Nothing else matters.
We hear a knock at the door, and I get off the couch to answer it.
“There’s your answer,” Eduardo replies, void of emotion.
I look at the window and then through the peephole to see who is on the other side. When I recognize the faces of Evie and Emma’s uncle and cousin, I open the door.
“It’s about time,” I say, relieved, and welcome them wholeheartedly. I give them each a hug, patting them on the back silently and thanking them for their assistance in getting the girls back home.
“Think nothing of it. This was a long time coming, and I am glad to see this finish so that maybe my sister’s soul can finally be laid to rest.”
I quirk an eyebrow up, clearly not believing any of this spiritual stuff, but Eduardo does, and he makes the sign of the cross. I almost roll my eyes at the irony of these men who also release people to the spirit world more than I’d like to know about.
”Thank you for coming,” Eduardo replies while walking over to them.
Andrés just nods, acknowledging his thanks. They enter the condo and get settled. We discuss the plan and fill them in on what is happening. We relay all our news and show them where the girls are being kept.
“I have some news,” Andrés says.
Eduardo nods, urging him to continue. I bite my nails in frustration, not wanting to hear, but then feel compelled to listen to anything that could help bring my girlfriend back home as soon as possible.
“It was brought to my attention that the police chief that is in the pocket of Mr. Martinez is upset.”
Eduardo nods, encouraging Andrés to proceed with his discovery. I lean in closer to what he says next, hanging on every word.
“It also came to our attention that his pixie-looking daughter’s life was threatened to encourage his complacency with Mr. Martinez, who has been slowly overtaking things here in Brownsville. His insistence on bringing illegal drugs across the border has had the police chief turning his attention to anything other than the drugs that are being smuggled across the border by Mr. Martinez.”
“How did he threaten his daughter?” Eduardo asks out of curiosity.
Andrés doesn’t hesitate to answer. “Some guy named Oro who is one of his enforcers and security detail. He is considered a brute and does anything Mr. Martinez asks of him. He sexually assaulted the chief’s daughter and threatened worse next time if he didn’t have his full support in his endeavors.”
We nod, remembering the knockout ordeal with Mrs. Martinez for spitting at Mateo and throwing her wine at her husband. It was all so much to take in, but Mr. Martinez didn’t have any of it, so he sent her off to be punished by Oro.
I shudder at that mental image of Emma and Evie in that house, along with that monster that threatens them if they step out of line. It makes me want to gut someone, but I control my temper and wait for further instruction. I know that we can all keep them safe. We just have to formulate a plan to ensure it works.
Chapter Thirty-Six
JAMESON
“Insanely Illegal Cage Fight” by Dal Av, Jackson Rose
We set a meeting with the chief of police mid-week. He was hesitant when he initially received the request from Eduardo and Andrés, but as soon as they mentioned removing the threat to his daughter, he was full steam ahead in assisting in any way he could.
When the day to meet him finally rolls around, I wake up early and purposefully. I have a few questions of my own for this man, and the thought of him having any information about how to handle this situation or working together toward a common goal would also be considered a win.
The store is empty at this hour. The large chain bookstore has a sizable cafe in the middle that allows us some discretion but isn’t too big so that we can’t see someone approaching. This is the perfect combination to allow us the opportunity to have this meeting.
We have a clear view of the front doors from where we sit and will notice when he enters. I’ve never met the man, but by looking at his pictures, we should be able to identify him quickly.
I approach the counter, placing our order for some coffees. I peruse the menu further, considering the ‘buy one, get one half-off’ cookies, but decide against them.
That’s when I notice the barista’s book recommendations placed in front of the cashier. A sign that reads, ‘Only five dollars with purchase of a beverage’ is placed between the cookie display and the coffee cups. It’s a romance book.
My upper lip curls in a half smile, making me chuckle aloud. I tilt my head to get a better look and contemplate whether I have seen this particular book at the apartment. I wonder if Evie has read it. She and Emma like to read about kick-ass heroines in polyamorous relationships. I could never be in one of those relationships because the thought of sharing Evie with anyone makes me want to commit all kinds of crimes.
The barista notices me checking out the books on display and raises an eyebrow. I place the book back on its shelf and shrug. “My girlfriend likes to read these types of books.” I raise my arm toward the stack for purchase. The cover model is a scantily clad woman. Her harem of men surrounds her while they all touch her, and their stare shows to anyone looking that her presence consumes them.
I have to admit, it looks hot.
