Chapter 8 - THE RESCUE AT BLACKWATER DOCK
The investigation led to Blackwater Dock.
An abandoned industrial property near the New Jersey waterfront.
The site had been leased through companies connected to Victor Salcedo.
Recent utility usage suggested someone was still occupying part of the facility.
Investigators obtained authorization to search it.
I wasn't allowed near the operation.
That was sensible.
Necessary.
And almost unbearable.
I sat in Teresa's kitchen while Sophie colored beside Bruno.
Every minute felt like an hour.
Teresa placed a cup of tea before me.
I didn't touch it.
"What if he's not there?"
She sat beside me.
"Then they'll keep looking."
I stared at her.
"What if he doesn't want to come home?"
Teresa's eyes filled.
"Isabel..."
I shook my head.
"He was alive for three years."
My voice broke.
"He could've found a way."
Teresa took my hand.
"Maybe."
I looked at her.
"But we don't know what he endured."
I closed my eyes.
She was right.
And I hated not knowing.
At 2:17 p.m., Dante called.
I answered immediately.
"Did you find him?"
Silence.
Then Dante said:
"Isabel."
My heart stopped.
"We found Miguel."
I covered my mouth.
"Alive?"
"Yes."
I began crying.
"He's alive?"
"Yes."
Miguel was transported to a hospital.
He was exhausted.
Underweight.
And suffering from injuries that required treatment.
But he was alive.
When I entered his room, he turned toward the door.
For a moment, neither of us moved.
He looked older.
His hair was longer.
A scar crossed his cheek.
But his eyes were the same.
"Isabel?"
My knees weakened.
"Miguel."
He began crying.
I crossed the room.
Then stopped.
Three years of grief and anger rose inside me.
I wanted to hold him.
I wanted to scream.
I wanted to ask why.
Instead, I whispered:
"Are you really here?"
Miguel nodded.
"Yes."
His voice broke.
"I'm here."
I stepped forward.
And held him.
We cried for a long time.
Then I pulled back.
"Why didn't you come home?"
Miguel closed his eyes.
"They threatened you."
My heart twisted.
"And Sophie."
He swallowed.
"They told me if I tried to escape, they'd hurt you both."
I stared.
"Did you knock on her window?"
Miguel nodded.
"Yes."
"Why?"
His eyes filled.
"I found a way into the old tunnel. I wanted to see her."
My voice broke.
"You frightened her."
He covered his face.
"I know."
"I thought she was safe."
He nodded.
"I'm sorry."
I looked at him.
Then whispered:
"She asked Bruno to protect her."
Miguel smiled through tears.
"Our little girl."
I nodded.
"She's brave."
May you like
He closed his eyes.
"Like her mother."
