Page 132 of It Runs in the Family

“Drugs.”

I took a deep breath to settle my nerves. I’d known that Selena was likely mixed up in some kind of drug cartel—shoot, I’d seen bundles of drugs in my vision—but it was still hard to have it confirmed. “I’m sorry.”

She swiped the corner of her eye. “Thanks. I’m worried about her. I think the guy she’s mixed up with is bad news.”

“Why do you say that?” Boone asked, sounding sympathetic.

He’d said he’d let me run this conversation, but I wasn’t upset that he’d jumped in. Given his experience, he’d have a better sense of what to ask.

She frowned. “I don’t know… he just has this look, you know? Dark eyes that don’t miss much. And he seems really controlling.” She paused. “I’ve seen some bruises on her arms where I think he grabs her.”

There had been bruises on her wrists this morning. I was sure Boone was thinking about that too.

“Did you bring it up with her?” I asked.

She made a face. “I tried to, but she told me I didn’t really know him. He was misunderstood.” She grimaced. “You know how it goes.” Her voice rose an octave. “I can fix him.”

“Been there, done that,” I muttered.

“We all have,” Deanna said, “And hopefully, we grow out of it. But she’s only twenty-two, so I guess she needs more time.”

Only Rebecca didn’t have more time. Someone had stolen that from her.

My throat burned. I didn’t trust myself to speak.

“Do you happen to know her boyfriend’s name?” Boone asked when the silence had lasted a few seconds. “Iris’s cousin was mixed up with a bad character, and I wonder if it’s the same guy.”

“It’s a different guy,” Deanna said with a sigh. “She told me she’s been hangin’ out with Selena.” She gave me a sympathetic look. “Sorry, Iris. I know that girl’s been wild for years, but if she’s hangin’ with that bunch, not only is she not slowin’ down, but she’s hitched her wagon to some really bad people.”

“How bad?” I asked in a whisper.

She grabbed my hand and leaned in until our faces were inches apart. “Bad bad.” Then she jerked back and turned toward the end of the aisle, shouting, “Keep your pants on, Rhonda! I’m stacking boxes!”

Sure enough, her boss was at the end of the aisle, wearing a scowl that had the risk of causing permanent wrinkles.

Deanna squatted and grabbed two boxes and made a show of putting them on the shelf, one at a time.

Rhonda’s face turned red, and her hands fisted at her sides before she stomped off.

I suspected we didn’t have much time. “Deanna, I’m worried about my cousin,” I said. “None of us can find her, and she’s not answering her phone. Do you know where I can find her?”

“No, but Rebecca’s been pretty secretive about where her new man lives.” Her gaze lifted to Boone. “His name is Eddie Trevino. That’s all I know about him, other than I suspect he’s a drug dealer.”

“Does Rebecca do drugs?” I asked.

“No, which is why I was surprised she hooked up with him, but I think she likes his money. He drives a flashy car.”

“What kind of car?” Boone asked.

She made a face. “Something fancy. A black sports car. I think she said it was a Dodge Challenger.”

Up to this point, I hadn’t lied about anything or deceived Deanna, but once I asked my next question, I’d be crossing that line. I felt like pond scum but asked it anyway. “Do you think Rebecca would be willing to talk to me about Selena? Maybe she can give my cousin a message askin’ her to call me.”

Deanna’s lips pressed together. “You can ask her. She’s probably at home, sleepin’. She didn’t come home last night, which meant she was probably out partyin’.” She drew in a breath. “But she’ll sleep through you knockin’. There’s a key under a rock next to the front step. Let yourself in and wake her up.”

I fought the grief rising in my chest, and forced out, “I’d hate to wake her.”

Irritation filled her eyes. “Tell her I sent you. Maybe if you ask questions about Selena, she’ll realize she’s makin’ a mistake.” Her chin trembled. “Maybe you can get through to her, because I sure haven’t.”