* * *
The heat was unbelievable and they were sweating, despite lying perfectly still. They reminded themselves to drink regularly to avoid dehydration. They’d spend the day watching Shinsaku and Ming Mei walk around, going in and out of stores. They’d practically circled the entire village, constantly changing positions, all while keeping perfect silence. The reddish-orange setting sun reflected off the Spanish-style buildings. Namara was obsessed by the church; he couldn’t make himself look away. The church stood next to a park full of benches and lanterns. The village was clean and well-kept. The little houses and businesses were of Mexican architecture, but the Texan culture was made apparent by the modern buildings that mixed into the décor. It struck Namara that the village was practically deserted. Only a few residents walked through from time to time, but even for a little village like that, something was abnormal, something you couldn’t see on first glance.
“Reminds you of those good old days, eh?” said Guerra. “Don’t you miss those old bastards?”
“Absolutely. I miss it too… our group overall. I always wonder what happened to them.”
“Yeah, the good times. There were times when I thought it was a miracle we all lived through it. Sooner or later, one of us would have bit it.”
“No, because we were the best,” said Namara with a grin.
“Fuck yeah, we were.”
A long silence fell as Namara stared at the cross on the bell tower.
“Penny for your thoughts?” said Guerra, finding his buddy strangely silent.
“I don’t know… it’s so weirdly deserted.”
“Yeah, but that’s typical of a Texan village during the day. They stay inside because of the heat.”
“Possible, but we’ve been here the whole day and only a few people stepped out into the streets. The sun set and we’re still not seeing them.”
“Except…”
“The ranch…”
“I was hoping you’d mention it!”
“Yeah, because where the hell are the horses? And furthermore, there’s more coming-and-going and activity there than anywhere else. There’s always men and women marching around like they’re protecting it.”
“And further-furthermore, Shinsaku and Ming Mei haven’t been able to get closer than the gates.”
“Yeah, the entrance is barred, and they can’t see what’s going on, but we can. You see that huge wooden barn behind them?”
“Yeah, you think they’re hiding something?”
“They’re surveying the area for some reason… even if the area isn’t public access. That barn doesn’t have any windows and it seems pretty well empty.”
“It said that here’s mostly farmers.”
“Yes, they seem like rural types, but appearances can be deceiving, don’t you think?”
“Let’s wait to see what Ming Mei and Shinsaku think… they shouldn’t be much longer.”
“They’re waiting for the sun to set.”
“Too bad. Julie’s been getting lazy lately.”
“Be patient, James… be patient.”
CHAPTER 53
The first thing Shinsaku did upon arriving in Sauvalito was stop at a little service-station to fill up the car. A badly-shaven man of about sixty, dressed in motor-oil-stained denim overalls, was in charge of the pump. He glared at Shinsaku suspiciously as he worked.
“Fill it up, please,” said Shinsaku with a smile. “This is a lovely town. We’re on our way to Reddon, but I think we must have lost our way. We’re from Seattle and we’ve wanted to see Texas for a long time, and now, well, here we are!”
“Turn around and take route 115 to get to Reddon.”
“All right, thanks for the advice. But, since we’re here, I think we’re going to enjoy the nice day and visit this charming little village, and maybe even stay the night. Is there a motel or anything?”
“You won’t find a motel here. It’s closed for a while. The closest you’ll find is in Clifford, about twenty miles off,” said the man, knitting his eyebrows.
“Oh, I see. That’s too bad. We would have liked to stay. This little town is so picturesque. Where would you recommend we visit?”
“You know, mister, it’s only a small town. Everyone knows each other, and there ain’t no tourism. I recommend you continue on to Clifford, because plenty people here don’t like strangers.”
“Oh, I understand. It does seem like a small town. Most people here must be used to the peace,” said Shinsaku cheerily, wearing an airheaded grin. “Don’t worry, we won’t stay long, and we’ll be discreet. We’d like to grab a bit later, though, is there a restaurant?”
“Yeah, to your left.”
“Perfect, we’ll walk. We’ll see the town that way, before we continue on to Clifford.”
“Forty bucks.”
“Here you go, mister! It’s been a pleasure!”
The man took the money and muttered as he retreated into his garage. Shinsaku interrupted him just before he disappeared.
“Excuse me again, but my wife is quite religious, and she has quite a passion for the churches of the region. Do you have one here?”
“Yeah, to your left. A thousand feet, Melda street. You can’t miss it.”
“Perfect, and once again, thank you!” he said, climbing back into the Buick.
They left the car a few blocks away and set out on foot into the quasi-deserted Sauvalito. Ming Mei caught sight of a woman peering at them through the window of a white house. A truck carrying two men drove toward them. Shinsaku waved as they passed, but they refused to return the gesture, opting to stare until they’d turned a corner.
Like Ming Mei had guessed, the restaurant was empty. A fat woman sat behind the counter. The heat made indoors stifling. Her reaction was as friendly as the gas jockey’s. They ate, forcing banal conversation, making it seem like their little escapade was going marvellously. Ming Mei made sure to snap photos of Shinsaku in front of anything that looked interesting or important. After their meal, they continued their walk in the city, taking care to inspect the white houses and buildings they passed.
“Is it just me or do you feel like they’re watching us?” she asked as they skipped down the sidewalk.
“I think you’re right. We should be careful.”
Shinsaku took Ming Mei’s waist in a pantomime of honeymoon happiness. They took turns posing for pictures in front of anything that stuck out. They occasionally passed other vehicles and pedestrians, who stared them down without saying anything. They had toured the village completely in a few hours, and then headed for Namara’s church. Next to the big wooden doors of the main entrance, a wooden plaque and attached to the wall: Parish of Sauvalito – Father Gregor Matthew.
“Interesting. We should take a look at this Father Gregor,” Shinsaku suggested.
“Ok. Go in around the side… there’s a door there.”
Ming Mei took hold of the little wooden door and it creaked open. The door gave way to a narrow staircase that lead into a basement. She began her descent, followed by Shinsaku. There was a smell of mould and they found themselves in a little windowless room, in which an old grey-haired woman was sitting behind a counter.
The old woman looked them over gloomily. They moved in her direction – the closer they got, the more they realized that her eyes were both nearly completely black. It looked like it might have had something to do with illness or infection, but she seemed to be able to see them perfectly. She smiled with a grin that looked more like a grimace. She had several rotten teeth and she wore a black scarf on her head. She greeted them. Ming Mei noticed a little doll made of straw that was suspended by a string. It rotated slowly over the counter.
“Hello, my friends,” she said in a hoarse voice.
“Hello ma’am!” said Ming Mei. “What is this place?”
“Oh, I see… you don’t know?” she asked with a smile.
“No, to be honest… we’re from Seattle. We’re enjoying the day in this charming v
illage.”
“I hope you’ve enjoyed yourselves. My name is Varna, and I’m responsible for the parish humanitarian counter.”
“That’s interesting… and you dole out funds, is that it?”
“Yes, to the homeless, and to people who need it. Here, we distribute used clothes.”
“Do you have a lot of those people?”
“Some. Not so much here, but some come from Clifford or even farther. We offer them what we can. We do our part for Sauvalito despite our limited means.”
“Yes, I understand. It’s very noble of you,” said Ming Mei with a smile.
“Thank you, young lady, but it’s Father Gregor who is to thank for the counter. He created the service and I try to help as much as possible. He’s a dedicated man.”
“Oh, for sure. Would it be possible to see him for a bit? We would like to meet him and compliment him before we go on our way.”
“I’m afraid that would be impossible. He’s out of town for several days, I apologize!”
“Oh, how unfortunate. We would so have liked to said hello! I’m a fervent believer, you know…”
“Is that so?” the old woman asked with that strange grin.
“Yes… but, all right. It’s not serious. I believe we should be on our way before night fall. It’s been a pleasure, Varna!”
“Save journey, young ones… God be with you!” she called, grinning at their backs as they climbed the stairs.
“Likewise,” said Shinsaku.
After exiting, they stepped into the church once more, but by the main doors. The place was very well-kept and held two columns of wooden pews, about twenty in each. It was deserted. You could see a few rows of lamps in different colours near the altar and the entrance. Flowers decorated everywhere. A smell of incense filled the space and soothing silence reigned over the beige-tinted walls and golden ornaments, giving it all a sacred allure. Basically, it looked like any other church they’d ever seen. They left after a few minutes to sit in the neighbouring park. The sun began to set and the sky turned orange and red.
“Sun’s starting to set, I think it would be wise to get out. This place gives me the creeps,” said Ming Mei.
“Yes, indeed.”
Ming Mei glanced around, lost in thought.
“What are you thinking?” asked Shinsaku.
“Have you noticed, there are no kids.”
“True say. The school we saw was closed, you remember? Maybe the village doesn’t have enough kids to make a whole school and they’ve all been sent to the neighbouring village.”
“Sure, but it’s evening, they should be back by now. It’s lovely outside! Logically, there must be some kids playing outside, but there’s absolutely none here. Everyone’s white and middle-aged for the most part. Most are men, some women. Some old people too, but very few. You noticed when we got close to the ranch?”
“Yeah, it was weird how many people were wandering around there.”
“They were watching us. You know, the more I look around… it’s all fake! The village, the citizens. It’s a set-up! This village is not real!”
“Who would make a fake village?”
“I… don’t know yet.”
“Well… we gotta go, let’s get back to the car and pick up Guerra and Namara,” said Shinsaku, rising from the bench.
“Yes, please.”
CHAPTER 54
Ming Mei returned to the motel in the wee hours of the morning, exhausted from her night of work. The night had been once again fruitful for both her and Eduardo.
“He wants to meet you, Danny,” said Ming Mei, sighing as she stretched out on the bed.”
“Already? Did he say why?”
“Not exactly, but clearly I’m turning him a profit. He knows I’m with you and he wants to see what he’s up against, I bet. It’s been weeks since I started working for that bastard and I make him more money in one night than any other girl there. I know it, and he knows it, and he knows I know it, and he doesn’t want to share me with you. You’re a setback.”
“Perfect… exactly what we wanted. I thought he hadn’t decided yet. I’m sure there’s a link between Ed and Sauvalito, but we don’t know enough yet. He’s the key to this whole story. Only he can show us the truth. Have you found out anything about him yet?”
“He’s a closed book, remember? There’s no way to search his office, or any other part of it. He has guards that watch us constantly. There’s always at least six men flanking him. To top it off, he’s always armed. Heavily armed.”
“You’ve noticed nothing in all this time?”
“Nothing relevant. But that place is literally a brothel. There is a stripper in the bar who calls herself Shanti and she is a brunette. She could fit the picture we have for the woman seen in maquiladoras some years ago, but I can't really confirm it's her. You know, they’re poor girls for the most part and they’ll prostitute themselves on the spot. There are beds on the second floor. It’s lucky I make him so much with the dancing.”
“Good. Ok. It’s time for James and I to step in. We need to succeed with this guy, it’s our only chance!”
“Chance for what?” muttered Guerra sleepily.
“Chance to resolve the murders, duh. He has too like us and trust us. If it doesn’t work…”
“It’ll work,” said Guerra.
“It has to. For now, Ming Mei, keep up what you’ve been doing.”
“I’m exhausted!”
“I know. But Ed’s the door to everything.”
* * *
“So, this is Léa’s boyfriend. I’m glad to be able to put a face to the name,” said Ed, sizing Namara up from top to tail from behind his desk.
“I’m not her boyfriend. Léa works for me.”
“I see… she’s one of your girls.”
“The only one, for the moment. I’m new here,” he added, matching Ed’s poker face. Guerra was playing the same role by his side. Two of Ed’s henchmen stood behind him, which was making the office quite cramped. Guerra and Namara had noticed on first glance that Ed’s men were concealing a weapon under their jackets, and probably Ed too. Namara and Guerra each carried a 9 mm pistol on their belt, bringing the total up to five armed men in that room. The atmosphere was charged, the margin for error thin, and Namara knew it.
“This is my friend Arthur,” said Namara.
“Ed.”
“I know. Léa told me about you too,” retorted Guerra.
Eduardo smiled. He lit a cigarette and took two puffs, letting a long wisp of smoke hang in the air around him.
“I hope you won’t object if my friend Bobby at the back holds onto your weapons for the duration of the visit. We’ll return them to you when you leave.”
One of the armed men advanced slowly toward Guerra, who turned to look at him. The man froze. Guerra turned to Ed.
“Let me make something clear right off the bat. If your man ever tries to take my weapon, it’s the last thing he’ll do. Nobody takes my gun and certainly not today. Do we understand each other?”
“Maybe it’ll be the last thing you do too, hombre,” said Ed darkly.
“Maybe, but life is full of surprises,” said Guerra dryly.
The tension was suffocating. A shootout looked imminent.
“You asked to see me and Arthur. Why? What do you want?” asked Namara dryly.
Ed could tell the men before him were absolutely serious, and for some reason he also knew that they were no amateurs. If the tension persisted, he knew he would find himself with a bullet in the head in seconds.
“All right, all right. Let’s all calm down. Bobby, back up. Let mister Arthur breathe a bit!”
The man behind him retreated to lean against the wall.
“We’re all business men here, Ed,” said Namara.
“I am indeed, Rick, and the problem is… this is my territory, you see. Put it this way: I’m the king and master of San Matanza, get it?”
“Of course. I assure you, we’re not her
e to steal from you. We’re here to make money.”
“But you see, Rick… your Léa works in my bar, so she earns me lots of money. All the girls that work for me are mine, no exceptions. And Léa, she gets me more than any of my bitches. From what I understand, she works for you… and with that, I have a problem.”
“She’s always worked for me. I’m afraid we do have a problem. We’ll have to find a solution.”
“And what do you propose?”
“We need business allies. I’ve always advocated for partnership.”
“Yes, but I only work with people I know, and I don’t know you!”
“Fair enough. Smart. Let’s get to know each other.”
“I’m willing to pay for her. Name your price and then disappear.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”
“Oh yeah?”
Eduardo leaned back in his chair thoughtfully. He took a drag on his cigarette and blew the smoke out through his nostrils like a dragon, or a demon.
“So?”
“So… if you won’t accept money, I’ll have to kill you and your friend. And no-one will know about it.”
“Yes, you no doubt could. But if you misfire, I can assure you that we won’t. And ultimately, you will have lost everything. Your life, Léa, and tons of dough. You want cash, and we do too…”
“That’s an interesting point of view. Very well, let’s talk. Bobby, go get some tequila.”
The man left the office in silence and closed the door behind him.
“So tell me about yourself,” he started in a gentler tone.
“Why? Léa probably already told you why we’re here. What do you want to know exactly?”
“Yeah, she told me a few things. You’re on the run from Chicago… you were in what?”
“Cocaine.”
Eduardo suddenly got interested. He was in a similar business and he needed to know if he was facing down potential allies or competitors. He tried to figure out whether they were amateurs or big-time players.
“Interesting… American colleagues!” he said smiling as Bobby returned with three glasses and a bottle of tequila. Eduardo poured himself a glass and shot the whole thing back in one. He poured to more glasses for Namara and Guerra, who toasted Ed and did the same.
Redemption Page 27