Page 49 of Liar

Eduardo grunts.

Still alive, thank heavens.

I want to help him. But without a weapon, how can I? Do I kick the gate open and take the three by surprise? Then, do what?

“Show your face again and I’ll kill you. No one screws with the Z22, comprende?”

Eduardo grunts.

“Load the beams into the truck before someone sees us.”

I clench and unclench my fists. Helplessness is almost as common as breathing in this town but knowing this doesn’t make it any easier when it happens. I wait for the truck engine to start and for the Z22 to drive off before exiting the gate.

Eduardo’s a mess. Bloody nose. Bruising left eye. Limping ... oh, no, his leg.

“I should call the police.”

“No,” he gasps. “No police.”

I bite my lip. “Your leg.”

“I’ll be fine. Forget it.”

“Have they harassed you before? Because this can’t go on.”

“Drop it, Luciana. And I beg you, don’t go to the police. That will get us both killed.”

“And all that lumber. What could they be up to?”

He winces.

“No police. Promise.”

“We need to get you to the hospital.”

His eyes flash open and he suddenly is a whirlwind of motion. “Walk me there.”

“What? I’ll call an ambulance.”

“Please, don’t make a big deal about this.”

“You might not be able to dance, Eduardo. Nacionales is two months away.”

“This is my fault.”

“No. You are the victim here.”

“I’ll make it up to you.” He slides an arm around my shoulders. “The hospital is a few blocks away.”

We make slow progress. Time for the weight of what’s happened to sink in.

“Someone has to do something about them. Diego is out of town. I’ll relay everything to him—”

“That someone isn’t you, Luciana. Keep out of cartel business.” He grabs his side and groans, and I turn my focus toward half-dragging him along the sidewalk.

Once at the hospital, the staff take over. Eduardo’s admitted and I sit in a chair in the waiting room, settling in for a long wait.

Eduardo’s released at dawn. He’s a sight for sore eyes, but the doctors have reassured him he’ll be dancing soon. Good news after what’s been a horrific night.