by P J Skinner
‘I’ve never heard of them before.’
‘They are often overlooked. This seal is unique. I haven’t seen one before. Like I said, you seem to have a knack for finding stuff.’
‘Oh, I didn’t find this. It was a present.’
‘A present?’
‘From a killer.’
Alfredo raised an eyebrow
‘You’ll have to explain that to me.’
‘Can I do that another time? I’m dog tired.’
‘Are you going to the beach again?’
Sam hesitated.
‘Yes, I was thinking of going tomorrow. Why?’
‘I wondered if you’d like some company. David’s school is closed for the half term break. We were talking about taking a holiday too. A change would do us both good.’
So much for my romantic break with Yannis.
‘That would be lovely. I planned to try and get on the midday flight. We can ring the travel agent first thing in the morning.’
‘I’ll pack us a bag.’
The weather at the beach could be a bit hit and miss at the best of times, but for once the sun shone every day. Socrates looked as if he would cry when he saw his old friend get out of the taxi. The two men embraced and parted with wet faces. An awkward silence ensued when Alfredo asked for two cabins and Sam shook her head. A fleeting look of panic crossed Alfredo’s face.
‘Hermano,’ said Socrates. ‘Sam will stay with my nephew, Yannis.’
Comprehension dawned and Alfredo blushed. As if. Gloria would stab me. Sam made a face and rolled her eyes at him.
‘Sorry, I thought…’
‘I’m not that desperate,’ said Sam.
‘I didn’t think you were,’ mumbled Alfredo.
Sam glanced around for a distraction and noticed David standing on the beach leaning towards the ocean with longing.
‘Get changed. There’s still time for a quick swim,’ she said.
Following Yannis into his rooms under the restaurant, he pulled her into his arms.
‘This might cramp our style,’ he said.
‘I hope not,’ said Sam.
Later that evening, with David asleep in the upstairs hammock, Sam, Alfredo, Yannis and Socrates discussed the finds she had made at Cerro Calvo.
‘Señor Muerte? You’ve got to be kidding me,’ said Alfredo, slapping his forehead. ‘How do you manage to find the baddies with such unerring skill, woman?’
‘Just talented, I guess,’ said Sam, smirking.
‘I have to see this cave,’ said Alfredo. ‘Who knows what could be hidden inside. It’s the chance to see a unique and untouched slice of the Inca civilisation and record it for posterity.’
‘I don’t know if Amanda’s going to like that,’ said Sam.
‘And who says she has to know?’
‘Can’t you two live a normal life like everyone else?’ said Yannis.
‘This is normal for me,’ said Sam, deflated.
‘I was kidding,’ he said. ‘You’re like Manuela Saenz.’
‘She’s more like Bolivar,’ said Alfredo.
‘I’m going to bed,’ said Sam.
Yannis followed her out, leaving the two old stagers to drain the bottle.
The night before Sam and Alfredo returned to Calderon, her sleep was disturbed by a sound coming from the beach. Spooked by the memory of the attempted assault, she jumped out of bed waking Yannis.
‘What’s that?’ she said.
Yannis got out of bed too, and peered through the door onto the beach.
‘It’s Alfredo. I think he’s weeping,’ he said. ‘Should I go and see what’s wrong?’
‘No, thanks, I know what’s wrong. I’ll go.’
Sam put on a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. Then she left the room and felt her way across the sand trying not to stand on night crawlers or sharp pieces of vegetation. Why didn’t I put on my flip flops? Alfredo was sitting on the trunk of a fallen palm tree. She reached out and put her hand on his shoulder before sitting close beside him, their thighs touching.
‘Want to tell me about it?’ she said.
Alfredo sniffed and wiped his face with his shirt. He turned a pair of tear-filled eyes to her. They shone with emotion in the moonlight.
‘What am I going to do?’ he said.
‘About what?’
She knew why he was crying but she needed him to say it out loud, to make it real.
‘Everything. My drinking is killing my marriage. I’m losing her.’
‘You don’t have to. She still loves you but…’
He broke in. ‘I know. But she can’t stand the drinking. The stupid thing is neither can I.’
‘You don’t have to do this alone. Gloria’s friend, Pedro Suarez goes to AA meetings most days. He’s been sober for ages.’
‘Nine months. He showed me his sobriety chip.’
‘You’ve done it before. I remember.’
‘But this time it’s forever. Somehow that makes it harder to start.’
‘Forever’s a long time. Not many people could deal with that. You have to take it one day at a time.’
‘I don’t know how to face life without drink.’
‘Can you face life without Gloria and David?’
Alfredo’s head whipped around; his eyes wide with shock.
‘How can you ask me that?’
‘You are standing in front of two one-way doors, one says Gloria and David, one says drink. Once you choose, you can’t go back.’
‘You must help me.’
‘I can’t decide for you. Admit you can’t beat it alone and go to AA before it’s too late.’
She put an arm around his shoulders while he wept bitter tears of farewell, but whether saying goodbye to drink or to Gloria, she didn’t ask.
‘How come you didn’t tell me about you and Yannis?’ said Alfredo, as they flew to Calderon.
‘It’s not really a thing,’ said Sam. ‘We’re having fun.’
‘He seems pretty invested.’
‘I’m sure he’s always with someone. Think of all the fresh blood staying in the cabins.’
‘You make him sound like a vampire. Anyway, I think he really likes you.’
‘Maybe.’
She had noticed in the mirror that morning that she was glowing with health and had the ‘I’ve had sex’ look about her. Yannis was good for her, but it was also true that she had no intention of settling down with a beach bum. He provided everything she needed with no strings. She could see an end to the relationship which made her feel secure, and that was all she was capable of then.
‘You okay?’ she said.
He nodded. She didn’t press him.
Chapter XII
They arrived at the house in a taxi, laughing at something David said as they fell through the front door. Gloria and Amanda were sitting on the sofa with drinks in their hands. The table was littered with dirty glasses and cigarette butts. They stood up in unison and Gloria tottered towards Sam and Alfredo, the ash from her cigarette dropping onto the parquet floor. Her jaw clenched and thunder clouds gathered on her face.
‘Hallo mi amor,’ said Alfredo, cringing like a frightened dog.
She ignored him and thrust her cigarette at Sam, who backed away, startled.
‘How could you?’ Gloria slurred.
‘How could I what?’ said Sam, unsettled to be accused in this way.
‘Don’t lie to me. You’ve been having sex. I know that face.’
David whimpered behind her.
‘What’s wrong, Sam?’ he said, tugging her trouser leg. ‘Why is mummy cross?’
‘David, go upstairs please. She’s not cross with you,’ said Sam, unwilling to drag him into whatever this was. The frightened boy crept away looking back at her for reassurance as he disappeared up the stairs.
She forced out a smile and turned back to Gloria. ‘What’s your point? I’m not a virgin. I can have sex whenever I want.’
‘With her husband?’ said Amanda.
‘What sort of friend are you?’
‘Alfredo? Are you nuts? I have a boyfriend at the beach.’
‘What boyfriend? You haven’t told me about any boyfriend.’ Gloria looked uncertain. ‘You’ve been sleeping with Alfredo.’
‘Certainly looks like it,’ said Amanda. ‘Not only are you a shit geologist, but you are stealing your best friend’s husband.’
Sam ignored her.
‘Have you gone mad, Gloria? How could you say that to me? I saved Alfredo from the Nazis. I risked my life to get him back for you.’
‘And how do I know what went on when you were locked up together?’
Sam gasped. ‘You can’t believe that.’
It must be the drink speaking, or Amanda had been filling her ears with poison. Poor vulnerable Gloria.
The two women stood toe to toe. Despite Sam’s efforts, a tear escaped from her left eye and ran down her cheek. She wiped it off brusquely, her hand trembling with anger and shock.
Amanda stepped between them.
‘Come on Gloria, let’s go. You can stay with me until she’s gone,’ said Amanda.
Gloria wavered uncertainly in the threshold. Alfredo had a fixed look of horror on his face as if he had never seen her before in his life.
‘Don’t go,’ he said. ‘This is all my fault. I love you.’
‘Funny way to show it,’ muttered Gloria and taking Amanda’s arm, she left, slamming the door in his face.
Alfredo sunk onto his knees and moaned into his hands. David, who had been hovering on the staircase, ran across the floor and hugged him.
‘What’s wrong? Is mummy cross we went to the beach without her? I don’t understand.’
‘No, sweetheart. She’s only annoyed with Daddy, not with you.’
‘Why are you crying, Daddy?’
‘Because I’m sad. Don’t worry, I’ll be all right. Why don’t you go upstairs with Sam and read a bedtime story?’
Sam held out her hand, which he took, and they walked up the stairs, the little boy glancing backwards at his father. Behind her, Sam could hear Alfredo opening the drinks cupboard. She sighed.
‘Are you okay?’ said David.
‘I’m fine. What would you like to read tonight?’
When David was asleep, Sam steeled herself for whatever awaited her and went back downstairs. The sight that greeted her was not the one she was expecting. Alfredo was sitting at the kitchen counter with a big mug of coffee. The smell of the freshly ground beans cut through her senses, surprising her. In the stainless metal sinks behind him were a sea of upturned bottles, all empty, standing upside down like a strange glass sculpture under the spotlights.
‘I’m so sorry,’ she said. ‘I never imagined--’
‘What have you got to be sorry about? This is one hundred percent my fault.’
Alfredo banged his fist on the counter, slopping coffee everywhere.
‘I’m such a failure,’ he said, trailing his fingers in the pool of liquid. ‘I can’t even be macho without causing a mess.’ He smiled but his eyes were dull with regret.
Sam rescued a cloth from under the bottles and wrung it out under the tap. Drink fumes rose from her hands. She wiped the coffee and threw the cloth back to the sink. It landed on the floor with a splat and they both looked at it for a moment.
‘Do you remember when you were a prisoner in that underground laboratory? When Gloria and I heard that you were dead in that car crash, I thought she would die too. You’re meant to be together. Amanda is a phase. Gloria is under her spell and we need to break it. But we can’t do it if…’
She tailed off.
‘If I keep drinking. I know, that’s why I tipped all the booze down the sink. I’ve made my choice. Shoot me if you ever see me drink again.’
He stood up and headed for the front door.
‘Where are you going?’ said Sam.
‘To find an AA meeting.’
Sam lay on her bed rewinding the horrible events of the afternoon over and over again. Her tears were mingled with curses as she remembered the enjoyment Amanda got from seeing her face off with Gloria. She had flushed with pleasure when the two old friends fought over Alfredo. Bitch.
She swung her legs off the bed and reviewed the contents of her rucksack, a reflex action which always comforted her. Tipping everything onto her bed, she picked out the tattered old leather wallet that she used for travelling and opened the catch. It was stiff and didn’t shut well but she was loath to throw it out. There were a lot of airmiles on that. She counted the cash and took out the credit cards.
The lining had come loose and there was a card stuck in there. Sam manoeuvred it out and found an old Sierramar identity card. Señor Sanchez, Gloria’s father, had obtained it for her to avoid delays going into public buildings and cashing cheques at the bank. It was out of date now but she hadn’t thrown it out.
She refilled the rucksack and put it on the bedside chair. Starlight filtered into her room as she got into bed, throwing a shadow over the bag and making it look as if someone was sitting there. She clasped the identity card to her chest and tried to concentrate on old times with Gloria and Alfredo to lift the anguish which filled her.
A couple of days later, Sam flew back to San Pedro. On arrival at the airport, she spotted Rhett among the other passengers. She hadn’t seen him in Calderon airport which struck her as odd. When did he get on the flight? Nervous about what he might know, she hung back, unwilling to engage with him, but he came over to join her at the taxi rank. He greeted her with a hug, which was out of character and she froze, embarrassed. He knows.
He didn’t appear to notice her squeamish reaction to his embrace.
‘Well, aren’t you the dark horse?’ he said, giving her an admiring glance. ‘Apparently some men do find you attractive after all. And there’s me thinking you were a goody two shoes, butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth sort of sheila. Frankly, I’m stunned.’
He didn’t seem too stunned. The smug expression on his face spoke volumes about his attitude to Sam’s misdemeanours. What on earth had Amanda told him? She could only imagine the lurid exaggeration that had gone on. Unsure whether to play up to his new impression of her or to launch a stout denial, Sam concentrated on finding their usual ride to Arboleda. The taxi driver had already snagged a client but when he saw Sam, he swapped clients with another man.
‘Miss Sam, you have been to the beach? You look beautiful.’
Rhett smirked. ‘You’re not the only one who thinks that,’ he said.
‘Thank you,’ said Sam. ‘I had a lovely time.’
‘Love being the operative word,’ said Rhett in her ear.
Sam spun around and hissed at him. ‘Give it a rest. You’ve no idea what you are talking about.’
‘But you’re going to tell me all about it. After all, it’s a long way to Arboleda.’
That much was true. There was no escape from his questions. Not long after they set out on the road of death, Rhett turned to her with a camp expression on his face.
‘So, tell me all about it. Uncle Rhett is not going to judge you.’
What a chameleon, macho to moonbeam in a sentence.
‘I don’t know what you heard, but none of it’s likely to be true,’ said Sam.
‘Well, I heard you took a bite out of someone else’s apple.’
‘I would never do that. Gloria is my best friend. I love her.’
‘Oh God, a ménage à trois,’ said Rhett, rolling his eyes.
Exasperated, Sam looked out of the window biting her tongue. He poked her ribs.
‘I’m sorry. Tell me your version. I promise not to interrupt again.’
He would not give up. Sam sighed.
‘It’s not a version, it’s the truth. I had arranged to go to the beach on my break to meet a friend of mine. When I got to Calderon, Gloria had gone to Cali with Amanda, and David was on half term break, so his father, Alfredo, asked if they could come too.’
‘That’s it?’
/> ‘Boring huh? I stayed in Yannis’ room and Alfredo had a cabin with David. End of story. We had a great time and when we got home, the Inquisition was waiting for us on the sofa. Drunk and spiteful.’
‘Let me get this straight. You had crumpet but you’re not a strumpet?’
He laughed at his own joke. Sam did not join in.
‘Precisely. But I’m upset Gloria would even consider the possibility of me sleeping with Alfredo. It’s not like her.’
‘You don’t know Amanda. Her mission in life is to make people miserable. She has poisoned your friend’s mind. But, don’t worry, because I have something that will cheer you up.’
Sam sniffed.
‘I doubt it.’
‘Behold. I came bearing gifts.’
Rhett reached into his bag and produced a rolled-up piece of fax paper.
‘The results? I thought they were late.’
‘They were. I picked them up last night from the fax machine in the office.’
She stopped herself from hugging him with excitement. He held it out of her reach but she refused to play that game and kept her hands down.
‘Are they any good?’ she said.
‘See for yourself.’
He handed the paper to Sam who unrolled it and tried to read it in the bumpy taxi. The numbers jumped and bobbled in front of her eyes. The car entered a less uneven stretch of road for a moment and she managed to focus on one section. To her amazement, the results were not only positive for gold but had decent amounts of it. A quick skim of the roll of paper told her that the vast majority of the samples had about the same amount of gold content.
‘Great uh?’ said Rhett.
‘Um, yes. They’re outstanding.’
‘You don’t seem very thrilled.’
‘I can’t really see them. I’ll have a better look when we have lunch.’
‘At the E-coli café?’
‘My favourite.’
Her second look at the results only served to convince her that there was something peculiar about the results. She could not remember the numbers of the blanks or the double samples but since every sample result had a similarly anomalous value, the suspicion that something untoward was going on could not easily be avoided.