As little hope there was to escape their current situation, both father and daughter reveled in the hope for their next and final destination on the tour. Back home to Santa Cecilia.
Despite the fact Hector was indeed unfit to write a new song, it didn't shake the fact that he still had his daughter; trapped in the small room allowed them to be each other's safe haven.
He stopped tickling Coco, laughing as she playfully pushed Hector's hands away, delighted even more when he continued. The sound of her tiny laugh was enough to make him do the same. Nothing could hide the smile he had on his face.
"Papa?", asked Coco, catching her breath.
"Sí, mija?"
"Do you think Mama will be excited to see us?"
He stood, sat on the bed, picked Coco up and placed her on his knee. She rested her head on his chest. "Of course she will! She'll be overjoyed to see you!"
The thought of Imelda gave Hector more hope, but hurt him just the same. They left on good terms, but how could he explain the situation to her? How could he ensure his familia's safety once they got back? As long as he got to see Imelda again, that's all that mattered to him; to hold her, kiss her, love her beauty, inside and out, just as he did everyday...
It was 11:00. The train was leaving at 11:30. It would take them to Santa Cecilia around 4.
Ernesto unlocked the door to the room and entered.
Hector naturally held Coco tighter. Standing up, he held her with one hand, grabbed his guitar case with the other.
"I took the liberty of putting our luggage on the train. Perhaps you could find inspiration there, Hector", said Ernesto, turning his back to them as he headed out the door. He was obviously annoyed at the fact there had been no progress. Perhaps they could perform a song they rarely sang.
Hector scowled as he followed suit, both he and Coco enjoying the sensation of the sun on their faces. The fresh air making them feel alive.
Taking in their surroundings, they watched the local children at play, men and women talking to Ernesto congratulating him after seeing him perform last night. Little did they know what kind of man he truly was.
Boarding the train, the three of them found a private compartment. It started to move.
Coco was more interested in staring out the window than she was on watching Ernesto.
The two men who sat across from each other couldn't be more different; one relaxed, the other ready to put the other in a hospital once he got the chance.
"You do realize once we get back home, I'm going to the police and telling them what you did to us?", said Hector, clenched fists resting on his knees. It angered him when he got nothing more than a chuckle out of his former friend. "And to think I knew you..."
"People change, Hector."
"No kidding. You've changed for the worst."
Ernesto shrugged. "I'm certain you'll see things my way. Considering how you've been doing just that. I think I'll be fine", he said, glancing at Coco. He pulled out Imelda's photograph from his pocket. "But I do agree with you. It will be nice to see your wife again. Of course, it would be a shame if anything were to befall her once we got back. I hate the very thought of it." And just as he did with Coco's photo, he ripped Imelda's in half and threw the remains on the floor.
Hector picked them up and stared at them. Eyebrows clenched. "You've already threatened my daughter, that killed me enough. But if you think for one moment I'm letting you anywhere near my wife, you've got another thing coming."
"Like I said, cooperate, and nobody will get hurt", said Ernesto, pushing aside the one side of his jacket to reveal the handle of his loaded pistol. "Besides, after tonight you'll never have to see me again. I'll let you be with your familia. That's all you wanted in the first place."
"You're acting loco, Imelda. They'll be here tonight, stop overreacting", said Felipe as he shuffled a deck of cards.
"It probably got lost in the mail", offered Oscar, taking a swig of whiskey.
Imelda stared out her kitchen window at the sight of stagehands setting up for the concert in the plaza. Their words didn't comfort her, nor did Pepita's constant purring and rubbing against her legs. "I don't know. Hector's letter should have arrived yesterday."
"Like I said, probably lost in the mail", said Oscar. "Come on and play with us!", he said as he pulled out the chair that was next to him. He knew his sister was stubborn as a mule, but she could still have fun if she let herself loosen up once in a while.
Hesitating, Imelda reluctantly took it as she stared at her brothers in frustration. She didn't feel like gambling. Drinking the whole bottle of whiskey however, that she would happily partake in.
"Save some for me", muttered Felipe.
Imelda glared at him.
"Or not", muttered Oscar.