Chapter 6

It had taken nearly five hours to get everything resolved with the police so they could go to the hospital to pick up Anna. Each hostage had to give a statement and was checked by the paramedics. Jonas gave his statement first then walked to the police line to speak to a reporter before the Captain knew what he was doing. The reporter recognized Jonas from the news feed as the negotiator that went after the hostages so was eager to get an interview.

"Officer, what happened in there?" the news caster yelled over the sound of the helicopter.

"I'm not with the police department," Jonas yelled back over the noise. "I was on loan to them for this assignment." He looked over his shoulder at the coffee shop as a stretcher was carried out with the waitress on it before turning back to the microphone. He had a dismissive expression on his face when he said, "There were men from the Cordova Mexican Drug Cartel holding the hostages so it really wasn't much of an issue. You see, the soldiers, like their boss Carlos Cruz are dangerous because they have a lot of weapons and no conscience. They don't care who they kill or how many they kill but they aren't very smart. Anyone can beat them with just a little planning and thought because their only answer to every challenge is to kill."

"How many Cartel soldiers were inside?" the news caster asked.

"There were four but, like I said, they weren't much of a threat. Think of baby rattlesnakes. They are dangerous but not very smart," Jonas said with a shrug.

"So, did you capture all four of them?" the news man asked.

"No," Jonas said with a chuckle. "They weren't worth the risk to the lives of the hostages. In that sense you can compare them to rabid dogs. You can't cure them and you don't want to jeopardize anyone's life by taking them alive. In this case, the hostages would have been in more danger if I had tried to take them alive."

"What efforts did you make to capture them?" the news caster asked.

"I told them that I would get them safe passage to the police if they wanted to give up. No one took me up on that offer," Jonas replied.

"That's all you did to try to capture them alive?" the reporter asked in shock. "Couldn't you have wounded them or something?"

"Are you married sir?" Jonas asked coldly.

"Uh, yes," the reporter replied.

"If a man had a pistol pressed against your wife's head, would you want to risk your wife's life to capture the criminal alive?" Jonas asked.

"Uh, no sir," the reporter said quietly.

Jonas wondered if the man's microphone could pick up his soft words over the noise. He shook his head in disgust and walked back to where the police Captain was talking to the SWAT team leader. Jonas had promised the Captain that he would tell him were his information came from after the hostages were free. His conversation with the Captain didn't go much better than the interview with the reporter had.

"What do you mean 'God told you' about the situation in there?" the police Captain asked in a quiet voice that couldn't hide his intensity or his barely controlled fury.

"He told me how many hostages there were and who they were," Jonas replied calmly. "He also told me how many men were holding them and the men's position before I went in."

"You said that you couldn't tell me how you knew what was happening in there before the hostages were safe," the Captain growled. "How would you telling me that information have jeopardized them before you went in there?"

"Would you have let me go in if I had told you that before they were safe?" Jonas asked.

The Captain started sputtering until he finally ordered, "Get out of here Gianni."

"Yes sir," Jonas said. "But I do need to wait until the rest are finished giving statements and checked by the medics. We need to plan for what's going to happen next."

"What do you mean by 'happen next'?" the Captain asked. He wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer.

"Carlos Cruz will be coming to Kansas City with a small army," Jonas said quietly. "I need to plan on how to draw him away from populated areas so that when we take him down he doesn't hurt any innocents."

"So, now you're a vigilante?" the Captain asked incredulously. "I suppose God told you about Cruz too," the man scoffed.

Clevis had been listening to the conversation and figured it was time to put in his two cents worth. "Captain, I was with Jonas the night we stopped Francisco Rodriguez. Jonas knew what corner to be on before they arrived. He knew which airport to go to so he could stop them from escaping with Mrs. Connors and her daughter. Today, he knew when Mrs. Connors was captured and where. He's the one that told me where to dispatch units to keep them from escaping and he led us straight here from the hospital. If he says Cruz is coming then I'm going to start loading every weapon that I can get my hands on."

The Captain looked back and forth between Jonas and Clevis. His eyebrows steadily climbed toward his hairline until finely he spat, "Shit, shit, shit," before turning and stalking toward the SWAT van.

Anna had received four stitches from the cut in her hairline and all of them went to the Rizzo mansion immediately after leaving the hospital. Anna and Clevis objected to going to the home of a known Mafia Don. Jonas had explained in detail the danger they were in. He included the number of spies the billions the Mexican Cartels could buy to report on their location. He asked them if they could think of a safer temporary location. No one was sure how much real safety the high walls and guards were but they all breathed a sigh of relief when the gates closed behind them.

Tony Rizzo's first indication that his family had been in danger was the cell call from Max while they were waiting for Jonas to get pistols. Another brief call immediately after they were freed from Mary assured him that they were safe and that they would be home soon. The old Mafioso was out the door with six bodyguards the moment their two SUV's stopped in front of the mansion. Tony wanted to know what was going on but was urged to wait until they were in the library. Jonas assured him they would tell him everything but they needed a secure location to do it.

Mary's pleading for her grandfather to allow them to discuss what had happened in private was the only thing that calmed the old man enough to wait. Tony could never say no to his granddaughter but in this instance her safety was an issue.

"There is no need to be concerned about Jonas claiming that he works for God," the old Mafioso said gruffly as he hugged his granddaughter again. "He's already told me that he can't work for me because he's working for God. I'm not saying I believe him but I'll suspend judgment until I know you and Pam are no longer in danger."

"Grandpa, Detective Jordan and Corporal Elk will be part of this discussion. Detective Jordan has already said that if he can get proof of anything illegal on Jonas or you that he would take either one of you to jail," Mary said urgently. "If you aren't in the room then there is no reason for any of your, uh, business dealings to be part of the conversation."

Tony chuckled and held his granddaughter at arm's length. "Honey, thanks for being concerned but I've been sparring with the police for over fifty years. No one is going to say anything in that room that will cause me a problem. There's no reason for it to come up. This meeting is about keeping you and Pam safe. I need to be a part of this discussion. Besides," he said more seriously. "If it were a choice of me going to jail and the two of you being safe, well, jail doesn't have to be all bad."

"Oh grandpa," Mary said with a crack in her voice. The tears that she had been fighting were about to break free so she hugged him again. "I don't know what to do. Mike is dead. I miss him so much and so does Pam. I always felt so safe with him but he couldn't protect us and he was killed." She couldn't hold the tears back as she clung to her grandfather's strength. "I don't know what to do," she repeated forlornly as the sobs wracked her body. "Pam is so frightened after the last two attempts to kidnap us that she won't let Jonas out of her sight. She starts shaking and crying. I hate to say it but I feel almost the same way. I'm so afraid grandpa. I'm afraid for Pam and for me and the only time I feel safe is when Jonas is close."

Tony Rizzo, the Mafioso that controlled most of the crime in four states, held the sobbing woman in his arms. He thought about a lot of things in the minutes that he held his granddaughter. He thought about his life. He thought about his father who had been a confidant and lieutenant for Salvatore Sabella before the old Don had died in 1962. Tony's father had been instrumental in Uncle Sal being able to die of natural causes because of the countless times he had saved the old Don's life. Tony's induction into the Family had simply been following in the family business. He thought about his long dead wife and son. He came to a decision while thinking about all he had left of his family.

Mary finally got herself under control and stepped back. "I'm sorry," she said as she dried her eyes. Mary always tried to maintain control around her grandpa.

"There's nothing to be sorry about honey," Tony said quietly. "You should never have been exposed to the things you have seen over the last week. But don't worry. You will be kept safe. Come on. Let's get this started," he said as he walked her toward the door to his library.

The five adult men, two adult women and teen girl sat on the couches in the library and looked at each other uncertainly. Max was unsure because his loyalties were split between Jonas and Tony. Clevis was uncomfortable because he felt like he was in enemy territory. Anna felt that way a little too but she had stronger ties with her brother Brian than with the police so took some comfort from being with him. Brian and Anna were family and were present as a family obligation to the stories they grew up with. Mary and Pam were devoted to Tony but felt a strong bond with Jonas too. Jonas took a breath to begin the explanations but stopped when Tony Rizzo held up his hand.

"I would like to say something before we get started," Tony said hesitantly. He looked around at the little group meeting everyone's eyes. His eyes stopped at his granddaughter. He seemed to age as he looked at Mary. He took a deep breath, thought about the decision that he had made, and let it out before beginning.

"We must devise a plan that will protect Mary and Pam," the old man said with slow dignity. "Every man, every resource, and down to the last dollar I have can go into that plan." He looked at Clevis when he continued. "I have no desire to go to prison but if that is necessary to protect them then I will." His words had a sense of finality about them. No one questioned his absolute commitment. "Some would blame me and my, ah, associates for this war that we find ourselves in. I disagree. Our family's business dealings can be traced back nearly 200 years to the old country. Since the beginning, competitors have tried to encroach on our territory. We have responded to encroachment in various ways over the generations but the Mexican Cartels do not respond the way any others have. We have tried negotiations and violence and everything in between. Nothing has been successful in stopping them but we have slowed them to some extent. You have all seen the havoc the Cartels have brought to their own country. There have been more than 48,000 deaths attributed to the Cartels in Mexico in the last five years and that doesn't include over 5,000 missing people. There is a drug cartel murder every half hour in Mexico." Tony paused and his jaws clenched before he continued. "None of my associates want that kind of senseless carnage in the United States. U.S. Law Enforcement has fought the encroachment of the Cartels. My associates and I have tried to hold them back. Granted, we had different motives than law enforcement but we have expended at least as much effort as Law Enforcement. Despite both our best efforts the Cartels have a presence in over 1000 US cities. I disagree that my associates and I are the cause of this war. If we had not fought back, what kind of presence would they have in this country now? My family and my country are more important to me than my life. I will do whatever I need to do to stop these animals. I have notified the rest of the families of our predicament. They will not be able to respond in Kansas City but will put additional pressure in other areas of the country. We have avoided open war with them but they have brought it to our heartland. We, all the families, are at war."

There was silence in the little gathering for a few minutes after Tony's declaration. Clevis was the one that broke the silence by clearing his throat. He looked at Anna before looking back and Tony and saying, "Mr. Rizzo, I'll tell you the same way I told Jonas. If I get enough evidence against you for a warrant then I will arrest you. Until then, you deserve the same protection that any other citizen deserves. The same goes for Mrs. Connors and her daughter. I will not jeopardize anyone's safety because I BELIEVE you are involved with organized crime. What I believe has no bearing on this or any other situation. Jonas has accepted this stipulation with me working with him. I hope that you do too."

Tony nodded his agreement and Jonas said, "I've been thinking about our situation and I think I have a plan. I think you all know who I work for but in case there is any doubt, I work for God. He told me to call him Joe simply because it is easier to carry on a conversation with him. It doesn't diminish him in any way. He calls me one of his Protectors. His adversary, I guess that would be the devil, also has agents in this world. Joe calls them Red Agents." He looked at Brian and Anna before continuing, "Your great, great grandmother and grandfather assisted Ben Lewis in fighting a Red Agent. Ben Lewis was killed but the Red Agent was killed too. They both fired the final shots that hit Jake Hobbs, the Red Agent, in the forehead. They were both wounded in that battle. I think everyone that entered that cabin was killed or wounded."

"Okay, we know who you believe you work for but why the history lesson?" Brian asked. He was uncomfortable about revealing his family's history to all these strangers.

"Joe allowed me to live Ben Lewis's last mission to gain more experience as a Protector," Jonas replied levelly. "I have been a Protector less than a month. I do get some enhanced abilities as part of the job but they must be fine tuned and the month that I've had just isn't enough for what we are facing. Some of the experience I learned as Ben Lewis allowed me to do the fast draw thing today. It wasn't only the speed of the draw but also knowing from the men's auras which needed to be shot first so no one else would be hurt. A Red Agent has most of the same enhancements that a Protector has. Jake Hobbs was a Red Agent about the same amount of time Ben Lewis was; probably around five years. Their skill levels and development were nearly the same. According to Joe, Carlos Cruz has been a Red Agent for over nine years. Joe can see good men and bad men. He can't see Red Agents. His last view of Carlos Cruz was just before he killed his sister in 2003."

The silence in the room as everyone absorbed the information was broken by Brian. "So, it sounds like you are saying we don't have a chance. Before, with Ben Lewis, they were evenly matched and they were both killed. This time the guy we're going against is a lot stronger than what Ben Lewis faced and you're a lot weaker than Ben Lewis. Is that what you're saying?"

Jonas smiled and got ready to say something but Max interrupted angrily. "You don't know the odds we've already faced and we still won. We'll win this one too."

"Each of the engagements we have been in so far has been against normal people though," Jonas pointed out to Max. "Going against any Red Agent is a whole different level of bad." Turning back to Brian Jonas said, "We do have a chance but I didn't want any misconceptions going into this battle. There is no guarantee that we will win and no guarantee that any of us will survive. There is a chance that we can win but we might not survive winning."

Brian snorted and his sister glared at him for a moment before turning back to Jonas and calmly asking, "Would you please define winning?"

Jonas smiled at Anna and nodded. "Good question. Han always went to the bottom line too. The definition of winning is simple. Carlos Cruz must die. The mission will be a success even if everyone else dies and Cruz dies too."

The silence that followed Jonas's statement was broken by a chuckle from Brian Elk. "Well, I've been fighting impossible odds under impossible conditions while following insane orders for a few years now. I guess I'm qualified for this one too."

Clevis was looking at Jonas with a considering look. His gaze didn't change at Brian's words but when Brian finished he said, "Okay Jonas. I've worked with you for a few weeks now so I know that you're not suicidal. You keep talking about this Ben Lewis character and how his situation killed him. What did you learn from his situation that will give us an edge with this operation?"

Tony nodded slowly at Clevis before looking back to Jonas. "If I had more like him on my payroll," he said jerking his head towards Clevis, "my operations would run a lot smoother."

Jonas smiled at his former boss and said, "You're right but besides being very smart, he has a clear conscience which allows his thoughts to be a lot clearer and focused. Very few of your men have clear consciences so even if they were as smart they couldn't function at the same level."

"You did," Tony said in challenge to Jonas.

Shaking his head sadly Jonas said, "No sir. I could bury my feelings but I didn't have a clear conscience. Sheila and Liz were able to keep me focused but I wouldn't have lasted long after I lost them."

"Is Max's conscience clear?" Tony asked curiously.

Jonas looked at the clear green aura of Max and smiled. "His only job is to keep you safe and there is no conflict between his job and his beliefs. He is dedicated to you even though he feels conflicted because he feels a loyalty to me."

Looking at the others in the room Jonas continued, "I do need support and help. I need to put together a full time team. I will always consider Max a friend and his aid has kept me alive, but he isn't who will accompany me on future jobs. Clevis has been beyond value too. I consider him a friend and a confidant but he is dedicated to his career with the Kansas City Police. I hope that I will always be able to turn to Clevis, Max, and even Mr. Rizzo for information, assistance and support when it becomes necessary."

Jonas was pleased when all three of them nodded solemnly.

"What about me? What about US I should say?" Brian asked with a glance at his sister. There was more than a note of challenge in his voice but he couldn't help it. His emotions had been bouncing like ping pong balls ever since he had met Jonas. One moment he wanted to protect this unassuming man. The next he was sure Jonas was a fraud that had somehow tapped into his family history. The next he was sure it didn't matter because he couldn't be in a combat roll anyway. The Army doctors had assured him that he would die if subjected to the rigors of combat. Then he was sure it didn't matter because the old family stories were just that; stories.

Jonas smiled at Brian before looking at Anna. "Let's talk about Anna first. She is trained in law enforcement and has a good record. She has been in fights over the last six years with pistols and hand to hand. Her contract is up for renewal in two weeks. She has waited to renew it until after you came home Brian."

"What, how do you know that?" Anna demanded angrily. "All of that information is confidential and some of my jobs over the last few years have been classified secret."

Nodding Jonas said, "Yes, the hand to hand combat was while on an undercover assignment that is still classified. As for how I know, I can read your past in your aura as easily as you can read a newspaper. By the way Anna, you have a beautiful clear green aura. Also, if you want to leave the police department, you would be welcome on my team."

Anna's mouth was opening and closing as if she was trying to say something but nothing was coming out.

Jonas turned to Brian and smiled again. Brian's face was angry and his posture looked like he was ready for battle.

"The first time I met Walking Elk, he tried to kill me. He threw two knives at me and after I caught them he tried to kill me with an axe." Jonas said softly. "Does your family history say anything about his first wife?"

Brian sat back against the couch as if he had been punched. He shook his head no.

"Walking Elk's first wife was raped and killed. His young son and two daughters were butchered. White men did it and Walking Elk was carrying on a personal war against the white man. Every white man he captured was tortured long and painfully before they were killed. He didn't understand that the Adversary sent the white men."

"Uh, Mr. Gianni, who's the Adversary?" Pam asked.

"Another name you might know him by is the devil," Jonas answered.

"So, uh, God and the Devil are really real?" the girl asked hesitantly.

"Yes honey," Jonas said gently. "They are as real as you and I." He looked back at Brian and explained, "The Adversary sent them to enflame Walking Elk. Walking Elk started killing white men indiscriminately which was exactly what the Adversary wanted. Families of the white men he killed started killing more Indians but they didn't care which tribe the men and families they killed came from. Can you see how it is a snowball effect?" Everyone nodded so he continued. "I told Walking Elk, or Ben Lewis told him that he couldn't go on the mission unless he gave up his hatred. Walking Elk attacked and Ben Lewis stopped him. Walking Elk did give up his hatred and self loathing for what he had done and you two know the results. The Red Agent was killed but so was Ben Lewis."

"Okay, what does that have to do with what we are doing now?" Brian said irritably.

"Two things," Jonas said smiling. "The first is that I need a team. I've just invited your sister and now I'm inviting you."

Brian was shaking his head before Jonas finished. "The doctors said I can't go into combat. The physical stress of battle could pull something loose inside and kill me in minutes. I would be jeopardizing my team if they are expecting me to be able to support them."

"You never told me that," Anna said to her brother angrily.

"Well, I would have but we were interrupted," Brian replied.

Jonas stood and walked to Brian. "May I place my hands on your head?" Jonas asked.

"What is this; a revival?" Brian demanded. Jonas didn't reply but continued to look at the man expectantly. Finally Brian nodded his acceptance.

"Joe, can you help him?" Jonas asked silently as he placed his hands on Brian's head.

"Of course," Joe replied. "He will be healed by morning."

"Thank you," Jonas said aloud before returning to his seat.

"I don't feel any different," Brian accused.

"Probably not now but you will be healed by the morning," Jonas replied.

"I thought the way it worked was just, poof, and everything was fixed," Brian said.

"He could do it that way but He usually works with natural processes," Jonas assured the man.

"Believe me, it works," Max assured the former Special Forces operative. "Jonas was shot a bunch of times and was hit by an airborne car two days ago. He got out of the hospital this morning."

Jonas ignored what Max said and continuing to talk to Brian. "As for your other concerns; the old stories are not just stories. They are true. You saw a sample today when I drew two pistols and killed four men that already had pistols pointed at all of you."

"Damn Jonas," Tony exploded. "Why would you risk their lives on a stunt like that?"

"It wasn't a stunt," Jonas said levelly. "It was the only way I could figure out to get inside and kill them before they killed any hostages." Turning back to Brian he continued with, "I'm not a fraud and the stories are real. You will be as good as new in the morning and I want you on my team."

Brian met Jonas's gaze for a long moment before sighing and saying, "I don't suppose that there's a salary or a medical plan associated with that."

Jonas snorted in laughter and said, "I don't expect we'll be alive long enough to need the medical plan. Besides, Joe takes pretty good care of his people. As for pay..." Jonas stopped and shrugged. "I have some savings that I've been using the last few weeks. We'll use that until it's gone but after that, well, Joe will provide."

Tony cleared his throat and said, "Ah, Jonas, you've saved Mary and Pam twice now. You've been on my payroll since you were a kid. You will continue being on my payroll even though you can't, ah, take assignments. That will include your team."

"Mr. Rizzo, I appreciate it but, at some point I could be going up against one of your men or even one of the other families. My job is to protect innocents and it doesn't matter if those innocents are related to one of the Families or a homeless street person. I don't expect anything by protecting your granddaughter or Pam either."

Tony nodded and said, "I understand and I stand by my word. You will stay on my payroll and so will your team. I will pass the word to the rest of the Families what your status is and what to expect if one of them harms innocents."

"Em, Jonas, what was your job before," Anna asked hesitantly.

Jonas looked at Clevis before looking at Anna and saying, "I guess my official title was enforcer but if you knew all the facts then you would probably call me an assassin. I have already promised Clevis that if he gets enough evidence to get a warrant for my arrest then I will go in peacefully and let the lawyers do their jobs. My safety and life don't matter any longer and I will not fight my friends."

Anna and Brian looked at each other in astonishment.

"The second thing is working out a plan to deal with Carlos Cruz. He will probably arrive in Kansas City tomorrow or the next day. I want to be ready for him," Jonas said.

"Why do you think that he'll be coming himself?" Brian asked. "Wouldn't it be smarter for him to send men?"

"One of those men I killed today was his cousin and one of his top lieutenants. I did an interview today with the TV news crew," Jonas said. His smile got cold when he said, "During the interview I said that dealing with the Cordova Cartel was like dealing with baby snakes. They are dangerous but not too smart. In essence, I challenged Carlos Cruz personally. He will be here."

"So, do you have a plan?" Clevis asked.

Jonas nodded and said, "Ben Lewis was killed because he went after the Red Agent on the Agent's home ground. We need to change that scenario." He turned to Tony and asked, "Mr. Rizzo, do you still have that little ranch west of Bonner Springs?"

"Yes I do. Mary likes to take Pam out there to ride horses occasionally," Tony replied.

"Is there still access to the missile silo the barn is built over?" Jonas asked.

Tony glanced at Clevis and Anna before looking back at Jonas and nodding slowly. He didn't have anything more incriminating than about a six month supply of food and some weapons but it was his most secure safe house.

Jonas let out a breath of relief and asked, "Can we use it to trap Carlos?"

Tony's jaw firmed and he said, "Of course."

"Okay," Jonas said as he leaned forward and rubbed his hands together. "Here is what I think will work. First of all, get the word out in a very public way to pull all the men in that you can to this site. Try to pull in everyone in town that owes you anything so the whole town is talking about the impending battle. Meantime, Anna, I want you to call a lieutenant or your captain as if on the sly and let him know that you and a select group of people will be going to Tony's farm until the battle is over. They should think the only reason you are telling them is so that they know what is going on. You know, keeping them in the loop. Make sure that whoever you tell is someone that is the biggest gossip you can find. If Carlos has spies in the police department then he should get the word."

Turning to Tony, Jonas asked, "Mr. Rizzo, can you make arrangements to have Sal Gillespie in the room when I call about the move to the ranch?"

"That shouldn't be a problem but, why?" Tony asked.

"Sal likes to talk. He is as loyal as the day is long and would never talk to anyone outside the family but he does talk to his men. If Carlos has anyone inside one of your crews then they will hear about the secret move."

"Okay," Mary said slowly as she pulled Pam against her protectively. "We fake one direction but pretend to stealthily go another direction. What are we really going to do?"

Jonas sighed and said, "We all stay here tonight. Mary and Pam will move around a lot and be very visible. Brian and Anna will stay hidden. Max will drive Clevis back to his car and Clevis will go back to the station. When you go through the gates, Clevis will be talking to the back seat. The guards can't see if anyone is in the back seat because of the tinted windows so hopefully they'll think Brian and Anna left with them. Max will come back after dropping Clevis off. I would like for Mr. Rizzo to send about 20 men to the ranch tonight and set a perimeter. Benny would be a good person to be in charge of that. He has military experience and is one of the most dangerous men on your payroll as a team leader. Take all their cell phones away and let them know that there will be no outside communications until after this is finished. I expect Carlos to attack tomorrow afternoon or evening. Tomorrow morning, Mary and Pam go into Mr. Rizzo's safe room here at the house. I would like for Mr. Rizzo and Max to go in there too. Mr. Rizzo will be safer and Max can be their last line of defense. Right after daybreak in the morning, three of the SUV's with dark tinted windows will pull up out front. Brian and the smallest person we can find will rush into the near side of the middle Tahoe. Anna, you will be wearing one of Mrs. Connors jackets and get in on the street side. I'll get into the passenger seat up front. Brian, I know you aren't as large as Max but you are large. If anyone gets a glimpse of you we want them to think that you are Max or Mr. Rizzo. Someone will be watching our escape. Be sure of that. We want them to think that their key targets are trying to escape the coming battle. The goal is to have a small force inside the missile silo to keep the cartel soldiers from doing more than get into the entrance. That will probably be Brian, Anna and I. Another force made up of the men we send tonight will attack them from the rear. I want to trap them."

"Wow," Brian said. "It's a simple plan but has enough complexity to allow a little sleight of hand."

"Look Gianni," Clevis barked. "I'm not going to sit on my thumb while all this is going down."

Jonas smiled and nodded. "We'll need someone with your horsepower to coordinate from here. Do you think you could get your partner to sneak in with one of the groups that Mr. Rizzo will be calling in? We don't want anyone to know that we have a police presence here."

"Uh, yeah, I can get him to do that," Clevis said slowly. "But, why don't I just sneak back in?"

"Because I need you to do something else," Jonas said with a smile. "I saw you talking to one of the SWAT captains today and you seemed pretty friendly. How hard would it be to get your friend to do a quiet SWAT exercise out close to the ranch? I would like for you guys to come to the rescue when the fireworks start."

"Yeah, I think I can swing that. Can I tell Randy, that's the SWAT Captain, what's really going on?" Clevis asked.

Jonas hesitated before nodding and saying, "As long as he can keep the real reason under his hat until it goes down."

"He can," Clevis said. "Especially if he knows what's going on because he's sneaker than I am. That's why he's in SWAT."

"Good enough," Jonas said with a firm nod. "Does anyone have any questions?"

There were several and they talked about the plan for another hour before everyone was satisfied. When there were no further questions or comments, Jonas looked at Clevis, Anna, and Brian. "There is one more thing we need to talk about. You three have always been tasked with taking prisoners if possible. I don't care if Cartel soldiers are taken prisoners but Carlos Cruz must be killed. A Red Agent is like a virus. If we did capture him and put him in prison he would infect many more. Within a month we would have more Red Agents coming out of the jails which would infect more people. He must die and that is nonnegotiable."

Anna looked at Clevis then at Brian before nodding to Jonas uncertainly.

Brian shrugged before saying, "I took prisoners but only when it didn't jeopardize my men. Based on the stories passed down in my family, I don't think Cruz would be a safe capture."

Clevis stared at Jonas for a moment before nodding his head. "I trust you Jonas. He dies."

Jonas leaned back and sighed. "Let's do it then," he said.

The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent in revising plans. Jonas and Brian spent over an hour with Benny Couchette refining the plan for the defense of the farm. They wanted to ensure enough resistance was provided to draw the Cartel soldiers in but still not lose any of their own men. The balance of the men would be hidden around the farm so an attack could be mounted at the appropriate time. Brian became one of Benny's heros by the time they finished their planning. Brian's experience in Afghanistan was put to good use in designing the ambush.

Benny was more than apprehensive when he was introduced to Clevis. The idea of coordinating a defense and attack with the police and a SWAT team had Benny more skittish than a flea on a hot griddle.

"It just isn't natural," Benny complained.

Clevis patted Benny's shoulder and in a consoling voice said, "I know it isn't natural Benny. We'll try to overlook it though and not be rude about it. Besides, you and your men pay taxes to so just look at this as your tax dollars at work."

Jonas almost choked on his laughter at Benny's wide eyed astonishment. Despite the challenges of getting past the whole idea of the police and Mafia soldiers working together, they had a very productive session. Jonas had been right about Benny being a dangerous man when leading a team in battle. Benny would have risen far and fast in any army. Benny's time in the army had been cut short by a disagreement over what was available for use in warehouses after normal working hours. The plan was solidifying by the time Clevis left several hours later.