Caroline replied, also in English. ‘But I told you his family is not Timoteno by nationality. The boy is Canadian.’
‘He should be, yes. But I have something to show you that will change your mind. We need to meet.’
‘At the school, then. When?’
‘No, no, too public. I’ve already been there once. I propose that you work late tonight, until six, then join me at El Bosque del Toucan, five minutes by car from your school.’
‘At a restaurant?’ Caroline was incredulous. This sounded suspiciously like a date.
‘Miss Judge. I conduct interviews in bordellos, jails, mansions and slums. The restaurant is close to you. You can pay for your meal if you wish.’
Caroline sat alone at a table at the upscale Toucan, surrounded by the elite of the city. She was uneasy. A conversation with Helen had revealed that her predecessor as headmistress, Lisa del Vecchio, had in fact admitted native Timotenos to the school. It was common knowledge. Helen was surprised that Miss Judge thought it an issue of significance. She shrugged. ‘Everyone breaks the law here. Most don‘t even know what is legal– not even the police,’ she laughed.
Lost in her thoughts in the restaurant, Caroline, the only blonde in the room, did not notice the admiring male glances or jealous female looks of passing couples. She wished she smoked, if only to give the impression of nonchalant sophistication she knew she lacked. In a moment, Gutierrez had slipped in beside her, apologizing in English for his late arrival and resplendent in uniform. The waiter, to whom he had only minutes ago slipped a few banknotes, was immediately at his service, calling him “comandante” and obsequiously proffering menu and wine list.
‘Your English is most impressive,’ said Caroline. ‘Where did you learn it?’
‘I was in the U.S. Navy for some time,’ he answered. ‘Did you know you are frowning?’
‘It is because I am mystified that you are wearing sunglasses indoors again. They turned down the lighting a few minutes ago. You don’t need sunglasses here.’
‘Oh, but I do, senorita. The scenery at this table is dazzling.’ He laughed, but removed them, unsure of the effect of his flattery. ‘It is a little joke.’
This time Gutierrez did not come directly to the point. He was charming and solicitous, and seemed to want to put her at her ease. He asked polite questions about her time in San Timoteo, and about her previous teaching posts abroad. No one before had taken such an interest, and she was flattered. It took a strong effort of will for her to raise the matter he had wanted to see her about.
‘Oh, that can wait,’ he answered. ‘I am enjoying the company of a beautiful woman.’
‘I thought this was an investigation, not an assignation.’
‘A what?’
‘Not a date.’
