Koopah

I was teaching her English when my old life paid a visit.



She had been doing well. I had taught her manners, greetings, salutations--the basics. I was teaching her the names of certain things when a maid entered, telling me I had a visitor. I had been careful to avoid newspeople and photographers, so I didn't know how anyone could know I was back in Miami.



Then I opened the door, and my former boss’s men were on the step. One smiled and said my name. The other just watched everything that followed.



The first guy motioned to a town car and said, “Let’s go for a drive.”



I told him to wait a while, then went inside to Miranda, telling her, “I have to go, but I’ll be back as soon as I can. I promise. Understand?”



She frowned and said, “Where do you go?”



I told her that I couldn’t tell her because I didn’t want to put her in danger, but if she trusted me and waited, I would be back soon. She kissed me and said, “I miss you.”



I said, “I’ll miss you, too,” then gave her forehead a kiss and went to the door. Then her arms were around me for a final hug, and the talkative man grinned, saying, “Well well, who is this?”



I pulled Miranda to my side, close to it, and said, “No one who is a part of this. Just take me and let’s go.”



He shook his head, still smiling as he said, “No. It’s too late. She’s seen us. We have no choice but to bring her, too.”



I looked at Mr. Quiet and saw him leering at Miranda. Thinking we would be alone today, I had dressed her in tight shorts and a low-cut blouse. I put myself in his line of sight and said to Mr. Talk, “She doesn’t speak English. She can’t understand us. Leave her here.”



He was more firm with his answer: “No dice. She knows what we look like.”



I gave him a look, turned to Miranda, and motioned as I said, “You go with me. Stay close.”



She nodded, then all four of us headed for the town car parked on the curb.