Hidden Prey (Lawmen) by Cheyenne McCray Read Free Book Online Page A

scents of roses or other flowers from his garden. Daily, Diego’s gardener put together an arrangement and the head housekeeper set the vase on top of the grand piano.
    Just as they reached the top of the tiled stone staircase, Jaime, Diego’s personal assistant, walked through a balcony that led into the ten thousand square foot home. Jaime approached Diego and Angelina.
    Diego looked down at his granddaughter and patted her hand. “I must speak with Jaime. Wait here for me.”
    Used to interruptions, she smiled. “I will be at the balcony.” She walked to the balcony, her back to them.
    Diego turned to Jaime. “This must be important as you are well aware that I am not to be disturbed when I am with my granddaughter.” His tone held a hint of warning.
    Jaime did not betray any emotion, as usual, as he handed Diego an encrypted cell phone. “You have a call from Alejandro. He claims it is urgent.”
    Diego frowned as he took the cell phone, wondering why his only son would be calling. Diego did not answer yet as he never talked business where his granddaughter might hear. He walked into the house, leaving Angelina on the balcony. He worked in his library, across the hall from the archway leading to the balcony.
    He entered the library, a place that pleased him greatly. He had a love for reading and had books in each of the languages he spoke. He had been raised speaking only Spanish, but in college he had flourished in foreign languages and was now fluent in English, Italian, and French. Every wall of his library was lined with walnut bookshelves filled with books.
    When he reached his finely crafted walnut desk, he sat in his leather desk chair and brought the cell phone to his ear. “What is it, Alejandro?”
    “The problem you had me take care of has been eliminated, Father.” Alejandro paused. “However, there is a complication.”
    Diego narrowed his brows. He did not like complications, especially in dealing with a U.S. federal agent who needed to be disposed of. “What is this complication?”
    Alejandro cleared his throat. “A woman witnessed it. I believe she saw everything, including my face.”
    Heat rose up around Diego’s collar. Alejandro did not normally do the dirty work, but this time Diego’s son had wanted to eliminate the agent himself. Mateo had gotten deep into the Jimenez Cartel’s family. Diego and Alejandro had trusted the bastard and had taken him in as if he were one of their own.
    “You did not take care of this complication?” Diego asked.
    “John and Pablo went after her.” Alejandro’s voice hardened. “They lost her.”
    Diego surged to his feet, the heat around his collar rising to his face. “They lost her,” he repeated slowly. “And she can identify you.” Diego could not afford for his son to be identified.
    “We do know who she is.” Alejandro spoke more quickly now. “She left a bag with her purse that contains her ID, cash, and credit cards. Her name is Tori Cox and she has a Tucson address. We found other information as well that may lead us to her. However, we do not know where she is now.”
    “Did you search on the Internet for her?” Diego asked. “She may have family there.”
    “Yes, I did do a search.” Alejandro said. “I got multiple Google hits on her. She’s a musician, highly regarded, and has performed around the U.S. However, there is no reference to Bisbee or to family. Her Facebook page is private, but lists her relationship with a Gregory Smith. It does not show her hometown. It is as if she has no ties here.”
    “She must have friends or family there.” Diego tried to keep control of his fury. “Send Pablo to Tucson to the address on her driver’s license and see if he can find anything that will lead us to her. Perhaps someone will be there who will know where she must have planned to stay.”
    “I have already sent Pablo as well as John.” Alejandro continued, “It should not take them long to reach and search her home,