She knew the dangers of the outside world better than anyone. “If they want to do that,” she said, “Eventually they’ll need help.” Maria had become an unexpected collaborator. She knew the schedules of all the plantation guards. She knew which roads were less guarded and had contacts among them.
the domestic slaves who could provide valuable information. On Sunday night, Maria confirmed, “The guards at the north gate will be drunk after the cockfight. This is their only chance.”
Meanwhile, Tomás had received a response from Captain Morales. The man would be willing to help them, but there were conditions. They had to be at the dock at exactly 2:00 a.m., bring the money, and not ask any questions about the ship’s destination or the nature of its cargo.
On Friday night, Isabelle managed to gather all her most precious jewels, carefully wrapped them in a silk cloth, and hid them in a small trunk that she would keep under her bed until the moment of her escape. Saturday passed with agonizing slowness. Isabelle could barely eat, and her nerves were so frayed that Maria
