Marion E Currier

by Linked (retail) (epub)

  "Tee," the woman said, diverting my Rafael's attention. "Don't forget your appointment with the buyer from New York. You better get going. I'll make sure she's okay."

  He rose to his feet, and I croaked a sad sounding, "No!"

  Smiling at me reassuringly, he said, "Don't worry, Miss. You're in good hands with my mother. I apologize, but I have to go. If you have any questions about my jewelry, my mother can answer them."

  I willed myself onto my feet, but it was too late. Keeping up with his stride had always been difficult when he was on a mission, and while I was still struggling to stand without keeling over, his lean frame disappeared in a quick-moving zigzag among the tables.

  I exhaled slowly, noticing for the first time the face of the woman he called mother. Her caramel-colored eyes were kind, her skin no darker than my own and her wavy, coarse hair more salt than pepper. She wasn't slim, but still dressed like someone with a healthy sense of self-worth. No doubt men still noticed her, despite her age.

  Attractive and considerate as she was, I also couldn't deny that she could not have been any more different from Guey if she tried. My mostly barefoot friend, possessed of copper-toned skin, a round, wrinkle-free face and stick-straight hair, who happily would have walked around naked if Manuel had not made her wear dresses – there was no way on earth I could confuse her with this woman.

  "Looks like the color is coming back into your face," Tee's mother said. "Would you like more water?"

  I shook my head, trying desperately to ignore Valentín's hand still circling on my back.

  "If you're feeling light-headed again, you let me know." The woman returned to her post behind the table, looking at Valentín. "Why don't you leave the chair there for a bit longer so if your girlfriend needs to sit down again, she can."

  The detective nodded. Looking at me, he asked, "Are you going to be alright? I need to keep walking the floor."

  "Yes," I finally managed to say, now that I could care less if I spoke or not. "I…I'm not sure what happened. Maybe too much walking around with my head bent over display cases."

  Valentín considered me a while longer, but then nodded. "Probably," he said. "If you need me to, I can have someone take you back to the hotel."

  "No, I'll be fine. Really. Thanks." I plopped down on the chair again. "I'll stay put a while longer. You better go so you don't get in trouble."

  He hesitated, but then agreed. "Call me if you need me."

  I watched him walk away, not with the same sense of desperation with which I had watched the jewelry maker disappear, but rather to assure me that he was really gone so that I could try and sort out what had just happened. Everything had gone so fast that I suddenly worried it wasn't real, that my mind finally just snapped at the sight of the bracelet. I leaned closely over the display case, staring at the infinite amount of wispy-fine silver strands swirled in the open spaces between the squares and Xs.

  "Would you like to try it on?"

  I looked up at the jewelry maker's mother. The woman he claimed was his mother. My head was swimming, and I gaped at her wide-eyed.

  "I should get you more water," she said, but I quickly shook my head, worried that if she disappeared also, the last proof that this was real and not just imagined would be gone for good.

  "I would love to try it on," I hurried to say, stretching my arm toward her. I couldn't have sworn that the crooked line my lips were forming really resembled a smile, but I was giving it my best try in the midst of all of this bewilderment.

  The silver was cool against my skin, and I fell even more in love with the bracelet as I saw it there on my arm. I recalled the proud sparkle in Rafael's eyes as he had unwrapped it for his father. "I'll take it," I said. As I fumbled for my credit card, I noticed the business card I still held clutched in my hand. It looked like it had been through the wringer.

  "Don't worry," the woman said, noticing my grimace as I watched the crumpled piece of cardstock. "I'll put a new one with the box. Would you like me to put the bracelet in it or do you want to keep it on?"

  "It's fine right where it is," I answered, handing her my credit card. Not looking too closely at the amount on the receipt as I signed was no accident. I didn't want to know. Nor did it matter. There was no price tag to put on my purchase and not reason enough under the skies for me not to make it. I took the box and business card and slipped both into my purse. "Will your son be back soon?" I uttered as nonchalantly as my accelerated emotions allowed at the thought of seeing him again.

  "To be honest, I'm not sure. He had two more buyers to meet and that can take time." The woman smiled apologetically. "I know he really should be here, but" – she signaled the display cases – "I might be able to talk about the jewelry, but he's on his own when it comes to the business meetings."

  He would have to come back to close up for the day, of that I was sure. "What time will the exhibit close?"

  "At nine p.m."

  I smiled. "I'll try to stop by before then. Thank you again for the water and chair." I turned my wrist back and forth. "And the bracelet."

  "It looks as if it were made just for you," the woman said.

  A lump formed in my throat. All I could do was nod.

  It was difficult to pry myself away from the table when all I wanted to do was circle it until the maker of my bracelet returned. On the other hand, I wasn't sure I'd be able to stand dealing with Valentín again this afternoon. Feeling like a skittish fawn, I tried rather unsuccessfully to concentrate on any more jewelry. Mostly I scanned the crowds for men all dressed in black who stopped my breath and those with short-cropped hair who made me want to hide from view. After spending the better part of another hour this way, I was exhausted. I needed to be alone, away from the crowds. Flagging down a taxi in front of the hotel, I decided to come back later in the evening.

  Escaping into the coolness of my room was a relief. I stepped out of my sandals, dropped my purse onto a chair and my body onto the bed. Ever so gradually, I let my mind inch over today's event. I was hoping that if I went slowly, I could avoid the obvious stumbling block, but once I got to the point where I faced the owner of Rafael's voice, I knew I was fooling myself in thinking it would work. Just as I never was able to change a single thing in any of my dreams, no matter how many times I revisited them, my stubborn mind wouldn't let me brush over today's facts either.

  With a sigh, I sat up and dug the business card out of my purse. I stared at it, the words excruciatingly stating T.J. Guardán Rivera. Not Rafael Baluarte. Not Jagua Fontana. The address was in a town called Cayey. I'd never heard of it, never been there in any of my outings with Rafael. A tear that was quicker than my hand dropped onto the card. I brushed both aside, sinking back into the pillows.

  How could my very own dreams betray me like that, laugh at me after having invaded so many nights without asking? I wished with all of my might that I could wipe Rafael from my memory. Along with Tee. But both stayed put, and Tee's words and voice intertwined with Rafael's until it was hard to tell which was which. So was life going to amuse itself at my expense during waking hours as well now? The longing for Rafael tore at my heart. Had I not been paralyzed today, I could have touched him, felt the warmth of his body, traced the outline of his mouth as he spoke to only me. The mere thought unleashed bursts of pure joy, and I knew that not seeing Tee again wasn't an option.

  My face knotted up as my conscience hinted at the dishonesty of my desire. I wanted to see him, to be with him, but only in hopes of connecting with another soul that happened to walk, talk and smile the same. I longed to close my eyes and have Rafael touch me across the distance, and the only way I knew how was through Tee.

  I pulled the bracelet closer to my face. Today my search hadn't ended, but it had taken a very unexpected turn. A peculiar, calm sensation accompanied that realization, and without me noticing, it let me drift off into a deep sleep.

  Chapter 11

  "Psst."

  Rafael and I both looked toward the soun
d coming from the darkened hallway on the other side of the bars keeping us inside the stockade. Juan Luis' outstretched arm dangled the heavy key for the lock.

  "I told you I'd get you out, didn't I?" He chuckled. "Come on, move your lazy hide. Those guards aren't going to be drunk forever."

  Rafael scrambled to his feet, and we slipped out of the cell as soon as Juan Luis turned the key.

  "Follow the shadows of the wall," he whispered as we passed. "You need to get down to the boulders and follow the water's edge past town. I left a boat for you on the beach. Once you've crossed the bay, you'll see the horse I left for you, at the place where normally head out into the woods. There are some provisions, enough to get you to the Otuado region." He grinned at his friend, clasping the hand Rafael was stretching toward him and pulled him into a hug. "I'll see you in six months, Señor Jagua Fontana."

  "It'll all work out okay, you'll see," I said. "Juan Luis is right, in six months nobody will remember this, and you can come back as if nothing ever happened."

  Rafael stared at the ground. We both knew it was an awkward freedom. Leaving his best friend behind, the closest thing to family he had left, weighed heavily on him. "Thanks for everything, brother", he muttered as he said his goodbyes to Juan Luis.

  I paid close attention to his steps as he traversed the slippery boulders, relentless waves soaking him up to his shoulders. "Watch out!" My voice twisting into a howl in the wind-swept onslaught of an especially violent swell. Rafael jerked to a stop just as the crest broke over the rocky surface in front of him. He peered toward the guarded cliff above. If anyone other than him had heard my shrieking, they must not have suspected it to be anything suspicious as nobody shone a light or shouted for us to halt.

  Rations in prison hadn't even come close to being one-star menus, never mind anything better than that. So when we got to the horse, Rafael tore open the bag hanging across its back, eagerly taking a bite out of a smoked sausage. I had to smile at the satisfied grunts he made between mouthfuls of hard cheese, sausage, bread and some cake Juan Luis had swiped from his parents' kitchen. Rafael washed it all down with gulps of water from a leather pouch before we started our trek through the forest. This late at night only nature's songs accompanied us. The cold of night among the heavy growth brushed over Rafael's arms, but he was determined and we pushed on until the first rays of daylight broke through the green canopy.

  Since we had left no trace of our escape on the hard rocks and had put a good distance between us and the settlement of Puerto Rico, we both rested fairly well until the sun managed to peek beyond the protective leaves and branches, baking the ground mercilessly. We again rode past nightfall until we heard voices up ahead.

  "Be careful," I whispered, Rafael's face tense while he tried to discern if we were dealing with friend or foe. His skin glistened with perspiration in the pale moonlight.

  "Let's just walk over to those guys on the veranda," I said, as hushed as my impatience would allow. "They're obviously not hunting for us, and we'll have to trust somebody sometime." I sighed dramatically, but Rafael didn't waiver. "You know Juan Luis's food sack isn't going to last six months," I added. I surmised that his talent for standing still and observing endlessly must be a Taíno trait, because I most certainly did not have it. Yet where was I to go but with him.

  "Finally." I jumped up as he headed out into the opening, surprising me as he broke into a smile that melted away any resentment I still held for having had to wait in stillness for so long.

  "Good evening, Señores," he said. "I've been traveling for some time and was wondering if you might have some hay and water for my horse. And possibly a place where I could sleep for the night."

  Two of the men remained seated, their eyes on him, while the third jumped down and came toward him with outstretched hand.

  "Good evening," the man said in a baritone that was at odds with his narrow, elongated frame. "Cristóbal Rincón. I'm the owner of this plantation."

  Rafael wiped his hand against his pant leg before placing it into the one extended to him. "Raf…Jagua Fontana," he said, measured. "I hope you don't mind my arrival this late in the evening."

  "Not to worry," Cristóbal Rincón replied. He jutted his chin toward his right. "You can put your horse in the stable. Have you eaten already?"

  Rafael inclined quickly. "I don't want to cause you any inconvenience."

  "Don't be so polite," I whispered, "the man is offering you a meal. Look around. This is a nice hacienda. Most certainly whatever you can get here is better still than what Juan Luis packed in the sack for you."

  "No inconvenience at all," the plantation owner replied, his mustache shifting above a smile. "Alfredo will show you where you can leave your horse and freshen up. Then join us inside."

  A squat fellow, who obviously had enjoyed his fair share of good meals on the plantation, hopped down from the banister, motioning Rafael to follow him.

  "What kind of plantation is this?" Rafael asked.

  "Yucca," Alfredo replied. "Señor Rincón is a good man." He looked up and down Rafael's sweat-stained clothes, smirking. "He can always use a good worker. You look like you can use a good job. If he offers you one, don't turn him down. You won't find anything better around for days."

  Despite a quick shower under a raised barrel, Rafael was ill at ease as he stood in his well-worn pants and shirt inside the hacienda's main house.

  "I wish there were something I could do to help you relax," I said in a low voice. But when that something happened without me, I was anything but thrilled.

  Rafael's eyes were transfixed on something beyond me, something that softened every feature of his face. I turned to see what it was, finding myself face-to-face with a young woman who was smiling shyly at him before glancing at the floor. Her shiny curls cascaded over the flouncy collar of her crisp white cotton dress. She curtsied as her father introduced her as Luz de Santa Maria Rincón Fernandez, an audible measure of pride for his beautiful daughter accompanying his words.

  My eyes narrowed as I watched Rafael greet her with a gallantly formal bow. He probably would have kissed her dainty hand if he thought he could have gotten away with it. Having him tense and uncomfortable wasn't nearly as bad as watching him get all soft and swoony at the sight of this…this…woman. No matter at what distance from her they seated him, it wasn't far enough for my taste.

  I crossed everything I possibly could, hoping and praying he would not be offered any kind of work at this place. But Guey and Manuel had done a good job of raising him and of course, I should have been proud that the dreaded offer came. Yet instead, my heart sank as I sensed our relationship would not remain as it had been – just ours. I wanted to run away, back into the woods, dragging him with me. Why couldn't I influence that? Why did I have to sit here and witness this gut-wrenching display of instant smittenness? What kind of parents did this Luz woman have anyway? Weren't they the least bit suspicious of a total stranger popping out of the woods and into their daughter's heart without any warning? It was enough to have me set free a growl of sincerest frustration. One that made me tear my eyes open, and for once I was glad to find myself awake and alone in my bed.

  Chapter 12

  "I don't need this," I mumbled, still disgusted. "I really don't." I stumbled into the bathroom, sloshing handfuls of water into my face until the images were washed away. Or at least pushed far enough back into the folds of my mind to allow me to concentrate on this present.

  My room was dark except for the glow of the patio lights. Now wide awake, I flipped on the nightstand lamp, reaching for my watch. Eleven p.m. I dropped so hard onto the edge of the bed that it made the springs moan. I'd missed the closing hour of the exhibit! With a swing that would have made any baseball pitcher proud, I sent my watch flying across the room, watching utterly unmoved as bits and pieces of it shimmied off in all directions.

  "Now what?" I muttered as I took to pacing from the kitchenette to the bed and back. I considered calling Elena,
but discarded the idea. I would sound hysterical describing this afternoon's event, of that I was sure. And I didn't want to alarm her to the point where she'd hop on a plane and come here. The fewer outside interruptions I had to deal with, the better. Which made me think of Valentín and his overly macho behavior at the exhibit. I should call him and give him an earful.

  Without thinking any longer and harder about it, I reached for my phone and pressed his number. Did I recall correctly that Tee's mother had referred to me as Valentín's girlfriend? Bad. Really bad. Worse still, he hadn't set her straight. And neither had I.

  "I wasn't exactly firing on all cylinders," I argued, alone. "But Valentín…"

  "Hey Mel." Him greeting me by name on the phone took me by surprise and I stopped my pacing.

  "How did you know it was me?"

  Valentín laughed. "You called me yesterday. I saved your number."

  "Hm, yeah, damn miracle of modern communication."

  "If you prefer the surprise factor, I can delete your number again. Would that make you feel better?" He paused and I heard him taking a noisy gulp of something. "I kept looking for you at the exhibit this afternoon, but you left without saying goodbye."

  There was an accusatory undertone in his words that made me pucker my lips, but I pressed them against each other while thinking of a nicer reply than telling him to back off since I was neither his property nor his girlfriend and didn't owe him any explanations of when and where I went. Although that was technically the reason I'd called. Not that I considered myself nearly as noble as Rafael, but my parents also had done a good job of raising me and so I took a deep breath and decided to take a different tack.

  "I did look for you, but then felt a bit light-headed again and decided it was best if I went back to the hotel to lie down. I fell asleep and just woke up." All true enough, even if I had been looking around more in hopes of evading rather than finding him. "When did you finish working?"