Chapter 37

“It isn’t for us,” replied the son evenly. “My sister’s son is very ill. He needs much better care than we can afford to give him. If we earn the reward, we’ll take him to America, to the new hospital in your town. We’ll have enough money for the best care possible.”

“I see,” responded Steve slowly as he considered the man’s words. “Why isn’t the boy’s father here helping, too? It seems like he’d be the first one to risk his life for his son.”

“The cartel men caught him hiding a girl they were searching for. She came to my brother-in-law along the road and begged for his help. He tried to hide her in his small home, but someone saw her with him and reported it to the cartel. Flores himself, along with his son, came to my sister’s home with many men. They dragged the girl out and raped her repeatedly in front of my sister, her son, and her husband. Then they laughed as Flores shot the girl in the head. Then his son shot my brother-in-law, while my sister and her boy watch