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I manage a small smile. "I know. Let me reflect on it tonight. We'll speak in the morning."
He kisses my hand in farewell. After he leaves, I turn to Clara.
"What should I do?" I ask desperately. "Can I even trust Juan?"
She fixes me with her steady gaze. "Trust yourself, Isabella. The answer lies within."
I stand in the parlor, my mind swirling with doubt. I have a decision to make. And not much time to make it. Clara's words echo in my mind as I pace the marble floors. Trust no one. Not even Juan, my own cousin. Especially not him. She said it once and when I didn't immediately take action, she didn't repeat herself.
I now know Clara Herrera is not a woman who uses words freely.
I stop and take a deep breath. I know what I must do.
"Clara!" I call out, my voice ringing through the empty halls.
She takes a step forward, poised as ever. "Yes, Isabella?"
I take her hands in mine, meeting her eyes. "You spoke the truth. I cannot blindly trust Juan's plan. But I also cannot remain here, not if I wish to uncover the truth about my father's death."
Clara nods. "I understand. You must be careful, but you must also follow your instincts."
"Will you help me?" I ask.
"Of course. Tell me what you need."
I explain my idea to slip away to New York under anonymity. However, Juan's plan is dangerous, for if he won't tell me where I am to go, I could meet with an unexpected end. I ask her for a favor. To be my spy here in Jalisco. For us to share phone numbers for burner phones that no one can trace.
Clara listens intently, then smiles. "A clever plan. I will make the arrangements at once."
Relief washes over me. With Clara's help, I will escape to New York on my own terms. I will honor my father by finding his killer, no matter the cost.
Tonight, my journey begins.
I take one last look around the hacienda that sheltered my childhood. Then I steel myself and walk up the stairs to call Juan and begin packing.
I nod to Clara as the car pulls up to the airport entrance. This is it. Discreetly she slides a phone into my bag. The SIM card already in it, like we arranged.
Juan steps out and opens my door, his eyes searching mine, which look confused to not be at the private runway. "You can't take the private jet for tongues will wag. I got you a first-class ticket on a commercial. The flight is booked under an alias. You'll be safe in New York."
I hesitate before getting out, gripping my purse tightly. "Juan, are you certain this is the only way?"
His face softens. "Isabella, I know leaving your home and duties is difficult. But we cannot take risks with your safety. I have associates who can protect you in New York while we investigate your father's enemies."
My doubts linger. But Juan has always had my best interests at heart. He's my cousin. The closest thing to a brother. I take a deep breath.
"Very well. I will go to New York. But you must promise me, Juan, that you will discover the truth about my father's murder." My voice shakes slightly. "I cannot rest until his killer faces justice."
Juan pulls me in for an embrace. "You have my word. We will find out who did this evil deed. But first, we must get you to safety."
Reassured, I hug him back tightly. Then, squaring my shoulders, I turn and walk into the airport alone. The glass doors close behind me with an air of finality. I do not look back.
The die is cast. My new life begins now. With a new fake passport, I walk into the airport, suitcase in hand. For a moment, this world is unfamiliar and chaotic. This is what commercial feels like?
Standing in the check-in queue like any other ordinary passenger helps me protect my real identity. But as I wait for my turn the doubts from last night creep back.
But the longer I sit, the more I think. Did I do the right thing by trusting Juan? Will Clara prove to be an ally or has she covered all her dark secrets?
My father once told me I should trust my instinct, which right now tells me that Clara is on my team, but my instincts have never had to work in situations this dire before.
