Page 55 of Liar

“What?”

“While out of town, I pledged allegiance to the Z22. I had to prove my loyalty ... so took a beating without fighting back.”

I stare at him, aghast. It takes several seconds to process this surprise turn of events. “You switched cartels? You’re now one of Marifer’s men?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “Different town, different boss. He reports to Marifer, usually by phone.”

“Does the Bastard know?”

“It was his idea.”

Diego takes another sip of beer.

Two cartels? It doesn’t make sense. Especially the Z22. That bit of news is as absurd as it is unexpected. I wait until Diego sets the bottle onto the coffee table before pressing him further. “How can you be involved in two competing cartels?”

He offers me a hint of his trademark grin then winces. “Carefully.”

I roll my eyes. “But why?”

“Might as well answer your next question along with this one. Hayden asked me to pledge to Z22, so we selected a smaller town, Los Mochis, where I’m just one moreel broncudolooking to establish himself. Marifer has been talking to the Colombians. I’m to report back on whatever deal she’s making.”

“Even in a smaller town on the mainland, you might still be recognized.”

“It’s a risk.”

I make a noise in my throat.

“I’ll play it smart. Convince them I’ve switched loyalties and am defying the Bastard, if it comes to that. The Z22 recruits are ruthless men,” he gestures to his battered body, “who use fists first and brains later.”

El Calaca certainly fits that description.“Says the ruthless man who allowed himself to be beaten up.” Joking aside, I’m worried by this news. If I was upset about his joining one cartel, how am I supposed to feel hearing he’s now in two of them?

“Drugs? Is that why she’s involved with the Colombians?”

“Don’t know, yet.”

“So, risking your life could be all for nothing?” Hayden knew I didn’t want Diego anywhere near a cartel. And now he’s asked my brother to pledge two of them? The Bastard’s betrayal stings. Our relationship ... my misguided feelings for him ... is like a tire with a slow leak. Each rejection, each betrayal makes me feel more and more deflated.

“Look. I know you don’t want to hear this. But peace in Loreto will end the moment one of them makes a power play. Hayden is planning for that day.”

My heart breaks for Loreto. My soul is part of this town. The rust-colored dirt is in my blood. And I’m to understand it’s only a matter of time before disaster tears us apart?

“And if you’re exposed?”

Diego makes that squinty face of his. My heart stills because I’m going to hate his next words.

“Hayden will help me disappear.”

Every fiber in my being stiffens. “No!”

Diego watches me with one sharp eye.

“You. Will. Not. Disappear.Ever.” I poke him in his good arm with my finger in rhythm to each enunciated word.

“I won’t have to because—”

“Esto nunca ocurrirá.If you try and pull—”

“You’ll be far away at college.”