Chapter 23
Reaching Rosa
The wind whipped viciously around Alejandro as he descended the rusted fire escape ladder adjacent to the balcony. Below, Rosa was miraculously clinging to a thick, protruding iron flagpole bolted near the eighth-floor window. Her arms were shaking uncontrollably, her strength entirely spent.
"Hold on, Rosa!"
Alejandro called out, navigating the narrow concrete ledge.
Rosa looked up, her cloudy eyes widening in disbelief.
"Young Master Alejandro... I knew you would come. I prayed every day."
"Save your breath. Give me your hand."
Alejandro anchored his leg around the sturdy iron bars of the fire escape, leaning out over the terrifying drop. He extended his hand, his muscles coiling tight. Rosa, trusting him completely, let go of the pole and reached out.
Their hands locked. The jolt pulled heavily on Alejandro's shoulder, but he gritted his teeth, pulling the frail old woman securely against his chest. He hoisted her onto the safety of the metal platform, holding her tight as she broke down into exhausted sobs.
"They tried to kill the baby," Rosa wept into his shoulder. "They tried to kill your son."
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"I know," Alejandro said, his voice cold with restrained fury. "But they failed. And they will never hurt any of you again."
He carefully helped Rosa climb back up the stairs to the ninth-floor balcony, where Elena was waiting. When Elena saw the old maid alive, she threw her arms around Rosa, burying her face in the woman's neck, crying tears of profound relief.
