Maria’s Desperate Deal

The desert sun beat down on Maria as she drove the battered pickup truck. Sweat beaded on

her forehead, but her gaze remained fixed on the road ahead. She was late.

Late for a meeting that could change everything. Her son, Miguel,

was sick. The doctors offered little hope, and the cost of treatment was astronomical.

Desperate, Maria had made a deal. She'd agreed to work for the cartel.

It started small, running errands, delivering packages. But tonight, she was being initiated.

The thought sent a shiver down her spine, a mixture of fear and determination.

She had to do this. For Miguel. As she approached the rendezvous point, a desolate stretch