Page 45 of Liar

Setting the iron in the rack, I retrieve my Glock from beneath the counter then gesture for him to follow me, leading him deep into the back of the shop and out the emergency door.

His eyebrows lift. “What the fuck?”

Behind my lavandería, I got creative and set up a mini firing range, complete with a table for earmuffs and a target riddled with bullet holes. In this town, gunfire is as common as summertime siestas despite handguns being illegal. Still, I invited the neighboring business owners over for a tour. To say they were amused at first is an understatement, until they realized my hands are good for other things besides folding laundry.

“Watch,” I order.

I slip on the earmuffs then aim Hayden’s Glock. One, two, three bullets. I hit the target every time.

“Jesus. I’d hate to cross paths with you in a dark alley. Can I have a turn?”

“Only if you admit I’m not some helpless damsel in distress.”

Diego pauses to look at me. “You’re my baby sister. I’ll always protect you, whether I ruffle your pride or not.”

I swallow hard, softening at his admission. “Here.” I offer him the handgun.

He stares down at it like I handed him a handful of horse manure. “A Glock 19?”

Oh, no.

“Where did you get this gun?”

Hayden’s Glock 19, a gift I kept secret from Diego for fear he’d freak out just as he’s about to do.

“Didhegive you this?”

How I wish I’d been less eager to showcase my independence and more careful. “Yes.”

“At the firing range?”

“That’s right.”

“What the fuck is he giving you his gun for?”

Exactlymythoughtafterhepresentedittome. If Diego hadn’t been so freaked-out about his boss’s gift, I’d have danced around in glee, pleased beyond belief it was a big deal that Hayden gave me his gun. That Hayden’s actions speak volumes.

But Diego’s reaction speaks even bigger volumes.

“You need to return it. I’ll get you a pistol to use.”

“No.”

“What did you say?”

“I learned on this gun. Can’t you see the progress I’ve made?”

“You’ll relearn using another one.”

“You’re being ridiculous.”

“I’ll return it then.”

“And leave me without a weapon and unprotected?”

“You’re not his sister. You’re nothing to him. He can save his fucking gifts for one of his women.”

Whatwomen?