“I can’t leave the Jeep. Besides, you’ll have an easier time passing unnoticed if you try to fit in. Not too many will try to confront you in the clothes you’re wearing,” John said apologetically.
“I understand.”
Matthew climbed into the Jeep. “Dad, we have to go before someone comes along and finds us.”
“Good luck.” With that, John climbed into the vehicle without a backward glance.
“You, too.” The two men didn’t hear her response as they took off, leaving her alone in a cloud of dust.
She took buses during the day, ignoring the wary looks others gave her. Finding somewhere to hide that night, her luck held out, and no one recognized her as a woman. The next morning, she put dirt on her face and hands to disguise her features, and thanks to the many hours she had spent in Spanish class, she was able to pass through several cities without trouble. She also found a spot to bury the clothes that would identify her as a woman. If anyone decided to search the backpack she carried, the only thing they would find was an innocuous tube of medicine and some meal replacement bars.
Thankfully, the research to get prepared for finding her sister had clued her in on where to stay away from in her journey to Peñuela. Jane had heard that several areas in Mexico were dangerous, but she had no clue as to just how much until she was sitting at a small restaurant when a gun battle broke out on the sidewalk outside. She dove under her table with her hands over her ears until she heard the gunfire stop. Afterward, she almost lost the lunch she had just eaten when she saw the bodies lying in the street.
Over the next few days, she was on buses that were routinely checked by someone dressed in military garb who would often demand toll fees from everyone onboard before the vehicle was allowed to proceed.
Shaking herself out of her reverie, she saw the bus she had been waiting on slide to a stop. Casually, she walked out from her hiding place and stepped onto the bus, handing the driver the money to cover her fare before taking a seat toward the back.
Jane hunkered down in her seat, trying to go unnoticed on the crowded bus. If she stayed on this particular bus, it would take her to Córdoba. She would stay there until she could find a way to Peñuela.
A young woman on the seat next to her kept giving her curious looks. Usually, others would glance away when she caught them looking at her, but this woman didn’t. Jane was startled when she suddenly stood up, sliding into the seat next to her. Jane cast her a startled look, praying she wouldn’t start flirting with her. It wouldn’t be the first time a young woman had, and Jane had felt uncomfortable rebuffing the women when it happened.
“You have family in Córdoba?”
“No.” Jane lowered her voice, trying to sound masculine.
The woman was dark-haired and beautiful. Jane would never be able to compete with her in the beauty department, even when she was dressed as a woman in her tightest leather outfit.
“My name is Carina.”
Jane remained quiet, hoping her silence would drive her away. Instead, she began talking about her family in Ciudad Valles before speaking of her own life. “I work in a bar in Córdoba.”
Jane wondered frantically why Carina kept divulging so much information about herself. The woman had to be aware of the danger she was putting herself in.
“I deal with men every day. They have certain habits that are hard to hide.” Jane stiffened, looking at the woman out of the corner of her eye. “Men do not cross their legs.”
Jane hastily uncrossed hers.
“Why are you pretending to be a man?” Jane saw no malice in her face, only curiosity.
“I thought it would be safer,” Jane answered quietly, trying to keep her voice lowered so no one else could hear.
“Possibly. On the other hand, it could be even more dangerous if another man wants to challenge you.”
“I’d rather take my chances with a gun battle than be kidnapped and raped.”
Carina’s eyes darkened. “I see you have been listening to all the gossip about Mexico in United Sates.”
Jane felt ashamed of herself. She didn’t want to assume the worst, but witnessing the captive women and her knowledge of Bailey’s confinement had her on her guard.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It is dangerous; however, as long as you’re cautious, you will be safe. If you’re so concerned for your safety, why are you traveling alone and going to Córdoba?”
Jane decided to be truthful.
“I’m trying to find my sister. She recently came to Mexico to visit her husband’s relatives in Peñuela and never returned home.”
“Maybe she doesn’t want to?” Carina’s face had paled when Jane mentioned Peñuela.