A Year in the Life of Dr. Fox

By Frederick L. Malphurs

During the years of Mexican President Calderone, drug cartels fought pitched battles against other cartels, the police, the army, and the good citizens of Mexico. Kidnappings, murder, threats, and intimidation by drug cartels impinged on every facet of Mexican life. This story of the de la Vega family in Culiacan, the state capital of the Mexican state of Sinaloa, tells of their struggles with the death of their beloved sister and the courageous brothers who become a force exacting revenge on the Pacific cartel.
The family ancestors moved away from Southern California during the 1840s as the influx of white settlers changed the culture and created certain discriminations against Mexican-Americans. The family legend is the de la Vegas sold out and relocated to Culiacan, Mexico where they quickly established prominence socially and financially. In Culiacan, the whispers are frequently heard of their great wealth and of being descendents of the great Zorro.
Eduardo de la Vega, known for his dedication to his community and his patients as a noted benefactor and surgeon, and Teodoro de la Vega, a Jesuit priest, beloved by all who know him, vow to protect their city from the cartel. The de la Vegas act with extraordinary stealth, boldly striking at the cartel. Eduardo de la Vega leads a secret life of retribution abetted by his adopted brother, the business wizard, Flaco Salas.
This is a tale of adventure, action love, honor, and strength of family despite constant danger and threat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483645650

Frederick L. Malphurs

Frederick L. Malphurs spent thirty-seven years working for the Department of Veteran Affairs and is the former CEO of the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health Care System. Now retired, he lives in Gainesville, Florida, with his wife, Robin. This is his fourth book.

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Copyright © 2013 by Frederick L Malphurs.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 07/10/2013

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Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 An Untimely Arrest, January 5

Chapter 2 An Unseemly Death, January 6

Chapter 3 Planning for Tina’s Funeral, January 6

Chapter 4 The Shrine, January 9

Chapter 5 Basquetball, January 9

Chapter 6 Introducing Flaco, January 10

Chapter 7 Diego Senior Hedges, January 10

Chapter 8 A Long-term Romance, January 11

Chapter 9 Events at the Restaurant La Mariposa Amarilla, January 16

Chapter 10 The Operating Room Fiasco, January 18

Chapter 11 Home Country, January 19

Chapter 12 An Emerging Plan, January 20

Chapter 13 A Prison Riot Has Consequences, January 25

Chapter 14 Attorney Arrelano, January 30

Chapter 15 No Time to Lose, February 5

Chapter 16 Flaco’s Urgency, February 23

Chapter 17 Implementation and Execution, February 24

Chapter 18 Interview with Dr. Fox, March 5

Chapter 19 A Momentous Meeting, March 5

Chapter 20 The Gold Mines, March 15

Chapter 21 Homero, the Hermit and Guide, March 15-16

Chapter 22 The Army Confronts Eduardo, March 17-18

Chapter 23 Spider, Uninvited, March 20

Chapter 24 The Children Move In, March 21

Chapter 25 The New Hideaway, March 29

Chapter 26 The Cartel Is Watching, March 30

Chapter 27 A Visit with Lena’s Parents in the Hamlet of Costa Rica, March 30

Chapter 28 The Wedding and a Few Hours Afterward, April 15

Chapter 29 The Honeymoon, April 16-29

Chapter 30 Gifts for the Orphans, May 7

Chapter 31 The Tithing, May 14

Chapter 32 The Hermit Engineer Gets Lowdown, May 11-May 19

Chapter 33 Dr. Leonardo van Hooser Pays a Visit, May 25

Chapter 34 Belinda Cruz Reporting, June 4

Chapter 35 A Threat on June 6

B The June 6 Fiesta in Mazatlan

C June 6 Celebration in Culiacan

D Searching for Diego, June 6

E The Vendors’ Market on June 6

Chapter 36 A Consensus and Other Matters, June 8

Chapter 37 Eduardo’s Two Unofficial Patients, June 9

Chapter 38 Conspiracy in Navolato, June 11

Chapter 39 The Cavalry Arrives, June 18

Chapter 40 Shootout at the Roadblock, June 28

Chapter 41 Friendly Fire, July 16

Chapter 42 The Award Ceremony and Other Events, July 18

Chapter 43 Counterattack, July 18-19

Chapter 44 Recapitulation, July 21

Chapter 45 Tough Deal at the Motorcycle Shop, August 23

Chapter 46 The Confession, August 25-26

Chapter 47 The Cartel Goes to the Beach and Meets Resistance, September 15

Chapter 48 Flaco Plans a Surgical Strike, September 25

Chapter 49 The Cartel Loses a Shipment and More, September 26

Chapter 50 The Coward Meets His Destiny, November 15

Chapter 51 Presenting a Prescription at Aleman’s Pharmacy, November 16

Chapter 52 The Tunnel in Mexicali, November 27

Chapter 53 Another Roadblock with a Detour to Mazatlan, December 13

Chapter 54 Denouement of a Certain Kind, December 15

Chapter 55 Angel Luis Consolidates after Losses, December 20

Chapter 56 The Babies, December 24

Introduction

This story is set in and around the city of Culiacan, Mexico. Culiacan is the capital of the Mexican State of Sinaloa. Culiacan has a rich history and beautiful traditions, but it is also the hometown of the Pacific drug cartel. The Pacific cartel’s vast army of gunmen, allied criminals, and collaborators makes Culiacan a city where murder and other crimes can and do arbitrarily and frequently occur. Located a few miles from the Gulf of California and within an hour’s drive of the Sierra Madre Occidental, Culiacan is a city of more than seven hundred thousand people, almost all of whom live honorable lives.

The president of Mexico Felipe Calderón declared war on the drug cartels in 2006. In the era this story is set, there were daily grim reports of murders, disappearances, kidnappings, robberies, extortions, and numerous other crimes. During that early January and for the rest of the year (as well as the years before and after), the drug wars continued and threatened at times to reduce Mexico to anarchy. The various drug gangs and cartels infiltrated all elements of society through bribes, intimidation, protection rackets, kidnappings, murders, and mutilations, including beheadings of victims for public display.

During these times, many police officers, investigators, lawyers, judges, city and state officials, and reporters were murdered. Few of the perpetrators of these crimes have been brought to justice. Because of these very real threats, the author has disguised identities carefully to protect the heroes, his sources, along with his own family and life, from life-threatening attack if ever those evildoers choose to be offended by the truths described in this book.

Chapter 1

An Untimely Arrest, January 5

Father Teodoro de la Vega was sitting in an ancient wooden swivel chair, working on revisions to his doctoral thesis Methodism in America, when he heard the soft buzzing of his cell phone. He picked up the phone, swiveling his chair around before he spoke to look out the high tiny window in his cramped office at the far end of the Culiacan Cathedral. This is Father De La Vega.

This is Lieutenant Flores of the federal police. We are trying to notify the family of Diego Sanchez. He has you listed as the family contact.

Father Teodoro’s eyes stayed fixed on the fronds of the tall palm tree growing in the cathedral’s backyard. Yes, I am Diego’s brother-in-law. How can I help?

I am sorry to inform you that your sister’s husband, Diego Sanchez, was arrested this morning and is currently being held in custody in Culiacan prison. The lieutenant sounded subdued, deferential to the Catholic priest, sympathetic.

Father Teo was silent for several moments. Oh my God, this is a shock. My sister was kidnapped three days ago, on January 2. She and Diego have three young children, and now this. Father Teo sighed deeply and made the sign of the cross.

I know about the kidnapping. I am so sorry. It seems your family is suddenly confronting great adversity. I can assure you that all the police agencies are working diligently to find your sister.

Father Teo took several deep breaths before responding. Would it be possible for me to go see Diego now?

Lieutenant Flores was silent a moment. Yes, under the circumstances, I’m sure there must be many arrangements to be made for the children. I will contact the prison and get your visit authorized.

Father Teo stood up, suddenly feeling dazed; his jaw clenched as his eyes riveted on the small statue of Jesus he kept on his desk. I am on my way to the prison now. He next forced himself to call his brother, Eduardo, and their father, Alfonso. He quickly concluded each call with I’ll call you back as soon as I learn anything.

Father Teo quickly jogged down the hall and across the cathedral campus to his car. Outside, he stood beside his car and gazed upward for several moments, praying for his sister, Diego, and their children. Then he got into his battered Toyota and headed to the prison.

Father Teo sat in the visitors’ waiting room for thirty minutes before the guards escorting Diego burst through the door on the prisoners’ side. They pushed Diego ahead of them and roughly shoved him into a chair. One of them said, Sit down and shut up! to Diego and waved a finger under Diego’s nose. Father Teo moved quickly to the cubicle opposite Diego and sat on the hard plastic chair in the narrow enclosure.

Teo, tell me about my family. Diego was somber and seemed to have physically shrunk since the last time Teo had seen him only three days before. Diego’s usual state of casual good humor had been replaced with a pallid and tense facial expression. His eyes were tearing and moved only indirectly in the direction of Father Teo; he could not maintain eye contact for more than a moment. His eyes, now dark and sunken, slowly roamed the brightly lit room: floor, walls, ceiling, Father Teo.

We have had no contact with Tina’s kidnappers. We are doing everything we can to find her. Eduardo and I are moving heaven and earth to find her. The kids miss her and are understandably upset. How are you?

I am depressed as hell. I’m scared out of my mind. I am so grateful to you and Eduardo. Diego dipped his head and nervously checked the position of the guards. Please do everything you can to get these charges dropped and get me out of here somehow.

Of course you are depressed. Anyone would be in these circumstances. My father is talking to lawyers right now. Your arrest has come as a complete shock to all of us.

I am embarrassed and stunned by my arrest too, Teo. Please tell my mother and the children I love them, but I do not want them to come here. Seeing me in this place will only make things worse for them. Have you learned anything about the charges against me?

Father Teo chewed on his lip. He hesitated while a myriad of happy family memories flooded his thinking: Diego and Tina’s wedding, the births of their three children, and many family gatherings. You are accused and charged with consorting with narco-criminals by laundering their illegal earnings, aiding the cartel’s hit men by providing them with shelter, engaging in a criminal conspiracy, and accepting financial assistance from the Pacific cartel. I’m still in shock, Diego. I don’t understand this. Is any of it true?

Diego squirmed in his seat and dropped his head to the Formica countertop of the little booth. Oh my god, he said this loudly, and the nearest prisoners on Diego’s side of the barrier turned in his direction. When he sat back up straight, his hands clutched his heart. Tears rolled down his cheeks.

Do you need medical attention? Father Teo watched as Diego removed his hands from his chest and shook his head vehemently no.

Then let us pray, Diego. Our Father, thank you for your abundant gifts to our people and communities. Help us in our hour of desperation to find Tina. Help our brother, Diego, to be free of these charges. Return both parents to their children who love and cherish them. In Jesus’s name, amen. Father Teo kept his head down for a few moments after he finished.

Diego watched Father Teo pray. As soon as he saw that the prayer had ended, Diego nervously coughed. Teo, please get me out of here.

As the guards were coming to collect Diego, Teo said, We are doing everything we can. Go in peace. He stood, looking at Diego, his mind searching for possible solutions to the two horrible situations in his family. He watched the guards take Diego away with hands vice gripped in front of him and his jaw set in determination, willing himself not to cry. Then Teo shook his head abruptly as soon as Diego disappeared from the room.

Chapter 2

An Unseemly Death, January 6

Dr. Eduardo de la Vega smoothly maneuvered his maroon CLS class Mercedes coupe onto the dusty farm road. Ahead he saw a grouping of police cars, a white ambulance van, and a dual-cab pickup truck with a tall radio aerial. He took a deep breath. Since he had received the phone call from the police an hour before, images of his sister kept flashing across his mind like a continuous slideshow. That it would be her body was only a possibility, but he still felt dreadfully pessimistic.

Dr. De La Vega braked to a stop behind a federal police car and right away saw three men approaching him. He jumped out of the Mercedes in one smooth, agile movement, letting the door click shut behind him. As soon as the door closed, the men were standing in front of him.

Dr. De La Vega, I am Culiacan detective Lieutenant Cesar Garzon. This is Culiacan police lieutenant Gilberto Marquez and federal police lieutenant Gabriel Flores. The three of us have been directed by our chiefs to find your sister. We deeply regret the circumstances you were called out here for. Cesar Garzon stood about three inches shorter than Dr. De La Vega’s six feet three inches; he calmly and deferentially looked up at the doctor through placid green eyes.

Where is the— Before Dr. De La Vega could finish his question, Lieutenant Garzon pointed the direction and simultaneously stepped toward the square dirty adobe house.

As the men walked toward the pale gray building, Dr. De La Vega waved away an offer of a surgical mask. Lieutenant Garzon, when was the body found?

The group stopped at the door to allow Garzon to answer the question. A sour nauseating smell emanated from inside the building. This caused Marquez and Flores to grimace and hold surgical masks to their noses. The door was hanging by its top hinge, the bare wood battered and splintered. The door had been pushed wide open, flat up against the wall, a large rock securing it in that position.

The farm supervisor over there, the man in the cream-colored Stetson and dark blue shirt and blue jeans, found the body at eight thirty this morning. He was out here on his usual routine, checking crops, irrigation, and the like. He says he sensed something as soon as he stopped here. He saw the door ajar and went inside. Are you ready, sir?" Lieutenant Garzon nodded toward the man.

Let’s do it.

The body lay under a blue plastic tarp. A uniformed police officer stood at the back of the room just out of the light provided by the open doorway. Numerous beer and liquor bottles littered the floor. The room smelled of stale alcohol, ash, urine, and decay.

Detective Lieutenant Garzon pulled the plastic tarp away from the head of the corpse. Dr. De La Vega bent down almost immediately, one knee placed on the dirt floor. In order to be certain of his identification, he moved within five inches of the bloated and bruised face of the victim. Then, hardly a moment later, he froze in that position. A savage shudder rolled through his body. Lieutenant Marquez assisted the doctor up and escorted him outside. Dr. De La Vega stood there for two or three minutes, stooped over, hands on his knees, breathing deeply amid the complete silence of the assembled group.

Finally, the doctor straightened up and accepted a cold bottle of water offered by Lieutenant Marquez. The three detectives kept their eyes focused on him. That’s my sister, Christina Florentina de la Vega-Sanchez, Dr. De La Vega said in a shaky voice. Everyone called her Tina. Do you know how she died?

Marquez nodded, his round face and bulging cheeks slowly moving up and down. Yes, she was shot in the back of the head.

Dr. De La Vega nodded and turned away to focus his eyes on the distant horizon. Thank you, detective. I can see from her face that she was also badly beaten. She must have died tormented and tortured, almost certainly.

We are so sorry for your loss, doctor. Where should the ambulance crew take the body? Marquez, short and slender, stood closely at Eduardo’s side as if to support his weight if required.

Dr. Eduardo de la Vega’s face stiffened. Take her to the Culiacan Hospital. I want an autopsy. He suddenly looked skyward and put his hands together as if in prayer. Oh, what a tragic mistake god has made here.

Garzon waved the ambulance attendants to the body.

We need to ask you some questions, doctor. Will you be able to drive back to the federal police headquarters? If not, we can have one of the officers drive your car. Garzon placed his hand on Eduardo’s shoulder.

I’ll take the offer of a driver. I have calls I need to make. As Eduardo turned to his car, his eyes wandered over the vast tomato fields, the crop not quite mature yet.

Detective Garzon waved to a uniformed officer to come to him. Of course. We’ll have Santos here drive you.

Eduardo tossed the keys to Santos and climbed into the front passenger seat. He speed-dialed his twin brother, Father Teodoro. Teo, the body is Tina. I just saw her for myself and confirmed for the police. He paused for several seconds as he listened to his brother’s grief. She died a horrible death. Will you call Papa and go to the children? I will be there as soon as I can. I have to make a formal statement for the police and arrangements at the hospital. Eduardo clicked off and sat in silence several moments longer before he punched the preset number for his senior practice partner Dr. Oscar Padron.

Oscar, the body is my sister. Eduardo listened to Oscar’s quick intake of breath, his momentary speechlessness.

Eduardo, I am shocked to the core. I find myself at a complete loss. Dear god, I am so sorry.

Thank you, Oscar. I know you loved her too. Everyone loved Tina. Eduardo paused again as Oscar asked what he could do, if anything. Right now there is nothing you can do. Teodoro is making the family notifications. I’m going to police headquarters to make a formal statement and answer their questions. I’ll keep in touch.

Eduardo’s next conversation was with his adopted brother, Flaco Salas. Gaspar Salas had been a sad little boy and survivor of abuse when Eduardo and Teo’s father, Alfonso, had met him many years ago. Known and loved by all as Flaco, he now managed many aspects of the de la Vega family business and was trusted beyond measure for his sharp instincts by Alfonso de la Vega, his adoptive father, and both of his adoptive brothers, Dr. Eduardo De La Vega and Father Teodoro De La Vega.

By the time Eduardo had finished speaking with Flaco, Santos had pulled into a parking space at police headquarters on Emiliano Zapata Boulevard. The single-story concrete block and plaster building was painted a pale shade of beige. Parking was tight. Santos pulled into a space marked for Lieutenant Marquez, returned the keys to Eduardo, and escorted Dr. De La Vega to the conference room where Marquez, Garzon, and Flores sat quietly drinking coffee. They stood up when Dr. De La Vega entered the room.

Please sit down. Can I get you some of that coffee? Garzon immediately stood and walked to the back of the conference room, where a small sideboard held a pot of coffee.

Black please, Lieutenant. Eduardo settled himself into the black wire mesh conference room chair. Gentlemen, I can tell you I am truly heartbroken. My sister was so loved— Eduardo abruptly stopped talking and clasped his hands together out in front of him, resting them on the conference room table with his head slightly bowed.

Garzon smiled sympathetically. Dr. De La Vega, you should understand from our presence our superiors consider the arrest of those responsible for your sister’s murder of supreme importance. We also know there will be a large audience out there in the community watching to see what happens in this case. Your sister was kidnapped three and a half days ago. Did you or anyone in the family have any inkling at all about who did this and why?

No, Eduardo shook away tears. We put the word out through various channels that we would pay double the demanded two hundred thousand pesos. We notified our lawyers, the church, and the media, and stayed in close coordination with Lieutenant Marquez here. Our bank placed the money in a safety deposit box. We reached out to every organization and person we thought could possibly have some contact or influence with the kidnappers, but there was no response. I think many people know of my family and our resources, so the kidnapping must have something to do with Tina’s husband, Diego Sanchez.

Did your sister have any enemies? Marquez spoke softly, as if that would help to console Dr. De La Vega. I’m sorry, I have to ask.

No, seriously, everyone loved her. She had many friends. Eduardo paused, lost in thought for a moment, and then asked quietly, When did she die?

The coroner estimates about twenty hours before her body was found this morning.

Dr. De La Vega grimaced. Those goddamned fools!

Garzon leaned forward. You mentioned her husband, Diego Sanchez. Who were his enemies? Any other family members with enemies or persons who would want to hurt the family?

Our only possible enemies would be those in relation to whatever or whomever Diego was involved with. He was arrested yesterday by the federal police. He’s being charged with criminal conspiracy with the Pacific cartel, among other crimes. That must be the connection, but we haven’t been threatened in any way as a result of Diego’s arrest. I am a thoracic and trauma surgeon. My brother, Teodoro, is a priest. Our father, Alfonso, is a businessman and philanthropist. It has to be this thing with Diego.

Garzon stood up quickly, as though overcome by an idea, and left the conference room.

Marquez stood up and refilled Eduardo’s coffee. Dr. De La Vega, while we are waiting for the information concerning Diego’s arrest, allow me to tell you what we’ve learned about the kidnapping.

Please, call me Eduardo. There’s no need for formality here.

Thanks, Eduardo. We know the men who did this are tied to the Pacific cartel. We are actively looking for them now. Marquez, the smallest of the three lieutenants but whose head was larger, spoke in a thin, high-pitched voice.

I hope you find them quickly. Our community is fearful enough about the violence, and now this.

I understand your grief, Doct—Eduardo, and I promise we will do our jobs. We have some names and addresses. We will find the ones who did this. Marquez looked up at Garzon when he re-entered the conference room. Tell us about your sister. The more detail we get, the more likely it is we will find some connection to the hit men. Someone had to be watching her apartment, for example.

Eduardo checked the time, but his facial expression did not change. He turned to Lieutenant Marquez with a grim smile. Tina was thirty-six years old. She had long wavy black hair and a marvelous smile. She stayed at home with the children. She met friends for lunch sometimes. She volunteered at the cathedral several hours a week. She was quiet but strong in the sense of being a true diplomat. I say this without fear of contradiction; Tina was preciously beautiful. She was the best listener and always had a kind, considerate, and thoughtful response, even to the most troubling of issues. I don’t know what else to say. She was the perfect mother and sister.

We know you must be terribly upset. Marquez doodled on his notepad, only occasionally writing down a keyword. Tell us about Tina’s husband and family.

Eduardo now slouched in the swivel chair, his legs stretched out under the table. His chin was nearly touching his chest. Sure. Tina married Diego Sanchez about ten years ago. They seemed to be happy. They have three children named Diego Junior, Roxanna, and Laura. In addition to her children and husband, she is survived by her identical twin brothers, myself, and Father Teodoro. We also have an adopted brother, Gaspar Salas who is called Flaco, who manages the family businesses. All of us cherished her. My brother and I would have done anything for her. The same goes for our father, Alfonso, and Diego’s mother, Sylvia, who lives in the same apartment. My brother and I are eighteen months older than Tina. We loved her from the moment of her birth, and in many ways, we looked up to her. She simply had no enemies.

Garzon listened patiently. You make me sorry I never met her. You and your brother were at the apartment the night she was kidnapped, is that right? Please go over that visit in your mind. Did you see anything at all unusual? Flores looked at Garzon, his single eyebrow over sunken eyes stretching nearly from one ear to the other, leaving him with a permanent look of great intensity.

No. My brother and I, like nearly everyone else in Culiacan, are cautious at all times. We watch out for strangers or anyone who seems out of place. We didn’t see any juveniles hanging around, for example, and certainly no one who seemed in the slightest way a threat. Tell me, what information have you learned about my brother-in-law, Diego?

Garzon flipped open a file folder he had brought back into the conference room. After months of investigation, the federal police arrested Diego Sanchez Senior yesterday. He was in his office on the second floor of the hotel he owned and operated. The federal police went in force, fully armed with automatic weapons, ready for any kind of resistance. A federal prosecutor and city prosecuting attorney accompanied them. The officers arrested him and took Diego. The prosecutors and the police officers seized all the files and his computer and brought them here. The detectives assigned to Diego’s case are currently reviewing these documents and the computer’s files for evidence. The current charges involve money laundering and abetting the Pacific cartel by providing a safe haven for the narcos. The evidence seems to me to be substantial.

Lieutenant Marquez visually checked with his colleagues. If word leaked about Diego’s looming arrest, that would certainly explain Tina’s kidnapping. As long as the cartel held her, Diego wouldn’t testify against them. Eduardo, what do you think?

I don’t think he would testify against them under any circumstances. Diego is not a very strong person. The information about Diego’s pending arrest must have slipped out to the cartel.

Marquez turned his round face to look at his colleagues. We know there are collaborators inside the police who give information to the cartel, but finding the source would be very difficult. In today’s environment, a visitor or prisoner may have heard something and informed the cartel for money. I’m very sorry if that’s what happened.

Eduardo stared at Marquez for a few moments, his face tense with anger. A few careless words led to my sister being murdered? Who can you trust? He paused, looking sternly at Marquez. Do you have anything else for me?

Marquez smiled grimly. We are deeply saddened by your loss, Dr. De La Vega. It looks like we have nothing else at the moment. We’ll call the moment we learn anything new.

*     *     *

As soon as Eduardo left the conference room, Gabriel Flores slapped his palm down on the top of the table. This shows that no matter who you are in this country, how much money you have, how respected you are, the narcos can still take you down.

Cesar Garzon briefly considered Flores’s animated but pointless expression of the current situation in Culiacan. That’s true, Gabriel. However, we have a job to do. We have to respect the expectations of this family, the de la Vegas. Dr. Eduardo seems like a nice, regular guy, but my superiors have already told me he is a powerful person with unlimited funds and friends. He is known as Dr. Fox. The de la Vegas know everyone, and they are fabulously wealthy, which gives their family name considerable influence. Bottom line, guys, is that every effort must be made here. We need to get this case solved quickly. As soon as either of you learn anything, remember to contact me at once.

Gilberto Marquez stood up abruptly from the table and began collecting his papers, shoving them back into a file folder. The public will be expecting updates as well, Cesar. The second I heard who’d been kidnapped, I knew the pressure would be on. My bosses won’t like the fact she’s dead because now attention will be even greater. Not to mention the politicians who will bray to the media about their deep concerns, blaming the police.

Gabriel Flores sighed deeply. I wonder about this family, what they will do. We’ll never know, but my father always said the de la Vegas are reputedly descendants of the great Zorro. They will strike the cartel with fury if the narcos harmed a de la Vega. I would take down the cartel myself if only I was as handsome, rich, talented, and fearless as Dr. Fox. The men laughed.

Chapter 3

Planning for Tina’s Funeral, January 6

On the third day after Tina’s body was found, Father Teodoro sat at his desk, making notes for the memorial service, the procession, the burial, and the memorial reception. Moments after a long telephone conversation with his father about these details, Father Teodoro now found himself in his humble office being counseled by Monsignor Carino.

Teodoro, you must let me say the burial prayer, and of course, I must speak at the memorial service. Monsignor Carino’s swollen reddish nose bobbed up and down as he talked. His slight body failed to fill out his black suit, black shirt, and clerical collar.

Teodoro sat behind his desk looking directly at the older man. You are most gracious and kind to offer, Monsignor.

I think it would be for the best, really. You must not be so exposed and out in the open as you would be if you are leading the service. You never know what these crazy narcos might do. We must protect you. Carino’s head moved up and down as if agreeing with his own words.

You definitely have a point. My brothers have arranged for security, but it is probably best I not provide the narcos with an easy target.

The monsignor finally managed a weak fleeting smile. Good, that’s settled. You know, I keep hearing these wild rumors. Carino leaned conspiratorially toward Teodoro. One rumor I heard directly from a city official who is in a position to know about these things. This is in the strictest of confidence, Teodoro. The man said that Diego and all his family are marked for death.

Teo frowned and grabbed his rosary beads, fingering them and saying a silent prayer. I pray that isn’t the case. My family has contracted with twenty-four-hour security to watch the children. Our family is as safe as anyone in this city. There are a lot of wild rumors floating in the wind.

The monsignor peered directly into his subordinate’s eyes. I hope you are right, of course. Ever since your sister’s body was found, there’s been an incessant drumbeat of whispers and threats. I can’t imagine the impact this has on your family. You never know about these crazy narcos; the children could be next.

Father Teo stared directly into the Monsignor’s black eyes. Well, the gossip has been both offensive and saddening, for sure. We are worried about the children, but we have taken every precaution. With their father in jail and their mother found dead, the children are in total shock. Whenever they are able to go back to school, we will have to watch them very carefully because they will hear the rumors as well.

I heard from a priest friend in Los Mochis Diego will be killed by the cartel. It is only a matter of when. The hint of a smile formed on the monsignor’s lips.

Teo maintained his calm. I hear these same phenomena of whispered communications from others. I listen patiently, but I believe no one except El Gris and his lieutenants have any idea what will happen. With Diego in prison, we probably have less reason to worry about him. Diego is in a cell by himself and doesn’t do anything with the general jail population. In the meantime, his children and his mother are safe. My family is seeing to that.

The monsignor raised an eyebrow as if doubting Teo’s certainty about his family’s security. He listened to Teodoro finish speaking and then suddenly stood up. You need to get some rest. You look exhausted.

I’m spending every possible moment with the children. My brothers, father, and I try to make sure one of us is with them at all times. It’s true. I haven’t been getting much sleep.

I’ll leave you on that note then, Teo. Let’s hope you are right about the threats. But still, eternal vigilance is required.

When the Monsignor had closed the door loudly behind him, Father Teodoro bowed his head to pray for his family and for strength. He walked outside, got into his ancient Toyota Corolla, and went to see his nieces and nephew.

Chapter 4

The Shrine, January 9

Eduardo de la Vega entered the government palace the day after his sister’s funeral. His powerful strides took him through the ornate lobby, and he quickly took the two flights of stairs to the floor where the offices of the commissioner of health, a physician and a politician, were located.

Dr. Belanguer is expecting you, Dr. De La Vega. Please go right in. The secretary to the state commissioner of health was an old acquaintance. Elderly and nearly hidden behind her desk and its clutter of religious icons, she wore a white blouse with embroidery of angels on it. Her dark gray hair was piled into a bun and covered by black netting, securing it above her large round face. Her eyes sparkled whenever she saw Eduardo. In turn, she received a generous smile and a slight tap on her hand, along with a rakish wink.

The door to the commissioner’s office opened. Dr. Belanguer beamed at Eduardo. Her arms opened for a hug, which Eduardo delivered, his hand behind her back, pushing her forward into an embrace while he delivered cheek kisses to either side of her face. Dr. Belanguer giggled. She motioned him toward one of the three pale green upholstered chairs clustered in a corner of her office. A heavy wooden coffee table stood between the chairs. Eduardo let his right hand drift down to the top of her butt.

Thanks for seeing me on such short notice, Luisa. Eduardo settled himself into the armchair nearest Luisa’s desk.

Luisa watched him intently as he sat down before moving to her desk chair. She paused, looking directly into Eduardo’s eyes. Seriously, Eduardo, I am so sorry about your family’s tragedy. My heart breaks over the loss of your sister. How are you doing? How is the family holding up?

As he sat down, Eduardo’s mood shifted downward so fast when he tried to speak; only a barely audible sob escaped his mouth. He took a moment to compose himself. His friend’s big brown eyes watered as she shared the moment of grief with him. Eduardo, please, how can I help you? I mean it.

I wish I knew, Luisa. I wish I knew. Yesterday was the funeral. My father insisted on it being private. The children stayed at home with their grandmother and a priest friend of Teo’s. Thanks to their concern and support for Father Teodoro, the mourners were mostly priests and a few parishioners. My father and Monsignor Carino were worried about security, so we buried Tina without all the usual participation and memorial services she deserved, without many of the traditions we had honored for my mother’s funeral. But then, my mother lived a long and loving life, and came to the end of her life naturally. We have much grief to resolve and mourning to do before any of us can feel better. He turned his eyes to the floor, tracing the pattern on the carpet with his eyes before he regained his focus. It will take time, lots of time, Luisa. I have so much anger. And, of course, I have an emptiness I may carry with me forever. He looked through her office window, staring at a spot somewhere out there for a moment, then continued, I apologize, my dear friend. I didn’t come here to ruin your day. I actually came to see if we can get the hours of the free clinic in my neighborhood increased.

Keeping busy, I see. Very good. Luisa selected one of several folders from an orderly pile sitting atop the coffee table and opened it, studying the top page for a moment. She looked up at Eduardo and smiled.

Eduardo returned the smile, realizing Luisa had once again somehow anticipated the reason for his visit. When he spoke again, Dr. De La Vega’s voice returned to its usual firm, enthusiastic tone. I might as well keep busy since sleeping has been a problem. I am trying to arrange time off for myself and my brother to go camping in the mountains, but Father De La Vega keeps begging off. He says that it’s too soon and we have to be here for Diego. I suppose he’s right; Tina’s children need us. Our father needs us.

I think some time off is a good idea, frankly. Despite Diego’s problem, you and your family have already been through so much. You shouldn’t have to contend with his unfortunate mistakes. Luisa Belanguer’s eyes returned to the document in front of her. I see that the clinic is currently open thirty-two hours a week. I think we can extend that to forty, at least for a while, until we see if community demand warrants it.

As she closed the file, she reached over and clasped Eduardo’s hand firmly under hers. Why don’t I come over to your place and cook a decent meal for you? I think we could both use a drink or two. Eduardo stood, holding her hand until she also stood up.

On one level, that’s the best idea I’ve heard since my sister was kidnapped, but it’s too early for me to accept such pleasure into my life. Somehow I have to get through this long dark night of anger. When I get to the other side of the darkness, I will welcome your suggestion. He pulled her to him and kissed her gently on the lips, squeezed her hand, and held it momentarily before he left the office.

Out on the sidewalk, Eduardo realized he had forgotten to thank Luisa for extending the clinic hours. He pulled out the index card he carried habitually in his front shirt pocket and jotted down to send her a note. Then, his hand suddenly clasped his forehead. A visual of his sister’s dead and bloated body passed before his eyes, unbidden. He paused for a moment on the sidewalk, momentarily paralyzed until his normal breathing returned, and he again became aware of his surroundings.

He crossed the street, walking by the shrine to Jesus Malverde, a bandit hung for his crimes in 1909; but Malverde’s legend had grown to make him akin to Robin Hood, a patron saint to the narcos and a large following of people in the under educated and unempowered strata of society. The shrine was built largely of panes of blue and orange