Chapter 20

"El Mariachi? Vickie never mentioned anyone by that name," Lynn said shaking her head. "So, DeMarco is after me because he thinks that this man that Vickie knew will give two shits less about me being put in danger?"

Jeff held up a finger, "Let me explain...Vickie, was a cousin to El Mariachi's wife Carolina, who was killed along with their daughter by a man named General Marquez. Then, some years later I rustled him out of hiding to do a job for me, which involved killing Marquez. Now, along with Marquez there was the Cartel leader Barillo whom I was dealing with through a source that turned out to be his daughter. Things went to sh*t and everyone expect who was supposed to die was killed...with me so far?"

She nodded, "Yeah."

"Okay, Burillo's next in line was none other than Antonio DeMarco who took control of the Cartel after his death. Before all of this happened the Cartel had a price on Mariachi's head for the death of yet another Cartel leader by the name Bucho. So that my dear, is why El Mariachi is such a wanted man. That is why DeMarco wants you to draw him out. He thinks because you were the closest friend to his dead wife's cousin he'll come for you."

She let all the information sink in and sighed, "I can't believe this is happening to me, why me?"

"And that is why I've wanted you to stay here...out of reach from all of it," he admitted.

Then it suddenly hit her. He knew Mariachi...personally...and he was there the day Vickie was killed...just good timing? She didn't think so. "You were following us," she realized. His licked his lips and she continued. "Mariachi contacted you when he heard that Vickie might be in danger...and you followed us...am I right!" she demanded.

He swallowed and whispered, "...yes...and I'm sorry...I'm sorry I wasn't able to protect her."

She was on the verge of tears and couldn't stop them as they spilled from her eyes down her swollen face. She buried her face in her hands and cried for the first time since Vickie's death.

Jeff stood from the side of the bed and sat on the bed at her feet and touched her knees. "I'm so sorry Lynn...please forgive me," he didn't beg, he just asked.

She shook her head in her hands and before he knew it she had climbed onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck and broke down into a fit of tears. He eagerly held her against him and rocked her back and forth gently.

"Shhhhhh...it's gonna be okay...I swear I'll protect you," he whispered into her ear trying to sooth her.

"I thought he was gonna kill me," she cried over his shoulder. "But he didn't...I'm okay..."

"That's right he didn't and you're okay," he reassured her gently stroking her hair. "You're okay..."

"Please stay with me," she asked pulling away mere inches from his face.

He framed her face carefully so he wouldn't hurt her, "I'm not going anywhere."

She nodded her head holding back more tears.

"Here...lie down," he instructed softly coaxing her to lie down with him.

She took a deep breath and lay back shifting to her side as he moved in behind her.

"Just relax...I'll be right here when you wake up," he caressed her arms helping to relax her. A few minutes went by and she was in a deep sleep. As he listened to her deep slumber he let his mind wander. He would need to somehow get in touch with Mariachi or Maria. He needed to know what cards were on the table, so he would know what hand to play.