Gage just shrugged. “Doesn’t really matter. We’re paying our hosts well. We’ve rented the entire hotel at triple the rate for the next two weeks, maybe longer. No one’s going to push it.”

Abby finished unpacking her meager supply of clothes and looked up at a soft rap on the door.

Mateo stood in the outside corridor, his arm around the shoulders of a young, dark-haired, dark-eyed boy. “This is Carlos. We met when I was here before. Carlos is going to be our helper.”

Gage looked the boy over and frowned. “Are you sure about this?” Carlos was far too thin, scrawny to the point of emaciation, with straight black hair that hung halfway to his shoulders, blunt cut on the ends. His narrow feet were bare. Abby felt a tug in her heart.

“Carlos can sleep in one of the extra rooms,” Mateo said.

“What about his parents?” Gage asked.

“He is an orphan. Carlos knows the area for miles around. He needs the work, and we can use his help.”

Gage studied the boy a moment more and finally nodded. “All right, then.” He walked over and crouched in front of Carlos. “Cuantos años tienes?” How old are you?

“I am ten,” Carlos replied in fairly good English.

One of Gage’s dark eyebrows went up. “Where did you learn to speak English?”

“My mother taught me. She was a teacher in Utsil for a while. Then we moved to Alux’ob, and she died.”

Gage’s blue eyes darkened. “What about your father?”

Carlos just shrugged his bony shoulders. “I do not know.”

Gage rose to his feet and stuck out a big hand, which completely engulfed the boy’s small one as they shook. “It’s nice to meet you, Carlos.” He turned. “This is Abby.”

Abby smiled. “I’m sure you’ll be a great help, Carlos.”

The boy puffed out his narrow chest. “Whatever you need—you will tell Carlos and he will get it for you.”

Abby’s smile widened. “That sounds great.” She looked up at Gage. “You know, I’m getting hungry. I bet Carlos knows a good place for us to eat.”

The boy’s black eyes lit up. “Sí, Señora Abby, I know a very good place.”

Abby reached down and took hold of his small brown hand, felt it curl trustingly around her own, and her heart slowly melted. He was just a boy, and he was completely alone. She knew what that felt like, and it was far worse for a child. “Anyone else want to come?”

Gage shot her a look. “You aren’t going anywhere by yourself, sweetheart. So yes, I’m coming along.”

The endearment had her gaze shooting to his, though it was simply part of the game they were playing. After what had happened in Mexico City, Gage was determined to keep her safe.