Page 5 of Liar

“Give me your word you’ll let me go and I’ll tell you.”

The air in the warehouse seems to thin.

A man snorts and another shakes his head.

“¡Tienecojones!” the Mexican Machote shouts and my hope fades. “Give her my word?”

“She doesn’t understand she’s talking to a boss,” someone explains.

My assumption’s proven correct but I try not to react.

“You his puta?”

“No.” I bite my lip. “I’m his girlfriend ... ex-girlfriend.” I’m a marginal liar at best. And most times, with a clear idea how the situation would unfold.

“Stupid bastard didn’t want her? She’s a looker.”

“With big, gorgeous tits.”

I choke back my fear. This isn’t the direction this conversation should be going. In actuality, I’ve never had a boyfriend. I’ve never touched a man. I’ve never been kissed.

“Where is he?”

I hold my ground with a shake of my head, desperately searching for a lie that will be both helpful and believable.

“How about I kill you then be on my way?”

“Your word, and you’ll not only allow me to go but you’ll thank me for sharing what I know.”

He takes the bait. “You’ll return home under my protection.”

“Thank you ... He’s with Arturo.”

The Mexican Machote tightens his grip on my arm. “What did you say?”

“The Bastard is meeting with Arturo. If you hurry, you can interrupt whatever is happening at his compound.” Distract the cartel boss and draw his attention away from my brother.

“No way.”

“Arturo promised to keep out of this. Did he intentionally set up a meeting with the Bastard tonight, knowing our plans?”

“Or she’s lying. Just like she’s lying about being his ex. Look at her, compadres. If she were his, he wouldn’t let her go.”

I feel the weight of their stares and despise them for their depravity.

The warehouse quiets until it seems all that is heard is my heart pounding.

They don’t believe me. And now Diego isn’t the only one in danger.

I search the dim warehouse and look for a way to escape, until my attention halts on the tiniest flicker of light.

Not the tip of a cigarette but ... a match.

A hard, cynical voice interrupts from the darkness. Calmly but with great authority. “She’s mine now.”

The warehouse fills with bright, blinding light. Seconds later, chaos erupts.

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