Page 42 of Marks of Rebellion

"If it wasn't him, who was it?"

"The Guatemalan guerillas."

"The..." Hunter's eyes turn into slits.

Great. I just hurt him again by not telling him sooner.

"What?" I say, to try and move the conversation past it.

Hunter crosses his arms. "The U.S. had a military operation in Belize in the 1980's against the Guatemalan guerillas. They wanted to shut down the Communist Movement."

"Belize isn't communist," Naomi points out.

"No. But if it were up to the Guatemalan guerillas, it would be," Hunter states.

"True. But what does communism have to do with them kidnapping Vanessa? And how did you end up with Santiago Gómez?" she asks.

"They sold me a week ago."

"Mother..." Hunter mutters under his breath.

I take a deep breath and shift. I can feel his eyes on me, but it's too painful to look at him.

"If the U.S. were worried about communism, they would want Vanessa, not Naomi. I don't think that's it," Andre says.

"I agree," Naomi says.

The conversation moves into what Naomi knows.

Hunter explains how the U.S. President has made it his mission to destroy the Colombian cartel because of his daughter, whose death he blames on Santiago's brother, Nicolas Gómez. She met him four months ago, and they had a scandalous affair before she overdosed on cocaine. And that the President has escalated the war on drugs campaign.

That's a lie. The President and his daughter both met the drug cartel leaders prior to four months ago.

Should I tell them?

No, it's too dangerous. I would have to tell them how I know that.

My pulse increases, and I debate about what to do.

But I decide that piece of information isn't pertinent to Naomi going to the U.S. or not.

Naomi puts her hand over her heart. "Nicolas...oh God. I know why the U.S. wants me."

Andre's eyes widen. "They're going to trade you."

"He wouldn't!" I cry out. But I already know he would. I've spent numerous hours with him and he is as sinister as Carlos. "You'll die or spend the rest of your life in prison if he hands you over to the Belizean officials. He would know the consequences."

"He would. I've met him. He's callous and only cares about his own agenda," Andre growls.

I jump, and Hunter's jaw clenches.

"Andre's right. There isn't anything I wouldn't put past that man," Hunter agrees.

"So, he wants to trade Naomi for Nicolas?" I ask.

Andre stares at Naomi. "Can you think of any other reason?"

She rises. "No." She leaves for the tent, and Andre follows her.