Page 127 of More than Paper

“See you soon.” I hang up the phone.

Within an hour, I’m at the airport and checking in. Valeria has bought us two tickets, and our flight leaves in under an hour. I have my passport in my pocket and wallet. Valeria brings me a small duffel bag, and we say nothing as we pass through security.

Once we are through, Valeria asks me, “Are you sure you want to do this? I can go myself.”

I cup her face and meet her eyes. “We got into this together, and we’re getting out together. Quinn was right about something.”

She tilts her head to the side. “What’s that?”

“You’re my wife, and you’re my priority. I made a vow to you. So, we’re in this together. No matter what happens, I’m going to be by your side because that’s what I promised you, not once, but twice.”

She blinks back tears. “But it’s my fault we’re in this mess.”

“I made a choice. So did you. For better or for worse. Let’s get the worse over, come home safe, get divorced, and have our better.”

Her lip shakes and her eyes water. “Thank you. I couldn’t ask for a better husband.” She pulls me into a hug. I don’t notice the small crowd that is standing back, snapping photos of us on their phones. The only thing I’m focused on is taking Alejandro down and making sure Valeria and I both come back alive.

* * *

Bogotá isthe busiest airport in Colombia. The city is in the middle of the country, and it takes us several hours of traveling to get to Buenaventura, once known as Colombia’s Deadliest City, that has started to have some revival.

Both Valeria and I know that her father has played his role in the city earning its nickname, and we find no comfort, nor do we let our guard down traveling to it or once we get there.

I know limited Spanish, and I don’t know the local dialect. Valeria is fluent and maneuvers us through the negotiations required to get us to her father’s compound in Buenaventura on the Pacific Coast. Few people will attempt to drop us off at the doorstep of Alejandro Gómez.

We could have told him we were coming, but Valeria thought we could have more power with a surprise visit. I agreed.

After many hours of traveling, we are both tired, dirty, and hungry. When we get to the compound, dusk is setting in. Upon our arrival, we are escorted into the great room to wait. Alejandro and Mariana, who is Valeria’s mother, are informed.

“Valeria,” Mariana cries out, with tears in her eyes as she walks quickly into the room.

Valeria rushes to her mother and embraces her, crying as well. It has been over four years since they have seen each other, and I know it’s been hard on Valeria.

“Jamison.” Her mother pulls me into an embrace. She doesn’t speak any English and only says my name, but I know Valeria gets her warmth and good nature from her.

“Valeria,” Alejandro’s cold voice calls out, and I feel her mother stiffen in my arms.

“Padre,” Valeria says in a warm voice, and I’m amazed again at what a good actress she is. Over the last week, I’ve learned how much Valeria does hate her father. I never thought she liked him, but it’s a more deep-seated resentment than I realized.

Put on your acting face, Jamison.

I turn. “Alejandro.” I nod at him.

Alejandro pulls back from the hug. “Why did you not tell us you were coming?”

Valeria motions with her hand like it isn’t a big deal. “Jamison and I thought we would surprise you for your birthday.”

“My birthday isn’t for two months.”

“Yes, but I might be on the set then, so we thought we would come now since you pointed out we haven’t been home in four years.”

He looks at us suspiciously.

“Padre, are you not glad we’re home?” Valeria asks.

He gazes at me and ignores her question. “Have you come to accept my gift?”

I stare at Alejandro, and my lips turn up just a bit. “I’m sure we can discuss that while I’m here.”

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