Page 109 of Unspoken Lies

“What would you call it?” I ask before pressing my nose to the inside of Elijah’s sweatshirt to breathe him in instead.

“They’re using their evil minds to serve you instead of their own self interests,” Emil says.

“Ah, Lili, come on,” Elijah complains.

A quick glance shows that Liliana is slicing up the good doctor and may have gotten some blood on Elijah. Oops.

Hiding my smile that’s probably boarding on unhinged and inappropriate, I meet my stepfather’s gaze.

“I’ve missed your smiles, Rachelle,” he says.

We’re in a corner outside of the spray of blood, which also means no one else can hear us.

“It’s been hard to find them,” I say, shrugging.

“My Lili and those boys want to help with that,” Mr. Cruz says, shaking his head at whatever shenanigans they’re up to. “Higher, Lili. You’ll kill him too fast otherwise. Ugh, she knows better than that. Excuse me.”

No matter the parent, they’re always going to find some way to guide you. Even if it’s the best way to torture someone.

Focusing on Emil as Mr. Cruz leaves, I find my stepfather is frowning.

“I want you to give them hell,” he says. “They may want to be better for you, but you’re going to have to teach them what that looks like. Liliana is the only one who really understands it. Even my son will need a good pop over the head here and there. Those boys are a product of their upbringing. They don’t understand what real love looks like.”

“Do you really think that they want that with me?” I ask, peeking over at them.

Jared and Theo are beating the fuck out of Dr. Michaels’ body with baseball bats. The one time it looks like he may pass out, Mr. Cruz shocks him awake with a stun gun. If he’s been tortured for weeks, I wonder at what point the doctor’s heart will give out.

I’m not sure of his age, but I'd guess he’s in his late sixties. He’s a tough sack of shit, that’s for damn sure.

“I think they’d crawl across glass for you,” Emil says. “Just because they feel shitty about what they’ve done to you, doesn’t mean you should give in. Make them kiss your boot, and whatever other fucked up things you can imagine that a father should never hear.”

“I’ve missed you,” I say, laughing softly.

“I’ve been away too long,” he agrees. “I’ll be here for a week or two before I have to go home. My empire is expanding and it’s having some growing pains. Not because of my men I’m finding, but the idiots who think they can sell drugs in my territory.”

“The date drug thing,” I remember. “There are so many schools in this area, and so many idiot boys.”

“Not just boys,” he grumbles. “Women are using it to drug women. It’s about power, not sex. I need this shit off the market.”

“Are you closer to finding an answer?” I ask, biting my lip because I never inquire about his work.

“Yes. Lili and Nacio have the man pinpointed. I’m going to need to borrow them for a few days. Please don’t blow up the house while you’re alone with the Kings.”

“Shit,” I hiss.

“Rachelle, come here,” Nacio says. “We’re going to play firing squad, and I think you’re the worst shot of us all.”

“Rude,” I call out, slipping off the chair as my stepfather laughs. “I at least know how to point it.”

“Well, sometimes that’s the most important part,” Mr. Cruz says, shrugging.

Walking over to them, I hesitate at some of the blood puddles.

“Boys,” Emil groans.

“Hold on, wife. Let me clear the blood,” Jared says, moving to the giant utility sink and screwing on a hose connector to it.

Turning on the water, he directs the spray nozzle at the ground and washes the puddles down the drain.