Pike followed her back to the bedroom where she pulled a cardboard shoe box from the top drawer of a scarred and faded cabinet. It contained a few family photos, birth information, and miscellaneous warranties and receipts. Pike found the bill of sale and registration information for the El Camino along with the tag and VIN numbers. He didn’t waste time copying the numbers. He tucked the box under his arm.

“What you doin’, man, thass his things!”

Pike noticed a large blue purse on the dresser. He went through it and found Carla’s wallet.

“I ain’t got no money in there.”

Pike wasn’t looking for money. Seeing Mendoza’s family photos gave him an idea. Her wallet held a vinyl picture holder, and the first picture was Reuben Mendoza. Mendoza was smiling so wide he looked like a pumpkin. Pike took the picture, then placed the purse back on the dresser.

“You fuckin’ thief. I’m call in’ five-oh.”

Pike decided there was nothing more to be had, and walked out of the room. Carla Fuentes trailed after him, anxiously pulling his arm.

“Let me ask you somethin’. If he skips on the bond, they really gonna take my house?”

“Yes.”

“But it’s not my fault if he runs.”

“You signed the bond.”

“Waitaminute. Wait, now, what about this? If he gets himself killed, will I still lose the house? If he’s dead, they can’t blame me for that, can they? They won’t take the house?”

Pike stopped when he reached the door.

“No. You’ll lose the bond fee and application, but the court will release the bond back to the bondsman.”

“What does that mean?”

“You won’t lose the house.”

She thought it through, and some of the terror left her eyes.

“What you gonna do if you find him?”

“What would you like me to do?”

“Break his other damned arm. Break it real good, then beat him to death.”

Pike stepped into the sun and headed back to the Monte Carlo.

Chapter 14

14

Pike climbed into the Monte Carlo, but this time into the passenger seat, leaving Hector tied to the wheel. Hector once more scrunched as far from Pike as possible.

“Look at my hands, homes. Look at’m! They’re turnin’ blue!”

Pike fingered through the papers in the box, wanting to see what he had.

“You gonna let me go? You gotta let me go, bro, this shit here is kidnap-pin’. That’s a federal offense.”

“Shut up.”

Hector fell silent, but grumbled under his breath.

Pike found cash receipts and instructions for three disposable phones Mendoza purchased from Best Buy. Pike wondered if his friend Elvis Cole could use the information to locate Mendoza or identify who he was calling. Cole was a private investigator, and had relationships with most of the cell service providers. He might also be able to help find Alberto Gomer.