by Lilly York
He tilted her chin up. “You wouldn’t be the Willow I’ve come to…”
He was interrupted by Embry who marched out of the back bedroom with her backpack and purse. “I’m leaving. If you two aren’t going to do what’s right, I will by myself.”
Willow jumped up. “Hey, whoa. Slow down. Who said we’re not doing anything?”
“Well...” She hiccupped. “…you didn’t say you were going to.”
“Embry, you didn’t give me time. We’ve been sitting here talking about what we should do while you’ve been back there getting mad. You could come sit down and help us figure it out?”
Embry blew her nose. “Are you sure you’re going to do something?”
Willow hugged her. “You know me better than that.” She pulled back. “I just wanted to protect you. You’re my baby.”
Steve stepped up to the two women. “I want to protect both of you. It’s how God made me. Nothing will ever change that.”
Embry pulled Steve into their hug. “You look like you could use one.”
He sniffed then smiled. “Yeah, I was kind of feeling left out.”
The three of them spent the rest of the evening figuring out exactly how they were going to bring Dean and Bridget’s murderer to justice.
Chapter 16
Embry didn’t hear enough of Brian and Preston’s conversation to know what time or where the meeting was going down so it was another early morning for Willow. Much to her chagrin. The only bright spot, besides hopefully catching a murderer that is, was having someone cook for you—the second day in a row. This time it was Embry at the stove. Willow sat back. Her daughter had somehow grown up on her. When did that happen?
“It’s almost ready.” She glanced at the clock. “Where is Steve?”
“I don’t know. He should have been here by now.” She glanced at her phone. No updates. “Well, I guess we eat without him. Something must have come up.”
Embry dished out the skillet scramble she had whipped together. “Do you think he changed his mind?”
“Nope. I don’t. He knows this is important to both of us. Besides, I think he knows better to pull something like that.” She closed her eyes and sniffed the combination of eggs, Brussel sprouts, Canadian bacon, spinach, and cheese. She buttered her bagel. “Today’s the day, I can feel it.” She took a bite and scowled at Clover, who was lying at her feet hoping for an accident. “Go lay down.” She pointed to the living area. The dog begrudgingly went just behind the dividing line and lay down with her nose mere millimeters from the “dining” area. Willow just shook her head.
Just as Embry sat down the doorbell rang. Clover jumped up and ran for the door. Willow followed. “Clover, you’re lying down on duty. What happened girl? Did breakfast distract you?”
Willow opened the door for Steve. “Come on in. You almost missed breakfast.”
“Sorry I’m late. It couldn’t be helped.” He scooped up some of the egg mixture on his plate, careful to leave the Brussel sprouts in the pan. “Looks delicious. Thanks!”
Willow glanced over his shoulder and grinned. “Oh, man, looks like you didn’t get any Brussel sprouts. I’ll get you some.”
He pulled his plate away from the stove and hurried to the table. “Oh no, I want to make sure there’s plenty for you two.” He popped a fork full in his mouth. “Mm…this is good. I’ve never had eggs this way.”
Willow poured him a cup of coffee and put a bagel down for him. “So, what held you up?”
“Just digging up information on our friends Brian and Preston. For instance…” he ate a quick bite. “…did you know that Preston owns a straight box truck?”
Both Willow and Embry shook their heads.
Steve continued. “What do you suppose he uses that for? And why were there armed guards in Preston’s field? It certainly wasn’t to protect anyone. Maybe protect an investment. Certainly not people.” He scraped the remainder of the eggs off his plate.
Embry asked, “What are you thinking?”
Willow handed him his bagel. “Do you want more eggs?”
He raised his eyebrows. “You don’t mind?” He addressed Embry’s question as Willow refilled his plate. “I’m thinking there are illegal activities happening at Preston’s farm. I also happen to know today is the watermelon festival in Rush Springs. We may just catch us a killer if we get moving.”
Steve watched Willow put the remainder of the eggs in Clover’s dish. “You’re not supposed to give her people food. It’s not good for her.”
“But, she loves it. Look at those puppy dog eyes. Besides, our vet said eggs are great for dogs.”
Steve gave her a look. “Did he also say cheeseburgers are good for her?”
“Hush. We have to hurry, remember?”
Willow’s jeep pulled into Rush Springs. “Wow. It’s packed.” She glanced at her watch. “And it’s only 10. Where did all these people come from?”
He pretended offence and grabbed his heart. “The watermelon festival is nationally famous. We happen to have the best watermelon crop in the nation. Just wait till you taste it.”
“How can you even think of food with all you ate for breakfast?”
He rubbed his stomach. “Oh, I think I’ll manage. Let’s find a good stand to purchase one. I know the perfect one.” He pointed to a trailer laden with watermelons. “That one looks good. Pull over and let’s get us a watermelon.”
The three wandered to the flatbed where a few Hispanic people were standing around with Preston keeping watch. “Well, look who the cat drug in. Fancy meetin’ you here. I’m surprised you’re not taking a walk out in the country, smelling the fresh country air.”
Willow noticed he added that little bit for her benefit. She felt the anger rise up and she mentally suppressed it. No time for that right now. I’ve gotta get information from him.
“Nope, not today. We’re here for the festival and to get some watermelon. I’ve heard rave reviews.” Well, technically, the only review was from Steve. Still yet, he did rave.
“I’ve got some cut up.” He handed the three of them a piece. “Have a taste.”
Willow had to admit, the watermelon was the best she’d ever had. “I’ll take two.”
The young lady, probably younger than Embry, who helped her load the watermelon was incredibly beautiful. She carried one of the watermelons to the truck while Willow had the other. Steve had started to take the watermelon, but the girl shook her head. She set the watermelon carefully on the back seat while Steve kept Preston occupied. The girl barely whispered, “Por favor, ayúdame.” Willow vowed she was going to learn Spanish. She repeated the phrase to herself a few times until she reached Embry. Por favor was easy. It was the word following por favor that was throwing her for a loop.
The girl stood quietly with her eyes downcast while she waited to help the next customer. Willow couldn’t help but stare.
Preston noticed Willow’s person of interest. “She doesn’t speak a word of English. My foreman’s niece. Just came from Mexico. She’ll be heading home soon. Just here for a visit.” He addressed the girl harshly, although quietly, in Spanish. “callate la boca”
Embry kept a cool head and didn’t let on that she could understand what was being said although her heart was breaking for the girl. She was obviously scared out of her mind. After experiencing a small dose of his wrath, Embry could completely understand.
Saying she had to use the facilities, Willow finally said goodbye. Getting older had its perks. She wasn’t lying. She really did have to go. They found a small café on Main Street that had sandwiches for sale. While Steve bought them each one to go, Willow made use of the bathroom. Afterward, she told Embry and Steve what the girl had whispered to her.
Both Embry and Steve spoke at the same time. “Please help me.”
Willow’s eyes grew wide. “Steve, there’s something sinister about that man.”
Steve nodded. “That he is.” His phone rang and after a brief conversation, he sai
d, “Ladies, I know you both want to walk through the rest of the festival but we have a date with a truck. My guys found it. You ready?”
Chapter 17
Steve pulled up behind the cruiser that pulled the truck over. No one was moving. “You two stay right here. Do not, I repeat, do not get out of this truck.”
He exited Willow’s Jeep and walked to the cruiser. “Good job. Any trouble so far?”
The officer nodded his head. “Not a peep.”
Steve approached the driver’s side door, showed his badge, and asked the driver for his driver’s license and registration. If the situation wasn’t so serious he would have started laughing. Elvis was driving. “Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to step out of the truck.”
“Is there a problem, Officer?”
“I don’t know yet. That is what we’re going to find out.”
The man opened the truck door and slipped out of the driver’s seat. He stood next to the truck and if he was doing anything illegal, he sure didn’t seem nervous.
Willow rolled down their windows so they could hear as Steve interacted with the driver.
“Sir, we have a warrant to search your truck. I need you to open the back, please.”
“Well, we’re gonna have a problem then. I don’t have a key to the back. I just drive. No one tells me what I’m moving.”
Steve nodded to the police officer who took a large pair of bolt cutters and cut the padlock on the back of the truck. He lifted the door and everyone gasped. Hispanic families were huddled together. The inside of the truck smelled like human waste.
Willow wasted no time. She jumped out of her vehicle and joined Steve. Embry was right behind her.
“I told you…” He stopped speaking. The tears in her eyes convinced him there would be no stopping this woman from helping these people. There were children ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers. Men and woman held onto children who were so fatigued and dehydrated, Steve was afraid some of them were dead. He prayed that was not the case.
He called for backup and ambulances. He couldn’t say this surprised him. The armed guards on Preston’s farm were to keep people in, not from coming in. The uniformed officer cuffed the driver.
Willow went to her truck and returned with a full case of water. “I keep it there for emergencies. I’d say this classifies.” She and Embry were helping families down from the truck and handing out water, which they cautioned the recipients to drink slowly.
The last of the families were unloaded as the EMT’s arrived. Willow started counting. “Steve, there’s got to be at least 50 people here. Why would he do this? Who treats people this way?”
Steve shook his head in disgust and answered her questions. “Preston does and it’s all for money.”
“How does doing this make him money?”
“Well, to start with, free labor. Remember the workers you were calling? The ones whose phones were ringing? Most likely they’re paying off a debt. Or the rest of a debt. It costs thousands of dollars to sneak across the border. He gets workers for pennies on the dollar. Cheap labor. And then of course there are the ones who pay up front. He has a thriving business. And it’s not growing watermelon.”
“But, that’s slavery.”
“Yep. It sure is. And these families are so desperate they will do whatever it takes to get to America. Mexico is a dangerous place. Here, they can live the American dream. They can live in relative safety, work hard, and make a living without worrying about their children being kidnapped.”
Willow began to respond then noticed a nice shiny red Mercedes pass slowly by. “Steve, it’s Brian. This is what he was supposed to do for Preston. This was the delivery he was supposed to meet.”
As Steve made eye contact with Brian he gunned his car. Steve called in a B.O.L.O. alert on Brian. It was only a matter of time before he was picked up. There weren’t too many places he could hide. Steve also sent a squad car to the festival to pick up Preston. The Oklahoma City Police Department was anxiously awaiting their arrival.
Chapter 18
The ambulances took the families to be checked out. Willow wasn’t sure what would happen to them. Certainly they crossed the border illegally. If only they could go through the right channels and come here legally. Maybe then they wouldn’t have to put theirs and their children’s lives in danger. Her heart broke for them. She was so thankful she never had to make such a choice.
Steve caught a ride with the police officer who was on the scene. Willow was worried about the young girl they met at the watermelon stand. Certainly Preston was already in custody. She couldn’t imagine she and Embry would be in any danger if they tried to find the girl.
The watermelon stand was still operating although the girl wasn’t anywhere in sight. When Embry asked for her, all she received in response were shrugs. No one seemed to know where she was.
“Let’s go to Preston’s farm. Maybe she’s there.”
The women drove around the block first. Everything seemed peaceful, calm. There were no workers in the fields and from what they could see, no guards with guns. In fact, the farm looked like a ghost town.
Willow drove down the long drive way. The gate was open so why not? She parked in front of the house. Both sat quietly, waiting. No greeting committee showed up bearing arms.
They began to walk around the farm. Surely someone was about, not everyone would be gone.
First they looked through the house windows into what appeared to be the living room. Nothing seemed out of place.
Willow watched her daughter start for the opposite side of the house. “Stick close. I don’t want to separate.”
Embry nodded then followed her mother. As they rounded the corner of the house they both saw movement. Or at least they thought they did.
“Did you see that too?” Embry looked in the direction the blur went. “Or am I crazy?”
“No, I think I saw it too. The only problem is, I’m not sure what it is.”
The two women walked in the direction of the out buildings. As they drew closer, they heard whimpering. Embry whispered. “Sounds like someone crying.”
Willow removed her Taser from her pocket and held her finger to her lips. The crying grew louder as they approached the barn door. Willow slipped around the door first, putting herself between her daughter and danger.
Her heart broke as she saw the beautiful young woman from the watermelon festival all alone, sobbing. She sat down beside her on a bale of hay. “What is the matter? What happened.”
“Mi familia. They are gone.”
“You speak English!” Willow was astonished. “Why didn’t you use English earlier? And what do you mean your family is gone?”
“He could not hear me. He did not know I speak English. It was better that way.” She stood. “Come, I show you.” She led Willow and Embry to an open door with a padlock hanging from it. “See, they are gone.”
Willow looked around the cramped room. A few pieces of clothing and a few blankets were scattered around the room. A child’s doll was propped up against the wall. All other traces of human occupancy were gone. She turned to the young lady. “What is your name?”
“Adelina.”
“Adelina, where did they go?”
“I do not know, senorita. I only know if I do not do as they say, they will hurt mi familia.” She looked down in shame. “I have to do what they say. I love mi familia.”
Willow led the young woman to her truck. “We’re going to find your family. I have a friend who is a police officer…”
The long legged beauty backed away from Willow’s vehicle. “I cannot go to la policia.”
Embry reached out to her. “The police here are different than in Mexico. It’s okay. You’ll be safe.”
“No, Mr. Preston say the policia will send my familia to jail. And me. I cannot go to them.”
Embry tried again. “Adelina, we will help you. Please, come with us. You have to trust us.” She looked around. “What else are y
ou going to do?”
With this question, Adelina started crying once again. “I do not know what to do. I do not like Mr. Preston but at least I have food to eat.” She hesitated then added. “And a place to sleep.” The last of her statement caused her face to turn red.
Willow and Embry looked at one other, questioning one another silently as to whether or not they should say anything.
“Adelina, how old are your parents?”
“Why do you ask, Senorita?”
“If we are going to help you find them we need to know about them.”
“Why are you trying to find my parents?”
Willow pointed toward Embry. “We told you we would help you find them.”
“Ah, Senorita, my parents are in Mexico. I know where my parents are. I am missing mi esposa and mi hija. They were in this room. Now they are gone.”
Willow’s mouth dropped in shock. Yes, the girl was beautiful. Did Preston take a married woman from her husband—just so he could have her? The idea made her sick to her stomach. When she thought Adelina was a single young woman she could have wrapped her hands around his neck and wrung it. She didn’t want to think about what she could do with this new information.
“Adelina, is there any place that Preston might have taken them? Can you think of anything?”
Embry had disappeared while Willow was talking with Adelina. A little while later, she reappeared. “Mom, you’re gonna want to see this.” She led them to another building and opened the locked door. Crammed inside were around a hundred Hispanic men, women, and children. Everyone silently stared. Fear marked some of their faces. Resigned defeat others’.
Adelina gasped. “Pedro, Felicia!” She ran to a handsome man holding a toddler girl in the middle of the crowd then turned to Willow and Embry.
“What happens to us now, Senoritas?”
Chapter 19
Willow found the back door open to the kitchen. She found eggs, cheese, and tortillas in the refrigerator, cans of refried beans in the pantry, and sausage in the deep freeze. After calling Steve and telling him who they found, she and Embry got to work making lunch for the crowd. It wasn’t gourmet but she doubted they would complain. They looked hungry, thirsty, and hot. That metal building could have been their coffin. She shuddered.