The rebellion. Don Eduardo heard the shouts from the living room and instantly understood what was happening. “Soldiers!” he yelled, but only one answered his call. José and Miguel burst into the living room like a storm of vengeance. Don Eduardo tried to grab his pistol, but José was faster. The hammer
The machete struck the owner’s skull with a sharp, terrible sound. Dr. Herrera tried to flee, but Miguel caught him on the stairs. The slave’s machete sank deep into the doctor’s back, and he tumbled down the stairs. For the next two hours, the San Rafael hacienda became a living hell.
The rebellious slaves, fueled by decades of mistreatment and the death of Thomas, showed no mercy. Don Eduardo, Dr. Herrera, the two remaining soldiers, and four other white overseers were brutally murdered. Isabella, locked in her room, heard the screams and the chaos.
Knowing that her world was crumbling forever, Maria stayed with her. The two women kissed as violence ravaged the house beneath their feet. By the time the sun rose over Havana, the rebellion was over. The slaves who had participated in the massacre had fled to the mountains, knowing that the troops were closing in.
