Dalila
Hiding my identity is easy, especially since I’ve got the hood blocking my face as I walk through town and head home. The problem isn’t going home. It’s sneaking into my house so I can confront Papá.
When I reach Panche, things look different to me. I always thought my town was beautiful, but now I see a darkness lingering over it. I hide behind trees so nobody will recognize me as they drive by. I know I’m a target, but at least I can be an invisible one.
At the top of the hill I see my house with the gates shut. I might have to go around back and sneak through the wheat fields, but I’ll have to wait until it’s dark.
I’ve been lurking in the shadows for about an hour when I see a police car drive up my street. I peek around a tree to see where they’re headed, even though I have a dreaded hunch as to their destination.
I can’t wait any longer. It’s time for me to make my move. I shimmy my way through one of the gates, then run through the side yard while two police officers are at the front door talking to Papá’s bodyguards.
As if I’m some kind of daredevil, I find the palm tree that leads to my bedroom window and start climbing it. At any moment someone could spot me, but I’m going on the hope that the police are taking up all of the attention. It doesn’t take me long to find my way into my room, but when I hear voices in the courtyard below I tiptoe to the hallway and peek over the balcony.
“I don’t know where he is,” Papá is saying.
“We think you do,” the officer is telling him. “His wife said you were the last person to talk to him, Oscar.”
The second officer starts poking his nose into the kitchen. “You sure he’s not here?”
“No.”
“So tell me,” the first officer says as he sits in one of the lounge chairs. “How much does Santiago Vega know about Las Calaveras?”
Papá crosses his arms on his chest. “That’s confidential information.”
“So you’re saying you refuse to tell us? We have reason to believe Vega was working both sides.”
“I’m going to ask you officers to leave,” Papá says. “Unless you have a warrant . . .”
“We’ll get one,” the officer says. “Good day, Don Sandoval. If you see Santiago Vega, let us know. Here’s my number,” he says, writing it down on a sheet of paper and handing it to Papá.
When the officers leave, Papá pulls out his cell phone. “Santiago Vega is missing. Get over here right now, Cruz.”
My heart starts beating fast. I was going to confront my father, but in reality I don’t know this man who raised me. What if he lies or just tries to send me away again?
Does he know where Santiago Vega really is? Does he know where Ryan is?
I watch as he storms into his office and slams the door shut.
The echo of footsteps coming up the stairs startles me. I rush into my room, careful not to make any noise.
And I wait.
Tonight I’m going to find out who my father really is and what information he’s hiding. The more I know, the closer I’ll be to finding Ryan.