My brain had been ticking over since arriving, wondering where Mendez’s office was situated and how the hell I was going to get into it.
There were enough staff in this house to run a hotel. Meek bodies in starched uniforms scurried about constantly. I wouldn’t be surprised if my bed was turned down when I got to it tonight.
The first course was laid out in front of me: a crab salad served on rings of toasted baguette. It was garnished with some kind of herb and looked so beautiful, I almost didn’t want to eat it.
Quella clasped her hands together and bowed her head. I quickly followed suit as Mendez said some kind of prayer in Spanish.
I opened my eyes when he was finished and found him gazing at me. He pointed at my plate and smiled.
“Cóme-Cóme!”
“That means you can eat now.” Quella winked at me before picking up her cutlery.
I kept my eye on her throughout the meal, trying to copy her ladylike eating habits and wondering what had happened to them back at UCLA.
The meal was quiet and reserved, the conversation focused on school. I jittered my way through class explanations and the papers I was enjoying the most. Mendez really grilled me, obviously trying to figure out everything he could about his daughter’s roommate.
For one second, I had the fear that maybe he could read faces like I could, because he didn’t seem to be buying into a word of mine. His skeptical gaze nailed me to my chair, making me want to crawl beneath the table.
Thankfully, I didn’t disintegrate and when dessert was finally served I was able to relax for a moment. Mendez turned his attention to Quella, mentioning some family members in Palm Springs who were unable to join us for Thanksgiving dinner.
Quella groaned. “I was looking forward to seeing them.”
“I know, my sweet, but work has been very busy for me and I need to be here. I have some business associates visiting tomorrow and I have to be prepared for my meeting.”
“For Thanksgiving?”
Mendez’s smile was broad and friendly. “It will not interfere. We will have a lovely midday meal and then you can watch football with Rosa. You love that tradition.”
Quella frowned.
“Mija.” His deep voice soothed. “My plan was to meet you in Palm Springs, but there was a sudden change and I could not stand the thought of waiting until Christmas.” He gently touched her cheek and she forgave him with an instant smile. “It is probably a good thing you have your friend here to keep you company. She can watch the football with you while I talk boring business.”
My insides curled as I imagined what type of business he was planning. I had to figure out how this all worked. If he did have the girls, was he hiding them here? Or did he only hold meetings here and the girls were stashed somewhere else? I had no idea where we were, but I had a gut feeling we were close to the border...certainly made smuggling humans a whole lot easier.
The thought was so unnerving, I fumbled my teaspoon as I lifted it off the table. I gave them a sheepish grin before dipping into the dessert.
I popped the spoon into my mouth, the delicate mousse making my senses break into a happy dance. I wanted to let out a sweet moan and tell them what I thought, but I couldn’t make my voice work. Something in the corner of the room had caught my eye. I’d seen a flash of it earlier in the meal but brushed it off, too busy trying to answer questions.
Now that the heat was off me, I had the time to look and oh, man, what did I see?
Miguel was standing in the corner of the room, his eyes scanning the area like the good security guard he was. The only thing to break his attention was the appearance of the young waiter who had been looking after us tonight. Each time he came into the room, Miguel’s unmasked face would light with a smile, his gaze traveling over the young man.
Okay, so Mr. Head Security was gay, that was clear to see, but it wasn’t just lust that made his eyes light each time the man of his affection walked into the room. Miguel seemed genuinely in love with him.
I scraped the remaining mousse out of my bowl, sitting back to let the waiter collect it from me. This time as I smiled at him, I whipped off his mask. He seemed sweet, genuine, nothing much to hide. As he took my empty dish, his gaze flickered to Miguel, and a warm smile quivered over his lips only shifting to a scared frown when he turned to see Mendez’s impatient glare.
Interesting.
So maybe Miguel had a boyfriend Mendez didn’t approve of...or maybe didn’t know about?
Yeah, that was it. There was no way Miguel would be putting his flirt on with Quella if Mendez knew the truth. His fake charm was probably a cover to hide the truth from everyone.
I flicked my gaze back to Miguel, his unmasked face darkening with a vicious glare as he eyed Mendez. His expression softened slightly as the waiter walked past him. He tracked the young man until he was out of sight. His attention then returned back to the room. He gave a big, exasperated eye-roll. I frowned until I realized I was studying his unmasked expression. Putting it back into place, I realized that he was smiling kindly at Quella, a playful mischief lurking in his eyes. He winked at her and her cheeks turned pink.
I tore her mask free. She looked like a gushy-tween at a One Direction concert, but lurking beneath her giddy gaze was that I want it look I’d seen so many times before. She snuck a quick glance at her father who was chatting on the phone.
When did that ring?
Man, I needed to up my game and focus!
Happy that he was distracted, she turned back to Miguel and ran her tongue over her upper lip. I nearly choked on my saliva.
Miguel arched his right eyebrow, but beneath his mask I could see his repulsion.
“Miguel, my father is taking too long. Would you mind escorting us back to our rooms?” Her attempt at a smoldering smile was almost pathetic. She really was just an innocent rich kid trying to play a grown-up’s game. I figured she and Miguel had never gotten it on or anything and he was just playing along to keep her happy. I hoped when she did find the courage to make her move, that he would let her down gently.
I rose from the table and followed Quella.
My mind went into business mode again. I scanned my surroundings, looking for hidden doorways or corridors that might lead me to a gold mine.
“Can I have a tour before bed?”
The two in front of me jerked to a stop and turned to face me.
I smiled. “This house is so amazing and beautiful. I was wondering what the rest of it looked like.”
Miguel gave me a tight smile. “Perhaps tomorrow.”
“No, why wait. Let us do it now. The house is so magical at night.” Quella grabbed my wrist. “Come, let me show you.”
Miguel shot me a molten glare as we dashed past him. I picked up my pace, skipping after Quella as she led me on a tour throughout the house, which included two living areas, a formal lounge housing a shiny grand piano, an entertainment theater, plus a lush garden that was even bigger than the entrance way. I’d never been in a place like it, and thankfully I didn’t have to hide my awe.
Miguel kept up his banter with the rich daughter throughout the tour, growing more agitated with her as the minutes ticked by. It worked in my favor. He was expending so much energy entertaining her that I was able to look around each room closely, studying doorways. I walked towards a few and was stopped short.
“Where are you going?”
I turned innocently each time. “Are we not going this way? I thought this led to a new room.”
“No.” Miguel’s head shake was tight and minimal, his unmasked expression steaming. “Some rooms are private...for business. Mr. Mendez would not appreciate you going into them.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I hurried away from them, biting back my smile both times.
I made a mental note of each place, making sure I paid careful attention as we walked away. It looked like I had my sneaking around work cut out for me.
“Quella, it is really very late. You should hea
d to bed.”
The girl beside me blushed, her eyes dancing with delight at Miguel saying the word ‘bed’.
Even I couldn’t suppress my eye-roll over that one. Miguel tipped his head with a charming smile, but his expression was adamant.
“Oh, fine.” Quella stamped her foot with a cheeky grin. “But we must go via the pool. It is so beautiful with the lights.”
Grabbing my hand, she dragged me down the tiled hallway and skipped down the circular stairwell before Miguel could protest.
“Wow.” I grinned.
She was right, the pool area was incredible. Blue light shone up from the base, giving the water a mysterious, enchanting quality, but the coolest thing was the waterfall that cascaded from the top floor, over two tiers and falling into the massive pool.
The large, circular area looked like it belonged in a high-class resort, with huge windows making up the outer wall. I walked past the deck chairs and stood against the glass, gazing out at the night sky. I realized that this underground mansion was actually carved into the side of a mountain. We were up really high and although I couldn’t see the view due to the darkness, I could sense a long drop beneath me. I made a mental note to make sure I returned here in the morning.
“The pool is heated, so we can swim all year round. Not that it gets that cold here.” Quella crossed her arms and shrugged.
“Where is here?” I glanced over my shoulder.
“Okay, you have seen the pool. It is time for bed, girls.” Miguel flicked his head towards the stairwell.
Quella moaned but did as she was told, making her way to the stairwell. I shuffled after her, my eyes darting to each doorway.
There were two, one a stone arch and the other a square, wooden door.
I sensed Miguel watching me and turned to look at him, flinching as I took in his hard glare.
He pointed at the archway. “The sauna and bathroom.”
I nodded and forced a tight smile, noticing he said nothing about the other door. His mask was already off, making his dark eyes so much more sinister. I flicked a quick look at the wooden door.
“Curiosity killed the cat, Miss Davis.”
My lips parted, unable to hide my fear until Quella started giggling.
“Do not listen to him.” She slapped his arm and I threw his mask on in time to see a light, mischievous smile. “My father used to say that all the time to try and stop me from looking through doorways, but we have nothing to hide here.” She smiled.
I grinned, but kept my eyes on Miguel. An anxious wave crested over his unmasked expression.
“That other door is only the maintenance room, and if you value your life, you will not go into it.” She shook her head.
“Why not?”
“Juan, the maintenance man, is so fussy and mean. We are never allowed to touch his things. I tried to sneak a look once and Miguel nearly chopped my hand off.” She lightly slapped his chest with the back of her hand.
He smiled at her. “I was only trying to protect you from a greater threat.”
They chuckled together, but I didn’t see their laughter or smiles.
What I saw was the lie.
A second flash of panic skittered over Miguel’s face. It was quickly overrun by a penetrating gaze that held enough threat to make me pee my pants.
That room had nothing to do with Juan or maintenance.
I swallowed down my next few ‘innocent’ questions and walked after Quella.
Miguel waited for me to pass him before we all ascended the stairs. I could feel him tearing strips off my back as he walked behind me. My heart beat erratically and I forced a quiet breath though my nose.
There were now three doors to look behind, but I knew which one to start with.
The very idea of sneaking down here once everyone was asleep terrified me.
But I had to.
If I wanted to save those girls...if I wanted to get my boyfriend back, I had to get over myself and trust that somewhere nearby, the FBI were waiting to save my ass.
Chapter 35
Eric
I made it down to San Diego around seven, but I went to the beach first. I don’t know how long I sat there with my toes buried in the cold sand, my gaze locked on the dark horizon. The cool air nipped at my skin, sinking into my core, but I remained a statue, unable to think or move.
I didn’t know what snapped me out of it. Part of me felt like I could stay all night, but common sense pushed me towards Gramps’s house.
Banging on the door with my fist, I checked my watch and saw it was ten. I was pretty sure the man would still be up; the guy seemed to exist on minimal sleep.
After a little shuffling from the other side, the door swung open and Gramps stood there in his PJ pants and a T-shirt.
“What in heck’s name are you doing knocking on my door at this hour?”
“I need to stay.” I shifted sideways to step into the house, dumping my bag in the middle of the floor.
“What’s going on, son?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” I sniffed and rubbed my nose with the back of my hand before looking at him. “I’m going to bed.”
“Now, wait one second. You ain’t welcome in that bed until you tell me what’s going on. Is everything okay with Shayna?”
“Mom’s fine.” I kicked at the floorboards, slightly ashamed that this was the first thought I’d given her in the last few days. Damn, I’d have to remember to call and let her know I wouldn’t be over for the football like I’d planned.
I grimaced.
“O-kay.” Gramps crossed his arms, his large eyes narrowing to tiny slits. “How’s Caity?”
I swallowed, but it did nothing to remove the lump from my throat.
“Where is she tonight?”
I shrugged and shook my head.
“Talk to me, boy.”
My lips pressed into a tight line, my jaw clenching. Finally, I muttered, “She broke up with me.”
“Why?”
Unable to stand still a second longer, my arms lifted into the air and a loud expletive shot from my mouth. “How the hell should I know? It’s always the same! People just take off without any kind of explanation! Kenneth! Brayden! Richard!” I listed Mom’s slew of boyfriends, the ones who’d actually stuck around long enough to become important to me. “I don’t know why they can’t tough it out. Are we so unlovable, is that what it is? I know Mom can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but she’s really not that bad. And what the fuck is wrong with me?”
Gramps stood strong against my venom, a solid lighthouse in the midst of my raging storm. His expression remained bland and unreadable as I shouted at him.
“Why, Gramps? Why didn’t he stay?” My voice broke, tears blurring my vision. I dug my fingers into my eyes, hating that it was all surfacing now. I should be crying over Caity, not whining about my loser father.
I sucked in a sharp sniff, lashing at the one tear that managed to break free.
“It doesn’t matter.” I snatched my bag off the floor. “He’s gone. Caity’s gone. That’s just the way it is.”
Gramps let out a soft sigh. “For what it’s worth, I love you, son.”
“Yeah, well, you’re the only one.”
He didn’t argue my final statement, probably knowing it would do no good. Instead, he let me walk out of the room without saying another word.
I slammed my bedroom door shut and slumped onto the bed, the child inside of me weeping.
I could hear the Dodgers game going on behind me, the yell of the crowd as runs were scored and bases were stolen. I’d stood with my hands in my pockets, shuffling my feet, kicking at the concrete as I waited...and waited.
People passed me, a couple of the older parents stopping to ask if I was okay.
“My dad’s coming. He’ll be here in just a sec.” They all smiled at me, satisfied with my enthusiastic answer.
I’d said it for four hours straight, my enthusiasm not wavering until the crowd began to
dribble out of the stadium.
The game was over, and somehow I knew.
There’d be no more waiting. There’d be no more let-downs.
Dad wasn’t coming ever again, because I wasn’t going to let him hurt me anymore.
I ran my hands through my hair and banged my head against the wall.
Watching Caity run away shot me back to that moment in time faster than I thought it could.
She didn’t want me...and I had to live with that, because I wasn’t going to let her hurt me the way Dad had. I couldn’t let her rejection destroy me. I had to man up and move on.
With a heavy sigh, I laid down, bunching the pillow beneath my head.
I wondered where she was right now. Probably hanging out with Quella’s family, getting drunk and dancing the night away.
I didn’t get it.
I didn’t get how Quella sucked her in so easily.
I didn’t get the sudden change of heart.
Knowing that trying to figure out her reason would probably send me over the edge, I squeezed my eyes shut and forced the image of her beautiful face away...those eyes, that smile, the delicate curve of her chin.
I couldn’t think of those things anymore. I was single now. My own man. She didn’t want me to take care of her. She wanted me to leave her alone and that’s what I had to do.
Chapter 36
Caitlyn
The house was eerily quiet. I clutched the door handle to my guest room, breathing in slowly as I turned it. The click sounded deafening. I flinched, crouched against the door, waiting for Miguel or Diego to spring from the shadows and haul me into one of his ‘private’ rooms for questioning.
At least I’d see what was behind those doors.
I snapped my eyes shut at the thought. There were better ways to find out!
Quietly sucking in a breath, I crept out of the room. It was two-thirty in the morning; the house had been silent for the last hour. It took forever for Quella to leave my room. She’d lain on my bed chatting away like a magpie until I’d pretended to drift off to sleep. She’d finally gotten the hint and left. As soon as the adjoining door shut, my eyes snapped open and I clutched the sheets to my chest, waiting for an opportunity.
Snake Eyes (The Masks Series Book 3) Page 19