CATALINA
The drive back from the beach was quiet. I stared out the window, my fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the glass. I was still thinking about what I said. About the man Miguel killed. About his world.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Miguel finally said, his eyes remaining on the road.
I turned slightly, then sighed. “Just thinking.”
“About?”
I hesitated before answering. “What happens after a year?”
“You get your freedom.”
I scoffed. “And then what? You just let me go?”
“That was the deal, wasn’t it?”
I shook my head. “You talk like this is just a business transaction, like it’s easy to just... walk away.”
“It is. And I'm a man of my word.”
I didn't respond. I thought maybe our time at the beach was a breakthrough in our relationship. We talked without arguing and I fel
