Falling Too Fast by Malín Alegría Page A

wondering, that’s all.”
    Alpha studied her, squinting as if she could read Alexis’s mind. She seemed to believe her and motioned for her to come closer. “I think they take them to a detention center, where they tie them up and try to get information out of them. They lock up some and toss the others to el otro lado .”
    Alexis jerked like she’d been slapped on the back with a ruler. “What do you mean they toss them to the other side?”
    â€œThe illegals. They deport those that don’t have papers.”
    Christian , she thought, feeling her chest tighten. Alexis grabbed the back of her abuelita ’s stool for support.
    â€œMija ” — her abuelita studied her face — “are you all right? You look like you saw a ghost.”
    Alexis tried to breathe deeply. I’m sure he got away. He probably lost his phone like I did, and hasn’t gotten a chance to call another way . “I’m fine,” she said, trying to smile. “I think I just had too much hot chocolate and it gave me a head rush.”
    Her abuelita raised her index finger in a scolding manner. “You watch out with that chocolate, especially if Trini makes it.” She leaned in and said in a hushed tone, “That stuff can make you loose. If you know what I mean.”
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    As the hours turned into a full day, Alexis couldn’t ignore her anxiety. There’d been no word from Christian. She thought about going to his house. But Mrs. Luna already didn’t like her and probably wouldn’t give her any information if she had some. Alexis chewed at what was left of her nails. She was going to lose her mind if she didn’t get some news of Christian.
    The door chimed and her cousin Santiago walked into her family’s restaurant with a cheerful grin on his face. He stopped in front of the register with his arms akimbo and took a deep whiff. “What’s good today?”
    Then Santiago wandered to the back hallway and Alexis followed him, assuming he was headed to the men’s bathroom to wash his hands.
    â€œSantiago, we have to talk,” she said, following him inside and blocking the bathroom door behind her. She startled a customer who was drying his hands. Her cheeks reddened as she moved to let the guy leave.
    â€œWhoa, Alexis, what’s gotten into you? The men’s bathroom is a sacred space for men only.”
    â€œIt’s Christian. I’m worried sick. His cell has been off and he hasn’t returned any of my calls.”
    Suddenly, the door smacked Alexis on the bottom. “Hey,” she snapped. “Occupied!”
    â€œWhat are you two doing in there?” her big sister called through the door. “Let me in,” she said, pushing her way inside. She glanced from Santiago back to Alexis. “You two are acting very strange. What are you up to?”
    Alexis explained what had happened the other night, the drag races and the drug bust. Fabi’s face darkened when she discovered where they’d been, but when Alexis got to the part about Christian, Fabi hugged her. Alexis relaxed into the embrace, thankful for her sister’s understanding.
    â€œWe need to find him,” Fabi said, putting her hands on her hips.
    â€œYes,” Alexis cried, feeling her hope rise. Fabi always knew how to make things happen.
    â€œBut where do we start? If the cops picked him up, there are a bunch of jails and detention centers,” Santiago said, sounding nervous.
    Fabi pulled out her cell phone. “I’m going to call our cousin Bobby.” Bobby Sanchez was a police officer. “He’ll know what to do.”
    â€œDon’t say nothing about me being at the races, all right?” Santiago said in a worried voice.
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    Officer Bobby Sanchez recommended that they check out the detention center in Hidalgo. Bobby didn’t ask for any information, nor did Fabi volunteer any.
    Santiago drove them to the