“Ah Victoria. It is nice to meet you.” Said Francisco as he took Victoria’s hand. “Roberto spoke of you often but you are far more beautiful than I imagined.” He said as he kissed her hand. His hand was cold and weak and something about him made her uneasy. She pulled her hand away and tried not to shudder.
“Welcome to Ciudad Olvidado, Francisco. How long do you plan to visit?”
“My dear you misunderstand. My mother has asked me here to help in the running of the Hacienda.”
Great Victoria thought. That’s all I need. “I think you will find that everything is in order so you need not concern yourself with such trivial matters.” She said. “Surely you have more important things to do?”
“Nothing would please me more than to work alongside you. Perhaps we could become better ah…acquainted. I would like that very much.” He said as he smiled suggestively. The smile did not reach his eyes and in them Victoria saw something to be wary of and perhaps even to fear.
“And perhaps not you slimy bastard…I hope I didn’t say that out loud.” Victoria thought and started to grin.
Luckily for Victoria at that moment dinner was served. Victoria did her best to make polite conversation the rest of the evening. Fortunately, Francisco had had a very trying day and was overly tired so he retired to his room shortly after dinner.
“You will show my son courtesy and you will work with him while he is here.” Said Olivia.
“I will do what I feel is right. Now if you will excuse me I am going to bed.” Said Victoria.
“You are not excused and I have matters to discuss with you.”
“No, I’m going to bed and it will have to wait until tomorrow.” Said Victoria getting up from the table.
Storm/Beckster woke to a beautiful morning in this strange new place that she had happened upon. As she was stretching, out of nowhere came a projectile that nearly knocked her off her feet. That projectile turned out to be Maggie.
“Hi, my name is Maggie are you new here?” Maggie said in a rush. Without waiting for an answer she continued,” It’s great to live here. We have all this land to run, we have the horses, it’s a great life.. I hope you will be staying.” Storm/Beckster looked at Maggie and said, “Are you always like this in the morning?”
“Yes, yes, It’s another glorious day here at the ranch.” Said Maggie as she danced around in a circle.
“Seriously, did they put something in your dog food?”
“No, why do you ask?” Said Maggie. The front door opened and the dogs looked up expectantly.
“Maybe it is an androgynous alien from another dimension only pretending to be human to cause the world pain and suffering and therefore further their diabolical plot to take over the earth.” Said Maggie. Storm/Beckster looked at Maggie, “Seriously, I want whatever you are taking.”
It was only Santo which set Maggie off again. “It’s Santo.” She sighed. “He is so handsome and strong.” Maggie said. Santo approached to greet the newest member of the pack.
“Hi my name is Santo.”
“My name is Beckster but that guy in there insists on calling me Storm.”
“Glad to meet you Beckster. Welcome to our pack.”
“Hi Santo. Beautiful morning isn’t it?” Said Maggie shyly.
“Oh hi Maggie.” Santo said as he walked away.
“He never notices me.” Said Maggie as she headed for the stables with her head down. Storm/Beckster just looked after her and shook her head. “Poor kid.” She thought.
Again the door opened. This time it was Victoria followed by Olivia and Francisco. Storm/Beckster watched them approach. She liked Victoria’s energy but she did not like the energies of Olivia and Francisco. The hackles rose on Beckster’s back and she growled low in her throat. She let Victoria pass but not the other two. She blocked their path and her growl became more intense. Olivia and Francisco came to a halt in front of the dog. “Be gone you beast.” Said Olivia. “Good try.” Thought Beckster as she approached the woman. Olivia took a step backwards.
“Shoo you horrible dog.” Said Francisco as he waved a hanky at Beckster.
“I’ve got your hanky right here, scumbag.” Said Beckster and she began to bark. and growl at the same time.
Victoria stopped and turned around. At the same time Raul came out of the stables to see what the commotion was about. He stopped next to Victoria. “What’s going on?” He said. Victoria, trying to hide a smile but not succeeding, said ”I don’t think this new dog likes Olivia or Francisco.” “I just don’t understand that” Smirked Raul.
“Is there a problem Senora?” Asked Raul.
“This beast will not let us pass. I demand that you remove this horrible creature from the property immediately.” Cried Olivia.
“Storm, come.” Said Raul. Storm/Beckster came to Raul and sat at his feet at attention. She was not growling but she was on the alert and watched them closely.
As Olivia and Francisco walked up to Raul, instead of quitting while she was ahead Olivia said, “This animal should be shot. Francisco go in the house and bring me my gun. I’ll do it myself.” As Francisco turned to go back to the hacienda to get the gun Storm/Beckster lunged and caught Francisco right on his backside tearing his pants and ripping some flesh along with it. “Not so fast buddy.” Thought Storm/Beckster. Olivia took her ever present whip and began hitting the dog. Storm/Beckster turned her attention toward Olivia and managed to get a good bite in on her leg before Raul could pull her off. She grabbed the whip in her teeth and shook her head from side to side all the while chewing the whip into sawdust. Olivia was beside herself. Not only did she lose a perfectly good riding whip (again) but she looked like a fool in front of the help. “Miguel, would you help the Senora and Senor into the house?” Asked Raul. “Certainly.” Said Miguel.
“We don’t need your help.” Said Olivia as she walked stiffly back to the house. Francisco walked ahead of her holding his hanky on his backside.
“Bad dog.” Said Raul with a grin. Beckster looked up at Raul with her best doggie grin, “At least he has a use for his hanky now.” She said sweetly.
“Well, that went well.” Said Victoria looking at Raul. What she saw in his eyes made her heart jump.
“You look very lovely this morning Victoria.” Said Raul as he took her elbow and walked into the stables. Flustered, Victoria smoothed her hair.
“I was giving Francisco the tour of the Hacienda but it looks like it will have to wait.” She said. “What time is Jack coming this morning?
“He will be coming at 10:00 for a consultation regarding Diablo.” Said Raul. “Do you wish to meet with him also?”
“Yes, I would like to hear what he has to say.” She said.
“Would you like to take Misterio out for a ride this morning?” Asked Raul.
“Yes. Will you be coming with me?” Victoria said before she could stop herself. She blushed and stammered, “I only meant that... perhaps it would be safer if you accompanied me considering what you found in the grass the other day.”
“Regrettably I cannot. But take the rifle just in case. I would never forgive myself if any harm came to you. And I pitty the man who tried. I would make sure it never happened again.” Raul said with a glint in his eye like hardened steel. Victoria had never seen him look like that and it made her shiver. When he looked at her again his eyes showed emotions that she was not able to name. "I wish he would look at me like that always--para siempre." Victoria thought. She turned and mounted her horse. “Have a good ride and be careful.” He said
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Capitulo 4 September 27, 2008
Capitulo 4
“Yes, Julietta.” Victoria said as the hastily straightened her wig.
Dona Olivia is ready for lunch and “asks” that you come down immediately.” “Tell her I’ll be there shortly.” Said Victoria.
Raul was still sitting at his desk when he heard a commotion outside. “What’s going on Manuel?” asked Raul. “Jefe, that dog is chasing the horses and I was trying to scare it away.” Said Manuel. Raul looked and sure enough there was a pit-bull running after the horses. Upon closer inspection the dog was not running after the horses but with the horses. The dog broke away and headed straight for Manuel. She charged and knocked Manuel flat on his back. Raul could have sworn the dog was smiling as she danced away. She came over to Raul and sat at his feet. She was a brindle pitbull and part of one ear was missing. The dog looked up at Raul expectantly.
“What’s your name girl and what brought you here?” Wondered Raul.
“Beckster. My name’s Beckster and I was playing with the horses when I was so rudely interrupted by that AssHat over there. But I took care of him didn’t I?” She said with a chuckle.
“I think I’ll call you Storm. Welcome to Hacienda Florian.”
“My name is Beckster, why can’t anyone understand that?”
“Miguel, take Storm and get her some food.” Said Raul. “Just what we need another animal. Well, I’ll put her to work that’s for sure.” He thought.
Raul was known for being kind to animals and could not turn away a stray or an abused animal. Not only did they have Santo (who was really Victoria’s dog) they had Molly the fainting goat, several llamas, and his dog Maggie who helped with the herding of the horses when necessary. Not to mention the various array of barnyard animals.
“What took you so long?” snarled Olivia.
“I was freshening up.” Said Victoria.
“Well you took your sweet time about it. Tonight we are having a very special guest and I expect you to greet him warmly. Said Olivia.
“What a witch.” Victoria thought to herself. “Of course, I’ll be sure to pencil it in.” Said Victoria.
“How my son put up with you is beyond me. You are impertinent and I just won’t have it.” Said Olivia.
“I believe I’ve lost my appetite.” Said Victoria as she got up from the table.
“How dare you walk out on me!” Said Olivia.
I’m sure you’ll get over it.” Said Victoria as she headed out to the stables to watch Miguel train the horses. As she entered the stables she could hear Raul’s TV as he flipped channels.
“For just 19.95 you too can have this very special hat. The propeller is interchangeable and it also comes with a protective aluminum lining to keep out pesky nuclear radiation waves. For an additional $5.99 you get 10—I said 10 extra propellers in the color of your choice…
Flip
“This is a one of a kind offer—You can slice it, you can dice it, but this cell phone will withstand any punishment. Slam it on a desk—no problemo. Drop it from a building; smash it on somebody’s head---no problemo …
Flip
Raul turned off the TV in disgust. Commercials, nothing but commercials. He heard a noise outside and looked up to see Victoria standing in the doorway.
“I see you took in another stray.” Said Victoria as Beckster walked up and sniffed her.
“Sure did.” Said Miguel. “Her name is Storm.”
“No it’s not…” thought Beckster disgustedly.
“Good dog.” Said Victoria as she stooped to give her a pat on the head.
“What brings you out to the stables Victoria.”
“I had to get away from Olivia and wanted to see the new stallion up close.”
“He sure is giving Miguel a hard time. I’ve got a specialist coming over tomorrow to have a look at him and give us some pointers.”
“That should be interesting.” Said Victoria. “What’s that on your desk?” she asked.
“I found it in the grass next to the waterfall after you left.” He said. I can’t figure out where it came from. “
She picked it up and turned it over in her hand. It was long and thin with an intricate design carved into the top and bottom. “It looks like a box but it doesn’t open.” Said Victoria. “I don’t recognize this material either. It doesn’t look like wood.” She said.. She continued to inspect it and ran her hand over the top carving when she heard a snap and a thin deadly looking blade sprang from one end. “Ouch” she cried as the blade nicked her hand.” Raul jumped up from his chair and went to her side. “Let me get something for your hand..” He said. She sat in his chair as he cleaned her hand. He was close to her, much to close to her. He removed the cloth and looked at her hand closely. “I don’t think you will need any stitches.” He said as he looked into her blue eyes. “Keep this on it to stop the bleeding.” He said. He bent down to pick up the knife. “Why would such a knife be here?” He thought.
“I will be stepping up security. Don’t tell anyone about this until I’ve had a chance to do some checking.” He said.
“I won’t.” Said Victoria
He put his arm around her as he helped her out of the chair. His arms were comforting and strong. If only she could stay in his arms forever.
“Do you need help getting back to the hacienda?”
“No, I’ll be fine. I came to watch the horses.”
“You need to go back and get that cleaned up. Don’t you have a guest coming for dinner?”
“Unfortunately yes.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow Victoria.”
The way he said her name made her shiver.
She hastily showered, wrapped her hand and got dressed for dinner. As she approached the dining room she could hear Olivia laughing and a male voice that she didn’t recognize. She entered the room and all conversation stopped. Olivia looked at Victoria and said, “Victoria I’d like to present Francisco Rivera, Roberto’s half brother. Francisco, this is Roberto’s widow Victoria.”……
“Yes, Julietta.” Victoria said as the hastily straightened her wig.
Dona Olivia is ready for lunch and “asks” that you come down immediately.” “Tell her I’ll be there shortly.” Said Victoria.
Raul was still sitting at his desk when he heard a commotion outside. “What’s going on Manuel?” asked Raul. “Jefe, that dog is chasing the horses and I was trying to scare it away.” Said Manuel. Raul looked and sure enough there was a pit-bull running after the horses. Upon closer inspection the dog was not running after the horses but with the horses. The dog broke away and headed straight for Manuel. She charged and knocked Manuel flat on his back. Raul could have sworn the dog was smiling as she danced away. She came over to Raul and sat at his feet. She was a brindle pitbull and part of one ear was missing. The dog looked up at Raul expectantly.
“What’s your name girl and what brought you here?” Wondered Raul.
“Beckster. My name’s Beckster and I was playing with the horses when I was so rudely interrupted by that AssHat over there. But I took care of him didn’t I?” She said with a chuckle.
“I think I’ll call you Storm. Welcome to Hacienda Florian.”
“My name is Beckster, why can’t anyone understand that?”
“Miguel, take Storm and get her some food.” Said Raul. “Just what we need another animal. Well, I’ll put her to work that’s for sure.” He thought.
Raul was known for being kind to animals and could not turn away a stray or an abused animal. Not only did they have Santo (who was really Victoria’s dog) they had Molly the fainting goat, several llamas, and his dog Maggie who helped with the herding of the horses when necessary. Not to mention the various array of barnyard animals.
“What took you so long?” snarled Olivia.
“I was freshening up.” Said Victoria.
“Well you took your sweet time about it. Tonight we are having a very special guest and I expect you to greet him warmly. Said Olivia.
“What a witch.” Victoria thought to herself. “Of course, I’ll be sure to pencil it in.” Said Victoria.
“How my son put up with you is beyond me. You are impertinent and I just won’t have it.” Said Olivia.
“I believe I’ve lost my appetite.” Said Victoria as she got up from the table.
“How dare you walk out on me!” Said Olivia.
I’m sure you’ll get over it.” Said Victoria as she headed out to the stables to watch Miguel train the horses. As she entered the stables she could hear Raul’s TV as he flipped channels.
“For just 19.95 you too can have this very special hat. The propeller is interchangeable and it also comes with a protective aluminum lining to keep out pesky nuclear radiation waves. For an additional $5.99 you get 10—I said 10 extra propellers in the color of your choice…
Flip
“This is a one of a kind offer—You can slice it, you can dice it, but this cell phone will withstand any punishment. Slam it on a desk—no problemo. Drop it from a building; smash it on somebody’s head---no problemo …
Flip
Raul turned off the TV in disgust. Commercials, nothing but commercials. He heard a noise outside and looked up to see Victoria standing in the doorway.
“I see you took in another stray.” Said Victoria as Beckster walked up and sniffed her.
“Sure did.” Said Miguel. “Her name is Storm.”
“No it’s not…” thought Beckster disgustedly.
“Good dog.” Said Victoria as she stooped to give her a pat on the head.
“What brings you out to the stables Victoria.”
“I had to get away from Olivia and wanted to see the new stallion up close.”
“He sure is giving Miguel a hard time. I’ve got a specialist coming over tomorrow to have a look at him and give us some pointers.”
“That should be interesting.” Said Victoria. “What’s that on your desk?” she asked.
“I found it in the grass next to the waterfall after you left.” He said. I can’t figure out where it came from. “
She picked it up and turned it over in her hand. It was long and thin with an intricate design carved into the top and bottom. “It looks like a box but it doesn’t open.” Said Victoria. “I don’t recognize this material either. It doesn’t look like wood.” She said.. She continued to inspect it and ran her hand over the top carving when she heard a snap and a thin deadly looking blade sprang from one end. “Ouch” she cried as the blade nicked her hand.” Raul jumped up from his chair and went to her side. “Let me get something for your hand..” He said. She sat in his chair as he cleaned her hand. He was close to her, much to close to her. He removed the cloth and looked at her hand closely. “I don’t think you will need any stitches.” He said as he looked into her blue eyes. “Keep this on it to stop the bleeding.” He said. He bent down to pick up the knife. “Why would such a knife be here?” He thought.
“I will be stepping up security. Don’t tell anyone about this until I’ve had a chance to do some checking.” He said.
“I won’t.” Said Victoria
He put his arm around her as he helped her out of the chair. His arms were comforting and strong. If only she could stay in his arms forever.
“Do you need help getting back to the hacienda?”
“No, I’ll be fine. I came to watch the horses.”
“You need to go back and get that cleaned up. Don’t you have a guest coming for dinner?”
“Unfortunately yes.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow Victoria.”
The way he said her name made her shiver.
She hastily showered, wrapped her hand and got dressed for dinner. As she approached the dining room she could hear Olivia laughing and a male voice that she didn’t recognize. She entered the room and all conversation stopped. Olivia looked at Victoria and said, “Victoria I’d like to present Francisco Rivera, Roberto’s half brother. Francisco, this is Roberto’s widow Victoria.”……
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Para Siempre
It was a beautiful day and the first one that Raul had had to himself in a long time. (At least since the Patron’s death a month ago.) The sun was hot and the water was cool as he dove in. He surfaced and floated on his back looking up at the sky. The drops on his brown skin shimmered in the morning sunlight. At 32 Raul was a fine specimen of a man with black curly hair, piercing brown eyes, and a muscular body. Although the women flocked to him, his heart belonged to another.Hacienda Florian was the top producer of Tequila in the region as well as having the most beautiful horses. As manager of the Hacienda he must oversee the work in the agave fields and tequila production as well as the training and care of the horses. His hope was that his brother Miguel would learn quickly so he could help work with the horses. Don Roberto Florian was a cruel and selfish man. He met his death in a mysterious “accident.” Some say it was the work of El Chacal but others tell a different story. Rumor had it that perhaps he had a boyfriend but nobody knows for sure.With a big sigh Raul swam to the edge of the pool and climbed out. As he put on his pants he heard a noise. He silently made his way through the bushes to see what it was. Peering through the vegetation he saw Dona Victoria. At 27 she was too young to be a widow. Her long blond hair reminded him of cornsilk and her blue eyes were more blue than even the sky above. She was the kindest, most beautiful woman Raul had ever known. She pretended to grieve for her husband but deep inside he knew she was happy. Roberto was twice her age and she never loved him. Her father arranged the marriage as a “business deal” to merge the two tequila enterprises. Soon after they married Victoria’s father “died.” Victoria made the best of the marriage. She actually tried to love Roberto but nothing she did was right. He would travel on business for days and when he did come home he was always in a foul mood. It didn’t help that his mother Olivia lived with them at the hacienda. Oliva was almost as cruel as her son. She had a vicious temper and would strike Victoria for the smallest thing. She carried a riding whip with her and whenever the servants displeased her she would strike them also. Now that Roberto was gone Olivia believed herself Queen of the Castle. However, when Victoria’s father died she inherited her father’s half of the business. There was a stipulation that she must outlive Roberto by 3 years in order to inherit the rest.Victoria was glad to escape from the Hacienda to get away from Olivia who was in a particularly foul mood today. As a means of escape Victoria told Maria (the cook) that she would like to pick the berries for the pie for dinner. Victoria was well liked by the staff because she always treated them with kindness. Maria wouldn’t usually let the Patrona pick berries but she knew it was a way to escape Dona Olivia. Victoria sat on a nearby rock to rest and gazed up into the sky. Olivia said there was an important guest coming for dinner this evening but would not tell Victoria who it was. A small tear escaped her eye and ran down her cheek. She would have to find a way to cover what was left of her black eye so the guest wouldn’t see it. How did she get herself into such a mess? As another tear ran down her face she heard a noise behind her coming from the bushes…..
The German Shepherd, more black than brown and just over one hundred pounds, darted from the hedges and came at Victoria with tail wagging. “Santo--you scared me!” she scolded, but wiped her tears and broke into a smile at the sight of him. Santo rested both forepaws up on the rock, next to her lap, and nuzzled her until she scratched him behind the ears the way he’d always liked. When he started sniffing at her skirt pockets, Victoria knew just what the dog was after. Still balancing the basket of fresh berries in one hand, she reached into a pocket with the other, produced a doggie treat and held it over his head. Santo immediately backed off the rock and went to stiff attention, eyes never leaving her, waiting for the slightest command. “Sit...” His hindquarters lowered to the ground without the rest of him moving. He could have been a statue. “Good dog.” With a laugh, Victoria gave Santo his prize. He lapped it greedily--but carefully--without leaving so much as a scratch on her fingers.Santo’s appearance wouldn’t have scared her so badly, but she was on the verge of finally inheriting the birthright left by her father and she’d been getting crank phone calls lately. Someone would either listen to her breathe for a moment, or hang up without speaking.An icy chill slid up Victoria’s spine. “Better get these berries to Maria.” She was sliding off the rock when Santo’s playful mood suddenly changed. The dog stiffened, growled, then began barking as if ready to tear something--or someone--into chunks. He bounded around the flat boulder and put himself between Victoria and the tall foliage that obscured the view to the Florian swimming hole. Victoria quickly got to her feet. “Raul. Is that you?”A rich chuckle came from behind the tallest bush. “How did you know?”“You always set Santo off for some reason. I wish I knew why,” she replied, suspicious.“Patrona, call him off.”“Call him off... what?”A long pause. Men and their pride! Finally... “Call him off, please.”“Down, Santo. Quiet.”Victoria couldn’t help grinning at the hacienda manager as he slipped between the trees and sauntered over to stand in front of her. Her eyes drank him in as if he were a long, tall glass of ice water. He was that indeed, wearing only pants and no shirt, dripping wet. But Raul Vega’s good looks and strong body weren’t the only things she admired about him. The great respect for her in his expression warmed her heart. The smoldering desire for her in his dark gaze warmed her... somewhere else.“Am I in trouble for taking too long a work break?” he asked softly. “Seeing as I’m not my mother in law... no.” He wasn’t touching her, but the way he looked down at her made her swear he was. “Nice berries, ma’am.” With a start, Victoria realized she’d been clutching the fruit bowl tightly against her full breasts, right where they strained against her scoop-necked blouse. She lowered it to her waist--and blushed.“Not so nice shiner.” Seeing Victoria’s eye blackened pissed him off. Raul forced his hand to stay at his side, when all he wanted to do was soothe the injury with his fingers, perhaps take some of the hurt away. It had to be that bitch Dona Olivia again. When the woman wasn’t busy stirring her cauldron, she was laying into somebody with that damn whip, especially Victoria. “You run the hacienda flawlessly. You’re a strong woman. Why do you let Dona Olivia treat you this way?” His hand came up anyway, almost on its own, though he knew hired help had no business touching a patrona.He never got the chance. An all-terrain SUV came rolling up and skidded to a stop. Santo commenced to barking.“We pay you to work, not swim at your leisure, you damned swine!” Raul looked in Dona Olivia’s direction just as she stormed up and drove the handle of her whip into the side of his head.
Dona Olivia was fast but Raul was faster. He snatched the whip from her hand and threw it into the bushes. The look in his eye was so fierce that Olivia took a couple of steps backwards, tripped over a rock and fell hard. Recovering her composure she said, “Get back to work. Come along Victoria.” Victoria said stifling a laugh, “I rode Misterio. I will be there shortly.” Dona Olivia stomped back to the SUV in a huff. “You were justified in what you did but you know she will make your life hell,” said Victoria. “I can handle her,” said Raul. “But I better get dressed and get back to the house.” She took one last look at his beautiful body and thought to herself, “Que lastima.” When she looked at his face she saw something in his eyes that she had never seen before. “I will be watching you, Victoria. Never fear,” he said as he walked away. “Well Santo, what do you think of that?” Victoria said as she gathered up her berries and headed for her horse. “Come on Santo let’s go.”
When she reached the stables Miguel was there to take her horse. “Have you seen my good for nothing brother,”he said. “Oh yes, I “saw” him,” said Victoria. Did he have a run-in with Dona Olivia?” “You could say that,” said Victoria. “Well, then that would explain the mood she was in when she came roaring in, shouting orders even before she got out of the car.” He said with a chuckle. “Thank you Miguel, I must get these berries to Maria.” Victoria turned and walked toward the Hacienda. “Ah, Santo, what did my brother do now?” Miguel said with a laugh. Santo looked up at Miguel with a doggie smile on his face, “You should have been there!” he thought with a doggie chuckle.
After dropping off the berries in the kitchen Victoria went up to her room to change for lunch. She sat at her dressing table looking at herself in the mirror. She still had the black eye which was unfortunate but she would be able to hide it. She gave a big sigh and took out one contact lens. Again she looked at herself in the mirror. One blue eye and one brown eye. With another sigh she took out the other lens. Now two brown eyes stared back at her from the mirror. “How long must I keep up this charade,” she thought. “This wig is hot and I want to be myself.” It’s amazing that she had gone this long with nobody (except Roberto) seeing her jet black hair and brown eyes. Roberto did not like women with dark hair and eyes. One of the conditions of their marriage was that she have blue eyes and blond hair. Now that he was dead she didn’t know why she should continue this farce but she would know when the time was right and would reveal all. As she was putting her contacts back in there was a knock at the door….
The man stood up finally after crouching in the underbrush for what seemed like hours. “I was right behind him. I was so close. I almost had him.” He snarled. That damn dog. What am I going to do about the dog?” Raul Vega had slipped through his hands again. He could have shot him but that would have drawn too much attention. His boss wanted it quick, quiet and clean. And then there was Dona Victoria to deal with. Apparently she was not easily frightened. The phone calls didn’t seem to be working. She was edgy, sure, but not frightened. “We will have to see about that.” He said as he brushed off his jeans and headed down the road to where he had hidden his jeep.
Miguel was brushing Victoria’s horse when his brother walked in.
“I heard you had a run-in with La Bruja.” Miguel said with a snicker.
“Nothing I can’t handle.” Said Raul
“What happened?”
“Let’s just say she needs a new whip!
“What’s that in your hand?” Asked Miguel
“It’s a curious thing… I found it in the grass close to the waterfall. I don’t know how it got there.” Said Raul.
Santo trotted over to Raul and dropped a stick at his feet as if to say he was sorry for the way he behaved earlier. He sniffed the object that Raul held in his hand.
“I’ve smelled that before.” Thought Santo. His hackles rose and he began barking and growling again. Miguel and Raul just stared at the dog mystified. “And I thought he was always barking at me.” Said Raul. “Very interesting.”
“I noticed Victoria had a black eye again.” Said Miguel. He saw his brother tense and dropped the subject.
“We are really having a hard time with the new stallion.” Miguel said. “We might have to bring in an expert in the field. Even I can’t get him to settle down.”
Raul pondered this information. “I know who to call but he isn’t cheap.”
The only man he knew that could possibly help them was a man named Jose Alonzo Cesar King. He was also known as “El Rey” or as his friends called him, Jack. He was the expert in animal behavior especially horses. Raul headed for his office at the back of the stables and checked the website for Jack’s number. He sat heavily in his chair and dialed the number…
It was a beautiful day and the first one that Raul had had to himself in a long time. (At least since the Patron’s death a month ago.) The sun was hot and the water was cool as he dove in. He surfaced and floated on his back looking up at the sky. The drops on his brown skin shimmered in the morning sunlight. At 32 Raul was a fine specimen of a man with black curly hair, piercing brown eyes, and a muscular body. Although the women flocked to him, his heart belonged to another.Hacienda Florian was the top producer of Tequila in the region as well as having the most beautiful horses. As manager of the Hacienda he must oversee the work in the agave fields and tequila production as well as the training and care of the horses. His hope was that his brother Miguel would learn quickly so he could help work with the horses. Don Roberto Florian was a cruel and selfish man. He met his death in a mysterious “accident.” Some say it was the work of El Chacal but others tell a different story. Rumor had it that perhaps he had a boyfriend but nobody knows for sure.With a big sigh Raul swam to the edge of the pool and climbed out. As he put on his pants he heard a noise. He silently made his way through the bushes to see what it was. Peering through the vegetation he saw Dona Victoria. At 27 she was too young to be a widow. Her long blond hair reminded him of cornsilk and her blue eyes were more blue than even the sky above. She was the kindest, most beautiful woman Raul had ever known. She pretended to grieve for her husband but deep inside he knew she was happy. Roberto was twice her age and she never loved him. Her father arranged the marriage as a “business deal” to merge the two tequila enterprises. Soon after they married Victoria’s father “died.” Victoria made the best of the marriage. She actually tried to love Roberto but nothing she did was right. He would travel on business for days and when he did come home he was always in a foul mood. It didn’t help that his mother Olivia lived with them at the hacienda. Oliva was almost as cruel as her son. She had a vicious temper and would strike Victoria for the smallest thing. She carried a riding whip with her and whenever the servants displeased her she would strike them also. Now that Roberto was gone Olivia believed herself Queen of the Castle. However, when Victoria’s father died she inherited her father’s half of the business. There was a stipulation that she must outlive Roberto by 3 years in order to inherit the rest.Victoria was glad to escape from the Hacienda to get away from Olivia who was in a particularly foul mood today. As a means of escape Victoria told Maria (the cook) that she would like to pick the berries for the pie for dinner. Victoria was well liked by the staff because she always treated them with kindness. Maria wouldn’t usually let the Patrona pick berries but she knew it was a way to escape Dona Olivia. Victoria sat on a nearby rock to rest and gazed up into the sky. Olivia said there was an important guest coming for dinner this evening but would not tell Victoria who it was. A small tear escaped her eye and ran down her cheek. She would have to find a way to cover what was left of her black eye so the guest wouldn’t see it. How did she get herself into such a mess? As another tear ran down her face she heard a noise behind her coming from the bushes…..
The German Shepherd, more black than brown and just over one hundred pounds, darted from the hedges and came at Victoria with tail wagging. “Santo--you scared me!” she scolded, but wiped her tears and broke into a smile at the sight of him. Santo rested both forepaws up on the rock, next to her lap, and nuzzled her until she scratched him behind the ears the way he’d always liked. When he started sniffing at her skirt pockets, Victoria knew just what the dog was after. Still balancing the basket of fresh berries in one hand, she reached into a pocket with the other, produced a doggie treat and held it over his head. Santo immediately backed off the rock and went to stiff attention, eyes never leaving her, waiting for the slightest command. “Sit...” His hindquarters lowered to the ground without the rest of him moving. He could have been a statue. “Good dog.” With a laugh, Victoria gave Santo his prize. He lapped it greedily--but carefully--without leaving so much as a scratch on her fingers.Santo’s appearance wouldn’t have scared her so badly, but she was on the verge of finally inheriting the birthright left by her father and she’d been getting crank phone calls lately. Someone would either listen to her breathe for a moment, or hang up without speaking.An icy chill slid up Victoria’s spine. “Better get these berries to Maria.” She was sliding off the rock when Santo’s playful mood suddenly changed. The dog stiffened, growled, then began barking as if ready to tear something--or someone--into chunks. He bounded around the flat boulder and put himself between Victoria and the tall foliage that obscured the view to the Florian swimming hole. Victoria quickly got to her feet. “Raul. Is that you?”A rich chuckle came from behind the tallest bush. “How did you know?”“You always set Santo off for some reason. I wish I knew why,” she replied, suspicious.“Patrona, call him off.”“Call him off... what?”A long pause. Men and their pride! Finally... “Call him off, please.”“Down, Santo. Quiet.”Victoria couldn’t help grinning at the hacienda manager as he slipped between the trees and sauntered over to stand in front of her. Her eyes drank him in as if he were a long, tall glass of ice water. He was that indeed, wearing only pants and no shirt, dripping wet. But Raul Vega’s good looks and strong body weren’t the only things she admired about him. The great respect for her in his expression warmed her heart. The smoldering desire for her in his dark gaze warmed her... somewhere else.“Am I in trouble for taking too long a work break?” he asked softly. “Seeing as I’m not my mother in law... no.” He wasn’t touching her, but the way he looked down at her made her swear he was. “Nice berries, ma’am.” With a start, Victoria realized she’d been clutching the fruit bowl tightly against her full breasts, right where they strained against her scoop-necked blouse. She lowered it to her waist--and blushed.“Not so nice shiner.” Seeing Victoria’s eye blackened pissed him off. Raul forced his hand to stay at his side, when all he wanted to do was soothe the injury with his fingers, perhaps take some of the hurt away. It had to be that bitch Dona Olivia again. When the woman wasn’t busy stirring her cauldron, she was laying into somebody with that damn whip, especially Victoria. “You run the hacienda flawlessly. You’re a strong woman. Why do you let Dona Olivia treat you this way?” His hand came up anyway, almost on its own, though he knew hired help had no business touching a patrona.He never got the chance. An all-terrain SUV came rolling up and skidded to a stop. Santo commenced to barking.“We pay you to work, not swim at your leisure, you damned swine!” Raul looked in Dona Olivia’s direction just as she stormed up and drove the handle of her whip into the side of his head.
Dona Olivia was fast but Raul was faster. He snatched the whip from her hand and threw it into the bushes. The look in his eye was so fierce that Olivia took a couple of steps backwards, tripped over a rock and fell hard. Recovering her composure she said, “Get back to work. Come along Victoria.” Victoria said stifling a laugh, “I rode Misterio. I will be there shortly.” Dona Olivia stomped back to the SUV in a huff. “You were justified in what you did but you know she will make your life hell,” said Victoria. “I can handle her,” said Raul. “But I better get dressed and get back to the house.” She took one last look at his beautiful body and thought to herself, “Que lastima.” When she looked at his face she saw something in his eyes that she had never seen before. “I will be watching you, Victoria. Never fear,” he said as he walked away. “Well Santo, what do you think of that?” Victoria said as she gathered up her berries and headed for her horse. “Come on Santo let’s go.”
When she reached the stables Miguel was there to take her horse. “Have you seen my good for nothing brother,”he said. “Oh yes, I “saw” him,” said Victoria. Did he have a run-in with Dona Olivia?” “You could say that,” said Victoria. “Well, then that would explain the mood she was in when she came roaring in, shouting orders even before she got out of the car.” He said with a chuckle. “Thank you Miguel, I must get these berries to Maria.” Victoria turned and walked toward the Hacienda. “Ah, Santo, what did my brother do now?” Miguel said with a laugh. Santo looked up at Miguel with a doggie smile on his face, “You should have been there!” he thought with a doggie chuckle.
After dropping off the berries in the kitchen Victoria went up to her room to change for lunch. She sat at her dressing table looking at herself in the mirror. She still had the black eye which was unfortunate but she would be able to hide it. She gave a big sigh and took out one contact lens. Again she looked at herself in the mirror. One blue eye and one brown eye. With another sigh she took out the other lens. Now two brown eyes stared back at her from the mirror. “How long must I keep up this charade,” she thought. “This wig is hot and I want to be myself.” It’s amazing that she had gone this long with nobody (except Roberto) seeing her jet black hair and brown eyes. Roberto did not like women with dark hair and eyes. One of the conditions of their marriage was that she have blue eyes and blond hair. Now that he was dead she didn’t know why she should continue this farce but she would know when the time was right and would reveal all. As she was putting her contacts back in there was a knock at the door….
The man stood up finally after crouching in the underbrush for what seemed like hours. “I was right behind him. I was so close. I almost had him.” He snarled. That damn dog. What am I going to do about the dog?” Raul Vega had slipped through his hands again. He could have shot him but that would have drawn too much attention. His boss wanted it quick, quiet and clean. And then there was Dona Victoria to deal with. Apparently she was not easily frightened. The phone calls didn’t seem to be working. She was edgy, sure, but not frightened. “We will have to see about that.” He said as he brushed off his jeans and headed down the road to where he had hidden his jeep.
Miguel was brushing Victoria’s horse when his brother walked in.
“I heard you had a run-in with La Bruja.” Miguel said with a snicker.
“Nothing I can’t handle.” Said Raul
“What happened?”
“Let’s just say she needs a new whip!
“What’s that in your hand?” Asked Miguel
“It’s a curious thing… I found it in the grass close to the waterfall. I don’t know how it got there.” Said Raul.
Santo trotted over to Raul and dropped a stick at his feet as if to say he was sorry for the way he behaved earlier. He sniffed the object that Raul held in his hand.
“I’ve smelled that before.” Thought Santo. His hackles rose and he began barking and growling again. Miguel and Raul just stared at the dog mystified. “And I thought he was always barking at me.” Said Raul. “Very interesting.”
“I noticed Victoria had a black eye again.” Said Miguel. He saw his brother tense and dropped the subject.
“We are really having a hard time with the new stallion.” Miguel said. “We might have to bring in an expert in the field. Even I can’t get him to settle down.”
Raul pondered this information. “I know who to call but he isn’t cheap.”
The only man he knew that could possibly help them was a man named Jose Alonzo Cesar King. He was also known as “El Rey” or as his friends called him, Jack. He was the expert in animal behavior especially horses. Raul headed for his office at the back of the stables and checked the website for Jack’s number. He sat heavily in his chair and dialed the number…
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