Page 39 of Lies in Promises
“Here are the kids’ birth certificates, medical files, and passports. They all have dual citizenship—both sets of passports are in there and current. You shouldn’t have any issues, but just in case something comes up, you are covered.”
Henry gives me a nod. “I will put them in the safe.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Bennett asks, his voice monotone, as if he is trying not to show emotion.
I know he must be going through it. Here I am, showing up after all these years and leaving again. That shit messes with someone’s head.
I give him a curt nod. “I’m sure. I have to do this.”
All he does is nod, crossing his arms over his chest.
“I’ll try to stay in communication. Check in every few days, and I’ll try to come back as soon as I can.” Even if I don’t find her, I want to say, but I don’t.
I can’t go into this with that type of energy. Positive thoughts and all that shit.
“Be careful, sir. Please know, if there is anything you need, we are here to help,” Henry tells me, so much sincerity in his eyes.
“Thank you, Henry.”
He nods, and we both turn to Bennett, whose mind seems to be distant as he looks over at the door. He eventually turns to look at me.
“Like Henry said, be careful. Your kids need you.” He claps me on the shoulder and then takes a step back. My little brother, who is now a man and not the eight-year-old he was when I left, gives me one final look and walks upstairs, leaving Henry and me by the door.
“Mr. Benne—” Henry starts, but I stop him.
“It’s okay, Henry,” I say, stopping him. Bennett already watched me leave once; I don’t think he wants to experience that again.
Henry must know what I’m thinking, because he turns back to look at me and gives me a nod.
“Right.” Henry adjusts his shirt, which didn’t need adjusting. “He will get over his anger.”
I half smile. “I doubt it, but I appreciate the thought.”
Henry just nods.
With that, I adjust the duffle bag in my hand and place a hand on Henry’s shoulder. “I’ll see you in a few weeks, old man.”
The statement makes Henry smile. “I am looking forward to it.”
I return his smile and start making my way to the front door. When my hand meets the nob, I turn back to Henry.
“Thank you for raising him.” A lump forms in my throat as I say the words. “Thank you for staying and giving him this life.”
Henry swallows a few times, as if he is trying to rid himself of his own lump. “Like I said many moons ago, I will help you, my boy—with everything, including your brother. I will help you in every way I can. I will help you until you no longer need me.”
I see a single tear roll down his cheek, and I have to look away before mine tries to escape.
With the door open, I say one last thing. “Thank you, Henry. Thank you for everything.”
“Of course, sir.”
That’s the last thing I hear before I close the door.
It takesme eight hours to get back to the house in Mazatlán. Henry offered me the family jet to get down here quicker, and I couldn’t say no. I needed to get back, and that was the fastest option.
Now, here I am, and I don’t know where to start.
The police and federal agencies have all been here to take care of the bodies and to gather as much evidence as they could. Both homes are crime scenes.
