Page 14 of To Have and To Hold

Even though it wasn’t a question, Rafaele answered in the affirmative. As Rafaele gathered my checked bags, Horace kept a watchful eye on the crowd. Once my bags were accounted for, Horace led us out to the street. I was immediately hit with the contrast to Kansas City—the presence of palm trees and the lack of humidity. While the air was warm, it wasn’t the oppressiveness I was used to during a Missouri summer. We came to a waiting black SUV, and Horace opened the rear door for me.

“Welcome,” an older man, also wearing a suit, said from the driver’s seat. Unlike Horace, his accent was noticeable.

“Thank you. Are you Mr. Ramírez?”

“Sí. Please call me Silas.”

It appeared we would all be on a first-name basis.

Rafaele took the seat to my side as Silas pulled the SUV away from the curb and began to drive. I’d never been to Mia’s home. I’d only been to Catalina and Camila’s parents’ home for Mia’s wedding.

Some questions came to mind. Not wanting to be overheard, I took my phone from my purse and sent text messages to Rafaele.

“Has Dante replied?”

He responded.

“Not yet.”

Me.

“Why didhe call it Mia’s house and not el Patr?n’s?”

Him.

“Safer.Roríguez is not an unusual name. Since Jorge Roríguez’s death, they must be careful.”

I nodded my response,unable to put my thoughts and concerns into words.

Silas spoke, “Miss Luciano, Mia is looking forward to your arrival. You will spend today and tonight at her home, and tomorrow, Horace will take you to Mia’s office at the apartment building.”

“Please, call me Isabella.”

Silas nodded.

We were on a highway only for a short time. Once off, the streets wound around with no true grid pattern. The passing scenes beyond the windows were nothing like I was used to. Tall palm trees lined the streets, bushes sported large vibrant flowers of all colors, and the sky was cobalt blue. Beautiful homes with varying architecture could be seen on both sides of the street until they couldn’t. The homes were replaced with elaborate gates and shrubbery.

My phone vibrated in my grip. I looked down and read Rafaele’s text message:

Dante’s report came back.Horace passed.

I turnedto him and nodded.

Thank you, Dante.

Silas drove up to a solid gate painted white with gold filigree. He passed a badge beneath a scanner and the gate moved slowly to the side. A wide driveway made of bricks led to an ultra-modern home. My attention went to the pair of armed cartel guards, one on either side of the inside gate. They weren’t making any attempt to conceal the long guns they had strapped over their shoulders. If my mother or Noemi were present, I’d reach for one of their hands. Instead, I clutched my purse tighter.

Silas stopped the SUV on the bricks and Horace hurried from the front seat to open Rafaele’s door. As Rafaele stepped out, the two guards began to approach. Silas, now also out of the SUV, said something to them in Spanish, and they both retook their original spots. It was Horace who offered me his hand as I exited the SUV.

The only words I recognized as Horace addressed the guards was my name. They merely nodded. My attention went to the surroundings as I passed through the gate. Large pavers and rocks covered the ground between the gate and house. Smaller sandstone rocks decorated the exterior of the lower level. There was also a trellis covered in vines that sheltered what appeared to be a small patio. Before I could take more in, the door opened, and my cousin appeared.

“Isabella,” Mia said. “I’m happy you’re here.” She came forward and wrapped me in a hug. With her arm around my shoulders, she led me into her home. “I wasn’t sure we could convince your mother to let you come out west. I’m glad we did.”

We.

Did she think I was for this trip in any way?

Along a hallway, we passed by a closed door. The sound of male voices speaking in a language I didn’t understand gave me a cold chill.

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