The Forbidden Promise

by Helena Rose

  Marisol put her warm hands on his.

  "I made a big mistake in marrying Federico, he has made me an unhappy woman. If only I could go back in time! I should have married you, I wish I could correct the mistake!"

  She burst into tears and Lucas gently stroked her head. On feeling his gentle touch, Marisol looked up and moved closer to him, touching her red lips to Lucas’.

  Lucas did not accept Marisol’s invitation and pulled away slightly and in his deep warm voice said, "I'm in love with Aurora and I need you to help me win her back."

  Marisol looked down.

  "I don’t know what I could do... I don’t want to go home to Federico. I can’t stand his violence anymore. I don’t care about the scandal or my parents, or Doña Raquel’s fury! He beats me every day ..."

  Lucas hit the bars angrily.

  "Damn him, I’ll make him pay for everything," he said. "Go to the Fisherman’s Tavern, there you will find some of my men. Ask for Pablo or Juan they are my friends, and tell them that I sent you and that they must accompany you to Zacatecas where you can stay at my estate under protection."

  "Thank you Lucas ... I don’t know how..." stuttered Marisol.

  He put a finger to her lips and said,

  " Go, before it gets dark."

  He looked at her as she walked away, thinking about how the beautiful Marisol had changed. Federico and Raquel had succeeded in destroying her innate love of life quickly.

  Chapter 20

  That night, Federico on his return from the brothel, did not find Marisol waiting for him and went on a rampage. None of the servants knew where she had gone.

  He imagined that she had returned to her parents' house, but he was too drunk to be able to get to their home.

  In a fit of rage he began to break everything that happened to be at hand until he fell asleep on the couch while Raquel watched him silently from the upper floor.

  The next morning he woke up with a terrible headache and realized that Marisol was actually not there.

  He went to look for her at his in-laws' house but the maid told him that Don Miguel and Doña Clara had left early that morning for a visit to Ciudad Madero and that Doña Marisol was not there. Federico thought that the only other place where she could be hiding was in Mexico City with her cousin Aurora.

  I’ll not let that damn whore make fun of me and cover me with ridicule... I'm a Navarra y Reyes and will bring my wife back to this hacienda even if I have to drag her by her hair!

  Federico, in the throes of unbridled anger, left immediately. He wanted to resolve the issue as soon as possible. He was already looking forward to the moment when he would give that stupid Marisol a sound lesson. I’ll leave her bleeding on the ground ... She won’t even be able to get out of bed for a long time! She’ll learn quickly what it means to tarnish the honor of a Navarra y Reyes!

  The train from Tampico to Mexico City had already left, so he went galloping towards Veracruz, where he could catch one of the many trains leaving for Mexico City.

  He arrived at dusk and immediately rushed to Dolores’ home. He remembered the way very well as he had gone there many times during the period that he had spent in Mexico City when he had tried to seduce Aurora, unfortunately without success.

  He rang the doorbell, impatiently.

  Cristobal opened the door. Federico was not surprised to see him there, he already knew that Cristobal was trying to win Aurora and for this purpose, had blackmailed his mother in exchange for silence about Federico’s true origins and the legacy of the Navarra y Reyes.

  Cristobal, however, could not hide his surprise.

  "Good evening, Don Federico, come in, we didn’t know you were in Mexico City too."

  "Thank you. I'm here to talk to Aurora," said Federico, rather roughly.

  He had not finished speaking when he saw her sitting on a couch.

  He walked quickly towards her, while Cristobal stared at him undecided what to do. Aurora looked at him astonished, wondering the purpose of his visit.

  Without pleasantries, Federico asked rudely,

  "Where is Marisol? Where is she hiding?"

  "Marisol?" Repeated Aurora perturbed, "She's not with you? I don’t know where she is ... I’ve been here for days, how can I know where my cousin is?"

  "Don’t lie!" Yelled Federico grasping her arm, "I'm not going to let you make fun of me!"

  Cristobal felt anger rise inside him. He ran to the couch and grabbed Federico by the shoulders, forcing him to move away from Aurora, who frightened, shrank back against the back of the couch.

  "What the hell were you thinking?" Cristobal yelled, "Get out of here!"

  He pushed him out the door while Federico tried in vain to resist.

  When the door closed, Federico started to violently bang on it with his fists, ordering them to open it but no one gave heed to him.

  "How are you Aurora?" Asked Cristobal worried, taking her hands.

  "I'm fine, thank you, it was nothing. I'm just wondering what’s happened to my cousin Marisol," said Aurora upset. "Why is he looking for her here?"

  Cristobal shook his head uncertainly.

  "I don’t know, but the question is suspicious. I just hope that your cousin’s is all right."

  Aurora nodded.

  "I hope so too, and given Federico’s state of mind, I hope he doesn’t find her, I fear that he’ll hurt her."

  Cristobal remained silent, worried. Federico is a brute ... poor pretty Marisol ...

  He could not explain why, but he felt untold pain for Aurora’s cousin, he remembered the time when he had met her, beautiful, lively and intelligent, with a cheerful smile. I just hope she isn’t in danger

  In Tampico, unfortunately, Lucas’ situation remained worrying. Don José was working hard on the investigation and had circulated everywhere the description of the banker Lucas had met on the night of the double murder at La Virgen del Mar chapel. But no one had information that could be used in the investigation and Lucas remained the only suspect.

  Pablo moved through the streets of the coastal town, trying to help Lucas as best he could, he was in constant contact with the court appointed lawyer, and accomplished every task entrusted to him.

  While he was on his way to the Fisherman’s Tavern to buy food to take into the prison for Lucas, Pablo recognized Carmen, the Vargas de Coronado’s maid, busy shopping at the market with her wicker basket.

  Immediately he rushed to help her and gallantly offered to carry her basket for her, he could not afford to miss the opportunity to chat with Doña Viviana’s maid. He might learn something useful about Doña Aurora and knew that Lucas would be pleased.

  Carmen gladly accepted Pablo’s offer of help. Walking side by side, they chatted as they headed towards the Vargas de Coronado’s house.

  "Has your mistress already returned from Mexico City?" Pablo asked innocently.

  "Not yet, I don’t even know when they plan to return." Replied Carmen, "I hope at least that they let me know a few days in advance ... But you'll see that it won’t be so. You know how noblemen are, they don’t bother to inform us, and we poor maids are always forced to rush around!"

  "Your mistress seems good to me…" Commented Pablo.

  "Oh yes, I can’t complain," exclaimed Carmen. "In particular, Doña Aurora is always so kind, it’s a pity that she is having a bad time..."

  Carmen bit her lip, hesitant, but curiosity overcame her reluctance and discretion.

  "Tell me, what happened between Don Lucas and Doña Aurora?" She asked curious. "Why hasn’t she gone even once to see him while he’s been imprisoned?"

  "I don’t know, Don Lucas doesn’t tell me all his business..." said Pablo cautiously. "Probably he wants to keep Doña Aurora at a distance until he clarifies this situation with the law. "

  "Do you believe that Don Lucas is innocent?" queried Carmen.

  "Of course he is!" said Pablo raising his voice. "The day of the murder he was in the old country house on the road to
Ciudad Victoria, to meet an important man from Veracruz."

  Carmen remained thoughtful for a moment in silence, recalling an incident that had occurred on that day.

  "You know, now that I think about it, the day that Don Costantino died, while I was out shopping, I met a man whom I had never seen before in the town, a distinct type, in his fifties, he asked me for directions to that old country house. I told him that no one lived there anymore but he insisted that I explained the way as he said he had a meeting with someone."

  Pablo's eyes widened, he could not believe his ears.

  "Carmen" he said grabbing her by the shoulders, "you must go and report to Don José Pereira what you’ve just told me! Immediately!"

  " You say it's important?" Asked Carmen.

  " Of course it is! Come on, quick!" insisted Pablo.

  "But ... I don’t know ... maybe I should wait for my mistress and ask her what she thinks ..."

  Carmen hesitated, like any good simple girl, she had grown up in holy fear of the police. The thought of going to Captain Pereira left her frightened.

  " What will Doña Viviana say to me? Nobody wants to have in their service someone who has had to deal with the police ... "

  But Pablo ignored all of Carmen’s protests. He took her by the arm and almost dragged her towards the barracks, without giving her time to protest further.

  They were immediately admitted into Don José’s study.

  "Good morning, Don José, Miss Carmen has come to make a statement," announced Pablo.

  Don José looked with interest at the two visitors. He frowned and stared at them.

  " About what?" He asked curiously

  "Mr. Lucas Navarra y Reyes’ alibi..." Explained Pablo.

  Don José dropped the pen that was in his hand and closed the file in front of him.

  "Sit down," he said, indicating the chair opposite the desk.

  "Thank you," Carmen said, clutching her shawl fearful.

  Don José sent for the typist to record Carmen’s declaration. Carmen became agitated even more at the thought that her every word would be transcribed, but Pablo reassured her and asked her to repeat what she knew.

  The typist started to type with constancy on the typewriter’s noisy keyboard and transcribed word for word Carmen’s story, while Don José, with his fingers interlinked under his chin, listened in silence.

  "Well," he said when she had finished. "Your statement corresponds with that provided by Mr. Navarra y Reyes and therefore I believe that while we will continue with the investigation we could release him, now his position is lightened."

  "Will you acquit him?" Pablo asked hopefully.

  " Not entirely," said Don José dryly. "To definitely verify his alibi, we must track down and interrogate this mysterious banker. Of course, Miss Carmen’s testimony has undoubtedly helped your master."

  " Can I go sir?" Interrupted Carmen.

  " Yes, sign here and then you're free to go."

  Carmen signed her name with an uncertain calligraphy, trying hard not to give a bad impression. Then, sighing with relief she said goodbye and went out, followed by Pablo.

  Pablo full of joy picked her up and spun her around.

  "Thank you Carmen, you were fantastic!"

  "Let me go at once!" She said, blushing.

  Pablo let her go and, feeling happy, accompanied her home.

  Don José, meanwhile, lost no time and within a few hours issued orders for Lucas’ release. Then he went personally to the prison. The prison guards immediately stood to attention and Don José went to the cells.

  "Good morning, Don Lucas."

  Lucas responded, looking out through the bars.

  "I’ve good news for you, a witness has partially corroborated your alibi." Said Don José.

  "What?" Asked Lucas surprised.

  "Your mother-in-law’s maid testified that she gave directions on how to get to the Navarra y Reyes’ uninhabited villa to a man fitting the description of your mysterious banker from Veracruz. For the first time we’ve found a statement that agrees with yours."

  Lucas smiled happily.

  "Will you release me straight away? "

  Don José nodded.

  "I don’t like detaining people without reason, you’re free, but remember that you must continue to be available.”

  "Thank you." Lucas said, relieved.

  Don José smiled.

  " You shouldn’t thank me. Moreover, as I’ve already said, you can’t consider yourself completely disconnected from the investigation, we have to clarify how one of your cufflinks ended up at the crime scene."

  "I lost that cufflink, I told you Captain..."

  "Yes, but unfortunately you don’t remember how and when. However, for now don’t worry about it, celebrate your freedom. For my part, I assure you that I’ll do everything to completely uncover the truth and restore your honor."

  Lucas nodded, admiring the honesty and moral character of Captain Pereira.

  "I'll try to help you, Captain. "

  "The key to the mystery is your uncle I am convinced of this now, your father in law was just in the wrong place at the wrong time ..."

  "I can’t believe my uncle Hector had returned to Mexico after all those years and then died in this horrible way. I still have the objects that he gave me the day of his departure."

  "Your uncle came back to Mexico in secret, it’s clear that he wanted to protect himself from someone, someone who, despite everything, tracked him down and executed him."

  Don José smiled.

  "But now, get your things and get out of here. I imagine that someone out there is already waiting for you.

  Yes, there is someone waiting for me, but not the person that I wish was here more than anybody else, Lucas thought, but now I am free and I can fight for her.

  Outside the prison, the faithful Pablo was waiting for him and a group of friends had come to congratulate him, as well as the usual crowd of onlookers attracted by every story that had to do with a Navarra y Reyes and in particular with Lucas.

  "Finally," said Pablo shaking hands with Lucas.

  "Let's go to the tavern, we have to celebrate. You must tell me how you managed to get me out. Don José came in person to release me. He's an honest official, there should be more like him in our country." Said Lucas.

  Pablo nodded proudly.

  "First however you have to go to Father Julian, when I went to tell him the good news, he told me that he needed to talk to you urgently... I think it's something to do with your wife."

  The smile faded on Lucas’ face.

  "Wait with the others at the Tavern, I’ll go and see Father Julian and then join you there later."

  " All right, see you later!" Replied Pablo.

  Lucas set off thoughtfully. Aurora, I’m free and I can now fight for our love,..

  He ran down the road to the church taking deep breaths of fresh air and feeling the caress of the sun’s rays that for so long he had been denied in that dark, damp prison.

  He entered the rectory and the maid immediately let him enter Father Julian’s study.

  "Good morning, Father Julian."

  " Son, I'm glad you have been released ..." Father Julian stood up to embrace Lucas warmly "The charges against you have been dropped at last?"

  "Actually no Father, my alibi has been partially corroborated, however the investigation continues, though I've been released." Replied Lucas.

  " Good, I hope they discover the true culprit soon. Anyone who knows you even a little, knows you're incapable of committing such depravation!"

  Lucas nodded and sat down in a chair.

  "Pablo told me that you wanted to talk to me."

  Father Julian sighed.

  "Son, it’s punishment for me to tell you this right now with everything that you've been through ... But I’ve received the application for the annulment of your marriage by your wife made to the Archbishop of Mexico City."

  Lucas clenched his fists. So this is th
e end ... Aurora is asserting the pact that we made. He felt his heart stop due to the pain. I can’t live without her ...

  "They asked me if I had performed your wedding and for information to take the procedure forward," continued Father Julian.

  "Can you give an opposing opinion, Father?" Lucas asked hopefully. Yes, but with the existence of that damn pact what can I do?

  "Of course, and I will! Your wedding was consecrated before God and whatever has happened between you, man can’t divide what God has joined together. I don’t know what is going on in that blessed girl’s head, but when I see her, she’ll tell me!”

  Father Julian looked at Lucas’ sad face; he was still the same boy whom he had seen grow up and whom he had personally supervised during all the years of loneliness and misery.

  "However, the final decision does not depend on me. There’ll be a hearing in which both spouses must be heard and only then the final decision will be taken directly by the Court of Appeal."

  Lucas was still for a few minutes in silence, meditating on what Father Julian had just said.

  "How can I find out what the reasons are for the annulment request?" he asked.

  "I wasn’t told, for this you will need to go to the archbishop of Mexico City."

  "Fine," Lucas said, standing up and shaking Father Julian’s hands. "Thank you and see you soon!"

  " See you soon ... And may God bless you son!"

  Lucas left the church deeply saddened. The extraordinary and immense love he felt for Aurora was turning into a constant source of pain. He loved her more than his own life, but he was going to lose her forever.

  He quickened his pace and reached the tavern, where he was offered a beer to toast his health. While everyone else continued to celebrate, he sat on the side with Pablo.

  "I have to go to Mexico City," Lucas whispered in confidence "First I’ll go to Zacatecas to make sure that everything is going well at the hacienda and from there I’ll go directly to Mexico City."

  "You’re going to bring back Doña Aurora?" Queried Pablo.

  Lucas nodded.

  "Yes. Meanwhile, you stay in Tampico and keep your eyes and ears open."

  He finished his beer in one gulp and stood up.