Prologue
It was a perfect day for a picnic. One of those lazy southwestern days where the sun warms your shoulders as the gentle breeze lulls you to sleep. Ramirez had selected a remote location where the only sound was from a nearby fountain that burbled as plumes of water danced to a synchronized but silent symphony.
A blanket had been carefully smoothed across an even patch of ground. On top he had meticulously arranged a simple but mouth-watering meal. Even Nicoh was happily gnawing on a gargantuan-sized dog bone. Peanut butter-flavored, of course.
Ramirez laughed, tugging on a long strand of my hair as I moaned over the first bite of peanut butter and pickle sandwich he’d made, just for me. It was only after I’d polished off one half and was well into the second I realized he’d bee
