Page 56 of Liar
Our conversation comes to a screeching halt. I should have set a flame to those envelopes one by one on arrival. I swear, over on the table, those damn brochures seem to be doing high kicks.
“Be reasonable, Luciana. You can dance anywhere.”
I roll to my feet. “Reasonable? Says the fool with apaletaon his eye.”
“It’s too dangerous for you here. It’s only a matter of time until one of the bosses makes a move. Marifer’s power will grow if she’s working with the Colombians. And Ignacio is sly. If anyone is working to overtake Loreto, it’s him.”
“And the Bastard?”
Diego doesn’t respond. He doesn’t need to. “My future is not for you to decide. It isn’t forhimto decide either.”
“Don’t you want a normal life, away from all this?”
“Don’t you?”
We stare at each other.
It’s me who gives in. I shrug my shoulders. “Papi always said normal is overrated.”
Diego sits quietly for several seconds. “Why didn’t you tell me what happened at the Superama?”
The Bastard told him?
I grit my teeth.
“You should have come to me.” He glares at the beer bottle. “The first chance I get, I’m going to kill El Calaca.”
Exactly why I didn’t tell him.
“Think about what you’re saying. You’re a Z22 now. Just like he is.”
“The University of Copenhagen has an excellent dance program. You can live with Aunt Gretchen.”
There’s no arguing with him. A rabbit facing off with a bull is always at a disadvantage.
“Fine. I’ll consider Copenhagen.” For like, ten seconds.
Diego looks shocked. And I immediately feel guilty for exaggerating the truth. But this is a war, after all.
I yawn.
“If I can’t be reached and you need something, find Javier.”
Or the Bastard, I don’t dare say.
“You’ll need to be extra careful over the next few weeks with the Boss and me out of town.
Don’t ask. Don’t ... “Where will he be?”
“He’s been called back to Europe. An emergency of some sort.”
“He’s coming back, right?” I quickly add, “What if Marifer or Ignacio make a powerplay while he’s away?”
“That’s our worst fear, conejita.But we’re going to have to trust his judgment, aren’t we?”
I don’t answer, at war with my feelings as I head back to bed.
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