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Maggie slipped her hand from Rafael’s and joined the nurse at the table. “I’m Fernanda,” the nurse whispered. Her eyes glowed with excitement. “He’s very good, isn’t he?”
“Incredibly good,” Maggie assured her, without any personal evidence at all.
This time when the tape ended, Miguel remained silent a long moment. “You’re relying on your strength,” he cautioned. “But no one expects you to grab the bull by the tail and hurl him out of the arena.”
“Strength is an asset,” Rafael argued through clenched teeth.
“Yes,” Miguel agreed thoughtfully. “So is artistry, but let’s not quibble. You’re the equal of many matadors fighting today, which isn’t difficult. I’ll have your name added to Sunday’s program for your Alternativa and arrange for good men to work with you.”
“Thank you. I promise you won’t regret it.”
“I’m sure I won’t. You must forgive me if I’m unable to attend in person, but I’ll watch here. Now I need to rest. Come back to see me tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll be here.”
The nurse left, and Rafael pulled Maggie out the door and into his arms. “I would have argued all afternoon until he gave in. I wouldn’t do this if I had any doubts, but I’ve worked hard for this chance.”
He had such a handsome smile, and he needed her to share in his excitement. All she really felt was dread, and she produced only a shaky smile. “I know you’ll do well.”
They were still standing outside Miguel’s room when Santos and Fox ran up the back stairs. “What did he say?” Santos asked.
“I wouldn’t embellish it,” Maggie whispered.
Rafael didn’t need to, but his smile grew wide. “I’ll see you in the ring on Sunday.”
Astonished, Santos looked ready to spit. “You’re lying.”
“No, he isn’t,” Maggie assured him. “Father’s setting up the Alternativa as promised.”
Not convinced, Santos went into his father’s room and Fox followed. “I don’t mean to disturb you if you’re resting.”
“You already have,” Miguel responded, resigned to the interruption.
Santos rested his fists on his hips. “I can’t believe you’d allow Mondragon to fight on Sunday.”
Miguel yawned. “It was arranged before you left for the ranch.”
“What? Then why did you send us there?”
“I wanted Magdalena to see it. It’s also wonderfully peaceful here when you’re all away. Forget about Mondragon and concentrate on yourself. You need to train. The best are always fully prepared, and you rightfully belong among them.”
“But Mondragon doesn’t. What are you trying to do, get him killed?”
“Would that be any great loss to the world?”
Shaken by that heartless response, Santos waited for his father to take it back, but Miguel closed his eyes to dismiss them. Santos hurried Fox out of the room.
“That was cold,” Fox observed.
“Maybe he’s just tired of hearing me complain about Mondragon. I’m going to the gym. Do you want to come along?”
“And get all sweaty lifting weights? No thanks.”
“It’s the best place to meet girls.”
Fox shrugged. “In that case, I’ll make the sacrifice.”
They met Maggie coming up the stairs with her bag. Her new red dress was slung over her arm. “Where’s Mondragon?” Santos asked.
