PROLOGUE


Luz is approached in the parking lot after work. She is approached by a man with a heavy Scottish accent who points to his companion who pulls a gun on her. She is led to awaiting stretch SUV. Luz sits next to a burly man as one of the other two sit in beside her pinning her. The burly man pulls a switch blade which he sticks in her side.  Given no choice she has to go along.
“I have to be home to meet my children,” Luz says. “What are you doing? Where are you takin me?”
“You have an appointment,” the man answers her. “Please no trouble.”

Luz is driven to a 5-star hotel and the three men take her to the service elevator where they ride to a top floor. She is led to a fancy suite and there she is greeted by an elderly sixty-something Scottish gentleman. Scot Gavallan.

Gavallan goes on to explain to her, as the Red Punisher. He has a job for her. His beloved daughter, Emma and her cousin Cassie Dunross were murdered in Hong Kong. After weeks of investigations they identified the killers: three members of the Latin American hit squad, Las Damas de las Noches.  His men also were able to track down the Red Punisher, aka Luz Zapata. He has a job for her: revenge his daughter and her cousin by killing the Damas.  The women live on a large estate in Costa Rica.  
Gavallan does give Luz a deadly warning. “We found you, it is just a matter of time before you enemies track you down as well.”  He offers her $600, 000 for the job. Half down and the balance when the Damas are “punished.”  

“I can’t accept money for any of my work as the punisher,” Luz says. “It’s a public service.”
“Yes, and you may not need the money I offer you what with the money you procured from the late Metz sisters estate.”
Luz swallows.

“We hear these things," Gavallan informs her.  “You could always use another $600,000.” He smiles.
“I know you were planning on leaving the country. In addition to the money I promise to purchase you a lovely home somewhere in the Scottish Highlands. You will be safe and you and your children can live out a good life without fear of retribution from your enemies.”
“Scotland? It’s just too dreary and cold,” Luz says, “No offense.”
“None taken. Perhaps you would like someplace warmer and where Spanish is spoken?”

Luz shows some interest.

Gavallan continues, “I will purchase you a home outside of Barcelona. You have to get out of the United States and soon.  In Europe, be it Spain or Scotland, you would be safe. What do you say? All your money, you have now and my payment to you… my men will help you to transfer it to a numbered Swiss account giving you easy access to it and no complications when you leave the country.  The Gavallans and the Dunrosses…, we would be very appreciative if you would accept.”
Luz knows that she cannot continue the crime fight and her enemies are getting closer. She has to leave the States. Pure and simple. With the money, she stole from the Metz sister’s estate and with the Scotsman’s generosity, her children will never want.
This elderly Scotsman has her and she knows it.  
One of Gavallan’s men come forward and places a suitcase next to Luz.

“In that suitcase is your down payment. You will find the Damas just outside of San Jose Costa Rica. What do you say?”
Luz takes a deep breath…