hedged the Bruja. “Or no. Hombres son brutos.”
“Men are beasts,” translated Jo, trying not to grin.
“Thanks a lot,” said the P.I.
The older woman finished her mixture, then measured dollops of it into two squares of red silk, tying them with red cord.
“Keep these with you,” she instructed, giving a pouch to both Jo and Zack. “Pray the Ave Maria on them every night and morning, and together you may carry enough of the Lady’s light to shine upon and destroy this evil. You understand, si?”
“Sure.” But Zack warily sniffed the pouch.
“Si,” agreed Jo politely. “We understand.” Then she mouthed at Zack, Pay her. Which he did.
As they moved to leave, the Bruja stopped Jo with a hard grip. “For you,” she whispered, pressing a second pouch into her hand. This one was made of white silk.
“What is it?” asked Jo, watching Zack go ahead.
“A charm of love,” murmured the witch. “Pray to lead him from his darkness.”
To lead…Zack Lorenzo?
“Oh no,” said Jo quickly. “I mean, that’s nice of you, but I’m not interested….” The woman’s dark eyes brooked no deception. “Not in that way,” Jo qualified weakly.
Watching the man’s body and feeling safe around him had nothing to do with loving him or leading him from darkness!
“Hombres son brutos,” repeated the Bruja. “But this strengthens them, si? Protecting us, it raises them from the animals. It is our calling to keep them holy in return.”
Jo looked more closely at all the photographs lining the kitchen, almost covering the front wall. School pictures. Family portraits. Clearly that was how Doña Maria had led her life, witch or not. But Jo had once tried for a normal life, once let a man protect her.
Never again.
“Say the prayers,” insisted the Bruja, releasing Jo’s hand.
“I’m not even Catholic.”
“Do not be afraid of life, marimacho.”
“Hello?” called Zack, partway to the car. The Ferrari chirped and flashed its headlights as he approached it. That’s when he stopped still.
Jo awkwardly thanked the woman, then hurried to catch up—until Zack said, “Stay where you are.” Even over the unending Texas wind, she heard the sharpness in his voice.
“Why…?”
But then she heard the snake.
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