Its just a theory Ive had, Harley continued, keeping her eyes on Callaway, who in turn was watching Felix through the space between Harleys legs as his hand crept closer to his waist. You left them alive so you could come back and…enjoy their pain. Like a killer returning to the scene of his crime.

Felixs voice sounded strange, distant. He said not to lay a finger on them.

It took several moments for Harley to process this. You mean Roth?

He made it very clear. Felix went on as if in a trance, as if he had needed to get these words out for a long time but had only just now found the opportunity. Dont lay a finger on them, Felix, he told me, so I didntwell, I had to touch them, sure, but I didnt hurt them. They could have escaped, had they been smart enough, but they werent. That cold laugh returned. Stupid little girls, thinking they could betray Mr. Roth and get away with it. After all he did for them.

All he did for them? Harley replied incredulously. You mean turning them into prostitutes?

He loved them! Felix shouted with a sudden vehemence that startled Harley. He loved them, and they never saw that, never appreciated it!

Harley saw her opening. Did he love them more than he loved you, Felix?

Thats a lie! Felix hissed.

You had your uses, sure. You took out the garbage. You handled the problems Roth didnt want to think about. But at the end of the day, you were just a street urchin from Sinaloa. These beauties, on the other handthey were royalty to Roth.

Dirt sprinkled down the back of Harleys neck, spilling beneath her shirt. If she did as Felix said, they would be buried alive. But if he shot her, she would be doomed just as certainly.

She glanced down as Callaways fingers wrapped around the gun. His eyes had an intense, feverish gleam.

Lies, lies, lies! Felix screamed. Harley could hear him pacing now. You dont know what the hell youre talking about. No comprende nada, puta! He spat the words at her, moving around like an enraged animal.

What I dont understand, Harley continued, goading him, is why youre still sticking by him. He gave you up, Felix. As soon as he saw the pictures of the bodies, he knew it had to be your doing. He sold you out.

He would never sell me out! I have done everything for him!

At the end of the day, youre just a street kid to him. Someone to be pitied, sure, but loved? Harley laughed mockingly. Love is for equals, and no matter how much you may have tried to earn his love, you could never quite measure up. He will never show you the loyalty youve shown him.