Page 57 of Bit's Bliss

“How are you, Eberly?” Zin asked after Trevino left the room.

I folded my arms. “Tired of people not being straight with me.” I looked between him and his father. Before either could respond, Trevino returned.

“I spoke with Brix. He’s aware I intend to tell Eberly about thecaballeros.” Like I had, he looked between the two other men in the room.

“I think that’s a good idea,” said my uncle.

That seemed to surprise both Zin and Trevino.

“Earlier, I told you I sent a message to Vader and my brothers. Those words may have been misleading. What I am about to tell you, though, you cannot repeat to anyone else,” said Trevino, sitting beside me.

“Okay.”

“Do we have your word, Eberly?” Zin asked.

I could feel Trevino tense beside me.

“You do,” I answered, squeezing his hand.

I listened as the three men told me about an organization they belonged to that had been in existence for hundreds of years. The way they explained it was that Los Caballeros, as it was called, was a secret society, a brotherhood of sorts, that came to the aid of those who needed help.

“I realize that explanation sounds vague,” said Zin. “But it’s accurate.”

Trevino cleared his throat. “Last night, when your uncle stayed here with you, it was because I called an emergency meeting to discuss your father’s actions and to see if anyone might know where he was. I shared the same things with them that I had with you about what Decker Ashford learned.”

Like I had with him, he squeezed my hand.

“Go on,” I said.

“Once Bit returned, that’s where I went,” my uncle added. “In conjunction with the sheriff, thecaballerosare mounting an effort to locate your father. The other thing you should know, Eberly, is he’s also a member. We consider him our brother, and we’ll do everything we can to find him.”

“Do you think something happened to him?” I asked.

“We don’t know anything more than you do,” said Zin. “However, we don’t think he’d leave without telling you. Especially after the amount of time that’s passed.”

“The reason we asked for a word with Bit when you arrived is because another emergency meeting has been called.” My uncle looked at his phone, then up at Trevino. “They’re waiting for you now.”

“I’ll return as soon as I can,” he said, squeezing my hand one more time before letting go and standing.

“Hold on,” I said when he walked toward the front door. I rushed over and hugged him. “Thank you for telling me.” I leaned up and kissed his cheek.

“You’re welcome,” he said, kissing my lips. “I’ll try not to be long.”

“Would you like a glass of wine?” I asked once my uncle and I were alone.

He stood. “I should probably stick with coffee if you’ve got it.”

“I’ll make a pot.” I’d already had plenty, but something told me this would be a late night.

“With very few exceptions, only members are permitted to attend the Los Caballeros meetings. That’s why Trevino didn’t offer for you to go with him.”

“It’s okay. I get the impression that him even telling me about it was a big deal.”

“It isn’t allowed. I should rephrase that. Typically, once acaballeromarries, there is an unwritten rule that their spouse be told about the organization. Not in every case, but most.”

“Does Aunt Evelyn know?”

“Yes,” he said, following me into the kitchen.