Page 26 of Rectify

“I apologize for my partner’s manner, but we need to figure out Diego’s motivation. No offense, but by the sounds of it, he had his fair share of women. Why do you think he waived such a large debt? By all accounts, he’s not the sort of man to help someone out of the goodness of his heart or for sentimental reasons.”

Natalya blew out a breath. This wasn’t anything she hadn’t wondered herself. “I don’t know his motivation. I really don’t. He never actually came out and told me I had to sleep with him. He mentioned housework, cooking, but I assumed he also meant I had to . . .” she trailed off awkwardly, lowering her gaze in shame. “When I agreed, he moved me and Nana into his house. Meanwhile, my brother took off. I haven’t heard from himsince.” That shouldn’t have surprised her, but the least he could have done was text her to let her know he was still alive. She’d given up everything for him. Her happiness. Her future. Aedan.

“Diego was around a lot to begin with. But then, Nana died, and he began staying away for longer periods. I hardly ever saw him.” And it had been a relief, as she’d been sick with grief. Partly was over losing her nana, but mostly over losing Aedan. Natalya had stopped eating; she’d lost interest in everything. She hadn’t cared about what Diego was doing so long as he didn’t require her for anything.

“When I found out I was pregnant, it was a complete shock.”

“Weren’t you using protection?” Stanton asked.

“That is something you really don’t need to know,” she snapped angrily.

“Okay, let’s all just take a deep breath. Natalya, I know this isn’t easy, and I’m truly sorry we have to ask you all these questions.” Tanner gave her an apologetic look.

“You should ban him from talking to people.” Aedan scowled at Stanton.

Stanton didn’t seem the least affected by his censure.

“We only had sex once. When he found out I was pregnant, Diego never touched me again.”

“So, Diego took you instead of a debt, got you pregnant, fucked around on you, and then let you leave with his son?” Stanton recited.

“I guess that sums it up.”

Stanton tapped his fingers against his thigh. “Surely the cartel must have been worried about you talking?”

“There is nothing for me to talk about. Diego never told me anything. We cramped his lifestyle, I guess, and he wanted us gone.”

“So why would he come after the boy now?” Stanton looked skeptical.

“I have no idea.”

“And the only reason you believe it was Diego who took Mateo is because your cousin thought she saw him by the day care?” Tanner asked, jotting down notes.

“She didn’tthinkshe saw him. She’s certain it was him. Besides, I don’t know who else would take Mateo.”

“Doesn’t make any sense,” Stanton argued. “Why kidnap him now? And your neighbor said there were two masked men, right? Plus, one driver, so three men kidnapped him. Who are these other men?”

“I don’t know. Members of the cartel, I assume.” She hadn’t really thought about it. “Or someone Diego hired. It’s too much of a coincidence that Diego was hanging around a few days before Mateo was taken. It has to be him.” She stared at Tanner, then Stanton. Their faces remained blank. “You act like you don’t believe me,” she said with growing frustration.

“It’s not that,” Tanner reassured her. “It’s just that we need to explore every possibility. If we spend all our time and resources following one lead and it’s wrong, then we’re back to square one. And right now, every moment counts.”

“So, shouldn’t we be out there looking for Mateo? Just sitting here doesn’t seem to be accomplishing anything either.”

“Every bit of information you can give us is important, Natalya,” Tanner told her.

She ran her hand through her hair. “Sorry, I know.”

“I’m going to head to Hondo.” Stanton stood. “I want to talk to your cousin, the one who saw Diego.”

“Why?” Natalya asked. “She doesn’t know anything else.”

Stanton just shrugged.

“Then I want to go as well,” Natalya said. “I should be there in case Mateo is found.”

“Stupid idea,” Stanton told her abruptly. “Small town, lots of gossip. No place for anyone to hide. If we all show up there, then it’s just going to create a huge uproar.”

“And you showing up there, won’t?” she asked skeptically. He wasn’t exactly discreet.

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