Chapter 16
David stared after Zita, her words hitting him like a bullet. He’d endangered Manuela and Johanna.
“There’s my son, David.” Bob’s words sunk into his consciousness and he turned at the applause. No, he hadn’t endangered the family, his father had. He hadn’t even realized Bob had picked up the file. He must have found it on David’s desk at work.
“Without his diligence, I wouldn’t have seen what was happening to our border security.”
Anger flooded David. How could his father do this? How could he be so blind to the truth? How could he use him in this way?
David strode to the front of the room, his eyes not leaving his father. Bob’s eyes narrowed as he got closer and his jovial smile faded.
“I’ve spoken enough for tonight,” Bob said. “I hope I can count on your support.” He waved, moving off the stage, and blocked David at the steps. “Whatever you have to say, save it for when we’re alone,” he said quietly. “I told them what they wanted to hear.”
David’s eyes widened. His father had known exactly what he was doing. This was all political. “You bastard,” he said. “What you said is bullshit, but you don’t care who you hurt. Let me tell you about those girls you so callously maligned. Beatriz is the sweetest girl you’d ever meet. She’s still so trusting despite what she’s been through.” His chest was tight. “And Teresa’s story is one you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. Held against her will, prostituted out and controlled by a gang. Her opportunity to escape came after her arm had beenbrokenwhile trying to protect herself.”
“Keep your voice down,” Bob growled.
David glanced around. The room was silent and everyone was watching them.
“The hell I will. Your ignorance of the situation might kill two women.” People began to murmur. “Teresa’s sister is being held by the gang. If they know she’s leaving, they’ll kill her. This isn’t about politics, this is about someone’s life.” His voice broke. God, he hoped Manuela and Johanna were safe.
Bob glared at him.
“You really don’t care, do you?” David shook his head.
“What I care about is that Mexican has turned your head the wrong way round. You would embarrass me like this rather than let people see the truth?”
David clenched his hands. “My head is just fine. ThatAmerican citizenis the woman I love, the woman I want to marry.”
Bob’s eyes widened.
“What you did right now is unforgivable.” He strode out of the room, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket. He dialed Zita’s number, but she didn’t answer.
Panic clutched his heart. He’d messed this up. He had to find her. Had to explain.
At the entrance, he stopped and swore. He didn’t have his car.
Hailing a cab, he headed for his apartment.
***
Walking through the front door of Casa Flanagan, Zita was greeted with her mother trying to calm a hysterical Teresa.
Damn it. She should have thought about Teresa’s reaction.
Carmen looked up. “Thank God you’re back. Fernando’s been shot.”
Zita’s breath left her. “What?”
“I called his number and his wife Maria answered. She said he was shot this afternoon, got caught in the crossfire of a gang attack and is in hospital. He’s in critical condition. He can’t help.”
Teresa wailed.
There was no one else they could call at such short notice. Fernando was their only contact. There was only one other option. “I’ll go.”
“No.” Carmen grabbed her arm. “You can’t. It’s too dangerous.”
“I caused this mess. I’ll fix it.” Zita’s heart raced as she strode into the kitchen and picked up the tablet from the bench. “I need a flight to San Salvador tonight.”
