Yuko blinked, confusion cutting through her anger like a knife. "What… what are you guys talking about…?"
Marina's sobs hitched. She gripped Yuko harder, nails digging in.
"What do you know…? It was Jack… you killed him… you…"
Yuko grabbed Marina back—desperate now. "What are you not telling me…?"
Marina's performance reached its devastating peak. Tears poured as she forced the words out between gasps.
"It was Jack who helped me… When he first came to Mexico, he walked into my store… saw Tony—that local gangster—harassing me, threatening me, cornering me every day. Jack wanted to help. So we pretended… boyfriend and girlfriend."
"Right in front of Grandmother—so she wouldn't worry, wouldn't force me into marrying Tony. Jack even took me to America with him… arranged everything. He found those maids to take care of Grandmother when I left. Protected me every step."
