Isela's Love Read Free

rate, you guys could probably use another man, yes?”
    “Think you’re up to it, Bernie? You sure you remember how it’s done?” Darrios teased.
    “It’s been awhile since I got my hands dirty, but I think it’ll come back to me.”
    “I still can’t believe there’s a prison here,” Maggie said.
    “Technically, it isn’t here,” Sandra pointed out.
    “Midland isn’t that far. I guess after spending time in Inland, it’s easy to forget anything ugly exists.”
    “Regardless, If we can make this contract a lasting thing, it’ll be a sweet chunk of change,” Evan said.
    Darrios held up his glass. “Here’s to a steady income.”
    Everyone clinked glasses and drank.
    ****
    Later, after everyone had gone home, Maggie sat on the edge of the bed reflecting on the night. Darrios sat down next to her. He asked her if everything was all right.
    Smiling at him, she nodded, cupping his face in the palm of her hand. “Tonight was perfect. We’re very lucky to have such good friends.”
    “I couldn’t agree more.”
    “Please be careful tomorrow, Darrios. I hate the idea of you going into Midland...”
    “Shhh, Maggie. Nothing’s going to happen to me. We’re going to get this deal and then we’ll be set.”
    “I remember how dangerous it is. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
    “I’ll be back before nightfall. You won’t even have a chance to miss me.”
    “I will miss you.” She dropped her gaze, along with her hands, to rest on her swollen belly. “We both will.”
    Darrios kissed her abdomen then lovingly caressed her arm.
    “I promise I’ll be careful,” he whispered.

Chapter Three
    Darrios and Evan finished hitching the wagon to the two hoodlas, oxen-like animals with the strength of ten horses. They secured the load, placing a cover over it so its contents would be more difficult to discover. Bernie arrived, all smiles and fully armed to the teeth with a variety of weapons.
    “Expecting trouble, Bernie?” Evan asked with a raised eyebrow.
    “Better safe than sorry. You’re hauling meat through territory screaming with carnivores. We’d better be expecting trouble or it’ll kick our asses.”
    “We’re only taking the hoodlas as far as the gate. Otherwise we might as well beg the viocomen and scabras to attack.”
    “Good thinking. They tend to whip into a frenzy when the meat’s still alive. Although, pushing this wagon from the Midland gate all the way to the prison is not something I’m looking forward to,” Bernie said as he climbed on board.
    ****
    They reached the gate at the border between Inland and Midland ahead of schedule. Darrios and Bernie began unhooking the wagon while Evan called out to the gate-keeper, their friend Burgess. Moments later he emerged from the tunnel leading to Midland.
    “Gentlemen. Well aren’t you three a sight for sore eyes? I haven’t seen the two of you since you both went and fell in love,” he said, nodding to Darrios and Evan. “And you Bernie, taking a break from playing Cupid?”
    Bernie shoved the little man playfully. “Somebody’s got to. If it wasn’t for me, God knows Darrios would’ve died alone with his sparkling personality.”
    They all chuckled as Darrios flipped them the finger.
    “Nice,” Burgess said. “You can take the boy out of New York...”
    “We’re taking this load of meat to the prison,” Darrios explained. “Evan cooked up some fantastic money-making deal with the warden over there, but we need to leave the hoodlas here, so we don’t attract a lot of unwanted attention, okay?”
    Burgess peered under the wagon cover, sniffing inside. Even on ice, the odor of fresh carcasses and blood wafted over the rails. He wrinkled his nose.
    “I’d say with that cargo, you’re going to attract all kinds of attention.”
    “Even so...”
    “Yeah sure, I’ll keep an eye on your animals, but tell Sandra I expect some cookies,” Burgess said, pointing at Evan.
    “You got it,” he agreed.
    Burgess led