5. Chapter 5 #2
“Let me go!” The boy flails in vain.
“A good beating ought to teach you – “
The coins he lifted from my purse clatter to the sidewalk. A wicked smirk slides across the soldier’s face.
“A thief too. You know where thieves go, don’t you, boy?”
The second guard chimes in, “The Palace of Justice.”
I’m not entirely sure what propels me to do it, but I cry out, “Wait!” and garner the attention of the soldiers.
Ignoring Lupe’s instructions to get in the carriage and leave matters alone, I stomp toward the guards and the squirming boy. I tilt my chin high, roll my shoulders back, and wear the confidence of a lady of high society.
The guards’ faces soften as I approach and tilt their heads in respect.
“Are you alright, my lady?” the one holding the boy asks. “Did this child harm or rob you?”
“No,” I say. “What I would like to know is why you’re holding my cousin hostage?”
“Cousin?” One of soldiers guffaws.
Even the boy’s mouth drops open, but I shoot him a poignant look and he immediately plays along.
“Yes, I’m her cousin,” he says smugly. “Unhand me!”
“He’s your cousin?” The Black Guard clutching the boy’s shirt eyes me suspiciously. “What about the coins that fell from the lad’s pocket?”
I narrow my gaze and let my fury ignite. “Are you questioning why my kin has coin to spend in the market? I would very much like to speak to your commander.”
“That won’t be necessary, my lady!” The soldier releases the boy and backs away from us as I wrap my arm around the youngster. “We apologize. We were just doing our duty.”
“Perhaps, you should ask a few more questions before you jump to conclusions.” I splay my fingers across the boy’s chest, as if he were my own blood. “If you give my cousin trouble again, I will see you both court martialed. Understood?”
The soldiers bob their heads, offering profuse apologies before turning on their heels and walking away.
I can feel the boy’s heart thundering beneath my palm, and I dare say, the rhythm matches my own.
“Come with me,” I whisper.
Leading him to the carriage, I help him inside the buggy and knock on the ceiling to alert the driver we’re ready to depart.
“Who are you?” the boy asks me and Lupe, kicking his feet.
“Who we are doesn’t matter,” I speak up before Lupe can pitch a fit. “What you need to remember is if you’re going to pick pockets, do it at night. There’s less chance the Black Guard will catch you if they can’t see you.”
He quirks a brow, a curiosity steels his features. “You say that as if you have experience.”
“Take my advice or don’t. I won’t always be around to rescue you.” As much as I want to help him, I know I can’t. “Where should we drop you off?”
“Anywhere is fine.” He says flippantly. “I’ve still got a full day’s work ahead of me.”
Flashes of being his age scrape the recesses of my mind. I know his struggle. I know the hopeless gleam in his eyes. Just yesterday, I was sitting in my ransacked apartment in the Brogratto contemplating selling myself to one of the Masters of Madams just to eat. I know suffering.
“Here.” I reach inside the purse Lupe gave me this morning and empty the coins and paper notes into his hands. “Take it.”
“Why are you doing all this?” He eyes me suspiciously. “I’m a nobody from the Brogratto. You don’t owe me anything.”
“I don’t care where you’re from. You’re still a person in need. I might not be able to do much, but I can give you what I have.”
I’ve ignored plenty of people in the Brogratto in need of aid but for some reason, this child reminds me so much of my younger self I can’t turn a blind eye.
For years I’ve allowed myself to be indifferent to the troubles of others, burdened by my own.
But maybe, being a part of this rebellion, I can make a difference like Otero claims.
I tap on the carriage ceiling, and we come to a halt. The boy straightens his hat and tucks the coins into his pocket.
“Thanks again,” he says, flinging the door open.
“What’s your name?” I ask, even though I know I probably shouldn’t.
He hesitates but finally says, “Reuben.”
“Reuben.” I repeat and smile. “I’m Ines.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” he tips his hat. “I won’t forget you.”
And just like that, the boy disappears from my sight and our carriage takes off.
I wait several minutes in silence before mustering the strength to glance up at Lupe. I expect to see wrath and ruin but instead her eyes are bloodshot and filled with mercy.
“How angry are you?” I ask.
“What you did was reckless and could have blown your cover as Elena Lozano - ”
I roll my eyes. “What would you have had me do, Lupe? Watch the boy endure a beating for existing? Watch as the Black Guard dragged him to the Palace of Justice to be condemned for a petty crime and issued execution? I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of watching the injustices of this cruel world win. ”
Lupe holds a hand up silencing me. “You didn’t permit me to finish.”
I squirm in my seat and motion for her to continue.
“What you did was reckless and could have blown your cover as Elena Lozano, but it was the right thing to do.” Her gaze softens. “Perhaps, Salvador was right about you being an acquired taste.”