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“That’s why it’ll be after. Much fucking after.”
For the rest of the ride, she remains quiet, dozing off after we hit the open road. She never woke up when I stopped at a gas station midway to our destination to refuel and remove my jacket, cummerbund, and bowtie, leaving just the white long-sleeve beneath.
Not when I took a few sharp curves up a mountain’s winding road. Not when I put my window down and lit a cigarette, pondering my next few moves.
Her father will be coming for me after the explosion that demolished the federal building. He’s furious. Embarrassed. Looking for anyone in my employ to hold responsible.
It’s also why I need to get Solimar out from under his clutches. Desperate men make careless decisions.
The roads are empty this time of night and in the distance, I hear the mooing of a few cows as I cross a stretch of land known to have roaming cattle. Farmers around here let their animals graze openly and keep them marked with distinct patterns shaved into their coats just to differentiate.
My life has always been out in the countryside. Near the mountains and fields where coffee grows and life is simpler. Quieter.
It’s how my father lived.
His father before him.
And had Jose Quintero not accused him of using the Finca for a non-existent drug operation, it’s where we’d all be. On that same land. Running the same business started as all those generations before.
“…divorcing Dad?” Solimar murmurs beside me and I look over, not liking the way her eyebrows pucker in her sleep nor the frown on her face. “Don’t leave.”
“Who’s leaving, Preciosa?” I mutter, but somehow, she hears and turns her head in my direction. Her eyes are closed and breathing still even, but the sad look remains. Her words also don’t make sense. She can’t be talking about—
“Mom is. Told me today.”
She talks in her sleep. Adorable. “Does your father know?”
“No.” Frown deepens. “He’s going to be pissed.”
“I’ll protect you.” We’re nearing my home, and I make a left onto a secret road that runs right to my front door. Nothing but green surrounds us, trees and lush fields, with the occasional guard at his post. No one comes in or leaves without my permission after entering.
“But what about them?”
“Them who?” I have an idea of who she’s speaking about, but before I make a move, I need confirmation. We reach the main gate and find it open, a soldier on each side, and I drive through with the other cars behind me. They’ll be parking around back and emptying the accompanying cargo. Signio will be joining us for the next two days.
He’ll be persuaded into offering his assistance in creating an alibi for her.
Her hand shakes a bit, fingers squeezing mine as I park the car a few feet from the stairs that lead to my front door. I turn and meet wide-open eyes, a hint of fear in them. “Them who? Umm, what are you talking about, Alejandro?”
“We both know, and I need the truth.”
“I don’t—”
“Never lie to me, Preciosa.”
She lets out a heavy sigh, but nods. “My mom told me tonight that she plans to leave Dad.”
“When was this?”
“While I was getting dressed.”
There’s worry in her eyes, and I don’t like it. “What do you need me to do. Say it, and it’s done.”
“He won’t let her, and I’m afraid of what his reaction will be.”
“And when I said earlier I’d protect you, that includes those you love.”
17
