Chihuahua, Mexico.

It was the next best place for me to hide away from the law in New Mexico. I’d run into Melquiades Segura in the city after being mugged and beaten by a group of locals. Segura had helped me get back on my feet in a foreign place, and now, we were very close friends.

Tonight, after many successful rounds of poker down at a local saloon, he insisted we stayed out instead of turning in for the night.

Tipsy and riding out the high of our winnings at the saloon earlier, Segura and I found ourselves surrounded by music and laughter in the middle of town. Despite nearing midnight, vibrant music filled the air around us, horns and trumpets playing lively melodies that led the dancing of two beautiful women up on a small stage. Around them, the locals cheered them on, applauding, whistling, and singing to the music being played.

They caught our eyes— How could they not? They were beautiful young girls, free-spirited and talented, their movements smooth and alluring. The music continued playing in the background as the two girls hopped off the stage and approached us, introducing themselves as Las Buendias.

The Buendia sisters.

They came from a very old and respectable family. A very rich family. It was almost too good to be true.

They asked for a drink, which we gladly bought for them. After a light, friendly conversation between the four of us, they had even invited us to dinner the next night.

And that’s how I wound up here.

Segura and I sauntered toward the Buendia estate in Chihuahua, my heart racing in my chest as I listened to him.

“Be polite, Billy. Hey, and mind your manners.” He spoke with an accent, playfully nudging my side as we marched up the steps.

“This is a well-respected family. Don’t fuck it up, eh?” He teased with a small smile, smoothing his hair back and straightening his shirt.

I scoffed, a small smirk on my lips. “You wouldn’t know it from the way they danced.” I teased back, just as the front doors opened with a loud creaking sound.