Page 24 of When Lies Unfold

I massage my temples and drag in a deep lungful of air before exhaling slowly.

Aarón doesn’t understand. He can’t, because he doesn’t know that I once had to claw my way free of an imprisoned life. That a part of me had to die to escape the dictator I’d been held captive by.

And now, he’s forcing me to dip my toe back into a world where I have my every move examined and critiqued. Where I’m a prisoner all over again.

My voice is subdued and lifeless. “I hope you realize that you’re killing me by going along with this. Maybe not immediately, but it will happen.”

I turn and reach for the door handle, twisting it, but pause when Aarón’s fingertips graze my elbow.

“I’m sorry, Lola.”

I don’t bother to face him. I can’t bear to look at him at this point. “Me, too,” comes my quiet response before I tug open the door and step out.

We barely make it through the second house when I insist Sabrina head home to rest.

“Are you sure?” A powerful sneeze punctuates her question. “I don’t want you to get into more trouble.”

Shit. I told a little lie when she asked me why Aarón had wanted to speak to me alone. Instead of the truth, I said that he reprimanded me for not being forthcoming about cleaning on my own without her.

I hate lying to Sabrina, but it’s not like I can tell her the truth.

“Yes, I’m sure.” I shoo her out the door as I lock up. “Now, go home and rest as much as possible.” With a wink, I add, “I’ll cover for you with Aarón, so don’t worry about anything.”

Gratitude shines on her features as she offers me a weak smile. “I owe you huge.”

Shoving the spare key into the zippered compartment in my bag, I loop the strap across my chest. I grab the trash bag and head to the garbage basket at the end of the driveway. Once I toss the bag in, I dust off my hands. “I’ll see you later.”

“Thank you, Lo. So much.” She walks backward a few steps. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I wag a finger at her. “Not if you aren’t feeling better, you won’t.”

She blows me a kiss and turns, disappearing down the road as she walks home.

I head in the opposite direction, the hot sun beating down on me as I trudge along the rocky road.

Walking everywhere is common throughout this village, especially since taxes on vehicles tend to be pricey. Hitching a ride on the back of a motorcycle or in someone’s car is a regular—and safe—occurrence.

I don’t normally do that since I prefer to walk. I don’t mind the exercise. It’s not easy climbing these steep, unpaved roads, but I relish in the challenge. It reminds me that I’m alive. That it’s a gift that I woke up today and can move the way I can.

That I’m free to move about.

Of course, on the heels of this thought, a dark SUV pulls up alongside me, but I ignore it and continue on my way.

I’m almost to the crest of the hill where I’ll turn right to head to my next cleaning assignment. Once I arrive at the corner, the SUV darts in front of me, effectively blocking my way, and the rear door shoves open.

“Get in.”

I’d recognize that obnoxious commanding voice even if I didn’t notice the tattooed arm holding the door open.

“I’d rather not.” I weave around the vehicle, attempting to continue on my way, when my ponytail is caught in a stronghold. “Motherfucker!”

A strong, unforgiving arm encircles my waist before I’m hauled inside the vehicle. Absently, I register how he cradles my head to prevent me from accidentally banging it on the SUV’s frame. So contradictory.

Santiago slams the door shut. The broad-shouldered man in the driver’s seat—Gordo—navigates the road with practiced ease, avoiding the ruts and potholes. Another intimidating henchman sits beside him in the passenger seat.

“Look like you’re pissed.”

I greet his asinine observation with a scathing look. “Wow, why on earth would you think that? You’ve only inserted yourself in my life and threatened me multiple times.” Sarcasm encases each of my words. “As if that’s not enough, I was informed by my boss that someone will oversee my work from now on.”

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