“I told you. I’m waiting for my father-in-law. You’re here, and I’d like to remind you about what’s important, to me at least. Following me around when all I’m doing is taking my wife on a date makes me think you put the important things aside.”

“We’re capable of doing more than one thing at a time,” Joe said.

“You’re preaching to the choir on that point, Agent Simmons. I wonder what’s happening in your world that some of you decide to moonlight. You’ve lost two agents and counting to the dark side. Barney Kyle was bad enough, but Curtis really took to it. Like father like son, am I right?” Cain picked up a butter knife from the table and twirled it through her fingers with practiced skill.

Cain’s voice was deep and soothing, but Shelby tried to remember exactly who they were dealing with. Granted, Cain had given her the greatest gift she could’ve delivered, but this was her job. “If we could find him, we’d love to do that, but he’s missing. Do you know where he is?”

“You’ll be my first call if I find out. I’m pretty sure killing a federal agent is a crime,” Cain said, putting the knife down and tapping her finger on the table. “And when I say killing, it’s just a figure of speech. Even if he was instrumental in Juan’s efforts to rape my wife, the courts deserve their shot.”

“I doubt Juan is a problem any longer. From what I hear, he and his mother are dead. Do you have any idea how that happened or who’s responsible?” Shelby’s question stopped Cain’s fingers.

“None whatsoever. Do you have any idea who’s responsible?”

She wondered if Cain played tennis. The quick lob answers made her think she’d be good at it.

“Like I said, that’s not our job, but Gracelia Luis was in town trying to take over her brother’s business. Gracelia was eventually found holding her severed head, and her tongue was shoved into her vagina. Juan Luis has never been found, but is also assumed dead,” Joe said after briefly glancing at her.

“Wow, that’s graphic,” Cain said, and her smile seemed to widen a tad.

“It is, and no matter her crimes, no one deserves that,” Joe said.

“I agree, but I’m not privy to the dealings of the cartels. That’s their signature when it comes to people they want to make examples of. See, Agent, maybe it’s better the devil you know. You think I’m the devil incarnate, but am I really, in comparison?”

“Tell us about some of your crimes, and we’ll let you know,” Shelby said lightly.

“My only crime is liking really cheesy music,” Cain said. That meant the stuff they’d be subjected to would reach new heights of annoying.