Jesús Gutiérrez bastard who made me his prisoner!- The man replied.- I'm the real Chief! And that Aztec Hawk son of a cockroach will perish on Hell!-

-I know you're very furious, mister.- Tintin said, trying to calm the Chief down.- But exclaiming and cursing that man won't be the solution.-

-I'm just sorry... this never happened to me before.- the real Chief apologized.

-It's okay.- Tintin replied.- But first, you know this dungeon, right?-

-Like your language.- he replied.

-Good, now, can you get us out of here?- Thompson asked

-I'm afraid I can't.- The Chief replied.- I need light and the keys... and probably a dog.-

Dog?

Tintin then searched Snowy with his sight.

He was nowhere to be seen.

-Snowy!- The reporter exclaimed.- That gangster might have took Snowy before we fell into this cell!- he then turned to the Chief.- If that happens, where in Earth will that man take my dog?-

-Well, in that case...- replied the man.-...he'll euthanize your beloved pet.- said with a worried tone

A/N: Sorry for the delay. I have school in the afternoon, social service at the morning, and I barely have time for myself in the night.

Also, I'm planning on submitting a trivia of my Tintin fanfics ("The Circle of Paris", "Tintin in Mexico") soon. So, enjoy this!