Chapter 85: My invitation
I laugh, charmed by her frankness. “You were, indeed.” During the rest of the tour, Rosa peppers me with questions about me and my life back in the States.
She’s apparently fascinated with America, having watched a number of American movies in an effort to improve her English. “I hope to go there someday,” she says wistfully. “See New York City, walk in Times Square among all the bright lights . . .”
“You should definitely go,” I tell her. “I only visited New York once, and it was great. Lots of things to do as a tourist.” As we talk, she shows me around the estate, pointing out the guards’ barracks that Ana mentioned earlier, and the men’s training area on the far side of the compound.
The training area consists of an indoorfighting gym, an outdoor shooting range, and what appears to be an obstacle course on a large, grass-covered field.
“The guards like to keep in top shape,” Rosa explains as we pass by a group of hardfaced men practicing some type of martial arts.
“Most of them are former military, and all are very good at what they do.” “Julian trains with them too, right?” I ask, watching in fascination as one man knocks out his opponent with a powerful kick to the head. I know a little self-defense from the lessons I took back home, but it’s kid stuff compared to this. “Oh, yes.” Rosa’s tone is somewhat reverential.
“I’ve seen Señor Esguerra on the field, and he’s as good as any of his men.” “Yes, I’m sure he is,” I say, remembering Julian rescuing me from the warehouse.
He had been completely in his element, arriving in the night like some angel of death.
For a moment, the dark memories threaten to swamp me again, but I push them away, determined not to dwell on the past. Turning away from the fighters, I ask Rosa,
“Do you know where he is today, by any chance? Ana said he’s in a meeting.” She shrugs in response.
“He’s probably in his office, in that building over there.” She points toward a small modernlooking structure near the main house. “He had it remodeled as well, and he’s been spending a lot of time there since his return. I saw Lucas, Peter, and a few others go in there this morning, so I assume Julian is meeting with them.”
“Who’s Peter?” I ask. I already know Lucas, but I’m hearing Peter’s name for the first time.
“He’s one of Señor Esguerra’s employees,” Rosa replies as we walk back toward the house. “He came here a few weeks ago to oversee some of the security measures.” “Oh, I see.” By the time we arrive at the house, my clothes are sticking to my skin from the extreme humidity.
It’s a relief to be back indoors, where the air-conditioning keeps the temperature nice and cool. “That’s Amazonia for you,” Rosa says, smiling as I gulp down a glass of cold water I grab from the kitchen.
“We’re right next to the rainforest, and it’s always like a steam bath outside.” “Yeah, no kidding,” I mutter, feeling in dire need of another shower. It had been hot on the island as well, but the breeze coming from the ocean had made it tolerable, even pleasant. Here, however, the heat is almost smothering, the air still and thick with moisture. Placing the empty glass on the table, I turn toward Rosa.
“I think I might use that pool you showed me,” I tell her, deciding to take advantage of the amenities.
“Would you like to join me?” Rosa’s eyes widen. She’s clearly surprised by my invitation.
“Oh, I’d love to,” she says sincerely, “but I need to help Ana prepare lunch and then clean the bedrooms upstairs . . .”
“Of course.” I feel slightly embarrassed because, for a moment, I forgot that Rosa is not here solely to keep me company—that she has actual duties and responsibilities around the house.
“Well, in that case, thank you for the tour. I really appreciate it.” She grins at me.
“It was my pleasure, happy to do it anytime.” And as she busies herself in the kitchen, I head upstairs to change into a swimsuit.