Yuñior had never fully lived away from home.True, he had a little love flat in Houston he’d basically arranged for the silly Texas girl he was seeing at the time, but it was more for privacy and function than living.He’d also secured a small love nest in Costa Rica for him and Diadra and built a vacation home in Aruba, but currently, he and his wife Diadra lived in Argentina at Perona del Mar with Yuñior’s grandparents.They had private living quarters separate from the main house, giving Diadra autonomy over feeding times and habits for her children.
Andres, his second oldest, had an apartment in Medellín; Eduardo signed the contract and helped his son purchase it.He'd only visited Andres twice since he'd owned the place, opting never to stay since on both visits, the flat was littered with half-dressed young women.The coffee table was also finely dusted with the premium batch of the number one product of Las Tierras, and it brought flashbacks of his own brother living a full life.He wasn't sure if Andres partook of the family powders, and he often cautioned his sons on the usage as well as the damage it could cause.
He hadn't been back to the flat since then.Deep in his heart, he hoped that things would be different with Micah.On a free weekend, in his soul he prayed that perhaps he could visit his son, watch afutbolgame, or even come to Bogotá to catch the game between Atlético Nacional from Medellín against the Millonarios.In his head, it would be the equivalent of watching the New England Patriots play The New York Jets; although he didn't care for American football, he did enjoy the theatrics of the Superbowl.
“Hola, Papa,” Micah said.He arrived casually dressed but looking sharp.Alita, in coordinating clothing, also arrived in a smart suit and a two-button front jacket.“I was wondering if I might borrow the helicopter to go to Bogotá to look at these three properties.”
“We are coming with you,” Eduardo said.
“You and Mami are coming with us?Any reason why?”Micah said, feeling out of sorts.
“Because we are your parents, that's why,” Eduardo said.“Yes, you are technically an adult, but not adult enough to sign a contract for real estate that could put you in a financial bind.I also need to ensure the property is secure enough and see the surrounding areas.”
“Oh, okay,” Micah said, looking at Ryanne, who dared him to question his father's judgement.
Angel walked into the room, looking at everyone dressed and ready to go somewhere without him, and also took offense.“Papa, you're leaving without your personal guard?”
Eduardo didn't blink.“Alita is here.My dear, what are you carrying?”
Alita moved quickly, opening her jacket and responded, “I have my two nines on me, a backup in my handbag, and two knives, one in each boot.Two back up knives laced with Bushmaster venom are in the welt pockets of my purse.I also have at least six ninja stars: two in the sleeves of my jacket, two in the side slats on my slacks, and two backups in my handbag.”
“Well, damn,” Ryanne said.“There is a fierceness in you that should be studied.”
“Angel, we're covered, plus we're taking the helicopter,” Eduardo.“We should be back by supper.You are in charge.”
“I am?Yay!We are having cake for lunch!”Angel shouted, calling for the cook.
Ryanne asked, “Are you going to stop him?”
“No, Mara is here, along with Marianna, so he will be fine,” Eduardo said.“Let's fly.”
They loaded into the helicopter with Micah in the back seat.He really wanted to fly today, and Eduardo saw his face.Quickly he shifted, “Mi esposa, would you mind if Micah flew, and I took shotgun and you accompanied Alita in the back?”
“Sure.I don't mind being chauffeured,” Ryanne said, changing seats.She immediately noticed the soft smile that came to Alita’s lips as her Boss took the collective and fired up the rotors, and they were off.
The flight time was under two hours, and when they arrived at the airfield in Bogotá, a car awaited them and drove the family to the first location.The real estate agent arrived at the same time.She was a well put-together woman with dark hair and thoughtful eyes.Alita exited the vehicle first, followed by Ryanne, with Eduardo and Micah waiting in the vehicle.
“Ms.Mendoza, a pleasure,” Betania Perez offered her hand for a shake.“Is this your mother?”
“Mother-in-law,” Alita said, not balking.“There are three properties today we are interested in and wish a quick sale.We chose these three which appear to be move-in ready.Is that the case?”
“Yes, you have selected three wonderful properties to view, and we can do a quick sale,” Betania said.“There are financing options available if you should have trouble securing a loan.”
“Not necessary,” Alita said.“Please lead the way.”
As the woman walked to the gate to open the fencing, the car door opened and out stepped Eduardo and Micah.Betania nearly dropped her clipboard.She didn't point, but her mouth flopped open.Alita moved into her line of sight blocking the agent’s view of the two men.
“I am your customer,” Alita said.“Your focus is on me.You do not see them, nor do you repeat anything you hear today.Are we clear?”
“Clear,” Betania said as they entered the property.
Micah immediately said, “Nope.There is a park, a community pool, and too many windows.Is that a walk path?Nope.”
He instantly went for the door and to the car.Eduardo shrugged, leaving Alita to turn to Betania.“Next showing, please.”
She and Ryanne were the last to leave as Alita looked about the place with the shiny floors, new cabinets, and shelving.He was right; it was the wrong fit for them, and the space had a negative energy she could also feel.Perhaps the current owners fought a great deal.Alita turned to Ryanne.
“Señora, I didn't mean any impertinence with the mother-in-law comment.It is sometimes easier than an explanation to give a plausible answer versus the truth,” Alita said.“Please, do not punish me for my words in haste.”
