Chapter Nine
For four hours they had bounced along in a Jeep while an acquaintance of Noel’s who was eager to make some extra money sat in the driver’s seat. Over the dusty Mexican plane they had driven, up and up into a green world that peaked suddenly into tree-covered jagged ranges.
Though bone-tired, Elise had taken it all in while Noel played tour guide. He pointed out the coffee plantations, wandering bougainvillea, banana trees, and crashing streams. Finally, the Jeep could take then no further, and they walked on foot to reach the hidden hilltop town of Xilitla.
The plane ride over had been uneventful and not as terrifying as Elise had thought it would be. Matt had enjoyed himself as he sat next to Noel along the way, chatting quietly of things she wasn’t included to hear as she
