Page 10 of Secrets of the Six

I'll bring this infernal government to its knees and collect my reward if it's the last thing I do.

Chapter 4

Ines

The slow creak of the bedroom door opening jars me from sleep. In one swift motion I grab my pistol from beneath my pillow, cock it, and aim at the early morning intruder. Blinking rapidly to dispel the haze across my vision, I finally meet the irritated gaze of an elderly maid standing at the foot of my bed.

"State your business before your blood splatters the wall," I growl.

"Oh, hush, girl." She waves a dismissive hand and scoffs. "Señor Salvador warned me you'd be an acquired taste, but he came gravelly short of accuracy."

I'm rarely taken aback but this fork-tongued creature has me both impressed and annoyed. "Are you not frightened, anciana?" Old woman. "I have a gun pointed between your eyes and I'm an excellent shot."

"Why should I fear a gun that has no bullets?"

I glance at the five-chamber barrel and can't help but wonder what kind of game she's playing.

"That's right" – she nods her head as she moves briskly through my bedroom, throwing open the curtains to let the morning light streak through – "Señor Salvador emptied that pistol of yours while you were sleeping. Light on his feet, he is. Had I not told you, you wouldn't have even known he was here last night."

Angrily, I yank the chamber open to see if she's speaking the truth and to my unending irritation I find she isn't caught in a lie. She's right. There are no bullets in either of my guns, rendering them useless. I toss them to the side and refocus on the crotchety lady zipping from one end of my quarters to the other.

"Alright, I suppose you have no need to fear the pistols. But I am still quite capable of killing without them."

"So you say." Is all she says in an unmoved response.

I flip my blankets off my legs and stand up. I could sit here and argue how I'm more dangerous than the old bat gives me credit, or I can get dressed and unleash my wrath on that snoop, Salvador. A lion doesn't need to convince anyone of the threat he poses, so I'll forgo the disrespect thrown my way and quietly plot my revenge.

A wild and dramatic gasp flies from the maid's lips. "What are you wearing?"

I glance down at my person, confused. "Have you never seen a woman wear trousers before, anciana?"

Her brow furrows, deepening the wrinkles across her brown face. "You cannot wear that to dine with Doña Otero. She has taken the liberty of sending a proper outfit for your breakfast and following lesson."

"Is that so?"

"'Tis so."

"Fine. Where's this outfit you speak of? Let's get this over with."

The woman points to a gown hanging by the changing screens.

"You cannot be serious." I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest. "I'm not wearing a ballgown to breakfast."

"Don't be ridiculous," she snaps back. "It's the farthest thing from a ballgown. It's a day dress."

"Day dress, ballgown, I don't give a shit. I'm not wearing it." I tighten my belt around my waist in blatant defiance. "Pants will be fine."

"If you are to be seen as a lady – especially one like Elena Lozano – you must dress and act the part." The old bird won't take no for an answer. "Put the dress on."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then I will inform the Doña you should be shipped back to the Brogratto where the other street rats dwell. You will leave here with nothing, and we both know that's not an option for you."

I should be annoyed but I can't help but snicker at her resolve. She's stubborn and knows how to throw her weight around. Maybe if I live to see her age, I'll be just as persnickety.

"What's your name?" I ask.

"Lupe. Lupe Espinoza." She says curtly. "I have worked for the Doña since I was your age, and I won't have you mucking up her plans."