Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills Read Free Book Online Page A

time with her family. Barbara had caused this, spoiled her by allowing her to spend nights with girlfriends and attend parties. He’d have to talk to his wife—set her straight on who ruled his house.
    Jacob watched the young man in front of him. He looked to be around sixteen or so. He’d lagged behind the others and spit obscenities at the agents. None of the illegals had admitted it, but this smart-mouthed kid with the cell phone was most likely the guide. Because of his underage status, he’d be escorted back across the border only to lead another group across the Rio Grande tomorrow. They’d kept the other illegals outside of the trucks and jeeps until the ambulance left in hopes one of the men might comment on the injured women. The illegals huddled together, docile, as was usually the case.
    Most of the men had been drinking, and three were drunk. Surprising that none of them drowned last night crossing the river with that much alcohol in their systems. All of the men claimed not to have any idea about the maltreatment going on in the back bedroom. One man expressed visible emotion at the sight, and another appeared angry. Not all of the men who claimed they wanted work to take care of their families were hardworking illegals; two wore gang colors—Zetas. Those men were searched and cuffed.
    “I’m an honorable person,” a man, about forty-five, said. “I want to work in the U.S., not hurt anyone.”
    Jacob believed him. He understood an empty belly and poverty moved a man to do what he could for his family.
    Another curse came from the youth’s mouth. Ire twisted through Jacob. All he could think about was the condition of the young women on their way to the medical center. He grabbed the kid by the shoulder and swung him around. This was the kind of derelict that needed to stay away from Nadine.
    “Go ahead and punch me,” the kid said.
    “Shut up and keep up with the others.” Jacob raised his fist.
    “Jacob!” Quin, one of the other agents, called. “Let him go. This isn’t worth getting fired.”
    Jacob heard him, and his grip on the kid loosened.
    “I’ll escort him,” Quin continued. “Come on, man. Give it a rest.”
    Jacob dampened his lips and stiffened. Back off. He released the kid and shoved him toward the others in custody. Running his fingers through his hair, he inhaled and exhaled to gain control. “Thanks, Quin. All I could think about were those young women . . . and my daughter.”
    Quin, a tall Caucasian who’d served in the Marines like about 25 percent of the Border Patrol, clamped his hand on Jacob’s shoulder. “We’re all shook up. Only animals could have treated those girls like that.”
* * *
    Alex knew the Border Patrol’s protocol for bringing undocumented Mexicans to the medical center for treatment. Agent Danika Morales would stay with the women until he gave them clearance to travel back across the border, unless one of them had a record. In that event, they were handled by ICE. During her ten-hour shift, she’d guard them from anyone who might intend harm or aid in escaping the jurisdiction of the agents.
    Two of the young women—actually they looked more like kids—were treated and released into the custody of another agent for processing. They’d looked worse than their injuries had indicated.
    The third was a different story. She had five stitches on her left temple, and he’d set her left arm. But her nonresponsive attitude and tender internal organs alerted him to more extensive injuries. Alex guessed her age at around fourteen—probably frightened and all alone.
    Danika held the young woman’s hand and smiled. She spoke softly to her in Spanish, offering the same reassurance that Alex had done. He’d conducted a little investigation of his own about Danika. She was Toby’s widow. His old friend used to bring undocumented workers who needed medical attention to the hospital, but Alex chose not to reveal that information to Danika. He had no