Excerpt of Easter's Lilly by Judy Serrano

“I thought I might take you for a walk on the grounds.” We began to walk out the back door. “Diego and I have a beautiful property. Our father left it to us when he died. I think he thought it would bond us or something. You should see it for yourself.”

It was HUGE! There were trees and ponds among hills and flowers. I had never seen the likes of such a property up-close. “How can you afford to take care of all of this?” I asked him.

“We sell drugs to children,” he said, quite casually. “I thought you were up to speed on all that.” I was a little stunned by his candor. He obviously does not feel good about what he does or he wouldn’t have said it like that. “What?” I asked.

“You heard me,” he replied.

“Why didn’t you get a different kind of job?” I asked. “You seem capable.”

“I ask myself that every day,” he answered. “But now I know why.” He smiled at me. “Someone had to be here to take care of you.” He was still holding my hand and we were walking together like lovers through a meadow. It felt good and safe. He walked me to the back of the property by a creek. It was breathtaking. We sat on a couple of large rocks by the water and he let go of my hand. I felt a little sad when he did that. “I come here a lot,” he told me. “Sometimes just to talk to God and be with Him.”

“You believe in God?” I asked.

“Why so surprised?” He gave me a boyish grin that tickled a little.

“Aren’t you a hit-man?” I asked.

“Enforcer,” he said in a drawn out tone. “I prefer enforcer.”

We both laughed a little. He put his arm over my shoulder and pulled me close. “It’s going to be all right, Lilly.” I put my head on his shoulder.

“Have you ever been a bodyguard before?” I asked.

“No,” he answered. “But I do watch Diego’s back all the time. So, I guess I’m his bodyguard.” He picked up my chin with his fingers. “He’s a very powerful man, you know.” Actually, I didn’t know. I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. “So, be careful with him.” I put my head back down on his shoulder and he held me for a while.

“Are you going to keep me safe?” I asked. I was worried now, about his brother.

“I will put my life down for you.” He pulled me even closer and rocked me a little. I never felt so secure before. You could smell the water as it cascaded into the rocks and made a swishing sound. It was heaven to me.

“Does Diego ever come out here?” I asked.

“I don’t think he remembers it’s here,” he answered. He gave me a knowing look. It was like this was going to be our spot.