“Pecca, we need to talk.” Charlie stepped inside the house, Lane at his side. “It’s about Javier. Is it okay if Lane takes Noah and Maceo to the café?”
“What’s happened?” Pecca’s hand reached for Colton’s arm, and he could feel the tremor in her body.
Charlie stared over their shoulders to the backyard where Maceo and Noah were still playing football. His eyes moved to Colton for a fleeting second before he directed his attention to Pecca. Lane was already by her side.
“I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this,” Charlie said, “but Javier was killed.”
The next several minutes were a blur, like Pecca was watching what was happening around her from the outside. She heard Charlie’s words, then felt her knees grow weak. Colton escorted her to the couch while Lane got Maceo and Noah ready to go. She hugged Maceo before he left and told him it was okay to take his new football to the café.
“I’ve been working with Peter Jenkins, a correctional officer at Buckner Penitentiary, since the night of the break-in to gather information on Javier. He called me tonight to inform me that there was a fight this afternoon. Unfortunately, Javier’s life was taken.”
Pecca covered her mouth, stifling a cry. Javier’s face popped into her mind, followed by images of their history. She felt sick, and nausea burned her throat.
“What happened?”
The vibration of Colton’s voice radiated against her, and she leaned into him, unsure if she wanted to know the answer to his question. She blinked through tears and looked to Charlie, who seemed to be waiting for her approval. She nodded.
“Officer Jenkins said Javier was scheduled for a transfer to another facility, but sometime after lunch a fight broke out in the courtyard. Somehow, in the chaos, someone got to Javier.”
Pecca thought of the afternoon she met Javier. She had been at her friend’s house, sunbathing by their pool, when a ball popped over the wall. Javier’s face peeked over and he made a joke she couldn’t remember, but it made her laugh and take notice. It wasn’t until a few weeks later that she learned her friend’s neighbor was rumored to be a member of a Mexican cartel, but by then Pecca was infatuated with Javier and the idea that he would change.
“Wait, he was being transferred?” Colton shifted, bringing Pecca back to the present. “I thought he was up for parole.”
“I asked the same thing.” Charlie sat forward, elbows on his knees. “Officer Jenkins spoke with the correctional release coordinator, who said Javier was never up for parole. He was being transferred to a minimum security prison outside Birmingham, Alabama.”
“But Adrian said he was up for parole.” Pecca sniffled, wiping the stray tears streaming down her face. “That was why the SSB was coming after me and Maceo—to get us to go there.”
Charlie frowned. “I don’t doubt what your brother said, but Officer Jenkins emailed me a copy of the transfer request. Javier wasn’t getting paroled early.”
Pecca chewed on her thumbnail, unsure of how to understand what she was feeling. “I haven’t seen him in eight years. I . . .” She sniffled. “That day at the jail, he told me to never come see him. That he didn’t want to see Maceo. I was so mad at him.” Her jaw tensed. “I thought the punishment fit the crime—Javier never seeing Maceo, but I . . .”
She was sad but also angry, and part of her felt . . . relieved. Did that make her a bad person? Maceo’s father was dead.
“Do they know who did it?” Colton asked quietly.
Pecca looked at Charlie, who shook his head. “They’re looking through surveillance footage and questioning the inmates involved in the fight. Officer Jenkins said it didn’t look like Javier was involved.”
Colton’s arm jerked, causing his body to bump against hers. She could feel his muscles go rigid. His expression was tight. He moved his hand from her back and interlaced his fingers through hers, his grip strong.
“Yet he was killed.”
Pecca inhaled sharply. Colton wasn’t asking a question. Her eyes darted to Charlie, who rubbed his hands down his jeans and sat back in the chair.
Then he nodded.
“Wait, how does that happen? I mean, I know prison isn’t summer camp and fights happen, but why would someone kill Javier?”
Colton took a breath. “There’s not always a reason.”
She watched his lips form the words, but something in his tone told her he believed otherwise. “But you don’t think that’s true in this case?”
Stress was straining Colton’s features, and Pecca wasn’t sure if it was from their earlier conversation or now. When he was sharing that part of his life, she could feel the anxiety radiating off his body and it made her wonder if that incident was the catalyst for his movement disorder. He was already carrying the weight from that moment—the last thing she needed to do was add to it.
“Charlie and I have been working a theory.” Colton locked eyes with her. “We’ve been trying to figure out what the South Side Barrio gains from threatening you. Since you haven’t been hurt physically, it feels like intimidation.”
“Right, to get me to testify.”
“Well, that’s what we thought initially,” Charlie said. “But it’s hard to understand why they would go to such extreme measures to get your cooperation.”
“Not to mention they haven’t actually done or said anything to indicate that that’s what they want from you,” Colton added. “It’s just threats at this point. Your brother was the only one who gave us any indication as to the reason.”
“You think there’s another reason?”
“We think it’s possible that the South Side Barrio may have been trying to scare you to get to Javier.”
Pecca lifted her hands to her forehead, feeling dizzy as her mind pieced together what Colton was saying. “Wait, if that’s true, then we should be safe. Maceo and I, right?”
“Well”—Charlie shifted forward on the chair—“we don’t have all the details, and until we do I’d still like to be cautious.” He glanced at Colton. “I think you’re onto something, but we need more information.”
Colton nodded, and another silent message passed between them. But before Pecca could ask about it, Charlie stood.
“How about you have a sleepover with Lane tonight? And before you say something about not wanting to impose on us, I’m asking it as a favor. Those PTO parents have been calling in orders for the fall festival all week, and she could use some help.”
Charlie was a good man, and Lane was lucky to call him hers. Pecca nodded because she would do anything to help Lane out, and truthfully, she didn’t want to be home by herself tonight. “Of course.”
“I’ll wait for you guys outside.” Charlie gave an embarrassed smile. “Lane took my car.”
When Charlie closed the front door behind him, Colton turned to her. “Are you okay?”
She rubbed her arm. “I don’t know. I mean, I think so. I can’t really believe this happened. I feel . . . guilty.”
“Why?”
A tear slipped over her cheek. “I think at one time I loved Javier, maybe. I mean, we made a baby.” She watched for his reaction, but his face remained passive so she continued. “I’m not proud of the choices we made back then, but Maceo is one of the best things in my life. As hard as our lives have been, I look around at where I am and can’t help but be grateful. But I never wanted Javier to die.” She looked down at her feet. “I wish this could’ve ended differently, but I can’t help but feel a little bit relieved it’s over.”
Colton gently tipped her chin up with his hand. “You are one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met, and Charlie and I will get the answers necessary to make sure Javier’s death wasn’t for nothing.”
“Do you think it’s over? That we’re safe?”
“I hope so.” Colton’s fingers found hers. His lips brushed the side of her temple. “But I promise you that no matter what, I’m here, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure you and Maceo are safe.”
Pecca pressed her cheek to his chest and wrapped her arms around his back, sinking into his promise and wanting nothing more than for him to be right.
TWENTY-TWO
JUAN’S PULSE POUNDED. His legs bounced with dangerous energy, fingers itching to put a bullet into someone’s head, and right now he was leaning toward making the man staring at him on the computer that someone.
Too bad thousands of miles separated them.
“I did what had to be done.” Señor leaned back in his chair and lifted a cigar to his lips. “You were taking too long.”
Grinding his teeth, Juan forced himself to take a calming breath. Thankfully, Señor couldn’t see his clenched fists.
“I did not hire you,” Señor growled, launching forward in his chair. “You were favored by Hector because his blood runs through Alicia, but he is gone and you will earn your place by obeying my commands.”
Hearing Señor speak Alicia’s name made heat crawl up Juan’s neck. He needed to tread cautiously. Any response outside of humble submission would lead to trouble, and Juan couldn’t take that chance until he had everything in place.
Bowing his head, Juan thought of Alicia and Diego. “Lo siento, Señor. My apologies. I know you are only trying to bring justice to the memory of Tio Hector, and I am nothing but loyal to you, but”—Juan lifted his eyes back to the computer screen—“killing Javier will not bring her out.”
Señor eyed Juan smugly and shook his head as though he pitied Juan. “Javier was killed because of her.”
Juan’s blood turned cold. How? It wasn’t possible. He had men in place within the SSB, and they would’ve reported back to him.
“I can tell from the look on your face that you were not aware of her visit to Javier in jail. That suggests two things.” Señor held up two fingers. “You are not as good as Hector believed you to be or two, you are wasting my time.”
They locked eyes, the message as clear as if Juan were standing in front of Señor’s desk—he was disposable. In a single move, the man had managed to get ahead of him. How? Juan had people in place. The news of Javier’s murder came to him by another member of the SSB who was not pleased. There was not much to be done about that, but how had Javier reached her?
Her face beckoned from the photo tacked to his wall. Juan’s plan was solid, even if it wasn’t happening as quickly as Señor wanted. But speed didn’t always guarantee results and— His thoughts stopped whirling.
Juan returned his attention to the computer screen. If Señor had what he wanted, he would not have called. There would be no outburst. Only arrogance, which meant . . .
“Do you have her?” The flash in Señor’s eyes was quick but not quick enough. It told Juan everything.
“It seemed even facing his death, Javier remained unwavering. Under different circumstances, he could have been an asset to our company.”
A shadow appeared at the edge of the screen. Someone had walked into Señor’s office, causing him to look away for a second. He nodded slightly, almost imperceptibly, and Juan might’ve thought he was seeing things until the shadow disappeared. Señor’s expression shifted, and Juan’s gut told him an order had just been given. But to who and to do what? The thought rattled him.
“Am I to continue?”
“I’m willing to offer you the opportunity to prove yourself to me, Juan, to the organization. There will be no second chances. I do not have to remind you what the consequence of your failure will be this time.” Señor puffed on his cigar, the bright orange ashes glowing as smoke momentarily hid his face. When it cleared, he leaned forward, a wicked smile carved into his face. “Give my best to Alicia and Diego.”
The screen went black and Juan’s blood ran cold. He slammed his wrist against the desk and cursed. He grabbed his phone and dialed while simultaneously pulling up the security cameras at his home.
“Juan.” Alicia’s voice rushed over him like a warm blanket of comfort. “Please tell me you’re on your way home, because I’m not going to train this dog.”
He tapped a few keys and found Alicia inside the kitchen leaning against the counter, barefoot and shaking her head. Below her, Diego was wrestling with the German shepherd he’d had delivered a few days after their last conversation.
“Train? I paid good money to make sure he was already trained.”
“The barking, Juan.” Alicia rubbed her forehead. “He scares me every night with that loud bark. I’m surprised the neighbors have not complained.”
Juan frowned. Apollo came from a breeder who had spent months training him as a protector. The dog would not be barking unless there was a threat. “Alicia, it’s time.”
“Time for what?” She walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of vitamin water. “Diego, be careful.”
Diego was on all fours, moving side to side, as Apollo leaned forward on his legs ready to leap. It was good they had bonded well, as the trainer said it would reinforce Apollo’s training and make him a part of the herd.
“Mi amor, escuchame.” Juan opened another screen to pull up the bank’s website. “I need you to listen to me. It is time.”
Juan heard a quick intake of breath and hated the sound. He typed in his password and quickly transferred the money. He looked at the cameras and saw that Alicia had moved into the living room.
“Please, Juan, no.” She stared up at the camera, assuming correctly that he would be watching her. “Diego has all of his friends here. I do too. Our lives cannot be disrupted over this . . . stupid business.”
“I am sorry, mi amor, but we have no choice.” He opened his email and sent a message to Victor, giving him notice to be ready. “Maybe we will be able to come back, but for now I need you to do as we planned.”
“Diego’s team made it to the finals. He’s been working so hard. He can’t miss the game.”
Frustration needled at his skin. He didn’t want to scare his wife and knew Diego would be angry about missing his game, but time could not be wasted. The type of death Javier endured was designed to send a message.
“Alicia, it is only a game. There will be more.” Juan stood and began pacing. “Victor knows the plan. He will make sure you and Diego make it to the airport. Keep Apollo with you.”
“The dog.” Alicia’s voice was soft. He paused and saw her pressing a finger to her lip. “You knew. This whole time—you knew?”
“There was always a possibility. I had hoped it would not come to this, but your uncle is not a reasonable man.”
“He’s a lunatic,” she said. “When Hector died, the cartel should have died with him. It would have been better.”
Juan wanted to agree, but they’d have to discuss it later, preferably at the guarded location he’d selected when Señor first called him about the job. He knew the cartel leader was a lunatic the second he used Alicia’s and Diego’s lives to coerce him into servitude.
And while Alicia may not have been willing to admit the riches of her life came from the deterioration of society, it was the truth. A truth her father and mother went to great lengths to protect her from as she grew up. Her life in gated subdivisions among country clubs told her that her family was just like every other law-abiding family.
Except they weren’t. The legacy of the Perez family crossed generations, and when Juan married Alicia, he knew he was taking on the role of not only running operations from the United States but also keeping Alicia’s conscience clear.
Juan could not afford to soothe his wife’s contrived naïveté. Not this time. “Then you understand why it is important you follow the plan. Ahora.”
“Now? Like right this minute? We aren’t packed. What about school?”
“You don’t need to pack. Everything will be ready for you and Diego. Call the school and tell them there was a . . .” He almost said death, but that felt like a bad omen. “A family emergency. Tell them we will make an extra-large donation to the holiday fundraiser.” He gripped his hair with his hand. “It doesn’t matter, Alicia. What matters i
s that you and Diego are safe. Now, do as I ask. Por favor.”
Long seconds passed, and Juan prepared for a fight. He deserved it. He hadn’t done his job. But all he got was silence, and it was killing him. “We will leave in the morning.” She sighed into the phone. “I’m tired, and I want to pack a few things.”
“Amor—”
“No, Juan. You are taking us from our lives for who knows how long. You will give me tonight. Tell Victor and whoever else that we will be ready tomorrow.”
Putting his hand behind his head, he looked up at the ceiling and blew out a breath. Alicia had made up her mind and there would be no changing it. Juan had to trust they would be safe until then—but he didn’t.
“I will see you soon, Alicia,” he said quietly. “I promise this will be over soon, and we will return home.”
She barely whispered a response before ending the call. Juan stared at the phone in his hand, tempted to smash it against the wall. He took another deep breath and sat in his desk chair. The plan was in place, and in a few days he’d be sitting with Alicia in his arms, watching Diego play with Apollo on a sunny beach far away from Señor’s reach.
As long as nothing else went wrong.
TWENTY-THREE
“HE WAS BEATEN AND STABBED?”
“Pretty badly,” Charlie said, tipping back in his chair. “I felt bad not telling Pecca all the details, but it seemed like the right thing to do.”
“But Officer Jenkins told you Javier wasn’t involved in the fight.”
Charlie nodded. “That’s right.”
Colton set his left elbow on the conference table and rested his forehead in his palm. Charlie had asked him to stop by the sheriff’s station after his sessions were done at Home for Heroes. He’d guessed it was to discuss how the security around Pecca and Maceo would shift now that Javier was dead, but he was not expecting this.
“How does that happen?”
Silent Shadows Page 19
