Carlos has always been there for me. He’s helped me out in so many ways.
When I needed work. When I needed someone to believe in me. Sometimes I think he's been more of a father to me than anyone else ever could.
Across the room, my mother makes a disapproving sound. I glance over. She’s watching us from an armchair. Her expression troubled.
"You shouldn't go."
I sigh softly, “Pick a side, mama. Do you want us to leave this house? Or do you want us to stay locked up in here forever.”
“I want you to be safe,” she retorts.
"You're starting to sound paranoid."
"There is too much at stake, Liliana."
I look away. Does she really think I don’t know that? I didn’t sleep a wink last night because I kept tossing and turning in bed thinking about what Santiago said. After his revelation, I’m not sure I would have been able to look Ignacio in the eye not to talk of acting comfortable around him this morning.
Which is why it’s a good thing he was gone by the time I stepped out of my bedroom.
My mom’s expression softens, “I know you are doing the best you can, mi amore. It’s just that I do not know this man you call Carlos.”
"I’ve known him for years and he has always helped me. We can't live in fear, mama.”
She hums softly. A clear disagreement. But this time she lets it go.
Half an hour later, I'm sitting in the back of an SUV. Milagro is asleep against my chest. The estate disappears behind us while a second vehicle follows closely behind.
I stare out the window. Lost in thought. At least until Mila squirms and I immediately focus on her instead.
My daughter reaches up. Tiny fingers brushing my chin.
I smile. "Hi, bug."
She grins. And just like that the world feels less insurmountable. Until it doesn't.
The vehicles slam on their brakes. The sudden stop throws me forward. Mila startles in my arms. Immediately beginning to cry.
"What the hell?”
Gunshots.
The sound explodes through the air, and my blood turns to ice.
Shouting reaches me from inside the car and when I look outside it’s chaos. The guards are already moving. Doors opening.
Weapons drawn.
My heart pounds so violently I can barely breathe.
"Mila."
I clutch her tighter.
"Shh."
I hear a couple more gunshots and then silence. Terrible, terrifying silence.
In the next moment, the SUV door is ripped open and a masked man appears with his gun raised.
