Alfonso Ortiz rushed from the storeroom. He froze, as if unsure of his customer’s identity. “Carlos!”
Enveloped in a bear hug, Carlos patted the shorter man on the back. Time had been kind to his father’s closest friend. The bushy black eyebrows were sparser, but Alfonso retained a thick head of hair with silvery strands sprinkled liberally throughout.
“Como estas?”
“Bien. Como es Ava?”
“Nietos estropea.” Alfonso laughed. “When are you having a bambino for her to spoil, huh? Teines esposa?”
Carlos shook his head, wondering why the sudden vision of Trella with an expanding waist brought a smile to his face. “No time soon.”
“Have faith.”
Carlos didn’t admit it would take more than a belief in the unseen to transform his unwarranted fantasies into reality.
“Where’ve you been?”
“Working in Vegas and trying to stay out of trouble.”
Alfonso laughed. “You and Louis, always trouble.”
“Mostly me.”
The older man nodded. “True, but Louis never let you take punishment alone.”
Carlos recalled the first time he’d met his friend. His family had immigrated to the area. Poorer than poor. Even his hand-me-downs were handed down. Louis walked up to him and asked if he could shoot hoops. They’d been best friends since.
“What brings you here?”
Shrugging off the past, he answered, “I need a four-camera system with digital video recorder and remote access through closed circuit installed in Louis and Trella’s home. Can you get it done today?”
Alfonso eyed the wall clock. “Think so. I have several brands in stock. We’ll find one that fits your needs. Have you eaten?”
“I’ll grab something later.”
The rotund man waved aside Carlos’ words. “Follow me. Ava would love to see you.”
Carlos trailed behind Alfonso as he retired to the back of the building. Ava stood in the small but tidy kitchen, stirring a pot filled with something spicy and fragrant. The alluring aroma brought back memories of Carlos’ mother.
She glanced up as they entered. “Carlos!”
Time hadn’t touched her face at all; her skin as unlined as he remembered from his youth. He kissed her cheeks.
He breathed in the aroma. “Fideo y chilis rellenos. Smells delicious. Alfonso, I bet you’re still beating the men away with a stick.”
Ava laughed. “It’s why he’s in security.”
Alfonso nodded. “I’m no fool.”
Smiling, Carlos rubbed his stomach. “I’m happy to stay for a meal.”
She hugged him, transporting him back into the past when he was a young boy. She always insisted “a hug solves problems”.
“I’m happy you found time to come visit, but there’s no woman with you. Do I need to help you find women?”
His gaze pleaded with Alfonso for help, but the older man shrugged before taking up Ava’s watch at the stove.
“I have no problem meeting women.”
With her hands on her hips, Ava regarded him. “Why don’t you have one?”
“Work takes up a lot of my time.”
“Bah! Work won’t keep you warm at night or make sure you have a hearty meal.”
He washed his hands. “I’ll never find a woman who cooks as well as you do.” He leaned closer to whisper in a voice Alfonso could hear. “Do you think we can get rid of your husband?”
Ava’s laughter filled the room as she swatted his back, her long braid swinging from side to side. “Funny man.”
“I promise when I find the woman for me, you will be among the first to meet her.”
She nodded. “Your mother wanted you to provide lots of grandchildren.”
Carlos opened the cutlery drawer then removed a fork. “I need to find the right woman first.”
“Are you dating?”
“Ava, give the boy a break.” Alfonso finally took pity on him. “He’s spending time with us. Be happy.”
Carlos took a seat at the table, while Ava dished up the meal.
She set plates of food in front of her husband and Carlos. “Show the photos of Adam and Maria.”
Alfonso handed him two photos. Carlos studied the handsome young boy and the bright-eyed girl.
“I can’t believe how much they’ve grown. Maria wasn’t even born when I left, and Adam was a toddler.”
“Maybe you’ll have a chance to see them while you’re here.”
“Hope so. How are your daughter and her husband?”
“Fine,” Alfonso answered. “We see them all the time.”
“They live here and not in Vegas,” Ava added.
Ignoring her intentional reference to his current home base, Carlos bit into the green chili pepper, the savory cheeses soothing his taste buds. “Excellent.”
The older woman beamed at his praise. “Alfonso doesn’t remember a woman likes to hear appreciation.”
“I appreciate you.”
“Yes, but I don’t like recalling it from memory.” She laughed. “Digame.”
“I do tell you.” Alfonso placed a hand over his wife’s. “I remember to thank you when you fold my clothes or wear my favorite perfume to bed.”
Carlos swirled noodles around his fork. “Is this still a PG-rated conversation?”
Ava chuckled, as Alfonso kissed the back of her hand. “I love my Al.”
“I belong to you forever.”
“This is why I don’t visit often,” Carlos mumbled as he avoided eye contact with the demonstrative couple.
* * * * *
What did she know about the Immigrant Work Program? As Trella sat across from Councilman Rodriguez in his office, panic licked at her body, threatening to consume her into a citrine fireball. She swallowed, shifting on the loveseat. Too late to take the words back now.
She stared into his flint-colored eyes, plastering what she prayed was a flirty smile on her face. “I don’t know much. I’ve heard your supporters share their sentiments. Truthfully, it’s the only community outreach platform I recall from your campaign.”
Hector retrieved a pen from his shirt pocket, clicked it on. Off. On again. “I’m sure I can locate an area suitable for your talents.”
She crossed her legs, causing the lower edges of the wrap dress to display a considerable amount of skin. She ran her hand down one thigh. He tracked the movement as she’d hoped he would.
“Hector?”
The pen fell from his grasp onto the carpeted floor as he raised his eyes to her face.
Trella contained the grin threatening to burst free. “I’d be delighted to discuss the program at another time, if your schedule allows. I did show up unannounced.”
He smiled. “What about dinner tonight?”
“I’m sorry, but I have plans,” she responded. She dusted an imaginary speck of dust from the toe of her navy sandals. “I know in the past you enlisted police officers to speak to participants of different community programs. Did Louis ever participate?”
Swallowing visibly, he ran a hand over his salt-and-pepper hair. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“Did Louis ever participate in any of the community programs? He was active in helping those down on their luck, so I figured at some point your paths might’ve crossed.”
Hector picked up the pen then clicked it off. “Oh, sure, we did talk about the program, but your husband had a lot on his plate.”
Was he lying? How did he know about Louis’ workload? Trella glanced away, coughing. She put a hand on her chest and coughed again.
“Are you okay?”
“Some water, please?”
He rose to his feet. “Be right back.”
As soon as the door closed, Trella bolted to her feet. Rounding his desk, she pulled opened the middle drawer. Pens, notepads, paper clips and other assorted office supplies filled the space. She yanked open the top left-hand drawer. Nothing but file folders. She rifled through them but cam
e up empty. The bottom left-hand drawer was locked.
She flipped through his calendar, running a finger down the daily entries. She stopped at an entry in August. The letters “IWP” and an address were highlighted next to the 7:00 p.m. slot. She repeated the address several times to memorize it.
Hearing footsteps, she slid onto her chair. Heart racing, she struggled to slow her breathing.
The door opened. In silence, Hector handed her a bottle of water.
Trella coughed once more as she took it from his hand. “Thank you,” she croaked.
“Anytime.”
She made a big production out of uncapping the top and turning the bottle delicately up to her pursed lips.
He licked his lips as if he was waiting to devour her. “We can schedule a date to talk further this weekend. My assistant will give you a call.”
She rose to her feet. He slithered two steps forward into her personal space, his chest touching her breasts.
Swallowing her distaste, she shot him a coy look. “It means a lot to be able to help a powerful man such as you. The city is lucky to have you, Hector.”
His breath hitched. She was positive if she so much as touched him, he’d cream his slacks.
He grabbed her wrist.
Alarm coursed through her, but she tamped it down. “Something wrong, Hector?”
His attention centered on her lips.
Please don’t let this man kiss me. She tensed her body in alarm.
His assistant buzzed into the office. “The mayor is on line two.”
Hector released her arm then brushed her cheek with a sweaty palm. “I’m glad you stopped by.”
Relief weakened her legs, but she forced herself to hurry and leave his presence. In the hallway, she located the restroom. She entered a stall. Leaning against the door, she breathed deeply to calm her nerves.
* * * * *
Standing in the small room off Trella’s kitchen, which she called a mudroom, Carlos decided it provided the best place to access the surveillance monitors. He listened intently as Alfonso pointed out the features.
“You’ll view everything whenever you access the cameras,” the older man said.
“Perimeter alarms?”
“Included.”
Carlos nodded, impressed with the advantages. “The night-vision capabilities sold me.”
Alfonso tinkered with the monitors until he was satisfied with the picture. “How is Trella doing these days?”
“Fine. Miguel’s with her while she’s running errands.”
“She’s pretty, eh?”
Carlos registered the inquisitive tone in Alfonso’s voice but didn’t respond. Carlos had escaped Alfonso and Ava’s attempts to set him up over the years, and he wasn’t about to cave now. But the idea of Trella on a date sent a rush of irritation over him.
“Do I need to warn Ava about your interest?” He joked with Alfonso.
“Plenty of men would want to go out with her. What do you think?”
“About the security system?” Carlos deliberately misunderstood.
“Avoiding the question doesn’t make it go away, hijo.”
“I’m not interested.”
The older man pursed his lips for a second. “Is she interested in you?”
I wish. Carlos threw up his hands in defeat. “Not at all, and she’s perfectly capable of dating whoever interests her.”
“Guess you’re not her type then.”
The words “how do you know” danced on his tongue, but he didn’t utter them. Despite his unwillingness to be drawn into further discussion about Trella, a question ripped from his throat.
“What’s her type?” Carlos rubbed the back of his neck. He wasn’t interested in Alfonso’s theory about the type of man Trella would be interested in. It was none of his business. He tightened his jaw. He was leaving for Vegas tonight.
Five seconds ticked by. Alfonso said nothing.
“What’s her type?” Carlos ground out the words.
Alfonso calmly packed up his tools. “Someone who’s interested in her, and it’s not you.”
Sighing, Carlos ran his hands over his head, realizing the other man had played him. “I have an uncomplicated life. I travel often. No woman is interested in a man who doesn’t have time to dote on her.”
“You have a point, but Trella isn’t any woman. She didn’t mind being married to a detective.”
Carlos scrubbed a hand down his face. He’d never win. “Whenever she decides to date again, I’m sure she’ll be selective.” He decided to change the subject. “What do you know about Hector Rodriguez?”
“The councilman?” Alfonso snorted. “He would sell his soul for money.”
“My impression, as well. What have you heard about his Immigrant Work Program?”
Alfonso released a string of curses. “Fancy name for charging outrageous fees for smuggling people.” Alfonso’s words corroborated Louis’ notes.
“You sure?”
The older man nodded. “The people he supposedly helps end up light in the pocket, and the ones who can’t afford to pay end up working for him by doing whatever he asks.”
“Blackmail?”
“And selling women.” Alfonso shrugged. “It’s what I hear. The man’s a snake. I wouldn’t put anything past him.”
Carlos tightened his jaw. Had Louis confronted Rodriguez? And if he did, had he been killed to silence him?
Chapter Four
From his office window, Hector watched Trella’s progress across the parking lot. That husband of hers must have shared his suspicions. Too bad they would end with her. His operation lasted only because he didn’t allow loose ends.
He’d have to be on his best behavior if he intended to discern what she knew. Afterward, he’d get rid of her. He knew how to make it look clean. Her death would be unsolved…just like her husband’s was.
He stroked his cock through his slacks as he watched her climb into the car, revealing a flash of toned leg. She’d divulge what he wanted to know willingly…or unwillingly. Then he’d allow himself the pleasure of taking her.
* * * * *
After lunch, Trella and Miguel stopped at a nearby coffeehouse. Trella ordered three lattes as she waited for her friends. Selina had called with an urgent request to meet, saying she had important news.
Trella found a table far enough from Miguel where they could chat without him hearing but that also provided him a clear view of her and of the door. Two minutes later, Selina breezed through the cafe. Dressed in a black pencil skirt and a cranberry-colored ruched top, she sashayed through the maze of tables. Face beaming, she slid onto a chair.
Before Trella could question her, Melissa joined them. Clad in black pants with a white t-shirt and a gray vest, she dropped onto an adjacent chair. She smoothed her hands over her copper-colored bob.
“Someone better be damn near dead. My shift at the hospital ended only three hours ago.” Melissa picked up one of the drinks, took a sip then smiled appreciatively. “Spit it out before I fall asleep.”
Selina patted Melissa’s arm. “Sorry for the last-minute notice. You guys recall me talking about the account I was trying to land for the CPA firm?” She cleared her throat. “I signed the account as a client this morning, and…I’ve been offered a partnership.”
Trella grinned. “You go, girl.”
Melissa squealed, causing several patrons to glance their way. “Sorry, it’s all I can manage without a full seven hours of sleep.”
“I couldn’t wait to tell you guys.” Selina sipped her drink. “So, am I forgiven for having you two haul ass to hear my news?”
Melissa nodded. “Yeah…this once.”
“Amen, sister.” Trella laughed. “But since I’m probably behind on the latest, Melissa, have you had any more contact with the radiologist hounding you for a date?”
“No, and thank goodness.” Her friend wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I mentioned his actions to another coworker. She confirmed dude has
hit on five other nurses.”
Selina grimaced. “Ew. Glad you found out before he wore you down with his persistence.”
Melissa placed a hand on Trella’s arm. “How is it, staying in the house?”
“A bit rough. Miguel had the day off yesterday.”
Melissa frowned. “Why didn’t you call one of us to come over last night?”
Trella sipped on her latte, hesitant to divulge the fact Carlos spent the night. Why should she be, though? They were two adults who slept in the house and did nothing wrong. “I wasn’t alone.”
Selina quirked a brow. “Who stayed with you?”
Trella leaned forward as if sharing top-secret information. “Carlos Diaz.”
Melissa lowered her cup. “Louis’ former partner, right?”
“I remember papi.” Selina nodded. “Fine with a capital F.”
Trella sipped her drink. “He drove in from Vegas. Cooked dinner for me. It was late when we finished eating, so I invited him to stay.”
“Why was he in town?” Melissa asked.
She didn’t want to keep info from her friends, but Carlos wanted to keep Louis’ suspicions of the IWP between the two of them for the moment. “Visiting friends.”
Selina tapped her nails on the table. “Admirable. Especially when a phone call would suffice.”
When her friend pursed her lips as if deep in thought, Trella knew she had to act fast. The woman would keep chipping away at last night’s events until she was satisfied.
“I saw him naked,” Trella blurted.
“Geez.” Melissa rubbed a hand down her face. “How’d it happen?”
“He was coming out of the shower.”
Selina laughed. “Totally tacky, but was I right about him being fine?”
An image of a naked Carlos flashed in Trella’s mind. “Hell, yeah.”
“What’d he say?” Melissa asked, eyes alight with curiosity.
“He brushed it off.”
Melissa nodded. “Obviously, you didn’t.”
She shrugged. “He’s leaving today, so it doesn’t matter.”
Selina wiped her lips with a napkin. “We did suggest easing back into the dating pool.”
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