Chapter 7 - The Mastermind
I kept my hand near the open drawer, forcing my heart to slow down.
"The FBI took Rodrigo," I said, keeping my voice dead even.
"They know everything."
The stranger smiled coldly.
"The authorities know what your pathetic son told them. They don't know about us."
"Who are you?"
"My name is Dr. Julian Vance," the man replied, stepping closer into the light.
"I am the chief surgeon who kept Mariana alive while harvesting her rare antibodies. Your son owed tens of millions to our syndicate from reckless gambling in illegal border casinos. He didn't sell his wife to save your ranch, Teresa. He sold her to pay his own debts."
The realization hit me like a physical blow. All of Rodrigo's talk about saving the family heritage was a lie to cover his own corrupt vices.
"She's under federal protection now," I spat.
"You'll never touch her again."
"Protection is an illusion," Dr. Vance whispered, stepping within arm's reach.
"Mariana isn't the only biological match in your bloodline, Mrs. Mendoza. Genetic traits run in families."
May you like
He raised the barrel of the gun toward my face.
"And you just came home."
