But Hudson had.
Twice.
Yet he hadn’t left a message either time. That meant he was furious with me. Maybe coming here had been reckless, but appearing on his doorstep hadn’t been thought through clearly. I certainly hadn’t anticipated his kindness or insistence I stay. That simply wasn’t feasible. However, I couldn’t run from him forever. And I honestly wasn’t certain I could stay in my apartment either.
God, I hated being such a freaking mess.
Thank goodness, it was almost time for me to go home. A quick glance at my watch instantly brought me back to the night of the murder. I’d purposely tried to leave the diner long before it got too late, even after the monster had been sent to prison.
You’re safe. You can do this. A little while longer and you can go home.
But should I go home?
“Sorry to interrupt your break, hon, but you’ve got a request.”
As soon as Carla’s voice found its way into my brain, I tingled for all the right reasons. Maybe Hudson had grown weary of calling. What could I say to him?I’m sorry, Judge, but I couldn’t accept your more than kind generosity and offer of protection.Like an idiot? That would go over well.
“I’ll be right there, Carla. I’m curious. Is he good looking?”
She laughed in a strange way. “Well, one of them isn’t bad, but the other three? I can’t honestly say they’re attractive. But to each their own. At least it appears they have money by the way they’re dressed.”
As soon as she mentioned there were four, confirming they were all men, a cold chill replaced the electric one.
I also knew enough about the Delgado Cartel to realize how perilous my situation could be. They ruled sections of the city, including near where I lived. They were notoriously fashionable dressers, often selecting luxury brand name clothing, accompanying their suits with watches and jewelry that cost more than I made in three months.
However, I couldn’t allow paranoia to overcome common sense. I’d had regulars just weeks after I’d started working at the diner. Several of them groups of men, mostly construction workers since I was sweet to them.
However, it was now pitch-black outside, which precluded day workers. After wiping a few beads of perspiration from my brow, I headed back to the counter, peering toward my station.
The four men were dressed extremely well. My stomach did flips as I approached. They were definitely of Latino descent, one with a scar slicing down from just below his eye to his chin. While I couldn’t tell if they were carrying weapons, I assumed so.
As soon as one of them looked up, he leaned across the table whispering something to the others.
Who then turned their heads in my direction.
While two of them were smiling, their leers giving me the heebie-jeebies, the other two had dead, cold eyes.
Taking a step back, I grabbed one of the coffeepots. At least I could use the scalding liquid as a weapon if necessary. A smile was plastered just like always and I closed the distance. “Good evening, gentlemen. Would you like some coffee?”
“Why not,” one of them said, yet didn’t offer to turn his coffee cup over so I could pour.
That forced me to lean over and I carefully poured it mostly full, avoiding looking him in the eyes. “Anyone else?”
“Do you have anything stronger?” another asked. “Valentina.”
The chill returned in full force. My nametag said Val. That meant the bastards knew exactly who I was. “We aren’t a full-service bar. If that’s what you’d prefer, I suggest you head down the street. I hear there’s a nice dive bar perfect for you… gentlemen.” I tried to keep sarcasm from my voice, but my personality was such that I rarely managed.
The only time I had was when my world had been rocked. I refused to allow anyone to derail the progress I’d made.
I tried to back away, but my wrist was captured by the largest man sitting away from the window.
“We’re just a little hungry tonight. What do you have that’s delicious to eat?”
While I had a desire to pour the coffee in his lap, I resisted. But I did look him directly in the eye. The last thing I planned on doing was showing them any fear. “I suggest you get your hands off me before you’re asked to leave. Or worse.”
One of the others burst into laughter. Two snorted.
“Déjala ir,” the last one said under his breath but with total authority.
