Page 58 of Fatal Strike
Silvia blinked back a tear. “I pray you discover my son’s innocence.” She sighed. “Sleep will come when he’s home and free.”
“Have you tried taking anything?”
Silvia shook her head. “I want to be alert in case he calls at night.”
“Dylan is very fortunate to have a mother who cares so much.” Leah invited kindness into her words.
“Someday you’ll understand a love that means more than life.”
“Being on your feet all day must be difficult.”
“It is. I have problems with my back ... a degenerative spine.”
Leah had noted at times Silvia appeared to be uncomfortable. “How painful.”
“The doctor prescribed medication for me to take.” She stiffened, not as a sign of irritation, but more of discomfort.
“My grandmother had the same condition. What do you take?”
“OxyContin.”
Strong stuff often sold on the streets. “Do you purchase it locally?” Leah said.
“Dylan gets the prescription for me at a discount pharmacy in Houston.”
Doubts surfaced in Leah’s mind. “Who’s your doctor?”
“Why?”
Leah formed her words as graciously as possible. “Ms. Ortega, I can find out or you can tell me. I loathe what you’re going through, but I’m not the enemy.”
The receptionist stood from behind the counter. Gold jewelry hung in layers from her neck and wrist. “Silvia, you have a patient waiting.” The woman turned to Leah. “This is a workplace, not an FBI office. In the future, I suggest you conduct your business elsewhere.”
“My apologies for the interruption,” Leah said. “Silvia, do you have the drugs with you?”
“They’re at home.”
“I’d like to stop by and pick up the prescription.”
Silvia frowned. “Why?”
“It’s important to our case.”
She seemed to deliberate Leah’s response. “In Dylan’s defense?”
“Possibly.”
“Silvia,” the receptionist said, “you are putting us behind schedule.”
Silvia opened the door to the patient area. “If you need anything else, you’ll be talking to me through a lawyer.”
39
OUTSIDE THE DENTIST OFFICE,Jon’s cell rang, and he saw Father Gabriel’s number. “Good morning, Father Gabriel.”
“Agent Colbert, are you in Galveston?” The priest’s breathless words made it sound like he’d been running.
“Yes. Are you in danger?”
