Without Light or Guide by T. Frohock Page B

professional. He brought down his arms until his hands rested by his hips, then looked up at Diago. “Are you proud?”
    All of the horrors and failures of the day faded in the face of Rafael’s hopeful smile. “Yes. I am very proud. Come see me.” He lifted the boy in his arms.
    Rafael hugged Diago. Just as he’d suspected on the ride home, his son smelled of horses and hay and sunshine. He pressed his cheek against Rafael’s curls and inhaled the boy’s warmth. “Did you have a good day?”
    Rafael nodded against Diago’s shoulder.
    â€œDid you draw me pictures?”
    Another nod.
    â€œHe’s been kissing kittens.” Miquel teased.
    â€œHave not!” Rafael lifted his head, and his grin shook the last remnants of the day from Diago’s heart. “Are we going home now, Papa?”
    Home. Diago liked the sound of the word better every time he heard it. He nodded. “Where are your shoes?”
    â€œYsa’s room.”
    As if summoned by her name, Ysa pounded down the stairs.
    â€œPapa!” She jumped off the fourth stair from the bottom, and Guillermo caught her. She opened his coat and patted his breast pockets. “Did you bring me something?”
    â€œYou want a cigar?”
    Ysa made a face. “Yuck.”
    â€œThen I have nothing for you but myself.”
    â€œYou didn’t bring me a sweet?” Ysa pouted as he set her down.
    â€œYou’re sweet enough.” Guillermo tugged her braid. “Where is your mamá?”
    Juanita emerged from the small room she used for a clinic. Her long black hair was pulled back into a bun against her neck. Eyes the color of indigo and gold flashed at Guillermo. “Did I just hear you offer your daughter a cigar?”
    â€œAbsolutely not.” Guillermo pointed Ysa toward the stairs. “Run before she starts to question you.”
    Ysabel giggled and escaped up the stairs.
    Diago put Rafael down. “Go and get your things.”
    He ran after Ysa as Juanita turned her attention to Diago. “How is your arm?”
    Diago flexed the fingers of his right hand. Although the compound fracture he had sustained in his fight with Moloch’s ‘aulaqs had healed in three weeks, his arm was still weak. “It’s getting better. I’ve been resting it like you told me to do.”
    â€œGood. I had time to examine Rafael today. Come inside so we can talk.”
    Diago followed her into the room and gestured for Miquel to come, too. If Juanita had bad news, he didn’t want to hear it alone.
    Guillermo stuck his head inside and rapped the wall gently to get Diago’s attention. “Listen, in spite of everything, you did well today.”
    Diago felt a flush of shame warm his cheeks. “No, I didn’t.”
    Guillermo waved Diago’s denial away. “You know what went wrong and you’ll fix it. I know you will. Don’t give up. I trust you.”
    Warmed by Guillermo’s faith in him, Diago picked at the bandage around his right hand and said nothing.
    Guillermo said, “I’ve got to talk to Suero for a minute. I’ll send him up for the map after dinner.”
    â€œI’ll have it ready.”
    Guillermo pointed at Diago. “Get some rest tonight.”
    Lucia came to the door after Guillermo departed. “I put the applications for Rafael’s governess on the table by the door. Pick them up on your way out.”
    Diago answered her. “Thank you, Lucia.”
    She smiled sweetly and lowered her voice. “Thank Miquel. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t care what happened to you or your bastard.”
    Miquel slammed the door in Lucia’s face and whirled on Juanita. “Why don’t you do something about her?”
    Juanita didn’t spare him a glance. “We all have promises to keep, Miquel. Guillermo made his to Diago, and I have mine to Lucia. If you can’t respect her, respect my