Page 126 of Liar

I see two Sureños turn and say something to each other. Hayden’s right. They won’t fight once Ignacio is killed. Except any outcome were my brother is the sacrificial lamb is unacceptable. Hayden won’t allow them to kill Diego.

So, what’s his plan?

“Ten seconds to drop your weapon, you bastard.”

“I drop my gun and you’ll shoot us both.”

I bite my lip.How can Hayden be so calm?

“Nine,” Ignacio begins counting. “Eight.”

“Aren’t you curious about the deal I struck with the Colombians?” Hayden continues. “I’m certain your men will be.”

Like the growing fire, I can feel Ignacio’s rage building. “What motherfucking deal?”

“The Pitón Salvaje will be running new distribution channels from the mainland. There will be no more drug trafficking through the peninsula.”

This earns the Sureños attention and a flurry of whispered discussions begin among Ignacio’s men. If I weren’t filled with dread, I’d be admiring my husband for knowing exactly how to reach these men. Freeing Loreto from this nasty drug business appeals to them as much as it does to me.

“You,” Ignacio snarls, “introduced the Pitón Salvaje to the Colombians?”

“That’s right,” Hayden smoothly answers.

“Those putas. No loyalty.”

Ignacio looks frazzled.

My brother, amused.

I wish I could see Hayden’s face, but there’s a strong chance I’ll be noticed if I peer around the other side of the tree.

“How long have you known?” Ignacio demands.

“About you waiting for the right moment to take up where Marifer left off? Or are we talking about your other side hustle?”

I frown. What else is Ignacio involved in? It’s obvious his men are surprised by this news.

“I’m going to kill you, compadre. Then, I’ll take that cunningly beautiful wife of yours, punish her for disobeying me before I—”

Diego slams an elbow into his side.

Ignacio raises a gun, ready to shoot.

“I’ve got news for you, motherfucker,” Diego laughs. Laughs! Like he’sloco. Like he’s enjoying this. “That tunnel is about to go Ka-BOOM.”

Ignacio stares at him, slow to process. I watch, horrified as he connects the dots. With a snarl, he brings the gun handle down on my brother’s head. Diego blinks, then sways, yet miraculously remains standing.

Rage rolls through me as blood runs down his face.

“Human trafficking,” Hayden’s shout draws everyone’s attention. I can’t see him and judging by Ignacio’s reaction, neither can he. “That’s what your boss is investing in. And who will be affected? Your families. Your neighbors. Your community.”

What? That cholo is now trafficking girls?

The Sureños are listening.

Ignacio is losing it. “Motherfucking seven!” he screams. “Six!”

Years spent living in fear. My happiness shadowed by gut-wrenching grief. Always the victim of a turbulent, violent world. Like the women being trafficked, I live at the mercy of men like Ignacio.No. No más.