Page 19 of The Guardian

I remember wishing they could have a decent family. I prayed for help to remove them from the life they did not ask for or deserve. I only landed in their lives because my quest had led me there. I simply took the job as sort of a cover. My research and a few contacts had directed me to find those two particular women. Pilar and Omara Sazar. I did this for my own reasons. Even though I knew after a bit that their last name was false.

They were actually Pilar and Omara Castillo.

Of course, they did not use their real names. They were hiding stolen children. And yes, they were paid a stipend to keep the twins hidden from everyone. Hence, why the kids had never been off that street since they were two years old or so. I knew a lot more about this situation than I ever wanted to. The women were fairly wealthy from the pay that came from the Castillo Cartel and they lived meagerly. Though, I saw clues of their wealth here and there. New shoes, purses and clothing. They had their hair and nails done every month. They used taxis to go out wherever they went to spend that ill-gotten money.

They also ate a lot. Which pissed me off beyond what I could stand because they nearly starved the twins. While they dined at cafes and dinner houses, the kids ate rice and beans at home. I would buy and stash food for them to have when the two bitches went out. Healthy food. Enjoyable food. I had to be creative in what I bought and where I hid it. Luckily, the two old women were more than just selfish and cruel, they were lazy as well. So they never found the various hiding spots I chose as they never cleaned or did any meal prep themselves.

Now as I stood here and saw how kind he was to actually listen and talk to Alex about this issue. He did not have to say a thing. His job was simply to guard the twins, not help them. Rain and Carlos teased this man, calling him a knight… But now I realized despite the jokes, Henry was someone honorable like a real knight. I had never met a truly honorable man… I had to admit. Except for maybe my father. Yes, I met some students at university then some male teachers later on but they just lacked depth. Or was it magnetism? Whatever it was they were just plain in comparison to this man. Then after only knowing Henry for a few days, I knew that they weren’t half as knowledgeable or as warm as him. Too bad, I couldn’t stay and see if he and I could possibly be real friends at the very least.

Turning his head, he noticed me of course and more than likely he’d known I stood here from the very first second, I moved. I know he was a professional bodyguard, but his senses were uncanny. I paused. If that were true then he already knew I wasn’t what I appeared to be. I now remembered the few times he gave me a puzzled look as if he couldn’t figure something out about me. I needed to be more careful. But I knew I wouldn’t be around much longer for him to wonder about in any case. I mentally scoffed at my own importance in this man’s world. Like he was even interested in me.

Alex noticed me now and came over to where I stood.

“Do you like your room?” I asked the expected question.

He nodded then shrugged. “I would be loco not to. Did you see the devices over there?” He thumbed the direction where the TV and video gaming systems were.

I knew he didn’t even know what they were or how to play. The only reason he knew about them at all was from the magazines I snuck into that old clapboard house. I wanted him and Hope to have some knowledge outside of Revolucion Street. Not even the neighbors were allowed near the twins. Before I came along, they’d only known three people. A maid the women had hired for a while and the old ladies themselves. They hadn’t even been allowed to talk to the grocery delivery man, who had been bringing groceries there for the last ten years.

“Maybe one of Gabriela’s stepsons can show you the games?” I suggested.

Alex seemed unconcerned as he again shrugged.

“Alex, I know all of this is new,” I told him. “I also know you. I realize you are being protective and I am proud that you are doing that.”

“But,” he said as he smiled at me.

“But I really believe all of this is sincere. Your stepfather…um…Mr. Mancini may have gone a bit far…” I paused to look around at all the amenities. “With the rooms. But I want you to be as I taught you and Hope. Gracious and polite. Say thank you and make an effort to…” I looked over at Henry.

He had been listening to our conversation.

“To get to know your mother,” I finished. “Give her a chance at least. She never wanted you to grow up without her.”

“Then why did we?” he asked.

“We will all talk about that after you get settled in,” Gabriela spoke from the doorway.

Alex gave her a polite nod of his head.

“So, is your room ok?” she asked him.

Alex smirked and replied, “I think it feels fine.”

Pausing, Gabriela tilted her head at him then she laughed.

“Booo,” Hope called out as she came in. “That was a very bad joke, Alex.”

He shrugged as he shoved his hands into his jeans. “I like the room a lot. I can’t wait to try the games.”

Hope ran over and looked at the wall pad then tapped a button.

The wall slid open and the closet was revealed.

“Come on, hermano!” Hope exclaimed excitedly. “Let’s see what new jeans they got you!”

The twins then went into the walk-in closet and were going through the clothes.

“Look, cowboy boots!” Hope cheered. “You always wanted a pair of those.”