Page 71 of Heartless

Rio’s body had been found badly burned and barely recognizable as human. However, the ring and tattoo had definitely been Rio’s.

“The DNA and dental matched his military records.”

“Records can be altered. We already know these people have deep pockets and incredible influence. Records can be changed with a keystroke.”

“All right, but why not suspect Layla? She would have had the same opportunity.”

“You know why not. Layla was the best of us all.”

He could argue with that, but she wouldn’t agree. Yes, Layla had been honorable and valiant, but no less than Olivia. Rio, on the other hand, had been the most volatile of the team. He and Hawke had gone toe to toe on several occasions. Hawke had kept him on because, despite his faults, he’d been a brilliant strategist and a deadly ally.

“Knowing Iris, she could have said that to throw us down another rabbit hole.”

“Maybe, but it would explain where all the intel on those emails came from.”

“I’ll take a look at the interview footage again.”

“Okay…good night.”

Wanting to say more, wanting more than he had a right to want, Hawke turned and walked out the door.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

San Antonio, Texas

His heart pounding like a jackhammer, Juan stood at the door of the hotel room. He raised his shaking hand to knock but couldn’t make himself do it. If this was a trap, then he had consigned Mamá and himself to horrible deaths. She had done nothing but try to take care of him his entire life, and this could well be her reward. Nausea churned in his gut, and it took everything he had to not turn around, grab Mamá, and run.

“We’ve come this far, niño. There’s no going back now.”

Mamá had been more receptive to his plan than he had expected. He hadn’t known how miserable she was or how much she regretted going along with the agreement his papá had signed. She agreed that it could be a trap but had told him he was the head of the family, and she would follow his lead.

But what if that led to their deaths?

Praying that he had made the right decision, Juan knocked three times, as he had been instructed. The door opened immediately, and a tall, broad-shouldered man with long blond hair, a gray beard, and dark glasses stood before them.

“Hello, Juan, Señora Gonzalez, please come in.”

Taking Mamá by the hand, Juan led her into the room. They sat on the sofa where the man had pointed.

Juan was surprised there was no one else in the room. He had figured there would be several people here. He tried to peer into the bathroom he could see across the room, but he could see no one.

“I’m the only one here, Juan. No one else knows about this.”

“So you are my ‘concerned friend.’”

“I am.”

“What now?”

“I give you the information you need to start a new life.”

“What if I don’t want a new life?”

“Then why are you here?”

“I…” He had no answer.

“Juan, let’s not play games. You had a choice to make, and you made it. If you choose to back out now, I cannot guarantee yours or your mother’s safety.”

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