Page 41 of Clean Slade
Santiago thought he’d had men follow him around after he’d uncovered the cartel. But it was my father’s men that were stalking him.
“I thought he was your boyfriend.”
That was exactly what I needed. To implicate more people in this bullshit family politics.
“Then why didn’t you kill him?”
“Will you give me a break here? I’m trying to make amends. I’m trying to show you I’ve grown as a human.”
It was my turn to laugh.
“I find that hard to believe.”
“Why?”
“For starters, I’m tied up. That doesn’t exactly say growth.”
Was it possible he didn’t want to hurt me? Was it possible he was telling the truth?
I’d love to believe it, but I knew my father better than that.
“Fine.” He got up, walked around me, and I felt heat between my wrists and smelled burning plastic.
The fucker was using his cigar to cut me loose. Why did I ever expect anything different from him? Although, to be fair, he was untying me.
“Better?”
I didn’t answer. Just rubbed my wrists and watched him take back his seat, thinking of all the ways I could kill him. However, I wasn’t foolish enough to try. Maybe I could get rid of a couple of his goons on my own, but he was a different beast altogether.
“Where were we?” he asked.
“You were trying to convince me you’ve grown as a human being.”
“Ah, yes. Your friend got himself in trouble. I helped him out. For you.”
“So why were you stalking him?”
“Oh, come on. I was trying to make sure he was the right guy for you. I had to make sure he wasn’t going to hurt you.”
“Of course he wouldn’t. He’s not you.”
My father touched his heart as if I’d shot him, but I ignored the dramatics.
“I want the best for you. Why can’t you see that?”
“Where do I start?”
“You’re being so unfair. I didn’t know back then. I was…what do they call it? Ah yes, ignorant. I’ve learned now. I’m better. And I just want my son and granddaughter back.”
Oh yeah. He’s the father of the century.
“How long have you known I was in Mayberry?” His answer would determine a lot of things. Especially if I could take his words at face value.
“A little over a month.”
So that was a no on the trust scale.
“How did you find me?”
