Maria insisted on writing a thank-you note before they left. The tote bags they’d been carrying weren’t suited for travel, so she borrowed an old canvas backpack from the closet. Then they crept down the hall and walked out the front door.
He paused outside to study the remote landscape. The rugged, mountainous terrain to the east offered no hint of civilization. That was the direction they’d come from. There was only one other way to go, down a long dirt road that led west. They might have to walk ten miles before they saw a vehicle. He was about to rethink his plans when a truck barreled toward them, tires kicking up dust.
“That’s José,” she said. “We should ask him for a ride.”
Ian nodded his agreement.
The man in the truck pulled into the driveway. He smiled at Maria the way all men did, tipping his cowboy hat.
“Can you give us a lift?” she asked.
“I would be happy to, but I should warn you that there is a police barricade at the end of the road. They’re looking for anorteamericano.”
Ian swore under his breath. So much for escaping El Limbo.
