Page 76 of Liar

“War.”

“War?” I whisper. It’s such a short word, like “the” or “and.” Yet the power behind these three letters strung together manages to knock the wind out of me.

“Go and pack. Before the Bastard drags me into a back alley and cuts off my verga.”

“Are you certain?”

“Certain?” He shudders, his fear a tangible thing. “Sí, I’m certain.”

“I’ll need a few minutes.”

“Fine.”

Hurrying about, I change clothing and throw a few necessities into a bag. I lock up and then am back inside the car from last night. Except this time, it’s Javier who slides in next to me.

“I should call Diego.” I dig inside my purse, then curse beneath my breath after I realize my phone is in the charger by my bed.

“We’ll need to get the Bastard’s permission first.”

“His permission? To call my brother?”

“Sorry, Luciana. Everything’s fucked up right now. If I make the wrong decision ...”

“Fine. I’ll speak with Hayden once we get to the Hole.” Borrow a phone after I ask him about what’s happening.

My declaration causes Javier to wince. Hayden must be furious that peace has ended.

“How angry is he?”

“Enraged.” Javier shakes his head. “Trust me, you never want to be on the receiving end of that kind of anger.”

My eyebrows raise. “That bad?”

“Worse.” He pauses, then shakes his head. “I’ve said enough. Just be glad you’re under Lobos’ protection.”

The crumbling façade of a centuries old church catches my eye as the car passes through the east side of the square. It’s like the church is weeping tears of white plaster. Like it knows war will threaten everything learned within its walls. Yet, the structure still stands, surviving war after war, hardship, and strife. That’s Loreto.

That’s Diego and me.

I shake my head, suddenly filled with determination. I’ve been lied to, punched, dropped, and humiliated. Hurt, time after time. But I’ll heal and recover. I’ll end up stronger, just like I always do.

War. No one wanted it, especially Hayden.

I fall back into my seat as the church disappears from view. Peace feeling very much like a thin, holy wafer, dissolving on our tongues before we can acquire a taste for it.

* * *

Fear fills the Hole, with men coming and going, shouting and whispering, and tensions thicker than a stack of overinflated, government issued pesos. Everyone is confused about the reason why peace has abruptly ended.

And the man at the center of it all? The Bastard? He’s worshippedandfeared.

I, myself, am frustrated. After being firmly told to stay inside the Hole and take a seat on the sidelines while the Lobos react to the swift change in events, I’m relegated to staring at the walls and allowing my mind to run rampant.

Did Ignacio go too far? Was ruining my life not satisfying enough? Is the money his nephew has been hiding in laundry bags at my lavandería now financing this war?

Or is this Marifer’s doing? Have her negotiations with the Colombians gone to her head? Is this her move, her powerplay?

Diego will know—but first he needs to answer his phone.