“Rex explained that your uncle had lost a child?”
“Yes, it was a long time ago. I was about ten when it happened. I hadn’t thought about it but now it makes sense. According to a story my mother told about her brother, Vasquez had a maid, and he was in love with her. She became pregnant and they lived in his big house at the winery. She slipped on the stairs and the baby flew out of her arms, fell and died. My mother went to try to help. She came home and told my father at dinner what had happened. Her name was Consuela, I don’t know her last name. She fled the country and rumor has it that she moved to the US. I think that she might be here in Key West because this is where he planned to keep Mateo. But I have no idea where she might be.”
“Okay, thanks for telling me about that.” Sharkey wrote in his notebook then turned again to Javier.
“Is there anyone that you know who might know her last name?”
“There is no way to know without talking to people who are loyal to Ricardo. It would put Tyler in danger if people started talking.”
“I understand. Your identity is safe with me.”
“Thanks.”
“Would she have enough money to buy a house here in Key West?”
“I doubt it…but she is quite beautiful and maybe she has men friends who would keep her. Maybe even Ricardo. I just don’t know. My mother really liked her and thought Ricardo should have married her.”
“You’ve been very helpful. So, the papers will be delivered to Ricardo?”
“Yes. They should be here sometime soon.”
“Thanks for contacting me. We can work together and hopefully find a way to find the children and take down Ricardo.”
“I know that it’s possible that I’ll be charged also, because people will think I drew Susan away from the children.”
“We’ll worry about that when we get them back. First we get them back. Anything that you think of that might help, call me.” Sharkey wrote his personal cell phone number on his card. “I know a really good attorney I’ll refer you to when this is over.”
* * *
Just before lunch time Consuela came to Tyler’s room and opened the door. “Tyler it’s time to stop watching TV and come get ready to go downtown to meet your mom.”
Tyler jumped up and ran to her side.
“Really…mom’s here?”
“You will be taken to her. Mateo’s staying with us for a while longer. Your mother still has things to do.”
“Okay.”
“Here, put on this shirt and you’ll need your hat. I packed you a lunch, in case you get hungry. You’ll be fine.”
“I will be. I’ll be back with Mom.” He gave her a hug. “Thanks for keeping me safe.” She hesitated but hugged him back.
“Vaya con Dios, Tyler. You’re a good boy and you’ll do fine.”
“Thanks.”
Consuela took his backpack and placed it on his back and gave him his lunch. At the back porch stood a tall thin man. He held out his hand and smiled at Tyler.
“We have a few stops to make, then you will be able to see your mother.”
* * *
Cindy Polly sat on a bench in the main foyer of the police station. Her head was down, and she looked sad.
Jenny approached her and sat down on the bench beside her. “Hi, Cindy.”
“Hi.” she said softly. “Is my dad going to jail?”
“He’s been arrested. He will get a lawyer and you can see him until he’s well enough to be taken to the county jail.”
“They said he shot someone. Did he kill them?”
“No. They are in critical condition at the hospital.”
“I had no idea that was going on.”
“Did you see anything the night of the abduction from the motel?”
“I have work to do in the backroom. The only time I come out at night is if someone comes in the office”.
“Did you tell your folks about the police being there?”
“I just said the police were there when I came in to pick up my paycheck. Lots of police. I got my check and left.”
“Okay. Cindy, I’m so sorry about your mother…”
“She didn’t deserve to die.” Tears ran down her face. “Who killed her?”
“She’s in the hospital and we can’t give out her name.”
“I hope she dies.” Cindy’s face and voice sent a chill through Jenny. Gone was the grieving young lady.
“I don’t believe that you mean that,” Jenny said softly. “I know you’re hurting, and you want to lash out at the people who did this. I want you to talk to Detective Sharkey again. Come with me.”
Cindy smiled. “He’s very handsome…I like him.”
Jenny put Cindy in an interview room and called Sharkey.
“There’s something about Cindy Polly that’s very strange. She may have more in common with her parents than we thought. Or, she’s just young and in shock.”
“I’m on my way back. I’ll talk to her.”
“Good.” Jenny laughed nervously.
“Hey, you okay?”
“At the end of our discussion she kind of gave me the creeps.”
“I’ll be in in a few minutes. Let her sit for a while.”
“Thanks.”
* * *
Sharkey met with Cindy Polly in an interview room at the station. He took a deep breath and put on a cheerful face before he walked into the room.
“Hey, Cindy, how are you doing?”
“Not good. My father’s going to jail?” Her face was pinched and her demeanor was very different.
“Yes. He’s been charged with attempted murder.”
“How about the bitch that shot my mother?”
Sharkey noted that her shyness was gone and her demeanor had become very different.
“Were you aware that they robbed and killed a man a few days ago?”
“No.” She looked defiant.
“His
