Mouse Trapped

by Manda Mellett

  “I could have given you a wonderful life. Instead your mother took you away. Brought you up in poverty in a land that wasn’t your own. You, and your brother, should have been here with me. You’d have lived in luxury, never wanted for anything. Yes, I could have given you all that and more. Now I want to make up for it.” He pauses and looks pained. “What I regret most is not knowing your brother. My son. You must miss him dreadfully.”

  I keep my face impassive. I don’t want to give him any weapon he might turn against me. I certainly don’t want to talk about Drew.

  The pause stretches out. I wonder if he’s going to push me to answer. But when he speaks next, he changes the subject. “I can understand you are frustrated not having your freedom here. And that you will need time to learn our ways and about this beautiful country. Your home country, Mariana. I have asked Miguel to take you out and show you some of the countryside. There’s a lovely village up in the mountains. It’s small, but the people are so friendly. You’ll love it, Mariana. You’re going to love Colombia when you become accustomed to it.”

  I might, if I was here as a visitor. But I doubt I’ll ever prefer the lush green that I see every day from my window to the beauty I find in the desert in Tucson.

  “Your happiness is important to me, Mariana. Will you go with Miguel and enjoy the beauty this part of Colombia has to offer?”

  I don’t trust him. Don’t believe a word that he says. This is the man who broke a young child’s arm, and who raped and killed my mother. I can’t see how he could have changed. There’s nothing attractive about the thought of spending time with Miguel. Like the other men, he’s battle scarred and not only looks, but acts scary. The suggestion of a day in his company makes me shudder. On the upside, I’d get to know my surroundings. Might even have a chance of escape. Find one of the villagers willing to hide me? Or at least find a way to get a message to Drew? A very slim chance, but a chance I could take.

  If I refuse, what would happen? Though my impulse is to object, I’m sensible enough to pick my battles with my father. I don’t want to cross him before there’s something worth fighting about.

  “Okay,” I reluctantly agree.

  After nodding his acknowledgement of my capitulation, he reaches for a folder, and takes out a piece of paper, saying enthusiastically. “I know how much you’ll be missing Andrew. So, let’s invite him for a visit.”

  My eyes narrow. Why does Drew interest him so much? As he holds out the paper, I automatically take it. My jaw drops as I realise what it is. A letter he’s written, in my name, and obviously wants me to send it to Drew. My eyes narrow as I read it.

  Dearest brother,

  I wanted to write as soon as I could to reassure you that I’m in Colombia and I’m safe. Not only that, but I’m with our papa. Mama misled us about him. He’s not a cruel man at all, he’s been nothing but kind to me, and I could want for nothing in his home. He’s done very well for himself and has created a business empire. His house and compound are beautiful, nestling under the mountains.

  He wants to meet you, and I’m longing to see you myself. Papa’s offered to pay for you to come for a visit. You can stay as long as you want. Please do come, as you know, I can’t return to the States, so this is the only way I can see you.

  Your loving sister

  Mariana

  “No.” I hand the letter back. “I don’t know why you’re so anxious to see the son you’ve never met, but I don’t trust you. I’m not bringing Drew here.”

  “I want my son!” he thunders, his fist hitting the table. “You will sign this. And give me his address so I can send it.”

  At least he doesn’t know where Drew is. He might be a kingpin here, but his reach clearly doesn’t extend to the US. Thank goodness.

  “No,” I repeat. His anger is making me uneasy, but instead of making me want to appease him, I vow instead to forfeit anything, even my life, rather than enticing Drew into his clutches.

  Once again his hands clench, and I flinch, wondering whether I’m going to feel those fists hit me. Whatever he does, I’m not going to give Drew away. I watch, nervously, but slowly the tension begins to leave him once more.

  He stretches his fingers, looking down at them, then clasps his hands together. “Miguel will be waiting for you outside, Mariana. He’ll give you time to prepare for your outing. Go, have a pleasant day, enjoy yourself. I’ll see you at dinner.” He picks up the envelope and letter and hands it over once again. “Take this, think on it. Think how wonderful it will be to see your brother. You can post it today; Miguel will show you where to send it.”

  The trip’s today? Rather than arguing, I take the paper and blank envelope. My initial reaction is to tear it up, but instead of that, I hold it tight, a plan forming in my mind. A little burn of excitement inside.

  When I step out of the door, Miguel is indeed waiting. He grins a slimy grin. “Are you looking forward to your excursion, Mariana?”

  I’m not, except for the opportunity it provides. But I don’t want to be rude to him. An escape might be helped if I have my father’s men on my side. “It’s good of you to give up your time, Lieutenant.”

  His grin broadens. “Miguel, please, Mariana. I think we’re going to be friends.”

  I can do friendly, if it’s going to help me get away. In other circumstances, I’d run a mile from such a man. There’s a vibe I don’t like coming from him.

  “I’ll take you to your room, then come back in half an hour.”

  As soon as the door’s closed and locked behind me, I open the desk drawer and find a pen. There’s also paper, but no envelopes. But my father had supplied that for me. Quickly I scrawl a letter of my own.

  Dear Drew

  I haven’t got much time, so must make this quick. By now you’ll know I was deported without a hearing. On arriving in Colombia our father’s men picked me up and brought me to his compound. He’s a rich and powerful man now, and I hate to think how he got that way.

  Stay away from anything to do with him, Drew. On no account must you come to visit. No matter what you hear from me. I wouldn’t put it past him to forge my signature. I’m a prisoner here, but I’m being well treated. Don’t worry about me. Take care of yourself.

  Love you forever

  Ma xxx

  I put the letter in the envelope, seal it, then write the trailer park address on it. Even if Drew’s still staying with Tse, hopefully he’ll think to check the mail. Apart from putting ‘Satan’s Devils Compound, Tucson, Arizona,’ which I suspect has less chance of getting to its destination, I’ve no other ideas on how to get a letter to him. Then I quickly change into a pair of jeans and a warm sweater, putting the letter in my back pocket.

  Grabbing a jacket, thinking it could be cooler in the mountains, I’ve finished just in time as Miguel knocks at the door.

  “So, are you ready to do some exploring?” He’s casually dressed. A light linen button-up shirt over a pair of jeans, and, like me, he’s carrying a jacket.

  “I could do with getting out of this place,” I respond, truthfully. Unable to say I’m thrilled about a day in his company. My answer seems to suffice.

  I thought it would be nearer, our destination is a two-hour drive away. The journey takes us through gently rising gloriously green woodland. As we get higher, the gaps in the forest begin to show stunning views. If I was on vacation, I’d be snapping pictures. If I still had my phone, that is. Which reminds me I’m allowed no communication device. Speaking to Drew, checking he’s okay, would be easy if I had. The thought makes me frown.

  “My company isn’t that distasteful to you, is it?” Miguel chooses that moment to turn around and notices my expression.

  “What do you know, Miguel? Why does my father want me?” I ask questions of my own rather than answering his. It’s not like I could be truthful. “He doesn’t know me.”

  “Perhaps he wants to get to know you.”

  “Man like him? If he had more regard for family, my mothe
r wouldn’t have left him.”

  Miguel cocks his head to one side. “Do you ever think you only heard her story? That he might have one of his own? That it wasn’t just one-sided?”

  Holding out my left arm in front of me, I spit back, “The arm broken by him when I was a child tells its own tale.”

  “An accident. The truth warped by your mother,” he snaps back. “You were a child, Mariana, your memories shaped by what you were told. Your father is a good man, give him a chance and get to know him.”

  “Oh, I remember it clearly. You don’t forget a bone snapping and the pain, even when you’re young.” I’m angry. I hadn’t needed my mom to remind me. I recall it well enough myself. The only thing I can’t recall is what he thought I’d done to deserve it.

  He doesn’t have an immediate comeback. For a few miles we drive in silence. I’m hoping it will continue that way, but then he starts speaking again. “Your father’s older and wiser now, you need to understand the pressure he, we, were under back in those days. We were fighting for peace in our own country. Atrocities committed on either side. You had to become a certain person to deal with that. Now peace has come, that can all be put behind us. Your father has changed, Mariana. Give him a chance to prove it. All he wants is his family to be reunited again.”

  I don’t reply. It would be easy to be taken in by his words, yet I’ve seen my father struggling to control his temper. It would be a very long time, during which hell would probably freeze over, before I’d trust the man.

  Miguel leaves me to my thoughts, concentrating on driving. After a few more miles, he points to a sign. “Not far now.”

  Although I’m not in the mood for sightseeing, even I have to admit to the charm of the beautiful mountain village we’re approaching, taking in the sights as we arrive. Brightly coloured buildings surround a cobbled square, more cobblestone streets leading off of it. With the sun shining down, illuminating the painted houses, I’m enchanted. It wouldn’t be a hardship to explore the little craft shops.

  We’ve had a car following us from the compound. When we park at the side of a road, it draws up behind us. Two armed guards get out, and as Miguel opens the door for me, they come and flank us. I study the reactions of the people around us. Some, who look like tourists going about their business, seem unaffected, but several who I assume are residents look wary. At least one abruptly closes up shop. Guessing the men with us haven’t got a good reputation, it confirms I’m right to be suspicious about Miguel’s defence of my father.

  The people in the craft shops that remain open are friendly enough. I’ve no money, and no reason to buy anything, but it is nice to be out and have some semblance of normality for the first time in months. Not eager to return too quickly to my father’s residence, I feign an interest. There’s a pretty scarf on a stand outside the shop, I pick it up to examine it.

  “You like that?”

  I shrug. “I have no money.”

  “I’ll buy it for you.”

  I look at him in scorn. “You have no reason to buy me a gift, and I have no reason to accept,” I tell him, wanting to preserve the boundary between us. “You say my father wants to get to know me? Well, I’m used to being an independent woman, now I’ve not got a cent to my name.”

  “Cents wouldn’t do you much good here, woman.” He reaches into his pocket and extracts some notes, then presses them into my hand. “Here’s some pesos. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t want you to think I was being kind. I’ll get your father to reimburse me.”

  Little things like walking into a shop and buying things denied to me for so long stop me from arguing. “Thank you.” I take the money, pick up the scarf I pretended had caught my eye, then step into the cute little shop, coming out a few seconds later with my purchase in my hand, and change in my pocket.

  Slowly we edge our way around the colourful displays. I’m keeping my eye out for anything resembling a post office, but nowhere has a post box outside. Reluctantly, I’m going to have to ask my companion.

  “Miguel. My father wanted me to write to Drew. I’ve got a letter to post. Where do I send it?” I ask nonchalantly, trying to contain the excitement that I’ll be able to get my letter and warning to Drew, while kidding them I’m sending the draft my father wanted sent.

  “That shop there. She’ll sort you out.” I glance in the direction he’s pointing.

  “Um, how do you say I’d like to post a letter in Spanish?”

  “I’ll come in with you.” He sounds decisive.

  I don’t want him to see the address on the envelope. “No, if this is going to be my home, I’ve got to learn to do things myself.”

  His look now is approving. “Deseo publicar una carta.”

  I thank him and go into the shop he’s directed me to. When I repeat the words he told me, the woman nods her head. I pass over the envelope and the money. Pleasant smiles are exchanged, and I’m back out on the street, my heart leaping at the thought my letter will reach Drew and warn him.

  Feeling lighter as though I’ve rid myself of a burden, I resolve to enjoy the time I’m in the fresh air, even if it means I have to ignore the three armed men with me. After some more time just walking around, Miguel takes me into a little café. The two guards wait outside. I have coffee and some sort of cake. He tries to engage me in conversation. While I’m not abrupt, neither am I forthcoming. He’s not here as my friend, he’s one of my father’s men. Despite my hopes earlier, there’s no way of slipping away and seeking help. Miguel’s my jailer, as much here as when he locks my bedroom door at the compound. I trust him as much as my father, and that means I don’t trust him at all.

  I sense Miguel would show an interest in me if I allowed it. There’s something about the way he keeps accidentally touching my hand, or when he stands just a little too close. His nearness makes my skin crawl; I don’t like him. His mouth opens and the right words come out, but there’s an air about him that suggests he’s cut from the same cloth as my father.

  The slight liberties he takes worry me, and make me think of Tse. If Tse was my companion, I’d lean into his touches, welcome them. The fleeting thought of the man I’m unlikely ever to see again brings a wave of sadness. He said he’d come with me. But he’s got no way of finding me. I turn away before Miguel can question the tears that come to my eyes, as I allow myself to realise how much I miss Tse.

  When we exit the cafe, Miguel asks one of the others a question in rapid fire Spanish. For a reply, the guard touches his pocket. For some reason he seems to look smug.

  Then we’re back in the car, and now descending the mountain, retracing our path. On the journey back, Miguel doesn’t try to make conversation.

  Chapter 28

  Mouse

  “Yeah?” Having been interrupted I take the opportunity to take out my stash and papers and start rolling again. My brow creases as I observe my unusual visitor. Prospects know better than to interrupt me while I’m working. My interest is piqued as I suspect he’s got a good reason.

  Matt shifts on his feet. “Thought I ought to let you know. I picked Drew up from school today. He asked to go back to the trailer park, seems a book he needed was there.”

  I nod. All good so far.

  What Matt says next has the hairs on the back of my neck pricking. “Fuckin’ trailer was a wreck. Someone had been through it, and through it good.”

  “Neighbours?” It wouldn’t surprise me. The people who live there are as poor as shit, and an abandoned trailer fair game. Couldn’t even blame them.

  “Nah. TV was smashed. Thieves would have taken it. I reckon someone was trying to find something. Info where Drew had gone, perhaps?”

  Narrowing my eyes, I consider the prospect. He’s a smart one. He’s not been involved in our discussions, and only brothers know Mariana’s father wants to get his hands on Drew. Seems we might have brought the fight Stateside.

  “Drew okay?” I ask.

  “Yes, and…” Matt looks like he hasn’t quite finished
, but he pinches his nose. “He was upset, obviously. Took some time pokin’ around. Found the fuckin’ textbook he was after—one of the only things not destroyed. We went to the manager’s office to see if anyone saw anything. Of course they didn’t. There were a couple pieces of mail waiting there. One a bill, and one which upset him. Think you need to talk to him, Mouse. Oh, and the manager said someone had been hangin’ around the park. A Hispanic, but he couldn’t give a better description. He couldn’t say it was him who wrecked the trailer. Oh, and I secured it as best I could.”

  Wondering what could have caused Drew to become more distressed than the destruction of his home, I start to stand. Matt holds up his hand. “When we left the trailer park, I noticed we’d picked up a tail. I stopped that damn car, changed places with Drew. Took some evasive actions and managed to lose whoever it was.”

  Now it’s me that’s troubled. “You did good, Prospect.” When it comes to deciding whether to patch him in, he’ll get my vote. “When you stopped to take over the driving, he approach you?”

  “Nah, stayed well back. I had my gun handy in case. Looked to me like he wanted to find where we were heading, rather than wanting a confrontation on the street.”

  I purse my lips, thinking. First thing to do is to make sure the kid’s okay. Then I’ll need to bring Drummer in on this. Hopefully, Matt’s right and he lost the tail. If not, trouble might be brewing.

  Without having to say the words, Matt knows he’s dismissed. I follow him out to see what state Drew’s in, concerned today’s events might have disturbed him. But that’s one thing I needn’t have worried about, and my lips curl slightly when I see Drew standing by the bar, his arms gesticulating wildly, an audience around him.

  “Then Matt slammed on the brakes and cornered fast. Damn, didn’t know my car could move like that. Went around it on two wheels. Whoever was after us couldn’t keep up.” He pauses for breath. “Matt took us off in a different direction, moving like a racing driver. Pretty sure we lost him.”