Narcos Fic: Old Habits Die Hard (Chap. 20)
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19, Chapter 21, Chapter 22, Chapter 23, Chapter 24
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Pairing: Javier Peรฑa x Horacio Carrillo
Words: 12,880
Summary: An invitation takes Horacio and Javier back to Medellรญn, a city that has changed as much as they have since they were last in it. Amongst the celebrations, can they find a way to reconcile the old with the new?
Warnings: 18+ ONLY. Emotional smut, religious themes, discussions of canon-typical violence and past trauma, grief, healing, allusions to period-typical prejudices, smoking, drinking, swearing.
Notes: So, this chapter took on a life of its own and ended up a lot bigger than it was originally supposed to be, oops lol. The initial idea was for this and chapter 21 to be chapter 20, but, as you can see, it didn't quite work out like that ๐
The majority of chapter 21 is done, I just need to finish it off but life (and covid...again) have been getting in the way lately.
After that, I just have chapter 22 and a short epilogue to do, then fin. So, I promise we are very nearly there now! Ideally, I'd like it all done by the end of autumn, but that might not be possible...let's see how it goes.
Thank you once again to anyone still reading and waiting for updates, your patience is greatly appreciated (as always, please feel free to drop me a line if youโd like to, I love hearing from you!)โค๏ธ
Iโve also added to myย OHDH trivia postย to cover this chapter if anyone is interested (and there's quite a few new points for this one, as I ended up doing a lot of research lol).
Chapter 20: Something Old, Something New
Dappled light filtered through the Venetian blinds, splintering across the polished wooden furnishings and along the plush carpeted floor, bathing the hotel room in tints of gold. No traces remained of yesterdayโs rain after a warm start to the morning, and the forecast miraculously looked promising for the hours ahead.
Horacio stood facing a floor-length mirror, his fingers wrestling with his jacket and a Cattleya orchid buttonhole until he tutted and gave up. It was the final addition to his outfit: a three-piece mid-grey suit, a pale olive green dress shirt, a bottle green tie and dark brown shoes.
โCome here.โ Javier abandoned fastening his burgundy tie, letting it hang untied and loose around his neck. Instead, he took the buttonhole from Horacio and delicately pinned the flower on his left lapel. It matched the one already placed on his navy blue three-piece, which he had teamed with a rose-pink dress shirt and black shoes.
โThanks. Itโs been a long time since Iโve worn one of these. Iโm out of practice.โ The last wedding Horacio attended had been a friend of Julianaโs, and for some reason, attaching a flower to his jacket was trickier than his CNP lapel pins.
โAt least the last time wasnโt your own weddingโฆwhich you never actually made it to.โ
โFair point.โ
Javier smoothed down Horacioโs lapels, slow caresses on either side, chestnut lost in charcoal as he took all of him in. โBeautiful.โ
โLikewise.โ Horacioโs fingers slid up to Javierโs tie and worked their magic, managing a knot neater than Javier could ever make. He positioned and repositioned it at the collar until it was symmetrical.
โSatisfied?โ
โHmm, not quite.โ He took hold of the length of the tie, pulling Javier down a couple of inches to his height, fresh mint and aftershave hitting their senses as they settled into it, careful not to squash the flowers at their breast.
Javier breathed hard against Horacioโs mouth. โI take it we havenโt got time forโโ
โAbsolutely not.โ Although Horacio was panting as he re-straightened Javierโs tie, the sight of each other in formal wear a distracting novelty. โWeโre meeting Steve downstairs in 5 minutes.โ
โShame. I miss Madrid already.โ
โOur bed will still be there when we get back.โ
โWho said anything about a bed?โ
โCome on, we canโt be late,โ Horacio reiterated with great reluctance, avoiding the look he knew Javier was giving him. โYou ready?โ
Javier took a deep breath and picked up the invitation from the nearby nightstand, his eyes scanning over the details one last time.
Juana Marisol Vargas Restrepo
Y
Felipe Gabriel Trujillo Rojas
Con la bendiciรณn de sus familias, te invitan a celebrar su boda
(With the blessing of their families, they invite you to celebrate their wedding)
El sรกbado, 21 de enero de 1995
(Saturday 21st January, 1995)
A las tres de la tarde
(At 3 in the afternoon)
Iglesia del Seรฑor de las Misericordias, Manrique
(Church of the Lord of the Mercies, Manrique)
Recepciรณn a seguir en el Jardรญn Botรกnico de Medellรญn
(Reception to follow at the Botanical Garden of Medellรญn)
โI think so. Of all the churches in Medellรญn, though.โ
Horacio let out a wry huff to match Javierโs. โI know. The brideโs choice, apparently. Plus, itโs close by for the reception.โ
Javier hummed, his eyes still glued to the invitation as if the antidote to the discomfort simmering in the pit of his stomach was hidden between the lines.
โYou okay?โ
โYeahโฆyeah, Iโm fine. It was always gonna be like this. Wasnโt it? Being back here.โ
โI donโt think thereโs a way around it. But at least itโs a celebration this time.โ Horacio placed a gentle kiss on Javierโs forehead. โAnd itโll be okay.ย Weโllย be okay.โ
โI know.โ
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After locating Steve, they shared a taxi to the church, where they met Connie and Olivia on account of Olivia being in a particularly fussy mood.
โI think itโs the travelling and being out of routine. She was up early this morning. So, of course, sheโs tiredย now.โ Connie gestured towards Olivia, fast asleep in her dadโs arms, before hugging Javier and Horacio.
โYou look stunning, love the dress,โ Javier said, noticing he owned a shirt in the same shade of turquoise.
โAw thank you, you all look so handsome!โ Connie stood back to admire them then leaned in to kiss Steve. โAnd not hungover?โ she added with a raised brow, rubbing away the smudge of lipstick left behind on his cheek. โI take it I need to thank Horacio again for keeping you in one piece?โ
It took Horacio a second to get what Connie was referring to. But then he remembered a paralytic pair of DEA agents slumped in the back of his car, alongside practically carrying Javier to his bedroom, removing his outer layers and plying him with water, then lying him on his side with a pillow behind his back.
Horacio had been heading for the door when a slurred noise over his shoulder stopped him. One that sounded suspiciously like โStay.โ He couldnโt prove it or ask for clarification. But nor could he leave. So, he stayed until he was reassured Javier was safe and sleeping soundly. Then he tiptoed home, relieved the next day to find Javier had no recollection of any of it.
โI donโt know about that,โ Horacio said in the here and now. โWe were all on our best behaviour for today.โ
โYeah, Murphy needs his beauty sleep these days. Isnโt that right?โ Javier threw a wink in Steveโs direction and wondered if Connieโs choice of words meant what he thought they did.
โWell, some of us actually have to go to work, Peรฑa,โ Steve shot back with a self-satisfied curl of the lips.
Connie playfully slapped Steve on the shoulder. โIgnore him, heโs just jealous.โ
โCanโt even deny it.โ
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Guests began to file up the stone steps into the church, the Murphys following once they had roused Olivia awake, with Javier and Horacio hanging back at the top of the stairs.
Their arms rested over the balcony wall as they surveyed the road beneath. There was no CNP vehicle parked up this time, but instead, a hive of activity with guests being dropped off and a space reserved for the brideโs imminent arrival.
โIt feels like a fucking lifetime ago, doesnโt it?โ
โIt was.โ
โI, er, never saw her again. Helena, I mean. I secured her a visa โ figured it was the least I could do after everything. But she took her kid and ran before I could give it to her. Her neighbour said she was staying with her sister in Peru, butโฆwho knows?โ
Javier wasnโt sure if she evenย hadย a sister, but he always hoped it was the truth. He always hoped she and her family were safe and that she found the strength to put what happened behind her. But of course, he had no fucking clue if these were comforting lies heโd told himself over the years. It wasnโt love, whatever they had. Far from it. He knew that back then let alone now. But for a short while, they cared in their own way, and as much as their circumstances and jobs allowed them to.
โProbably for the best. It wouldnโt have been safe here.โ
โNo, I made sure of that.โ Javierโs hand dug harshly into the jagged stone, leaving dents in his skin until the subtle and discreet touch of a finger made contact with his own, pulling him out of his spiralling self-flagellation. โShit, sorry. I didnโt plan on bringing all this up. Especially not today.โ
โItโs okay. And itโs not like we ever really talked about it at the time.โ
It had been a sore point for Horacio, not that he understood why back then. Of course, he knew Helena wasnโt the first or the last, but he could see whatever they had, however short-lived, went beyond the mere transactional. Heโd never seen Javier so worried for an informant, and as it turned out, he had every reason to be. Then, she stopped being a threat and became yet another victim.
โFunnily enough, no. You just took it out on Steve instead.โ
A knowing look eased the tension in an instant.
โCould you blame me?โ
โAbsolutely not. Especially when he was encroaching on your territory.โ
Javier couldnโt resist a wink, which caused a muttered โFuck youโ followed by their shoulders shaking in unison.
Once calm was restored, Horacio turned to face the church, the wall bearing the brunt of his weight. โLooking back now, though, I donโt think I shouldโve been so surprised by what you did for me in Cartagena and Tolรบ.โ
โWhyโs that?โ
โBecause I did the same for you that night here in Medellรญn.โ
Javier joined Horacio; both now stood side by side, their gaze meeting in an acknowledgement of the rich history that existed between them that no words could ever fully convey.
And with the scattered remnants of their past now confined to distant memories they could at last put behind them, they made their way into the church.ย
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A waterfall of roses, carnations and orchids tied together with matching ribbons cascaded a rainbow of purple, yellow and white down the rows of pews. The flowers were supplied by the mother of the groom, who conveniently was a florist by profession. Every August, Medellรญn burst into bloom for Feria de las Flores, so if anyone was going to be in charge of the arrangements, it was her.
Candles lit a path from the aisle to the altar, reminding Horacio not only of Dรญa de las Velitas but of his and Javierโs recreation of the festival during their first Christmas in Laredo. He was about to take a seat when he caught a flash of green dress uniform in the wings of the church and a pair of dark eyes picking him out of the congregation.
He excused himself to the sacristy at the side of the altar.
Trujillo peered out to the pews as his hands alternated between fidgeting with the knot of his tie and his cufflinks. โIs she here yet?โ
โNot yet.โ Horacio straightened Trujilloโs tie knot. โBut itโs still early.โ
โYeah.โ Trujillo nodded and took a deep breath.
โSheโll be here before you know it. So relax. Iย thinkย weโve been through worse.โ Horacioโs lips stayed neutral for an impressively long spell until he caved.
โMy hand was steady as a rock on that rooftop. But today?โ Trujillo held out his hand to show the hint of a tremor.
โYou ended something once and for all on that rooftop. Something that needed endingโฆfor your father, Alfredo and Sebastiรกn. For you. For Colombia. But today is the start of your future.โ
โI always thought they would have been here for this one day. So, thank you. For being here instead. For coming back...after everything. For all those early morning drills and target practice. And for the free drinks.โ
They laughed at the fact Horacio was a man of his word and hadnโt let Trujillo buy a single drink since arriving here.
โItโs the least I could do. And if you ever need anything, Felipe, donโt be afraid to ask.โ
โLikewiseโฆHoracio. That goes for Javier, too.โ
Their silence was an acknowledgement that they had just shared an ending and a beginning of their own, no longer comrades in arms or superior and subordinate, but something different again, something equal.
โIย thoughtย my ears were burning,โ came a voice from the doorway.
โGreat way to kill the moment, Peรฑita.โ
โSorry. I wanted to wish you luck. And offer you some Dutch Courage, if you're interested?โ Javier produced a hip flask from behind his back. โA present from Search Bloc,โ was his answer to the quizzical looks he was met with.
โJust a taste, then. I donโt want Juana thinking Iโm drunk.โ Trujillo took a restrained swig. โAny last-minute advice?โ he asked Javier, passing him the flask.
โYou want marriage advice fromย me? Er, donโt do a runner before she gets here?โ
โGood one, brother.โ
โHe did warn you,โ Horacio added, shooting Javier a pointed look.
โTrue. Although,โ Trujillo lowered his voice and glanced at the doorway, โneither of you might be married, butโฆyouโve been through a lot together. And I think itโs made you stronger. So, you must be doing something right.โ
A wordless nod and one last swig for good measure were exchanged.
Javier and Horacio were unsure if it was the alcohol or something else causing the heat to rise in their cheeks. But either way, they were in quiet agreement with Trujilloโs assessment.
It wasnโt long before the words โSheโs here!โ were whispered with barely contained glee from beyond the door, and it was time to take their places.
The ceremony, even the drier elements, passed quicker than most weddings Javier and Horacio had been to. It was the first one Javier had attended sinceโฆwell, not even his own now he thought about it because he never made it to the church. He never saw Lorraineโs dress either, as, unsurprisingly, she had changed out of it by the time he was forced to explain himself. Not that Javier really could explain at the time. But then, it was much easier to understand something was wrong once he knew what was right.
Between Felipeโs pristine uniform and Juanaโs mantilla veil, memories of Horacio's Mamรก wearing a strikingly similar black veil to his Papรกโs funeral came to mind. But once upon a time, they had also stood at an altar like this with their shared life ahead of them, and even though the injustice of it being cut short would always linger, on this occasion, Horacio chose to cherish the fact it existed in the first place.
Furtive glances travelled between him and Javier as they bowed their heads to pray during the candle ceremony and for the exchange of rings and arras coins. It was a silent confirmation that whilst these rituals werenโt an option for them in the eyes of the law or church, their unofficial versions were no less significant.ย
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They moved on to the reception at Jardรญn Botรกnico de Medellรญn in the evening, a place Horacio hadnโt been to since his youth. The wedding meal was to be served under a spectacular orchid-shaped wooden canopy in the centre of the gardens. Tables dressed in white linen were decorated with flower arrangements to match those at the church, and favours included coffee beans and orchid seeds.
The newlyweds sat at the top table surrounded by close family and their padrinos and madrinas, the echoes of war still loud and everlasting given the notable absences. Javier, Horacio, Steve, Connie and Olivia sat on the next one, along with some familiar Search Bloc faces and Carlos Holguรญn staff.
At the adjacent table were Martรญnez Senior and Junior. Horacio and Martรญnez Senior had only crossed paths at occasional ceremonies and dinners, even though their fathers worked more closely in the past. As the war on drugs kicked in, it became apparent the two men had polar opposite approaches to their jobs. And whilst Horacio made Escobar his mission, Martรญnez took a different path, specialising in FARC operations in the jungle instead. Until their paths converged, that was.
โDo you think he knows?โ Javier muttered over the rim of his champagne flute after Martรญnez Seniorโs eyes briefly fell on them.
โAbout us? Why would he?โ Horacio replied into the palm of his hand as he scratched his upper lip.
โI dunno. He knew about everything else. And he must have questions.โ
โIโm sure he does. But do you think heโll even want to speak to us? I already know he hates my guts.โ
โHe might be pleasantly surprised youโre not dead. You never know.โ
Their hushed conversation was thankfully drowned out by Olivia interrogating Connie about everything from the guestsโ outfits to the flower arrangements and when the food was coming, whilst Steve caught up with Jacoby.
The tables were soon full of plates and dishes bearing carne asada, lechona, patacones, arepas, tamales, milhojas, concadas, cuajada con melao, fruit salads and the centre piece Torta Negra Colombiana, decorated with flowers to match the colour scheme.
The cutting of the Torta Negra followed before the space was re-arranged, guests spilling out into the surrounding gardens, refreshing their drinks at the various pop-up bars or walking amongst the flowers and trees.
By dark, a dancefloor was unveiled in the centre of the canopy with a band playing cumbia, vallenato, merengue, bambuco, salsa and beyond.
Once the bride had thrown her bouquet, the single male guests gathered to place a shoe beneath her dress. Javier managed to escape the ritual in favour of sitting back and watching from the sidelines. But at the risk of inviting prying questions from his former colleagues if he did the same, Horacio reluctantly added his shoe to the pile. Typically, his was chosen by Juana, which, as per tradition, meant he would be next to marry.
From several feet away, Horacio could see Javierโs suggestive eyebrow and overt smirk, and they were even more brazen close up when Horacio re-joined him.
โShould we pick out rings, orโฆ?โ
An eyeroll was the only answer Javier was ever going to get to that question, and it came right on cue.
โBecause, er,โ Javier continued regardless, clearing his throat and casually glancing around to make sure no one was in earshot, โseeing you in your shirt stays this morning got me thinking how fucking good youโd look in a wedding garter.โ
As Horacio was hit with a barrage of mental images and a dry mouth, a large cheer erupted as the next tradition got underway. This time, all male guests โ not just the single ones โ were rounded up to remove their belts, the idea being that the man with the longest belt was the winner. Of what exactly, Horacio was never sure when this had played out at past Colombian weddings heโd been to.
He stood opposite Javier as they fumbled with buckles, unhooking the leather straps from their belt loops and pulling them off in one swift motion. Their eyes remained fixed on each other from start to finish, an act fuelled by Javierโs last words.
The sound of cheering pulled them back with reluctance to the proceedings, and even though their belts were probably slightly longer than they used to be, they werenโt declared the winners.ย
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As the drinks flowed, so did the dancing, regardless of whether the paired-up guests knew each other or whether they could actually dance.
Javierโs next partner was a familiar face, though, who had at least taken a few dance classes to get to know some locals when first arriving in Colombia.
โIs Steve with Olivia?โ he asked, grateful for a slower number so he could catch his breath and talk.
โOh, no, sheโs with the Jacobys. Sheโs made friends with their daughter, Chloe - theyโre around the same age.โ Connie twirled underneath Javierโs outstretched arm and back around again. โSteve isย convenientlyย helping Horacio with the next round of drinks. He always did have hips as stiff as a board. I had to practically drag him up for our first dance.โ
โThatโฆdoesnโt surprise me.โ
โAnd what about Horacio?โ Connie whispered into Javierโs shoulder as their feet slid across the floor in time with the music. โDoes he need to loosen his hips, or is he a dark horse?โ
โYou should know a man never dances and tells. Butโฆโ Javier spun Connie on her heel again, pulling her close so his head was near her ear this time. โI can assure you thereโs nothing wrong with his hips.โ
โThatย doesnโt surprise me either. When did you say you were heading to Manizales?โ
โIn a couple of days.โ Javier swallowed hard now the subject had been raised.
โHowโs he holding up?โ
โOkay. Weโve not really talked about it since Madrid. Figured weโd deal with it after the wedding, but -โ Javier scoffed, cutting himself off mid-sentence.
โNow itโs nearly here,โ Connie finished for him.
โExactly. But I guess we couldnโt hide in Spain forever.โ As tempting as it was some days.
They somehow made it to the other side of the dancefloor, narrowly avoiding multiple couples before escaping back to their table once the song was over.
โHowโre you finding being back again?โ Connie asked.
โWeird.โ
โYeah. Definitely weird at first.โ
Their shared laughter came like a sigh of relief, a release of tension now they had spoken the truth out loud.
โBut different.โ
โItโs not like last time, right?โ There was uncertainty in her unblinking eyes, a plea not only for reassurance but for honesty as well.
โTrujillo said anyone left from the cartel with half a brain cell skipped town or went underground before Pabloโs body was cold. Theyโve been tracking down anyone dumb enough to have stuck around. So, no. Itโs not like last time. I promise.โ
His tone was soft but he looked Connie in the eye until she nodded, needing the conviction as much as she did.
โI know I never visited Madrid like I said I would โ blame your ex-employer for that, by the way โ but for what itโs worth, I donโt think Medellรญnโs the only one whoโs different now. So, whatever happens, Javiโฆโ
โI know.โ
His hand found its way to hers on the table and gently squeezed. An acceptance that there was no denying traces of the past, as they had already discovered, but a translucent overlay had been placed on top of it now. Whether the two could co-exist in the long run, nobody yet knew, but at least it was finally the chance of a future for them and Medellรญn.ย
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Horacio picked one of the quieter bars, reeling off a list of drinks to the bartender and perching on a stool while he waited for his order.
โThought you might need a hand.โ
Before Horacio could respond, Steve had already sat on the adjacent stool, his back to the bar to accommodate his long legs.
โYou sure youโre not just avoiding the dancefloor, Agent Murphy?โ There was a hint of a mock interrogative tone to his voice as he turned sideways to face Steve.
Steve held his hands up in surrender. โYou got me there. Althoughโฆโ He dipped into the inside pocket of his black suit jacket and pulled out a couple of cigars. โCourtesy of the groom, if youโre interested?โ
Horacio broke into a laugh. โHe paid up, then.โ
โDamn right.โ Steve held one of the cigars closer to Horacio, tempting him despite the conflicted look Horacio was giving it. โI wonโt tell Javi if you donโt tell Con.โ
Horacio sighed and rolled his eyes. โFine.โ He put the cigar between his lips and took the lighter from Steve, hovering the flame near the foot until it took.
Steve did the same, a woody haze soon encircling them.
The bartender appeared with a trayful of drinks and once he was gone again, Horacio lifted a beer bottle and slid it across to Steve. โI never got a chance to say thank you.โ
โFor what?โ
โStechner.โ
A scowl stormed across Steveโs pupils, and he took a quick hard swig from his beer bottle, placing it back on the table with a little more force than intended. โIt was my fuckinโ pleasure. You shouldโve seen his face. Covered in blood and tears in his eyes when my hand squeezed his throat.โ
He swapped his beer for his cigar, relishing in that sweet memory as a ring of smoke hovered above his head like a misplaced halo.
Every now and then, Steve still surprised Horacio. Because occasionally, Horacio caught glimpses of the turbulence that raged beneath the surface. It was a clumsier, more unrefined version than he was accustomed to, but he recognised and understood it nonetheless.
โNot sure Iโd have been able to stop squeezing,โ Horacio confessed.
โIt was touch and go for a minute. But rumour has it, the new Country Attachรฉ, Alana Cortรฉs, and Messina were roommates all the way through their Academy days. And for a few years afterโฆbefore Cortรฉs took an assignment in Mexico out of the blue. But now sheโs back.โ Steve toasted the air with his beer bottle. โSo good luck to our old friend,ย Bill, trying to pull her strings.โ
Horacio raised his glass to meet Steveโs bottle, although there was an ulterior motive to leaning forward a fraction. โI take it youโve heard nothing else about the photos?โ His words were delivered towards the floor in case of the minutest likelihood anyone around them was the worldโs best lip reader.
โNot a thing. But Iโd handle it if something did happen; you have my word. Caliโs beyond my remit, but Iโd put good money on Stechnerโs attention being there now he canโt use us anymore.โ
โYouโre probably right.โ
โOh, andย youย were right, too.โ
โAbout what?โ
โJavi tryin' to shut me out.โ
โWell, thanks for not letting him.โ
They bowed their heads and returned to their cigars, a surprisingly comfortable silence sitting between them.
โHow was he in Madrid?โ Steve asked in the end.
โGood, mostly. There were bad days, obviously. But he sleeps better now.โ
โHeโs not the only one.โ
โNo. I think thereโs a lot of that going around.โ
โItโs weird though, right?โ
โWhatโs that?โ
โBeing back. Like it was all just some fuckinโ dream. Like it wasnโt really me on that rooftop. Like everyone knew it shouldโve been you in that photo instead.โ
Horacio might not have been there for the final showdown, but he'd seen enough newspapers and bulletins to know that photo well. The one where Escobarโs limp body was held up to the camera like a trophy, now the hunt was over.
โYeah, well, I made sure it wasnโt me, didnโt I?โ he said matter-of-factly. โIโve had to make my peace with it. And so should you.โ
โI played out that moment so many times. Thought about all the ways weโd catch him. Over and over, I let it run through my head. But I wasnโt expecting him to look soโฆpathetic. Like any other son of a bitch criminal runninโ scared when his timeโs up.โ
โBecause thatโs all he was. But it was real. And heโs gone. No matter what happens, they canโt take that away from us.โ
โBut now what?โ
โNow, we live our lives. We donโt forget, but we move on.โ
โIโll drink to that.โ
Just as they toasted their drinks, they were rumbled.
โMightโve known this is where youโd be hiding. Found them!โ Javier called over his shoulder.
Trujillo followed behind Javier; his police uniform now exchanged for a lightweight guayabera. โAnything to avoid a dancefloor. Blondie, are those my cigars?โ
โI think youโll find theyโreย mineย now, Major. I might have a couple of spares lying around, though.โ Steve reached into his pocket and pulled out more like he was performing a magic trick.
Trujillo rubbed his hands together. โNow youโre talking.โย
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Once Steve had braved the canopy to pass Connie her drink, the four men retreated to a deserted part of the gardens where pine tables and chairs with canvas covering them were dotted amongst the trees. White lights hung across the branches like fireflies and lanterns lined the decked walkways, the party and dancing reduced to a murmur in the distance.
The quartet sat around one of the pine tables, the first time they had been together like this since the old days back at Carlos Holguรญn.
โCan you believe weโre finally here?โ Trujillo asked, savouring the spicy scent of his cigar as it combined with the fresh floral notes of the forest.
โAt your wedding? Barely.โ
Trujillo rolled his eyes at Javierโs teasing and shook his head. โYou can tick comedian off your list of career options.โ
Steve sucked in air through his teeth at their war of words. โSee what I had to put up with.โ
โSays the white boy who needed me to be his fucking translator 24/7.โ
A collective braying sound travelled around the table this time before it morphed into laughter and Steve making use of any Spanish swear word he could think of.
โBut in all seriousness...no, not really,โ Javier replied in earnest after they returned to their cigars.
โSometimes when I wake up, it takes me a minute to remember heโs not still lurking out there somewhere.โ
โBut heโs not.โ Horacioโs eyes glowed with steely determination, needing to put a line under this once and for all. โYou made sure of that. You gave Medellรญn a future. And now itโs time to start yours.โ He raised his glass to the centre of the table. โTo Juana and Felipe.โ
โTo Juana and Felipe!โ Javier and Steve echoed as their drinks clinked with Horacioโs.
โAnd to Colombia,โ Felipe added.
โTo Colombia!โ
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Once the cigars were stubbed out, Trujillo and Horacio were pulled away for a Search Bloc reunion, leaving Javier and Steve to their drinks.
โI was telling Carrillo about Cortรฉs earlier.โ
โHowย didย you find out about her, by the way? You never said on the phone.โ
โJust some good old fashionedย slightlyย off-the-record detective work, thatโs all.โ
โYou covered your tracks, though, right? Because theyโll know it was you who gave her my intel. Even if they canโt prove it.โ
โโCourse. Although it wouldnโt take a fuckinโ genius to figure that out. Same with Stechnerโs busted face. Donโt think anyone bought it was your handiwork.โ
โTo be fair, thereโs a critical shortage of geniuses in the DEA. Present company included, obviously.โ
โObviously.โ Steve retaliated by raising his middle finger in response to Javierโs trademark wink. โBut most people hate Stechner as much as we do, so no one came asking. Never saw him around the school again after that, although Iโm sure he mustโve been prowlin' about somewhere.โ
โMore than likely. So, erโฆno oneโs mentioned the photos either?โ
โNo. And like I told Carrillo, even if they did, Iโd handle it, Javi. I promise. Thereโs more shit on Stechner out there, I fuckinโ know it. Messina was getting too close, remember. I donโt think Iโll have to dig deeper, but look at it as an insurance policy.โ
โMakes sense. And thanks, Steve. For Stechner. For the intel. For reassuring Horacio, apparently.โ
Javier laughed at the thought of them engaged in something resembling a heart-to-heart. But if truth be told, it brought warmth to his chest to realise the two men could be considered friends-of-sorts these days. Not that he dared tell them that.
Steve gave a lazy salute with one hand whilst the other took a swig of his drink. โDonโt expect that to become a habit, by the way.โ
And there it was, right on cue, just as Javier anticipated. โOh, no, of course not.โ
โIt was a one-time-only Wedding Special kinda deal.โ
โRight. Exactly.โ
Javier took a long sip of his drink to hide the smirk threatening to explode into an undiplomatic laugh if he wasnโt careful.
โAny idea when youโre moving back to the States?โ Steve asked, seemingly oblivious to Javierโs impressive restraint.
โNot really. It depends on Horacioโs visa. We havenโt decided on the best route yet. Iโd forgotten how much fucking paperworkโs involved.โ
It was no wonder Javier held such disdain for bureaucracy when the wrong piece of paper was the difference between crossing a border and not. When someoneโs life was reduced down to a list of rigid criteria without much consideration for the sacrifice and hardship it often took to get to that point in the first place. It was why he had done his best to help informants get an American visa wherever possible, even if it meant bending rules until they snapped.
He knew Horacio had more options than most โ more than his grandparentsโ generation did โ and they had been lucky with their past visas. But he tried not to think about the fact their future would be in the hands of an officious government administrator. One most likely not prepared to bend any rules in the slightest.
โYou got that right. Donโt sโpose heโs thought about law enforcement?โ
Javier shot Steve a sharp look. โHilarious.โ
โI thought so. And what about you? Any ideas whatโs next?โ
โMe? Fuck, I dunno, man. Guess Iโll cross that bridge when I come to it.โ
โYouโll both figure it out, yโknow.โ
โOh really?โ
โYeah. You always do. Youโre like me and Con. Weโve had our rough patches, several of โem while we were here โ and a few more since we left, come to think of it โ but somehow, we get through it. Same as you and Horacio.โ
โYou drunk, Murphy?โ
Steve contemplated that as though he hadnโt considered the possibility until now despite the array of empty glasses covering the table. โFuck, I think I am.โ He let out a loud snigger before hushing himself. โDonโt tell anyone.โ
โMy lips are sealed.โ For all of Javierโs stoicism, he stood no chance, and it wasnโt long before they were giggling like schoolboys.
โAbout the rough patches, thoughโฆโ Steve said once they had calmed down. โAny tips?โ
โSomeone once told me itโs okay to not always be in the same boat even if youโre in the same storm. Sometimes, you just need your own boat. But as long as youโre trying to sail in the same direction...andย wantย to be in the same boat as much as possible, you can get through it.โ
โHuh. Maybe itโs the alcohol, but that actually makes sense. Who do I need to thank?โ
Javier smiled, almost able to smell fresh churros if he closed his eyes hard enough. โSomeone a lot older and wiser than us.โ
โFigures. And my point still stands, by the way.โ
โWhat pointโs that exactly?โ
โYou might not have worked out the finer details yet, butโฆโ Steve gestured for Javier to move forward as though he was about to share highly classified intel. โThe worstโs over now. We donโt forget, but we move on.โ He nodded sagely before dropping his voice to little more than an alcohol-infused rumble. โThis is your happy ending, Javi. Go live it.โ
As they returned to the party, Steve alternating between leaning against Javier and patting him enthusiastically on the back whilst attempting something vaguely resembling Spanish, there was no doubt in Javierโs mind that Steve was wasted and probably had been for most of their conversation.
But when it came to the sentiment behind Steveโs garbled words, something told Javier that didnโt matter.
------------------------------------------------------
Maybe it was Horacioโs age or the quiet life he had become accustomed to, but he couldnโt keep up with Search Blocโs drinking. The aguardiente shots were in full flow when he left them to it, doubling back towards where he had left Javier and Steve.
He made it past the bustle of the bar and round the corner towards a small rock garden with a walkway to the trees lying beyond.
โSo, the rumours were true, then.โ
Force of habit made Horacio momentarily reach for where his gun holster used to be as he spun around to face the voice from the shadows of a wooden bench.
โDepends which ones youโre talking about,โ he replied in a measured tone now he knew the source of the voice. โYou canโt believe everything you hear.โ
โWell, letโs put it this way...you certainly look well for a dead man, Colonel Carrillo.โ
โYou almost sound disappointed.โ
โNot at all. Vengeance isnโt my style.โ
โNor mine these days.โ
โSo Iโve heard. Congratulations on your retirement. Iโd say that beats jail, wouldnโt you?โ
Horacio scoffed as he sat on the opposite end of the bench, his brow flexing at such an expertly delivered blow. โI guess I deserved that.โ
โI think we both know what a man deserves and what a man gets are rarely the same thing.โ
โTrue. But youโll always be Colonel Martรญnez: the man who stopped Escobar.โ
โPerhaps so. But was death not the easier way out?โ
โEasier than what? Vengeance?โ
โJustice.โ Martรญnez gave Horacio a long look from his end of the bench. โGaviria was the one who wanted him dead. Itโs no wonder you two got along so well.โ
โI did my duty. As Gaviria did his and you did yours. We played the hands we were dealt.โ
โYes, and he dealt mine well when he signed my son up to Search Bloc before offering me your job.โ
Realisation slowly spread across Horacioโs face, and without meaning to, he gave Martรญnez a look tinged with pity. โIโm sorry.โ
โDonโt be. I kept him alive. He was transferred to a new intel unit insteadโฆwhere he intercepted radio transmissions from Pablo the day we caught him.โ
A curve of a smile formed on Horacioโs lips. โFunny how it works out sometimes.โ
Horacio was reminded of his own double-edged sword of a path to becoming leader of Search Bloc. The journey began with Javier and a briefcase full of cash being deposited in the lap of General Jaramillo, forcing the Generalโs greedy hand to appoint Horacio as head of the anti-drug squad and make him a Colonel. A job that was already a poisoned chalice on account of his predecessor winding up dead at the hands of the cartel.
Javier using gringo money to buy Horacio a promotion had been a bone of contention between them back then. Too many heated discussions under the influence led to an argument where โEverybody works for somebody" and โDonโt ever mistake me for one of your whores againโ were the last words to hang between them in a heavy fog of smoke, whiskey and undefinable tension for several weeks. During which time, Horacio was even more ruthless than usual. And as if to prove a point, Javier practically became a temporary resident at his favourite brothel.
The hypocrisy of the situation had sat uneasily under Horacioโs skin when he had always taken such a hard line on bribery from the narcos. Was this really any different?
But conversely, if he hadnโt been allowed to build his own force of incorruptible men, he would never have led the operation on Gacha. He would never have ended up in those quarters in Tolรบ with Javier. On his cot with Javier underneath him.
โYes, it is. I did tell Gaviria I would bring Escobar into custody unless he resisted. But of course, he resisted.โ
โThen maybe Escobar didnโt care about justice as much as you think he did. And thereโs nothing you could have done about that.โ
โArenโtย weย supposed to care about justice, though? And I donโt mean the vigilante kind you and Los Pepes were so fond of administering.โ
โYou sound like the gringos I used to work with.โ A surge of nostalgia rose in Horacioโs chest, and heโd have been surprised if it wasnโt showing on his face. Although, of course, it was one gringo in particular he had in mind.
โIf you think I wanted Escobar to be extradited to an American jail, youโre mistaken. He was our problem to deal with, not theirs.โ
โYeah, well, I donโt give a fuck about a corrupt form of justice. How would that have been better than what I did? So many judges, politicians and journalists were bought or killed alongside our men. He wanted Colombia to bleed, and heโd have done whatever it took to make sure he didnโt remain in a cell. You, Trujillo, Search Blocโฆyou cauterised the wound that no one else could.โ
โFor now. I think we both know this was something of a Pyrrhic victory. And not the end.โ
โTwo things we can agree on.โ
Reluctant smiles crossed their faces despite everything.
โI think our fathers managed a few more.โ
โSo I was told at Papรกโs wake. How is your father doing these days?โ
โHeโs fine. Retired now but relieved the hunt is over. I think he hated watching from the sidelines.โ
โI know the feeling.โ
The distant drumbeat of the live band carried on the gentle breeze through the garden, whispering like ghosts through the plants and trees surrounding them.
โI may not have agreed with your methods, but I was very sorry about your father.โ
โMe too. And for what itโs worth, I think my father wouldโve been sorry about my methods as well.โ
โI cannot imagine how losing a parent so young would have changed my path. And to be clear, this isn't to be taken as an excuse, but by your own ethos, you played the cards you were dealt, did you not?โ
Horacio laughed. โSomething like that.โ
โI must admit, you were a tough act to follow.โ
โWas I?โ
โYes. The level of respect you commanded from your men wasnโt easy to replicate.โ
โYou still got invited here, though.โ
โTrue. And I accepted the invite despite my suspicions the groom was assisting Agent Peรฑa before his departure.โ
Horacioโs jaw ticked in anticipation of the treacherous tightrope he would need to tread here. He and Javier were out, done, without their badges or weapons. But Trujillo wasnโt.
โSuspicions or evidence?โ he settled on in the end.
โSuspicions based on what I witnessed. But I think thereโs irrefutable evidence his and Peรฑaโs unfaltering loyalty rested with you rather than with me.โ
โTrujillo also fired a bullet through Escobarโs skull.โ
โYes. An act I donโt judge him for in the circumstances. And rest assured, I have no intention of reporting my suspicions to anyone. Major Trujilloโs motives arenโt the ones still eluding me.โ
Horacio swallowed down the dread burning the back of his throat like bile that was in danger of choking him if he didnโt get rid of it quickly. โWhat are you talking about?โ
โYou never struck me as a man afraid of death. And whilst I can understand the ambush might have made some reconsider their career choice, I wouldnโt have put you down as one of them.โ
โDo you really think there was anything left for me in Search Bloc? My superiors already had your name on their lips to replace me long before I was shot.โ
โIn Search Bloc, perhaps not. But Iโm sure the CNP would have allowed you back once the dust settled. They forgave you for far worse than being shot.โ
Horacio huffed sarcastically despite how unwise it was to get sucked into the conversation. โI can assure you my decision was never about them. And itโs nothing you didnโt do for your son.โ
That seemed to be the winning blow as Martรญnez nodded in concession. โTrue. We canโt afford to be afraid of death in our profession. But when it comes to the people we love, I must confessโฆI canโt apply the same rule.โ
Horacio gripped the edge of the bench and focused intently on his feet, fearing even glancing in Martรญnezโs direction would fill in the few remaining blanks. He managed a minimal grunting noise in his throat that he hoped sounded like agreement.
โHowever, many times, Iโve asked myself why a man such as Peรฑa would have destroyed his career so recklessly, and so close to the finish line. But Iโve been unable to settle on an answer.โ
It wasnโt quite the change of subject Horacio hoped for. โWell, for starters,โ he began, raising his gaze from his shoes at last, not out of a newly acquired sense of bravery but because he knew he needed to be convincing. โI wouldnโt read too much into Judy Moncadaโs Get Out Of Jail Free Card.โ
โOh, I didnโt. I know Peรฑaโs role was only a small part of something a lot bigger than he, you or I could control. But I have to wonder what leverage they had over him to make a deal with the devil impossible to refuse.โ
Horacio had no intention of engaging further, but it wasnโt the first time he had wondered about the gap he left that was hastily โ and bloodily โ filled by Los Pepes. Would they even have been necessary if he'd never left? Or would they have tried their luck in approaching him with the offer of an allegiance? It caused his stomach to swoop if he focused too much on the people involved in that hypothetical scenario. But then he thought of Javier, and he knew with every fibre of his being if their roles had been reversed, he would have done the same.
โIโm sure every man has his reasons if the price is high enough.โ
Martรญnez cocked his head in Horacioโs direction with a creased brow, holding eye contact for a fraction longer than Horacio was comfortable with. โQuite.โ
Drunken laughter followed by a sniggered hush abruptly cut through the loud silence. The two Colonels โ past and present โ turned around to be met with the sight of Javier trying to control the swaying bulk of limbs belonging to his former partner.
Javier spotted them first and halted in his tracks, hoping the dim lighting hid the flash of horror on his face at the sight of two parallel universes colliding in front of him on a garden bench.
Steve apparently was oblivious to what they had stumbled across as he carried on along the path back to the party with just about enough of his faculties remaining to reunite with Connie.
โEverything alright?โ Javier asked, fingers twitching on his right hand as he looked from one side of the bench to the other, then back again.
โYeah, fine.โ But Horacioโs eyes found Javierโs in the flecks of light from the lanterns hanging amongst the tree branches and told a more complicated story. โWe were just comparing notes.โ
โOh yeah? Any interesting findings?โ Javierโs eyes stayed fixed on Horacioโs or the floor for the most part, only risking a brief glance or two at Martรญnez.
โA few,โ Martรญnez chipped in as he studied them more carefully than they were likely aware of. โSome that I will never be able to excuse or forgive, but I think I understand one thing more clearly now.โ
โWhatโs that?โ Horacio asked.
โI always believed there were two types of people in this world: those who rely on hope and those who rely on faith. But now, I see some rely on both.โ
Before Javier or Horacio could formulate a response, Martรญnez announced it was time to locate his son as they had early shifts in the morning.
Their farewell involved little more than a handshake, a stern nod and an exchange of โGood luck.โ But it was a necessary formality for all parties. A mark of mutual respect that wasnโt quite an offered or accepted olive branch but at least a truce. And that was enough.ย
------------------------------------------------------
โYou okay?โ Javier asked once Martรญnez had disappeared from view.
โYeah. Well, I guess it was inevitable at some point.โ
โDidnโt expect it to go like that, though. What the fuck did he mean? Just before he left. Does he know?โ
โMaybe. Maybe not. I donโt think heโs telling anyone anything either way.โ
โAgreed. We donโt have to stay if youโd rather -โ
โNo.โ Horacio was quiet for a second, craning his ear towards the sound of the band behind the large cluster of trees they had sat amongst earlier. โIโve got a better idea.โ
He looked around them in all directions, twice, to be on the safe side, then took Javier by the hand and escorted him along one of the walkways. However, they branched off in a different direction than before, Horacio surprising himself with childhood memories of the layout of this place that he assumed were lost to the sands of time.
โWhat are -?โ
โYouโll see.โ
The path spiralled in circles, leaving them surrounded by greenery until they arrived at a softly lit water fountain in the centre. They were somehow closer to the sound of the music, even though they had moved further away from the party.
As they stilled, Javier looked expectantly at Horacio, who was already removing his jacket, placing it carefully on the ground and rolling up his shirt sleeves.
Javier did the same, still not understanding what this was all about, but the look in Horacioโs eye made him want to find out.
Horacio stepped closer, moonlight casting reflections from the fountain, illuminating the spark of hunger glinting in his pupils. โIโve spent all night watching you dance with half the wedding party.โ One hand dropped to Javierโs waist and tugged him forward into his hold. โItโs my turn now.โ
Javierโs breath hitched as Horacio pressed them together, his hands automatically falling to Horacioโs hips to steady himself. โYou only had to ask,โ he said, the smoky timbre of his voice vibrating against Horacioโs ear.
โI thought line-dancing was more your thing.โ
Javier nipped at Horacioโs earlobe in revenge. โThat was when I was a kid. And you werenโt complaining about my dancing skills on our anniversary.โ
Horacio let out an agreeable sigh as he chased the scrape of Javierโs teeth. โNo, I wasnโt. But as nice as that was, we were hardly moving.โ
โTrue. And if you must know, the Texas Two-Step got me several phone numbers back in the day. Lorraineโs being one of them. She was more into it than me, but it was actually kinda funโฆfor a while anyway.โ
Memories of Saturday nights spent at old Texan dance halls and barn dances suddenly filled Javierโs mind. The faded aroma of leather and iron rust lingered alongside stale Lone Star beer, cigarette smoke and overpowering perfume as he led his partner across the worn wooden floor in time to the likes of Laura Canales and Hank Locklin.
His gaze would travel around the room โ which was easier during a do-si-do โ sometimes to make sure they didnโt collide with other dancers, sometimes to give anyone who caught his eye a discreet once-over. If he happened to hone in on a male dancer's tight-fitted jeans and fluid hip movements, it could easily be disguised as admiration for his female partner.
Not that it ever led to any encounters. Not there anyway; it wasnโt anonymous enough. But it was still a temptation. And yet another instance of feeling caught between two worlds: to have the tangible heat and beauty of a woman in his arms whilst fantasising about a mysterious, alluring man from afar, knowing he could never do the same with him in front of an audience.
โJuliana taught me to dance too. Or tried to, at least. She competed a lot when she was younger.โ
Horacio smiled at the unexpected memory of them practising in her parents' kitchen, her father watching them like a hawk, glaring every time Horacio put a foot wrong or his hands fell lower than her waist despite the fact she was a grown woman. And his hands had already done much more than that whenever they had the place to themselves. His relationship with her father was the polar opposite of his relationship with Chucho, now he thought about it.
It wasnโt Julianaโs fault, though. And when they were alone on a crowded dancefloor, before his job and life came between them, before he understood the strange, borderline resentment twisting in his chest if he clocked male dancers with a particular look or build, they were content.
One of their favourite clubs ran a cumbia contest on the first Saturday of each month. The prize was tokenistic, free drinks on their next visit, but that didnโt matter on the occasions they came first when Juliana would tell her parents the good news at church the following day. The look on her fatherโs face as Horacio tried and failed to stifle a smug expression at her side would always be priceless.
โYou ever danced any cumbia?โ he asked Javier now.
โSome. At parties, weddings, quinceaรฑerasโฆbut thatโs going back before I came to Colombia.โ There might have been a few hazy nights in clubs and bars over here as well, but dancing hadnโt been his modus operandi in those days.
โSo, youโve never done it with a Colombian?โ
Javierโs brow quirked of its own accord, and his tongue swept deliberately across his top lip. โNo, er, youโd be my first.โ
Horacio kept an impassive expression with his mouth, but his darkening pupils gave him away. โDonโt worry, Iโll be gentle.โ
โYou know that wonโt be necessary.โ
Somewhere in the middle of their flirtation, they loosened their embrace, one hand linked in the space between them as their feet stepped back and forth, then side to side, their movements mirroring one another. Quick, quick, slow, quick, quick, slow.
Without warning, Horacio pulled Javier across his body and under their arms, spinning him around with force, then bringing them face-to-face again.
โLucho Bermรบdez was one of the great musical legends here in Colombia. Still is after his death last year. Mamรก and my Abuelas listened to him all the time whenever the whole family got together. Do you know the name of this song?โ
Horacio waited until their noses were almost touching to ask as their feet subconsciously glided over the paving stones beneath them.
Javier merely shook his head, their legs intermittently brushing together as their hips popped to the beat before he was spun once, twice, thrice until he was dizzy and out of breath.
โTolรบ,โ Horacio whispered as they reconverged, his lips skimming Javierโs and his eyes flickering shut as flashes of them on his cot in their shadowed quarters flooded into view.
Javier teased his bottom lip over Horacioโs, moustache swiping back and forth until they shuddered, a different first time as fresh as if it happened yesterday.
But they never stopped dancing. Horacio looped through their arms until he had his back to Javier, one hand each gripped at Horacioโs waist. They shimmied sideways, their free hands entwined by their shoulders to guide them back and forth, switching their hold each time they travelled across the floor. Another spin, another brush of legs, or an electric look making it clear which memories of Tolรบ they were thinking of.
The song ended, leaving only their charged breaths and the evening breeze rustling through the maze of trees protecting them from prying eyes.
Then, the band struck up again, so they kept dancing. Their bodies and minds synchronised as they paid homage to the country that had brought them together in the unlikeliest circumstances, Horacio interjecting with memories from childhood whenever old classics were played. He was even forced to swear on the cross between their chests that he had nothing to do with the band playingย Noches de Cartagenaย of all songs.
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By the time Javier prised his eyes open, unwelcome rays were already bursting through any gap in the blinds they could find. He craned his neck above Horacioโs still form, his watch on the nightstand reading 8:45am; ouch.
Heโd survived on minimal sleep plenty of times, but he couldnโt remember getting home from a wedding past 5:00am before. If he was honest, they were tempted to call it a night once their private party for two ended. But it would have been rude to miss out on the dancers โ professional this time โ costumes and confetti of La Hora Loca. When in Colombia and all that.
They still had a few hours before they were to reconvene with the wedding party for the ultimate hangover cure of bandeja paisa, so Javierโs nose and moustache brushed over the nape of Horacioโs neck, arms slotting around him from behind.
A serene purr soon followed as Horacio stirred and leaned into Javierโs touch.
โSorry, didnโt mean to wake you.โ
Javierโs lips now worked their way to the side of Horacioโs neck, concentrating on a sweet spot below his ear.
โLiar.โ Although Horacioโs whole body arched and his head tilted to give Javier what he wanted.
โSurprised I was awake before you, to be honest.โ
โIt took me a while to get to sleepโฆall of two and a bit hours ago.โ Horacio winced into the pillow at how little rest heโd actually had.
โEverything okay?โ
โHmm, yeah.โ He raised his head and shifted so he was lying face-to-face with Javier. โI was just thinking about my family.โ
โMakes sense.โ
โWhen we arrived, we were so focused on the wedding. I didnโt let myself think about what comes next. But nowโฆโ
โI said the same to Connie last night. Butโฆmaybe weโre ready to rip off the band-aid.โ
โMaybe. Part of me just wanted to get it out of the way when I was lying awake. But you nodded off in record time.โ
โI think you wore me out.โ
โBut you enjoyed it, though?โ
โIt was perfect.โ Javier closed the space between them, seeking out Horacioโs lips until he was met with a hum of agreement.
Javier pushed his luck, ducking below Horacioโs ear and descending over the column of his throat. Testing the waters to see if Horacio wanted the distraction Javier was more than willing to provide. โAnd howโs this?โ
โPretty fucking perfect too.โ
Their kisses started languorous due to their lack of sleep, building to something fervid as Horacio nipped at Javierโs pout, catching it between his teeth until it was plump and swollen.
Javier retaliated, coaxing Horacioโs tongue towards his with expert flicks, tasting faint traces of last nightโs cigars, until he captured it and sucked, long and thorough.
Limbs tangled between bedsheets soon became Javier whimpering facedown into a pillow whilst Horacio dipped and devoured, creating a slick glide between Javierโs thighs, the relief visceral when lining up and pushing forwards.
Horacio experimented with bracing yet measured rotations as he mouthed along the expanse of Javierโs trapezius, lost in a sea of broad muscle. Heโd always loved watching the fabric of Javierโs shirts stretch and strain at his upper back, an eye-catching contrast to the narrow hips his jeans hugged oh so tightly. And now, the shirt wasnโt required, and he was the one setting Javierโs skin alight, triggering a visible response to every touch or movement like putty in Horacioโs hands.
Javier loved being vindicated that there was nothing wrong with Horacioโs hips whatsoever. Of being denied any forewarning of what came next from biting down on a pillow with his eyes screwed shut, the only way he could avoid prematurely spilling all over the sheets beneath him. It was a close call several times, calming breaths required to refocus, a request for Horacio to stop or slow down needed before it was game over.
Knowing he reduced Javier to begging because it was too much put Horacio on thin ice, and any more pleas like that would have finished him off. But the throbbing of his cock was in sync with his pulse, loud and insistent, and keeping still wasnโt having the same effect anymore. The salty taste on his tongue as it swiped over the nape of Javierโs neck where the silver chain still remained was an aphrodisiac he couldnโt ignore.
โFuck me,โ he rasped against Javierโs ear.
Without hesitation, Javier flipped onto his back, the loss of contact causing an ache of frustration. But it was replaced by straddling, groping and grinding, propelling Horacio up the mattress until his thighs were encased around Javierโs head.
Now it was Javierโs turn to feast, spreading Horacio with vigour, darting, licking, kissing, leaving trails of saliva, moaning as his cock was engulfed and fingers danced over his balls.
The scratch of nails scored Horacioโs ass as he worked Javier over, lapping with greed, hollowing his cheeks, bobbing his head and switching up the strength of suction, putting everything they had learnt in Madrid into practice.
They pulled off before it was too late, grabbing the bottle of lube and lying supine across the mattress with Javier underneath Horacio.
Javierโs feet were planted flat on the bed, giving him enough purchase to buck upwards with force, one hand holding on at the waist whilst the other roamed freely across the plains of Horacioโs chest, kneading fistfuls of pectoral muscles and skimming over his rib cage down to his thighs.
Javier caressed each thigh in turn, circling and massaging with his thumb, marvelling at how the span of his hand only reached a fraction of the way around them. โI meant what I said last night. About how good a garter would look on you.โ His glutes clenched as he propelled upwards for extra emphasis.
The seed was sewn in Javierโs head as he watched Horacio dress for the wedding. It wasnโt the first time Horacio had worn what was a standard part of his dress uniform. A trick of the trade amongst police and military to avoid sanctions for a creased shirt. But it was the first time Javier had seen the shirt stays sitting snugly around Horacioโs muscular thighs. It was the first time he wanted to slip his fingers underneath the neat straps, maybe twang them or pull them tighter with his teeth whilst on his knees. Or as Horacio rode him with his back to Javier, one side of his shirt unclipped, underwear and a single garter tantalisingly removed, the other kept secured in place.
A guttural groan rumbled through Horacioโs chest like he had read Javierโs mind. โWhat kind?โ he breathed out, surprised by his eagerness to indulge Javier and how fast his hand shot to his cock.
Javier choked back expletives at Horacioโs question and the sight above him. โI was thinking something leatherโฆwith a buckleโฆto match your belt and boots.โ Each punishing thrust broke up his speech with strained grunts as he spread Horacioโs thighs wider, manoeuvring him up and down at the same pace. โMaybe one on your arm tooโฆ.and a harnessโฆto go with your hatโฆcowboy.โ
โFuck,โ Horacio panted into Javierโs mouth at an awkward angle on the pillow, stroking himself roughly. Sparks of arousal multiplied with each wrist jerk as he pictured the look Javier gave him during the belt contest. Imagined him buckling the firm yet supple material until it bound tightly against Horacioโs sensitive skin like armour only they were allowed to put on or take off.
Javierโs hand replaced Horacioโs as he let his cock be held in stasis, basking in the heat and comfort of their joined form. His fingers journeyed back to Horacioโs mouth, tracing over it until Horacio parted his lips for Javier to feed two, then three digits inside.
Horacio sucked down, tasting himself as well as Javier as he swirled and licked, swallowing past the knuckles; faster and greedier. But it wasnโt enough.
Maybe it was the false pretences kept up the previous day and night combined with what lay ahead, but Javier seemed too far away. He always did when they were in public, but even more so when wearing a three-piece suit at a romantic wedding that wasnโt and couldnโt be theirs. It was why they still relished the time they could spend alone. And why they had needed Madrid. Because all those hidden looks and blink-and-miss, โaccidentalโ unseen brushes of hands could only be suppressed for so long. Last night, it had spilt out as inadvertent foreplay. But now, they needed more.
โTurn around,โ Horacio said after releasing Javierโs glistening fingers.
They lay heart-to-heart, Horacio on his back, legs wrapped around Javier. Javierโs tongue skimmed across the breadth of Horacioโs chest, taking his sweet time working over each nipple, the scrape of teeth causing Horacio to lift upwards until Javier plunged him back down again.
And Horacio didnโt resist, his mind and body in free flight as the weight of Javier anchored him, allowed him to feel each and every nerve vibrate, his arms sliding above his head in complete surrender, offering them for Javier to claim.
Javier plotted a course across any patch of bare skin he could reach, licking up and down Horacioโs underarms, inhaling the musky scent of sweat before switching to his triceps, then biceps. On the left, he mouthed his way along the muscles; any marks left intentional reassurances and promises for their present and future, their bodies mapped stories of their lives.
Along the right, he eased up when he came to the faded scar at the mid-point of Horacioโs shoulder, placing tender butterfly kisses over the blemished skin, blinking away visions of a bullet tearing it open and taking care not to let his teeth make unwanted contact with their past.
He gradually dragged his mouth away until their gaze met, the rise and fall of Horacioโs chest compelling Javier to lay his head on it, soothed by the steady beat and the massage at his scalp.
Satisfied, Javier lifted Horacioโs arms back above them, sweeping over the peaks and troughs of fortified shoulders, forearms and wrists until they slotted through fingers that clamped around his like a vice.
Javier rocked in a pounding rhythm, Horacioโs legs rising higher, pushing Javier deeper as compensation for being unable to reach out and touch. Horacio honed in on the lifeline at his fingertips, the stimulation against his prostate and the safety of Javierโs forehead, all thoughts about the upcoming days put on hold.
But Javier could sense Horacio needed more again. It was written all over the beautiful agony of his face and the silent request in his eyes.
So, hands unlocked to let fingernails brand skin, tug at damp strands of hair and graze over stubble, the metallic ice of the cross contrasting with the fire burning in the core of their chests as they danced more synchronised steps only they knew.
A change in angle caused a slow build of release to skirt the edges of Horacioโs limbs, toes curling as jolts of pleasure transformed into overflowing currents. The fuse was lit, a chain reaction of heat stoking a fire in the pit of his abdomen on the cusp of burning him from the inside out.
Another snap of hips, his own hand jerking his cock in a frenzy, a rush of white noise, shuddering, shaking breaths and a release of molten bliss across their stomachs.
The ripples kept coming as every sound, quiver or fluttering around Javierโs cock pushed him closer to the edge. With one final thrust, he finished inside Horacio, a desperate growl tearing from his throat, the brunt absorbed by Horacioโs left shoulder.
They didnโt move, preferring spent velvet kisses, the world now in slow motion.
Javier concentrated on Horacioโs nose and forehead, pouring everything into each gesture of affection until he whispered, โI love you. And itโll be okay.ย Weโllย be okay.โ
โI love you too. And I know.โ
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They dozed a little too long after wearing each other out for the second time in 24 hours, so Horacio went ahead first, leaving Javier to shower and join him afterwards. But it made little difference to the proceedings as plenty of other guests were slow off the mark, too.
Tables were laid out around the nearby restaurant owned by Juanaโs parents, leftover flower arrangements used as decorations because it would have been a shame to waste them. It was a much smaller space than the botanical gardens, but not all guests from the night before were expected to attend. A fact that brought immense relief to Horacio because he wouldnโt have to make conversation with a certain Colonel again.
Whilst waiting for Javier, he worked his way through his belated first coffee of the day and took a bite out of an arepa.
โIs there room for two more?โ
Horacio raised his head to find Connie with Olivia in tow. โOf course.โ
Connie did her best to encourage Olivia out of her hiding place behind her legs. โCome on, sweetie. Do you want something to eat?โ
Olivia peeped out from behind Connie, eyeing Horacio with suspicion.
โDonโt mind her; sheโs just a little shy and overtired this morning.โ
โSome arepas are going spare if that helps?โ Horacio kept his voice low and gentle, peering around Connie until he drew a curious expression out of Olivia.
Olivia looked up at her mother, who nodded for reassurance.
โGo ahead.โ
Olivia left her hiding place and took the chair between Horacio and Connie, mumbling a thank you as she ate.
โHelp yourself, too.โ
โOh, no, thanks. Iโll wait for Steve, whose painkillers should hopefully be kicking in about now. I donโt feel too bad, but I left him groaning into his pillow. Were you and Javi in the same state this morning?โ
Horacio fought down a smirk with every strength of his being. โSomething like that.โ
โI knew it was a smart move to travel to Cartagena tomorrow instead.โ
โWhere are you staying?โ
โA resort just off La Boquilla beach. Steve and I wouldโve preferred something quieter, but thereโs more to keep kids busy where weโre at.โ
โI donโt know the area well, but it is a nice coast up there. With plenty more arepas.โ Horacio directed his last sentence at Olivia, who had already made a start on her second.
She slowed her chewing before smiling at Horacio, who had remembered a trick or two from the younger days of dealing with his nieces and nephews. If all else failed, food usually won them round.
โIโve only seen Medellรญn and Bogotรก, so itโll be nice to get out of the big cities for a change.โ
Horacio cleared his throat and took a long sip of his drink. โYeah, it will.โ
Connie leaned across the table to retrieve a freshly replenished pot of coffee and poured into her cup. โItโs a shame we wonโt get a chance to see Manizales this time. But weโll be thinking about it anyway.โ
Horacio was startled out of his own coffee and met Connieโs eye, unsure how to respond before settling on a silent nod of thanks. โMaybe next time if all goes well.โ
โI think weโd like that. Breaks like this are few and far between now weโre both back working.โ
โHowโs Miami these days?โ
โBusy now weโre juggling our schedules with Livโs. And we still have bad days sometimes, of course.โ Connie gave Horacio a pointed look when talking ofย bad days, choosing her words carefully with Olivia in earshot. โBut things are better now weโve got more routine againโฆmore stability.โ
โSounds familiar. I find being in the same country helps, too,โ Horacio added with a wry smile.
โExactly. Now weโre out the other side.โ
โYeah.โ
They shared a knowing look, not wanting to say too much in front of Olivia about everything they had been through. It was hard to believe how much had happened and changed in the last few years, and it was clear everyone was still processing it all.
โHowโs your arm doing now?โ Connie asked in a hurry, keeping the mood light for the sake of her daughter.ย
โItโs as good as new. Well, almost. The ranch kept me moving. I think I built back more muscle than I had before. And I kept up strengthening exercises in Madrid.โ
โWow, youโre doing better than most of my patients. I never had to tell you off once.โ
โI donโt follow many orders, but it wasnโt worth my arm โ or life โ to ignore yours. So, thank you.โ
โTry telling that to Steve...orย thisย one here. But seriously, Iโm just glad I could help. Especially when I hear you might be making ranch life more permanent?โ There was a conspiratorial tone to her question. A question she clearly knew the answer to already but was having fun asking regardless.
โThatโs the plan, hopefully. Madrid was always supposed to be temporary.โ
โBut it helped?โ
โYeah. It was exactly what we needed. And maybe youโll find Cartagena is what you need.โ
โI think we will.โ
There was that look again, one that spoke volumes about their shared understanding, even if their experiences were different.
Horacioโs gaze drifted up to Javier, who still wore his aviators until he flopped down at their table, already reaching for a cup and the coffee pot.
โMorning.โ
โAfternoon, Javi,โ Connie greeted with a wink.
โVery funny. But looks like I still beat your husband.โ
โDonโt suppose you saw him on your way over?โ
โNope. Iโm sure heโll appear once the food does.โ
Javier was right, of course. A worse-for-wear Steve arrived as the bandeja paisa was brought to the tables before they tucked into huge hot trays of beans, rice, chicharrรณn, chorizo, carne en polvo, plantain, avocado, fried egg and more arepas.
They ate in comfortable silence, letting the food work its magic and fill them up for the rest of the day, highlights from the reception still fresh in everyoneโs minds despite their current weariness.
Before long, it was time to wave the newlyweds off on their honeymoon to Bequia. Their goodbyes were short and sweet, knowing they would be keeping in touch long after the celebrations were over, especially when Trujilloโs parting words were, โIโll be waiting for my ranch invitation in the post.โ
And even through the loud crowd of well-wishers, he managed to hear the mumbled โCheeky fuckerโ echoed back at him in unison.
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Javier and Horacio stayed to finish their coffees once the beeps of the wedding car disappeared into the distance, the majority of the party now dispersed and leaving them sat alone.
โPops rang just before I left the hotel. Think he wanted to check in beforeโฆwell, yโknow.โ
โEverything okay?โ
โYeah, yeah, fine. The only bit of news he asked me to pass on was about him being offered first refusal on Ciroโs and Malenaโs place.โ
The fact the Ortegas were selling up wasnโt a surprise. Javier and Horacio had spent last Christmas in Laredo again, where Ciro and Malena had brought around a fresh batch of sopaipillas over the festive period. In the preceding months, they had gone back and forth on moving, but by December, they were set on putting the farm on the market in the New Year.
Horacio nodded slowly, his brow drawn tight across his forehead as he considered this new development carefully. โMakes sense.โ
โDo you think heโll seriously consider it at his age?โ
โI think he has to. We buy the majority of our feed grain from them. Selling to an outsider could risk price hikes and shortages, or the new owners might want to supply to someone else. Itโd be a big gamble. But if your father bought them out, then kept their staff on, used their expertise, maybe even increased the livestock with some of the extra landโฆI think it could be workable.โ
Horacio was aware he was being watched and glanced up to face his audience. โWhat?โ
โNothing.โ Although Javier knew his face told another story. โI just donโt think Iโve ever heard you speak such fluent cowboy before.โ
โIโm not aโโ
โNotย yet,โ Javier finished for him. โAnd I never said it was a bad thing.โ
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After every funeral, an additional service was held exclusively for CNP officers to attend. Whilst gravestones were located across Colombia in countless cemeteries, a modest wooden cross bearing a name was planted for each loss in the consecrated soil around the corner from Carlos Holguรญn.
Horacio had paid his respects here more times than he wished to remember, but he still wasnโt prepared for how vast the sea of the dead had become since his last visit. It was a silent expanse covering the grass for as far as the eye could see, the sole sign of life the weeds and wildflowers shooting up between the rows he walked through.
He recognised some names and could clearly picture their ashen-faced relatives as though it was yesterday when he stood on their doorsteps, hat in hand and solemn expression fixed in place. Others were indistinguishable from the rest. An indicator of the extent of the collateral damage and how long he had been away now.
As he stood in his civilian clothes, he felt strangely underdressed. But for some reason, he couldnโt bring himself to wear his usual ranch attire since being back in Colombia and had returned to the beige khakis and polo shirts that felt like an unofficial uniform of their own. One that allowed him to get away with whollyย unofficialย business in the past, but today wasnโt about him. Today was about them. All of them. No matter who they were.
Perhaps against his better judgement, with the help of Trujillo, he had located the graves of Diana Turbay and Carolina Garcรญa Velรกsquez. He didn't allow himself to remember Carolinaโs name at the time, even though she had been plastered all over the papers alongside mysterious references to an โunidentified officer of the National Policeโ leading the raid on La Dispensaria. A story eerily repeated with Dianaโs death.
He didnโt linger at their gravesides. But on those occasions, just like this one, Horacio bowed his head, recited a silent prayer and made the sign of the cross.
โLo siento,โ were the only words spoken before he retreated from the churchyard.
He had done all he could here for now, and it was time toโฆnot forget but to move on. It was time to face his fears and look to the future. It was time to let old ghosts rest once and for all.
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