Chapter 27 - The Diary of a Coward
Natalia opened the folder beneath the dim light filtering through the greenhouse glass. Inside was a black moleskin notebook filled with Javier’s chaotic, frantic handwriting. It detailed meetings with Salazar's enforcers, cash payments received for "security consultation," and the addresses of Natalia's upcoming construction sites.
On the very last page, circled in red ink, was Doña Refugio’s address with the terrifying note: Intimidation target - Friday night.
"Why are you giving me this, Jimena?" Natalia asked, looking up at her former sister-in-law. "Why betray your brother?"
Jimena wrapped her arms around herself, shivering despite the warmth of the afternoon. "Because I saw what he became. When we lost the house, I had to get a real job. I had to face the real world. I realized how cruel we were to you, and to your mother."
She took a shaky breath. "Last night, Javier came home drunk. He was bragging to my mother that Salazar was going to burn your mother's house to the ground while she was sleeping to force you to sign the building over. My mother actually smiled. She agreed with him."
Jimena choked on a sob. "I can't be part of that darkness anymore, Natalia. I can't let them kill an innocent old woman just to feed their bruised egos. Please, take the notebook and destroy them."
Natalia looked at Jimena, seeing the genuine remorse and terror in her eyes. The girl who had once called her mother a maid was now risking her own life to save her.
"Thank you, Jimena," Natalia said softly. "You need to leave the city. Tonight. If Javier realizes this notebook is missing, he will kill you."
"I know," Jimena nodded. "I bought a bus ticket to Monterrey. I'm leaving right now."
Natalia reached into her purse and pulled out a thick stack of emergency cash she always carried. She pressed it firmly into Jimena's hands. "Take this. Start a new life. A quiet one."
May you like
Jimena looked at the money, overwhelmed by the grace she absolutely did not deserve. "I am so sorry, Natalia. For everything."
She turned and ran out of the greenhouse, disappearing into the shadows. Natalia walked back to Elena’s car, holding the notebook that was going to serve as Javier’s permanent arrest warrant.
