Page 43 of Fatal Strike
Silvia had believed him. Her heart sang with his change and growth. He’d enrolled in college and started classes and promised to always take care of her. That’s when she told him about his trust, the hundred thousand dollars due him when he was twenty-five.
“Where did it come from?” he’d said. “My father?”
She’d touched his face. “What’s important is the money is for your future.”
“I’ll be finished with college then.” He didn’t ask any more questions about the origin of the trust.
Warren stroked her shoulder and brought her back to the present. She attempted to concentrate on the TV. A heist/cop movie—Warren loved them.
Her phone rang, and she stared at it. The number wasn’t familiar.
“Honey, answer it.” Warren kissed her cheek. “It could be Dylan.”
She obliged and heard her son’s familiar voice. Choking back the emotion, she forged ahead. “Where are you? I’ve been so worried.”
“I’m okay, Mom,” Dylan said. “I wanted to let you knowI’m staying low until the cops realize I’m not guilty of killing Judge Mendez.”
“Who opened fire tonight?” Silvia begged for Dylan to be innocent.
“Not me.”
“Who then?”
“Doesn’t matter. I’ll handle it. After tonight, I’m finished with the law. I’m a man with a record. I’ll do anything to make sure I’m never locked up again.”
“All you need do is tell them where you were yesterday morning.”
“I don’t have an alibi.”
“No one can vouch for you?” If only she hadn’t already told the agents she hadn’t seen Dylan at the time of the judge’s murder.
“No. Look, I need to get a lawyer, but I can’t afford a solid defense attorney.”
A name entered her mind. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“I don’t want you to put up your own money for a retainer.” His voice sounded choked. “Did you hear about Aaron and Landon?”
A little bit of her died. “Yes. They were such nice young men.” An alarm sounded in Silvia’s head. “Did you know they were in a gang?”
“I talked to them about leaving. I mean Aaron only had a year of college left, but Landon wanted to get rich.”
Why did he continue with them as friends? “Have you heard from Elena?” She held her breath, begging God for a yes.
“No. Why? Where is she?” He fired his words like a gun.
“I haven’t been able to reach her.”
“Never mind, Mom. I’ll find her.”
“Don’t risk getting caught,” she said.
“What if the gang has her? She might be hurt. Or worse. Elena means everything to me.”
“How can I help?”
“I need cash.”
“How much?”
