My thoughts swirled inside me as I walked back to the hotel.

Miss Billings had lied to me all along about Louis!

She manipulated me!

But I was the one who chose to betray Louis and Miss Martha, this is my fault too.

How could you’ve have been so stupid, Jessica?

These thoughts continued until I fell asleep.

The next morning, I woke up with a tight chest and bitter resolve. This was my fault, but I would try to fix it. I wasn’t going to let my boss, or that impersonator, get away scot-free.

Carlos and I met in an empty plaza, where we discussed Primera Opción. It wasn’t long before the subject of Miss Billings came up.

“Has Miss Billings contacted you?” I asked.

Carlos choked on his coffee, then composed himself. “No, why would you ask?”

Blood began to flush my face.

“Didn’t you talk to her yesterday evening?”

“Absolutely not, Senorita Jennifer, scout’s honor.” Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

“Well, let’s see what this recording says about that, shall we?”

I pulled out my portable recorder and played the conversation between him and Miss Billings. When it finished, Carlos froze. It looked like he was about to run away, and I grabbed his hand with a tight fist.

“Where are you going, Louis? To the boba tea café?”

My grip tightened, making Carlos wince in pain.

“Ouch, okay, you got me, Senorita Galton!”

“Good, now tell me why you did that!”

“I can’t, your boss said…”

“NOW!” Gritting my teeth.

“Alright, please calm down. Here’s the story; Senorita Billings paid me to pose as your boyfriend, Louis, so she could find out about his mother’s flamingo ranch. I used a wig and convinced my girlfriend to make out with me in front of the salon. In fact, she’s hired lots of people to help her with her dirty work.”

I felt my heart sink, and my hold on Carlos’ wrist weakened.

“I’m sorry, but at least you know now. Please don’t tell Senorita Billings about this?”

“I won’t.” I sighed.

As he gets up to leave, my hand grabbed him again.

“Only if you help me with something.”

“S-Sure.” He gulped.

I whispered into his ear and told him what he needed to do.

Editor: Lucy Cafiero