“I love knowing he’s going to pay for what he did to you.”
“It’s the desire for revenge that got me into this mess.”
“No, sweet girl. Desperation and love for your family did, but it’s revenge that’s going to get you out.”
I expect her to continue arguing, but instead she looks directly at me. “Do you know how much I love you?”
“I do, and I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
“I don’t know where to go. I can’t risk going to your place, and I can’t go back to my apartment. All of Papa’s things are there.”
“I’ve already taken care of it. We’re staying at Tori’s. Veronica packed some of yours and Javier’s things, and took them to the house earlier today.”
“Thank you.”
“This has been a hard day for you. I just want to make it easier.”
“You have, and I love you for it.”
I leave Maria and Javier at Tori’s, and cross the border. It’s ten after nine in the morning when I make my way into Sid’s office.
“Do you have an address for me?”
The look on his face as he leans back in the chair is infuriating, and he’d better not try to talk me out of this.
“I’m not thrilled about giving it to you, but I have it. You’re playing with fire. If Torrente calls your bluff, you won’t leave his house.”
“I’m well aware of what I’m walking into.”
He bolts forward, his fist pounding into the desk. His thick, wrinkled eyelids are droopy and swollen red, like a man who spent his entire life drinking and working. I know he’s seen horrific things in both the military and his professional life, but his experiences don’t mean anything to me.
“Are you sure about that? Shit, Aidan. Is this girl worth dying for?”
As I look across the desk at a man I’ve known my entire life, I know my commitment to see this through is unwavering. “Yes.”
He sags back in in his chair, his head lifted, staring at the ceiling. “Must be some magical pussy she’s got.”
I fly out of the chair and reach across his desk, grabbing a handful of his shirt.
“What the fuck did you say? Don’t ever speak that way about her, or you’ll be out on your ass.”
He grabs my wrist and pulls until he frees his shirt. “Look, I’m sorry, but I’ve known you since you were a little kid. I’m worried about you. These people you’re messing with are dangerous. They’ll cut your throat, and then what good will you be to this girl?”
My fingers work through my hair. “This is going to work, Sid. I have the documents showing all of the deposits into Eduardo’s accounts over the years. I convince Torrente that he’s been played and leave. My girl is safe, and Reese gets my money back. The plan is foolproof.”
I can tell by the way he shakes his head, he thinks I’m mistaken, that I’m like most young men who think they’re invincible. Maybe I am, but I have to try. “For your sake, son, I hope it is.”
My eyes pop open when I hear my cell ringing. I bolt up from the guest bed at Tori’s house. After Tug left this morning, I felt drained and only laid down for a second. I pick up the phone and realize it was closer to three hours when I see the time. I don’t recognize the number, but answer it anyway.
“Did you miss me, baby?” The sneering voice on the other end of the line shoots shivers up my spine. The hairs on my neck dart upward with such force it feels like bugs are crawling in my hair. “I hear you breathing.”
“How’d you get this number?”
His menacing laugh filters through the line, sending goose bumps up my arms. “Is that all you have to say to me? I’m hurt. No, ‘Of course, I missed you,’ no ‘I love you.’ No apology for stealing my fucking dope?” His voice has risen to shouting, and I’m terrified, but his next question sends me into complete and utter panic. “How’s your son, Maria?”
My shaking hand struggles to hold the phone. “Leave him out of this.”
“You brought him into this, bebé. Do you know where he is?”