Page 14

14

In the back of an unmarked, panel van, Gabe and Jobe sat watching the exterior of Quentin Salazar’s office. The run-down apartment building attached was a hive of young people coming and going.

“He runs this dive and is able to live in the big ass house he has?” Jobe asked.

“Uh huh,” Gabe grunted. “I can see why the police are looking into him. Gotta be running money through somewhere.”

Jobe’s eyes raised to the building next to the van. “This work for you?”

Gabe’s gaze followed Jobe’s. “Yeah, it’s as good as any.”

They moved out of the van, walking to the old, brick building across from Quentin’s office and quickly made their way to the roof. The building was only three stories tall, making it perfect for the cameras they were installing. Affixing them to the edge of the roof, camouflaged by the slight overhang, they worked efficiently.

“Wish we could get inside his office.” Jobe said.

“We may still be able to do something, but honestly? If we get enough visual intel, Matt may be able to get a search warrant for this guy’s place.”

Finishing, they glanced down as a black BMW pulled up to the front curb andwatched as their suspect stepped out. Barking out warnings to the teens on the sidewalk, he moved into his building.

Noticing the teens did not lurk around, Jobe commented, “He must put the fear of God in them to keep them away from that ride of his.”

Gabe nodded before answering thoughtfully, “Or the fear of something.”

Finished with the installation, they called BJ to make sure the live video feed was working. Getting the all-clear from him, they moved back to the van and headed to the office to report to Tony.

* * *

Several days passed before Sherrie tried to contact Betina again. Her text went unanswered and she finally called, but it went straight to voicemail. Walking out of her office, she went in to see Mr. Marks.

Smiling up at her, the elderly lawyer leaned back in his squeaky desk chair as he nodded for her to have a seat in one of his old, comfortable leather seats. She could not help but smile back as she commented on his furniture.

He patted the arms of his antique, wooden chair and said, “I know you’ve been after me to get new furniture like Simon has in his office, but I just can’t make myself do it. This chair was in this office thirty-seven years ago when I first became a lawyer and old Mr. Owens took me in as a partner. I tried a new padded desk chair once when my wife came in and declared that she couldn’t see how I could take the squeaking. Funny,” he said as his gaze drifted away in memories, “but I never noticed the squeak. And I just couldn’t get used to the new-fangled thing. It had more gears on the side than my first car. Went up, down, back, tilted. Damn near threw myself out of it one day, so I gave it to our receptionist.”

Sherrie laughed at his reminiscing, then sobered as she realized he had been doing that a lot lately. Pulling her lips in, she wanted to ask him if everything was all right but hesitated, not sure she wanted to know the answer.

He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment. “You always were astute, Sherrie. You would have made an excellent lawyer.”

Smiling at the compliment, she shrugged, saying, “It wasn’t in the cards, Mr. Marks. But that’s okay. I’m happy doing what I’m doing and I have to admit that the CASA work is very satisfying.”

“Well, I know you didn’t come in here to have me go on and on about office furniture. What’s on your mind?”

“I don’t want my work as a CASA volunteer to interfere with my duties here and that is why I have only made visits with Simon or after my hours here. But I’d really like to visit with Betina today and wondered if you would mind if I took extra time on my lunch break to do that?”

“Sherrie, you are one of the hardest working employees I have ever known and you never need to ask if you can have some extra time. But, as far as your CASA work, consider that on the clock. You are working for a child and as far as I am concerned that can easily be included in your duties here. Simon is working pro-bono on her case for DSS and that makes her part of your work. So take the time that you need and don’t worry about anything.”

Smiling her relief, she stood as she thanked him. Stopping at the door she turned, a question in her expression. “Mr. Marks? Are you all right?”

“Never better, my dear. I’m just an old man who enjoys his memories at times.”

Nodding, she left his office but the feeling of gloom hung over her. Stopping by Simon’s office, she popped in to tell him that she was heading to Betina’s house for an interview. Getting his approval, she headed out of the door.

Arriving at the girl’s house, she realized that Betina was still at school, but hoped to have a chance to talk to her mother. She was not disappointed when Marcella answered the door and invited her in once she had introduced herself.

Settling on the sofa, she glanced around quickly. The small house was simply furnished, but everything was neat and clean. A few pictures on the wall showed a smiling child that she recognized as Betina at a younger age. Looking back at Marcella, she was an older version of the girl; Betina’s beautiful looks were from her mother.

“I’m just checking to see how the transition has gone. How have things been since Betina came back home?”

“She’s a good girl,” Marcella said defensively.

“Oh, I know she is. Ms. Rodriguez, I’m not here to take her away again. I’m just checking to see how she’s doing. Has she seemed glad to be back?”

Marcella looked around nervously, “She’s quiet. Always been. Stays in her room a lot when she’s not at school or working.”

“I didn’t realize she had a job. Where does she work?”

“For my husband. He has a shop and was good enough to hire her.”

Sherrie knew that the man referred to as her husband was not legally Betina’s stepdad since they were not married, but if Marcella wished to call him that she was not going to object.

“When does Betina usually get home from work?”

“She closes the shop with him, so about ten at night.”

Looking up from her notepad, Sherrie tried to keep the irritation out of her voice, saying, “That seems rather late for her to get in. When does she get her homework done?”

Marcella’s forehead crinkled as a confused look crossed her face. “She gets it done. Her grades are good,” she said defensively.

“I’m sure she does,” Sherrie added, deciding she would gain more information if Betina’s mother were less defensive. “Can I take a look at her room?”

Marcella stood and led her to a small room behind the kitchen. It was simply furnished with a twin bed and dresser. It could have been any teen’s room, but Sherrie would have known it anywhere. The walls were filled with drawings. Faces. In laughter. In sadness. In thought. The expressions that came from the drawings were so lifelike that Sherrie sucked in a deep breath in awe.

“They’re beautiful. She is so talented,” she gushed, not able to contain her admiration.

For the first time since entering the home, Marcella smiled in return. “She is good. Her teacher says she has talent. I don’t know where she got it from. I don’t draw at all.”

“Maybe her father?”

A shadow passed over Marcella’s face. “I don’t know. He never had time to draw. He worked all the time before he died.” Giving a little shrug, she turned to walk back to the living room. Sherrie took one last look around at Betina’s talent before following her mother.

“I’d like to visit Betina,” she said glancing at her watch. “I suppose school is over now. Can you give me the address where she works and I will visit her there?”

Jotting down the location, Sherrie stood and thanked Marcella. “I hope things work out and that Betina continues to do well. I will keep tabs on her for a while until her last court appearance.” With that, she walked out and made her way down the street to the address she was given.

The neighborhood was old and slightly run down. Passing the school, she wished she had planned on talking to one of her teachers but knew that would need to wait until another time. Glancing at the school, she saw a group of young students and recognized Betina with them. She started to call out her name then hesitated, knowing that teens are often embarrassed. She walked over not wanting to intrude, hoping to catch her when her conversation was ended.

Betina was passing out cards to the other kids and Sherrie heard her say, “You can get free food here. Don’t go hungry, just come by and show this card to the manager. He’ll make sure you get something to eat.”

As the kids wandered away, Betina turned and immediately blushed when she saw Sherrie. That’s an odd reaction. Walking over, Sherrie greeted her and Betina returned her hug.

“What are you doing here?” the young teen asked, glancing around nervously.

“I came to see you. I’ve been at your house talking to your mom,” Sherrie answered, noting Betina’s wide eyed look. “She showed me your room and I have to say that I’m even more impressed with your talent.”

Betina’s face relaxed into a shy smile as she accepted the compliment. The smile left as quickly as it came as she looked at her watch. “I’ve got to get to work.”

“I’ll walk with you and you can show me the store.”

Betina’s expression gave Sherrie the impression that seeing where she worked was the last thing Betina wanted. Smiling, Sherrie threw out her arm saying, “Lead the way.”

Without a choice, Betina began to walk down the street with Sherrie right in step. A few blocks away, they came to a grocery store. Upon entering, Sherrie noticed that a couple of the kids from the school were talking to a man behind a counter to the right. As his eyes lit upon Betina, he shouted angrily, “Did you make more contacts today?”

Betina’s eyes darted to the side and Sherrie noticed that the man’s eyes landed on her just then too. His angry visage disappeared behind a small scowl before a smile took its place. Coming from behind the counter, the man made his way toward them, greeting Betina with a hug.

“Betina, who is your lovely friend?” he asked, keeping his arm around the young woman.

“She’s my CASA worker,” came the soft answer.

“Your what?” he asked, his gaze darting between Betina and Sherrie.

Stepping up, Sherrie extended her hand toward him, explaining, “Court Appointed Special Advocate. The judge in her case has assigned me to keep an eye on Betina, making sure her rights are being protected in court. I’m Sherrie Mullins and you are…?”

“Hernando Valesquez, her stepfather,” he said smoothly. “Did you come to see where she works?”

“Yes, I did. You have a lovely store here, Mr. Valesquez. May I look around and perhaps shop a little?”

“Of course. Betina, show Ms. Mullins around.” With that he moved back to the counter, continuing his conversation with the three teens.

As she and Betina walked around the aisles, she noticed that most of the workers eyed her suspiciously. Or is that just my overactive imagination. Glancing behind the butcher counter, she was surprised to see two young, teen boys handling the meat cutters. “They seem rather young to be working in the butcher section,” she commented.

Betina’s lips were tight and Sherrie noticed that her eyes continually cut over to Hernando. Wanting to prolong her visit, Sherrie grabbed a basket and began filling it with a few items as they walked. Moving to the bakery, she once again noticed very young girls working behind the counters with only one adult supervising. The woman’s white uniform was pulled tightly over her large breasts and Sherrie noted the fearful look thrown her way.

“I saw some of the kids you were talking to after school up front. Do they get some free food from here?” she asked, her curiosity overflowing after seeing the teens walk out with several bags of groceries.

“Um, yeah,” came the noncommittal answer.

“So, do you like working for your…Mr. Valesquez?” she queried.

“It’s okay,” came Betina’s clipped response along with a shoulder shrug.

“Well, your mom said that you work a lot, so I guess it’s nice to make some money isn’t it? Are you saving for anything special?”

Sherrie could have sworn she saw a sheen of unshed tears in the young woman’s eyes, before a mask of indifference fell into place.

“I’ve really got to get to work,” Betina said, looking down at her shoes.

“Of course. I’m sorry, honey. I’ve taken up too much of your time,” Sherrie said sincerely.

Betina’s head jerked up, her eyes landing on Sherrie’s. “No. No. Please come see me again sometime.” The words rushed out of Betina’s mouth as she threw her arms around Sherrie.

Hugging her in return, Sherrie promised she would. Walking to the cash register, she once again noted the stiff posture of the cashier who seemed to hurry the process along.

Once outside, Sherrie began walking to her car that was still parked several blocks over. As she passed an alley, she noticed the teens with the bags of food. They had the food out and were devouring it quickly, as though they had not had a decent meal in a while. Seeing her, they quickly hustled further down the alley.

Climbing into her car, Sherrie rubbed her head as the headache that had been building began to pound. Overflowing with conflicting thoughts, she pulled out her pad and pen and began writing. It was the only way she could organize her observations as her CASA training had instructed.

She wrote about the teens receiving free food, the young age of the workers, and the change in Betina’s personality at work and when she was alone with Sherrie. Her mother seemed to care and while Mr. Valesquez gave her a bad vibe, his actions had been nothing but good. Is Betina just a troubled teen, who is rebelling from the rules in her home? Determined to report the absolute truth to the judge the next month, she vowed to keep an eye on Betina’s situation. Something’s just not right.

* * *

Tony sat in his office, looking over the requests for private security. He had determined after the fiasco with a Hollywood starlet and Gabe months ago that Alvarez Security would no longer provide ongoing private security, although it was lucrative. His company did very well with the security systems they installed and monitored, as well as the occasional private security detail.

“Hey, Tony,” came a soft voice from the doorway.

He looked up, smiling at Lily before nodding to the chair in front of his desk. “What’s up?” he asked.

“I just wanted to know how things were going.” She blushed before rushing on, “I know it’s none of my business but Sherrie is a friend and well…you seem…happy today.”

“I’m not usually happy?” he said dryly, trying to keep the corners of his mouth from turning up.

Rolling her eyes, Lily just smirked. “Uh, no boss. You don’t usually have a goofy grin on your face.”

“A goofy grin?” came another voice from the doorway. Gabe came in uninvited, but since Tony had an open door policy he could hardly keep anyone out.

“Who’s got a goofy grin?” Vinny asked, walking in on the heels of his twin, with BJ right behind.

Looking at Lily, Tony quipped, “You couldn’t have just come in to ask about the weather?”

“Sorry, Tony,” she said with a smile. “But honestly, we just want to see you happy.”

“Things are going well, thank you.”

“Hell, Captain. That’s not much of an answer,” Gabe exclaimed. “What the hell am I supposed to tell Jennifer when she asks?”

“You telling me you don’t think your wife hasn’t already called Sherrie to see what is going on?”

Gabe ducked his head in embarrassment. “Yeah, she might have said something like that.”

Jobe strolled in, overhearing the conversation. “You all are acting like a bunch of women,” then quickly added, “Present company excepted, of course,” looking at Lily.

“Well, I don’t mind asking. Are you and Sherrie a couple now?” Lily countered.

Tony looked at the friends in his office, the ones he considered to be in his inner circle. His company had grown and there were numerous employees, but his former military brothers along with BJ and Lily were squarely in the friend category. And he knew they cared.

Nodding, he smiled and said, “Yes. Sherrie and I are together. And she decided to throw a party next weekend for our friends to celebrate with us. Y’all are all invited. Spouses too, of course.”

Lily stood, turning to walk toward the door. Stopping, she glanced back over her shoulder with a huge smile on her beautiful face. “I’m excited for you Tony. I can’t think of anyone who deserves to be happy more.” With that, she and BJ left his office, leaving him with his three brothers-in-arms.

“Captain, it goes without saying but I’m gonna say it anyway. Lily’s right—you deserve all the happiness in the world and we all think Sherrie is awesome for you,” Jobe said, as Gabe and Vinny agreed.

Taking a deep breath, Tony nodded at his former squad, knowing they had all been with him in his darkest hour. Now it was time for them to celebrate a new beginning.

“Okay, time for business,” he drawled, motioning for the others to sit down. “I’ve been looking over the requests that are coming in and business is so good that we are at a point of picking and choosing what jobs we take.” Glancing up at Gabe, he continued, “I know we are in agreement about no long-term security service contracts, but we have several for just one-time events or escorts.”

“Got any actresses or hot female musicians?” Vinny asked, only partially joking.

Tony smiled, acknowledging, “I might have something that I think will be just down your alley, but I’m still negotiating.”

“Hot damn, just what I’ve been waiting for,” he quipped.

Tony knew Vinny’s reputation with women involved consensual sex only…no strings, no complications, and rarely repeat performances. Yeah Vinny, I may have just the job for you. Moving on, the men discussed the upcoming security details, outlining what resources were needed.

“Jobe, anything new on those missing girls?”

Jobe shook his head in frustration. “Like they just disappeared. No one at the bus or train stations remembers them. We’ve checked with local schools to see if they recognized them, in case they tried to register. We looked into homeless shelters and checked with DSS.”

Tony nodded. “I knew it would be a long shot, but write up what you have and I’ll report to the grandparents.”

Jobe looked up sharply. “Sir, I’m not giving up yet.”

With the next few weeks planned out, the meeting ended. As the men filed out, they each shared a look with Tony, words unspoken. Looks of understanding. Looks of support. Tony sat for a few more minutes in his office, his surroundings the same but his feelings completely different. Instead of working until late to keep from going home to a bland, lonely apartment he could not wait to get to Sherrie.

Pulling out his cell, he called her number.

“Hi, sweetie,” she greeted. “What’s up?”

“I just wanted to hear your voice,” he admitted honestly.

A giggle was heard from the other end of the line, shooting straight to his heart. “I think I like that,” she said. “A big, strong man calling just to hear me.”

“Well, it’s the truth. How’s your day going? You going to be home on time?”

“It’s been really weird, to be honest. Can we talk about it tonight? I’ve got a little more to do here in the office and then I want to take a quick drive to check out something, but I’ll be home about the same time you are.”

“You want me to pick up some take-out on the way to your house?”

“No, I threw some chili in the crockpot before leaving this morning. It’s been slow cooking for hours and will be the perfect way to end a cold, winter day.”

“I’ve got a better way to end a cold, winter day,” he said.

His warm promise slid over her, immediately causing her nipples to pucker as well as her inner core to clench. “Oooh, promise?”

“You got it, baby,” he vowed. Hanging up, he found that just talking on the phone with her and the promise of a perfect evening had his cock twitching. Down boy, we’ve still got some work to do.

* * *

Sherrie had been sitting at her desk, going over the report that she had typed on Betina’s situation. She could face the possibility that the young teen had run away because of rebellion, but it did not fit the girl she had come to know.

When she had discussed it with Simon earlier, he warned her that as a CASA she would need to be non-biased in her dealings. Question everything, he had said. Something is just not right, but I’ll be dammed if I know what it is.

She tried a quick internet search on Hernando Valesquez, but all that came up was information about his store and the few other businesses that he managed. Other businesses? Deciding to drive by to just check them out, she said her goodbyes to the others in the law office and headed to her car.

Driving back to Betina’s neighborhood, she went past the grocery store. It was only five p.m. but already getting dark. She could see activity inside the store and knew it would be open for several more hours. Using her GPS, she drove a few blocks away to the next address, that of a laundry facility that Mr. Valesquez managed. It appeared to be closing, but she could see lights on in the back and someone was just locking the doors. Parking in a well-lit area, she jogged over to the door and knocked loudly.

A tall, lanky teenager stood on the other side of the glass door, calling out, “We’re closed. Come back tomorrow.”

She hated yelling through the door, but wanted to make sure she had the right place. “Is this laundry owned by Mr. Hernando Valesquez?” The eyes of the teen grew large and he backed away from the door. “Do I have the right place?” she shouted once again.

“No speak good English. Come back tomorrow,” he called before turning and running to a door behind the counter. With a quick slam of the door, the light that had come through was shut out and she knew that continuing to stand there would be pointless.

Giving a quick glance around she noted the deserted street, but was glad for the bright lights of the parking lot. Moving quickly to her car, she got in and drove down the street. A couple of blocks away, she came across the next business belonging to Hernando, but it also appeared to be closed, as were all the businesses on this street.

Coming to a dead end, she was about to turn around when a young man ran down the street, waving his arms.

“Can you help me?” he shouted.

Jumping from her car, she heard running steps from behind and before she could turn around, she was slammed forward into the car.

A large, strong body pressed up against hers, trapping her against the cold metal with her face pressed into the glass. She tried to scream but a large hand clapped over her mouth.

“Whatever you’re doing here, bitch, you need to stay the fuck away,” the gravelly voice commanded.

This was no teen; this was a man’s voice. The teen was just a diversion. She tried to gasp for air but his thick fingers pressed against her mouth and nose. Her legs grew weak as fear and lack of oxygen made her faint. Realizing what was happening, he moved his hand from her nose while keeping her mouth covered. Inhaling deeply through her nose, her mind began to clear enough for her to feel the cold, metal blade of a knife pressing into the side of her neck.

“Keep your goddamn mouth shut or I’ll slice your throat,” he growled. He moved his hand from her mouth and grabbed her left arm twisting it cruelly behind her.

Agonizing pain sliced through her shoulder as she was sure it dislocated. Feeling faint again, she thought of Tony. I’m going to die and he’ll be alone again; the thought cut through her fear.

“Don’t know what the fuck you’re looking for, but stay away and keep quiet. You don’t, next time I’ll be happy to slice you up. After I have some fun,” he laughed. Pressing tighter against her, she felt his erection against her ass.

“No,” she whimpered. Pain and fear had her sliding down the door, but his hand moved from her front to the middle of her back.

“Count to twenty bitch before you leave. And remember to keep your goddamn mouth shut. Or maybe someone you care about will get hurt.” With that, she suddenly felt the cold on her back, telling her that he had moved away.

After a few seconds, she managed to get her car door open and fell inside. She knew it was only a matter of seconds before the pain in her shoulder had her passing out again, so she grabbed her cell phone. Slumping over, the last thing she managed to do was dial 911.