Duplicity: An International Adventure Novel (Jon Steadman Thriller Series Book 4) by Nellie Neeman

Author:Nellie Neeman [Neeman, Nellie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-07-20T16:00:00+00:00

Raúl Santiago sat in his recliner, his reading glasses perched on the tip of his nose, the paper slipping from his hand as he nodded off. Jon took a seat on the sofa, noting that Raúl had lost a good deal of weight in recent months. It was a gradual but stark change from years of rotundity, a result of decades of his wife’s exceptional cooking. Perhaps Esther had put her husband on a strict diet.

Esther placed a gentle hand on her husband’s arm. “Papi?”

Raúl blinked and snatched the slipping papers. “Si, mi amor.”

In his late sixties, Raúl had been a mechanic in the army, serving three tours. Photos of him in uniform were arranged around the home.

Jon recalled that he spoke perfect English, but of late, was frequently reverting to his native Spanish.

“Jon would like to speak with you. Are you up to it now?”

“Of course. Have a seat, young man.”

She smiled. “I’ll give Randy his dinner and bring you some tea and cookies.”

“What’s on your mind, son?”

Jon appreciated the endearment. He had no parents of his own and while he adored Granny with all his heart, the Santiagos were the closest he’d come to a traditional family.

Jon asked, “Did you know the Lamonts well?”

Raúl said, “Yes, we served together for several years when the girls were young. Sienna and my Carrie were good friends.” He looked off in the distance, lost in his thoughts, the light in his eyes dimming.

Jon couldn’t imagine the torture of losing a daughter.

“Did she grow up in a happy home?”

He nodded. “Yes, I believe it was, back then. Never saw signs of major problems. We spent a great deal of time together. Sinc had just finished medical school, wanted to use the degree as part of a military career. After my discharge, I studied engineering. Carrie and Sienna became quite close as I recall.”

“You went your separate ways, though it seems.”

“It’s the nature of the military. Reassignments, lots of relocating. With a demanding job and a young family it can be hard to stay in touch.” He smiled as if reminiscing. “But if I saw Sinc today, we’d pick up right where we left off.”

Esther placed a tray on the coffee table and left without a word.

Jon helped himself. “After your time together abroad, what did Sinclair end up doing?”

“He became an officer, eventually took a job with the State Department. He’s done well for himself.”

Jon considered his next question carefully. “Ever regret not taking the same path?”

“Maybe early on. But, as they say, ‘happy wife, happy life.’ I’m the only one still married.”

“You mean the Lamonts’ divorced?”

“That’s right. As well as other friends. The strain of a high-pressure government job takes its toll.”

Esther materialized, setting napkins on the table.

“What happened to Sienna’s mother?”

Esther chimed in. “Last we heard, she was living on the Upper West Side. I got the sense the split was a long time coming.”

“Do you have her number?”

Esther went to the kitchen and came back with her phone. “I’ll send you her contact info.

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