Eleven
Sunday, December 19
Private Hospital
When Thomas called, Eva grabbed it right away and stepped outside the hospital room, leaving Mel to rest. Skipping pleasantries, she let her words come out in a whispered rush.
“Thomas, Julian came to see me. He admitted he has mamá. He knows we took the bitcoin, and he’s holding her ransom until we give it back. But we’ve already spent it! What are we going to do?”
“Just hold tight, Eva. I’ll be there in twenty-four hours. I’m sorry it’s not sooner. I have to go through Dallas then Miami then El Salvador because the next direct flight isn't until Saturday.”
Twenty-four hours was an eternity. “I can’t wait that long, Thomas. He has my mother! I tried to talk with Mel about what to do, but he still can’t speak.”
“Did you get his CT results
