Page 70 of Moros

“What about my father?”

“Right,” Tex said. “He was born on the island and at around nineteen he moved to Canada. He entered the country on a student visa and then just didn’t leave.”

“So, he had no status?” She asked.

“He does—or rather, did.” Tex replied. “He didn’t for a while in between the time the student permit expired and the time he received his citizenship. The thing is, usually with Canada, you go from your temporary visa to what you call a Permanent Resident. That gives you most of the rights of a citizen, but it expires and you can’t hold office or vote.”

“Makes sense.” I murmured.

“He never got that.” Tex told us.

“What do you mean?” Ryanne wanted to know. “If that’s a requirement for citizenship?—”

“Did he apply to be a refugee?” I asked.

“No.” Tex replied. “He just went student, to nothing to citizen. I’m still trying to figure out how he scored that, but so far nothing. He wasn’t even in the country long enough to be considered for PR before he was sworn in.”

I massaged my temple.

“I hate to say it,” I said. “But it seems your father either had some connection we can’t find or he made a deal with the devil.”

“What’s the difference?” Ryanne tilted her head.

“Maybe nothing.” I looked away from her. “Maybe everything.”

“I’ll keep working.” Tex promised. “You two should get on the road. I’m sorry I couldn’t get you guys a place closer. But I didn’t want you in too deep where my people couldn’t get to you if you needed backup. Moros, you loaded?”

“Always.”

“Let me know if you need anything else.”

I assured him I would and after he was gone, I carried my plate and mug to the sink the wandered off to the den to gather a few things. Once I had my bag strapped over a shoulder, I joined Ryanne in the outer hall where she waited for me.

We climbed into the SUV and set out on our way. I ensured the AC was on and while I didn’t turn on the radio, I stuck an earpiece into my ear and tapped the side of it. If anything was to happen, Tex would be able to locate us with the help of the earpiece communicating with a satellite way overhead.

I didn’t know how he got access to that—I would never ask.

Some things I just didn’t need to know.

Ryanne and I barely said two words to each other. Even when we stopped for gas and bathroom breaks.

We rolled into Lawrence Tavern just after lunch and the GPS went dark. That meant the area we were heading in hadn’t been mapped yet. I called Tex to be our map and soon I was rolling to a stop in front of a white gate that seemed as if it had seen better days.

I was opening my door when Ryanne caught my arm. I looked at her.

“Can you give me a second?” She wanted to know.

I sighed, but rested back in my seat.

When she was ready, she preceded me from the vehicle, and we walked up to the gate. On the side of one of the walls, I noticed a buzzer and I pressed it.

Time passed.

Birds chirped from nearby trees.

A momentary whisp of cool air circled us, followed by the dull hum of a woodpecker going at a tree.

I was about to press the buzzer again when a voice answered.

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