[pshrynk]

The taxi driver downshifted and floored it, swinging around the corner into the barrios. He weaved in and out of the foot traffic like a snake on metamucil. Sliding to a halt in front of a decrepit little cantina, he jumped out and ran inside.

"It's me, Juan!" he cried out.

"Juan who?" came the reply.

"How should I know your name? We were just introduced."

"Enter." As the cabbie walked by the bartender, he saw him put a sawed off shotgun away under the cash register. He went through the curtained doorway and into a darkened room. A shape lurked in the corner that he could not make out.

"Well?"

"Senor! The American has been secured."

"Was there any problem?"

"No. She was somewhat reluctant to cooperate, but we were able to be quite persuasive. She calmed down quickly when we introduced her to our little friend."

"Excellent! Have the barman pay you for your expenses on the way out."

The cabbie hastily exited the room. He had heard rumors about what happened to people who lingered there.