Page 50 of They Call Him Reaper

On cue, Wyn puts up a finger. “I need to step out. One moment.”

The detectives converge in a corner, both whispering terribly. Sheila called me a murderer, but I haven’t killed anyone…lately. Father is still alive, the crime scene was cleaned, and Inaya is my wife. All their questions so far have been about the whereabouts of Father. Alex glances in my direction just before his phone rings.

“Yeah? Send him in.” He turns to Shelia to fill her in on the call. “Detective Mendez is coming to interpret so this piece of shit can’t wiggle out of it.”

Strong words from a man seconds from betraying the badge.

Wyn comes in and I nod to signal that I’ve heard enough. I’m not going to admit to knowing English just yet. I want to find out if Detective Mendez will be honest. A few seconds later, Mendez enters wearing a suit that cost entirely too much to be purchased on a detective salary.

I’ve always wondered why people do such obvious things. No one in the Labrama police department came from or married into money. This means Mendez is most likely not on the upand up. No judgment, it simply means I must remain suspicious until I figure out who’s his benefactor.

Andrea is entirely too thorough to not have mentioned Mendez. I quietly observe as he communicates with the other detectives and Wyn. Wyn may not be fluent, but he understands enough Spanish to handle the interview without a translator, but we want to provide an ignorant front.

The detectives pose questions that Mendez translates slickly to force an affirmative from me. He’s trying to back me into a confession without evidence. While the detectives’ questions are as suspicious as any cop looking for someone else to blame, Mendez’s spin on them is guaranteed to hang me.

Wyn catches on quickly. “Don’t answer that.”

Mendez looks at Wyn, his dark eyes glow with challenge. “I thought you didn’t understand Spanish, Mr. Hale.”

“I don’t,” Wyn volleys. “But I speak body language and inflection. “You’re trying to use a language barrier against my client.”

Wyn picks up his phone while staring at Mendez. “I’ll just call Andrea in to translate on our behalf.”

Sheila and Alex balk, but Mendez’s thin lips stretch into a slick smile, signaling that he believes his benefactor is more powerful than Andrea. That sick feeling-only one of Father’s plots can create-settles in my stomach.

Leaning over, I whisper to Wyn. “Careful, I’m almost certain Father is backing Mendez.”

Wyn nods as he finishes his text, then looks at Sheila. “We don’t need Detective Mendez’s help anymore.”

“I insist,” the snake says. He rubs his hand across his grinning face. His determination to implant himself in this case is evident. “I’m not sure what you read from my body language, but I assure you, I’m honest.”

Even Sheila looks like she doesn’t fully trust Mendez’s commitment. She folds her arms and gives him a sideward glance. “Thank you for filling in George, but we have it from here.”

Mendez’s jaw ticks as he stares at her for a beat. The tension builds in the room until a knock breaks it. Andrea doesn’t wait for them to answer when he walks into the room.

He and Mendez have a stare off with silent treats passing between them before he taps my shoulder.

“Interview is over.” He holds up a hand when Sheila and Alex start to protest. “He’s been away from his pregnant wife long enough.”

The first sliver of surprise flashes over Mendez’s face.

“Wife?” he repeats

“Yes, she’s waiting in the lobby. We’re leaving,” Andrea insists.

I wasn’t aware that Inaya tagged along, but I’m not surprised. She was very upset when I left. I hated to see her cry, but I must put an end to this war with Father. His business is still bleeding money, and I won’t stop until he’s bankrupt and dead.

I stand and move toward the door, anxious to see Inaya. I’m sure she understands that her appearance puts a major hole in their case. I grin at the thought. Inaya perks up when she sees me and taps one of Andrea’s men who is standing with her. He nods as she heads my way.

Her face breaks into a relieved smile as she moves closer. Sheila and Alex aren’t far behind me so I’m sure they don’t miss my wife running into my arms and hugging me like she’s my protector.

“Wait. Aren’t you Inaya Wójcik?” Sheila questions, her voice laced with disbelief.

Inaya nods. “Well, I was Inaya Wójcik. I’mInaya Orejónnow.”

Inaya laces her fingers into mine and drops her free hand on her rounded belly. If their jaws were detachable, they’d have to pick them up off the floor. Mendez, however, looks irked by the discovery and disappears with his phone to his ear.

Andrea studies Mendez’s retreating back, so I shift my attention to the people in front of me; I have no doubt he’ll follow up on his suspicions.

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