Fool's Gold
Page 20
The visitors had an early supper and went to bed soon afterwards. The storm strengthened. The rain came in sheets, which prevented any transit between the houses. Sam could see the raindrops bouncing off the volleyball court and running off into the gutters dug into the red clay. The rain was torrential all through the night, thundering on the tin roofs of the houses. She could hear it streaming off the roofs onto the ground as she lay in bed. The houses in the village were all on stilts to keep the snakes out but also in case of flooding. Random thoughts coursed through her head. What did the pigs do when it rained? Why was Simon looking for her? When was Mike going to pay her?
Chapter XIX
Segundo did not get much sleep in his impromptu prison in Riccuarte. The combination of the rain clattering on the tin roofs and the thunder cracking overhead meant that he was awake for most of the night. The roof had rusty holes in it through which the rain trickled and dripped onto the mattress where he slept, making him damp and stiff. His empty stomach growled loudly. He was worried that he wouldn’t get the chance to explain his presence in the village to the formidable Doña Elodea. Wilson might hurt someone while he was locked up in this hut. He was quite taken with Elodea despite the treatment he had received. Now, there was a woman you wanted on your side. She was very attractive, too. He spent a pleasant hour fantasising about the charms of his captor before she knocked on the door, startling him out of his reverie.
‘Good morning, Señor Duarte,’ said Doña Elodea. ‘I trust you slept well.’
‘I’ve slept better,’ he replied with a smile in his voice. ‘That rain of yours is very noisy.’
‘You will get used to it in a couple of days.’
‘I get the feeling that you don’t trust me, and I can understand that. With its evil aspect, my face does not engender confidence. I wonder if you might give me the chance to explain what I’m doing here,’ he said, trying to appeal to the soft heart he imagined inhabited her curvy body.
He watched her struggling to reach a decision. He understood the suspicion of strangers in these remote parts. He was used to people making an assessment of him based on his deformed appearance. Throwing a man in prison because he looked evil could be considered an over-reaction, but she was being protective of her village. Finally, she sighed.
‘Are you hungry?’ she asked. ‘I’ll make you some breakfast. You may eat at my house if you promise not to try anything. Remember that I have two strong, young neighbours who can help me if you try to escape.’
Breakfast sounded good to Segundo. He wouldn’t get far if he made enemies in Riccuarte. He had a feeling that Doña Elodea knew exactly where Wilson was, and he was sure she would help him if she could.
‘It’s a deal,’ he said. ‘You have my word that I’ll not try to escape. I’m very hungry as I didn’t get the chance to finish my dinner last night for some reason. I promise to explain exactly why I’m here over breakfast, and I think you’ll want to help me once you have heard what I have to say.’
There was a short silence and then some huffing and puffing outside as Doña Elodea dislodged the large pieces of wood that barricaded the door. The door fell open on its hinges, and Segundo squinted out into the bright morning. Doña Elodea stood with her hands on her hips, ready for trouble. Segundo smiled. A formidable woman, the kind that made him lose all concentration. He shook himself free of those thoughts.
‘Lead on, Señora,’ he said.
***
Mike finally plucked up the courage to ring Edward.
‘Hi mate, how are you?’
‘About time you called me! Where have you been? What’s happening? Have you found my treasure yet?’
‘I didn’t want to disturb you with Black Monday and all that going on.’
‘Oh, that’s been sorted.’
‘Sorted? How?’
‘There was a dead cat bounce today. One of the senior brokers got in before the market closed and re-bought my shares at the bottom on Monday before the market closed and he sold them into the recovery today. Now we have bought them again at the bottom. I haven’t lost more than a quarter and I expect the market will recover now.’
‘That’s great news.’
‘Yes, well never mind that. Water under the bridge. I’ll be richer when we find the treasure. How’s the search going?’
The words hung in the air. Mike took a deep breath.
‘There’s been a slight hitch. I don’t think it’ll affect the final outcome but it may delay it.’
Edward was used to Mike’s inability to be straightforward.
‘Spit it out, mate.’
‘We have a problem. One of the team may be planning to keep the treasure for himself, and the rest of the team don’t know. He tried to eliminate Gloria and Sam by sabotaging their car.’
‘Why didn’t you stop him going?’
‘We didn’t realise that it wasn’t an accident until it was too late. It’s a long story.’
‘Jesus, what a cockup! Can’t you ring them?’
‘They’re in the jungle.’
‘In that case, what the fuck are you doing in Calderon?’
‘We’ve sent someone down to sort it out.’
‘And what if he decides to take my treasure as well? Honestly Mike, I can’t believe you’re sitting on your arse in the office. Why aren’t you on your way to the jungle?’
Mike hesitated. He had never told Edward about his heart problem as he was afraid that he would be cut loose. Edward was very ruthless when it came to money. Mike was his plaything but he wasn’t interested in broken toys.
‘Well, mate, we’ve only found out recently, and the flight to the coast isn’t until tomorrow so I was calling you to let you know.’
‘I should fucking think so. Don’t let me down, Mike; my wife will have my balls for this.’
‘Don’t worry, it’s under control. I wanted to keep you informed.’
‘Okay, well, let me know as soon as you’re near a phone.’
‘Bye, then.’
‘Don’t fuck up, Mike. I wouldn’t want this to be the end of a beautiful friendship.’
He hung up.
Mike was in a quandary. It was fine for Edward to order him to the jungle, but Mr. Sanchez’s man should be able to deal with Wilson without any help. Anyway, what about his heart? Could he risk going so far from a hospital? Surely Wilson wouldn’t actually kill anyone? He couldn’t help worrying, though.
Later, he drank a coffee in the office with Gloria. They had their coffee without milk, as no one had remembered to buy any with Tati away on holiday. Marta was not there as she had stayed at home to look after her son, who had picked up a cold at school. Mike fiddled with a ballpoint pen, clicking the top in and out, over and over again. Finally, the pen broke and the insides shot all over the table. The spring landed in Gloria’s coffee. She gave him a look that would have melted plastic. He shrugged.
‘I can’t help feeling responsible,’ said Gloria.
‘Responsible? You? Seriously though - how and for what?’ asked Mike. He was irritated at being reminded that he felt the same. He couldn’t imagine why it was Gloria’s fault that Sam and Alfredo were in the jungle with a desperate man who might do anything for money.
‘I knew some things about Wilson, but I didn’t tell you because I thought his private life was his business,’ replied Gloria. ‘I didn’t know that he was so indebted to such dangerous people. We could’ve stopped him from going on this trip.’
Mike sighed.
‘Gloria,’ he said. ‘Sam told me that Wilson had tried to assault her, and I sent her back into the jungle with him. What I did was far worse.’
They both sat in silence.
‘The worst thing is that we won’t hear what has happened for days,’ said Gloria at last. ‘I’m not sure I can stand sitting around here. We may never find out the truth.’
Mike made up his mind. He needed Edward to finance his projects, and to keep him on his side. He had to stop Wilson.
‘And your heart?’ asked Gloria.
‘Bugger my heart. It’s not that bad,’ said Mike. ‘I need an adventure. We can fly to the beach first thing in the morning and hire a car to San Lorenzo. That should be less strain than taking the train for hours. We can hire a truck or car to Riccuarte and be there by evening. What do you say?’
‘Vamos!’ said Gloria, her eyes flashing. ‘Let’s go and save Sam and Alfredo.’
Mike laughed. ‘They can look after themselves. We need to save the treasure from Wilson or Edward will have my guts for garters. Sitting here is no longer an option.’
‘I’ll call Papi and ask him to get us seats on the plane. He has friends who can arrange a car from the airport to San Lorenzo,’ said Gloria.
Gloria went to ring her father, and Mike packed a bag. His heart pounded in his chest with excitement. He couldn’t tell if this was good or bad. He came out in a sweat with the thrill of joining in the adventure. He didn’t care about the danger. He was far more worried that the stress of waiting for news would make him more ill than a quick jaunt to Riccuarte. Letting Edward down could have worse consequences and at least he didn’t have to field his calls if he was in the jungle.
***
Segundo leaned back against the wall and patted his full stomach.
‘Wow! That was some breakfast, Doña Elodea. I thank you, and my stomach thanks you.’
‘I like to see a man enjoy his food,’ she beamed, leaning over the table to take his plate away. ‘Do you want a cup of coffee? You can drink it while you explain to me what you are doing here and why you are looking for Señor Ortega.’
‘Yes, please. Make it nice and sugary to sweeten my day.’
Doña Elodea poured them both a cup of hot coffee from the gas burner. They sipped it cautiously. The scalding coffee burned its way down his throat and Segundo wondered where to start. He decided not to beat around the bush.
‘What I’ve got to tell you is important. I need you to believe me when I say that this Wilson Ortega is a very dangerous man. He tried to kill the daughter of my boss by ordering someone to sabotage the brake lines on her car. She was lucky to survive.’
Doña Elodea gasped and covered her mouth to prevent herself from swearing. She crossed herself, eyes wide with anticipation for the next revelation.
‘The problem is that Wilson’s boss did not know about this before he sent him on this trip with Don Moises, Sam and Alfredo,’ continued Segundo. ‘They’re in serious danger, as Wilson thinks they’re looking for treasure, and he wants it for himself. He has major debts and several of the big crime families in Sierramar are looking for him.’
‘And is there any treasure?’ asked Doña Elodea, breathless with expectation.
‘Of course not,’ replied Segundo, more brusquely than he meant to. ‘It’s a myth. There are only ancient stones out there. Wilson is desperate for money. He’ll do anything to get himself out of trouble. I must stop him before it’s too late.’
‘This man Wilson sounds like a liability. I want to believe you but it’s quite a story. I’m not sure what to do.’
‘We have to stop him. Let me go. I can do it.’
‘That would not be a good idea. I know what to do. You may not agree with what I am about to say, but you must trust me. Is that all right with you?’ she asked.
‘I’m in your hands,’ replied Segundo. ‘I can see that you are a determined and intelligent woman. What can we do now?’
‘I can help you in your search, but you must agree to heed my advice if I trust you not to try to get away. You must stay in Riccuarte. Of course, you don’t want to do this, but I’m sure that if you go looking for Wilson upriver, you’ll make things worse.’
Segundo began to protest, but she held up her hand. He held his counsel. Doña Elodea continued.
‘I’ll send a messenger to Don Moises. He is the leader of the Indian tribe at Arenas where they are staying. He’ll know how to deal with Wilson without causing trouble. He’s a very clever man, and I guarantee you that he’ll sort this out. It isn’t right to disturb the Indians, as they can be very vengeful if someone gets hurt. Leave it to Moises. Señor Ortega will be delivered to you, dead or alive.’
Segundo pondered this offer. He was not used to taking orders from anyone except Señor Sanchez, and he had never before taken orders from a woman. However, he was not a stupid man and he was out of his depth in these remote coastal communities where he had no allies or experience.
‘When will you send him?’ he asked.
‘Carlos will leave now if I tell him. He can inform Don Moises that you’re looking for Wilson Ortega and that he should send him back to Riccuarte. Don’t worry; Wilson will come, either of his own free will or trussed up like a suckling pig.’
She smiled. Behind her, Rijer had appeared in the door. He had an ancient gun by his side.
‘Until then, I’d like you to stay in the lockup. Is that fair?’
‘Yes, that’s fair,’ replied Segundo, thoughts of making his own way to Arenas evaporating. ‘I’ll stay there until you let me out.’
He followed Rijer out of the house and down the road. Doña Elodea watched them go. She almost trusted him but not quite enough to let him roam free in the village. She had good instincts, which was why Don Moises trusted her so much. She shut the door of her house and set off to find Carlos. Afterwards she planned to go to the market. She had decided to make a nice fish soup for her guest to take the edge off his captivity.
Five minutes later, Doña Elodea bustled up to Carlos, who stood in some grey mud on the riverbank beside a small canoe, which could hold two passengers or a small amount of freight. He leaned on his pole with one hand and smoked with the other. He looked up as she approached and raised his eyebrows quizzically. Doña Elodea beckoned him to join her on a dryer part of the bank and leaned in to speak to him so that no one else would hear.
‘Carlitos, there’s an emergency. That man we locked up says that Wilson is a dangerous man who is intending to do harm to anyone who gets in his way. You must go straight to Arenas and find Don Moises. Tell him about Wilson, and that a man is waiting to capture him here in Riccuarte. Tell him that the message is direct from me. Have you had some breakfast?’
‘Yes, some fried eggs and corn patties.’
‘You’d better take these bananas, as I doubt you’ll eat again before evening.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Don’t forget; this is top secret. No one must know why you are going.’
‘You have my word.’
With that, Carlos skipped across the mud, grabbing his pole and landing on the slim vessel in one practiced movement. He didn’t have any trouble balancing the canoe in the strong current and poling away from the shore without any sign of a wobble. He pushed the canoe out into the river and started his journey to Arenas. Doña Elodea watched him until he rounded the first bend and was out of sight. He turned and smiled at her before he disappeared. She was watching him anxiously and wringing her hands. He gave her a cheery wave and was gone.
***
Sam and the rest of the team returned to the site to supervise the clearance of the small plateau. It was a simple job, as it soon became apparent that there were no large trees growing on it. There were some young trees and bushes, but it was mostly lianas and creepers, which dangled down from overhanging trees surrounding the plateau. They stopped for lunch, and Sam wondered what they were going to eat. Alfredo and Don Moises started to set up a fire, but Wilson showed no interest in helping. The workers got back on the canoe and indicated to Sam that she should come with them. She looked to Don Moises for an explanation, but he waved her on. Alfredo laughed. She was mystified. She was shown to the middle of the boat and given a paddle, which, they indicated to her, was not for immediate use.
The workers moved the boat downstr
eam a few hundred metres to a deep, wide pool at a bend in the river and stopped the canoe in the middle of it. One man held the canoe steady using his pole. One of the others rummaged around in a bag, and to Sam’s surprise, took out a stick of dynamite. He cut a small piece off the end and stowed the rest back in the bag under the bow. Another man cut what could only be a piece of fuse from a reel and stuck it in the dynamite. Suddenly, she knew what they were doing but she was paralysed with fright. She tried to object, but she couldn’t find any useful Spanish words. Rising panic had her rooted to her seat, unable to protest.
The worker lit the fuse with a box of matches he had retrieved from his boot. He held the dynamite in the air perilously close to Sam’s head. She noticed with horror that he had only two good fingers on his right hand. They counted to three, and he threw the dynamite stub into the water. It exploded as it hit the surface with a loud bang. Sam put her hands over her ears too late and was left with a ringing noise echoing in her head. Stunned fish started to float to the surface. With cries of excitement, the crew all leapt out of the canoe, leaving her sitting there with her mouth open. The last to leave indicated that she should use her paddle to keep the boat in the middle of the pool. She grabbed it, her ears buzzing, and stuck it in the water, using all her strength to keep the canoe steady.
The workers swam back and forth, finding and dropping the stunned fish in the boat. Sam could see from their bright colour and rows of sharp teeth that they were piranhas. She remembered the times she had swum in the river without any idea that these were lurking under the surface. And she had been worrying about the Candiru fish? Within three minutes the men were all back on the boat and Sam was gracefully told to stop paddling, even though she quite fancied doing a bit more. The man with the damaged hand sat next to her, extending his hand gently. She took it and examined the finger stumps. Their eyes met, and Sam said, ‘Boom?’