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The woman brushed her off She was a lovely woman, her hair hidden under a beautiful lace veil, her delicate features aith concern for the large man nearby She spoke a fe sentences in Spanish to her husband

He responded fiercely, but the small woman shook her head and turned to Gabriela

“The child is with Isabela I will call and prepare her Leave now, and let us begin to mourn our son”

“No!” Rodolfo exclaimed

“Rodolfo,” the gentle wo the name with all the compassion and love of a faithful wife “It is over Done”

And with that, the elder Orlando’s fire was snuffed He slumped into his chair, his lined face a shattered mask of devastation

Amara

’s heart soared She opened her mouth to thank Frederik’s mother, but a sharp look fro Amara up with him, and he rapidly led her past the older couple and out the door

Gabriela followed behind them as their clipped footsteps echoed down the empty hallways

“Was she telling the truth?” Amara asked as they rushed toward the front door

“My mother does not lie,” Gabriela said in clipped tones “Isabela is my cousin, a trusted cousin”

“Where does she live?” Quint asked

“In Paso de Carrasco with her family It’s about fifteen kilo to tell her or anyone else about the loss of Federico It will be hard for her, as it was for me Mamá will prepare her, I hope”

“Carrasco … like the airport?” Amara asked

Gabriela nodded, though she seemed a bit confused