Page 105 of Casualties of War
“In return for what, exactly?” Roldán said. “You have no worth of interest to Mexico.”
His face flushed a deep red. “You forget where you are standing.”
“No,I haven’t.”
Calli glanced at Roldán. She was rousing Ibarra’s anger, instead of working with him, finding a way he could help them.
Ibarra pointed toward the door. “Out there is another door. That door leads outside, behind the palace, where there are trees and hills and places where one can become lost.”
“You would let us go?” Calli said, her pulse thudding.
“IfI agree to asylum,” Roldánsaid.
Ibarra’s smile was tinged with the madness that had been there since he walked into the room where they had been held this morning.
Tell him anything! Calli silently screamed at Roldán. Tell him what he wants to hear! You have the power to get us out of here.
Roldán crossed her arms. “Mexico does not treat with criminals and terrorists,” she said. “You know that. You knew it before youbrought us here. You are either toying with us to see if we are stupid enough to entertain you, or to give us a false hope. For that, I spit upon you. You aren’t worthy of the status of terrorist or criminal. You’re just a bully.”
As Ibarra absorbed Roldán’s disdain, Calli could barely breathe. Sick fear raged through her.
Then his sunny, crazy smile returned. “And youareentertaining!” hecried, clapping his hands together. “So much so, we can’t possibly lose your potential.” He leaned sideways and banged on the wall with the flat of his hand. “Serrano has put me in charge of your welfare. His directions were…” His smile slipped. “Well, let’s just say Serrano has learned to let me operate in my own way.”
The door opened and the armed guard returned.
Ibarra pointed at Roldán.“That one can have Maria’s room, now Maria has departed our happy little family.”
The guard grabbed Roldán’s arm. She yanked. He had too good a grip. He dragged her toward the door.
Roldán got both hands on the doorframe, which anchored her for a moment. Her gaze met Calli’s. “Don’t let these mad men win,” she hissed.
The guard yanked again and Roldán was dragged out. The door slammed shutagain.
Trembling, Calli wrapped her arms around herself for warmth. She didn’t think she would ever be warm again. She watched Ibarra, waiting to see what he intended to do with her.
“Serrano was very specific about you,” Ibarra said softly. “Alas.”
