Page 182 of Risks of Temptation
She stays quiet.
"Say it," he screams in her face, and she cries out in Spanish, "No English!"
"She only speaks Spanish," Malin quickly states.
The President changes languages and repeats his demand.
Her voice cracks. A tear falls down her face. In Spanish, she says, "Happy Birthday."
Goose bumps break out on my skin. I've heard her voice before, but I can't place it.
The President looks at his son. "It's time for your present. Pull the bag off, and we will begin."
His arrogant expression fills his face. He reaches for the top of her head and slides the bag off.
I gasp.
Her eyes move from Roger, to the President, then to the rest of us.
There is no recognition for me, Malin, or Gustave in her eyes. It's as if we're strangers and she's seeing us for the first time.
I don't know how they got her. I grip Malin's arm and whisper, "Julieta."
