“We’ll have to park at a safe distance and approach on foot.”

Nathan pivoted toward Julio. “What’s your procedure when you approach the safe house?”

“We’re supposed to call just before we get there.”

“I have an idea,” Harv said. “We disabled their vehicle. He had to use ours. If Montez asks, he found it by using the remote switch on the keychain. It was parked down the street.”

“That might work.” He turned toward Julio. “You got that straight?”

“Yeah.”

“Play along and you’ll live through the evening. If you don’t, the world won’t miss you.”

“Who are you guys?”

“We’re the guys asking the questions.”

Julio didn’t respond.

“Are the two little girls in there?”

“I don’t know.”

“What about dogs?”

“No.”

“Are there any motion sensor lights on the outside?”

“No.”

“How many men are usually in there besides your boss?”

“Two.”

“Is anyone else in there, like someone your boss tortured with a knife?”

“I don’t know.”

“Easy, partner,” Harv said.

Nathan looked out his window before asking several more questions, all related to the safe house’s layout and Montez’s resources. He specifically asked about night vision equipment and Julio said his boss didn’t have any. He felt a little surprised at the lack of security measures and supposed Julio could be lying, but didn’t think so. Montez obviously thought his lair remained safe.

That’s about to change, old friend.

They drove past Mission Bay and took I-8 east to I-805 south. Apparently the safe house wasn’t within the actual city limits of San Diego. Julio had them take Bonita Road east to San Miguel Road. From there they turned south on Proctor Valley Road before making a final turn east on Jonel Road. The surrounding area looked to be mostly rural, dominated by large, flat acreage parcels with lots of vacant land. Newer homes were interspersed with older ranch properties. He’d never been to this area of Bonita before. The absence of streetlights on Jonel Road worked in their favor.

He addressed Julio. “How much farther?”

“Maybe two hundred meters.”

“Which side of the street?”

“The left.”

The pavement ended and Jonel became a dirt road. “Harv, pull over and kill the headlights. Let’s break out our NV.”

“What’s our plan?”

“Julio said he’s got a wounded man with him. Harv, you’re tall, but not as tall as me. You’ll play Julio and Julio will play the wounded man. I’ll cover you while you approach on foot. You’ll be helping Julio walk.” He paused for a moment, thinking. “Montez said the door will be unlocked. If Dalton’s girls are in there, they’re probably not being constantly watched. They could be restrained, or in an isolated room or closet.”

“We need to be careful not to shoot through walls,” said Harv.