Marco and the Devil's Bargain Read Free Page A

watched the whole thing?” Paloma asked, her voice low so Toshua could not hear.
    â€œ From the wall. They stripped Manuel, ripped off his privates, staked him over a low fire and cooked him for two days. They made him eat his own flesh.” He glanced at his wife’s pale face and leaned over to touch her hands. “He pleaded with Luisa to shoot him, and she did. She was carrying their younger son and went into labor that night.”
    â€œ We have all suffered,” Paloma said. She looked in Toshua’s direction. “But so has he. When will it end?”
    He had no answer.
    Santa Maria came in sight too soon to suit him, and maybe Paloma, too, if he correctly interpreted her little sigh as they came to the garrison, around which the village had been constructed. Neither of us wants to do what we have to , he thought. I could assure my lovely woman that she will have a good time at Luisa’s, but she will not believe me .
    While his guards busied themselves and Toshua, too, looked away, Marco leaned over in the saddle and kissed Paloma. “We’ll ride for you in two days, Toshua and I.”
    She kissed him back, her eyes merry. “It’s three days, my dearest. You can say that, but I will wager you another evening measuring you for a sweater that Toshua heads for Hacienda Gutierrez once you two ride home.”
    â€œ I doubt you will be any more successful with that sweater, if you lose! Be a good girl and knit socks.”

Chapter Two
In which there are uninvited guests
    A nother hour saw Paloma and her escorts safely to Hacienda Gutierrez. She surveyed it with a critical eye. The typical red-colored adobe and stout gate made her doubly grateful for Marco’s stone walls and guards on constant patrol. She thought of death’s visit here seventeen years ago and better understood her sister-in-law’s farseeing eyes. Could I do that? she asked herself. Could I shoot my husband to end his torture? Pray God it never comes to that. She looked around, hoping no one was watching, and crossed herself.
    The gates swung open and there stood Luisa Gutierrez, her sister-in-law, her hands outstretched in welcome, even though the day was raw and snow threatened.
    They kissed, and Luisa took Paloma by the hand as they hurried toward the hacienda. “You’re the last, my dear,” her sister-in-law said. “You live the farthest away. Everyone else is hard at work.” She laughed. “Well, no, not exactly. They are all gossiping.”
    A servant opened the door, but Luisa hesitated, then shook her head slightly. The door closed on silent hinges. She turned to face Paloma.
    â€œ I have to tell you: your cousin Maria Teresa got wind of this gathering and invited herself. I don’t know how she heard about it.”
    â€œ I feared she might be here,” Paloma said, wanting to leave, wishing she could have stayed in Santa Maria with Marco.
    â€œ I never invited her, but since she came, I owe her the hospitality of the Gutierrez family,” Luisa told her.
    â€œ I understand, sister. At least I needn’t sit next to her.”
    Luisa tapped on the door and it opened again. They walked inside, but Luisa hesitated once more, as if mulling over what she wanted to say.
    â€œ Go ahead.” Paloma heard laughter and many voices in the sala .
    â€œ She’s boasting that she is with child,” Luisa said, her face red. “I hope this doesn’t upset you.”
    â€œ I have seen her at church. Luisa, I would be foolish if I allowed that to upset me,” Paloma told her, wishing again that she could leave this place. She couldn’t help her sigh, just a small sigh that made Luisa frown, then kiss her forehead.
    â€œ I suppose Marco tells you to be patient, eh? My brother is so deliberate. He’s right, though.”
    I know , Paloma thought, as she followed her sister-in-law into the sala , even though every part of her yearned to be