CHAPTER THREE

Carmen trembled with fear. She could feel her daughter was in incredible pain. A pain she couldn't even begin to describe. But Maria was in some sort of danger also and if she didn't get Antonio and Ricardo to listen to her then they may never see her again. It had been a miracle she had got them in the same room. They had not been speaking for ages. It hurt her so much that they were in so much pain. Now she had to convince them to work together to save Maria.

"Antonio, Ricardo, you are brothers and...." Carmen began.

"Mama, he slept with my wife!" Cut in Ricardo.

"Si, yes. But that is in the past. Please, your sister is in incredible danger. I can feel it. You must help her - together."

"Maria, in trouble?" Questioned Antonio.

"Si, my cards..." Carmen nodded.

"Not your cards, mama." Ricardo protested.

"Listen to me!" Carmen cried out. " Go to The Deep. Maria is there."

"Mama..." Antonio's voice drifted off. He doubted Carmen and so did Ricardo. They were always cautious when it came to the cards.

"I am begging you to believe to believe me. Please."

"O.K. " Ricardo turned and faced Antonio but didn't make eye contact. He could barely look at him. "Look, man, I'm going to do this because of Maria...and mama."

"Si, gracious."

Ricardo turned around and walked out. His rage was still fresh. His own little brother and his wife making love. It didn't matter if it was just once. It was one time too many. He breathed in deeply. He had to ignore this burning rage for a few hours. Even he could feel something was wrong. Maria was in danger and he had to save his little sister.

Antonio watched Ricardo walk out of his mama's house. He had always looked up to Ricardo. He had always wanted to make him proud of him but now Ricardo hated him. "Antonio, he is angry but in time..."Her voice drifted off.

"Goodbye, mama." Antonio leaned down and kissed Carmen's cheek. "We'll bring Maria back safety."

"Gracious."

Antonio walked out of Carmen's house, quickly. His brown hair blowing in the wind. A tropical storm was heading their way. He bit his lip. It was like that night six years ago when they had lost Maria for what they thought was forever.

" Come on." Ricardo shouted from inside the car. Antonio ran towards the car. If mama was right, though he hoped to god she wasn't, then they needed to get to Maria as quickly as possible otherwise the unthinkable might happen and he wasn't about to lose his sister for a second time.