Page 58 of Hush 3: Hidden Family

“I don’t mean to be in your business, but I’ve been thinking about it. I think you should go to him if he’s not willing to come to you.

“It sounds like you guys have a lot to talk about. At least clear the air.”

“I will consider your words. Thank you, Maribel.”

“Girl, I need to consider a potty. My bladder is about to go off.”

I chuckle as she turns to wobble off. I wish I had more friends like her and Ximena. I have been wondering if things would be different if I had confided in Ximena more.

“This is a stunning piece.”

I turn to find Mrs. Mairettie standing beside me. Ellen, that’s what the dossier said her first name is. She’s staring at me again with a smile on her face.

“I’m sorry. I just wanted to come over and tell you how stunning you look. You and your friend have stood out in this crowd,” she says and reaches to place her hand on my arm.

She pulls her hand back quickly as her eyes glaze over. I force myself to focus on her. I want to know if her behavior will reveal her husband’s character.

I found none of the things my client told me about him. He seems to be a businessman with a little family he’s raising. Nothing to trigger me and make me want to end his life.

“You are a very special and powerful woman. The answer is no. You don’t want to do what you’re being asked to do.

“He’s a friend of your family. He will be a friend of yours. If you do this, you will lose everything you’ve been hoping for,” she says as her eyes refocus.

“Excuse me?” I breathe.

She moves in closer and leans into my ear. “You don’t want to kill my husband. He is connected to your future. Don’t make things more difficult than they need to be.

“You will already have a challenge on your hands with your husband. There will be at least two more years before you can remain at his side, but if you do this, you will lose him forever,” she whispers.

She pulls away and I search her gaze. How could this woman know any of this? I glance around the room to see if her husband is watching.

Did he put her up to this?

“How can I know your words are true?” I ask.

“You will mean a lot to my son. I would never take that from him. He will know what’s possible for him because of you.”

“You don’t have a son. You have a little girl. You are lying to me.”

She places her hand against the full fabric of the dress she’s wearing. It is then I can see the bump forming. Okay, she’s having a boy.

“No, I am not lying. After this daughter, I will have a son. His name will be Sammy. You will mean as much to him as your husband and brother-in-law.

“I can’t prove any of this today, but you will know I have told you nothing but the truth when you see the dancer within the music. When you see her, not only will you know I have spoken nothing but the truth to you, but you will also know you have to be the strong one and walk away.

“Before my time is up, you and I will meet again. Then you will know that we are your family, not your enemies.”

“Walk away from what?”

“Him. The one who bears the dancer. If you stay. He will lose his life saving yours.”

With that, she turns to a returning Maribel and rubs her baby bump. Her eyes light up and a warm smile comes to her lips. She turns to me and winks.

“Friends for life. They will be family too.”

Maribel looks after her as she walks away. I watch Sam pull her into his embrace and kiss her forehead. I knit my brows as I watch the two.

“Who was that and what’s with these white people? No one has asked if they can touch my belly before doing so. It’s just plain rude,” Maribel says beside me, causing me to snicker.

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