Dream Come True

The Solis Brothers had cased several neighborhoods before but none like this. Why were they there? There was nothing upscale, only dirty streets and abandoned houses. Gino thought to ask his older brother for more details but decided against it, remembering how his last inquiry ended. He turned his head towards the window, rubbing the spot on his nose where the ER doctor snapped it back into place.

“Stop your squirming!”

“It’s cold,” he lied. “How much longer do we have to be here? What are we waiting for?”

“You never mind that. We’re getting paid. That’s all that matters.”

“Can we at least get some heat blowing in here?”

“Yes, let’s draw attention to ourselves. That’s a smart thief’s move, huh?!”

“Uh, no. I didn’t mean…”

“What did you mean estupido?”

“Nevermind.”

Gino continued to stare out the window, occupying his mind with the collective fog on the glass. He wondered, as he often did, why he let his brother hold their relationship over his head. How do I always let Rafael get me into these sticky situations? He does nothing but call me dumb and stupid. But the only dumb and stupid things I do are what he wants to do! I could be at the bar. Tonight, could be the night she finally notices me. Gino and Janine. If only I were there!!

“Hey tonto, come on. It’s time. And leave your cell phone in the car.”

“Why? I might miss a call.”

“From who? Janine! Baby boy, just because you left a message for that woman with your phone number on it, doesn’t mean she will ever call.”

“It doesn’t mean she won’t.”

“You go ahead and be an optimist, but leave that phone in the car!”

Rafael’s voice went cold and Gino knew arguing would only make matters worse. He stuffed his phone under the seat and they got out. He had a terrible feeling as they several blocks. Raffy pulled out his tools, quickly unlocked another car and got in.

“Get in fool. We got a small window to get this job done.”

“I don’t think…”

“That’s right, you don’t! Leave the thinking to me Ginny and get in the car. NOW!!”

They travelled at high speeds for about fifteen minutes and pulled onto a dark, dirt road.

“Um, this look like some wrong turn crap. Let me out!” He unhooked the seatbelt.

“Boy, sit yo scary tail back. You aint going nowhere. We almost there anyway.”

“And where is there?”

“Let me worry about the details.”

“Usually I do, but today on this road, I need answers.”

“Aiight. I’ll humor you. WE are getting paid to rob an abandoned house.”

“What? That don’t even make no sense!! If it’s abandoned, why can’t whoever get whatever they looking for themselves?!”

“For 5K, I don’t ask them kind of questions. Now shut up. There it is.”

It was a mansion. Old and dilapidated, but a mansion nonetheless. Who would let a place like this go? Gino thought. Rafael however had a one-track mind. Money! He pulled out the burner phone and hit redial.

“We’re here. What are we looking for?”

Rafael was silent for a few seconds and then replied. “Gotcha. No problem. We can handle it.” He hung up the phone but didn’t move. Gino knew his brother was now having second thoughts but why. He still didn’t move.

“Having second thoughts?”

“No! Of course not. 5K is 5K!”

“What are we waiting for then?”

“I’m thinking.”

“About?”

“Normally I don’t let you know everything but we got some obstacles to beat before we can bring home the prize.”

“What kind of obstacles?”

“The client’s great aunt left a will inside. We just have to find it.”

“Okay. That sounds simple enough. So, we’re not really stealing.”

“Yes and no.”

“Uh oh. What else?” Rafael sighed deeply and looked scared for the first time that night.

“First of all, we’re not supposed to be here. Only family is allowed on the premises, so even though our client gave us permission, we can’t get caught.”

“That’s not all. It can’t be.”

“Can I finish? The aunt didn’t leave anything to anyone in particular. Whoever finds the will and follows all of the instructions gets the money.”

“Anyone? Including us?!”

“Yea, but you know me. I don’t want to get into anything legal. I hate lawyers and I hate cops. I don’t want to get caught and I don’t want the will. All I want is my 5K!”

“That’s not what has you spooked. It can’t be.”

“Hmph, you’re right. But if I tell you don’t freak out.”

“O-kay…”

“The whole house is booby trapped.”

“Booby trapped!! Oh no! I aint going!! Have you seen Indiana Jones!”

“Bro. I got us into some major doo doo this time.”

Gino’s heart was racing. It could be a thousand things but somehow, he knew whatever it was, life and death was involved. Scenes from Indiana movies flashed before his eyes. Snake pits. Skulls and blood. Caves with razor sharp saws to decapitate. He shook his head still watching his brother.

“Then we go. We go in and be careful and we find the will.”

“Okay.”

“But Raffy… This is the last time for me. I can’t do this no more.”

“You’ll get no argument from me. If we live through this, I might join you.”

“Come on. Let’s do this.”

“Well, what do you know. A key!”

“Seems fishy to me. If there’s a key badly hidden, anyone could have gotten the will by now.”

“Maybe, but if we want that 5K, we gotta make a move.”

“Hurry up and open the door man.”

“Don’t forget who you talkin to boy! I say!! Got it?”

“Yea, I got it.”

Raffy passed Gino two flashlights before opening the door into the kitchen. He shined one light all around the room looking for trip wires and traps. Nothing was visible.

“Keep your eyes open. Stay alert.” He whispered to Gino.

They walked in slowly, the floor creaking under their feet. Gino gulped hard.

“It seems like there are just as many eyes in here than in the woods.”

“Quiet!”

“You scared to wake the dead?”

“Nah fool! Thieves don’t talk, remember.”

“But we’re not thieves tonight. We’re being paid to do a job that your client is too afraid to do himself.”

“He’s not afraid. He’s the kind of man that pays for play. No way he’d get his hands dirty to do something like this. If not us, somebody else. And...”

“I know. 5K is 5K.”

“You aint gotta take your cut. I’ll happily take it all.”

“Nah, if I’m risking my life, Ima need my money.”

“Then shut up and stay focused!”

Rafael went in the Study while he made Gino search the living room. Gino had no problem with that. Separate, they could cover more ground and get out quicker. He kicked the sofa and heard a thud, like something was knocked loose and fell to the floor. Reluctantly, he got on his knees with the flashlight. Nothing. He looked from the back of the couch and noticed a wooden panel fell to the floor. He grabbed a stick from the kitchen to slide the box forward. Got it! Inside was a little black book. Just as he grabbed the book, he heard Raffy scream.

“My eyes! My eyes!! Ginooo!”

Gino broke every traffic law getting to the hospital. The way Raffy was screaming, he knew he had no choice. He was even screaming for their mother, though he never called her that. Regina was her name. Thinking about his mom felt like a dream. The sound of the nurse’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.

“Sir? Your brother can come to the back now. We’ll come get you once we run some tests.”

“Okay. Ummm, yea. I’ll go get something to eat but not here. I have some errands to run but…” he used the pen on the registrar’s desk and the back of sign in sheet. “Here’s my number. Call me when I can see him.”

“Will do. Mister?”

“Solis. Gino Solis.”

Time for a drink. About an hour later he was back in familiar territory. He chose his favorite bar which happened to be only a couple of blocks from the hospital. Finally, a little peace. And then, there she was. Janine. He looked a mess. Mud on his boots, clothes dusty. She sat right beside him. His heart was racing a mile a minute.

“Hi.” Was all he said. She looked at him like she didn’t know him at first. Then apologetically answered.

“I’m sorry. H-Hi. Gino, right?”

“Yep, that’s me. Gino Solis.”

“Well Gino Solis, how about a drink?”

“I was just about to order a beer. You want one?” She cringed.

“How about a margarita instead?”

“Whatever you like.”

The bartender nodded at the two of them. Order received. Now what?

“So, Gino. What are you doing here so early?”

“I could ask the same bout you.”

“You could. But I come in here all times of the day. And you only come when you think your brother is not going to show up.”

“Hey. How do you know that? You just treated me like a stranger and now you’re reading me like a book!” She laughed as the bartender returned with their drinks.

“That’ll be fifteen bucks.”

Gino dug into his coat pocket and that’s when he remembered. He pulled out the little black book first and sat it on the bar.

“Moleskine,” he shrugged. Good thing he kept a couple of twenties behind his license. Raffy would take anything not strapped down. He laid one on top of the book.

“Keep the change.” The bartender nodded again.

“Oh, big spender.”

“Nah,” he blushed. “I just believe in tipping.”

“How noble of you!” She mocked. “You know, I see you here with your brother all uptight. But when he’s not around, you’re more yourself.”

“Yep.”

“So, what are you doing later?”

“Umm,” he stalled. “I’m kind of in the middle of a family emergency right now. Can I meet you here tomorrow?”

“What time?”

“Same time.”

“Okay.” His phone rang. Noooo! It was just getting exciting.

“Ahh! I have to go. It’s the hospital.”

Gino quickly spoke without realizing. Oh well. He was never good at keeping secrets anyway. In stride, he answered the phone. Janine shrugged gulping the last of her margarita. That’s when she noticed it. The little black book that he pulled out of his pocket before paying for the drinks.

“Hey,” she ran after him. “You forgot your book!”

It was too late. He had already pulled off. She kicked the sidewalk, not wanting to return to her life. If only I had listened to my mom. I would never have gotten into this mess. Trying to be grown, Janine met Jorge Vega in a restaurant. Some of her so-called friends led her to him. The ladies informed Jorge of her predicament ahead of time. He wined and dined her and bought her the most beautiful things, then he hit her with the question that changed her life. How are you going to pay me back for all of this? She remembered the shock when reality hit. I should have known it was too good to be true! Jorge was no Gino. She’d noticed him watching her often. Gino that is. He knew who she was. He knew she was a working girl but didn’t care. The way he looked at her made her feel beautiful. If only he knew the hope he gave to her.

“Janine! There you are!!” Jorge was barreling his way towards her. “You’re late!!!”

“Only by a couple of minutes Jorge!”

“Are you sassing me trick!?”

“No. No. I wouldn’t.” She pleaded. He moved closer to her and grabbed her face with one hand.

“Better not. Don’t you ever forget. You owe me and you’re not even close to paying your debt!” He pushed her head. “Now get to your post before I get mad.”

“Yes. Okay, Jorge.”

The last week or so, he demanded more and more from the girls. Something changed. Someone was pressuring him for money again. Probably, Chico, his older brother. Chico was the only person who she’d seen get that reaction from him.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Chico asked me to get my girls to look for two brothers. Thieves who may be sporting some new cash. A lot of it! So, you’d better keep your eyes opened.”

“Of course. Whatever you say, Jorge.”

She thought about Gino and Rafael. They were the only brothers she knew of that claimed to be thieves. Though neither had much to show for it. From the looks of that worn out twenty, it was stashed for a rainy day. No new money there. A car pulled up beside her. It was time to work.

“Hey beautiful.”

“Hey yourself.” She said, opening the car door. She gathered her thoughts until later. Later she could think about Gino and maybe take a look inside his little black book.

Gino parked under the parking deck since he was in a different car. Not that anyone noticed. But when you’re paranoid all actions are justified.

“Mr. Solis?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Your brother has been asking for you, but he has a visitor already. When he comes out, you can go.”

“Visitor? Who?”

“Mr. Vega, I believe.” Gino gasped.

“Um,” he pulled the nurse to the side. “Does he know I’m coming?”

“Your brother? Of course, that’s what I…”

“No. No.” He softened his voice to a whisper. “Mr. Vega.”

“Oh, no. I don’t think so.” She mirrored his tone.

“Good. Don’t let him him know that I’m here. I’ll sit in my car until he leaves. Okay?”

He turned on his heels but it was too late. Chico was already at the door. Gino sat down in the nearest chair and grabbed a magazine. Maybe he won’t recognize me. Luckily, the man’s nose was too high to notice anyone beneath him. The Vega brothers were known for wreaking havoc on people’s lives. To them everyone was a slave. To them everyone was expendable.

“I guess you can go back now.”

“Yes, I will.” The nurse pressed the button to open the doors. “Um, nurse. Do you think my brother is well enough to leave soon?”

“He got some kind of chemical in his eyes. But once the lab results come back, he can go.”

“Good. That’s all I need to know.”

He smiled before disappearing around the corner. Rafael was sitting up in bed with his eyes wrapped. Though Gino couldn’t see the full expression on his face, he knew his brother was worried.

“Raffy? Are you okay?”

“Hey bro. Come on in.”

“You okay?”

“Uh, yea. I was just caught off guard by…”

“Vega?”

“You saw him huh?”

“Bro, I need you to be honest with me. Is that who we were working for?”

“That’s why I wanted you to leave your phone. If the job went left, it would look like you were in my car the whole time.”

“If you thought it was that serious, why did you take the job? Surely not for no 5K!”

Raffy went silent. And Gino knew, somewhere deep within that the job was for way more, which also meant the consequences would be greater.

“No, no, no! Raffy! How much are you in for?!”

“Alright boy. Calm down.”

“No! Not until you tell me everything!!”

“Alright but sit yo stupid tail down!” He said through clenched teeth. “You drawing attention to us.” Just then the nurse appeared.

“Mr. Solis. Is everything alright in here?”

“Yes.” Both spoke at the same time. Then Rafael clarified.

“Yes, Nurse Patsy. My brother and I were just discussing a family matter.”

“Oh okay.”

She left as swiftly as she appeared. Gino and Rafael waited until she was out of earshot before continuing the conversation.

“Bro, please. Just tell me the truth.”

“Look. I knew you wouldn’t understand so I left out a few details.”

“Such as…”

“Vega paid me advance. And…” he scratched his head.

“How much?!” Gino yelled. He didn’t care who heard.

“20K.”

“Twenty-thousand dollars?!! Oh, dios mio!”

“Yea. And we didn’t find anything. He says if we don’t find what he’s looking for by the weekend we will pay with our lives.”

“Whoa! Bro, just give him the money back.”

“I tried. He won’t take it. He wants the will.”

“What are we going to do?”

“We’ve gotta go back in that house and find it.”

“What?! I’m not going back in there. Look at you! You can’t even see!”

“We gotta try.”

Gino’s heart was racing as fast as his mind. What can we do? We have to leave town. That’s the only way.

“No. We don’t have to try. We leave. After you’re released, we leave.”

“And where we going, huh?”

“I don’t know. Somewhere Vega will never find us.”

“Nah. Running aint my style.”

“Is dying more your style?”

“You have a point. Look, if you can find somewhere for us to go, I’m all for it. But if not, we go back. Deal?” Gino let out a rough sigh.

“Okay, deal.”

“Alright. Now, you’ll have to be my eyes cause…” Gino held up his finger to stop his brother from continuing.

“Hold on Bro. It’s her.”

“Janine! Well, answer the phone fool.”

“Hello?”

“Hi Gino. Umm, we need to talk about this Moleskine book of yours.”

“Oh shoot. I forgot I left it at the bar.”

“Never fear. I have it but I think there’s something you need to see.”

“You read it?”

“A little. Can you meet me at the bar?”

“Right now?”

“Yes!”

“Um, sure. Give me fifteen minutes.”

Gino put his phone back in his pocket and walked towards the door. “Raffy, I gotta go.”

“Ginny! This is no time to be chasing tail!”

“I’m not. She has something I need. I mean something I left at the bar. I’ve got to go pick her up. I mean, pick it up. I-I’ll be right back.”

“Mhmm. That girl got you fluttering and stuttering.”

“If I can chase a little tail and get us out of here wouldn’t that be nice?”

“Yep. That would be a neat trick!”

Gino heard Raffy yell after him. Hurry was the operative word. What could that little notebook have in it so important that couldn’t wait until tomorrow. Trying to figure out the answer had him speeding to the bar. He got there in ten minutes. Janine was outside waiting for him.

“Get in!”

“Hey to you too.”

“I’m sorry Janine. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

“Maybe this will help. I’ll read it.”

“Okay.” Gino felt a twinge of excitement.

“Listen to this. It says, ‘To whoever FINDS this book and READS it, a great inheritance awaits. See the writing on the WALL.’”

“That’s it?”

“No. Under it there is an address, in Cancun.”

“Cancun?”

“Yes. Wouldn’t you like to go and see if it’s true?”

“You sound like you wanna come.”

“Can I?”

“I’ll have to see what Raffy says.”

“Why? You’re a grown man. Make the decision and Rafael can make up his own mind whether he’s coming or not.”

“You know what, you’re right! He said if I can find somewhere for us to go, he would leave.”

“Sounds like a plan. When do we leave?”

“As soon as the hospital releases Raffy.”

“He’s in the hospital!”

“The emergency room.” She stared, expecting more. He offered none.

“Let’s go bust him out.”

He was only five minutes from the hospital. That’s when he noticed her bag was full of necessities. She was running from Jorge which meant their trail was hot. If anyone from the bar spotted her getting in his car, that gutter rat was sure to be after them all. Chico and Jorge!! What a fine pickle this is! He thought. But he couldn’t abandon her. She deserved a new life and a better man.

When they got to the hospital, Raffy was outside. He talked Nurse Patsy into helping him stating the rich man that visited him was a gangster and he feared for his life. It wasn’t far from the truth. Rafael knew he was in over his head. Suddenly, running didn’t sound like such a bad idea.

“Raffy? What are you doing out here?”

“I got Nurse Patsy to help me escape.”

“What about the tests?”

“The results are in my bag.”

“I’ll read them later. Come on bro. We gotta bounce. Vega is on our tail!”

“Chico is after you? How? He didn’t even know who helped me…”

“No, no, no. Jorge.”

“The only reason Jorge would be after you is if… Oh no! Please tell me she’s not in the car!!”

Gino helped his brother into the back seat. And her voice reached out with confirmation.

“Hi.”

“Rafael, meet Janine.”

“I know Janine. No introduction required.”

“You know me?”

“Not officially but as much as Ginny talks about you…”

“Raffy!”

“Okay. I’ll save that story for another time!” He laughed.

“I see you’re in good spirits.”

“I try to stay that way.”

He wanted to ask why she was there, but assumed that was next. Gino always had to explain. Always!

“Bro, I have to tell you something. It’s a lot.”

“I’m listening.”

“We’re going on a trip and Janine is coming with us.”

“That’s it?”

“The short version. I’ll tell you the rest later.”

“O-kay.”

“We’re on a time schedule because my friend here is on the run.”

“My bag gave me away, huh?”

“Sure did. And if anyone saw you get in my car, Jorge is soon to follow.”

“Jorge and Chico are after us! We gone die!!”

“No. Just Jorge.”

“No Janine. They are both after us.”

“Then we better get moving. Cancun here we come!”

“Who’s going to Cancun?”

“We are. If there’s anything you need to pick up, let’s go get it.”

“What about you?”

“My bags have been packed since we left mom’s house. I told you I was getting out of here last night.”

“Yea, you did. I didn’t think it would be so soon.”

“It is bro. It’s tonight.”

“Alright. Let’s go pack.”

“Cancun, here we cooome!”

Janine yelled. Gino helped Raffy pack a few things including the bag of cash under his bed. That money would hold them over until they got to Mexico. This is the most exciting his life had ever been. Usually, he only shared in the adventures of others but not this week. He was the main character. Everything he ever wanted was coming true.

“Gino! Gino!! It’s time for breakfast.”

“Mom?”

“Who else did you think it was?”

“Umm, no one.” He rubbed his eyes.

“Where’s Rafael?”

“Downstairs at the table where you should be mijo. Chop, chop! The school bus will be here in a few minutes.”

She kissed him on the forehead and left the room. Gino got dressed, remembering the dream. It all seemed so real. Some of it he wished was real but he was so happy his mom was alive. That part was super creepy. He looked behind him to make sure no one was watching before he opened the old chest he dragged home after school. He slid the hidden compartment open to see if the catalyst for the dream was real. It was. Twenty-thousand dollars in crisp one-hundred dollar bills.

“Gino!!! Janine is here.”

“Coming ma!”

“If you don’t hurry, I’ll give her your breakfast. Somebody’s gotta eat it!”

“I’ll be right down ma!!”

Gino picked up his black Moleskine notebook and jotted down the gist of the story. Breakfast would have to wait. He slid the chest to the furthest corner of his bed. I’ll have to figure how to break the news to mom after school. Change and a better life are what he wanted for them. It was his dream. Now, it was about to come true.