RUNAWAY

/ 52 \

🌶 ROSALINDA🌶

After returning to the police department, I wanted to rush inside. But I remembered Tio's presence and kept pace with him to the front entrance. Once inside remained quiet and allowed him to inquire about papi and my brother's cases. When we reached the counter, Tio handed me the money filled duffle bag.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," Tio smiled at the middle-aged female desk cop.

"What can I do for you, sir?"

"I'm here for information about Andres Hernandez, Carlos Hernandez, Octavio Hernandez, Ramiro Hernandez, and Emilio Hernandez's cases."

"One moment while I look up their case files."

We stood patiently waiting for five minutes before the cop glanced up from her screen.

"Their court hearing is scheduled for two-fifteen and two-forty-five pm. They'll be held at XX County Court. Allow me to print the files, and you can be on your way, sir."

"Thank you."

After a moment, the cop handed over four documents and handed them to Tio.

"Here you go. Have a nice day, sir."

"Thank you, and you as well."

Tio turned, and I followed him outside to our vehicles.

"Son solo la 1:15, ¿ya comiste?"

(It's only 1:15, have you eaten?"

I shook my head no as I handed him the bag of money.

"Sígueme, conozco el lugar perfecto." (Follow me, I know the perfect place.

I nodded and entered my car after Tio opened my door for me. I started my car and waited for Tio to lead the way. As I was following close behind him, my phone rang. I glanced down at it and saw it was my Mama calling. I listened to it ring for a moment before picking it up, as I was too mentally tired to listen to her nagging.

"Hola, mamá."

"No me digas hola mamá, jovencita! ¿Dónde están todos ustedes? No me mientas, los vi irse juntos."

(Don't 'hello mama' me. Where did you all go? Don't lie to me, I saw you leave together.)

"Papá y los chicos me llevaron a confrontar a mis jefes. No llegamos a un acuerdo favorable y nos separamos. No sé adónde fueron, pero voy a almorzar con mi Tío."

(Papí and the boys took me to confront my bosses. We didn't come to a favorable agreement and separated. I don't know where they went, but I'm about to have lunch with Tio.)

"Está bien, me siento mejor porque al menos estás con el tío. Pero no entiendo por qué no puedo contactar a tu papá o tus hermanos?"

(Alright, I feel better that you're at least with your Tio. But I don't understand why I can't get a hold of your papí and brothers?)

"Yo tampoco lo sé. Intentaré llamarlos y preguntarle a mi tío también. Estoy seguro de que papá le responderá de inmediato."
(I don't know either. I'll call them and have Tio call too. I'm sure he'll answer to him.)