“Got it. I’ll put everyone on alert.”
“And bring Mama Virgie to the club. I don’t want her out and about. Miguel knows who she is.”
“Done.”
“One more thing.”
“Yeah?”
“Keep this on the downlow. I don’t want Silvia to know. She might try to leave.”
“Yes, boss.”
“Keep me posted. I won’t be calling much.”
“Yeah. Hurry back.” He ended the call.
My first thought was to call Silvia, but I’d already told her I’d talk to her in the morning. She’d probably notice the worry in my voice.
I wasn’t sure if I should warn her about Miguel. Tonio and I had been the only people to know about Miguel’s drug-induced psychosis. Well, his victims knew, too. But they never got the opportunity to tell their stories.
If Silvia knew he turned into a bloodthirsty monster when he used, she would have mentioned it. Right? I had to assume she had no knowledge of Miguel’s drug addiction.
I’d just have to trust Quino to handle things until we got home. He was capable. Levelheaded. Wise.
I tried not to imagine what I might encounter if Miguel got to the clubhouse before me. A slaughtering of epic portions. A crime scene every news network would report on.
Jesus, I pray all remains well until I get home.
14
Miguel Avila
I hated public places, especially outside. The fucking sun beat down on me while I sat on the park bench, and it was barely ten in the morning. Filthy, screaming kids played on the wooden playset and ran through the splash park.
My head pounded.
I needed my next fix.
They had better not be fucking with me. If this person didn’t come through with real proof of Silvia’s whereabouts, I would rage. When I raged, there was no controlling me.
Two other money-hungry people met their demise because they thought I could be fooled, and they’d get away with the hundred grand reward.
No chance. I always came out on top.
I pulled my hat lower to shield my face. My being here could get me in a lot of trouble, but obviously, I didn’t care. Jefe’s territory or not, this was where the dude arranged for us to meet.
Behind my dark shades, I eyed a fellow cutting across the playground. If he gave the code words, I’d know he was the one I was waiting for.
He sat next to me.
I held my breath waiting. This had to be him. I was out of patience and would leave in five, four, three, two—
“Gotta light?”
Bingo. This was the guy.
“What do you have for me?” I asked in a low voice. There were so many people around, I worried someone might hear our conversations. As I swept my gaze around the playground, I noticed several women and children staring at me.
