Read Online Nowhere To Run (To Protect And Serve) by Mary Eason - Free Book Online Page A

, but time was of an essence, and he’d been skating on thin ice for hours. The Feds would have his job if they found out about this meeting.
    “No thanks. I’d like to get straight to the point if I may. There are a few questions I’d like to ask you about your relationship with Jeremy Scott--”
    Riley’s cell vibrated at his waist. He unhooked the phone and glanced at its small illuminated screen. Jordan’s cell number popped up on the ID.
    “Do you need to take th at, detective?” Santiago’s gaze narrowed when Riley ignored the call and retuned the phone to his belt clip.
    “ No. It’s nothing that can’t keep.” God he hoped that proved to be the case. He couldn’t risk talking her call in front of Santiago and possibly endangering her life even more than it was already.
    Santiago indicated one of the chairs across from his desk. “Of course. Please. Sit.” The Columbian waited until Riley was comfortable before sitting .
    “ I take it there’s no news on Jeremy’s case yet?”
    Riley struggled to appear casual. “ No. Nothing yet. But it’s very early in the investigation and we’re still shifting through the evidence.”
    Santiago nodded noncommittal. “ How can I help, detective? Needless to say this has been quite a shock to Jeremy’s sister.”
    Riley studied the man’s polite demeanor. Something flashed in those dark eyes for a moment. Enough to make Riley believe he’d stepped into the presence of pure evil.
    “But not to you.” Riley confirmed the obvious.
    Santiago gave a brief nod. “No. Not a surprise. Jeremy has been drifting for a while. His sister refused to accept the boy had problems. Jordan is smart. But she practically raised the boy. When it comes to her brother, she has an enormous blind spot.”
    Pictures of Jordan taken at various social functions along with her fiancé decorated the credenza behind Santiago’s desk.
    Santiago caught the direction of Riley’s gaze. “She’s very beautiful, isn’t she? By looking at her, you’d never guess the atrocious family life she survived growing up.”
    Somehow, Riley managed to conceal his contempt for the man. The very thought of this monster touching her was enough to send him ballistic.
    “Both parents are deceased?” Riley knew a few brief details of the Scott siblings past.
    “Yes, thank God. The father was a lowlife addict who took his frustrations out on anyone in his way. His wife mostly. Sometimes Jeremy. He never touched Jordan though. She’s strong, you see. Her brother, alas, was nothing like his sister. He took after the mom.”
    “Any idea what the kid might’ve gotten himself mixed up in?”
    Santiago smiled at Riley’s polite line of questioning. Damn, the guy was good. He’d perfected the part of the caring fiancé. “I think we both know what Jeremy was involved in, detective. And, I’m guessing that since you know about the drugs, you’re obligated to ask me about my family’s involvement. I’d expect nothing less from the NYPD.”
    Riley inclined his head. “Thank you. I realize some of these questions might be delicate, but as you’ve said, I have to ask.”
    Caesar Santiago lifted both hands, palms skyward in a gesture of acceptance. “Please, I’m here to help.”
    “Thank you. When was the last time you spoke to your family, Mr. Santiago ?”
    Only the tiniest amount of annoyance distorted the Columbian’s polished demeanor. “Please, call me Caesar.” He corrected with only a hint of his previous smile. “My family and I, well we are no longer close.” Caesar got to his feet and moved to the windows overlooking the congested Manhattan business district, his demean pensive. “I speak with my mother each week and my youngest brother attends university here in the states. But ‘my family’ – and by that you mean my father and brother, have not spoken to each other since I left home. I was disowned by them for abandoning the family business my father expected me to one day