To the Land of Green

Chapter Twelve

Here I am again standing in front of Alvarez's office. I know that he is not alone inside as I hear voices. He must be talking with someone inside. Lucio knocks on the door and asks for permission to enter.

"Come in," Alvarez says. We go inside the room and I see a middle-aged man talking to Alvarez.

"We need to find it soon, Alvarez. The rebels in the city are getting too powerful if they find it first, we won't be able to control the two worlds anymore," the man says then stands.

"I will get the answers from them. Just give me time," Alvarez says.

"You better. You don't want your cousin to come here himself," the man says.

"You wouldn't dare! I'll let you know when I have the information!" Alvarez says, getting angry.

"I will be back in a week," the man says. He stands up. His eyes meet mine, then he turns and leaves.

I take a seat and ask Alvarez, "What do you want?"

"Would you like some wine? Do you even know what it tastes like? This is a very expensive wine, you know? Made and picked by your own people," he says with a laugh.

"No, I am good," I reply. "Why did you want to see me?" "Straight forward. I like that," he replies.
"Look, I don't have time. I need to get back and do my work."

"I am your master. You don't need to go that early, Marie," he says. "Look, I need you to answer a question. You have been with them and José seems to want to protect you, so you must know what they know about the Lobo," he says.

"José? What are you talking about?"

"You know what I am talking about here, woman!" he yells. His fist comes down hard on the table, making a loud thump.

"Look, I don't know what in the world you are talking about!" I yell back looking at him straight in the eyes.

Before I know it, he is close to me. He grabs my face. "I know you know about the Lobo and you're trying to protect them. Either you tell me now or more consequences will go toward them," Alvarez seethes.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, okay!" I grab his hand and forcefully pull my face away from him. "If you have nothing else to ask I must go. I have a lot of things to do."

"Lucio!" Alvarez says.
"Yes, General," Lucio replies.
"Take her back to the Infierno, and no bread for her for two days," he says. "Yes, General," Lucio says.

"Also, give her a proper set of clothes for women. No woman deserves to wear pants. Take her shoes also, make her walk barefoot," Alvarez says.

"Will do, General," Lucio says.

We leave Alvarez's office and head to a different building. Lucio opens a door. There are silks and suits on a rack. I see women sewing and knitting. This is where they are probably making clothes.

"Sancha, do you have some worn used clothes for her?" he asks. "Who's this?" Sancha asks.
"Marie," I say. "My name is Marie."

"Marie." Sancha looks me up and down. "You dress very strangely, woman," she says. "This is the first time I've seen a woman wearing pants. You must have the guts to do that. Here, you may have this. I think this will look good on you."

"Thank you," I say.
"No problem. You can change there," she says pointing to a corner. "You must hurry. We are already late," Lucio says.

I hurry to the corner to change. I look in a mirror. The long dress, with puffy sleeves, hugs my body. It's a pretty dress, I must admit. It is old and a little dirty, yes, but it is beautiful. The stitching around my waist is very beautiful.