Page 119 of Liar

And, in the side-view mirror, I spy Eduardo’s lifeless body sprawled out on the sidewalk as we drive away.

36

Diego climbs into the back seat exactly three blocks from the hotel.

“Shot his shit-for-brains nephew in broad daylight,” he mutters, closing the door behind him. He’s got a huge duffel bag with him, and also whatever he shoved into the trunk.

No broken bones.

Not the slightest indication that he’s been hurt.

Dios. Eduardo really believed his act, didn’t he?

He hit a hand against the back of my seat. “Get us the fuck out of here.” That’s when he glances up and catches me studying him in the rearview mirror.

“You have some explaining to do, Luciana.”

His attention shifts to Javier. “What’s she doing here, compadre?”

Javier’s fingers tighten around the steering wheel.

But Diego’s phone buzzes, saving Javier from having to respond. My brother answers, and his eyebrows immediately furrow at what’s being said. “Relax. She’s in the car with me now.” Pause. “Yes, she’s fine.” Another pause, and then Diego leans forward to address me. He rolls his eyes and gruffly mutters, “Never thought I’d see the day the Boss would be so worked up about anything. For God’s sake, tell him you are okay.”

Diego holds up the phone, and I summon the strength to speak.

“I’m uninjured. But Eduardo—”

“Got what he goddamn deserved,” Diego growls.

“What kind of man kills his own flesh and blood?” I squeeze my eyes shut, a plethora of mixed emotions sweeping over me. We were dance partners. Friends. Until I learned the hard way how weak Eduardo was. “How could Ignacio be so vicious?”

Diego must have placed the cell phone back to his ear because seconds later, he erupts. “She was outside the motherfucking hotel?”

My eyes fly open and connect with his in the rearview mirror.

My guard, Miguel, grunts as Diego slams an elbow into his side.

The car swerves as Javier tries to avoid the one aimed at him.

Fortunately for us, whatever my husband is saying draws my brother’s attention back to the conversation, and to the business at hand.

“Eduardo talked, just like you thought he would. Described in detail how to get into the warehouse and where the tunnel entrance is hidden.” Another pause. “I did what you said, planted a bloody shirt and a baseball cap. Now, let’s hope Ignacio takes the bait and follows the clues. I even bribed a shopkeeper near the bus stop to lie about my boarding a bus headed south. Not only does Ignacio believe I’m injured but he’ll think I’m headed to his product warehouse.”

I wait for my turn to talk, feeling numb yet on edge. Eduardo murdered. Diego taunting Ignacio and sending him on a wild goose chase. Hayden’s undeniable concern for me. Does he love me? Because itfeelslike he does.

“I’ll drop her off somewhere, then finish the job.” Pause. “The airport?” Pause. “You’ve landed where?” Then, in a low voice, Diego grinds out, “Motherfucker.”

He tosses his cell onto the seat. “Boss is here. We’re to pick him up first.”

“He didn’t want to speak to me?” I ask.

“Oh, he does. And you should be quaking in your shoes, sis. If you haven’t already figured it out, we’re in the middle of something important. You shouldn’t be here, Luciana.”

The tension thickens like agave syrup mixed with corn starch. Javier and my guard visibly responding to Diego’s warning to me.

“Eduardo called me and told me you were hurt,” I explain. “He said he couldn’t protect you.” I dig in. “And if I had to make the decision again, I wouldn’t change it.”

Diego’s expression softens. “Do yourself a favor. If you’re wise, you won’t tell the Boss that.”