“I will.”
Sofia looked doubtful, but nodded. “Get ready and be in place. You have less than two hours. Once you have this child, wait ten minutes before crossing.”
Paco started to ask why wait ten minutes, but thought better of it, “I will not fail you, Senora.”
“See that you don’t.” She left his home and drove down the street. Paco watched through the screen door for a minute, then hurried to the bathroom and threw up again.
Chapter 7
Hunter was shocked when a sobbing Ramona Chapa called her, “They took Anita again. Can you meet me, Hunter?”
Hunter stood up at the news and said, “Where?”
“In the City Park.”
“In Acuña?”
“Yes.”
“I’m on my way.”
She arrived to see a paramedic finishing with a head bandage on Ramona. Her right arm rested in a sling. She moved it and grimaced.
Hunter said, “Where’s Ike, where’s your husband?”
Ike is coming. He was in Piedras Negras doing work for Solomon.”
“And Solomon?”
“I’m not sure. I called him right after it happened.”
“What exactly did happen?”
“A friend called me and asked that I meet her here, in the plaza. As soon as I arrived and left my vehicle, two women attacked me. I was holding Anita in one arm, and the big one grabbed my wrist and pulled it, hard. Anita fell to the ground, and the other woman came up behind me and hit me in the head with something, I think a pipe, and staggered me, but I didn’t fall. I fought to get to Anita, but the woman picked her up from the ground and ran. The big woman twisted my arm hard, and I felt something give. Then she hit me in the head with her fist. I don’t remember the next few seconds very well, other than seeing them drive away with my baby.” She cried again, but stopped almost immediately.
Hunter let Ramona compose herself, then asked, “Did you tell the police?”
“Yes, they are hunting for them.”
Hunter paced as she talked, “Did you recognize the women?”
“I think, maybe the big one. I’ve seen her somewhere.”
Okay. Which direction did they go when they left?’
“West. They took the road that goes along the river.”
Hunter said, “I’m going to check out something. Do you have someone coming to take you home?”
“Ike and Solomon are both coming.”
Hunter nodded, “I’ll call you later.”
“Thank you. Please find my Anita. Please.” Her voice sounded of panic barely controlled.
Hunter patted her on the shoulder and left after helping Ramona sit on a bench. Five minutes later, Ike arrived, driving fast. He exited his pickup almost before it stopped. “Are you all right?”
“I will be, but they took Anita. Hunter Kincaid, I called her, and she came here. She is searching for her.”