by Manolo Mario
He turned back to see the doctor shrug. Dr. Nuñez cleared his throat, “I’m afraid there’s been no change. It has been so for some time.”
He moved from Alonso’s side and Galo followed him to the other side of the room, where Elena and Rona were sitting.
He continued, “One never knows in these cases. We have done everything possible. We thought that with the relief of pressure in his head, he would respond.”
Galo saw both women looking somber and robotically nodding as the doctor spoke. He felt the depressive state and felt he needed to loosen things up before the ladies lost all their energy. “Doctor, don’t you think it would be time to insert a cold metal probe into his ass to see if he reacts? I bet you haven’t tried that as yet? Who knows, he might even like it!”
Rona started in, “Galo for God’s sake…” From the other side of the room a muffled phrase blurted followed by some guttural noises. Everyone rushed to the bedside and the doctor placed his hands on Alonso’s shoulder.
“Listen to me, stay calm.”
He pried Alonso’s eyes open and moved slightly to let the light shine in the man’s eyes. More complaining noises ensued. Alonso’s eyes seemed to dart from person to person.
The doctor asked, “Do you know who and where you are? Do you know these people?”
He leaned low to see if he could hear the answers. Between wired teeth Alonso spoke. “Yes, yes, and yes. And tell the little son of a bitch with the lion’s voice to have someone probe his own ass!”
***
The sudden rush of the door opening startled Ernesto and he jumped. Captain Gonzalez saw his trusted lieutenant and waved him in. His head rambled with the many difficult things to consider. He hired a man at a level that by-passed the promotion of several good and deserving men. His reputation within and outside the department was in peril. He had been discussing the ramifications earlier with his other trusted lieutenant, Luis.
Ernesto’s eyes darted from Luis to the Captain. “I have finished my report, Sir. Would you like me to come back when we can meet in private?”
The Captain shrugged, “Come in Ernesto and close the door. There is no privacy amongst us three and less so in days to come.” He circled his desk and sat with his fingers interlocked on top of his desk.
Ernesto sat with an approving nod from Luis and shared his findings. “….In the end, Santiesteban extorted higher and higher bribes from business on his beat.” He poured the contents of a larger envelope on the desk. “This is ‘protection money’ the Lieutenant was collecting. They were given to me with threats if I tried to raise the rates!”
The Captain sat slouched without expression or surprise. He could see Ernesto look up with each new detail, but he would not change his expression until he finished. His gut hurt, but he was not going to show it. Then Ernesto concluded.
The Captain sighed, looked at Luis, and returned his gaze to Ernesto. “Gentlemen, I have a series of personal telegrams between my friend Remei and I where he has unequivocally confessed that his nephew is a no good bastard with outstanding warrants in Barcelona for assault, accepting bribes, and not paying his debts. I have screwed things up beyond belief. Luis share with Ernesto what you’ve uncovered.”
Luis straightened. “Upon further investigation, the missing lieutenant frequented a brothel called Lulu near the Malecon. It happens to be the place near where they found Hernandez’ gun the other day. According to the ladies, the lieutenant was there the night of and the early morning of the storm. He carried a weapon in his pocket. One of the ladies noticed the weight of the gun when she hung the pants on a peg. She thought nothing of it since he was a cop, but found it strange that he had never brought it along on his prior visits. They are sure he left the place sometime close to three, about the time the storm hit. They affirmed he had a lot to drink when they escorted him to the door. After that, they didn’t see him again and don’t know what happened.”
Luis looked up briefly. “As part of the routine patrols the Captain ordered, there were two men arrested for looting. They had to be chased down through some backstreets, but they made a wrong turn and ran into another patrol. It was not their first arrest and offered information if their charges were reduced. They said they had information that could even eliminate their charges. They went on to tell an interesting story about working for a cop. Their statement of facts and description of the officer fit the Lieutenant’s. They were conducting targeted break-ins so the cop could charge the locals for protection. When pressed about the reason for speaking out, they said the no good son of a bitch hadn’t paid them in weeks. And there is more. They argued and blamed each other for a bakery fire that happened a few months ago. They said it wasn’t their fault; no one was supposed to get hurt, but someone died.”
Ernesto edged forward in his seat. “The Itani Bakery? I thought the fire department said it was an accident!’
Luis took on a somber tone, “And the fire was set at the Lieutenant’s instruction.”
Captain Gonzalez wiped away the line of sweat that built on his forehead and upper lip. He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “So, let me see if I’ve got it all: we have theft; we have harboring criminals; we have suborning bribes; we have arson; and we have murder. And it’s all because I tried to help a friend and hired his nephew. What in God’s name brought this upon me! Damn! I won’t survive this situation.” He dropped his head and covered his face.
Ernesto placed an elbow on the desk and pressed on, “Captain, we still have the issue of the missing Lieutenant. He has to answer for these crimes.”
The captain didn’t respond. Luis scratched his head with both hands. “Ernesto, I know you are right in principle. I agree, but I don’t agree why the Captain should be imperiled as a result of this situation. I would like your help to make this go away. Do you think you can look past this and help me, and help us?”
Ernesto did not respond and sat quietly. He looked at the Captain, then at the stack of envelopes on the desk and finally stared at Luis. “Wow, how can this go away? There is too much here and too many people involved.”
“We have to take a chance and we can start with this.” Luis picked up the telegrams from the captain’s desk and lit a match to them. He tossed it in the can. “Now toss your report in there!” The Captain remained listless throughout this process.
Luis continued. “Sir, hear me out. I am going to assume Santiesteban had many enemies. Someone may have killed him or maybe he drowned in the storm and got washed out to sea. Perhaps he felt the pressure coming down on him and he disappeared on his own accord. In any case, if he is gone there is no one to speak. I can get the men to buy in. Of course, you’ll have to make Garcia a lieutenant, but he’ll follow suit.”
Ernesto stood. “Luis, what about the wife and daughter? And what about the two criminals back in the jail?”
Luis went silent for a moment then he snapped his fingers. “Well, the criminals can be sent to a jail in Oriente27. We have friends who owe us in Holguin. We can tell the thieves that as part of the deal to keep them from labor camp, they will need to keep their mouths shut and go serve time there. They can never be seen in La Habana again.”
Ernesto sat back down. “What about the wife?”
“And as to the wife, if your reports are correct, I bet she has gone back to Spain or will be gone soon if she hasn’t left yet.”
The Captain stood up at this last statement, his color returning. “Yes, of course. I see it. This can work so long as the piece of shit doesn’t show up. We need to make sure the wife has gone. Ernesto, go to the port and check the manifest of travelers since the port reopened after the storm. Also look at the bookings for the next two weeks. Look for any woman and child combination. Hopefully for us, they will be traveling under false names again. Whatever happens, keep this at a low channel. Don’t make a big deal of this.”
* * *
27 Furthest eastern province in Cuba.
Chapter 30
&n
bsp; The cigarette dangling on Galo’s lip bobbed as he spoke. “A month has passed and Alonso is recovering.”
Elio looked up from his work. “I heard the wires were removed,” he said, making a gesture at his own jaw.
Galo looked down at his stained apron. “Perhaps he can begin to eat meat again. It might help the leg heal.”
“I have doubts. There are so many other injuries,” lamented Elio.
“Nevy told us his arm needed a few weeks before the cast could come off, but his ribs hurt less and he is breathing better.”
He heard Elio mumble a bit.
“His hair grew back and he doesn’t look like a lunatic anymore. You OK, Elio?”
“No, not really. Alonso is still in bed with his leg in traction. Dr. Sanchez told me he felt his toes, but it would take a miracle for it to heal!”
“Sure, the leg is a problem.” Galo flicked his cigarette out the door and wiped his hand on the dirty apron before scratching his brow. “Look Elio, his head is fine. He knows his family and friends and it’s a blessing he doesn’t remember anything of what happened to him!”
***
“Ernesto! What is going on? Can’t you wait a minute?” Captain Gonzalez jumped from his chair as the door banged open. He abruptly finished the briefing with other officers. Ernesto panted, unable to say a word.
“Gentlemen, thank you for your attention and now return to your duties.” The Captain shook hands and patted them out the door before closing it. “Have you gone mad? What’s your story?” He walked back behind his desk.
Ernesto caught his breath. “Captain, you were right! The lady and her daughter boarded the ship for Spain an hour ago!”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I saw them board myself and stayed until the ship sailed! They are gone!”
“What about the Lieutenant? Anything?”
Ernesto shook his head. “Not a thing. He wasn’t with them, or anywhere near. He truly has disappeared.”
The Captain rose and went to his customary pacing. “So our plan is working. What’s happened with the thiefs?”
“Well, Luis took them to Oriente and threatened them if they ever returned to La Habana.”
“So, they’ll never return.”
“Luis had to promise them that the Lieutenant would never bother them again.”
“Let’s pray the bastard doesn’t show!” The Captain allowed a smile. It was the first time in a while and Ernesto returned it.
***
“Galo, it’s so difficult to think of Alonso when we are doing so well. Look at these numbers!” Elio slid papers across the desk.
“I don’t need to see them! I know we’re doing better by more than the hundred pesos we were giving the fucking leech cop!” His face contorted still at the thought.
“It’s interesting that he isn’t missed, at all.” Elio took the papers back.
Galo lit up another smoke. “Whatever money, we’ve earned it! All those hours before dawn and working fast to get ahead of the heat has taken a toll on the men.
Elio leaned back in his chair, “Not to mention that the smell of blood, guts, and skins doesn’t improve with the heat of the day.”
“You’re not talking out of your ass. I’m surprised I haven’t gone deaf from the buzzing of the flies!” He tugged his ear as he placed half a cheek on the desk. “And we got lucky the power went off but once.”
“Luck is that we found people to step in and fan the place as well as swat at the flies!” Elio rubbed his nose in disgust. “At least the afternoon rains refreshed and washed out the more putrid smells.”
Galo stood and flicked the spent cigarette. “That smell of cowshit, blood, and guts is the scent of money, my friend! It pays for all we need and want!”
“For certain! Don’t take my face for anything differently.”
Galo nodded the acknowledgement.
“We are selling more and at higher prices. I think we can liquidate our debt with the bank.”
“A full six months ahead of our promise to Campos. He never thought we would ever pay.” Galo stared into the distance before looking back at Elio. “I’ll take him the money tomorrow. He will always be compromised, but he needs to know we keep our word. Who knows when we will need him again?”
***
The morning at the station seemed livelier than at any time over the previous weeks. The captain bounced around joking with the men. Captain Gonzalez returned to his office and found Ernesto with his head in the newspaper.
“Captain, El Mundo says we have a new prosecuting attorney. Some young guy named Jesus Caldera. Do you know him?”
Gonzalez peered over Ernesto’s shoulder. “I heard something in passing last week. Caldera was educated at the University of La Habana and worked as an aide in Congress.”
“Well, he’s vowing to be tough on criminals and promising to work with us to put away repeat offenders.”
“Yeah. They all say that! It sounds good.” The Captain walked around to his desk.
‘What! You don’t believe him?” Ernesto looked up from the paper.
“Of course not! These guys are political animals with lots of ambition! They couldn’t give one turd as to what happens, so long as they get elected!” He rummaged through his desk drawer looking for something he had not misplaced.
Ernesto returned to the paper. “It says that he will dedicate his team to greatly improving things in ninety days.”
The Captain didn’t pay much attention and waved Ernesto off.
Chapter 31
By 8:30, Galo worked his way through several slaughters and the crew prepared cuts. He looked up to see the office door open. ‘Good, Elio is in.’ He felt a bit troubled by a recurring dream with the body of the dead cop. He knew in his head that it meant nothing, yet he felt unsettled and wanted to talk to Elio. He grabbed Rico and climbed the steps.
“Galo, I read El Mundo every day and there has been no story about any dead policeman. I’ve also noticed the new team that walks this neighborhood and they have been polite. They have asked no questions to anyone.” He looked down at Elio, who looked up from his desk.
Galo struck a match and brought it up to his cigarette. “That and our good fortune the doctors at the hospital didn’t report anything.”
“So, you think the storm washed the body out to sea?” asked Rico.
Elio didn’t hesitate despite Galo’s stare. “It sure seems that way. I mean, I don’t know exactly where the currents run to, but we tossed him into the open sea. I would assume the body floated as the storm brought on a lot of water and he drifted out with the tide. In a way, I think we got lucky the waves didn’t backwash him into the street.”
Rico stared out the window and seemed to awaken, “I hope sharks ate it up.”
Maybe it was the dream or perhaps a need for things to be right, but Galo took a step toward his friend. “Rico, I hope you got your balls back in their place. You are still a tough guy.” He looked at Elio for support.
“That’s right. No one could be completely ready for what happened. Hell, we couldn’t have guessed the guy carried a gun. There was no time to think.”
Rico stared at the floor. “I know, I know. But I am still ashamed to have let you two down.”
Galo slapped his back. “Get over it! Business is good and we need you leading the men. Let’s hope we never hear of any of this shit again.”
***
“Right this way inspector.” Luis Arroyo led his visitor to a meeting room at the police station.
“Thank you,” the smiling inspector with the bushy eyebrows remarked.
Luis pointed at a seat across the table. “Can I have a coffee brought in?”
The inspector sat. “No, thanks. Hopefully we can talk and I can get back to my office. You know our boss has us very busy.”
“Yes, I read in the paper that he’s going to change things in 90 days.” Luis didn’t allow his impending smirk to show through. “So, what can I help you with?”
“Of course.” The inspector reached into his valise and produced a pad. He then pulled a pen. “I am here about a missing person case.”
“Oh, Inspector, you’ve come to the wrong office. Missing persons are covered at the office near the monument.”
“Yes, I know. I’ve been there already; however, circumstances are causing me to be here.”
“Very well then inspector. I’ll do my best.”
“Have any of your officers not shown up for work?”
Arroyo brought his hand to his chin and looked away for a moment. “Let me think. We have many officers in the precinct, accounting for the different shifts. Several work extra time to then take time off. I don’t know inspector.”
“Don’t you have a roster and assign duty by men?”
“Well, it’s not that easy. We have so much going on that it’s not always practical to follow up on the men.”
“How do they get paid if you don’t check them in and out?”
Luis pulled back on his chair and stood. “That’s just it. We are somewhat informal here, especially since the storm in May. You see we’re being pulled in different directions.” He saw the inspector making notes, but his faced looked like he tasted something bitter. “You know there were looters.”
The inspector’s frustration boiled over in his tone and Luis felt the brunt. “Look Lieutenant Arroyo, I don’t know what is so difficult about my question. Do you or do you not have a missing policeman?”
“Inspector, as I’ve been explaining. It is not an easy question. We have many officers in the force. Many take leave, especially around various holidays. With the war in Europe, many try to reach family or try to get lost at some beach. Do you know all the cases that involve us in this city? We are constantly chasing our tail to keep things running, and that is the one time when a politician doesn’t pull our chain. When that happens, everything stops and we go chasing our tail in another direction.”
“All I want is a simple answer. I don’t know why all these other issues are in play! Coño, this is pure shit, Lieutenant!” The inspector lost his composure and slammed his fist on the table.