Free The Collection by Shannon Stoker Page B

woman’s help to save him. Fighting over century-old problems wasn’t going to help that, so Mia bit on her pride and shook her head.
    â€œThen back to work,” Riley said.
    She clicked some buttons on her computer and a man’s face popped up. He was older and distinguished. His dark hair was down to his shoulders and slicked back; his eyes were warm and welcoming. Mia thought he was the type of man American girls dreamed of marrying.
    â€œThis is Joseph Ruiz,” Riley said. “He is smart, wealthy, well connected, and evil.”
    She flipped to the next picture. It was a beautiful woman, several years older than Mia but not quite Riley’s age. Her thick, shiny black hair ran down her back.
    â€œDalmy Ruiz,” Riley said.
    Mia had never heard such a name. Riley pronounced it “Doll-Me” but that didn’t match the spelling on the screen. She looked exotic. Mia thought it was fitting that Joseph had wed such a beautiful woman.
    â€œThe pride and joy of Joseph’s life,” Riley said. “His daughter and heir to his empire.”
    â€œShe’s too old to live with her father,” Mia said.
    Riley gave her a look.
    â€œWe’re not in America anymore,” Riley said. “Mexico supports its women. She is being groomed to take over Joseph’s business.”
    â€œWhat’s an heir?” Mia asked.
    Riley rolled her eyes.
    â€œIf your father died, what would happen to your mother? His money? His land?”
    â€œI never thought about that,” Mia said. Her cheeks grew red and she looked down.
    â€œYour mother would go into retirement; his land and money would revert to the government, which would sell it and make even more money,” Riley said.
    Mia looked up at her with wide eyes. If Riley knew this, she knew other facts about America. Mia couldn’t ask another question though. Her focus needed to remain with the boys.
    â€œIn other parts of the world it would go to the spouse, the children, or any other person the father chose,” Riley said. “That person is called an heir.”
    Riley clicked to another picture. It was an older man. He had the same dark features as the other two. He was heavier-set with cold, hard eyes.
    â€œGeneral Bolivar,” Riley said. “You heard about him yesterday.”
    She clicked another button and the three pictures appeared next to each other.
    â€œThese are our three key players,” Riley said. “If you want Andrew and Carter back you’ll have to work through them.”
    â€œStrengths and weaknesses?” Mia asked.
    â€œHmm,” Riley said. “Nice question. Straight to the point. I like it.”
    She took a breath.
    â€œGeneral Bolivar’s weakness is Joseph Ruiz. Joseph Ruiz, Dalmy Ruiz. Dalmy Ruiz, none known.”
    A father who cared about his daughter above all else, above money. This was a new concept for Mia, but it made the first step simple.
    â€œHer,” Mia said. “She’s the key to getting the rest of them.”
    â€œAnd how will you accomplish that?” Riley asked.
    â€œStudy her,” Mia said. “Learn what she does first.”
    Riley smiled and turned back to the computer.
    â€œYou’re right. I would make you do the legwork but since we were spotted last night I don’t think that’s necessary.”
    She clicked a few buttons and Dalmy’s face took up the whole screen.
    â€œWhat do you know about her?” Mia asked.
    â€œNot much,” Riley said. “She’s protected, dangerous, lives in her father’s house. I think she’s in charge of the girls in the town.”
    â€œSo why not become one of the girls in the town then?” Mia asked. “Get close to her, take her hostage, and exchange her freedom for the men’s.”
    â€œNo,” Riley said. “Too dangerous.”
    â€œWhat’s so dangerous about being a girl in a town?” Mia asked.
    â€œWe