Page 19 of The Doctor's Twins

“Excellent.”

I spent the night in a bed and breakfast around the corner from my new apartment. The owner was a sweet old lady who talked my ear off, but I didn’t mind.

I called Lula as soon as I was settled.

“Hola,” she said in her usual exuberant tone.

“Lula, it’s Peyton.”

“Gracias a Dios! Peyton! Where are you? I’ve been worried sick.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t called you sooner, Lula.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Where are you?”

“I left him, Lula.”

“Thank God for that! What happened?”

“He used me as a punching bag for the last time.”

“I’m so proud of you, Peyton. Where are you? Do you need help? Do you need a place to stay?”

“No. I’m okay, thanks, Lula. I don’t want to tell you where I am, my friend. It’s safer for you if you don’t know.”

“You’re scaring me, Peyton. What’s going on?”

“I can’t talk to you for too long, but I’m safe, so please don’t worry. I’ll call you again in a few days. In the meantime, stay away from Mateo. He is a dangerous man.”

“Okay.”

“Promise me, Lula.”

“Sí, sí…I promise. Take care of yourself, my friend.”

“You too. Adiós.”

“Hasta luego, Peyton.”

Now for the difficult phone call. The one I’d been dreading.

“Hello.”

“Hi, Mom. It’s me.”

“Peyton, my love! What a lovely surprise. How are you?”

Fuck, this was going to be tough.

“Mom, is Dad there?”

“Yes. Is anything wrong, darling?”

“Would you put me on speakerphone, please?”

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