Page 63 of The Guardian

“There are three rooms for sleeping, a stocked kitchen and 2 shower rooms.” Vega nodded at us. “I stay here when there are clients that need a guide.” She cocked her head at us. “I do not usually ask questions, but you are here at a very dangerous time. It is not a good place for tourists during the blood moon.”

We all paused but we did not explain as I said, “We are not tourists.”

“Si, I get it.” Vega stared at us. “My instructions are to get you as close as I can to the ritual. However, the closer you are the more likely you are to be killed. You comprender?”

We all gave her a nod.

“You are safe here. There is fruit, cheese and sliced meat in the fridge. Bottled water and even some Sangria. Cabinets are full of food. I will take a nap now then be on guard when you all sleep. We need to leave in the morning to get into place before…the bad blood people arrive.” She then turned and went down the small hallway.

Rain watched her leave then he made like he was going to follow her.

“Hey!” Henry called to him.

He halted then turned to give him a wink. “Just wishful thinking.”

We settled in and I had to admit I felt tired. It had been a long day. We did eat what was in the fridge and there were crackers as well as Mexican cookies too.

The guys made a few comments about the conflicting traits of Vega. Like was she a local? Why did her accent fade to nothing? How did Mancini find her? It was a total mystery. We then found that we got no cell service here. We weren’t sure if it was the jungle house or the whole area.

After three hours, Vega appeared again. She asked us if we had any questions.

Henry and I looked over at Rain.

He shook his head at us since we appointed him as our group speaker. Then he looked over at Vega. “We cannot get any cell service.”

“Si, they block it.”

“They?” Rain asked her.

Vega stepped closer and whispered to him, “The League. The ones that we need to hide from tomorrow. I hope you three are ready to look death in the eye.” She then went to the door. “Nighty-night,” she added in a sing-song voice as she exited.

Epilogue

Henry

The next morning, Vega joined us in the living room. Yes, we were up just after dawn. She did look surprised that we were wide awake and ready.

We all ate fruit and drank a bit of coffee. She explained that today would be rough. Like on a trail then sit in the heat until darkness falls. Finally, she asked us outright, “You have someone you wish to retrieve, Si?”

The three of us stared at her.

Maya spoke up, “They took my family three years ago. They are supposed to be in the ritual tonight. This is my only chance to save them. Our only chance.”

Vega’s expression remained unmoved. “And you expect to take on all of them?”

“Of course not,” I replied.

“So, you are the ones then.” Vega crossed her arms over her chest.

“The ones?” I asked her.

“Si, the Mexican Mafia here has reported that they have been paid to wipe this group out. The victims are to be saved. They have wanted to do this for a decade now. They just never had an incentive like they were given by the Italians yesterday.”

The three of us did not reply. We had already revealed enough. But I wondered what incentive Mancini and his Italian Famiglia had offered. Money could buy you a bloody battle and freedom apparently.

Vega said nothing more as she went to put some things into her pack.

I did not wear a backpack, but Rain did. One that held extra ammunition, a first aid kit and bottled water.