Page 51 of Liar
I’m so tired that I’m hearing things—like the jealousy in his tone. “El Calaca happened.”
“Jesus Christ.”
I glance around his office, noticing the lack of pictures on the walls, absence of rugs, removal of all distractions except what’s inside the mini bar in the corner. Exactly the kind of room you’d expect to find inside a converted warehouse.
“Sit.” He gestures to one of the leather chairs facing his desk.
“I can’t. I’m too restless. I’ve been up all night.”
“I can see that.” He picks up a pen like he’s ready to take notes then begins to tap it.Thump.Thump. “Go on. I’m listening.”
“We were walking home when we came across El Calaca and two other Z22. They were loading lumber into a pickup truck.”
“What kind of lumber?”
I frown. “Boards. Like the kind theProperty Brothersuse to remodel homes.”
“Two-by-fours?”
“Thicker, I think.”
He rolls the pen in his fingers, deep in thought.
“It’s a home renovation show,” I clarify, “featuring twin brothers—”
“What time?”
“Around eleven.”
His eyebrows furrow. “Late to be out for a stroll.”
Why do I get the sense he’s angry? Is it because El Calaca is involved in something shady? “The Z22 attacked Eduardo.” I pace back and forth, wringing my hands together. “Yelling and screaming like he’d done something wrong.”
“Had he?”
I stop pacing.
“Did your boyfriend do something to cause the beating?”
“No,” I quickly respond. Confused by the question and by Hayden’s assumption that Eduardo is my boyfriend. “Not that I am aware of.”
Tap.Tap.Tap. “Your boyfriend isn’t affiliated?”
“What? No. He’s a dancer. He doesn’t have time for the cartels.”
“Yet he has time to go for late night walks with you?”
I stop and stare at Hayden like he’s lost his head.
His expression is blank, undecipherable. “Where were you while the beating was happening?”
“Eduardo pushed me into an alleyway.”
“You were hidden?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
