Page 123 of Marks of Rebellion

Kid's got a good point.

Sadie brings two more plates to the table and sits with us.

"Why are you in Honduras?" I ask.

"Cheap to live. Plus, we aren't far from the ocean," Sadie responds.

"Hmmm." I take my first bite, and the garlic and tomatoes burst with flavor in my mouth. After I gobble up half the plate, I put my fork down. "Tell me about your connections."

"I think you should go by boat. The earthquake messed a lot of roads up. Plus, you can navigate the borders easier."

The memory of Vanessa celebrating after our border crossings pops up, and my heart shakes.

"Can I leave tonight?"

"Not sure. I need to make a call. You should have a phone though."

"Don't have time."

He gets up, opens a cabinet, and throws a cell on the table.

"Where did you get that?"

Sadie nervously glances at him then me.

"What? Is it stolen?"

"No, not stolen. But we kind of have a side business going on..." Kyle says.

I snort. "Like an illegal one?"

Silence.

"Hey, how did you know it was Torres that took Vanessa?"

"Everyone knows what Torres looks like. The poverty is bad here. More people than you would ever imagine are mixed up in his cartel."

"Including my boss," Sadie grumbles.

"Your boss?"

"Yeah. Our hotel is a significant drop-off location. Every few months, Torres comes and pays us a visit, too."

My gut flips. Out of all the hotels we could have chosen, we walked right into the enemy's lair.

"I have to get to Belize City. Can you make the phone call now, please?" I ask.

Kyle nods and points. "You eat. I'll call." He leaves the room, and I shove the rest of the food in my mouth.

"Thank you, ma'am. That hit the spot."

"Do you want more?"

"No, thank you. I really just need to get going."

Kyle comes in with his hand over the phone. "We'll leave tomorrow, early morning." He exits the room again.

I sigh. I'm grateful for all Sadie and Kyle have done, but I can't get to my Flower fast enough.