I sucked in a deep breath. One thing at a time. You’re going to survive this.
All dark musings stopped as we pulled up to their house. No, not a house. It was too colossal to be categorized as a house.
My jaw dropped. “You live in a mansion.”
Javi turned to me and glanced out the window. “Yeah. I guess you’d call it a mansion.”
He shrugged and leaned back as the car stopped. My heart pounded as the driver opened the doors and ushered us out. There had to be multiple places in their home to hide a person. Fear came rushing back in waves and for a second, I contemplated staying in the car and bribing the driver to take me back to the hangar.
My legs made the choice for me.
Once again, I was a puppet. Anger sparked inside me as I was forced to follow. I glared at Javi as I stopped and stood beside him. Like a dog to its owner. His eyes darted away from mine, unable to meet my gaze. Good. I wanted him to feel guilty. I needed him on my side.
“Thank you, Joe.” Tía Teresa smiled and motioned the driver off.
My throat turned dry as I watched the SUV drive off. I turned to face the gigantic structure and steeled myself. The home itself didn’t feel creepy, but its utter lack of spookiness made me suspicious. Who knew what horrors were held within the sparkling white stucco?
What I found inside left me stunned. I’d never been inside an honest to goodness Malibu mansion before. Sure, I’d seen them on the trashy reality shows, but seeing it in person was a totally different experience.
The entry was filled with a mix of Spanish-Mexican décor, a tribute to our heritage. Somehow instead of clashing, the cultures blended, giving the house a rich, traditional feel. A wide-open foyer made of dark terrazzo shone from the light streaming in the high arched windows.
As I followed the others deeper into the house, my head swerved taking it all in. This was the kind of house where the children were seen, but not heard. Even at seventeen, I felt as if I needed to hold my breath as we walked past the cabinets filled with fine china and dazzling crystal.
“I have to go, but I’ll be back later. I promise. I’ll tell you everything you want to know. Later.” Javi game me a guilty smile.
I frowned and watched him disappear down a hallway and the twins walked off in the opposite direction. I was left with my tía, who motioned me toward the dining room.
“I’ll give you a short tour, just so you know where things are and then I’ll let you get settled in your room.”
I nodded and trod after her, the obedient dog that I was. Their house was like something from a magazine. They had a small movie theater room, a ginormous gourmet style kitchen and five and a half bathrooms. Five and a half. I’d never seen such wealth all in one place before. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I was impressed and a little suspicious.
How did my tío make their money?
Outside, the gardens and dazzling blue pool and hot tub were just as impressive. This was the kind of place celebrities and politicians would party. I’d grown up among the rich of Sonoma, but even I was way, way out of my depth.
By the time my tía was done showing off their palace, my head pounded. I sighed in relief as she led me back inside and to the biggest, windiest staircase I’d ever seen.
My mouth hung open as I took in the majestically carved and polished wood.
Tía Teresa cleared her throat. “This way to your room. Sergio will bring your bags.”
I glanced back as a scar faced man appeared. He grunted in response. I wasn’t sure what to make of his reaction. He looked like someone from the Godfather. Someone who schlepped bodies not luggage.
“Rosa!” Tía’s shrill voice scattered my thoughts.
I hurried up the stairs, leaving Sergio to take care of the luggage. The room was surprisingly simple compared to the rest of the mansion, not exactly homey, but not as lavishly fancy either. A lush dark red duvet covered the large four poster bed. The closet doors were a rich mahogany and a vanity, also carved in the dark wood, stood in one corner along with a coffee table and chairs. On the opposite side, daylight poured in from two large glass-paned doors.
“Of course, you can make it to your liking… within reason.” Tía Teresa gave me a hesitant smile.
I grinned. “Does this mean I can’t hang up my collection of shrunken heads?”
She blinked at me. I could read the question in her eyes. She was trying to figure out if I was serious. I bit back a laugh.
Her face relaxed. “Oh. You are joking.”
I shrugged and glanced around the room.
It wasn’t home. It would never be home, but I did appreciate her attempt to make me comfortable. Though a tiny voice in my head warned me not to drop my guard. The old adage of catching more flies with honey or something like that came to mind.
Well, this was one fly that wouldn’t be tricked no matter how nice the trap smelled.
“You’ll have your own bathroom and access to the kitchen anytime you like. Javi’s room is down the hall.”
I turned to her. I wasn’t sure if the latter comment was a warning or not. She moved about the room swiping away invisible dust, ignoring my glare.
Dismissing her veiled threat, I moved toward the glass-paned doors to look out. My eyes widened in surprise. A balcony.
They’d given me a room with a balcony. A small smile spread on my face. That would make my escape easier.
I nodded politely as Tía Teresa
