Riviera Maya Ch. 02

Nick saw a lot of his younger self in Jared. Then again, he always saw himself in these kids. They all come for surf, sun and all-inclusive fun, until one night leads to waking up hungover and in way over their heads. Nick had been there before. A stranger in a strange land, with no idea what he was doing.

It had been twenty years since he just sort of appeared down here, with no rhyme or reason. A bumpkin kid without a pot to piss in. All he had to his name was a busted car and an unintelligible accent. He looked like he hadn't slept in days and smelled like he hadn't showered in even longer. When Nick first walked in the restaurant, Lee had been listening to Captain Dale and Jerry Grantham spin competing tales of lies and bullshit. Lee was certain barely any of it was true, but it was hilarious when they got to going back and forth.

Lee had spotted him first as he came around from the lobby. Dale and Jerry both turned when they saw Lee's look change. Nick tried to look confident and assured rather than exhausted and dirty. Nick saw their looks at him and froze.

"Help you son?" Jerry asked him.

"Yes sir," Nick tried to mask the fear in his voice, "I was wondering if I could get a glass of water?"

"Sure thing, just have a seat," Lee said.

"What's your name, partner?" Dale asked.

"I'm Nicholas Tanner," he said hoarsely, "Go by Nick though".

"Well Nick," Lee said, "that's Jerry Grantham and this is Captain Dale Moncrief. I'm Lee Duval. Good to meet you."

Nick shook everyone's hands as Lee got him a glass of ice water. Nick almost drained the glass.

"I need to apologize," Nick almost mumbled, "I followed y'all here. I heard y'all speaking English and I guess I'd..." he paused, "well I don't know what I guess I was doing."

"No worries, Nick," Jerry said, "good to have you here."

"Thanks," Nick smiled.

"Jerry G," Captain Dale announced, "I got four days of Vienna sausages and saltines ahead. Let's have some real food for lunch. I'm buying. Lee, Nick, will you join us?"

"Sweet," Lee said and tapped Nick's shoulder, "sounds good, right?" he said with a nod.

Nick parked on the side of the nondescript office building just outside the center of town and looked up and down the street. He gave a frustrated sigh. He didn't have the best feeling about this meeting to begin with. The only reason he was here was because it had been set up by Tomas Castillo. Tommy was a friend and occasional associate. He had framed it to Nick as a "great business opportunity. Tremendous upside. Very minimal risk." This automatically set off alarm bells for Nick. That and the fact Tommy couldn't, or wouldn't say who the meeting was with. Typically, that would end the discussion right there. He trusted Tomas though, and he was fairly certain Tommy stood to make a decent chunk of change for making the meeting happen. He was fairly certain he was saying no to whatever this was, but he'd at least show up so Tommy would get paid.

He walked into the lobby and took off his sunglasses. The reception area was empty. Not surprising for a Saturday afternoon, he would be surprised if there was anyone else here that wasn't involved in this meeting. No janitors, cleaning crew or dedicated staffer working through the weekend. He walked down the hallway, in no particular rush, and turned the corner towards the elevators. He saw Tomas looking intently at his phone.

"Afternoon, Tommy," Nick said, getting his attention.

"Nico!" Tomas smiled and looked relieved, "thanks for taking the meeting, buddy."

"Uh huh," Nick cocked an eyebrow, "nice suit."

Tomas was wearing what had to be a brand new suit. Nick would have guessed he had bought it in the last week. Tommy wasn't really a suit guy.

"Thank you, my friend," he smiled, "this way, we are up on four."

"Tomas, wait," Nick stopped him, "you're on top of this, right? This isn't a setup or some kind of trap bullshit?"

"It is not, I swear," Tomas was adamant.

"Ok, the only reason I'm here is because it was you asking," NIck said firmly.

"I know, amigo," Tomas said in English, "thank you for that."

They got on the elevator and Tomas pushed the button for the fourth floor.

"How is Monica?" Nick asked.

"Good," he answered with a grin, "she always wants to know when you are coming for dinner."

"Yeah," Nick laughed, "I need to soon. Kids doing all right?"

"Yes," Tomas proudly showed his phone lock screen picture of them.

"Wow, they are getting so big," Nick exclaimed.

"How is Roo?" Tomas asked in return.

"She's doing well," Nick nodded.

The elevator opened and Nick followed him into the hallway. They were met halfway by a man in a suit. Nick noticed that unlike Tommy, this man was most definitely a suit guy. Between it and the shoes, Nick figured it was an easy ten grand of bespoke custom tailored apparel. Most likely English, probably Saville Row. Some dudes were into that stuff. The guy gave a slick smile and oozed the confidence that comes with power.

"This must be Nicholas Tanner," he said, extending his hand.

"Nico," Tomas said, "may I introduce Grant Sundhurst."

"Pleasure Grant," Nick shook his hand, "please, call me Nick."

"Nick, of course," he said.

Nick saw the flick of his eyes as he looked him over. He looked at Nick's eyes and knew he had been caught.

"Please forgive me, it seems I'm not yet used to such casual dress for meetings that apparently occurs here," Grant said in a curt tone.

"Discretion, Grant," Nick replied, "a group of white guys in suits draws a lot of attention down here. I have to assume that this, whatever this is, is something someone wants as few eyes on it as possible."

Nick had already decided that he didn't think much of Mr. Sundhurst. Northeast for sure, probably Ivy. He gave the air of someone who not only has money, but has always had it. Born rich, probably die richer.

Nick, of course, had no problem with having money or making more. In fact, he was quite the fan of it. Grant here though, seemed to think that it led to status somehow or god forbid, respect. To the Sundhursts of the world, what good was money if no one knew you had it. Not that any of this actually mattered though. Nick already knew that Grant wasn't who he was here to meet.

"Too true," Grant agreed. "Shall we?"

Grant turned sharply on his heel and they followed him down the hallway.

"Forgive me," Grant feigned interest, "but I find the accent so compelling. Might I ask where you are from?"

"Mississippi originally," Nick said and rolled his eyes at Tomas.

____________________________________________________________________________

Captain Dale always said that the Americans who wind up staying here are either looking for a purpose or looking for an escape. Nick had always put himself firmly in the latter category and sort of stumbled into the former by accident.

He was born poor and somehow grew up poorer in the rural Mississippi delta. His youth was spent in the poorest county in the poorest state in the union. His dad had spent damn near his whole life living out of a bottle. He stayed drunk. There was no sleeping it off. He woke up every morning with a head start on that day's drinking. When Nick was four, his dad died. He was a lumberman and his luck with the daily combo of chainsaws, heights and whiskey finally ran out.

Nick's mom wasn't as bad of a drinker, but after his dad died, she settled into a cycle of making it through the day clean and then drinking herself unconscious when she got home. Do it all over again the next day.

Nick had been fending for himself for most of his life. Since the second grade or so, he had begged, cajoled and schemed for a ride to school where he could. When he couldn't, he was up before dawn, going on foot. He was a good student and actually enjoyed school. His desire to get there by hook or by crook however, stemmed from school being where he could eat. While the house never lacked for all manner of alcohol, food was a bit harder to count on.

By the time Nick was fourteen, his mom was no longer able to work and they were scraping by on Social Security. Nick worked where and when he could, but you don't get to be the poorest county in the country by having a lot of jobs available. He couldn't legally drive or work, but he did when he had to.

He never had a lot of actual friends. One might think that in a place where everyone was poor, there wouldn't be a status or class system. Nick, though, was viewed by most of his peers as "at least we aren't that poor". Not that Nick cared. He had way too much to worry about to give much thought to adolescent social structure.

On his sixteenth birthday, Nick raced back from the driver's testing station with his brand new license in hand. He had hoped he would make it home before his mom got too far gone. After everything, he still craved hearing her say she was proud of him. Instead, he arrived at the house to find her dead in the living room chair. He dialed 911, he was still sitting on the couch when the ambulance arrived. He answered the door.

They loaded the empty shell of Debbie Tanner on a gurney and took her out of the door.

Nick got up and followed them. He stood there as the ambulance drove off. He watched as the sun set behind the trees and thought about what he would do now. He sat down on the steps to the trailer and looked towards the driveway.

At least he had a car now.

He walked back into the house and for the first and only time in his life, he got falling down, blackout drunk. Whatever was left in the house, he drank. When the bottle was empty he'd hurl it at a tree just to watch it shatter.

He woke up the next morning and realized that the world had insisted on continuing to turn with or without him. He stumbled out the front door and vomited off the porch till there was nothing left. He went back inside, grabbed some clothes and the keys to his mom's car. He drove south with no idea where he was going or what he was going to do.

He did know what he wasn't going to do. He was never looking back, he was never going to drink and he was never calling this place home again.

____________________________________________________________________________

"Ah, very nice," Grant said.

They finally turned a corner into a common area where an older gentleman sat on the sofa.

"This must be Nicholas Tanner," he had stood up to meet him, "you go by Nick though right?"

"Yes sir," Nick answered with a smile and shook his hand.

"Hope you can forgive us for all the cloak and dagger secrecy, Nick," he said, "John Hitchens. Please call me Jack."

"My pleasure, Mr. Jack. Thank you for having me," Nick said.

He had to admit Jack was warm and engaging. Probably had a knack for putting anyone at ease. Right where he wanted them.

"That's some southern manners I'm hearing, Nick?" Jack asked with a grin, "please guys. Have a seat," he motioned to the sofas.

"Yes sir," Nick answered, "originally from Mississippi."

"That so?" Jack smiled, "my grandaddy was originally from Arkansas. Rumor has it, I still have a farm there."

They all laughed.

"Nick," Jack began, "I'm representing an investment group that's looking to establish a presence here. I'm in charge of the development from the ground up."

"I presume you're not able to elaborate on what that looks like at this time," Nick inquired with a smirk..

"Too true." Jack conceded with a chuckle.

Nick knew Jack would keep any firm plans close to the vest. Certainly until contracts and NDAs were in place. He would be a fool not to. Nick also knew that this early in the process, there was a good chance they didn't know exactly what they were going to do yet. What they were building was ultimately far less important than that they were building it here.

It was no secret that, regardless of the American people's reputation abroad, they are still everyone's favorite customers. Arrogant pains in the ass? Oh absolutely. They have a ton of money though and absolutely love to spend lots of it. Need? Americans don't need shit. They want it.

Which is why one sees American business interests here. They love the American consumer as much as anyone else. What they love even more is doing it in a place with cheap local labor and far away from oversight by the American government. Money becomes ridiculously easy to make when you don't have pesky problems like paying American workers or y'know... taxes.

"Completely understandable," Nick said amiably.

"What I can tell you is that this is our initial foray here," Jack said, "I'd like to think we're smart enough to realize we're coming in blind. Which is where you would come in. If that makes sense?"

"Of course," Nick said, "you need someone who knows the place. Who knows the right people. A fixer."

"Exactly Nick," Jack exclaimed and saw his opening, "we hear you are the best."

"Well, I don't know about that," Nick laughed, "I mean I certainly appreciate the vote of confidence from anyone who vouched for me."

He cut his eyes at Tomas, who did his best to hide a smirk.

"However," Nick continued, "I might counter that I'm not even the best fixer in the room. You already have a working relationship with Tomas. I can't see how I'm anything but redundant for your needs."

"Very true," Jack said, "Tommy has indeed been an asset in these early stages and would be more than welcome to stay on in an advisory role with you, should you wish."

"Look. Mr. Jack," Nick said, "while I understand the need to keep proprietary plans just that, I wouldn't be doing my due diligence if I didn't inquire as to why it's so imperative that I'm in this position."

Jack sat back in his chair and looked at Nick with an impressed look. He gave an almost imperceptible look to Grant.

"My associates in the investment group knew that this position was going to be critical to the potential success of the venture. It was important that we not only had the best person, but also the right person. To that end, the members group was specific in the type of person that should fill the role," Jack explained.

Nick let the statement hang in the air for a moment.

"You wanted a white guy," Nick said.

It wasn't a question.

"I realize it's not the best look at first glance, Nick," Jack said, "the group's reasoning was entirely practical though, I assure you."

"No. I get it Jack." Nick said and he did.

It wasn't an ideal strategy in the global business world of the 21st century but, that's the way shit goes sometimes. They do what they want and hope like hell it stays out of the news.

"If it's all right," Nick smiled with a nod, "I'm going to give this some consideration. Was there a time frame you were looking to have an answer?"

"Ball's in your court, Nick," Jack said, "we would, of course, like to have an answer as soon as possible. Get the ball rolling. Right now, all we can do is wait for word from you."

"I do appreciate it." Nick said, standing up..

"I didn't get the opportunity to discuss compensation. The package would be quite generous," Jack also stood to meet him.

"I have no doubt sir," Nick said and held out his hand, "Mr. Jack, it was a pleasure meeting you."

"Indeed it was, Nick," Jack took his hand, "hope to hear from you soon with good news."

"Grant, a pleasure," Nick shook his hand.

"You as well," Grant nodded.

"Tommy," Nick said with a smile, "thanks for talking me up."

He and Tommy gave a brief hug.

"We'll talk later," Nick whispered.

"Yep," Tomas said.

"Tell Monica, we'll have dinner soon," Nick laughed.

"You better," Tomas laughed.

NIck showed himself out and made his way downstairs in no particular rush. He was organizing his thoughts, taking what he knew and trying to make it tell him what he didn't. The whole thing was pretty vague. The premise itself was basic enough. As previously mentioned, the idea was far from a new one, but something felt different about this.

Typically these guys are tripping over themselves to establish their bonafides as a real money outfit. Not that that was any real concern of Nick's. As long as the check cleared for his bill, he couldn't care less about their financial viability. This Jack Hitchens though. He felt no need to think Nick would do anything other than believe him, and he was right.

Nick was absolutely sure that Jack and his investment group were legit. As far as actually having capital and liquid assets were concerned, anyway. Legit legally? More of a gray area. Most likely a bit of both. Captain Dale said it best when asked about how the authorities could never seem to catch a smuggling syndicate masquerading as a shipping company.

"They were as legal as they needed to be."

NIck walked out to his car and pulled out onto the road. He thought about where to start. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Gonzales Construction and Plumbing Supply," the answer came.

"Municipal Bulk Projects Accounts," NIck answered, "extension 7-8-2-3-1"

"Hey stranger," the operator's voice switched to English.

"Dee Dee?" Nick said, "well hey, how are you?"

"Doing good, darling," she replied.

"Danny in?"

"Hang tight, Nicky," Dee Dee put him on hold.

"Dan Broussard," the voice came on the line.

"Danny," Nick said.

"Nicky," he laughed, "hey buddy, long time no see."

"Yeah I know," Nick chuckled, "I'm a shithead"'

"So long as you know," Danny smiled, "what can I do for you?"

"Run a couple of names?' Nick said, "Grant Sundhurst and John or Jack Hitchens."

"Reach you at this number?"

"Yessir," Nick said.

"Gimmie a few," Danny ended the call.

Nick kept driving.

Driving and thinking.

____________________________________________________________________________

Nick pulled up to his house, and sat in the car for a moment.

Jerry Grantham had always taught him to find the bigger picture. That the things that you knew could lead to the things you didn't and that invariably led to a greater whole.

Nick didn't know how much stock he put in fate, luck or providence; but the fact he walked into Rio del Norte that day had always seemed to be more than coincidence in hindsight. He had been out of money, out of gas, and out of ideas, when he followed the two white guys speaking English into the restaurant.

Nick had lived at the Granthams' house for almost two and half years after he had first arrived. He'd love to say he was a quiet, helpful and appreciative guest to Jerry and his wife Helen from the beginning, that however, would be far from the truth. Helen had spotted it first.

Shortly after he had arrived he wound up in Jerry's office in a shit load of trouble. Jerry had given Nick the simple task of taking one of his trucks to deliver boxes of files to the Consulate in Merida. The job was easy enough, couple of hundred miles there, drop off the stuff, couple of hundred miles back and home by dinner with 500 bucks that he didn't have the day before.

When Captain Dale finally ran him down three days later, holed up with some girl in San Crisanto, Nick was dead broke and the truck was nowhere to be found.

To say Jerry was pissed off was an understatement. He ripped Nick a new one six ways to Sunday. To his credit, Nick took his ass chewing like a man and didn't try to explain away or qualify what had happened.

In the end, Nick stood up and held out his hand.

"I truly am sorry again Mr. Jerry," Nick said, contrite, "I'll get my stuff and get going."

"Boy, sit the fuck down," Jerry snapped at him, "you think I'm gonna kick you out?"

Nick looked back at him confused.

"Don't get me wrong, you're probably gonna wish I did," Jerry smirked menacingly, "but me, and more importantly, Helen gave you a place in our home and our family. Son, I think you might find if you quit running that the things that are chasing you might quit running as well. Home is what you make it, Nick. That's it, we'll try again tomorrow."

"Yessir," Nick said quietly and walked out of Jerry's office.

He walked to his room and looked around. The room was virtually unchanged since he had arrived here. Nothing about it indicated that this was where he had stayed for the last six months. He picked up his duffle bag and the old backpack that had sat by the door since the day he had arrived and sat them on the bed.

He began to pull the clothes out and put them in drawers and the closet.

"You all right, Nicholas?" Helen said quietly from the doorway.

"Yes ma'am," Nick said softly.

"Can I give you some help?" Helen smiled kindly.

"I umm," Nick sighed, "think that's it."

"Ok," she nodded, "I'm glad you're staying. I've wanted to unpack those bags since the day you got here. You have a home and people who care for you, Nicholas, I hope this means you finally know that."

Nick nodded and turned away to hide his tears. He quickly tried to rub them from his eyes. Helen walked towards him and placed a hand on his back. He turned and collapsed in her arms, crying tears that had been a long time coming.

____________________________________________________________________________

Nick walked in the house and turned off the alarm. He looked at the note on the kitchen counter.

Ran to the office

Love you

Ryu

Nick chuckled. Roo had taken next week off for Fourth of July and a much needed rest. So of course, she was gonna run to the office on a Saturday and cram in a few more hours of work. He glanced around the quiet house, as he was apt to do, and shook his head that this was his home.

He lived at the Granthams' for almost three years. He didn't like to admit that for a good chunk of it, he was socking money away for his next move, whatever that might be. He was making good money and getting remarkably good at what he did. Early difficulties aside, he became an eager pupil of Jerry and Captain Dale, learning how things did and didn't work down here. He had become fluent in Spanish and become good friends with the people in this odd community of expatriates.

For most of that time though, he never allowed himself to feel like it could be home. Even this house was initially just an opportunity to make money. He had bought it for a crazy low price with the intention of fixing it up and selling it for a profit. All the while being more centrally located to town.

No, in Nick's mind, this place wasn't home till Ryu walked up one day. She was also the thing that still made it home to him. For almost twenty years, Ryu had been by his side. This hyper-intelligent overachieving doctor took one look at a white-trash, Mississippi trailer-park, high school dropout and said "this one is mine."

____________________________________________________________________________

"Hi, are you American?"

Nick had been painting the outer front wall of Norte. He turned to see the short Asian girl looking at him.

"Yes ma'am. How can I help you?" NIck smiled at her.

"Where are you from?" She laughed and felt a goofy smile on her lips.

That drawl might have been the cutest thing she'd ever heard.

"Oh, Mississippi originally," he grinned a little goofily himself and brushed his hair out of his eyes.

"Umm", she stammered because she realized she'd been staring, "I was looking for Norte del Rio?"

"This is it," Nick looked back at the building. "Come on in. It's break time anyway."

He held out an arm to welcome her in.

They walked into the cool of the restaurant and over to the bar.

"Can I get you something to drink?" Nick asked.

"Water, thank you," she smiled.

"Water it is" Nick slid the glass to her.

"NICKY!!!" a voice yelled from around the corner.

Nick rolled his eyes.

"Pardon me, please," Nick smiled at Ryu, "What!!!"

"CAN I GO WATCH TV!!!"

"Ashley, come here and quit yelling!!!" Nick called out, "sorry" he said to her.

The 6 year old girl came into the main room.

"You finished your homework?" Nick asked her.

Ashley saw the lady standing there and froze.

"Who is she?" Ashley asked in Spanish

"What are you doing?" Nick answered in Spanish

"Is she Japanese?" Ashley asked.

"Ashley, you don't ask people things like that." Nick said, looking slightly awkward towards her, but glad she didn't understand them

"But she's beautiful. Isn't she beautiful, Nicky?"

"Yes extremely, and you are being very rude." Nick snapped at her, "what's the rule?"

"Don't talk about people in a language they don't understand." Ashley recited.

"Good, now introduce yourself," Nick said,"in English," he added.

"Hello. I'm Ashley Duval. It's nice to meet you."

"Hello Ashley. I'm Ryuuka Edmonds, but you can call me Ryu. You are VERY pretty as well. It's nice to meet you too."

Ashley's eyes lit up when she began speaking Spanish. Nick on the other hand, stood there slack jawed.

"Nicky, she said I can call her Roo"

"I heard, Ash," he said nervously, "y'know what, go watch TV.

"Cool. Bye Roo!"

"Bye Ashley"

"Hey" Nick said super awkwardly, "check you out, hablaing the old Espanol."

"Extremely beautiful?" Ryu smiled at him.

"Ahhh. So you did hear that," Nick had turned a deep shade of red, "I'm Nick and I am terribly sorry."

He chuckled.

"Apparently, I am Roo and don't be."

"So," Nick tried to pivot, "what brings you to Norte del Rio today?"

"Someone mentioned this was sort of the home base for the Americans who live here. "

"Oh ok," Nick realized, "that's starting to make sense."

"What's that?" Roo grinned.

"Well between the Spanish and knowing there's a world outside Little America over here, you must be here for something other than endless days on the beach and all inclusive drunkenness at night."

"Good guess," she laughed, "I'm in a residency program at the hospital."

"A doctor." Nick said, duly impressed.

What the hell, he thought and proceeded to shoot his shot.

"Damn. Extremely beautiful AND extremely smart." he smiled.

"Look out. That southern accent in Spanish is about the hottest thing I've ever heard," Ryu bit her lip and smiled.

They looked at each other awkwardly, unsure what to do next. Nick thought that it was probably best that Ashley was only twenty feet away in the other room. Otherwise, Lee might have taken issue with the misappropriation of his bar.

"So," Nick dialed it back, "you have successfully found the small, yet tight knit, enclave of expatriates. How may we assist you fellow American?"

They both began to laugh.

"I was hoping to find someone with a room for rent. I figured it would probably be easier dealing with someone from the states. I thought there might be a community board here or something," Ryu inquired.

"Funny you should mention that. I know someone who actually just bought a house. They might be looking for a roommate to offset some costs," Nick said

"Really?" Ryu said excitedly. "I was just looking for a room, but my own shelf in the fridge would be sweet."

"Might be wrong," Nick said, "but I think you'd have your own bathroom and everything."

"Wow. Well I'm sold," Ryu laughed, "whose place is it?"

"Umm, mine," he said and smiled awkwardly.

"Moving pretty fast, Nick. Already asking me to move in with you," Ryu said with a snarky smirk.

"Well, when you know, you know," he had meant for it to be more teasing and light hearted, but it came out sounding surprisingly sincere.

"Yes, yes you do," she said with a soft smile.

A week later Nick was helping Ryu move her stuff. They were going as quick as they could. She didn't have a whole lot, but a hurricane was bearing down on them and Nick wanted everything done by the time it made landfall.

They had gotten it all in the house just as the rain was beginning. Sometime after midnight Ryu had left her room and climbed into Nick's bed as the full brunt of the storm was hitting. She felt his arms wrap around her and pull her close. She was finally able to stop trembling and fell asleep.

Somewhere around daybreak, when the rains were easing and the reds and purples of dawn could be seen in the distance past the clouds of the storm, they both awoke. Their eyes met, but they said nothing.

Roo lifted her head and kissed him gently on the lips. She pulled off her t-shirt and climbed on top of him.

"I don't want this to not mean anything," Ryu abruptly said, with a small fearful look.

"Neither do I," Nick shook his head.

They both looked at the other, listening to the wind and the rain as it rhythmically drummed the window as storm laden light of dawn painted itself across the room.

"I choose you, Nicholas," Roo announced softly.

"And I choose you, Ryuuka," Nick said, certain of something for the first time in his life, "this bed will be ours, this home will be ours."

He rolled her over and held the side of her in his hand.

"I can't promise you a great life. I'm not even sure I can promise you a good one or an easy one," Nick said.

"Can you promise a life that you are beside me in?" Ryu asked as she reached up and held onto the sides of his stomach, "because that is all I'll ever ask."

"You have my word," Nick said and kissed her.

"And you have mine," Ryu said and pulled him towards her.

Nick felt himself ease into her as she softly moaned and looked at him. He forgot everyone and everything that had come before. Her dark eyes refused to look away from his. The lump in his throat climbed higher and higher. He squeezed his eyes tight to stave off the tears.

The whole world, at her fingertips and she chose him. In a life where everything he loved had left, she was choosing to stay. For the first time since he had driven away from the place that had taken all he loved from him, he dared to call a place home.

The bodies intertwined as her hips rose to meet him. She pulled him closer, their moans and breathing rang in each other's ears. Ryu grabbed his hair and began kissing his neck.

"Oh god, Nick," Ryu cried, "yes, baby."

"Te amo," Nick moaned softly, "te amo, siempre."

She brought his face back in front of hers and looked into his eyes. Nick worried he might have messed up by saying it. He gave a soft smile and met her gaze. Right or wrong, he meant it. He slowly returned to gently thrusting them together, her eyes widened and a soft breath escaped her with each one. She lifted her head and kissed him soft and true.

"Tambien te amo," she whispered and closed her eyes.

____________________________________________________________________________

Nick sat on the couch in the living room and smiled at the memory, and all the ones they had made together since then. Ryu would always be home for him. The silence of remembering was pierced by his phone ringing.

"Tanner," Nick answered.

"Hey," Danny replied.

"Hey Danny. What's up?"

"You going to be at Norte tonight?" Danny asked.

"Yessir"

"I'll meet you there later, ok" Danny said curtly.

"See you then," Nick said.

He knew this wasn't the time or medium to get into questions.

"Do me a favor," Danny added.

"Yeah"

"Swing by Jerry Grantham's and loop him in on what all you got so far, Danny said.

"See you tonight," Nick said.

"Yep," and the line went dead.

Jerry Grantham?

Wherever Nick thought this might be headed, this was nowhere on his bingo card. He had no idea how Jerry factored into any of this. That being said, Danny asked him to tell Jerry about it, so that's where he was headed next.

The Granthams lived way on the south end of the city. They had a really big spread right on the coast. Big house. Huge open yard. They were always entertaining and having parties. Including the annual Fourth of July shindig that was next week. The Granthams may have been billionaires, but they were regular folks in the community of American expats that were here. Jerry and Helen were always at Norte and just hanging out with everyone else.

Nick walked up the steps and rang the doorbell. He turned to look at the ocean for a moment. The view here was amazing. The wind was blowing in and it all felt like a small moment of perfection. It seemed like a simple job offer had suddenly gained a lot more moving parts. Most of which he was still unaware of. The small moment was a welcome yet brief reminder of why he loved this place.

"Nicholas," Helen said with happy surprise.

She was still the only one who always called him Nicholas.

"What the? You come give me a hug right now," she laughed.

"Hey Mama H," Nick smiled and squeezed her in a tight hug.

"Well come on in," Helen said.

He followed her down the main hall to the kitchen.

"Are you and Roo coming on Thursday?" Helen inquired.

"Yes ma'am," he said, "wouldn't miss it."

"Good," Helen said, "I know you're hungry, Nicholas. What would you like?"

"Oh really, I'm good."

"C'mon kid," she grinned, "how about a tuna fish sandwich?"

"Ok fine, maybe two," Nick conceded.

"Atta boy," Helen chuckled, "so what brings you by today?"

"I have to talk to Jerry," Nick said.

"Have to?" Helen asked, "you all right, Nicholas?"

"Yes ma'am," Nick reassured her, "I promise."

Nick could tell she wasn't entirely sold. He tried a subject change.

"Were you guys coming to Norte tonight?" Nick asked.

"Oh Jer might," she said, "in fact I'd say the chance has gotten a lot better since you got here."

She leveled him with a pointed stare as she put his sandwiches in front of him.

"Thank you," he said guiltily.

"You're welcome," she said, kissing his cheek, "I'm probably going to turn in early though. It's going to be super busy getting ready for Thursday. I'll see everybody then anyway."

"I was just gonna say if you came by, Ashley could introduce her new friend to you," Nick said and took a bite of his sandwich, letting that hang in the air.

"I beg your pardon," Helen said as she turned to Nick.

He sat there with a mouthful of tuna salad looking giddy having the info she wanted. He slowly and deliberately finished his bite. He grabbed a paper towel and made a long production out of wiping his mouth and hands, all the while Helen looked ready to smack him upside the head.

"So?" Helen demanded after he finished with his irritating act,

"Ashley met a guy," Nick said and took a big bite of his sandwich.

"Nicholas Tanner, you have five seconds to get that swallowed and start talking," Helen said sternly.

"Yes ma'am," he mumbled as the smirk on his full mouth faded.

He told her about this morning with Jared and how Ashley and he connected. He mentioned Jared's apology and mechanic work at Mr. Sandoval's place. Then he told her about Ashley's call asking if she could hang out with Jared and go to the beach. They really seemed to be hitting it off.

"Nicholas are you crazy?" Helen snapped at him, "you just let her run off with some gringo boy from the states. Who, by the way, you just sprung from jail this morning. What the hell were you thinking?"

Nick knew she was pissed when she dropped into Spanish. When he was younger, that's when he knew the ass chewing was serious. He heard it a lot before he started getting his shit together.

"Nicolas, you don't know anything about this kid," Helen said.

"I know EVERYTHING about this kid, mama. Do you think I'd ever put Ashley at risk?"

"No Nicolas" she said "but all the same..."

"Once upon a time you had a soft spot for troubled gringo boys," he said.

"That's not fair, Nicholas." she retorted

"Only because it's Ashley," he replied.

Helen said nothing. She took Nick's empty plate to the sink and began to rinse it off. She sighed and looked out the window to the ocean. She tried to blink back her tears. She felt his arms wrap around her shoulders from behind. She reached up and grabbed one of his arms.

"Sorry Mama H," Nick said, "love you."

"I love you too, Nicky," she said, "I just worry about her. I guess I'll always worry about her."

"I know," Nick said and leaned back against the counter, "she's a super smart young woman though, and you had a lot to do with that."

"Well then," Helen said, "looks like I will be at Norte tonight."

"Awesome," Nick said, "Jerry in his office?"

"Yeah probably," she smiled. "go on back."

Nick walked through the big living room and past the formal dining room. He went to the door at the far end of the breezeway and knocked on it.

"Come on in Nicky," the voice called.

"Hey Jerry," Nick entered and closed the door behind him.

"Hey kid," Jerry had gotten up and gave Nick a hug, "come on in, have a seat."

"Thanks"

"So I heard you getting torn a new one in Spanish. What'd you do to piss her off?" Jerry grinned.

"Told her about Ashley meeting a boy," Nick said and gave him the rundown on Jared.

"Son, are you ever going to learn to not bait her into losing her shit with you?" Jerry smirked.

"No, probably not." Nick shrugged and sighed.

"You checked him out right? Other than a stupid, drunken evening, everything else looks ok?"

"Yes sir," Nick confirmed, "really good kid just had a bad night."

"We've all been there," Jerry muttered, "Ashley's a smart girl. She'll be all right."

"You could've come in and balanced out the ass chewing," Nick said with a sulk.

"Fuck that," Jerry laughed loudly, "I ain't getting dragged into this. Especially if you're still dumb enough to do it on purpose."

"That's fair," Nick admitted with a grin.

"So what brings you by, today? Other than pissing Helen off," Jerry asked.

"Danny Broussard wanted me to read you into a thing. I had a job offer earlier today. Some kind of investment group. Local liaison/fixer role. They were playing it pretty hush hush. So I got no idea what their actual plan would even look like. The only reason I was there was Tommy Castillo. He mentioned me because they were looking for someone white."

"They were looking for a white guy?" Jerry asked, making sure.

"Right?" Nick replied.

"Ok. Keep going," Jerry said.

"I told them I'd think about it. Then I started trying to figure out what the story was, because these guys were really good at keeping it vaguer than vague."

"How much do you think Tomas knows?" Jerry asked.

"I thought about that," Nick said, "I'm still going to talk with him and see what he knows, or at least is willing to tell."

"I wouldn't be surprised if Tommy was as in the dark as you are. He had one job, and he delivered. They probably told him less than the bare minimum, told them what they wanted and then overpaid the shit outta him for it."

"You think?" Nick wondered.

"That's what I would have done," Jerry nodded.

"That's when I called Danny and gave him the names," Nick said.

"The main guy was John Hitchins, goes by Jack. Super amiable, instantly sets you at ease. Relaxed and personable. Born salesman."

"Hmm," Jerry looked up at the ceiling, "not someone I've ever crossed paths with, that I can recall. Not by that name anyway."

"Could be an alias?" Nick asked.

"Oh it could always be an alias, Nicky," Jerry said, "especially if there's a chance you might turn them down. No need getting your name on record with someone unnecessarily, when you don't for sure have them under your thumb."

"The other guy. Sharp dressed, probably Ivy, definitely old money. Bit of an elitist. Maybe 30, 35. Grant Sundhurst." Nick described.

"Now that name rings a bell," Jerry threw his readers on, and turned to his bookshelf. After a minute or so he comes back with a notebook or journal. He flips a few pages. He reads for a moment.

"Carter Sundhurst II. About twenty or so years ago, he was in that first wave of guys who were coming down to exploit the place as a low overhead cash grab. The problem he ran into was those first guys were figuring it out as they went. Today these guys have a playbook of what to do and what not to do. How to keep everything looking legit as possible.

"These guys' first mistake," Jerry continued, "Sundhurst especially, was thinking that Mexico was just a lawless free for all. That they could do what they wanted, how they wanted and just pay off whoever got in their way. They were rich Americans after all and the authorities were all on the take anyway, right?"

"Jeez," Nick groaned, "they couldn't have been that stupid."

"Nah Nick," Jerry shook his head, "they were just ignorant. Remember, you've been here your entire adult life. All this stuff is second nature to you. These guys were making it up on the fly. Sundhurst in particular, stumbled quite a bit. If memory serves, he secured a good chunk of the initial financing through intermediaries with a couple of Central American dictatorships. Then did absolutely nothing to cover his tracks."

"Shit," Nick whispered, "once word got out, he might as well have been a leper. No one would've come near him. You ever meet him?"

"Yeah," Jerry said, "early on he came by talking up investment opportunities. There was a stretch there, I had a new batch of these guys coming in twice a week. Each one promising these ridiculous returns on investment. Acting like they just reinvented the wheel. Sundhurst was one of them, I remember him specifically cause he actually came in with a good chunk of beginning capital. Then he told me where he got it."

"What did you say?" Nick asked with a chuckle.

"I told him he was fucking idiot and to get the hell out of my office and if he was smart to get the hell out of the country," Jerry laughed at the memory.

"Nice," Nick said.

"Now Nicky, all of this is to say that I have no way of knowing if this guy you met is any kin to Carter Sundhurst. It's not a super common name though, and it damn sure is not one I thought I'd ever hear down here again."

"I guess I'd better let Danny know all this," Nick said and began to stand up.

"Hey Nicky," Jerry said, "sit back down with me for a sec."

"Yes sir," Nick said.

"I'm fairly certain that all the information that I just told you, Danny already had when he called you back," Jerry said tentatively.

"Then why would he want me to come loop you in, I thought he'd want as few people as possible involved in his line of work." Nick inquired.

"Very true normally," Jerry conceded, "this time though, Danny used you as a messenger bearing a request. "

"For what?" Nick seemed confused.

"Not what, Nicky, " Jerry said, "Who"

______________________________________________________________________

After hanging out at the beach a while longer, Ashley and Jared got changed again and started walking through the center of town. Ashley would point out interesting things here and there. The streets were bright and lively with lots of people going about their day. They went to the market where Ashley talked to everyone and bought many fruits and vegetables, some Jared had never seen before.

"This is so cool," Jared said, "I just realized, I probably would have gone my whole time here and never seen anything like this."

"Yeah," Ashley laughed, "you probably would have just seen the bottom of a toilet in Senor Frogs."

"You're so funny," Jared mocked.

"Yes I am." she confirmed.

Ashley felt the soft touch on her arm. She glanced back to see the tiny old lady smiling up at her.

"Muy bonita morenita," she said and patted Ashley's arm.

Ashley smiled at her and placed a hand on the old lady's hand.

"Gracias, señora" she said.

"I know muy bonita, what was the other word?" Jared asked.

"Morenita" Ashley smiled, "It means little brown girl."

"El guerito es tuyo?" the old lady grabbed hold of his hand.

Ashley laughed and looked at Jared who seemed confused.

"Si," Ashley said and held the lady's other hand.

She looked at Jared and chuckled, "She wanted to know if the white boy was mine."

"You said yes," Jared grinned.

The old lady's face went slack as her eyes somehow stared at them, past them and through them all at the same time. Jared noticed first.

"Ashley, is she ok?" He said concerned.

"Ma'am are you all right? Ashley asked her.

"K'áak', Lu'umil, Ja', Lik'," the woman barely spoke in a whisper, but kept repeating it over and over.

"What's she saying?" Jared whispered to Ashley.

"It's Yucatec," Ashley whispered back.

"What does it mean?" Jared asked.

"I don't know," Ashley whispered, "I can't speak Yucatec. I just know it when I hear it."

"Oh gotcha"

"It means she Mayan," Ashley said

"Like with the pyramids and calendars?" Jared asked

"Bit of an oversimplification, but yeah," she said quietly.

"Sorry," Jared conceded.

The lady's eyes began the blink rapidly and her focus returned to them. She rubbed her eyes and laughed.

"Goodness, I must have stood too quickly. I got a bit dizzy," she chuckled.

"Are you sure you are ok?" Ashley asked.

"Yes. Yes. You are a sweet girl, thank you. I will be fine," she insisted.

"All right, have a good day then," Ashley patted the old lady's hand.

"Oh, one moment," the lady said walking into small room behind her booth. She returned a moment later, "a gift for you, sweet girl."

She handed her a small green piece.

"Oh it is so beautiful. I cannot accept this," Ashley objected.

"Yes you can," the old lady insisted, "you will make an old woman happy."

"Thank you," Ashley said as she hugged the old lady.

"You have a good day with your man," the lady said.

"What is it?" Jared asked her.

"It is a jade jaguar," Ashley explained, "like a talisman representing a Mayan god."

"It is beautiful," he observed.

Ashley was still looking deeply at it as she began walking down the path of booths. Jared was about to start walking and catch up.

"Guerito" the old woman said and touched his arm.

He turned towards her. She handed him a small box and tapped a finger on his chest.

"No open here," she said and motioned toward Ashley walking away.

Jared slid the box in his pocket. The old lady nodded her approval.

"Gracias," Jared smiled and nodded respectfully to her.

"Morenita," she said, pointing in Ashley's direction then pointed to him, "te casaras."

"Te casaras,"Jared repeated.

"Te casaras," she confirmed and made a shushing gesture.

"Si," Jared said wondering what he was saying yes to.

"You go. You go," she gestured towards Ashley.

"Si" Jared nodded and walked after her, "adios."

The lady smiled and waved.

"What was she saying?" Ashley asked when he caught up.

"I have no idea," he chuckled, "I just nodded and said 'si'".

"Probably the best way to go," she smiled.

______________________________________________________________________

"Are you serious?" NIck said, taken aback.

"Indeed," Jerry nodded, "I presume you can see the difficulty level involved here?"

"Oh you think so, Jerry?" Nick said with more fervor than he'd planned.

"Calm down, I know how it looks at first glance," Jerry said, "but look at the big picture."

"Big picture?" Nick snapped, "how long have you still been in cahoots with him?"

"Son, if you'd like to keep discussing this, you're going to have to calm down and move past a few things." Jerry leveled a firm look at him, "you need to listen and think with your head not your heart. Understand?"

"Yes sir," Nick centered himself, "sorry"

"It's ok," Jerry said, "I'm sorry this is a lot all at once."

"Cisco though?" Nick sighed and pleaded to understand, "everyone here has worked hard to make this community what it is. Especially you and Dale. How does bringing him in not put us all at risk?"

"Go on then," Jerry sighed, "ask your questions."

Nick was staring off to the side, a thousand thoughts raging in his head. He cleared his throat and looked back at Jerry.

"They're true, the stories about Cisco then?" Nick asked, trying his best to keep his cool, "he used Captain Dale's boats to smuggle to the states for years, stockpiling cash and stuff so he could control everything?"

"Yeah, that's a pretty fair assessment of what happened," Jerry conceded.

"He also used his relationship with you to steal and fence MILLIONS in Granetec Industries technologies for criminal enterprises across North and South America."

"That did happen, as well, yeah," Jerry admitted.

"So," Nick said, his anger just barely contained, "in addition to betraying the trust of you both, he put y'all at risk for losing everything. What happens when the Coast Guard finds a literal ton of illegal shit on a Moncrief Fleet boat? What happens when some South American cartel is raided and the whole thing is running on Granetec Industries tech? That hammer wasn't coming down on Cisco. It's coming down on you and Dale."

"We've always said it was a miracle that that very thing never happened," Jerry sighed.

"Jerry," Nick said, "what about Roo and Ashley?"

He looked into the haunted stare of Nick. When Jerry had nightmares, it was always Ryu and Ashley. The guilt still ate at him to this day. It was one of the worst times in all of their lives. One almost like a daughter. One for all intents and purposes, his granddaughter. He couldn't even think in passing about what they went through without wanting to throw up.

He had to keep Lee and Nick from burning the city down looking for them. Helen almost left him and for the only time in her life, demanded Jerry use his resources to have some killed. He had to keep Dale from actually killing Cisco himself when he had the chance.

In the small hours of the night, when he woke from the nightmares, he'd lie awake for hours wondering if he did the right thing.

"Cisco didn't do that to them, Nicholas," Jerry said quietly.

"He let it happen," Nick said in a spiteful whisper, "he could have stopped it."

"He saved them, Nick," Jerry said.

"But not before..." Nick trailed off and closed his eyes, "so how could you have anything to do with this guy now? He's all but dead to Captain Dale, he won't even mention his name. What would he say if he knew you still had dealings with him?"

"Nicky," Jerry said and rubbed his eyes, "we aren't having lunch once a week or exchanging Christmas cards. It's only an open line of communication. If he calls I answer. If I call, he answers. We've gone years and not spoken, but the connection is there. You can't deny yourself access to a resource just because your feelings are hurt."

"Dale seemed to be all right with cutting ties and washing his hands of the guy," Nick countered.

"Dale's heart was broken pretty badly," Jerry said, "he was hurting for a long time. "

Jerry took a drink of water and sat his readers down on his desk. He leaned back in his chair.

"As for your last question," Jerry said, "Dale is a pretty savvy guy. What makes you think he doesn't know that I have occasional contact with him? "

Nick gave a thoughtful frown but kept quiet.

"For that matter, what makes you think I haven't relayed messages or requests from Dale to Cisco and vice versa?" Jerry explained. "You're right though. I don't imagine Dale would ever want to see Cisco again. To his credit, Cisco has always respected that. As a rule though, Cisco would never allow personal feelings to usurp a practical necessity," Jerry paused, "and neither would the guy who taught him the rule."

"Never thought about it that way, " Nick said in an apologetic tone.

"What's the first rule I taught you?" Jerry asked.

"This isn't the place to make enemies. Make friends instead." Nick recited.

"Right," Jerry nodded, "it was one of the first ones Cisco learned as well.""