Page 106 of Lethal Vengeance

I’m losing my mind. If everything Armando said is the truth, he’s right. I’m just like him. I deserve to be punished. Not for his death. He deserved it. But for Julio’s death.

The phone buzzes, and I pick it up.

Zane: Henley’s searching for an identity for Gabriel. Do you want him to have both Mexican and American nationality?

Me: I’m not sure. Haven’t really thought about it. Does she need to know today?

Zane: It can take days to create a solid identity. Henley doesn’t just create fake IDs. She backs them up with backgrounds that can withstand government scrutiny.

Me: I want him to have the best ID. And we should honor his heritage. Dual nationality.

Zane: I’ll let her know. Thanks.

I’m in the middle of the first month’s footage when the phone buzzes again. With a sigh, I pick it up.

Zane: She says the easiest thing will be to doctor his current birth certificate, then place an electronic copy in the civil registration office in Monterrey. It sticks close to the truth and gives him a plausible background. We can then request an official copy of his new ID.

Me: I don’t know where it is.

Zane: Let me ask Sterling. He requested an official copy from Mexico in case we needed it for medical purposes.

Zane: It’s in Sterling’s study. In his bedroom. Top drawer on the right.

Me: Can’t you take it tomorrow?

Zane: Henley’s not always here, and she’s the best at this kind of stuff. Do you mind grabbing it and bringing it down to the warehouse? We’re only twenty minutes away. I’ll send a car for you.

Me: …

With a frustrated sigh, I close the laptop and walk over to Sterling’s room. The air is thick with the smell of him, and I inhale deeply. It smells so good. Sexy and sophisticated.

I move into the study and over to his desk. Everything is in precise order and immaculate, which doesn’t surprise me. What does surprise me is the photo of him and Gabriel he framed and placed on his desk. It’s obviously a selfie. The two of them are laughing at the camera. I slide my finger down both their faces. They look good together. Happy. I can’t help wishing he was his father. With one last look, I put it down, open the top drawer, and grab the birth certificate.

Me: I found it. Send the car.

I hurry into the bathroom to brush my teeth and swipe a little mascara across my lashes. Grimacing at the joggers and old t-shirt I’m wearing, I quickly exchange them for jeans and a sleeveless blouse.

My phone beeps, and I see the driver is waiting for me outside.

The driver drops me off at a huge warehouse. When I step inside the cool interior, I’m shocked. It’s full of miniature stations. The floor is taped with a walk line to visually guide people from one station to the next. It’s extremely efficient. People can pick up clothes, groceries, and other necessities. Register for their IDs, school, or find a place to live.

I spot Zane in the corner and head towards him. He’s on the phone, so I wait for him to finish.

“Hang on just a second,” he says into the phone. “Quinn! Sorry, I’m on a call. Can you take it over to Henley? She’s in that far corner. Pink hair. Thanks. Okay, I’m back.”

With an exasperated sigh, I turn on my heel and heads over towards the corner. A young woman with shockingly pink hair stands up when I get closer.

She holds out her hand. “You must be Quinn. I’m Henley.”

Her handshake is firm. “Thanks for doing all of this, especially for Gabriel.” I hand her the certificate.

A look of satisfaction crosses her face when she sees the document. “It’s perfect. Have a seat.” She takes a picture of the document.

“Oh, I was just going to head back to the house,” I reply, but she’s not even listening, so I sit down beside her.

Her hands fly across the keyboard. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen someone type that fast. It’s like an extension of her fingers. Screens open and close on the computer.

“Okay. What do you want Gabriel’s last name to be?” Her fingers hover over the keys, waiting for me to answer her.