Ryan
Mateo and I leave Demi’s house without any information. It’s beyond frustrating.
The problem is that I have to look over my shoulder at every turn. Rico is after me. Paul is after me. Dalila’s dad threatened my life if I ever saw her again. It’s time to break all the rules, because being hunted doesn’t work for me.
The hunted is about to become the hunter.
I leave Demi’s house with a renewed sense of purpose. Mateo was right. To find out where Dalila went, I need to retrace her steps, which means there’s only one place to start.
La Joya de Sandoval.
Mateo dropped me off behind the property before heading into the house to work as one of the Sandoval security guards. I plan to hide in the fields behind the compound until it’s dark. Lurking in the shadows will be easy. Waiting is the frustrating part.
I find a place in the fields, surrounded by waving wheat five feet tall in some places. It’s easy to maneuver, but I’m careful not to make my presence known. I’m more than aware that Dalila’s father hired bodyguards to patrol the place. But after working there the night of Dalila’s birthday, I also know there’s a delay of about one to four minutes in between shifts.
I try to ignore the bees that attempt to sting me and the ants that start crawling up my leg. When a fly thinks I’m its perch, I swat it away, but two more join him. Look at me: the guy who vowed never to get involved with a girl is hiding out in the wheat field behind her house on the slim chance he can find a clue to where she’s at.
Some things are worth fighting for, I guess. Or maybe I really am a fool who’s been hit on the head so many times in the ring I can’t think straight.
When darkness finally blankets the landscape, I take off into the thick undergrowth. It’s hard to navigate the fields with the wheat scratching my arms like prickly knives, but nothing will keep me from my mission. I stay low and undetected until I see the guard near the flower garden disappear.
I jump over the wall and quickly open the side door that leads to the upstairs bedrooms.
“Everyone knows you’ve become the enemy by representing Santiago Vega!” I hear Rico’s voice call out. I freeze and crane my neck trying to figure out what they’re arguing about. “You have to choose a side or else deal with the consequences.”
“You have no clue who you’re dealing with,” I hear Don Sandoval say in a loud, authoritative voice. “Get out of my house!”
Footsteps echo through the hall, reminding me of my mission. Looks like Rico and Don Sandoval are in a power struggle. The last thing I want to do is get caught in the middle of it. I round the hall and head to the stairs. Across the balcony, Mateo is patrolling the second floor. When our eyes meet, he gives me a short nod.
I slip into Dalila’s room unnoticed, ready to gather evidence.
But my mission is cut short.
Dalila is standing by her dresser, her hair in wild waves falling down her shoulders. She whips around and gasps when I burst into her room, but I quickly motion for her to stay quiet.
I’m not prepared when she flings herself into my arms. The softness of her skin brushes up against mine. I feel her relief as she relaxes her body in my embrace and I hold her tight.
I didn’t come here prepared with a speech. There’s so much to say, but I know there’s only a small window of time before someone sees us together.
“They’re looking for you,” Dalila whispers. “You shouldn’t be here, Ryan. It’s not safe.”
I take her hands in mine, this Mexican princess who holds everything dear to me. “I came to find you. I heard you were missing.”
“I couldn’t stay here any longer and went to Juan Camacho’s place last night. I just came back to confront Papá.”
“Rico’s downstairs. I know his dad was looking for you . . . it’s because of me.” If he’s part of Las Calaveras, her father just invited the devil into his home.
“I think they’re after me because of my father, Ryan. Not because of you.” Tears well in her eyes. “Whatever he’s involved in, it’s dangerous. He sent my mom and sisters away. You’re all I have left.”
I’m about to tell her that I’ll do whatever’s in my power to protect her when a loud gunshot rings out. Pop! Then another. Pop!
Dalila sucks in a shocked breath and her eyes go wide with panic. “What’s happening?” She grasps me tight. “Ryan . . .”
“We need to get out of here.” I quickly take her hand and head for the stairs.
We’re halfway down the staircase when we come upon a gruesome scene in the courtyard and Dalila screams in horror.