Page 77 of Crash and Burn
37
Marley
When Mariaand I are done eating, I help her clean up the kitchen. While she’s clearing the table, I wash the dishes. The kitchen has been quiet since Eduardo left. Maria puts away the last of the leftovers and starts drying dishes.
“I’m sorry you’re here.” Maria’s words shock me.
“It’s not your fault,” I tell her.
“No, but still.” She sighs.
I pause, turning to face her. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Why are you here?”
“My son, Julian, and Rodrigo grew up together. They were the best of friends. Julian died protecting him not long after they joined the Cartel. Rodrigo has taken care of me ever since,” she explains.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“I knew when they first got involved with the Cartel his life would always be in danger. I have never been able to fully get over his death, but Rodrigo has taken such good care of me. I am forever grateful to him,” she says.
Before I can respond, there’s a familiar popping sound. Gun shots.
“Rascal,” I mutter.
Paula runs into the kitchen, shouting something to Maria in Spanish. Maria grabs my arm, ushering me to the pantry. She pulls on a set of shelves and it opens to a set of stairs.
“Hurry up!” Paula pushes me to move quicker. She follows me, closing the door behind herself.
“You stupid, bitch! This is all your fault,” she hisses out at me. “I told Eduardo we shouldn’t bother with you. He should have killed you when he had the chance.”
Maria says something to her in Spanish, causing Paula to back hand her. Something inside me snaps and I shove Paula.
“Leave her the hell alone,” I spit out.
Paula swings on me, but I manage to duck, only pissing her off more. She charges at me, so I swing a right hook, connecting with her jaw. She falls to the floor and I climb on top of her, slamming my fists into her face. Blood splatters everywhere.
The door at the top of the stairs opens and I jump off her, expecting Eduardo to walk down the stairs. When Rascal appears, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
“Rascal!” I run to him, throwing my arms around him. He wraps his arms around me, squeezing me in a hug.
“Princess,” he breathes out. He pulls back enough to see my face. “What happened down here?”
“Paula was talking shit and smacked Maria for sticking up for me. I kind of snapped and went to town on her face,” I explain. A laugh from behind Rascal catches my attention and I notice Saint came with.
“That’s my girl.” Rascal smiles. “Saint, check if she’s still breathing.”
Saint walks over to Paula and kneels next to her, putting his fingers to her throat. “Yeah, she’s alive.”
“We’ll send her to Catriona, Saoirse and Fiona. They can have some fun with her and maybe get some information out of her,” Rascal says.
“Who are they,” I ask.
“Some badass women,” Saint says.
“The Murphy girls. Catriona and Saoirse’s brothers help save women who have been sold through human trafficking,” Rascal explains. “Fiona is their cousin. You’ll meet Catriona back at the house.”
