Starting from South America, speeding through the world

Chapter 301 Escort
Capri, Italy.

A warm breeze swept past the edge of the cliff.

The seawater rippled in the sunlight, light blue nearby and leaden gray in the distance, with several private yachts floating in it.

Valdes leaned back in the wicker chair, his shirt open to his chest, his skin reddened from the sun.

Just a few steps away on the beach, there were only parasols, folding beds, and women's laughter.

She was wrapped in a half-wet veil, leaning over the water's edge, splashing the waves, her ample bosom fully exposed.

Valdes lowered his head and slowly poured himself a glass of chilled white wine, the glass instantly condensing into droplets.

The woman looked at him, smiled with narrowed eyes, slowly got up, and walked towards him, her movements carrying a provocative air.

Just as she bent down to take the glass from Valdes, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly sounded.

Immediately afterwards, the secretary in the linen suit rushed out of the bushes, pale-faced and covered in cold sweat.

He barely had time to catch his breath before shoving the satellite phone into Valdes' arms.

"Governor, the security secretary wants to speak with you—now."

The woman's hand was still in mid-air, her eyebrows slightly raised as she looked at the newcomer and then at him.

Valdes casually put down the bottle and picked up the phone: "Hello."

It sounded like it was on a rooftop or in a parking lot, with the wind whistling through it and the noise of radio interference.

Pagers, short bursts, and metallic echoes all mingled together.

The security secretary's voice was very low, but it trembled uncontrollably:
"Sir, just now, the state government building was hit by an RPG."

"At least four gaps were found, both on the main facade and in the meeting room."

"The Marine Corps battalion of the Fourth Naval District was also hit twice, possibly by a vehicle-mounted platform."

"We have video footage showing that the shooter's style and weapon design are highly consistent with the Jalisco New Generation."

The sun was shining, a gentle breeze was blowing, and it was exceptionally pleasant.

But Valdes felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head.

Blood rushed to my brain, and my ears started ringing.

He gripped the phone tightly, but couldn't find his own voice for a long time.

"Sir? Hello? Sir?"

"Just now, the state government—"

“I understand,” Valdes interrupted the repetition abruptly.

"Is the situation under control?" he asked almost instinctively.

"The outer perimeter has been cordoned off. The casualties are unknown. Firefighters and the navy are putting out the fire."

"The media has arrived—sir, the media has arrived—"

“I understand,” Valdes said again. “I’ll get back to you later.”

The communication ended the next second.

The woman was still smiling as she leaned in for a kiss.

Valdes pushed her away without a word and stood up from the wicker chair.

"Book me the next available flight immediately," he told his secretary. "A direct flight, or the nearest connecting flight."

"Keep all your schedules low-key, don't notify the media, and don't let anyone get close."

Upon hearing this, the secretary seemed to have found her pillar of support and immediately ran back, dialing numbers all the way.

The woman tilted her head and stared at Valdes, as if waiting for him to admit that she was joking.

However, he ignored her and instead walked closer to the sea.

The waves washed over my ankles, their coolness making my thoughts clearer.

Valdes took a deep breath, pulled out the encryption device from his pocket, and pressed the shortcut key.

The ringtone rang for the third time, and the other end finally answered.

The background was quiet, with nothing in it.

"I just heard the news." Valdes didn't bother with greetings or beating around the bush, and went straight into a barrage of questions.

"Is it true? Did they do it? Or did you do it? Are you trying to frame someone?"

After a brief silence, someone tapped the table lightly.

“They’re not one of ours.” The voice was slow and deep. “I guarantee it.”

“I hope it’s not true.” Valdes chuckled coldly.

“Otherwise, you know what will happen, El Mayo, Mario Zambada Garcia.”

"Not only the state capitol building, these lunatics also attacked the Marine Corps battalion." The breathing on the other end of the line grew heavier as the words were spoken.

Valdes continued.

"Do you understand what this means? The political nature is completely different now."

“They will use this as an excuse to send in more armed forces and directly intervene.”

"You know how much pressure I held up for you before. But what about now?"

“Governor,” the man said with a hint of impatience, “I must remind you that this matter has never had anything to do with us.”

Valdes, without backing down, immediately retorted:
"Do you think the president cares whether it was CDS or CJNG who did it? Does the federal government care? Does the military care?"

“Of course I care.” The man scoffed. “They take our money, their political parties enjoy our help, just like you.”

Valdes was momentarily stunned by the retort, but quickly recovered.

"But you didn't send money to the Marine Corps battalion in the Naval District."

Is it because you don't want to?

In an instant, the other side fell silent.

Seeing this, Valdes sighed, and his tone softened.

"In short, I'm going back to Sinaloa today."

“We need to meet and discuss how to end this so-called ‘war between you and CJNG’.”

"No need—"

“Of course it’s necessary.” The man was interrupted by Valdes before he could finish speaking. “Otherwise, the whole thing will definitely get out of control.”

"Please believe me, I will publicly direct all my criticism at Jalisco."

"In this way, Sinaloa can safely extricate itself from this unwarranted calamity."

This time, after a moment's hesitation, the person on the other end was ultimately moved by Valdes's assurance.

"Tomorrow," he said. "I'll be there tomorrow."

"Great, see you tomorrow."

Valdes let out a long sigh and hung up the phone.

He clutched the encrypted phone and looked up into the distance.

The sunlight spread across the sea in Capri, so bright that it was almost impossible to open one's eyes.

The spray from the waves splashing between the rocks turned into fine mist, which quickly dissipated into the air.

The lemon trees on the shore cast shadows, and the faint fruity fragrance mingled with the salty sea breeze.

The gentle breath glided over her shoulders and neck, dispelling the anger that had been building up for so long.

Just then, footsteps approached from behind, and the scent of perfume wafted over first.

The woman's fingertips traced the buttons on her shirt, moving upwards until they stopped at her chest.

Her chin rested on his shoulder, her breath warm and slightly intoxicated.

Valdes didn't push the woman away; he held her waist with one hand and ran the other hand down her back.

She chuckled softly and pressed her body even closer.

However, just as her lips were about to touch her earlobe, Valdes gestured for her to squat down first.

The next second, he tilted his head slightly and dialed another number with his left hand.

I waited for a long time but no one answered.

Valdes wasn't in a hurry; he waited a moment longer before pressing the dial button again.

Half a minute later, the call was answered.

“General,” Valdes said with a hint of reassurance, “I’m bothering you so late because something has happened in Sinaloa.”

"But I assure you that security forces cordoned off the area immediately, and the situation is completely under control."

“We fully support the military’s actions, but there is no need for you to personally mobilize personnel at this time.”

"After all, you have a more important mission over there."

The woman knelt in front of him, her fingers slowly moving up his thigh, as if testing his willpower.

Valdes merely narrowed his eyes, his words remaining extremely respectful.

"No, no, no, we are willing to cooperate with any form of investigation, please rest assured."

"Yes, yes, I understand the Federation's concerns. We will do everything in our power to maintain stability, I assure you."

(End of this chapter)