“Yes. We know each other.”
His features hardened as he glanced down at Cachi. “I see. Well, you should know, Special Agent Steele and I have had a talk with Mr. Adams, and we’ll be taking him back to the federal building with us.” He turned and swept out a hand atthe line of valets who were watching us. The man who’d been holding Cachi’s hand, was staring curiously at me. I hated the implication of what that meant and as soon as I got the chance, I was going to get to the bottom of it.
“You’ll be questioning all of them?”
He nodded. “Interrogating them, yes.”
I stiffened, hating the very idea that Cachi was going to be treated just like any other suspect who might be connected to the cartel, even though I’d been thinking the very same thing only five minutes ago.
“Rex?”
I looked down at Cachi, noting how he’d begun crying again. “I no have any knowing of those men.”
I wanted to smile as I corrected him. “You have no knowledge of those men or what they do for a livin’.” I said.
“Agent Monroe, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t put words in the mouth of the suspect before I—”
“Cachi ain’t no suspect,” I interrupted, glaring at him.
His expression darkened. “That’s yet to be proven and I think you should let me and my partner do our due diligence before jumping to conclusions.”
I couldn’t stop the frown on my face. “Well, I’m already tellin’ you that this man don’t have the heart for what you’re implyin’, but do your due diligence, Wallace. I’m eager to read whatever report you write after you conclude your interview.”
Cachi let out a long sigh as he turned into my chest, sliding his arms around me, burying his face in my shirt.
“Everything okay here?”
I pivoted and spotted Candy walking over, looking seriously scary with his long scar and the glower on his face.
“Everything’s fine, Sorensen,” Wallace replied before I could say anything to the contrary. “If Agent Monroe will let me do my job, and let me question the suspect, then things should go quickly. If not—”
“Why would I stop you from doin’ your job?” I asked.
Candy held up a hand as he pinned me with a serious look on his face. “I’m not sure I understand what’s going on here, Rex. You know this man?”
“Si,” Cachi said, “Rex, he know me.”
Candy looked at him. “I see.” He glanced back up at me, tilting his head in question. “Rex?”
“Yeah.” I glanced down at Cachi, taking hold of his biceps and tugging until he let go. “Captain Candy Sorensen, this is Cachi Adams, a good friend of mine.” I looked at the sweet, young man leaning against me. “Cachi, this is my boss, Candy Sorensen.”
Cachi wiped his tears as he looked up at Candy. “Hello.”
“Hello. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Adams.”
“You gonna let me do my job, Sorensen?” Wallace growled.
I hated his tone but I didn’t have to say a thing because I recognized the low growly quality of Candy’s voice when he replied, “Without question, SA Wallace.”
Wallace nodded, doing his best to stare the boss down and failing miserably at it. “Good enough.” He turned to look at me. “May I have my suspect back now?”
I wanted to punch him for the way he kept calling Cachi a suspect, but I bit my tongue and nodded before turning away.Cachi was looking adoringly up at me. “It’s gonna be fine, Cachi. Go with Special Agent Wallace. I’ll come to the office as soon as I can.”
He glanced at Wallace who was standing there with his arms crossed, looking intimidating as hell. I knew it was a purposeful move. He glanced back at me. “Okay, Rex. I see you.”
Wallace stepped forward and took hold of Cachi’s bicep before leading him away. I watched him sit him back down on the curb beside his handsome, young friend before I turned to Candy. Inexplicably, the boss was watching me with a cross between confused and amused. “What?”
“Nothing. I just never expected you to date cartel dudes, that’s all.”
