Page 22 of Maddox

As soon as Mark pulled into a spot near one of the larger buildings, we were greeted by three employees. We hadn’t been able to merely show up. That wasn’t the way things were handled in this country. While I’d outed several establishments and the less-than-ideal care system they provided, today was more about highlighting the plight of everyone involved. With little funding and almost nonexistent other sources of income, they had a difficult time doing more than feeding the children. Schooling was rough, lessons barely taught.

I hoped that through my series of articles and interviews I’d bring light to their plight. If I could secure them some investors or simply charitable donations, my time was well served.

And so was facing the intense danger.

“You sure you want to do this?” Kyle asked. He was rarely nervous, facing danger like some adrenaline junkie.

I tilted my head, studying his expression. “You sense something.”

“It’s too quiet, Char. But people on the web are chattering.”

“About what?” We had seconds of privacy left.

Kyle shrugged. He kept a close eye on the chatter in various rooms on the dark web. He had the ability to impersonate anyone he wanted to be from foreign nationals to insurgents and even drug addicts. His skills had also become invaluable over the years.

“Alfaro is searching for a traitor. You know what happens when he finds one.”

Sadly, I did know. I’d studied the savage cartel leader for over two years prior to writing the article. Since his rise to power after murdering his father and brother, he’d increased the level of terror, seemingly capable of infiltrating any organization. There was some talk he was a skilled assassin, hired by members of the El Salvadoran government to rid their empire of their enemies.

What I’d learned was that the man simply enjoyed the acts of torture and slaughter.

Kyle gave me another look before taking a step away. On this day, his words haunted me.

“Welcome,” the lovely woman said as she approached. “We’re glad to have you here.”

“You must be Elizabeth,” I told her as I held out my hand.

“Yes, ma’am.” Elizabeth was from England, taking up the struggle with open arms.

“Please, call me Charmaine. Ma’am makes me feel every year I’ve lived.”

She laughed. “I’m certain you want to get started.”

“Yes, we do. Is it okay if my cameraman sets up over there?”

“Absolutely.”

I pulled the bag of treats into my hands, following behind her as she led us to a cluster of buildings. As soon as I turned a corner, children came running. All ages. All sizes. They were just eager to see someone. Anyone. I could only imagine the hope they had in longing for someone to pick just one for adoption.

If only I was in a position to do that. But with my career keeping me flying from one country to another, the idea of a stable home wasn’t on the radar.

Elizabeth spoke to them in Spanish, telling them who I was. When she was finished, I crouched down, opening the bag.

There seemed to be so many children, more than I’d originally thought. As soon as I started handing out candy and the small stuffed animals, I was surrounded. Hearing their squeals of joy and laughter made my heart sing. The treats might be short lived, but the memories would remain with them for weeks.

I stood as they scattered away, taking deep sighs.

“You’re very nice to bring them treats. They don’t get many as you might imagine.”

“I hope to change that,” I told her.

She squeezed my hand. “Anything you can do is appreciated. Anytime you’re ready to get started, we can go. You have full access to every building. Anywhere you want to go.”

“I appreciate you being so open. I promise to make this as painless as possible. I do have one question for you and it’s completely off the record.”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes, almost instantly on edge. “Of course.”

“Is there any truth to the rumors several older girls have gone missing?”

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