Luz,Amity and Luis We're driving down the highway. Making their way towards San Juan at a good pace. They were careful not to drive too fast to cause attention but not too slow. As they knew those same thugs that ambushed them at the house could reappear at any moment. Amity quickly turned on the radio See there were any updates on the murder of Carlos Rivera. We have an update on the murder of Carlos Rivera. Law enforcement has identified a possible Noceda, A local journalist was found to be the last person in contact with mister Rivera after authorities were able to access his phone records. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Mr. Noceda Please report to your local law enforcement. We will update you on any news as it comes to us. " Great, now they know who I am. They're gonna have police checkpoints on any route heading into San Juan." Luis remarked." Don't worry cousin, I have a plan in case we run into that." Luz exclaimed."Luz, look ahead." Amity exclaimed As she slowed down.
Before them was a police quickly she took out the notepad and began drawing. Taking off her necklace she handed it to Luis along with the drawing."Alright put this on and when I give the word take a deep breath ,tap the paper and hunch over in the leg area." Luz explained to Luis as the Line of cars were inspected one at a time by the police. Soon the cops were approaching their car when Luz gave the signal. Luis took a deep breath, tapped the paper and within a blink of an eye he was invisible."Hello seems to be the problem officer?" Luz asked as the man approached"Good evening ladies. Sorry to bother you but I'll need identification and a quick look at your car." The officer replied. "Certainly officer, here are our IDs. I hope we can be swift. My wife and I are exhausted and wish to go back to our hotel." Luz explained,hoping that it would draw away any suspicion. "Hotel you say Mrs. Noceda. No relation to the suspect." The officer said. "What suspect?" Amity asked."Some journalist by the name of Luis Noceda. Not a common name around here." The officer explained. Luz was trying to remain calm but inside was full of panic. She knew Luis couldn't hold his breath for much longer but the officer was taking his time to inspect the car. Thankfully he waved them to pass and she drove past the checkpoint breathing a sigh of relief. "Ok we're clear Luis." Luz said as he finally took in some much needed air.
"Shit that was close. Any Longer and the game would have been up." Luis exclaimed. "I will have to thank Gus for that wedding gift." Luz exclaimed. "Hate to break it to you Luz but what do we do when we Hit San Juan? Luis can't hide in our hotel room. The place is covered with cameras and he can't hold his breath that long." Amity Replied. Luz thought for a moment. She couldn't rely on anybody Luis knew as the police would look there 1st. It was then it hit her." Amity dial up Mariana and tell her to meet us at the bar." Luz said as they sped towards San Juan and destiny…
1 Hour Later….
The three walked into Atrévete Bar & Café. Luis was nervous but Luz insisted that this was the last place the police would look for so he wore a hat and sunglasses to hide his appearance. The three were sipping some beers when Mariana and her girlfriend Rita walked in."What's the matter Luz?" Mariana asked. "Look like I said before I can't discuss it here. Now can we head back to your place." Luz said as Rita took a good glance at Luis and realized who he was. "You're the one.." She said before Amity signaled her to be quiet. "We will explain but not here." Amity said. The two girls could tell how serious it was by the looks on the faces of the three and they made their way out…
30 Minutes Later…
Upon their arrival at Mariana's house the two were told and shown were shocked."Those bastards!" Rita muttered."I see why you need to see the governor. I got you guys the meeting with the governor. Problem is that if they are after you they will have their goons waiting for you in Old San Juan." Mariana explained. Luz stood there and thought about what they could do. Magic was out of the question to many people given it was a popular tourist spot and no way Luis could hold his breath for that long. Their best option was to sneak him in. It was then it hit her. "Isn't there a drag show in old san juan tomorrow?" Luz asked. "Yes there is one tomorrow." Rita responded. Luis wondered why she would bring it up when it hit him. "No! I'm not doing it!" Luis responded.
"Look, this is the best chance to get you to La Fortezla. They won't be looking for a drag queen,"Luz replied. Luis took a deep breath. As much as he hated the Idea she was right. "Fine, put a dress and some makeup on me but that's it." Luis exclaimed. "Nah, we have to make it convincing. A simple dress and makeup won't do. We have to go all the way." Amity said, making Luis gulp with fear. "She is right. You'll need a haircut,shave,wig, makeup, nails, eyelashes, dress and heels. Rita and Mraiana, you know where to get what we need at this hour. "Luz said as the two girls nodded and went to gather the supplies. Meanwhile Amity and Luz took Luis into the bathroom to clean him up….
The Next Day….
Luz, Amity Luis , Rita and Mariana parked by the edge of the neighborhood."Remember your drag name is Maria Sanchez." Luz told Luis. The girls had spent the night getting him ready with a complete makeover. They also gave him a crash course in wearing heels. "How do women manage walking in these things?" Luis remarked as his feet were getting sore pretty quick."Don't worry I brought a pair of flats, we will find a bench and you can change but lets get through this crowd." Luz said as they walked through the crowd. The group was vigilant anyone in this crowd could be working for the PNP. Luz had the documents in a string bag along with flats for Luis. As they made their way through the crowd the various drag queens were taking notice of Luis."Haven't seen you around here before. What's your name?" One asked Luis."Um Maria Sanchez." Luis said doing his best female impression. "Your first time I'm guessing." The drag queen said. "Yes it is. I have no Idea how people manage these heels." Luis said, making the drag queen laugh. "I was the same way my 1st time. My name is Carlita Asada. If you want any tips, hit me up." Carlita said before handing Luis their phone number. Luis thanked them before the group continued their way towards La Fortezla. They were but a few blocks away when Luis's feet could take the heels no longer. Thankfully there was a spot to sit down. Luz was in the process of handing the string bag over to Luis when out of nowhere someone ran up and snatched it. "Crap he's got the files." Amity replied.
"And he got the flats." Luis said "Forget about that we need to get the bag back after him." Luz said as the group ran after the would-be thug. Thankfully Luz was smart, having used a good witch Azura string bag to hold everything made sure that it would stick out if anybody tried to snatch it. They were hot on his trail as the thug tried to slow them down by knocking over signs and shelves. In Spite of that Luz and Amity were hot on his trail. It was then he made the decision to run into La Factoría. Luz and Amity entered the bar. It was packed full of patrons and music was blasting. It was then Luz caught sight of the culprit talking with a few other men over drinks. She quickly recognized one as one of the attackers of her Uncle's farm. Seeing the bag hanging on a chair Luz had to think fast how to get it back. It was then an idea hit her. She whispered into Amity's ear"Let's start a Bar fight." Amity's eyes perked at the idea. Going to the counter she ordered a couple beers. She scanned around to spot the most inebriated individual in the bar as they would be the perfect candidate. As Amity walked towards the man she suddenly slipped, flinging her beer at him. As expected the man was pissed. "Bitch you got my shirt wet." The man said going to fling a punch Amity was quick to dodge causing the man to hit the individual behind her. It didn't take much after that for the bar to be engulfed into a full on brawl with punches and chairs being thrown. Luz in the confusion was able to snatch her bag as she and Amity made their way out of the bar. Outside was Luis, Rita and Mariana. "You got the bag great. Now please hand me the flats." Luis exclaimed.``We don't have time we need to get to La Fortezla now. It's only a matter of time before they realize the bag is gone." Luz remarked much to the shagrin of Luis as the group made their way to the Governor's residence….
10 minutes later….
The group had finally reached La Fortezla. The executive mansion that was the oldest in all of the western hemisphere. Thanks to Mariana's connection they were let in by security. After a quick explanation of the situation to one of the governor's top advisors they were quickly rushed to see the governor. Governor Juan Dalmau was in the midst of meeting with experts on the planning of an island wide metro network when they barged in "Governor we have important information for you." Luz said. The governor in his clean pressed suit got up from his chair. `What is going on here?" He asked, "Sir, you should take a look at this, it's very serious." His aide said as they were escorted into a separate room. Dalmau was a busy man but always had time for people. It's this trait that helped him transform the Puerto Rican Independence party from a fledgling party into a powerful progressive movement that took on the corrupt pro colonial establishment and won.``Ok what is of such great importance that you came to me." Dalmau said.``Sir it's an honor to meet you. My name is Luz Noceda. My cousin Luis uncovered a conspiracy to rig the upcoming sovereignty vote." she said.
``Luis Noceda, the one accused of murdering PNP intern Carlos Rivera." Dalmau replied.``Sir I did not murder him, they framed me in an effort to stop this information from reaching you." Luis said, pulling the folder out of the string bag and placing it on the table.``Take a look for yourself." Luis exclaimed as the governor looked over the files before him. He had spent over 20 years in Puerto Rican politics. In that time he had become all too familiar with the dirty tactics of the establishment. Especially those employed by the PNP. He did not doubt the legitimacy of the documents before him. Taking on a serious expression as he looked over to his advisor.``Mobilize the national guard. We must apprehend the ringleaders before they can escape and destroy any further evidence. Also prepare a press conference. The people must know the truth.`` Dalmau said with a tone that showcased how serious he took the situation."Yes sir!" The advisor said as he ran out.
The governor looked back at the 5 of them."Thank you all. You have done this nation a service it can never repay." Dalmau said."Well it was Luis who did the investigative journalism that uncovered the plot." Luz said as the governor looked at Luis still in full drag and makeup." You have made your ancestors proud today. If there is anything I can do just ask." The governor said as Luis looked at his dress and makeup." Could I get a fresh set of clothes and somewhere to clean myself up? I'd hate to go on camera looking like this." He said as the governor chuckled at the thought of that."Of course Luis I'll have one of my advisors grab you some clothes. You can use one of the guest rooms to clean yourself up." Dalmau replied as he called an aide to lead the 5 to a guest room to wait as he went to work….
1 hour later…
The Puerto Rican national guard was hard at work. They had already busted several high ranking members of both the PNP and the PPD. The biggest domino to fall was the ringleader disgraced former governor Ricardo Roselló. The Governor stood by a podium. Beside him was Luis who had cleaned up and wore a fresh suit. As the press filled up the room and cameras began to roll, the governor cleared his throat and began to speak."People of Puerto Rico." The governor said in a clear and firm tone." We have uncovered a conspiracy by members of the PNP and PPD to rig the upcoming vote for sovereignty." He paused as the crowd was shocked at the news. " These individuals sought to undermine the core principle of democracy they have claimed to defend whilst falsely accusing the brave journalist who uncovered this plot of a murder they committed." The governor said as the crowd was furious at the audacity of these politicians."As of this moment I have ordered the National Guard to apprehend these individuals and make sure they face proper justice." Dalmau said to a roaring applause.
" I want to send a clear message: we do not tolerate any attempts by any individual or group to subvert the will of the people." The governor went on his tone as the crowd was outraged." The decision of whether Puerto Rico becomes a sovereign nation or not rests squarely in the hands of the people, not in the hands of corrupt politicians or special interest groups. This is a vote for our right to self-determination. A vote that will impact your future and future generations to come. I urge the people that when the day comes that you make your voices heard and tell those who tried to steal your freedom to choose that you will be heard." He said as the crowd loudly applauded. "As a result of this I will consult international electoral watchdogs to ensure that the referendum is free and fair." He explained as he turned to Luis.
" This young man. Luis Noceda uncovered this plot and at great risk to his life brought the truth to us all." Dalmau said as the crowd applauded and now it was Luis's turn to speak." Thank you Governor Dalmau. Now before I say anything I have to thank a few people. First I will thank the late Carlos Rivera who gave his own life to ensure the truth was told. I would also like to thank my Cousin Luz Noceda, her wife Amity and their friends Mariana and Rita who without their assistance I would be dead." Luis said as he signaled the 4 to come out towards the podium so they could all get on camera. After a short speech on his work uncovering the plot the press conference was over. Luz looked over to Amity.``A pretty interesting way to end our Honeymoon." she said as Amity smiled." It is batata. I can't believe it's over." she said as the two leaned in for a kiss…