Page 65 of Devil's Property
Why did I have a terrible feeling that something was tragically wrong with her? “What happened, Navarro?”
He closed his eyes and tilted his head back, raking his fingers through his hair. When he snapped it down again, I could tell the memory brought nothing but fury.
“She was in the car with my parents on the night they were killed. Maya survived but had serious brain damage. She’s come a long way since being in a coma for several months and being unable to speak. But she’ll never be able to live a normal life. She’ll never marry or complete her education. She’ll never have children. She’s forced to live a life in a glass bubble. I’ve allowed almost everyone to believe she did die. It’s safer that way for her. I do what I can for her as I love her very much, but she’s locked in a prison because one man betrayed not only my family but the Torres family as well. She’s forced to suffer the sins of men who advanced by greed and the hunger for power. So yes, I dounderstand and will do everything I can to help you find Brooke. You have my word.”
As he lifted his gaze, I could tell he was making a promise he had every intention of keeping. I was stunned by the admittance and floored he trusted me so much, as his sister would be considered a weakness.
He took a deep breath and nodded as if sealing the deal.
“I’m so sorry, Navarro,” I whispered.
His deep breath was difficult to hear. “You’ll find something of interest in the bags along with some clothes. The door won’t be locked. You are free to roam the house and grounds. I think you understand the rules and the level of danger. Hopefully what I provided will bring you some peace. I won’t be long.”
With that, he walked out and closed the door. I took a deep breath, remaining where I was. Navarro was also in a prison, only his had both chains and a noose around his neck. A shiver tore through me. A few seconds later, I moved toward the bags, peering inside.
When I found a sketch pad and some artist grade colored pencils, I was stunned.
Another feeling washed through me and I knew that inside the cold, callous man was someone who hungered for exactly what I’d wanted my entire life.
A family.
CHAPTER 18
Navarro
“I’m going to fucking kill him,” I stated with absolutely no reservations, figuring that Jago wouldn’t have a single issue with my declaration.
He didn’t.
His laugh was deep and labored. I noticed the drug lord’s lieutenant glancing in the rearview mirror. The man’s raised eyebrows were an indication of his amusement.
Only I wasn’t kidding.
“Don’t kill him until we know what we’re dealing with,” Jago suggested as Benito parked the SUV in the hospital lot.
I glanced out the back passenger window at the distribution of vehicles, most worth more than what a typical Mexican made in five years. Only the best care for the lying sack of shit who’d likely sold his soul to the devil for cash to purchase additional cans of gilded paint.
Was I so enraged that both my vision and my decision-making ability were compromised? Hell, yes. And at this point, I didn’t care. Just hearing about Brooke’s condition was enough to keep me focused on the past.
“What’s the shit with you and Santos?” he asked, glancing from where I stood next to my lieutenant.
Silvio tipped his head over his shoulder. From what I’d heard, his meeting with Santos had ended in a shouting match. One lieutenant telling another one what they were doing to violate cartel codes didn’t usually go over well.
I knew that personally from my estranged relationship with Kruz. We’d caused bloodshed more than once over the years, the difference being we held a limited respect for each other.
We also knew better than to cross a certain line with our disagreements. At least he’d remained behind to ensure both Fallon’s protection as well as her obedience without me needing to ask.
However, he had given me the same look I’d seen from Jago when I even mentioned Fallon’s name.
“He’s concerned his position is being eliminated.” I was careful with my words.
Which caused Jago to laugh. “Since when do you mince words, my friend? Fuck.”
“Since we still have no idea if Fassi is going to retaliate.” Not that I cared. In truth, I hoped he would. The cat and mouse game had exceeded its welcome.
Jago unfastened his seatbelt yet did nothing more than stare at the hospital’s entrance while he rubbed his index finger acrosshis bottom lip. “I know you well enough to know you want to save this girl. Or maybe I should say keep her as your own.”
“This isn’t about keeping her forever, Jago. However, I will do what’s necessary to ensure she’s not working for any number of our enemies, including Fassi. If she is, then she’ll be considered garbage and simply taken out with the trash. I won’t let that happen.”
