by Sasha Cain
He started to leave, but then turned back to her, smiling. She wiped her eyes, silently wishing he would die painfully and slowly, suffering.
“You know what’s funny?” he asked in a syrupy tone. “Your hunter wanted you to come to Inland to work on his farm. He asked for you by name.”
Isela’s heart leapt with joy. Was it possible? Were the hunters going to help her get away from Guarros and this living hell? Her face must’ve revealed her thoughts because Guarros erupted into laughter.
“You don’t really think I said yes to that, do you? You have to know I would never allow such a thing.” Sobering, he grabbed her by the arms again. “I will never let you go, Isela. Never!”
He let go of her and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Isela dropped to the floor in a heap and wept. She’d had a chance to escape, but Guarros had ripped it from her grasp. For a glimmer of a second she’d tasted freedom, and then choked on it thanks to him.
She knew one thing. Guarros was wrong. She would never give herself to him. She would rather die than succumb herself to his touch...or any man’s.
****
She knelt over him, breathing heavily.
“Get up,” she pleaded, sobbing, “please, you have to get up.”
“I...can’t. Go, Isela, save yourself,” he gasped.
She shook her head vehemently. “I won’t go without you,” she vowed, draping his arm around her shoulder, pulling him to his feet.
He groaned, obviously in pain. Grimacing, he gripped his side. Blood oozed from the gash above his left eye, congealing in his silky brown hair, matting it to his forehead.
Isela’s muscles burned as she struggled to get enough air in her lungs. She refused to give up. She’d get them out of there or die trying. The door was in sight up ahead, just a short distance more.
As she reached for the handle, she felt his presence and a sense of dread engulfed her.
“Did you really think I’d let you escape, Isela?” Guarros said acidly. “With him?”
She turned to face him, surprisingly without fear, but with hatred and contempt.
“This ends here,” she declared, holding her head high.
Guarros smirked, taking a step toward her. “Yes it does...as soon as I kill your lover right before your eyes...and then finally claim you as mine.”
The brown-eyed man regained his balance. Standing on his own, he dropped his arm from Isela’s shoulder. He glared at Guarros, his eyes full of rage. “You will never have her!” He growled ferociously. “She belongs with me.”
Guarros rushed at them, through the red haze, but the man stepped in front of Isela, pushing her behind him, protectively.
Isela woke up screaming, bathed in sweat. Tears streamed down her face. She couldn’t catch her breath. Mae rushed in,
Jerric right behind her.
“What is it, Isela? What happened? Did he hurt you?” she asked frantically.
Isela shook her head, still unable to get air into her lungs. Jerric placed his hand on her back, patting it. He soothingly said, “Calm down, Isela. It’s all right. We’re here now. You’re safe. No one’s going to hurt you.”
She looked up at him, wide-eyed. He lightly circled his hand over her back, easing her apprehension. Her breathing slowed.
“Thank you,” she said hoarsely. “I had a nightmare.”
“Must’ve been one helluva bad one by the way you were screaming,” Jerric said.
She nodded. “Guarros.”
Mae whimpered. Jerric shot her a look. Isela straightened her shoulders, glancing from Jerric to Mae.
Throwing back the covers, Isela jumped out of bed, stalking back and forth across the room. She stopped, placing her hands on her hips.
“He’ll never let us go. We’ll be his prisoners forever,” she stated.
Mae started to protest. “We’re not his priso—”
“We are,” Isela barked and began pacing again. “I’m done. I will be free of him. We all will.”
“And how is that going to happen?” Jerric asked.
“I don’t know the details yet. But I know one thing.” She stopped pacing. Looking Jerric straight in the eye, she said, “I’m going to kill him...the first chance I get.”
Chapter Five
Evan sat at his desk looking over some paperwork. Darrios stared out the window of their office, overlooking the farm. The first week with their new employees had proved successful. There were two men, Jerric and Alden, and three women, Dolly, Leezil, and Rone. All of them worked hard, eager to show their gratitude for this opportunity.
As an act of good faith, the warden had given them a third woman since he’d denied them Isela, but Darrios wasn’t fooled. Guarros was up to something. He hadn’t spoken of it again since leaving the prison that day, but he still intended to investigate. Evan didn’t have to know.
“Did Bernie say when he’s coming back?” Darrios asked casually.
“Does he ever? You know Bernie. He comes and goes as it suits him.”
Stepping away from the window, Darrios sat down just as Jerric burst into the room, practically panting.
“Mr. Derosa—”
“Jerric, please, I’ve told you, call me Darrios.”
“Sorry, sir. I...It’s your wife—”
Darrios jumped up out of his chair. “Maggie? What are you talking about? Is it the baby?”
Jerric nodded, trying to catch his breath. “Mr. Jezbah’s outside. He sent me to get you. It’s time. The baby’s coming.”
Darrios rushed past Jerric and out the door. He didn’t stop to speak to Jezbah, but ran as fast as he could toward home. Jerric and Evan came outside, staring after him. Jezbah, sitting in the wagon hitched to two hoodlas, shook his head and chuckled.
“Are you gonna go after him or let him run all the way home?” Evan asked, smiling.
“You behaved much the same way when first child was born, as I recall,” Jezbah chided.
Jerric snickered. Evan shot him a severe look.
“I suppose I’ll go get him or he’ll never make it before the baby arrives,” Jezbah said. “Shall I return him to you afterwards?”
“Nah, I got it. Let him stay with Maggie. We’ll close up. Tell him I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Jezbah nodded, lightly snapping the reins. The hoodlas began to trot, the wagon creaking as it rolled away.
Jezbah managed to keep a straight face as he pulled up alongside Darrios. “I’m fairly certain we’re headed the same way. Can I interest you in a ride?”
Darrios stopped. Winded, he gave Jezbah a sheepish grin. “Sorry, Jez, I guess I panicked a little.”
Pulling the wagon to a stop, Jezbah motioned with his head to the seat next to him. “Hop in. Let’s get you home to Maggie.”
****
Dripping with perspiration, Maggie resisted the urge to push. Sandra had a hold of her hand. Aunt Gin sat between her open legs telling her to breathe.
“Maggie, honey, we can’t wait for him any longer. It’s time. This baby’s coming,” Aunt Gin said.
“No,” Maggie wailed. “We have to wait.”
As a contraction took hold, she cried out, nearly crushing Sandra’s hand.
“I can see the baby’s head, Maggie. No more waiting.”
Maggie nodded, panting, just as Darrios bounded into the room.
“I’m here,” he announced. He ran over to the women, taking Sandra’s place and Maggie’s hand.
Maggie smiled weakly, but then another contraction hit her. She screamed, bearing down. Darrios held her hand, whispering encouraging words to her.
Aunt Gin started laughing. “It’s a boy!” she shouted.
Darrios covered Maggie’s face in kisses. “You did it, baby,” he said.
She clutched his shirt collar. “We did it,” she replied, still panting.
Aunt Gin cut the cord then handed Sandra the baby. Sandra cleaned him up while Aunt Gin finished up with Maggie. Tenderly kissing Maggie,
Darrios told her he loved her just as Sandra handed Maggie the swaddled infant.
“Your son,” she said.
Maggie took the baby from Sandra and pressed her lips to his forehead. She glanced up to Darrios then back to their son. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she made no attempt to stop them.
“Lucan,” she whispered. “That’s your name. It means light...and that’s what you are...the light of our lives.”
“Darrios, would you like to hold your son?” Maggie asked.
He nodded, never taking his eyes from Lucan.
Maggie handed him to Sandra. She placed him in his father’s arms. Darrios felt his breath catch when he looked at his son.
“Maggie, he’s absolutely perfect,” he said staring into his own eyes.”
“Look at him, Darrios. He looks like you,” Maggie said, beaming with pride.
“Oh, now that’s a tragedy,” a familiar voice rang out.
Maggie’s eyes grew wide as her brother, Brendan, entered the room, followed by Bernie, both men grinning broadly.
“Brendan!” Maggie gasped. “I can’t believe you’re here!”
Brendan closed the distance between them. He hugged her tightly. “Do you really think I’d miss the birth of my nephew?”
Maggie looked to Bernie, tears swimming in her eyes. “Thank you, Bernie. I can’t tell you what this means to me.”
“You don’t have to. I think I have a pretty good idea,” he replied.
“Yeah, the last time he brought me your letter, I asked him if he was able to bring me over to Celio from our...my world,” Brendan explained. “He’s the man. He found us a door and here I am.”
Maggie held Brendan at arm’s length. “Let me get a look at you. Your hair’s longer than I’ve ever seen it. I like it though,” she said, pulling the wavy brown strands through her fingers.
He’d always kept his hair cropped short, but now it trailed down around his ears nearly to his collar. It really brought out his beautiful bedroom eyes. They were mahogany in color with lashes she’d have killed for.
Maggie squeezed his arms. “My God, Brendan, have you been working out? Your arms are as hard as steel.” She poked him in the stomach. “And those abs? Can you say ‘washboard’?”
He lowered his lashes, giving her that sleepy, boyish grin that melted her heart every time he flashed it.
“Working for Social Saviors tends to be a workout in itself. Rural Africa was my gym,” he explained.
“Well, it’s working for you, baby brother,” Maggie assured him, causing him to blush further.
Darrios shook Brendan’s hand and then hugged him. “It’s good to see you Brendan. I’m glad you’re here.”
Darrios grabbed Bernie next, hugging him, thanking him for bringing Brendan to Celio.
Aunt Gin stood with her arms outstretched, waiting for Brendan’s hug. He didn’t disappoint her. Lifting her right off the ground, he squeezed her tight, kissing her cheek.
“I’ve missed you, Aunt Gin.”
“How long have you been planning this?” she asked him.
He looked from her to Bernie and chuckled. “As soon as Bernie gave me Maggie’s last letter. I knew she was going to deliver soon. My tour was ending, over a week ago, in fact. I have six weeks before I re-up. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend it than to come visit my family and finally see this place I’ve heard so much about.”
“So you’re going back,” Maggie said, trying not to sound disappointed.
“Maggie, you know me. I gotta go where I’m needed most.”
Smiling, she reached out to squeeze his hand. “I know, sweetie. I’m just happy you’re here, now.”
Sandra cleared her throat.
“Oh jeez, I’m sorry. Brendan, this is my friend, Sandra, and Aunt Gin’s boyfriend, Jezbah,” Maggie said.
Brendan ignored Aunt Gin’s blushing at the use of the word boyfriend as he shook their hands. He told them he was pleased to meet them.
Evan rushed in moments later. “Did I miss anything?” he asked. Everyone laughed. Darrios presented Lucan to Evan. “A boy,” he said proudly.”
Evan slapped him on the back. “Congratulation, Darrios. You’re going to make a great father.”
Everyone visited for a while until Darrios noticed Maggie’s eyes fluttering.
“I think it’s time for Maggie to rest,” Darrios said.
She started to protest, but Aunt Gin raised a finger, interrupting her. “Listen to your husband. He’s right. Get some rest.” She took Lucan from Darrios, cooing at him. “We’ll take care of this precious boy while his mommy takes a nap, won’t we? Yes we will.”
Maggie sat upright, grabbing Brendan’s hand. He smiled at her.
“I’m not going anywhere, Mags. Get some sleep.” Leaning over, he kissed the top of her head. “By the way, I have to say, you and Darrios make beautiful babies.”
Maggie smiled, leaning back into the pillows. Everyone filed out of the room except Darrios. He closed the door then turned back to Maggie, smiling warmly. He sat down on the bed next to her and took her hand, kissing it.
“Thank you, Maggie, for making today one of the best days of my life...again.”
“I didn’t do this alone, you know. I’d say you played a pretty significant part,” she said affectionately. “And how great is it that Brendan’s here? Today was perfect, Darrios.”
Her eyelids drooped with fatigue. Darrios stayed until she drifted off. Then he tiptoed out of the room.
Sandra and Aunt Gin stood whispering over Lucan, sleeping peacefully in the cradle. Darrios had made it by hand months earlier. A warm sensation flowed throughout his chest at the sight.
He sat down at the table, his eyes still on his son, joining Jezbah, Bernie, and Brendan as Evan filled them in on the latest happenings on the farm.
“Sounds like you guys have really made some progress,” Bernie said.
“Yeah,” Evan said hesitantly, eyeing Darrios.
“What?” Bernie asked, his eyes darting between the two men.
“Evan thinks I should forget about investigating Guarros. He thinks I’m becoming obsessive.”
“You are. The man has been more than fair with us, quite generous, in fact. Why are you so sure he’s evil?” Evan asked.
Darrios got up, grabbed the Mulsket and a handful of glasses, and sat back down, swinging his leg over the chair. He waited to speak until he’d poured five shots and passed them out. He downed his in one gulp. “Because he is evil. I saw how those inmates and servants behaved around him. They don’t respect him. They fear him. There’s a reason for that.”
Evan rolled his eyes. “So? It has nothing to do with us.”
“I can’t believe you just said that. Doing business with him might be lucrative, but if he’s corrupt, it’s our responsibility to bring him down.”
“Why? Why is it our problem?”
“Because it’s the right thing to do. If Bernie’s right about Isela’s father being murdered, that scumbag might have had something to do with it. Kie was one of us, Evan. Doesn’t he deserve justice?”
The other men watched, listening, not saying a word. Evan shook his head. He threw back his drink, avoiding Darrios’ eyes. “I just don’t see how we can make this right, no matter how it comes out. Sometimes I think it’s best to leave things alone.”
Sandra had edged into the kitchen area, listening to the exchange between Evan and Darrios. “Evan?” she asked quietly.
“Don’t worry, Sandra. I really don’t think this is going to go anywhere...”
“No,” she interrupted, “You have to do something. How can you even consider doing nothing? When did this happen? When did you give up?”
“I haven’t given up. I just...”
“No, Evan, don’t. I fell in love with the idealistic, rid-the-world-of-evil Evan. I want to hear him talking,” she said. Before Evan could respond, she turned and fled the house. Evan glared at Darrios then followed after her.
“E
xcuse me, gentlemen,” Aunt Gin scolded. “Isn’t this supposed to be a happy occasion? Table the work talk.” She squeezed Darrios’ shoulders. “I know. Let’s talk about babies.”
Darrios glanced over at his newborn son. “He is pretty terrific, isn’t he?”
“You should see your face right now, dude,” Brendan said. “Seriously, you lit up when you said that.”
Darrios frowned and snorted, wrinkling his brow. “I did not light up.”
“You so lit up, Darrios,” Bernie chimed in as he and Brendan clinked glasses. Jezbah chuckled to himself.
Aunt Gin rolled her eyes. “Men are such children.” She snatched up her bag of knitting and sat down near the cradle.
****
Evan and Sandra did not return. Darrios hoped Evan had changed his attitude and they’d gone home to have make-up sex. Jezbah and Aunt Gin finally left after Darrios promised to rush right over if he or Maggie needed anything. Brendan had planned to leave with them, but Darrios asked him to stay.
“Maggie was so excited to see you. She’ll be disappointed if you’re not here when she wakes up.”
“Sure, Darrios. Not a problem. I’ll just camp out on the couch.”
“Thanks, buddy. I know how much it’ll mean to Maggie. I’ll grab some blankets and a pillow...”
Lucan started to cry. Smiling at the sound, Darrios picked him up.
“I’m guessing this little guy wants some dinner. Let me get him to his mama and I’ll be right back.”
“No rush, dude. Take your time. I’m kind of wired anyway.”
Nodding, Darrios carried Lucan into the bedroom. Sensing he needed her, Maggie sat up as Darrios approached the bed.
“Someone wants his mommy,” Darrios said softly, handing Lucan to Maggie.
She opened her arms, reaching for Lucan, drawing him to her. He nuzzled against her. She gently stroked his hair, golden in color, like the streaks in his father’s hair.
She held him to her breast, inhaling the scent of him while he nursed. Darrios turned to leave when Maggie stopped him. “Don’t go,” she said. “Stay.”
He sat down on the bed next to her. “Your brother’s in the other room. He’s spending the night here.”
