Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

79. Chapter 79

Chapter 79

In early January that year, back in Washington, Aidetzi was at home tending to Naevia. She'd already gotten so big, able to sit up on her own and with a curious gaze. She had dark skin with deep brown eyes and her hair was thick like wool just like her daddy's. Ruth was a frequent visitor with Robby in tow and the children would play under their grandmother's eagle like gaze, though today Ruth was at the apartment down the hall where she stayed with Lawrence and Didi. Aidetzi was cleaning Naevia, putting her in a fresh diaper when the front door opened rather suddenly and slammed with a loud sound that startled Aidetzi and made Naevia start to cry. Marcus walked into the apartment in a clearly bad mood mumbling something about transferring.

"Another fine day at work?" Aidetzi asked with a hint of sarcasm as she calmed Naevia.

"Sorry about that," Marcus groaned. "I just had a rather, let's say, interesting conversation with mamma."

"What about?" Aidetzi asked.

"It has to do with Lawrence," Marcus said. "He requested a transfer without talking to Didi and mamma and now he's gotten approval to be transferred."

"I take it mom wasn't too happy about that?" Aidetzi said.

"No, she was not," Marcus answered, walking over to Aidetzi and taking Naevia into his arms, cooing to her. "I'm sorry, Naevia. Daddy didn't mean to scare you," he said to her and kissed her cheek. Naevia calmed a little snuggled into Marcus's shoulder.

"So where is he transferring?"

"Hawaii," Marcus answered.

"Must be nice," Aidetzi giggled. "That's the Island off the Pacific right?"

"Yeah," Marcus nodded. "There's a base at Pearl Harbor. That's where he's been transferred."

"He doesn't think he's going alone or something does he?" Aidetzi asked.

"I'll bet that was his intent, but Didi's not standing for it," Marcus said. "She learned her lesson the first time and she's not leaving him alone in a different state. He's being transferred there in March."

"Is mom going with?" Aidetzi asked.

"No," Marcus answered. "She asked if we'd be willing to let her stay with us."

"She's always welcome," Aidetzi nodded. "How'll she be having to be away from Robby?"

"Therein lies the problem I'm afraid," Marcus sighed. "It'll be a long time before she sees Robby again. She'll have Naevia, but she'll miss her grandson."

"Is there any way to cancel the transfer?"

"You could if you made the case to your commanding officer, but Lawrence isn't willing to. He's pretty hell-bent on leaving Washington."

"He's not in trouble or something is he?" Aidetzi asked suspiciously.

"For his sake, he'd better not be," Marcus grumbled. "I think more than anything he's trying to get away, but it's backfiring on him."

"Can I ask a serious question?" Aidetzi asked and Marcus nodded. "Why doesn't she divorce him? I mean, Didi's not happy. I know she's not and this bickering between her and Lawrence isn't doing Robby any favors. She can claim he's abusive and obtain a divorce can't she?"

"That costs money we don't have," Marcus said. "Besides, even it was something we could afford, I don't trust him to get his shit together and take care of his son were Didi to un-tether him." Marcus looked at Naevia. "Don't repeat the bad words daddy said, okay, baby?"

Aidetzi smiled, "Well…like I said, mom is more than welcome."

"We'll see how she handles this change," Marcus said. "Although I should warn you: there's a likelihood we'll have to try getting transferred to Hawaii as well so mamma can be close to both her grandkids."

Aidetzi looked at Marcus a moment, not too pleased with that prospect. "Transfer to Hawaii?"

"Yeah," Marcus said.

"Marcus…I don't want to be that far from my family. I mean, being here at the base is one thing. They can feasibly come and see us here and we can go there whenever we want. If we go to Hawaii, who's to say when we'd see them next. And then my parents would miss out on a lot of Naevia's life. How is that fair?"

"Aidie, transfers tend to be part of being in the military. We'd be transferred eventually. It was just a matter of what state."

"I…." Aidetzi started but then groaned and rubbed her face.

"Aidie, I know this isn't exactly something we planned for, but it's better we all be together."

"That's all good and well for mom, but my parents aren't coming with us. I'm just saying we shouldn't have to move because Lawrence got a transfer without talking to Didi first. Frankly, he needs to go to his commanding officer and cancel it."

"I'm inclined to agree, Aidie, but he's not going to. We can bark and yell at him all we want, but he's not going to cancel it." Aidetzi didn't look happy and rather than say anything, she went to the little kitchen area and pulled out a few things to make dinner. "I'll talk to my commanding officer tomorrow and see about getting us transferred to Pearl Harbor."

"So now you're making this decision without my consent?" Aidetzi said bitterly.

"Don't be that way, Aidie," Marcus said. "I'm telling you what's happened and giving you the honest truth. It's not as though I requested the transfer without talking to you first, so don't act like I did."

"Marcus, I don't want to leave Washington," Aidetzi said.

"I know, but we'll have to," Marcus said. Aidetzi didn't answer him. Marcus took a deep breath and placed Naevia in her little rocker before walking over to Aidetzi and hugged her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. "Aidie, I'm sorry. I really am. I didn't want to have to do this. But you know how mamma is. She doesn't want to be away from her grandkids. I know this isn't really fair to your parents either, but I'm in a delicate situation."

"I know," Aidetzi sighed heavily. "I know. This isn't your fault, but we shouldn't have to move because Lawrence is being a child."

"I agree with you, but it's what we'll have to do," Marcus said. "I'll tell you what: I'll give him a good thrashing for you for the inconvenience."

Aidetzi finally smiled and leaned against Marcus's chest. "You don't have to." Marcus started kissing Aidetzi's neck while she ran her hands over his buzz cut head. "When would be the soonest we could transfer back here?"

"That'll depend I'm afraid," Marcus said. "As soon as we can get Lawrence to agree to transfer back here."

"So never," Aidetzi answered solemnly.

"No, not never," Marcus reassured. "I'll drag him to his commanding officer by his ear if I have to. Don't you worry. Besides, I'm sure he'll conform to our demands once he realizes his whole reason for transferring is null and void."

"Doesn't he know already?" Aidetzi said.

"He knows Didi and Robby are going with him," Marcus said. "He doesn't know I'll request a transfer and we'll be bringing mamma with."

"Let's keep that from him," Aidetzi said. "The shock will serve him right."

"Amen to that," Marcus smiled and kissed Aidetzi's neck again.

Aidetzi eventually agreed to transferring, albeit begrudgingly. Though she insisted it at least wait until after Christmas 1936. She wanted time to give her family notice so they could spend all the time in the world together before they had to leave. Marcus promised that wouldn't be a problem and they agreed they'd keep the plans to transfer between them otherwise. The following day, Marcus went to his commanding officer and requested a transfer to Pearl Harbor and put in a request to be transferred after December. A few days later, Marcus was informed the transfer was approved and they'd leave February. The officer promised he'd keep the transfer under wraps so Lawrence wouldn't find out given the circumstances. After Marcus told her the transfer was approved, they made the trip to the tribe that weekend to let everyone know.

"Hawaii?" Caevia asked after Aidetzi told her. She had Naevia in her lap and was bouncing her up and down in a soothing motion.

"Yeah," Aidetzi said. "It's a rather sudden development but it's to accommodate Ruth."

"Were it that your brother-in-law were so thoughtful," Jae answered bitterly.

"Believe me, I know this isn't what anyone wants to hear," Marcus stepped in. "I'm no happier about it than you guys, but I'll make sure we're transferred back as soon as possible."

"How long will that be?" Natalie asked.

"A transfer is usually a 2 year minimum, so the soonest I'd be able to make arrangements would be '39 and that's assuming Lawrence is cooperative. I'll make sure he is, though."

"You do that," Sharisa muttered.

"If nothing else, you could visit us some time," Aidetzi reassured. "I hear Hawaii is breathtaking."

"It is," Marcus said. "I've known men who've been stationed there and they've liked it a lot."

Caevia smiled reassuringly at Aidetzi and patted her knee. Embry wasn't thrilled about the news but he was relieved to have at least received ample notice of the move and plenty of time to enjoy some quality time with his daughter and granddaughter before they were swept off to an island paradise. Following the holidays when Kevin returned, he made a point to see the immigration officer, coming into his office bright and early. Gabriella welcomed Kevin as she usually did and told Kevin to sit up front while they waited for Mr. Lockley. Twenty minutes of waiting later, the man in question arrived and did not even give Kevin a glance.

"Good morning, Gabriella," Mr. Lockley said.

"Good morning, sir," she answered pleasantly. "I'm sorry to bother you so early, but Mr. Black came in today. He said he wanted to discuss a few updates with you regarding his relatives."

"I'm not blind, Gabriella; I saw him," Mr. Lockley said and finally looked at Kevin. "What is it today, Mr. Black?"

Rather than be upset, Kevin stood up with a polite smile. "Well, Mr. Lockley, it has been brought to my attention by my Fiancé's father that they've earned a spot to speak with the American Embassy in Paris come spring. In light of this, I wanted to speak with you about getting them prepared to move here."

"Have they been approved by the American Embassy?" Mr. Lockley asked pointedly.

"Pardon?" Kevin asked.

"Have they or have they not been approved by the Embassy to immigrate to America? Yes or no?"

"They've not spoken with them yet," Kevin said.

"Then there's still nothing more to discuss," Mr. Lockley said.

"I beg to differ," Kevin said pointedly, losing his patience. "Levi is a good citizen, always has been, and he would certainly receive a good word or two from coworkers and his employer. The same goes for his wife and daughter. I've no doubt following their appointment with the Embassy that they'll be able to move to the U.S."

"Alright," Mr. Lockley pinched his nose and took a deep breath. "Mr. Black, you're a lawyer right? Does a man accusing another of a crime win his case just by going to court?"

"They do if they're my clients," Kevin said flippantly, even rudely. His tone made Mr. Lockley's eye twitch.

"Well, Mr. Black, if that's the case, then I suggest you find yourself a job working at the American Embassy in Paris. Otherwise, just because they have an appointment with the American Embassy does not by any means mean their entry into the United States is guaranteed. It only means they are taking the first steps to becoming Americans. I'm afraid, Mr. Black, that unless you can pull a miracle out of your ass, this is only the beginning."

"How long is this going to take?!" Kevin snapped and made the man jump. "We have been working with you for over two years on this!"

"Mr. Black," Gabriella spoke up, standing from her chair at her desk and running to him trying to keep both men calm. "Mr. Black, I understand you're frustrated, really I do. I had to go through this rigmarole too when I was getting my family out of Cecily, but yelling won't solve anything."

"I suggest you listen to Gabriella," Mr. Lockley grumbled. "You will need to also understand that matters are complicated by the fact that they aren't French citizens. They're German citizens."

"Are you suggesting to me that my Fiancé and her parents might be forced to return to Germany?! Do you understand what's going on?!"

"Mr. Black, I'm just as aware if not more so than you are about what's happening in Germany. I'm also very aware of what's happening in Spain, in Italy, in Russia and Eastern Europe. I've heard every plight you can imagine of every immigrant that comes to this nation but if we allowed entry into the U.S. to everyone fleeing their homeland, we'd be overrun with Polacks, Jews, and the like. They have an appointment to see the American Embassy. It's a good first step, but you need to keep in mind nothing is guaranteed yet and the sooner you get that through your head, the easier this will be. Your Fiancé and her parents are Jews in France. All things considered, they'll be just fine. Until then, have them keep doing what they need to do and they'll become American citizens eventually. Then and ONLY then will I reach out to you with further motions. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

Kevin didn't answer. He just glared at the man at a loss of how to react to him anymore. Since Kevin wasn't saying anything, Mr. Lockley walked away and retreated to his office. Gabriella looked at Kevin as he took deep breaths trying to avoid running after the man and grabbing him by the collar to do God only knows what. She walked over to him with a calm and reassuring smile.

"Please don't be mad at him," Gabriella attempted to ease. "I know it doesn't seem like it, but we are working hard to get your family into this country."

"Would they be sent back to Germany?" Kevin asked pointedly. "I'll bring them into the country illegally before I'll let that happen."

"No, certainly not," Gabriella smiled kindly. "It would be better than Russia, but no, France would not send them back. Germany wouldn't accept them back anyway with Adolf Hitler at the reigns. Jews are no more welcome in Germany than they are in Russia under Stalin."

"How do I expedite this?" Kevin looked at Gabriella desperately, gently taking her arms into his hands prepared to beg, whatever he needed to do. "What can I do to bring them here sooner?"

"Mr. Black, if I knew the answer to that, all my relatives would be out of Italy," Gabriella said. "I really do know how you feel. I've gotten my mother and grandmother out of Cecily, but I still have a father and two aunts, an uncle and ten cousins to get here. You have to understand Europe is a train without a conductor." Gabriella shivered a moment and Kevin finally released her. "Cecily is overrun with gang activity and poverty has chocked the farmers. My grandpa used to work for a plantation and it's the same one my papa works for now. Many Italians come here to earn money to take back, but Europe is a pressure cooker."

"All the more reason I need to get my fiancé and her parents out of there," Kevin pleaded.

"We are doing our best, Mr. Black," Gabriella answered sternly, but somehow still reassuringly. "I know Mr. Lockley seems like he's being a beast, but I promise you he's working as hard as he can. He helped me get my mama and Nona out of Italy and he's continuing to help get the remainder of my relatives out. He's doing the same for you, I promise."

After an awkward silence, Kevin sighed and stepped away. "Thank you for your time."

"He'll write a letter to Paris explaining their situation," Gabriella said.

"What?" Kevin asked.

"He'll write a letter to the Embassy about the Dymeks. He'll make sure they're not returned to Germany. He's fully aware of what's going on, just like he said. At the bare minimum, Mr. Black, the Dymeks will remain in Paris where they're safe. You have my word on that." Kevin looked at Gabriella suddenly feeling an overwhelming hope in her conviction of her words. Kevin walked back to her and hugged her. She reciprocated and Kevin surprised her with a quick peck on the lips.

"Thank you, Gabriella," Kevin said as he released her. "Thank you for all you're doing."

"You're welcome, Mr. Black," Gabriella smiled after recovering from the brief kiss and said goodbye to Kevin as he left Mr. Lockley's office.

As soon as Kevin returned home, he wrote a letter to Amber letting her know what happened with the immigration officer that day. He asked her to make sure to ask Levi to write him the moment he'd completed his meeting with the Embassy so he could consult the immigration officer and try to get an update as soon as possible. Kevin was signing his letter when Embry stepped into the house. He was still staying with Kevin working odd construction jobs at different locations depending on what needed building. At the moment, he was helping build a park that was, conveniently enough, just a few blocks from the house. After that, he'd been assigned to a school that was being built. Today had been a long day and after closing the door and dropping a few of his things on the floor, he plopped on the couch ready to fall asleep.

"Long day?" Kevin asked as he passed Embry and placed his letter to Amber on the counter.

"We were working on a merry-go-round and that fucking thing wouldn't spin," Embry grumbled. "You tell your fucking kids when they come along that they had better appreciate that stupid thing. It took five of us to get that thing to work properly."

"Why wasn't it working in the first place?"

"There was a piece missing and our manager just told us to 'figure it out'," Embry groaned. "I can't remember how we did it, but it works like a dream now."

"I'm remember that," Kevin chuckled and went to put the letter in the mailbox before coming back inside.

"So how did things go with the immigration officer today?" Embry asked.

"Mixed," Kevin said. "Mr. Lockley was an asshole as usual, but Gabriella reassured me that he was doing everything he could to get Amber and her parents here. Apparently he's still helping Gabriella get her family here too."

"You said she's Italian or something, right?"

"Caecilian," Kevin said.

There was a brief silence before Embry replied, "So she's Greek?"

Kevin laughed, "I'm pretty sure Cecily is an island that belongs to Italy."

"Then she's Italian?"

"If you ask her, she says Caecilian, but in basic terms, yes."

"Alright, then," Embry said and sat up. "So how does her family being in Italy help Amber?"

"It doesn't," Kevin said. "It just means she understands the process a lot more than I do and might be able to give me more insight into the matter and how to expedite this."

"If she still has relatives stuck in Italy, I don't see how that would be," Embry said. "So did you hear the news?"

"What news?"

"Marcus is getting transferred to Hawaii," Embry said. "So next year, Aidie is moving to Pearl Harbor."

"Oh, yeah. That," Kevin said. "At least she's being sent somewhere nice."

"No kidding," Embry said. "Hell, if we hadn't been cheated of our bonuses for so damned long, I'd get back into the army and transfer there myself."

"I don't know if Hawaii has an army base," Kevin chuckled. "So what are you in the mood for?"

"For dinner? I don't care. Just feed me something," Embry grumbled. "Tomorrow, we're going to be putting down a jungle gym and let me tell you: that fucking thing is going to be the biggest pain in my ass since that merry-go-round."

"Do you suppose you'll have to end up redoing the merry-go-round once it's discovered it was put together with missing parts?"

"I'll not be the one fixing it," Embry said.

Kevin laughed and got to work on making some semblance of a dinner with what they had in the house and after they ate dinner, Embry went right upstairs and went to bed. Kevin went on patrol that night in his place. The following day, Kevin went to the office with dark circles under his eyes having gotten little sleep and went to work right away on the case he'd been working on the day before when the door to his office opened.

"Mr. Black, I have-" Olga started but then got a look at Kevin. "Did you sleep on a rock last night or something? You look horrible."

"Just didn't get much sleep," Kevin answered. "What's going on?"

"I got a message from the Immigration office for you from a woman named Gabriella Russo. She was letting you know that Mr. Lockley sent a letter to the American Embassy in Paris putting in a good word for the Dymeks."

Kevin sat up straight and accepted the telegram Olga handed him. "He did?"

"That's what the message said," Olga said.

"Thank you, Olga," Kevin said. "Is there anything else?"

"Just a reminder: you have a 10 o'clock with a Mr. Howards."

"Thank you," Kevin said and Olga walked out to return to her desk. When she'd left, Kevin picked up the phone and called the Immigration Office.

"Good Morning, Immigration Services, this is Gabriella Russo speaking; how may I assist you?"

"Gabriella, it's Kevin Black. I received your telegram," Kevin said.

"Oh, good," Gabriella answered, a smile in her voice. "Mr. Lockley sent that out before he left last night so I wanted to be sure to tell you. I can't promise how much it will help, but it can only work in their favor."

"I really appreciate it, Gabriella. I realize Mr. Lockley is likely tired of seeing me, so I don't suppose you'd mind terribly giving me updates whenever you can?"

"I'll do my best, Mr. Black," Gabriella answered.

After ending the call with Gabriella, Kevin felt a lot better about the process than he had since starting. She had not made any guarantees, but Kevin hoped this little push from Mr. Lockley would get the Dymeks out of France before the end of the year. Back south, Nathan and Scarlet enjoyed their time in Phoenix much the same way they had in San Diego. Nathan got to work obtaining extra money so they could find a place to stay and Scarlet even helped pick a few pockets. Perhaps he should not have been, but Nathan was proud to see Scarlet doing so well at it. It had boosted her confidence quite a bit to be sure. By the end of their first day, they'd stolen enough money to afford a little apartment in the city that remained unfurnished. Nathan made sure to write a letter to Tamara, Meg and Dan letting them know they'd arrived in Phoenix and were enjoying the gypsy life. A week after arriving, Nathan finally changed to a wolf and heard the latest news where it pertained to Marcus's transfer and Kevin's progress, even if it moved like molasses, with the Immigration Officer. While they enjoyed their time in Phoenix, an issue still remained: their next planned stop was El Paso; their last stop before entering Mexico, and he had not found anyone to teach him Spanish. If anything kept them in Phoenix for any length of time, it would be that little fact.

"How will we find someone to teach us Spanish?" Scarlet asked while the two walked along the street together, having pick-pocketed enough for a good dinner that night.

"We just need to start socializing with some of the locals. That's all," Nathan said. "It'll just be a matter of who."

"Maybe we should go to one of the bars or something," Scarlet said.

"It's a worthwhile place to start," Nathan agreed. "We'll find a place tonight and see-" Nathan stopped suddenly when he felt a hand enter his back pocket and try to walk ahead. He grabbed the hand that took his wallet and forced the owner of it to look at him. She was a moderately heighted woman with dark brown hair, tan skin, brown eyes and full lips. "And what do you think you're doing?"

"I'm sorry, I must have accidently bumped into you," the woman said innocently. Nathan took back his money from her hand, never releasing her wrist.

"And I suppose you 'accidently' took my money while you were at it?" Nathan said though admittedly with a small smile. The woman appeared slightly speechless while Nathan glanced over her until he found what he was looking for. He reached down where there was a pocket in her dress and pulled out a wad of money.

"Hey!" she barked back.

"Sorry, I must have taken it accidently," Nathan said.

"Very funny," the woman said, decidedly unamused. "Now give that back."

"Finders keepers, sweetheart," Scarlet said confidently and the woman looked down at her, then looked back at Nathan.

"Alright," she said. "I'm sorry I tried to pickpocket you. I'll make a point to steer clear of you from now on. Now give me back my money."

"I don't think so," Nathan said. "You may need to learn a proper lesson in picking your targets."

"Give back my money!" the woman said a little louder and after that, Nathan finally released her wrist, but held onto her money.

"Sorry, but you heard her," Nathan chuckled as he put the money in his back pocket with the rest. "'Finders keepers.'" The woman looked ready to scream, but took a deep breath and stood up straighter.

"Alright," the woman said. "Fine. You win this time." She sneered at him and finally walked away, but Nathan kept his eyes on her.

"We showed her!" Scarlet smiled.

"I'm not so sure," Nathan said cautiously. He took the money from his back pocket and brought it to the front and kept his hand on it. "Let's get ourselves some food and get back to the apartment."

Still feeling rather proud of the situation, Scarlet nodded eagerly and they went to a store to buy food and returned home for the day. They ate on the floor together enjoying a bean soup they'd bought from a sweet Mexican woman that worked a few blocks away. She had a daughter just a little older than Scarlet, so Nathan contemplated the possibility of becoming regulars at that shop and seeing if he couldn't convince the woman or her daughter to teach him and Scarlet Spanish. He promised Scarlet they'd do that tomorrow after just enjoying the city. They retreated to the room they shared and Scarlet fell asleep right away. Nathan was eventually about to doze off when he heard a noise coming from the front. Specifically: the window.

—¡Hijo de puta!

It was a quieted voice, more like a harsh whisper, but Nathan instantly recognized it. It was the woman from earlier. He heard another, male, voice coming but it was far less harsh as it said something to the woman in Spanish. He only heard one person enter the apartment through the window. He suspected it was the woman. Nathan remained quiet and walked as silently as a cat as he walked to the door that was wide open and kept himself hidden from view as he watched the woman finish letting herself in through the window. The man she was with poked his head in, but no more than that.

—Agarras el dinero y salir— the man whispered to her in a harsh tone.

—Ya se, ya se— she mumbled as she straightened out her dress.

Nathan poked his head out enough to see what was going on. The woman went straight to one of the counters where Nathan had left a bag they used for food. She tried searching through it but found nothing but a mason jar and a handful of red tree ornaments. Nathan crept out quietly while she continued to rummage through the bag undoubtedly searching for her money Nathan had taken and his for good measure. Of course, she'd not find it. Any money was always on Nathan's person. After he'd walked down the hall without her noticing him, he finally broke the silence.

"Evening," he said and the woman turned in an almost comical jump, but the scream she released was nothing short of bloodcurdling. The man at the window ran away and Scarlet started screaming after being startled awake, but Nathan stood still the whole time and didn't speak until the woman had stopped screaming. "I'd thought you gave up a little too easy."

"How did you…" she couldn't finish her thought. She was still trying to catch her breath.

"I might ask you how you found out where we lived," Nathan asked and Scarlet was suddenly in the room, but going behind Nathan.

"I….." she started and finally managed to catch her breath. "I followed you," she finally answered.

"Well, thank you for the lesson in locking my windows. Seeing as your accomplice left, you may want to just quit while you're ahead."

Startled, the woman looked towards the window and muttered something in what Nathan assumed was Spanish. "Look, just give back what you took from me and we'll call ourselves even."

"I don't think so," Nathan said. "You got caught fair and square. I'd suggest you learn your lesson and be done with it."

"You give back my money or I'll.."

"What?" Scarlet asked, her mood rather poor having been woken up so violently. "Call the police? Good luck with that."

Nathan chuckled, "She's got a point, Miss. I doubt this is your first offense." The woman's eye twitched and she placed her hands on her hips defiantly.

"Alright," she said. "If you don't give me back my money, I'll just have to get my brother to teach you a lesson."

"Oh really?" Nathan held back the condescending laugh. "Your brother wouldn't happen to be the one that just left you out to dry would he?" The woman's eye twitched again and she looked as though she might turn red.

"Yeah, bitch, that's what I thought," Scarlet said. Nathan held back a laugh and swatted at Scarlet.

"Watch your mouth, kid," Nathan said.

"Okay, fine, you caught me," the woman said. "What do you want for the money? That's two weeks of hard work, so I'm not leaving until you give it back."

"It took you two weeks to collect $40? That's pitiful," Nathan said.

"Oh, and I suppose you think you can do better?"

"About $200 in one day better as a matter of fact," Nathan answered back. "And that's an unlucky day."

"Oh yeah?" the woman said, looking as though she thought he was bluffing. "Prove it."

"Are you suggesting I let you follow me around tomorrow or something? Not that it would hurt. You might learn something."

"Oh, fuck you," the woman snapped back with no consideration to Scarlet's presence. Not that it mattered realistically speaking. "Just tell me what you want for the money so I can take it and leave." Nathan had thought to say nothing, but then he remembered the woman had been speaking a different language when she entered the apartment.

"You speak Spanish?"

"Why?" the woman asked.

"Because I'll tell you what," Nathan continued. "My daughter and I are planning to run off to Mexico after we've had our fill of Phoenix and we're decidedly unfamiliar with the language. I've been in the market for someone to teach us. You agree to teach my daughter and I Spanish, and the money's yours."

"Seriously?" the woman asked. "That'll take too long."

"We're fast learners."

"Not fast enough," the woman said.

"Plenty fast enough," Nathan argued. "I have a background in a little French, so I know a little about Latin based grammar."

The woman released a less than flattering grunt. "You realize Spanish and French are two very different languages."

"Precisely why we need someone to teach us," Nathan said. "That's what it'll take to get back your $40. You can teach us Spanish, or you can bicker with me over this money until we run off into the sunset. Which will it be?" The woman's eye twitched one more time, visibly annoyed. She crossed her arms and stared Nathan down, possibly in an attempt to intimidate him. It didn't work. Nathan just smiled at her. Eventually, when she wasn't getting Nathan to say anything or budge, she sighed heavily.

"Fine," she finally said. "Fine, I'll teach you and your daughter Spanish."

"Excellent!" Nathan smiled. The woman held out her hand as if to take her money, but Nathan just stared at her. "Is this a gesture used in Mexico or something?"

"No, I'm holding out my hand to take my money."

"Miss, I'm afraid I do not speak a word more of Spanish than I did just seconds ago," Nathan said.

—¡Hijo de— she started, but then took a deep breath and held up her hands almost defensively. "Fine. Fine," she said. "Do I need to have you fluent or enough to get by?"

"'Enough to get by' would be the bare minimum," Nathan said. "Once you've taught us Spanish and we've decided we're ready to leave, you'll get back your $40." Nathan reached out his hand to her. "Deal?" She didn't accept his hand right away. Initially, she had her arms crossed and just stared at his hand. But she eventually released her arms and took Nathan's hand in hers.

"Deal," she finally said.

"Now before we go any further. What's your name?" Nathan asked.

"Mercedes," She answered. "Mercedes Hernandez."

"Pleasure to meet you Mercedes. I'm Nathan Black and this is my daughter Scarlet Willow." Still hiding behind Nathan, Scarlet waved her hand weakly. "Now, obviously, we're tired and given the scare you just had, I imagine you are too. So how about we meet up tomorrow to start our Spanish lesson? Let's say right in front of the park outside."

"Fine," she answered and released Nathan's hand as she continued muttering something in Spanish under her breath. "What time?"

"Bright and early," Nathan smiled.

Without another word, Mercedes went to the front door and let herself out of the apartment. Scarlet ran to the door and locked it behind Mercedes and then went to the window closing the one that was open and locking them all.

"It's alright, Scarlet," Nathan said. "I think we've firmly gotten the best of her."

"I don't like her," Scarlet said.

Nathan shrugged, "Rough around the edges probably, but she's a start as far as getting us acquainted with Spanish."

"I'll bet you anything she won't even show up," Scarlet muttered.

"Oh, no, she'll show up," Nathan chuckled. "We still have her money, remember?"

Scarlet pouted. "I still don't like her."

"You don't have to, Scarlet," Nathan smiled and took Scarlet into a hug after she walked back to him. "Don't worry. We're both smart, so I'm sure we'll figure Spanish out quickly enough."

"Okay," Scarlet muttered while hugging Nathan back.

They went back to bed at last, but beforehand, Scarlet went to the remaining windows in the bedroom and locked those too just to be safe. The following morning, Nathan and Scarlet ate some breakfast on the floor of the apartment before going outside to the park to wait for Mercedes. Scarlet played on the monkey bars and jungle gym while they waited. The playground was apparently rather new and the paint was still fresh. Nathan kept an eye on Scarlet, though he kept his hand in his pocket where he had the money, and just enjoyed soaking in the sun while they waited. He sat on the bench for roughly an hour before he felt a hand reach into his back pocket that was empty.

"Wrong pocket," Nathan said.

"You!" Mercedes started but huffed and walked around. "Damn you to hell," she muttered.

"I'll meet you there, toots," Nathan chuckled. "So will you be teaching us Spanish or do I stay $40 richer?"

"Frankly, I don't know where to start," Mercedes admitted.

"The basics?" Nathan said condescendingly. "Basic phrases? How to count? Days of the week? You can start there."

"Well, counting is simple," Mercedes said.

"Alright," Nathan said. "Then how do you do it?"

"1-10 is uno, dos, tres, quarto, cinco, seis, siete, ocho, nueve and diez."

"Okay," Nathan said and then repeated. "That doesn't go very high, though."

"If you know 1-10, you can easily count to 99 with a few early exceptions. 11 is once, 12 is dose, 13 is trente, 14 is qatorse, and then after that it's just dies y cinco, dies y seis, dies y siete, dies y ocho, dies y nueve and then 20 is vente. 30 is trenta, 40 is quarenta and so on and so forth."

"Alright," Nathan chuckled. "Perhaps we should obtain a paper and pencil so we can write all this down?" Mercedes just shrugged in reply. Nathan stood from the bench and called for Scarlet to come over to him and the three of them went to a local store and bought some paper and pencils. Then they returned to the park and went to a little picnic table. "So, Scarlet, before you had joined us, Mercedes was teaching me how to count." Nathan wrote down everything that Mercedes had said to him. "Please continue," Nathan said afterwards and pushed the paper towards Mercedes.

"Alright," she sighed and started writing down a few more basics, including cien and mil. "Counting in Spanish really isn't very hard. Once you know the structure, the rest is simple."

"So 101 for example would be cien y uno?" Nathan asked.

"Correct," Mercedes nodded.

"What about something like 200?" Scarlet asked.

"Docientos," Mercedes answered. "The rest of the pattern would remain the same after that. Docientos y uno, docientos y dos, and so on."

"Alright," Nathan said. "That's easy enough. What about days of the week? Monday through Sunday?"

"Monday is Lunes, so Lunes, martes, miércoles, jueves, Viernes, Sabado and finally Domingo," Mercedes said and Nathan wrote everything down. "There's an accent on the E in miércoles," she corrected.

"Oh, good, you'll teach us how to spell too," Nathan smiled.

"It's not that hard," Mercedes mumbled. "So now you can count and know the days of the week. What else do you want to know?"

Nathan chuckled a little, "I know in French, verbs need to be conjugated. I assume that's the case in Spanish as well?" Mercedes nodded. "So we're talking present tense, past tense, future tense, etcetera?"

"Basically," Mercedes said. "The easiest is present tense. 'Past' tense is also known as 'imperfect'. There are six ways to conjugate in each tense, but since you're going to Mexico, you can disregard Vosotros."

"Why?"

"It's only used in Spain, so outside of Spain, Vosotros is basically useless," Mercedes said.

"Good to know," Nathan said. "You'll still teach us how to use it though?"

"I suppose I can," Mercedes answered. "I guess let's start easy and work with present tense. Every tense is conjugated by either Yo, which is personal, Tú, which is 'you', usted which is 'them', Nosotros which is 'we', vosotros which outside of Spain is useless, and Ustedes which means 'you all'. There are exceptions depending on the verb, but most of the time, they'll end the same. 'I have' or Tener would be 'Tengo', then 'Tienes', Tiene, Tenemos, Tenéis, Tienen," Mercedes explained.

"Now, vosotros must have some purpose," Nathan enquired.

"Vosotros is basically a plural 'you'. If I'm being frank, in Mexico, you're better off using Ustedes. You could use Vosotros and they'd understand you, but they'd look at you weird. Try to imagine someone from England talking to you. You know what they're saying, but they have a weird accent."

"Alright, I see your point," Nathan said as he wrote everything down. "So how about teaching us some basic phrases and then we'll call it quits for today so Scarlet and I can practice."

Mercedes's eye twitched a little, but she smiled. "Whatever you say."

Nathan handed Mercedes a blank sheet of paper and pencil and said a few sentences that he thought would be useful. As it turns out, a background knowledge of French did him a world of good. He managed to catch her when she wrote down something other than what he asked. He could always learn what those phrases actually meant later, but for now it was all business. After writing those phrases down, she handed them over to Nathan and they reviewed his pronunciation before he called it a day as promised. Scarlet and Nathan went to get food from the same place they had the night before. The woman at the counter was a sweet older woman that Nathan knew spoke Spanish.

"Excuse me, ma'am, I'm sorry to bother you," Nathan said after he and Scarlet placed their order. "My daughter and I are trying to learn Spanish and while we have a tutor, I can't say as I trust she hasn't mistranslated something to tease us. I don't suppose you would mind reviewing our notes and making sure they're accurate would you? I'll buy some sugar cookies for the trouble."

"Well, let me take a look," the woman answered, her accent thick, as she accepted the paper Nathan handed over. She didn't appear alarmed. She glanced through everything and determined it checked out. But then she got to the phrases. Most were fine, save for one. "Oh, no, no, no, no, no," the woman said when she found one phrase and grabbed a pen.

"It's supposed to ask, 'May I please have directions,'" Nathan said.

"No," the woman shook her head. "Your tutor did not write that." She scratched out what Mercedes had written and wrote the correct phrase. "You want to say 'Puedo tener direcciones a,' and then whatever it is you need directions to."

"What did she write?" Nathan asked, curious now.

"Something vile," she said. "Not fit to say before children," she continued, glancing at Scarlet. "The rest is correct."

"Thank you for your help," Nathan smiled. "Add four cookies to our order Mrs….."

"Fuentes," the woman said. "I am Mrs. Fuentes, but you may call me Rosa."

"Thank you again, Rosa."

—Dices – Gracias por ayudarme – Rosa said.

—Gracias por ayudarme – Nathan repeated and Rosa smiled.

"Your accent is quite good," she praised. "What you have written down is a good starting point, so keep practicing that. And if you ever want me to double check something, you know where to find me."

"I'll do that," Nathan smiled.

Eventually, their food was ready and they left to return to the apartment to start practicing while they ate. Now that it was just her and Nathan, Scarlet was a lot more open to learning. During their time in the park, Scarlet hadn't wanted to participate and seeing as Mercedes had evidently intentionally mistranslated something, her opinion of the woman had not improved. She did like Rosa, though, and suggested to Nathan that they should just have her teach them. Of course, Nathan pointed out, the woman already ran a restaurant with just a son, so he didn't think she had the time to spare for teaching them Spanish. After eating, the two of them continued to practice until they both fell asleep on the living room floor they'd eaten on. The following day, they met with Mercedes again at the same spot as before. Without mentioning her mistranslation from yesterday, they picked up where they'd left off the day before and she started teaching them the different tenses and how they were typically conjugated. She added a few more verbs for them to practice and started getting them acquainted with Spanish grammar, which turned out to be easy enough to remember. When they called it a day, Nathan and Scarlet went to the shop again and Nathan asked Rosa to check the work. This time, nothing looked amiss save for a few misspellings that she kindly corrected. Nathan and Scarlet were getting ready to leave when Rosa stopped him.

"Forgive me asking, but why do you not bring your wife here?" she asked.

"I'm afraid my wife passed away last year," Nathan said. "It's just me and Scarlet."

"Oh, goodness," Rosa lamented. "I'm so sorry. Forgive me, I didn't mean to offend you."

"You didn't offend me," Nathan smiled kindly. "It was an honest question."

"Well, no wonder you two are always coming in here," she said. "What do you do for the rest of the day?"

"We're usually learning Spanish as of late," Nathan said.

Rosa sighed just a little, "That won't do. Not one bit."

"It's the hand we've been dealt, I'm afraid," Nathan said. A moment later, Rosa's son stepped out of the kitchen having overheard the conversation.

"You said you're trying to learn Spanish, yeah?" he asked and Nathan nodded. "Frankly, the easiest way to learn is being thrown in. And I could use help back here prepping in the morning. We can't pay much, but we can at least offer you breakfast and emersion into the language."

"I'm afraid I'm not familiar with how to cook," Nathan said.

"Oh, you'll figure it out," Rosa smiled, liking the idea her son had come up with. "If you're able to start tomorrow bright and early, we can start as soon as tomorrow."

"That's very kind of you, but I wouldn't want to be a bother," Nathan said.

"I insist," Rosa said. "It'll do you some good to learn to cook anyway."

—¡Sí, insisto! – Rosa said and came around the counter with her son following. "I don't believe I ever introduced you. This is my son Donatello."

"Don is fine," Don answered and extended his hand.

"It's a pleasure," Nathan said. "I'm Nathan and this is my daughter Scarlet Willow."

"It's nice to finally be acquainted," Rosa smiled. "Mijo, when should he come in tomorrow morning?"

"I'm usually here by 7," Don answered. "So you can come in about that time."

"I'd say that's fair," Nathan smiled and nodded. "I'll come in tomorrow at 7 so long as you don't mind Scarlet being with me."

"Not at all," Rosa said. "She can help in the kitchen. Do you know how to bake, Mija?"

"Scarlet," Scarlet answered.

"Oh, no, 'Mija' is a colloquial term," Rosa explained. "It just means, 'my daughter'. 'Mijo' means 'my son'."

"Oh," Scarlet said. "No, I don't know how to bake."

"Don't worry, Mija. Don will teach you," Rosa answered kindly. "In fact, we're closing shop in an hour. Why don't you sit tight for us to close and you can have dinner with us tonight."

"That's very kind of you, thank you," Nathan said.

—En Español, Mijo— Rosa smiled. "I saw your notes today, so you know enough to answer in Spanish."

He had to think about it for a moment, but did eventually answer. —Esta…muy tipo a ti, Gracias.—

—Excelente— Rosa answered proudly. —Serás fluido al instante.—

"I'm afraid I didn't catch that last part," Nathan said.

"You will, don't you worry," Rosa smiled.

Nathan and Scarlet went to the back with Don while Rosa stayed up front for the remainder of service. He was getting together leftover food from the day for him, his mother, Nathan and Scarlet. When the shop was closed for the day, they all went to the back together where Don and Rosa had a little apartment. It was nothing special, but it was cozy. There were two beds in the room and a table in the middle. After getting leftover food together, they all sat down to eat. Don got himself a beer and Nathan accepted one as well.

"So Rosa," Nathan said. "You don't have a really think accent. Were you born here?"

"Oh, no, I wasn't," Rosa smiled. "Don was born here, but not me. I was born in Nogales. My late husband was born in Monterey if you can believe it. He was coming to America and we met when he stopped in town. This is a little embarrassing, but when Ricardo and I met, I was smitten. He stayed a few extra days and we spent a few days together. Don was conceived that night but I'd not known until three months later. Another month after that, Ricardo came back claiming he had missed me and when he arrived at my house, papa held a loaded pistol to his head and led him to the nearest church and we were married that day." Rosa managed a light laugh. "It's funny now. We used to laugh about that all the time, God rest his soul."

"What happened to your husband?"

"He died in the war," Rosa said and rubbed her eye a little. "He was drafted as an American as several men were and he'd been station on the Eastern front. We were told he died when a grenade went off in the trenches." Rosa started to cry a little and Don patted her back. "I'm so sorry," she said. "It happened so long ago, but it still feels like yesterday sometimes. Don was just a boy when it happened. Just 8."

"My condolences," Nathan said. "My wife had died to cancer. Scarlet had been nine at the time. We're lucky we had one another, otherwise I don't know if we'd have gotten through it. At least you had each other."

"Indeed," Rosa said as she composed herself. Unable to resist, Rosa went to the dresser in the room and took the picture. It was the only picture she had of her husband. Nathan accepted it when she offered and the man in the photo couldn't have been much older than 30 or so. He had light facial hair showing on his upper lip and dark hair that had been cut short and was covered by a military issued hat. He was in his uniform and stared into the camera as though he'd tried to smile, but it had taken too long to finish.

"You look like him," Nathan said to Don before handing back to Rosa.

"That's what everyone says," Don smiled.

"He truly does, though," Rosa said, brushing some loose strands of hair from Don's face. "You inherited your grandpa's inability to grow facial hair though. I'm afraid I'm to blame for that."

"I can grow facial hair, mama, but it only grows under by chin," Don said.

"My brothers and I are the same way," Nathan chuckled. "Kevin and Kyle get patchy facial hair so their better off just shaving it and I can't grow it to save my life. I don't even get patchiness. It just doesn't grow."

"I'd almost rather that," Don said, scratching his chin.

"So Nathan, why haven't we seen you around before? Are you from out of town?"

"Very out of town," Nathan said. "We're from Washington."

"State or D.C.?" Don asked.

"State," Scarlet answered.

"Dios mío, you're certainly far from home. What brings you so far away?"

"To keep a long story short, I'd always wanted to travel but circumstances with Tomoeh's tribe, my wife I mean, and mine so we ended up married. I used to talk to Tomoeh all the time about the places I wanted to go. She'd humor me and let me show her my big atlas my grandparents gave me and I'd show her all the places I wanted to go. We'd always said we'd do it together as a family after we had our second child and that kid was old enough, but then she got sick. She made me promise I would go traveling and take Scarlet with me."

"That's so sweet," Rosa said, appearing slightly teary eyed. "She sounds like she was a wonderful woman."

"She was," Nathan smiled. "It's getting easier, but we both miss her every day."

"Naturally," Rosa said. "Forgive my asking, but how old are you?"

"I'm 27," Nathan said. "My wife and I got married when I was 16 and she was about 17."

"So you two would have been married about 10 years before she died?" Rosa said.

"About there, yes," Nathan nodded solemnly.

"I'm so sorry," Rosa said and made a cross, starting from her forehead, down to her chest and then her shoulders. "God rest her soul, the poor thing."

"Her tribe's medicine man assured us she was welcomed into the afterlife," Nathan said with a weak smile.

"Ah, yes," Rosa said, "I suppose you are not Christian then?"

"I was baptized Catholic," Nathan said. "My mother is white and my father Quileute. My mom is Scottish and English and was raised Catholic and while my siblings and I are all baptized, dad raised us with a belief in the spirits around us."

"I see," Rosa said, then smiled a little. "I see the English were not so effective at converting the locals as the Spanish were."

Nathan chuckled, "No, I'm afraid not. They tried and in a few tribes they succeeded, but most of us hold true to our culture and are damned proud of it. My two brothers tend to be a little more faithful than me, I guess, but even they're really only stormy weather Catholics. My oldest brother Kevin only goes to confession when something happened."

"Oh dear," Rosa said. "When had you gone to confession last?"

"I haven't been to church since I was baptized," Nathan said with a hint of humor. Then he realized Rosa did not appear amused. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to offend you."

"Oh, no, you're alright," Rosa said, but she still stood from her chair and went to a dresser drawer and pulled something out. She went to his side and handed him a rosary.

"Oh, no, you don't have to," Nathan said and pulled out his own cross necklace he and his sister had been given at their baptism. "I've got a cross."

"Well, this one's good luck," Rosa insisted. It was a rosary made from wood and the cross on the bottom had a gold carving of Jesus on it. "It was my mother's. Before that, it was her great grandfather's. That cross has been in our family for generations and it has always brought us good luck. I had intended to give it to my daughter when we had one but…..well…..you know what happened."

"Oh, I can't let you give this to me," Nathan said, trying to give it back. "If this is a family heirloom, I have no right to take it. It would be far better suited for Don to keep it."

"I hold my father's," Don said and pulled out his rosary. It was also made of wood but did not hold a gold Jesus.

"But surely it would be far more suitable to give this to your daughter when you have kids," Nathan suggested.

"I'll not be having children," Don said bluntly. "Before my father died, I'd had dreams of joining the church. Of course, with him gone, I couldn't very well leave my mother alone. But I still want to someday so obviously a family wouldn't be suitable."

"Oh," Nathan said. "Even so, this is still too nice. I can't accept this."

"You can," Rosa said. "I insist. In fact," then Rosa took back the rosary and went to Scarlet's side, placing the rosary over Scarlet's head so it rested around her neck. "Seeing as your father has his cross, it's only suitable this go to you."

"Thank you," Scarlet said shyly. Rather than persist, Nathan smiled and finally thanked Rosa for the gift. For safety's sake, Nathan took a hold of the end of the rosary and lifted it enough so he could have it placed under Scarlet's dress.

"Don't want anything to happen to that," Nathan mumbled more to himself.

"Now, Mija, remember what I said: that's been in my family for years and it's always been good luck. So if you ever feel like you're in trouble, you just hold that cross in your hand, say a prayer, and you'll be alright."

"Yes Mrs. Fuentes," Scarlet smiled.

—Señora Fuentes, Mija— Rosa corrected with a cheerful smile. "But you're to call me Tía Rosa from now on. That means 'aunt' in Spanish."

—Sí, Tía Rosa— Scarlet answered.

—Muey bien, Mija— Rosa praised.

Nathan and Scarlet remained with Rosa and Don for well into the night. Rosa made good strong coffee and, while about to put milk in Nathan's, he warned her not to and she put in some rice milk instead. 'Horchata' she explained it was called and it gave Nathan's coffee a nice hint of cinnamon he really liked. Nathan discovered that Don knew how to play the guitar and he'd played for them while they'd enjoyed their coffee and his. Watching the man play, it was the only time Nathan knew of where an instrument had actually grabbed his interest, though perhaps it was just the songs that Don had played. It was well into nightfall when Nathan and Scarlet finally said goodnight and Nathan promised he'd be in bright and early the next morning to help Don with food prepping. Scarlet spoke glowingly about Rosa the remainder of the walk home. Though eventually, she got really tired and Nathan started carrying her the remainder of the way home and she'd fallen asleep on Nathan's shoulder in an instant. When Nathan was approaching the apartment, he overheard two people talking and both voices were eerily familiar.

—No, vasa tomar nuestro dinero del hijo de puta que nuestro robó. ¡Es tu culpa!— Nathan heard the man say.

—¿Qué quieres hacer? ¡Corres el otra noche quando intenté tomar nuestro dinero!— Mercedes answered.

—Y empiezas enseñándole español. ¿Para qué? Solo perder nuestro tiempo.—

—Por verdad, silencio. Si piensas más intelegente a mi, vasa tomar nuestro dinero.— Mercedes bit back to the man.

"Pardon my interruption," Nathan spoke up and Mercedes squealed while the man jumped and both looked right at him, "But if you two wouldn't mind taking your conversation elsewhere, my daughter and I have had a long day and we need some sleep. We won't be able to with all your caterwauling."

The man recollected himself and cleared his throat, "I'm afraid we aren't leaving just yet. We have some unfinished business."

"You certainly thought it was finished when you abandoned your sister the other night," Nathan bit back. "You don't know what I might have done. You're lucky all I did was make her be my Spanish tutor." The man's eye twitched. It appeared that was a little family quark.

"Alright, look," the man said. "Obviously this is getting us nowhere. Mercedes says you would give back the money when she taught you Spanish, but that's a load of time that isn't going to her productivity. We don't exactly have that kind of time to waste."

"Well, my apologies; Mercedes didn't say you were in a hurry," Nathan said sarcastically.

"Laugh all you want, but this is how we make money: we take it from the unsuspecting."

"Then it's your problem you picked on the wrong guy," Nathan said. "If anything, you should be thanking me. I let your sister off easy."

"In some respects, yes," the man answered, clearly losing his last bit of patience. "But the fact remains that with her wasting her day trying to teach you Spanish, that's time not spent keeping a roof over our heads. So let's just agree she screwed up, give us our money back and you'll never have to see or hear from us again."

"Well, that presents a problem," Nathan said. "Your sister agreed to teach me Spanish and while she's gotten us into a few basics, that hardly equates to proficiency."

"To be blunt, sir, your proficiency in Spanish or lack thereof is not my problem," the man said.

"Well, to be blunt sir, your need to keep a roof over your head isn't my problem either," Nathan spat back. The man's eye twitched again. "If you want my opinion, I'd suggest you cut your losses and get out of my face."

"Thankfully, I did not ask for it," the man answered bitterly.

"I already made my deal with Mercedes: she'll get her money when she's taught me Spanish. Now, if your intent is that she backs out of that deal, then we have nothing more to discuss. Now as I mentioned, my daughter and I had a long day and we'd like to get some sleep." The man appeared upset for a moment, but then his mood changed. He took a deep breath before forcing a strange smile.

"Clearly we've gotten off on the wrong foot," the man said. "Let us start from the beginning. My name is Tulio Hernandez. You of course have met my sister Mercedes."

"Nathan Black," Nathan answered. "This is my daughter Scarlet Willow."

"Pleasure," Tulio said. The hint of sarcasm still left in his voice spoke volumes to the contrary. "You see, my sister and I make money the only way we can. $40 is a lot of money to lose in one day, so you can understand why we're so eager to get that back."

"Then Mercedes can keep her end of the deal and you'll get your money back," Nathan answered unsympathetically.

"While I appreciate your point of view," Tulio said, "the fact remains that is a great deal of time spent on what is, let's be blunt here, a rather menial and tedious task. Learning a new language is no small thing and while I can appreciate and, dare I say it, admire you making an effort to learn our language, the fact remains that it's a tedious task."

"As I said to your sister: I'm a fast learner."

"I'm sure you are," Tulio said flippantly. "However, if your current pace is any indicator, that's still too long. Perhaps we could come to…an alternate agreement."

"Such as?" Nathan asked.

"Well," Tulio said, "Mercedes did mention something you had bragged about to her. Something about being able to steal $200 on an 'unlucky' day. Now while I'm sure you're exaggerating, $40 in one day certainly seems feasible. Perhaps you could help us with our pick pocketing venture."

"And how does that help me exactly?" Nathan asked. "While I'm always open to teaching people new things, I'm not in the business of teaching thieves to be effective."

Tulio took in a sharp breath, but did remain smiling regardless of it clearly being forced. "I assure you. You've no need to improve our 'effectiveness'. We do just fine on our own."

"Given that you're kicking up such a fuss over $40, I have a hard time believing that," Nathan said.

"$40 has a lot of buying power, amigo," Tulio said.

"Indeed, and at the moment I'm using that $40 to buy myself some Spanish lessons. Wouldn't kill you two to earn something for once in your lives." Tulio's eye twitched again. "Are we done for the night?"

"We're not leaving until you give us our money," Tulio said again, cutting all pleasantry.

"Well, in that case, enjoy standing outside all night," Nathan said. "And Mercedes, Scarlet and I will see you at the playground tomorrow, same time. If we do not see you, I will assume you've backed out of our deal and you'll get nothing."

Nathan let himself into the apartment and locked the door behind him. He double checked all the windows to make sure they were locked and when he was sure, he brought Scarlet to their room and put her down to bed. He stayed up a little longer to make sure that Tulio or Mercedes didn't try to break into the house but a few hours later, he couldn't resist falling asleep. He got up early the next morning and woke Scarlet so they could get to the shop like they'd promised they would. Nathan checked the windows and saw one had been tampered with, but Mercedes and Tulio hadn't been able to get it open. Scarlet's suggestion of imposing on Rosa to teach them Spanish was starting to look really appealing. Rosa was much nicer after all. They went to the shop bright and early meeting Don at the door and he showed Nathan and Scarlet how he prepped the food in the morning. Aromatics were always first followed be protein prep. That day, beans would be on the menu as Don had a batch from last night that he'd been soaking. Black beans and pinto beans. Don showed Nathan and Scarlet how to cook beans, instructing it was a long process but always worth it. Don would be making chili. It smelled great before the heat was even of it. Nathan wasn't used to spicy food, but he was discovering a rabid taste for it. So when he saw Don put three hot chilies whole in the pot, seeds and all, he started to salivate.

It was an excuse, also, to teach Nathan and Scarlet Spanish words for different foods. So if Don needed the onions he would say, "dáme las cebollas," and once Nathan knew what 'Dáme' meant, the rest was easy. Dáme los frijoles, dáme lost tomatos and so on. When it was approaching noon, Don was finished with the prepping and just needed to let everything cook. So Nathan excused himself and Scarlet and promised they'd return to join them for dinner as Rosa had requested. Nathan and Scarlet went to the park together and there was Mercedes waiting on the park bench with her back to them, but Nathan could tell she was sulking. Nathan told Scarlet to stay quiet and Nathan walked up behind her and gently reached into her pocket and took another $10.

"You really need to be more alert," Nathan said and Mercedes jumped and looked at Nathan. Then she saw him holding her money.

"Damn you, give that back!" she yelled.

"This one's a freebie," Nathan chuckled and handed back the $10 he just took. "But in all seriousness, you really do need to start paying more attention. Otherwise you'll just keep getting bested."

"Where have you been?" Mercedes changed the subject. "You told me to meet you here and when I arrive, you're not here!"

"I'm sorry, we got held up at work," Nathan said.

"You-" Mercedes began, but stopped. "Whatever. Can we just get to your stupid lesson for the day please?"

"Avec plaisir Señorita Hernandez," Nathan said and even bowed a little. "To our lesson for the day."

"You're learning Spanish, asshole. Your French is worthless to me," she spat back and went to the picnic table and Nathan followed with Scarlet close by.

"I really don't like her," Scarlet muttered.

"Extra cookie for you tonight if you can say that in Spanish," Nathan smiled.

—Por verdad, no me gusta esa mujer— Scarlet answered and Nathan smiled.

"Good girl," Nathan said. "You're catching on to this faster than me."

"Tía Rosa is a better teacher," Scarlet answered.

"Don't think I didn't see her giving you private lessons without me," Nathan teased. Then he hugged Scarlet a little before they got to the picnic table and got started for the day.

It was much the same. Mercedes taught them new verbs and how to properly conjugate them. She was always blunt, didn't elaborate much except when Nathan asked and their lessons always ended with her demanding her money. Truthfully, application was coming almost entirely from Rosa and Don. After Mercedes decided they were done for the day, Nathan told Scarlet to play for a while and Nathan kept an eye on her from the picnic table and started a conversation with Mercedes.

"So how long have you and your brother been at your line of work?" Nathan asked.

"What does it matter?" Mercedes asked.

"I'm curious," Nathan said. "Perhaps if we got along better, this arrangement we've got might be easier on you."

"Just give back my money and I'll be peachy fucking keen," Mercedes said and Nathan chuckled.

"Thanks for refraining from that kind of language in front of my daughter," Nathan said.

"She's learning it already from the sound of it," Mercedes muttered.

"I'm afraid so," Nathan said. "Her grandma will probably give me a good earful if she finds out about that."

"Where is your mother?" Mercedes asked. Nathan didn't miss the unnatural gleam that happened in her voice, but Nathan smiled.

"All the way up in Washington State," Nathan smiled and Mercedes appeared annoyed again. "Sorry you can't go bugging my mother. Though I assure you she'd make you regret it."

"I'm sure an elderly woman would," Mercedes said sarcastically.

"Renesmee's a feisty woman," Nathan said with a chuckle, not bothering to correct the 'elderly' portion.

"Your mother's name is Renesmee?" Mercedes asked condescendingly. "Where did your grandma pull that one from?"

"My great grandmothers as a matter of fact," Nathan said. "How do you say Great Grandma?"

"Bisabuala," Mercedes answered. "Mother is Madre, but most just say mamá, father is padre or papá, then grandma and grandpa is abuela and abuelo, and if it's a great grandparent, it's bisabuelo or bisabuela. Any further than that delves into Tatárabuelos," Mercedes said.

"Interesting," Nathan said. "So were you and your brother born in the U.S. or were you born in Mexico?"

"Mexico," Mercedes said. "Our dad brought us all up here for work."

"And where are your parents now?"

"Back in Mexico," Mercedes said. "After mom died, dad returned to Mexico. We stayed here."

"Why?"

"We don't like Mexico," Mercedes said. "We like it better here."

"I see," Nathan said. "And to answer my first question, how long have you and Tulio been in your current line of work?"

"Since '28," Mercedes said.

"And what did you do before that?"

"Stayed at home with mom," Mercedes said with a shrug. "Tulio worked with dad, but when dad left to return home, we couldn't get work so we turned to pick pocketing. So if you're from Washington, what the hell are you doing here?"

"Adventuring," Nathan answered bluntly.

"How nice," Mercedes said flippantly.

"I see you're not interested in small talk," Nathan chuckled.

"Not particularly, no," Mercedes said. "Frankly, I'm almost ready to cut my loses and be done with you, but Tulio isn't standing for it."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Nathan said.

"Oh, fuck you," Mercedes answered and Nathan just shrugged and turned his attention to Scarlet who was playing on the monkey bars. "Where's her mom?"

"Dead," Nathan answered bluntly, not wanting to go into much detail with Mercedes.

"What happened to her?"

"She got sick," Nathan said.

"My condolences," Mercedes said half-heartedly. "So where are you two heading specifically?"

"We want to reach the Amazon," Nathan said.

"You'll need Portuguese then," Mercedes said. "Fair warning."

"Yes, I'm aware," Nathan said. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. Until then: Spanish." Mercedes shrugged and continued to pout. As Nathan watched Scarlet, he felt a presence behind him long before it could reach him and he already knew who it was and what he was planning to do. "Pleasure seeing you again Tulio," Nathan said and the man cursed. At least Nathan assumed that's what he'd done.

"And you too," the man eventually said bitterly and then walked around to where Mercedes was sitting. "And how did your lesson with my sister go today?"

"Very well, thank you," Nathan smiled. "She's a grand teacher. Seeing as thievery is demonstrably not her forte, perhaps she should take up education."

Mercedes sneered at him while Tulio forced a chuckle, "Perhaps she shall." Mercedes turned her mean look towards her brother a moment but otherwise said nothing. "So have you come far enough along in your studies that she's earned back our money?"

"No, Tulio, I'm afraid not," Nathan answered, "but I will say your confidence in her progress is reassuring." Just then, Scarlet ran up to Nathan and took a hold of the hem of his wife beater.

"Daddy, I'm tired of playing here. Can we leave?" Scarlet asked.

"Sure, we'll get going," Nathan agreed and stood from the picnic table. "As always, thank you for your time, Mercedes. We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Closer to noon." Mercedes didn't verbally answer. Rather, her lip twitched upward in a sarcastic acknowledgement. They were about to leave when Tulio stopped them.

"Nathan, I've been thinking," Tulio said. "Surely there is some kind of agreement we could reach. Or at the very least, you could find it in your heart to assist us with obtaining money."

"Tulio, any and all money I steal or earn is mine and only mine," Nathan said pointedly. "I'm not in the market for being a supporter for anyone but my daughter."

"I didn't ask for support, I asked for collaboration," Tulio said.

"You know the deal as it stands, Tulio," Nathan said and walked past him. "We'll see you tomorrow Mercedes," Nathan called behind him and they left the park. Scarlet expressed a desire to go to the shop to see Tía Rosa and Don, so that's where they went.

"I say we stop going to Mercedes," Scarlet said. "With her brother entering the picture, they're an even bigger pest."

"I'm inclined to agree, Scarlet," Nathan said. "But a deal is a deal."

"Haven't you heard the phrase, 'There is no honor amongst thieves'?" Nathan stopped and looked down at Scarlet with a wicked grin and a crooked brow.

"Are you suggesting, young lady, that we be no better than them?" Nathan asked.

"I'm suggesting, Daddy, that we not waste our time with them," Scarlet said, not engaging in the humor. "Rosa and Don have taught us more since yesterday and this morning than Mercedes has taught us in three days." Nathan looked at Scarlet a moment before answering. She remained unamused and waited patiently for Nathan to answer. Eventually, he sighed and smiled genuinely before patting Scarlet on the head.

"Alright, Scarlet," Nathan said. "We'll not waste our time with them anymore." Scarlet finally smiled and hugged Nathan around his waist where she was able to reach. Nathan noticed she'd grown quite a bit since they'd left Washington. She'd certainly gotten taller.

"Thank you, daddy," Scarlet said.

"Don't thank you. You're right: we shouldn't be wasting our time with them. Now let's get to Tía Rosa's and all have some dinner and fun."

Scarlet nodded in agreement and they walked the remaining couple of blocks to the shop and let themselves in. Scarlet went right behind the register to help Rosa while Nathan went in the back asking Don if he needed any assistance. When he said he didn't, Don focused on getting Nathan further progressed in Spanish. In truth, Scarlet really was right: they were learning far more with Rosa and Don than Mercedes. It certainly helped that the four of them were actually bonding. Scarlet even asked Rosa if she could hang a red tree ornament in the window of the shop. After learning the significance, Rosa eagerly agreed and helped Scarlet put up the decoration. The site made Nathan smile. After they closed the shop, they enjoyed dinner and coffee together and Don started playing the guitar for everyone.

"How did you learn to play the guitar?" Nathan asked Don after he finished a song and took a sip of coffee.

"My father taught me," Don said. "This was my father's guitar. I'm not near the player that he was, but I've come a long way on my own since he'd been sent to Europe. Did you ever learn an instrument?"

"I know a song or two on the piano, but I don't care for it," Nathan said. "My brothers are gifted pianists and my sister is pretty decent too, although she much prefers singing. I just never took an interest in the piano. My grandma tried getting me into the violin, but it just never stuck."

"That's a shame," Don said. "It's always good to know how to play an instrument. Music is the surest way to lift the spirit."

Nathan smiled, "I wish I did know how to play an instrument, but I'm afraid when I was younger, it was the least of my concerns. My grandpa on my mother's side always ensured my siblings and I had the best education one could ask for. I was a relatively good enough student, but I was always the black sheep of the bunch of my siblings. I preferred getting into mischief and playing, although I love history. That's really the only time my grandpa or aunt ever had my absolute undivided attention."

Don chuckled, "Mischief you say? I certainly hope poor Mrs. Black is not grey thanks to you."

"Oh, no, not at all," Nathan smiled. "Although my Grandma Sara, that's my dad's mom, always said I reminded her a lot of dad. She says that had she not known better, she'd think time had gone backwards and she was raising my father all over again."

"Truly your father's son then?" Don smiled.

"Let's just say this apple didn't wander far from the tree," Nathan smiled back. Don looked at Nathan a moment, then at his guitar, before looking at Nathan again and extending it to him.

"How about we correct your current lack of musical talent," Don said as Nathan accepted the guitar.

After giving Nathan the guitar, Don sat across from Nathan and started explaining each cord. Nathan remembered how to read music at the very least and he remembered the names of cords, so it made Don's job of teaching Nathan where those cords were worlds easier. Once he knew where all the cords where, Nathan went ahead and tried playing a song that he remembered but it didn't quite translate the way he remembered. Don insisted they start with far simpler songs and got Nathan started playing children's songs. Don also took the opportunity to teach Nathan Spanish by explaining something in English first and then walking Nathan through it again in Spanish. It made learning the play a simple children's song take far longer, but it was well worth the effort. Soon, it grew late and Scarlet had near fallen asleep in Rosa's lap, so Nathan concluded his guitar playing for the night and said goodnight to Rosa and Don promising to be in again bright and early the next morning.

As promised, the following day, Nathan and Scarlet returned to the shop to help Don with prepping for the day. Rosa was in early that day and taught Scarlet how to make cinnamon donuts and Nathan eagerly watched as well. While Scarlet had helped her grandma with cooking from time to time and had even helped with making Apple Butter and apple jams, this was a first time for her where she was actively involved with the cooking process. By the time the dough had risen and rested and risen again and the oil to cook the donuts was hot, Scarlet was covered head to toe in flower and sugar. Rosa kept her attention on the oil while Scarlet was tasked with stirring a cinnamon sugar mixture that was kept in the pantry. When donuts were finished, Rosa would tap off access oil and gently toss it in the bucket of cinnamon and sugar and Scarlet would get it coated. Scarlet was rewarded with two donuts for her efforts. Wanting to assist further, Nathan and Scarlet remained at the shop the remainder of the day and helped Don and Rosa cook and clean and keep customers happy. They remained all through dinner service well after closing time as they'd done the previous nights. Don continued teaching Nathan to play the guitar and Spanish and Rosa similar for Scarlet. Eventually they left for the day with Scarlet sound asleep on Nathan's shoulder and he returned to the apartment. He was about to let himself in when he sensed a familiar presence.

"And where the hell were you?" Mercedes asked and Nathan closed the door and turned to face her.

"My apologies, Mercedes. My daughter and I were held up at work," Nathan said.

"I waited for you for 2 hours!" Mercedes barked.

"Once again, sorry to have wasted your time," Nathan said. "Seeing as you're here, I should let you know we'll no longer require your tutoring services. We've found superior teachers elsewhere."

"Fine, then give me my money and I'll leave," Mercedes said.

"Unfortunately, you've not taught me enough Spanish where I'm fluent or really even capable of 'getting by'. However, I realize you did put in some time, so how about I give you $20 back and we'll call it a day."

"No!" she yelled. "No, you will not give me only 20, you'll give me all 40!"

"A little louder, Mercedes. I don't think they can hear you in Panama," Nathan said.

"They'll hear me in Argentine if you don't give back the $40 you stole from me!"

"You do realize you attempted to steal upwards of $1500 from me right? If anyone should be upset, it's me."

"Well, Mr. Moneybags, if you're so God damned well off, than $40 shouldn't be such a big deal," Mercedes hissed back. Scarlet began to stir, so now Nathan became a tad more forceful.

"Keep your voice down, Mercedes. You'll wake Scarlet."

"Oh, well excuse me! How could I be so rude?" Mercedes bit back sarcastically.

"Alright, this conversation's over, Mercedes. We've had a long day and I'm sure you have too, so go home and get some rest."

"Oh no, you're not getting off that easy," Mercedes said. "If you don't want me teaching you Spanish anymore, that's honky-fucking-dory to me, but don't you dare try to stiff me!"

"Okay, hold on," Nathan said after noticing Scarlet was waking up and ran into the house closing and locking the door behind him. Mercedes continued to bang on the door and yell while Nathan got Scarlet to the pile of blankets.

"Who is that?" Scarlet mumbled against Nathan's shoulder.

"It's Mercedes. I told her we wouldn't require her services anymore and offered to give her half the money and she's not taking it well."

"Tell her to go away," Scarlet near whimpered in her groggy state.

"Don't worry, Scarlet, I will. You just sleep."

"I can't sleep with her screaming," Scarlet groaned.

"Just ignore her, Scarlet," Nathan said and gave Scarlet a kiss on the head before tucking her in. Thankfully, she seemed to fall straight to sleep and Nathan returned to the door that Mercedes was still banging on. He opened the door to her nearly hitting him and he caught her hand in his and stepped back outside. "For shit's sake, woman, calm the fuck down," Nathan whispered harshly.

"Give me back my money and I will," Mercedes said.

"Christ, woman, it's $40. Cut your losses and just move on! You could have made that back by now if you weren't wasting your time yelling at me."

"I wouldn't be wasting my time at all if you've not taken it in the first place."

"You got caught trying to steal from me. That's your own fault. I'm tired of playing this game with you so either take what I'm willing to offer and get better at being a pickpocket or take nothing. It's up to you."

"Okay, okay, this is getting out of hand," Tulio's voice came as he approached them and now it was Nathan's turn for his eye to twitch in irritation.

"I would certainly say so," Nathan agreed as Tulio closed the remaining distance and was standing before Nathan and Mercedes.

"Listen," Tulio said, "the truth is we have no intention of relenting. I assure you, we can make this as easy or as difficult as you like."

"Likewise," Nathan answered. "Frankly, if the two of you want to waste your energy over $40, that's your problem. But you'll not get it back. You'll not get back $20 for that matter either."

"Alright," Tulio sighed heavily. "So you're not willing to give back the money. What if we came to a different agreement?"

"You keep offering to and I keep telling you no," Nathan answered bluntly.

"Yes, yes, but those always involve only my sister and I benefiting. What if we entered into a partnership of some sort?"

"What makes you think I'd partner up with the two of you?" Nathan asked.

"You see, Nathan, I've had my head wrapped around this little scam for a while, but we could never pull it off. As you can plainly see, my sister and I are very clearly related. So we can't pull this off ourselves, but perhaps you would help."

"What scam are you talking about?" Nathan asked.

"An insurance scam," Tulio answered.

"An insurance scam?" Nathan asked skeptically.

"You heard me right," Tulio smiled. "You see, all you have to do is go into an insurance agency and pretend you and my sister are married. Then you'll ask for a life insurance policy. It would be on you of course seeing as you would presumably be the breadwinner and what not."

"You're asking me to obtain life insurance and name your sister as my beneficiary?" Nathan asked skeptically. "I realize you think me stubborn but I'm offended to see you also think me stupid."

"I assure you that couldn't be further from the truth," Tulio said. "This is how this would work: you and Mercedes go in, get the insurance, and then we wait a few months before we locate a body that's already dead that is about your height, make sure the corpse is unrecognizable, and then set up an 'accident' of some nature. After the body is taken to the coroner's office, Mercedes can go in and claim the body as being you, then we get the money and we split it three ways. What do you say?"

"Three ways?"

"Indeed. A share for me, for Mercedes and a share for you."

Nathan chuckled, "Oh, no, I don't think so. I'm not helping you pull off something like this and only getting a 3rd of the profits. It's either half or no deal."

"I'd say that's fair," Tulio answered a little too quickly. "Give Mercedes a chance to procure a nice dress, you get yourself a nice suit and we'll meet here on Monday afternoon and get the ball rolling. What do you say?" Tulio extended his hand to shake Nathan's. He looked at Tulio a moment thoughtfully. The man was lying, Nathan could tell. He certainly couldn't trust Tulio or Mercedes to keep their word. Although, when Nathan thought about it, that might make this slightly easier for him. So Nathan finally smiled and accepted Tulio's hand.

"Alright," Nathan said. "You and your sister have got yourselves a deal."

"A pleasure doing business with you," Tulio answered and released Nathan's hand. "Come on, Mercedes. We'll start looking for a nice dress for you and then we can get this show on the road."

Mercedes smiled a cruel smile back at Nathan, "We'll see you Monday."

She even waved at him before walking away with Tulio. Nathan smiled too and went back into the house. Scarlet was sitting up and rubbing her eyes, so Nathan walked over to the room and sat down beside her. She leaned against Nathan with her eyes closed as if trying to get back to sleep.

"Is she gone now?" Scarlet asked.

"Yeah, she's gone," Nathan said.

"We'll never see her again, right?" Scarlet asked.

"Unfortunately, we'll be seeing her again Monday," Nathan said and Scarlet lifted her head to look up at Nathan, the annoyance in her eyes palpable.

"Why?" Scarlet asked rather harshly and Nathan smiled.

"We came to an arrangement let's say," Nathan said.

"What kind of arrangements?"

"Tulio came up with the idea that Mercedes and I should pretend to be married and get life insurance on me and then find a body that can have an accident and once Mercedes claims the body as mine, she'll collect the money from the Insurance agent and we split it 50/50."

"Are you insane?!" Scarlet yelled, suddenly wide awake. "They're not going to keep their end of the deal! Why would you agree to something like that? You can't tell me you actually trust them!"

"Oh, no," Nathan laughed. "Rest assured, Scarlet, I don't trust either of them worth a damn. But that'll work to our advantage."

"How?" Scarlet asked. "How does not trusting them work to our advantage?"

"You let me worry about that, Scarlet," Nathan smiled and kissed her head. "Now get to sleep."

"No, I will not 'get to sleep'," Scarlet said and crossed her arms. "You've just told me you're planning to get life insurance on yourself and make that puta the beneficiary."

"Whoa, young lady, where did you learn that word? It sure as shit wasn't from Don or Rosa," Nathan chuckled.

"From Mercedes," Scarlet said.

"Ah, yes," Nathan continued to laugh.

"Daddy, this isn't funny! They might kill you," Scarlet persisted and this time Nathan stopped laughing and looked at her as though she were nuts.

"Really? Really, Scarlet? You think they'd be able to kill me? You should know better than that," Nathan patted Scarlet on the head, but she kept firm.

"I think it's a perfectly reasonable concern and I say you're nuts for agreed to anything they've suggested," Scarlet scowled. Nathan just sighed and waved his hand for Scarlet to come to him.

"Come here, Scarlet," Nathan said. She looked hesitant but eventually went to Nathan and got in his lap so he could hug her. "Now don't you worry about a thing. I've got this under control."

"Daddy, I don't trust her or her brother," Scarlet said.

"Neither do I," Nathan said and kissed Scarlet's head. "I promise, everything will be fine. Okay?" Scarlet didn't answer. "Alright, Scarlet?"

"Alright," she finally said.

"And I need you to keep this between us," Nathan continued. "No telling Rosa or Don."

"I would never tell Tía Rosa. She'd be furious."

"Indeed she would be, and rightly so," Nathan smiled and kissed her head again. "I'll make this work, so you let me worry about it. Now get to bed."

"Fine," Scarlet grumbled and returned under the blankets and tried to get to sleep. Nathan did the same.

The following morning, as promised, they returned to the shop bright and early and repeated the day from before. They did so the remainder of the week. Sadly, Nathan could not burrow a suit from Don, so he had to find a place to purchase one. Nathan also bought Scarlet a prettier dress than what she would normally wear. When Scarlet asked him what it was for, he told her it would be for later and left it at that. Then when it was finally Monday, Nathan and Scarlet came into the shop as had become normal but he left early and requested for Rosa and Don to look after Scarlet promising he'd return in a few hours. He returned to the apartment and washed up, got dressed, and stepped outside and waited for Mercedes. She eventually came at last and she was far more spruced up than was usual for her. She wore a sundress with flowers on it and a little cardigan and little black shoes and her hair was pinned up into a bun.

"You certainly clean up nicely," Mercedes said.

"Likewise," Nathan smiled. "So we can't give them our real names."

"And I assume you have some names in mind?" Mercedes said.

Nathan shrugged, "I think it's a stretch to assume the insurance agent would believe I'm Hispanic."

"Is that a no?" Mercedes said, slightly annoyed. Nathan was thoughtful until a pair of names came to mind.

"Henry and Margarita Andrews," Nathan said.

"Works for me," Mercedes said and started walking down the street. Nathan followed her until they came close to an insurance office. Before they reached the building, she turned and looked at him. "I almost forgot," she said and pulled two rings from a pocket, one for her and one for Nathan. The one she gave Nathan was too big, but it worked well enough. Her ring seemed to fit alright. "Can't claim we're married without rings can we?"

"So how long have we been married?"

"A few months?" Mercedes said, unsure and Nathan sighed heavily.

"God damn it," Nathan said. "Okay. We're Henry and Margarita Andrews. We just got married a month ago and have returned from our honeymoon in California. We're working on having a baby and that led us to the decision that I should get life insurance just in case something happens to me so that you and any of our future children are taken care of. Agreed?"

"Works for me," Mercedes answered again.

"You're not curious where in California we went?" Nathan asked.

"Can we just get this done, please?" Mercedes said, losing her patience.

"Alright, fine. Just let me do the talking," Nathan said. Mercedes shrugged and extended her arm to Nathan. He accepted it in his and they started walking to the office together. "Remember to smile. We're newlyweds after all."

"Yes, darling," Mercedes said slightly flippantly and the two walked into the office and we met by a young man at the front desk.

"Good afternoon," the young man smiled. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact," Nathan said. "I'm Henry Andrews and this is my wife Margarita. Might we speak with an insurance rep?"

"Of course," the young man said. "What specifically were you interested in?"

"Life insurance," Nathan answered. The young man asked Nathan and Mercedes to wait a moment while the young man went to retrieve the agent. When he returned, he advised the agent would be right with them and they waited about 10 minutes. Finally, a man walked out and asked Nathan and Mercedes to come to his office and they followed him, taking their seats before the man's desk.

"So Tommy tells me you wish to purchase life insurance?" the man asked.

"Yes, sir," Nathan smiled. "I'd like to purchase insurance and label my wife as the beneficiary."

"And how much in life insurance are you hoping to purchase?" the man asked.

"Well," Nathan looked at Mercedes to give the impression it was a joint decision. "I would think we'd want at least a year's worth of my wages?"

"I think that's reasonable," Mercedes answered sweetly.

"That is rather standard," the man answered.

"In that case, I think $7000 is plenty, right Margarita?" Nathan looked at Mercedes and she finally nodded, still smiling, but he could tell she looked a touch disappointed by the number.

"If you think that is acceptable," Mercedes answered. "Although, we are trying for a baby."

"Oh, yes, I suppose that would require a little more assurance that you and the children would be taken care of," Nathan smiled lovingly at Mercedes and she gave him a similar smile. He'd give her one thing: she was a good actress. "Perhaps we should increase that to $10,000. If we have our way, we'll be pregnant soon if we aren't already. I would feel better knowing my wife will be looked after should something happen to me."

"I take it you two just got married?" the man chuckled and Mercedes answered, to Nathan's surprise.

"Just a month ago," Mercedes answered sweetly. "Near immediately after we were married, we ran off to Las Vegas for some time to ourselves." Rather than combat it, Nathan rolled with the change in the story.

"Indeed we did," Nathan said. "We got to see the dam, as it was nearing completion and we got to see all the shows and enjoy some much needed time alone. Of course, that's not what we're here for," Nathan turned his attention back to the agent. "So anyway, I think $10,000 is an acceptable amount of money."

"Well, in that case," the agent said and started retrieving some paperwork. "All we need to do now is have you sign up and mark your wife as the beneficiary, we'll add the dollar amount you specified and then we'll get you set up with a monthly payment plan for that insurance."

"And how much is that a month?" Nathan asked.

"For $10,000 life insurance, that's typically about $15 per month."

"Alright," Nathan said and started filling out the paperwork. He wrote in the alias Henry Andrews and then listed the beneficiary as Margarita Andrews, added the desired dollar amount and then signed with the alias name. It was a ridiculously simple process.

"Excellent," the agent smiled. "God forbid anything happens to you, you can rest assured your wife and children will have some money to keep them above water until she's able to find herself a new husband."

"Oh, sir, please don't make me think of something so disgraceful," Mercedes said with a pout.

"Forgive me, Mrs. Andrews, I did not mean to be rude," the agent said worriedly.

"Don't worry, sir," Nathan said. "She rather reluctantly agreed to us doing this. We've discussed children before we were married but not that we're married and are in the works, I had to sit her down and point out the very real possibility that if something were to happen to me, she would be left with nothing. You can understand how that might distress me."

"Absolutely, sir," the agent nodded. "You needn't worry, Mrs. Andrews. I'm sure you'll not have a use for this until well into the future."

Mercedes smiled, but she was forcing it to be a little sad, "I would certainly hope so."

They spent upwards of an hour in that office getting things signed and finalized and, finally, a Mr. Henry Andrews was ensured for $10,000 to be benefited to his wife Margarita Andrews. With their copy of the paperwork in hand, the two walked out appearing as much the loving happy couple as they had when they walked in. They went a few feet once outside and waited until they were no longer in site of the building before Mercedes took her hand away.

"Well, that was easy," Mercedes said. "I'll take that if you don't mind."

"I beg your pardon?" Nathan chuckled. "You're not getting this. I'll hold onto it. Seeing as I'm the one with a price on his head, I think it's only fair that I hold the receipt."

"I'm the benefactor aren't I?" Mercedes said.

"And when it's time for you to benefit, you'll get it," Nathan said. "I just want to make sure that we are able to split this 50/50 like we agreed."

Mercedes sighed, "Alright, fine. So when are we collecting?"

"I'd say let's give it three months at least," Nathan said.

"Three months?!" Mercedes said, but cleared her throat and straightened herself out. "Alright, fair enough. We wouldn't want it to look too suspicious."

"Exactly," Nathan said. "In the meantime, you and Tulio can get back to business as usual. So in three months time, come to my house and we'll get to work on finding that cadaver, have it suffer an unfortunate accident and we'll work from there."

"Alright," Mercedes smiled and extended her hand. Nathan accepted it and shook it. "Pleasure doing business with you."

"Pleasure doing business with you," Nathan said and the two finally parted ways.

Nathan went back to the apartment and changed into normal clothes. The receipt for his fake life insurance was added to one of the things he would carry with him at all times to ensure nothing would happen to it or, more appropriately, Mercedes or her brother would never get their hands on it. He finally went back to the shop and found Scarlet in much a similar state as she had been yesterday: covered in cinnamon and flour after helping Rosa make pastries. The remainder of the day was spent helping Rosa and Don with the shop, all the while continuing to be immersed into Spanish, and then ending the day with dinner and a bath for Scarlet while Nathan continued to learn to play the guitar from Don. Scarlet forced herself to stay awake into the night so that she was still up when they finally left for the day. Nathan still carried her back to the apartment.

"Did you get that life insurance?" Scarlet asked.

"Yeah," Nathan said. "I'm ensured under the alias Henry Andrews and Mercedes is pretending to be Mrs. Margarita Andrews. I'm ensured for $10,000 and in about three months, we'll find a cadaver about my size, cause some kind of accident and collect the money."

"You really think they'll keep their end of this?" Scarlet said skeptically.

"They don't have a choice," Nathan said. "I'm the one with the required paperwork so they need me for the plan to work."

"That doesn't mean they won't try to cheat us," Scarlet mumbled.

"I wouldn't worry about that," Nathan smiled.

"How can you say that?" Scarlet asked skeptically.

"Because I'm taking the necessary steps to ensure they won't scam us. It's like you said, Scarlet. 'There is no honor among thieves'. So I won't treat them honorably. They'll be treated the way I feel about them: considered untrustworthy."

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Scarlet asked nervously.

"Yes, Scarlet, I promise. I know what I'm doing."

Nathan gave Scarlet a kiss on the head and told her to go to sleep while walking the remainder of the way to the apartment. A few weeks went by without any word or site of Mercedes and Tulio. It was the happiest Scarlet had been since arriving in Phoenix. She finally wanted to go back to the playground again and it became a Sunday ritual when the shop was closed in which Don and Rosa would join Nathan and Scarlet at the park while she played, continuing to teach Nathan and Scarlet Spanish. After a few weeks, Rosa would start out speaking Spanish expecting Nathan and Scarlet to understand her. It was rather jarring at first, but soon they got used to it. Neither Nathan or Scarlet had felt so comfortable as they did with Spanish. Perhaps it was the immediate necessity for the language or the fact that they felt like they were learning from people that were quickly becoming like family, but Spanish was a far better time for them than French had been.

Nathan made sure to write to Tamara, Dan and Meg. He left out any mention of Mercedes, Tulio and their little insurance scam. He wanted to forget they existed if only briefly. So he focused on the city and talked about Rosa and Don and their hospitality. It was a few weeks later before Nathan finally received a letter back. There were three letters: one from Tamara, one from Dan and one from Meg. Meg's letter to him was illicit to say the least. She expressed missing their 'time' together and looking forward to seeing him again someday. Dan had a similar tone, but more jokingly and teasing Nathan for Meg, or Peggy, having grown such a crush on Nathan. He was relieved Dan treated the matter with good humor. Tamara was the one that told him about things happening. She told him about events that happened, told him the dam was finally done and everyone was thrilled about it and so on. With the dam finally done, Dan was now working at a bar and doing construction work when needed. She also wished Nathan a good journey and looked forward to receiving another letter.

Eventually, it was finally around three months following the life insurance policy being instated. It was around that time that Nathan requested that Scarlet be able to stay with Rosa and Don for a bit while he 'handled some business for getting ready to leave'. He was relieved that Don and Rosa didn't request details. More so, they were sad that he and Scarlet were leaving. Nathan promised he and Scarlet would continue to write to them. One Sunday, Nathan took Scarlet into the desert where they could find a spot to hang one more red tree before returning to the shop to finish the day with Rosa and Don. It came to be a few days before Nathan and Scarlet were planning to leave. They were having dinner with Rosa and Don when Don excused himself briefly and walked out with a large box and handed it to Nathan.

—¿Qué ese?— (What's that?) Nathan asked when Don handed him the box.

—Solo un presente para sus viajes— (Just a present for your travels) Don said. —Abrirlo— (open it) Don encouraged. Nathan looked at him a moment before opening the box like Don told him to. When he opened the box, before him was a brand new guitar. Nathan was speechless. —¿Te gusta?—

—¿Me compraste un guitarra?— (you bought me a guitar?) Nathan asked.

—Una— Rosa corrected with a kind smile. —Esa palabra es feminina— (that word is feminine).

—Lo siento— Nathan smiled and looked at the guitar again. —Gracias, Don. Tía Rosa. Esta guitarra es hermosa— (this guitar is beautiful).

—Sabía que te gustaría— (I knew you would like it) Don smiled. —¿Par a dónde vas?— (where are you going?).

—El Paso— Nathan answered. —Después a El Paso, vamos a Mexico— (After El Paso, we're going to Mexico).

—El destino final es Brazil— (the final destination is Brazil) Scarlet smiled.

—Brasil, mija— Rosa smiled, correcting the pronunciation. —Su padre y tú aprendieron muy rapido. estoy orgulloso de ustedes.—

—Gracias, Tía Rosa— Scarlet smiled and hugged Rosa tightly. "How do I say 'I will miss you'?" Scarlet asked after a momentary silence where she'd been trying to think of the answer before asking.

—Te extrañaré— Rosa smiled. —Y ustedes extrañaremos tambien.— (and we will miss you too) she continued.

—Te extrañaré— Scarlet repeated as though trying to commit the phrase to memory.

—Y Don— Nathan said. —Gracias de Nuevo para la guitarra.— Don smiled and asked Nathan to start playing for them all.

While his skills were still rather young, he played the easy songs Don taught him to play and made an attempt to play a tango that Don had taught him to play. There were moments where he messed up the song, but Nathan was determined and would start again from the beginning until he got the song right. After he managed to play that tango, Don took out his own guitar and showed Nathan how to play a lullaby that his father used to play when he was a kid. And what a lullaby it was. It sent Scarlet right to sleep after she'd spent so much time listening to Don and Nathan play.

—Mi madre estaba una bailarina de tango.— (my mother was a tango dancer) Rosa smiled while Nathan and Don played.

—¿Por verdad?— Nathan asked.

—Sí— Rosa smiled. —Antes de que naciera por supuesto—(before I was born of course). —Mi madre fue llamada La Rosa del Desierto— (My mother was called The Desert Rose) —Es el razón que mi nombre es Rosa. Porque de mi madre.— (that is why my name is Rosa).

—Es un nombre….well suited for you," Nathan started but couldn't think of the right wording.

—Ese nombre es bueno para ti— (that is a good name for you) Rosa smiled and Nathan repeated the sentiment.

"I'm still trying to get used to phrases that don't translate quite right in Spanish," Nathan said.

"Just keep practicing," Don said. "You'll get the hang of it."

"Or should we say, —Sigue practicando y mejorarás— (keep practicing and you will get better).

Nathan smiled and kept playing the tango with Don until his fingers were getting numb. The following day, Nathan asked Rosa and Don to look after Scarlet for him again while he took care of business related matters, leaving his explanation at that. His line of business absolutely needed to be done at night, so he had Scarlet spend the night with Rosa and Don while Nathan went to a hospital first, figuring he'd be better off with someone freshly dead. He found a few people that were left unnamed so it appeared and he managed to find a man's body that was, just barely, as tall as him. It was a man that appeared rather old, but still younger than one might imagine for a natural death. All the same, it was good enough and Nathan snuck out of the hospital with the body of the nameless man and brought it back to the apartment ensuring no one saw him. He dressed the man in a pair of Nathan's clothes that he didn't mind being rid of and took everything he and Scarlet owned out of the apartment and left the body there. He'd worry about the 'accident' later.

He returned to the shop where Scarlet was already helping Don with the cooking and Nathan confirmed this would be their last day in town, so they made the most of the day. Rosa and Don closed the shop early so they could all sit down together and have one more dinner together. They stayed into the night and Nathan played the guitar with Don, quickly becoming much better now that he was able to practice along with Don. Their leaving was met with tight hugs and even tears from Rosa, telling Nathan she demanded a letter from him the moment he and Scarlet arrived to their next destination, expecting it to be fully in Spanish of course. They hugged and kissed goodbye and Nathan promised he'd write as soon as he and Scarlet arrived in El Paso.

"Where are those idiots?" Scarlet asked suddenly as they walked back to the apartment.

"What idiots?" Nathan asked.

"The ones you made that deal with," Scarlet said. "Mercedes and Tulio."

"Or, right," Nathan said. "I suspect we'll see them soon. We still need to get this scam of ours sorted out."

"I still think-" Scarlet started, but then she smelled smoke. "Do you smell that?"

"Yes, I do," Nathan said and they slowly walked in the direction of the smoke and confirmed where it was coming from. By the time they arrived, the apartment they'd used was up in flames and there were people surrounding the building. Nathan heard screeches and crying and realized it was coming from Mercedes, readily playing the part of the grieving widow. "Huh," Nathan said. "Would you look at that."

"They tried to kill you!" Scarlet scowled in realization.

"Well, thankfully, they didn't," Nathan smiled and patted Scarlet on the head. "Now we put our plan into action."

"What plan? They just tried to kill you!"

"Now, now, Scarlet," Nathan said. "I need you to trust me and just do as I say alright?"

While Scarlet was less than pleased, she didn't get a chance to argue before Nathan scooped Scarlet up into his arms and went in the direction of a hotel. Luckily, it was Tuesday the following day, so Nathan would go to the nearest hospital first thing in the morning where the body would be taken. Nathan told Scarlet to get some much needed rest for the following day. Before they left the hotel, Nathan got dressed in the suit he'd bought and smoothed out the hair he'd let grow out to a rather odd length for him. He was able to make it curl a little and, while he couldn't grow facial hair, he was able to get a thin bit of hair on his lip to look like facial hair. He told Scarlet to get dressed in the dress he'd gotten her and when they were ready, they went right to the hospital.

"Scarlet," Nathan said as they were nearing the hospital. "I need you to pretend you're really upset okay? Act as you would if you'd just found out your uncle died tragically."

"Okay," Scarlet said hesitantly, but once they were in the hospital, she thought of the most terrible things she could and imagined that terrible thing had caused either Kevin or Kyle to be killed and managed to get herself to start crying. When they got into the hospital, Nathan went right to the nurse at the front desk.

"Can I help you?" the woman asked.

"I hope so," Nathan said weakly. "You see, there was a terrible fire last night-"

"Oh," the woman said sorrowfully, "Yes, we heard. We were told a Mr. Henry Andrews was brought in after a fire caught in the apartment he and his wife were sharing."

"Yes," Nathan nodded. "My sister-in-law is quite inconsolable at the moment. She's asked me to take care of the matter of identifying his body."

"We can try," the nurse said, "but the fire burned pretty bad. The body is burnt."

"Please," Nathan said in a desperate voice. "My brother had a gold tooth on the right side of his mouth. If I see that, I'll know it's him."

"Of course," the nurse answered apologetically and went to fetch one of the doctors.

Eventually a doctor came and Nathan asked the nurse to look after Scarlet while the doctor led Nathan to the morgue. It was the same morgue that he'd taken the body from to begin with. The doctor took Nathan to the body and, as they'd said, it was burned beyond recognition. All the same, Nathan stepped a little closer and opened the corpse's mouth, making sure to shake a little. On the right side of the mouth, just as he remembered, there was a gold tooth and Nathan took his hand away as if grief stricken. The doctor placed a comforting hand on Nathan's shoulder.

"Do you confirm this to be Henry Andrews?" the doctor asked.

"Yes," Nathan said. "That is my brother." The doctor nodded apologetically.

"I will fill out a death certificate," he said and led Nathan out of the morgue and returned him to Scarlet.

Not long after, the doctor returned with a death certificate confirming the cause of death to be by fire. Nathan thanked the doctor and the nurse, trying to appear as though he might cry and Scarlet continued to cry just as Nathan had instructed. Right after getting that death certificate, Nathan took Scarlet with to the insurance agent's office and Nathan reminded Scarlet to behave as a grief stricken niece and she did just as he instructed. Then they walked into the agency together.

"Can I help you?" the young man at the desk asked. It was a different boy than who had been there when Nathan had initially come to the agency.

"I hope so," Nathan choked. "My name is Geoffrey Andrews. My brother was Henry. He and his wife came here a few months ago and…well, my brother was killed in a fire. My sister-in-law narrowly escaped. She says Henry near forced her to leave the house while he tried to put out the fire but…it was for not."

"My deepest sympathies sir," the young man said.

"Anyway, Margarita has not stopped crying since the fire and I just identified Henry's body this morning. We will need to make arrangements for a funeral and…Margarita discovered just weeks ago she's expecting hers and Henry's first child. She doesn't know I'm coming to collect the life insurance, but I know she'll thank me for it once we need to start making funeral arrangements."

"Of course," the young man said. "Do you have the necessary paperwork?"

"I do," Nathan said and handed over all the required documentation. Scarlet kept crying and the man looked at her. "My daughter and my brother…..they were very close. It'll take some time for us to come to terms with what happened."

"I understand," the young man said. "Just give me one moment and I'll collect part of the money we have. Whatever isn't given here you can collect from the bank on the check."

"Thank you," Nathan answered, trying to ensure his voice was raspy and upset.

They waited a few minutes before the young man came back with roughly $3000 and a check for the remaining $7000 which indeed had the bank on name that they needed to go to. Nathan thanked the young man and left with Scarlet and the two went straight to the bank listed. It took a while for the tellers to collect the money, but eventually they did and they walked out with the money and all their luggage on hand.

"So wait," Scarlet said, looking up at Nathan. "Was this all part of the plan? Did Mercedes and Tulio know you'd be collecting the money?"

"Nope," Nathan said.

"So how will they know to meet us to collect their share?"

"They won't," Nathan said and smiled down at Scarlet evilly. Eventually, she realized what he was saying and started giggling.

"We're stiffing them?" Scarlet asked and started hitting Nathan playfully.

"You're damned straight we're stiffing them," Nathan chuckled and scooped up Scarlet so he was carrying her. "I don't you I had this under control."

"Add this to the list of things to never tell grandma," Scarlet giggled.

"I suppose that list is growing rather long," Nathan sighed and chuckled.

"To El Paso!" Scarlet cheered.

"To El Paso!" Nathan said and raised one hand. Scarlet yelled El Paso again throwing both her arms in the air and then grabbed a hold of Nathan to hug him.

"I feel bad though," Scarlet said as they sneaked around the city to leave without risking running into Mercedes or Tulio.

"About what?" Nathan asked.

"We won't get to see the looks on their faces when they find out we stiffed them," Scarlet said. The two looked at each other a moment and then started laughing.

"That is a shame indeed," Nathan agreed and the two finally left the city limits with a spring in their step as they made their way to El Paso.