Chapter 9: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sr. Hierba de Trigo

Chapter 9
By Christi

Right as we crossed into Guatemala, we got stopped at what looked to be a makeshift checkpoint in a deserted area. We'd driven down a few main roads without incident, and through a few neighborhoods where folks looked at us funny. But now, with trees flanking the road, we got halted.

In the middle of the street was a black Hummer. Scattered about it stood five armed men in battle gear. I looked at Hector.

"Don't look at me! I don't know what to do."

Just then, something descended from the massive black SUV before us. A little black Chihuahua zoomed from the other side of the behemoth truck, yapping and barking.

"Toots!"

Pedro readied the AK-47. Hector and I shouted, "NO!"

Then, as the dog stood before our vehicle, barking at us menacingly, a dude stepped out from behind the Hummer.

"You'll have to pardon my Tiny Toots. She has the zoomies."

The little dog spun in circles a few times before standing still at her human's feet.

"Step out of the vehicle. Be sure to keep your hands where I can see 'em. Place any weapons on the ground or my men will open fire," said the stranger, a pistol aimed at our windshield.

We got out and stood with our hands up. Pedro reluctantly parted with his AK-47. "Til we meet again, Juanita."

"Quiet! Now. For those who don't know me, I am Don Pablo Ramirez Vasquez Dominguez De la Fuente. This is my road. If you wanna pass, you gotta PAY! Then I will move my vehicle to allow you through. And, I get to keep your weapon."

I looked at Pedro. He started to cry.

And sure enough, the sign did read Don Pablo Ramirez Vasquez Dominguez De la Fuente Drive.

I noticed then that his armed guards were exceedingly still. Too still. Discreetly, I studied one and realized that it was made - and brilliantly so - of paper mache.

I wasn't so worried about dodging past the man with the pistol, but Tiny Toots had me on edge.

"Tienes que pagar!"

I tried to signal Hector, who was slightly across from me. When I got his attention, I made a discreet but pointing glance at the "armed guard" to his left. He looked at it, did a double take, and observed the other guards. He looked back at me, eyes wide. He silently alerted Pedro. While I pretended to dig in my pocket for money, Hector coordinated the escape.

He ran off screaming.

Pedro charged the mystery guy while I distracted Tiny Toots.

The poor dude was so discombobulated that he dropped the pistol. Pedro grabbed it - and Juanita - and stood back as the toppled would be toll taker held up his hands. Hector and I returned at Pedro's side. Tiny Toots joined her human again. "Por favor, Senores y Senorita - spare me! I was just trying to raise money to find my missing cousin!"

We all looked at one another. "Who is your cousin?" Hector asked.

"Senor Carlos Hierba de Trigo!"

Chapter 10 - as a storm breaking rare over a desert, fueling cacti for a long summer - doth approach!