Page 67 of Mouse Trapped

“You should try to be polite. In Colombia, we do not place elbows on the table, or eat with our hands.” His head is shaking. “I can’t believe your mother didn’t even show you how to use a knife as well as a fork.”

I bark a laugh. I’d noticed the strange way they use utensils even to eat fruit, where I just pick an apple up in my hands. “You’re seriously criticising me for that? What do you expect,Father? When I’ve been taken away from everything I’ve ever known? Expect me to know your ways and how you want me to behave?” I shake my head, exasperated.

He suddenly stands, walks to the fireplace and faces it. His hands are clenched tight at his sides. His whole body seems to be battling with rage. As I watch, his shoulders slowly relax. Turning, he comes back. He now has a smile on his face. It looks fake.

“I could have given you a wonderful life. Instead your mother took you away. Brought you up in poverty in a land that wasn’t your own. You, and your brother, should have been here with me. You’d have lived in luxury, never wanted for anything. Yes, I could have given you all that and more. Now I want to make up for it.” He pauses and looks pained. “What I regret most is not knowing your brother. My son. You must miss him dreadfully.”

I keep my face impassive. I don’t want to give him any weapon he might turn against me. I certainly don’t want to talk about Drew.

The pause stretches out. I wonder if he’s going to push me to answer. But when he speaks next, he changes the subject. “I can understand you are frustrated not having your freedom here.And that you will need time to learn our ways and about this beautiful country. Your home country, Mariana. I have asked Miguel to take you out and show you some of the countryside. There’s a lovely village up in the mountains. It’s small, but the people are so friendly. You’ll love it, Mariana. You’re going to love Colombia when you become accustomed to it.”

I might, if I was here as a visitor. But I doubt I’ll ever prefer the lush green that I see every day from my window to the beauty I find in the desert in Tucson.

“Your happiness is important to me, Mariana. Will you go with Miguel and enjoy the beauty this part of Colombia has to offer?”

I don’t trust him. Don’t believe a word that he says.This is the man who broke a young child’s arm, and who raped and killed my mother. I can’t see how he could have changed. There’s nothing attractive about the thought of spending time with Miguel. Like the other men, he’s battle scarred and not only looks, but acts scary. The suggestion of a day in his company makes me shudder. On the upside, I’d get to know my surroundings. Might even have a chance of escape.Find one of the villagers willing to hide me? Or at least find a way to get a message to Drew?A very slim chance, but a chance I could take.

If I refuse, what would happen? Though my impulse is to object, I’m sensible enough to pick my battles with my father. I don’t want to cross him before there’s something worth fighting about.

“Okay,” I reluctantly agree.

After nodding his acknowledgement of my capitulation, he reaches for a folder, and takes out a piece of paper, saying enthusiastically. “I know how much you’ll be missing Andrew. So, let’s invite him for a visit.”

My eyes narrow.Why does Drew interest him so much?As he holds out the paper, I automatically take it. My jaw drops as Irealise what it is. A letter he’s written, in my name, and obviously wants me to send it to Drew. My eyes narrow as I read it.

Dearest brother,

I wanted to write as soon as I could to reassure you that I’m in Colombia and I’m safe. Not only that, but I’m with our papa. Mama misled us about him. He’s not a cruel man at all, he’s been nothing but kind to me, and I could want for nothing in his home. He’s done very well for himself and has created a business empire. His house and compound are beautiful, nestling under the mountains.

He wants to meet you, and I’m longing to see you myself. Papa’s offered to pay for you to come for a visit. You can stay as long as you want. Please do come, as you know, I can’t return to the States, so this is the only way I can see you.

Your loving sister

Mariana

“No.” I hand the letter back. “I don’t know why you’re so anxious to see the son you’ve never met, but I don’t trust you. I’m not bringing Drew here.”

“I want my son!” he thunders, his fist hitting the table. “You will sign this. And give me his address so I can send it.”

At least he doesn’t know where Drew is.He might be a kingpin here, but his reach clearly doesn’t extend to the US.Thank goodness.

“No,” I repeat. His anger is making me uneasy, but instead of making me want to appease him, I vow instead to forfeit anything, even my life, rather than enticing Drew into his clutches.

Once again his hands clench, and I flinch, wondering whether I’m going to feel those fists hit me. Whatever he does,I’m not going to give Drew away. I watch, nervously, but slowly the tension begins to leave him once more.

He stretches his fingers, looking down at them, then clasps his hands together. “Miguel will be waiting for you outside, Mariana. He’ll give you time to prepare for your outing. Go, have a pleasant day, enjoy yourself. I’ll see you at dinner.” He picks up the envelope and letter and hands it over once again. “Take this, think on it. Think how wonderful it will be to see your brother. You can post it today; Miguel will show you where to send it.”

The trip’s today?Rather than arguing, I take the paper and blank envelope. My initial reaction is to tear it up, but instead of that, I hold it tight, a plan forming in my mind. A little burn of excitement inside.

When I step out of the door, Miguel is indeed waiting. He grins a slimy grin. “Are you looking forward to your excursion, Mariana?”

I’m not, except for the opportunity it provides. But I don’t want to be rude to him. An escape might be helped if I have my father’s men on my side. “It’s good of you to give up your time, Lieutenant.”

His grin broadens. “Miguel, please, Mariana. I think we’re going to be friends.”

I can do friendly, if it’s going to help me get away. In other circumstances, I’d run a mile from such a man. There’s a vibe I don’t like coming from him.

“I’ll take you to your room, then come back in half an hour.”

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