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“Something like that,” he says. Then he does something that has my stomach churning. The sick bastard smiles. A big, wide, toothy smile, like he’s really enjoying this.
I quickly realize that he brought me here for a reason. He wanted me to see this man. He wanted me to know what happens to people when they cross Mateo. I don’t tell him, but it has the opposite effect of what I assume he was going for. Instead of making me scared to fight, it reinforces exactly why Ihaveto.
As if sensing our presence, because it’s unlikely he heard us talking, the man’s head lifts slightly and his eyes open, closing several times before he’s able to keep them opened. They instantly lock on mine.
“Water,” he pleads, his lips so dry that the skin is cracked and peeling.
I look up at Niko.
“You know we can’t do that,” Niko tells him. “You’ve got three more hours. If you live that long, you can have all the water you want.”
“You can’t leave him here,” I object when Niko moves to walk away.
“Actually, I can.” He glances at me over his shoulder.
“Please,” the man whispers, his tone even more desperate.
I don’t know this man. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s not a good person. Yet it doesn’t stop me from wanting to help him. I feel panicked by the need.
“Niko, please,” I call after him as he begins to walk away. “Niko.” He continues on like I didn’t even speak.
My temper gets the better of me, and when that happens I tend to do things I wouldn’t otherwise do. Like run after him and demand that he let the man go. Needless to say, this doesn’t go over too well. One minute I’ve got my hands wrapped around his forearm, pleading. The next he has me backed against a wall with his forearm pressed into my chest. His face dips down so he can meet my eyes.
“Every single person here knows what happens if you do anything to cross Mateo. Best case, you hang on the wall for twenty-four hours, and if you survive, all is forgiven. Worst case, you end up with a bullet in your fucking head. This is how things are. How things have to be.” His words are harsh, but his tone is surprisingly gentle. “You can’t help him.” He drops his arm and takes a full step back. “And unless you want to end up right there next to him, I suggest you don’t try.”
“Why?” I’m not even sure what I’m asking at first. “Why would anyone want to live like this?”
“For most of us, this is the only family we’ve ever known. Mateo is like my brother. His father was like my father. There was never another choice.”
“How can you live with yourself? Kidnapping people? Torturing people? Killing people? You’re a monster, and so is your boss.” I square my shoulders and stand up straighter.
“You’re right. We are. But you pointing it out doesn’t make us any less dangerous. You should be scared of every single person on this island.”
“You think I’m not?” I draw back.
“Honestly,” he studies me for a long moment, “you don’t seem that scared to me. Intrigued. Maybe a little confused. But scared... I’m not so sure.”
“Maybe I’m just good at hiding my fear.”
“Maybe. But I’d say it comes down to your blood more than your acting ability.”
“My blood?”
“Like father, like daughter. Isn’t that how the saying goes? You’ve got cartel in your blood, girl. Whether you realize it or not.”
I open my mouth, but close it again, not really sure how to respond to that. I don’t know my father, so how would I know? Up until three days ago I believed him to be dead. To learn that, according to Mateo, not only is he alive, but that he’s the biggest monster of them all. I’m still not sure how I feel. I can’t wrap my head around it. Hell, I’m not even sure if I actually believe it.
Even if he is alive, that doesn’t mean he’s the villain in this story. Mateo could be lying to me about my father, about everything. For all I know, he’ll kill me the minute he gets his hands on my father, if that’s truly who he is, and I’ll never get to leave this place.
The thought isn’t something I’m willing to entertain right now. But it does reinforce why I need to find a way to get off this island.
“Come on.” Niko finally breaks the silence. “I think it’s about time to get you back to your room.”
I want to refuse. I want to drop to my knees and beg him not to lock me back in that room. But at the same time, I don’t want to stay out here.
My gaze slides back to the man on the wall. His head is drooped forward again, his chin resting against his chest.
How anyone could stand by and watch this and not do anything is so far out of my understanding it’s laughable. I guess it goes to show that while my captors may be playing nice right now, things could get really bad, really quickly for me.
