“Not yet. Solomon keeps a close watch on their activities.”
Hunter thought about this new information. “When they took Anita, where were you?”
She said, “They abducted her here off the main street in Acuña. We were shopping.”
“So, not in a store or building.”
Ramona said, “This is what happened,” and she told them.
Hunter waited until Ramona finished before saying, “Do you know where the kidnappers crossed the river? Did they drive across the bridge, or cross illegally?”
“They crossed as mojados, as wets,” Ramona answered.
Norma said, “You can say that, but we can’t. Not politically correct, if you know what I mean.”
A corner of Ramona’s mouth lifted, “All of Mexico, especially the crossers, call themselves that. Only in America are people so afraid to offend that they don’t.”
Hunter said, “Who all did you tell this to?”
“A policeman from the Acuña police, and on the US side, a sergeant at the PD.”
“What was his name?”
“He’s a friend. Ramon Barajas.”
Hunter typed the information on her phone before saying, “And the Acuña officer?”
“I don’t remember. He was the first one who showed at the scene.”
Hunter asked several additional questions before Ike turned and looked toward the door as a tall, slender man dressed all in black led two other black-coated men into the café.
“Solomon Chapa,” Ike whispered to Hunter and Norma.
Hunter heard Norma say under her breath, “Oh, shit.”
Turning to look, Hunter caught his eyes on her, and she felt the shock of their impact. The hairs on her forearms prickled. His eyes shone black, like two dime-sized holes filled with burned oil. His features were sharp, with pronounced cheekbones, full lips, and light skin. He was handsome in the way a dangerous animal is, and she recognized that he was no one to mess with.
Solomon walked to Hunter and took Anita. “You can leave. Now.”
Hunter said, “Nah, I’ve got food coming. You can join us if you want, I ordered plenty.” It wasn’t true, but she wasn’t going to let him push her. She felt her face flushing, like it always did before a heated argument or confrontation, her single “tell” that others could spot if they were looking.
Solomon played with Anita and smiled at Hunter.
Rattlesnake quick, he slapped Hunter in the face so hard and fast that she fell backwards, toppling the chair and dragging the silverware and plate off the table to clatter on the floor.
As she lay there coming to her senses, she realized he moved so fast she hadn’t seen his hand. The blow came strong and hard, like a fireplace log swung into her face. Rolling over to get up, she saw the sharp-pointed steak knife and palmed it so that when she stood, the blade ran up by her wrist, hidden
from everyone.
Ike stepped by her and helped her stand as Solomon said, “Leave.”
Ramona stepped between them and before anyone could react, Solomon slapped his wife so hard she staggered across the room and slammed into the wall. Anita cried loudly, and Ike stepped to Ramona.
“Leave her.”
Ike stared at Solomon. “She’s your wife.”
“She does what I say, and she doesn’t interfere. Neither do you.”