Flight From Freedom — Randy Rawls

Maria, a sixteen-year-old girl in El Salvador, loses her father to the cartel. He refused to give up his twelve-year-old son to them and was killed. The cartel gives their mother two weeks to prepare Pedro for travel. In the intervening time, Mr. Shillman, a recruiter for Mr. Porkus, a financier supporting illegal immigration to the United States, shows up and offers them the opportunity to leave El Salvador. The mother refuses to go, but encourages Maria and Pedro to take advantage of Mr. Shillman's benevolence. The trip north is much different from what was promised, including having to sign a two-year contract to do as their benefactors wish them to. Upon arrival in the US, Maria and Pedro are split up, and Maria is transported to Coral Lakes, Florida, and placed in the situation she's expected to support for the next two years. Three months pass. Josh Hawkins, a PI in Coral Lakes is hired by lawyer Michael Lopinski to assist a young illegal émigré, who has run away and is now hiding out with her aunt, an employee of his. Josh discovers the young girl is Maria and learns the pathetic tale of her plight in America. He sets out to avenge her treatment and, if possible, reunite her with her brother. To do this, he brings in Chief, a full-bloodied Seminole he served with in the Army. Together, they face the an almost impossible task. They must start with Maria, then backtrack Maria's travel until they reach the point she and Pedro were separated, then attempt to follow Pedro's path.