Page 49 of Deadly Threat
Constance covered her eyes and nodded. Scrubbed her face. “He’s a businessman, convicted of kidnapping you along with the other guy, his boss. He told me he worked for someone who was going to get me released.”
“Did he say who?”
Her ponytail swung as she shook her head. “I thought he was blowing smoke.”
“Where did Leo like to hang out?”
Her gaze trailed away as she thought about it. “He was big on changing his tattoos, his looks. He enjoyed dogs, I think. He was always going to pet shops, but he never talked about wanting a pet.”
Malachi glanced at Caleb. His twin made a high-five motion in the air.
“Did you know he was in the Quattro Gang?” Mia asked.
“Not until after you were taken and I saw his picture—the one with the beard—on TV.”
“Did he ever mention the Komosu or laundering money?”
“No. Was he involved in that, too?”
Mia didn’t answer and went on. “Who did he hang out with? Do you remember any names?”
“Different men all the time. He did tell me he owed one a lot of money, and needed to find a way to get him off his back.”
“And that’s why he forced you to steal from the election campaign?”
A nod. “I wanted to help him.”
Mia went down the list again. “Do you know the identity of your birth father?”
She appeared taken aback. “No, why? My mother never said anything about him. When I brought it up, she told me she wasn’t sure who he was, that it was a one-night stand.”
“We believe it was Damon Marcher, leader of the gang that Lopez belonged to.”
The woman covered her eyes again. “Oh Mia,” she said through her hands. “That can’t be. Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’ll send you the details the FBI has uncovered.”
“I can’t believe it. Why? Why would he hurt you?”
“Because Amber sent you to prison.”
She looked heartsick, eyes lowering. “He knew I was his daughter and he never told me?”
Mia gave Constance a moment to process it, then steered her back to their current situation. “We believe Leo has Amber. That’s why I need you to tell me everything you can about him.”
She appeared horrified and began to cry. “You and your sister were so good to me. I got screwed up, thought I was in love with that asshole.”
Mia nodded as though she understood. “We need to catch him, Connie. His real name is Josip Horvat. Anything you can tell me could help.”
“He even lied about his name?” She reclined, wiping tears from her cheeks. “This is a lot to take in.”
“I’m aware, and you’re doing great. What else can you tell me regarding him? Any idea where he might be holding Amber?”
“I don’t know. I can’t think straight right now.”
Mia glanced at Malachi. He made a slicing motion with his finger, letting her know to end it. “Okay, if you do remember anything more, have the warden call the FBI so you can tell them. It’s very important.”
“I really am sorry. If there’s anything I can do to make it up to you and Amber, I’ll do it.”
