Eduardo stalked over to him, snatched the spoon from his hand, and threw it in the sink. “I told you once to leave. I’m telling you again.”

“And what will you do if I don’t?” Miguel folded his arms across his chest, more amused than angry.

Apprehension spiraled through Eduardo.

What was Margarita’s brother up to?

“I’ll call the police. Tell them you’re trespassing.”

That threat would have had more punch if the man had already left and the locks had been changed—but what other ammunition did he have?

“Hmm.” Miguel cocked his head, triumph lurking in his eyes. “That may not be a smart idea.”

“Why not?” Eduardo braced. Whatever Miguel was about to say was going to change this game. He could feel it.

His brother-in-law wandered over to the six-pack of beer, picked it up, and stowed it in the fridge. “They might find illegal substances hidden in the house while they’re here. Well hidden.”

Eduardo stared at him. “What are you talking about?”

Miguel closed the refrigerator door and turned to him. “Illegal substances like heroin. Cocaine. Not in my room, you understand. I would never be involved in anything like that.” He affected a look of mock horror. “But if the cops show up, it would be my duty to tell them what I’ve observed my brother-in-law doing in the dark of the night. Making deals, hiding dangerous drugs. The consequences could be bad. Very bad.”

A dark, ominous silence hung in the room as the implications of Miguel’s threat sank in.

The man was using extortion to force them to fall in line with his plans.

Eduardo’s lungs froze.

“Miguel!” Margarita crossed to her brother, the color leaching from her complexion. “How can you do this? Eduardo would never be involved in anything like that. And you’re hurting me and your niece or nephew too.” She splayed her fingers on her stomach.

“My dear sister.” He put a hand on her shoulder, his tone condescending. “In this world, you have to take care of number one. I promised you I would leave your home—and I will . . . when I’m ready. For now, staying here suits my purposes. So let’s live and let live. You don’t bother me, I won’t bother you. Are we in agreement?”

Eduardo tried to gather his scattered thoughts. To think of a way around the cunning trap Miguel had laid for him.

But his mind wasn’t programmed to circumvent deceit, nor had experience equipped him to deal with treachery. No one in his circle of acquaintances came close to matching Miguel’s evil nature.