Free It's Just Lola by Dixiane Hallaj Page A

Papa’s still out turning over rocks looking for him. ” 
    “He’s been looking for two days?” 
    “Yes, but I have to go and tell Pilar you’re awake before I say any more.”  Lola felt ambivalent about her father finding Rudolfo. 
    “Pilar ’ s spoiling you terribly,” Enriqueta said when she returned with two bowls of thick meaty stew and large slabs of fresh bread.  “She made me promise not to talk unless you were eating—so pick up your spoon and start.”  Lola complied.
    “Father was livid.  He offered a big reward to anyone who brought back Rudolfo.   W hen he got back to the house, he was really worried to see you still senseless.  Pilar had brought smelling salts, but that did no good.  Father picked you up as easily as he would lift saddle to horse, and he carried you upstairs.  He told me to stay with you and not to come out again.”  Her voice quivered, and she paused before continuing.   “He said he ’ d never been so disappointed in anyone of his own blood.”  The two girls embraced for mutual comfort.  Enriqueta wiped her eyes and resumed her narrative.   “Pilar said he shoved food into his mouth as he changed and packed his saddlebags.  He said not to expect him until we see him.”
    “And he’s not back yet?” 
    Enriqueta shook her head.  “But he took Roberto to do for him on the road.”
    “Is Pilar worried?” Pilar was the ultimate source of wisdom in the house. 
    “No.  She says it could take a few more days.   He’s going to the Alvarez plantation, wherever that is. ”
    A high - pitched scream made the girls jump.  Enriqueta ran through the door.  Lola followed more slowly.  She still felt a little wobbly .  She looked over the balustrade and saw Juan standing near the front door supporting Rosa.  Pilar and Dolores came running from the kitchen.
    “What happened?”   Enriqueta was already down the stairs and was bringing a chair for Rosa. 
    “I came to speak to Señora Jacoba,” said Juan.  “Rosa told her , but Jacoba wouldn ’ t see me.” 
    “It’s Pepe,” Rosa said, sounding nearly hysterical.
    Juan nodded.  “Some of the men are still combing the plantation,” he glanced at the two girls, “hoping to collect the reward.  They found Pepe in the woods near the river.”
    Lola reached the bottom step.  “Pepe?  The old gardener?  He was living in the woods?”
    “Not exactly living in the woods.”   Juan hesitated.
    “He’s dead,” said Rosa.  “He’s worse than dead.”  She buried her face in her hands and started crying and rocking back and forth in the chair.  Lola frowned .  What’s worse than dead?
    “ H is skull was smashed—he was killed ,” said Juan.  
    Dolores began sobbing wildly .  Pilar had tears running down her face, but she seemed calm .   Enriqueta was pale , and Lola could see her shaking.   “Pilar,” said Lola, “can you take Rosa and Dolores to the kitchen for a cup of tea?”  Enriqueta grabbed Lola’s arm , threatening to pull Lola down with her as her knees weakened .  “Juan, can you help me get Enriqueta upstairs?”  By the time they reached the top of the stairs, Enriqueta was able to walk with Lola’s support .  
    “I need to speak to you , Señorita Lola , ” Juan said as he released Enriqueta.  
    Lola gave a short nod.  “Wait in the drawing room .”  She got Enriqueta settled in bed.   “ I need to check on Rosa. ”  At Enriqueta’s nod, Lola hurried back downstairs.  She looked in the kitchen and , although the women were still wiping their eyes and s niffling, Rosa and Dolores seemed calm enough .   She hesitated.  Should she ask one of the women to sit with her while she talked to Juan ?  It wouldn ’ t be proper for her to sit in the drawing room with a man and no chaperone.  On the other hand, she really didn’t have a reputation to safeguard anymore, did she?  She blinked back bitter tears a t the thought . 
    Juan was still standing in