Page 29 of Deacon

However, their young warriors were not to be trifled with.

They toted rifles over their shoulders, making it clear that if we took one misstep, they’d not take to it kindly.

As always, I treated them all with respect and careful diplomacy.

I also handed out candy and chocolates from my pocket, and soon enough I had an entourage of young kids who became my models.

Realizing we truly meant the village no harm, the warriors soon dispersed as Yael, Baz and I went about our business.

‘The shots we’re getting are fantastic,’ I told Yael and Baz later that afternoon as we ran through them on my laptop.

‘It’s a magical place and its people are fascinating, for sure,’ Baz murmured, his eyes dancing at the raw images. ‘You’ve killed it, Ana; these are some of the best photos I’ve seen in a long time.’

‘I aim to please,’ I said, winking at him, pleased that he liked my work.

That night, while Baz and Yael bickered over a game of cards by the fire, I grabbed the crew’s satellite phone, sat on my canvas cot, and dialed a line out.

First, I called Raff on his iPhone.

My heart skipped at the sound of his bright, happy voice.

‘Mom! Spain is insane!’ he shouted, energized. ‘The beach goes on forever, and the villa has a floating staircase! Dad took me surfing today to teach me new moves! We hit some major waves, and I didn’t even get scared!’

He went on about his other adventures, and I listened for a few moments, missing him so bad I ached.

‘How are you, mum?’ he asked after rambling for five minutes.

‘I’m doing well, honey. I miss you, and I hope you keep having an amazing time with your dad.’

‘Yeah, he’s awesome as always. He’s also going to take me paragliding.’

My heart lurched.

‘He’s what? Is that safe?’

Raff called out. ‘Hey Dad, is gliding OK? Mum wants to know.’

I caught the sound of footsteps.

‘Mum, here’s Dad.’

Deacon came on the line.

‘It’s safe mama, it’ll be a tandem glide with me.’

My pulse slowed at the sound of Deacon’s calm, deep timbre.

‘How is he?’

‘He’s on a natural high, Ana. Living on fresh fruit, burgers, hot dogs, fries, and beach air. I’ve made the most gorgeous paellas and tapas imaginable, and the kid rejects it all. It’s infuriating.’

I let out a soft chuckle.

‘Typical Raff! Ever the wily expert on avoiding vegetables, spices and sauce.’

I paused, shivering as a longing ache to be with them ran through me.

So much emotion, so many words left unsaid.