They stepped inside, and a spicy aroma made Mack’s mouth water. He saw tamales and burritos in a glass case with a warmer. His stomach grumbled. He should’ve eaten breakfast, but after the nightmare, he wasn’t able to stomach even a bite of food. It wasn’t the dream itself, but the proof that he was still capable of hurting Addy.
He looked around the store at shelves holding groceries and tall glass candles. Brightly colored piñatas hung from the ceiling, and a fan hummed in the background. A stooped older woman stood behind the counter. She was dressed in a multicolored top and long skirt, her hair pulled back in a bun. Wrinkles lined her weathered face, but she had a ready smile for them as they approached.
Mack wasn’t about to flash his creds in a border town. That was a sure way to silence anyone they talked to. He’d even worn a jacket to hide his sidearm, and so had Addy, though the temperature outside was balmy.
He smiled at the woman. “I’m looking for Dante. Heard he was here today.”
“No. No Dante.” She shook her head, a suspicious look on her face. “Not today.”
“But he does come here, right?” Addy asked. “His friend Mateo Pena sent us to talk to him.”
Mack wanted to tell Addy good job for bringing up Pena’s name to give them credibility with this woman, yet this wasn’t the time or place to compliment her.
The woman’s smile widened. “Ah, Mateo. Baby yet?”
“Not yet,” Addy said. “Does Dante have a regular schedule?”
She shook her head. “He come whenever.”
Mack wanted to start asking questions, but since Addy had connected with this woman, he held his tongue and let her take charge.
“What does he do when he comes here?” Addy asked.
“Hires workers. They are glad.” She mimicked handingsomeone money. “Too many out of work. Not good. Dante help.”
Mack wanted to say,I’ll just bet he does, but he nodded instead.
“When was the last time you saw him?” Addy asked.
“He was here a couple days ago. Gave Mateo job. Good for bambino to have his papi working.”
“Does Dante come into the store?”
“Yes. Yes. For burritos. Says they are the best.” Her grin widened enough for Mack to see she was missing several upper teeth.
“Does Dante do anything else but buy your burritos?”
“He likes Mexican soda too.” She chuckled. “A grown man and so much sugar.”
“Do you own the store?” Addy asked.
“An old woman like me?” She waved a hand. “My son. He is owner.”
“Is he here?”
She shook her head. “He does not come here often. Works fromla casa.”
“What’s his name?”
Her expression went suddenly blank, and she picked up a rag and began wiping the glass countertop. “I must work now. You buy anything?”
Addy had crossed the line, and the woman was done talking. Mack could easily find out who owned the business, and he would because her response was suspicious.
Addy grabbed a few candy bars, a bag of chips, and two sodas, then paid for the items.
“Gracias,” the woman said and turned her back to them.
Outside, in the warm dusty breeze, Mack unlocked the SUV with the remote and kept his head on a swivel until he had Addy safely inside the vehicle. He took a long look around and shot copious pictures with his phone until a husky man started his way.
