The noise settled into a steady purr as the miles slipped by.The noise settled into a steady purr as the miles slipped by. By the next exit, Rafael was sound asleep, his head dropped down onto the armrest as he curled up in the seat. When he awoke the van had stopped. He looked around, the men had gone and it was very dark. He stretched. His body ached but not only from several long hours in an uncomfortable position. Rafael yawned sleepily. He reached out and felt for the door handle, opened it and began to get out. There was a sharp pain in his belly, a cramp that wouldn't go away. As he stepped out onto the ground he nearly fell over, recovered his balance and then leaned back against the van. The van was stopped in a parking area surrounded by trucks and a few cars. There was a lighted building over to his right. It looked like some kind of restaurant and the boy made his way towards it. He was nearly at the door when the three men from the van stepped out. "Well well, if it ain't our little boyfriend," one of them laughed, "He must'a finished his nap, Luis. |