“Exactly.” Bill nods. “After everything happened, Antonio Senior, the boy’s grandfather, called to say his grandson had been assaulted.”
Mom’s lips tighten in disapproval. It’s common knowledge that the Torres, and later the de Marcos, have always been at odds with the Mendozas. So this was just one more log on the fire.
Bill continues, “Mayela, my sister-in-law, gave me the rundown, telling me how Addler was defending Elena’s honor.”
Mom lowers her gaze. All these years, we thought the worst of him. That he’d been petty and started rumors about me that followed me for years.
I turn to Addler. “I didn’t know,” I whisper. “I’m so sorry.”
“You weren’t supposed to,” he states, squeezing my waist.
“I found myself in a precarious position.” Bill exhales. “Obviously, I could be called out for being biased, over both of you.” He waves a hand, indicating us. “Now, this next part of the story doesn’t leave this room, you understand?” He gives each of us a hard look.
“Yes,” both Addler and I reply.
“Of course,” Mom says.
“I told the old man one of Tony’s friends admitted they set up Addler then ganged up on him.” He pauses. “Which wasn’t true.”
“Isn’t that what happened?” I ask him, confused.
“Yes, but nobody admitted it,” he clarifies. “Once they thought someone turned, they decided not to go forward with charges.”
“Ah.” So that’s why he decided to retire from law enforcement. He’d basically covered up assault charges. With it involving children from prominent families, some with shady history, he was better off. Likely it would come back to haunt him at some point in his career. The best thing he could do was avoid the possibility of getting tangled up in something nefarious.
“They made up the story about the accident to explain the bruises and broken bones. Then the old man sold the car he’d gotten the kid as a graduation present.” Bill grins. “Still didn’t take away the fact Addler beat the tar outta all of ’em.”
I turn to Addler. “Were you hurt?” I search his face as if I could still find any evidence of what happened that night. “You didn’t go back to school.”
“I took a few punches, but mostly I was confined to the ranch.” He exhales. “I’d caused one too many problems for my father and grandfather’s peace of mind.”
A cold sheet descends over me. “Your grandfather?” If his grandfather was involved in his punishment, I can only imagine what he had to go through. All because of me.
“Yeah.” His gaze turns thoughtful. “A few months’ hard labor on the ranch gave me a new understanding of what was expected.” His gaze covers my face. “I worked beside my grandfather and came to agree with him…and with you.” His lips pull up at one corner. “You two will get along just fine.”
“Addler,” Mom speaks up, straightening her shoulders. “I’m sorry I misjudged you. I hope you can forgive me.”
“I understand.” Addler nods. “You were standing up for your daughter.”
“Roxanne told me you’d said I hooked up with Tony and the other football players,” I chime in, supporting Mom.
“Me?” He’s taken aback. “I haven’t spoken to Roxy since I said no to taking her to prom.”
“Hrmph, Roxy,” Mom scoffs, waving in dismissive hand. “Ofrecida.”
Well, nobody can deny she was giving it away when we were in school. Addler and I just got caught up in petty jealousy.
Mom turns to Bill, annoyed. “Why didn’t you tell me all this?”
“I told you time and again he didn’t do it,” Bill points out. “You just refused to listen.”
“This doesn’t change why I’m here.” Addler’s hold on me tightens as Mom and Bill continue to bicker. “I came to get you.”
“Really?” I tease. “What if I hadn’t been ready to go willingly?”
As much as he tries to clear his expression, his golden eyes give him away. “I. Came. To. Get. You.”
I run my hand along his chin. “Think I can have a minute to finish packing?”