Chapter 20

"Ina was just a teenager and idealistic when she met Ortez," Dean said. "It didn't take long for her to realize what kind of person he was." Dean shrugged. "She's been living on the run, too, ever since Rafael was born."

"Maybe the thorn has been pulled out of her now since Ortez died."

Dean's laugh was long and husky. "She was actually the mastermind behind his death."

"You know I'm troubled. The news says that a unit of the elite San Jose military ambushed Ortez in his hideout."

Now he snorted. "Elite is right. And that's me, along with Tatum and Ina. We're the ones who infiltrated Ortez's hideout, and we're also the ones behind the explosion."

"And you killed Ortez?"

"Not me, but Tatum."

When she winced, Dean's brown eyes softened. "Don't look at me like that, Doc. Do you remember what I told you about Esmeralda?"

She swallowed. "Kill or be killed."