6: get the hell out

cyclone fencing
Cyclone fences were developed by Charles Barnard in 1844 based on cloth weaving machines. The name hurricane fence was applied when it was observed this type of fence was often the only type of fence left standing in a hurricane. Properly installed, these fences will withstand Category 5 hurricane force winds, as well as significant storm surge. The resistance to powerful water currents and debris is determined by the manner and strength of installation. For example, concrete anchors under fence posts significantly increase resistance to damage from debris.

Arturo leaned forward against the steering wheel, vainly trying to see around the corner of the lowrise to his left. That was where the bullets would come from. He felt the breeze drift in through the half-open window, peeling the thick sweat off his brow.

He leaned back and pried his fingers off the wheel. Coins scattered away from his shaking hands as he reached into the armrest and fished out a cigarette and lighter. The call should have come fifteen minutes ago. He hadn't come this far with trunk full of powder to be left here.

He's dead, Arturo knew. They're all dead. He blew smoke out the window, then cursed as he realized he'd broken the cigarette in half. Turning back was not an option. No one would take him - his family had children to think of, had hard-won ties to the Federation. But he'd never make it out of Sinaloa on his own. Not now. Who knew? Maybe they'd even killed the people waiting at the border for him.

"Fuck it," he swore, practicing his American. He punctuated each word with a slap on the steering wheel leather. "Fuck it, fuck it, fuck it."

He cursed whoever had come up with the half-brained scheme to steal from Chapo, and wished for one stupid instant that he could just put the damned cocaine back.