Wild Horses Read Online Free PDF Page A

and Toby Keith blasted out of the CD player.
    The city had grown in the past six years. She hoped the sheriff was new, too. Whoever he was, he would no doubt recognize her last name from the many times he’d arrested Pop or Martin.
    Turning off Main Street, she parked in front of the sheriff’s office and took a few deep breaths. Her knuckles bent around the steering wheel were white. Calm down, it’s just a report. In her family, cops had always been the enemy. Coming to arrest Pop, Martin or both.
    Her knees shook as they walked in together. After telling the receptionist what they needed, they were directed to separate rooms. A wave of fear washed over her, and for a brief moment, Castaña wished Jake could stay with her.
    She stared at posters with slogans like “Just say no!” and “Drugs Kill” until a young Latino officer came in and offered his hand. “Deputy Perez. What can I do for you?” He glanced at the papers in his hand. “It says here your brother’s missing?”
    “Yes.” She let out the pent up breath she’d been holding. “My brother’s name is Martin Castillo. His girlfriend hasn’t heard from him for a few days and she called me. I want to file a missing person’s report.”
    “Martin is your brother, you said?” The officer fiddled with the sheaf of papers. “When did you last speak with him?”
    “I haven’t heard from him since the holidays.” She twisted her fingers together. She should’ve called to apologize, but Martin was so stubborn. He hadn’t called or made any move to heal the rift either.
    “Wait here a minute.” He left the room.
    What was that all about? How difficult could it be to fill out some paperwork and get someone looking for Martin?
    Deputy Perez returned, followed by a gray haired man in street clothes. “Miss Castillo?” Deputy Perez indicated the other man. “FBI agent Keith Staton.”
    “I understand you’ve come in with information about Martin Castillo,” the agent said.
    She managed to shake Staton’s dry hand while her incredulous gaze shot between him and Perez. She’d come to them for help, and as usual, gotten nothing but the runaround. Just another couple of cops out to get one of her family members. Her stomach churned acid. “Martin is gone, yes. I’d like your help in finding him.”
    Staton’s gray eyes locked on her face. “You’re Martin Castillo’s sister?”
    “Yes.” She massaged her throbbing temple with her fingertips. “That’s what I said.”
    “You’re not aware of what happened with him?”
    “I know he’s been gone … what are you implying?” She dropped her hand to her thighs and pressed her palms to them to hide her trembling. “You mentioned FBI?” Her head spun. Perez didn’t say a word, just continued to stand by the desk like a statue and stare at her. Same old thing, guilty by association. He must’ve already weighed and judged her and found her guilty. Just like every other cop she’d ever met. A sour taste filled her mouth.
    “Your brother is,” Agent Staton drew her attention back to him, “wanted by local law enforcement and the Arizona Bureau of Investigations.”
    Fear clogged her throat and she could hardly force the words out. “Why?”
    “Maybe you could tell us.”
    Why was he talking in circles? “I don’t know anything.” She swiped damp palms down her legs. “I drove in from Dallas yesterday to look for my brother. I came down here this morning to talk to y’all before I start searching for him on my own.” Her shaking intensified. “Do you know something about Martin?”
    Staton ignored her questions. “Where do you work? Can someone verify your whereabouts on Saturday?”
    “Sun Dial Working Cow Horses in Dallas. My boss’s name is Joe Winston. I rode all day last Saturday and drove here Sunday and Monday. I came straight in here this morning.”
    Staton nodded at Perez and he faded out of the room. Castaña barely noticed Deputy Perez leaving she was so focused