Pearls

by Mills, Lisa

  A policeman stepped into her path and grabbed her by the arms. “You can’t go down there,” he stated firmly in Spanish. “Es peligroso.”

  “I know it’s dangerous, but that’s my apartment building.” She spoke English in her frustration, bringing a frown to the officer’s face. Forcing herself to calm down, she repeated her reply in his language.

  “The fire has been burning for an hour. The firemen have given up trying to save the building. Now they are attempting to keep the fire from spreading to the surrounding structures.”

  “So all my stuff is gone?” Tears pooled in her eyes.

  “I’m sorry, señorita.” The policeman returned to his duties, restraining the crowd and maintaining a safe perimeter.

  Swiping at a tear, Isabel clutched the bag she carried with her. Thank goodness I had the journal with me. She walked a block to a payphone and dialed. “Abuela, can I come stay with you?”

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Isabel hurried to the ringing telephone, hoping to answer before the noise awakened her grandmother. Doña Montez had stayed up long into the night to comfort Isabel and help her settle into her room at the hacienda. Getting on in years, the old woman needed her rest, and Isabel didn’t want to disturb her.

  Grasping the receiver, Isabel lifted it to her ear. “Hola.”

  “Isabel, is that you?”

  “Yes, Raúl.”

  “Gracias, Dios. I have been worried sick since I heard of the fire in your building. Several died in the blaze, and I was devastated to think you might have been one of the casualties.”

  “I was out doing a little shopping and taking care of some errands. When I came home at dusk, the fire had already destroyed my building. I’m safe, but everything I owned is gone.”

  “Everything, Isabel? Even the journal?”

  His concern touched her. He realized how much this project meant to her. “No, not that. I had been working on the translation at Manuel’s apartment most of the day. I had errands to run before I went home, so I had it in my bag while I was shopping.”

  “A stroke of good fortune.”

  “A blessing of God,” she countered.

  “I am relieved to hear of your safety, mi amor. Now that I know you are well, my next concern is when I will see you again. You have kept busy with your journal project, and I feel neglected. Your sweet kisses inspire me to be a better man.”

  Giddiness welled up inside her. “You’re perfect already, Raúl.”

  “At times I feel I am not worthy of you. You are so exquisite.”

  Isabel’s laugh carried through the phone lines. “I’d like to hear more of this. How about I borrow Abuela’s car and drive into Caracas for dinner tomorrow night?”

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Isabel met Manuel at the door and took one of the boxes he carried in his arms. “Follow me,” she said, smiling. “Abuela and I set up one of the guest rooms for you to sleep in, and an office for our work. Where do these boxes go?”

  “To the office, if you don’t mind.” He followed her through the elegantly appointed hallways and into a study furnished with a desk, a large table, a couch and several comfortable-looking chairs. “Wow, this is great, Isabel. I really appreciate your invitation to stay here at the hacienda. Are you sure your grandmother doesn’t mind storing my possessions for a while? If we decide to go hunt for the pearls, we may be gone a few months.”

  “She doesn’t mind. She lives in this big old house by herself, so there’s plenty of room.” They set their boxes in a corner and returned to the car for another load.

  Manuel handed her a box, but he didn’t let go immediately. She looked up at him, wondering why he hadn’t released her.

  “Isabel, thank you for inviting me here. You probably don’t know this, but I was about to lose my apartment. Your invitation was an answer to prayer.”

  The reference to prayer snagged Isabel’s attention. He’d never hinted he believed in God or practiced any sort of religion. She wondered if he actually prayed, or if he’d said it for her benefit. “I’m glad to help out, Manuel, but you should know my reasons for inviting you were purely selfish. I don’t have a car. Abuela probably could have loaned me hers, but I had no desire to make the hour’s drive into Caracas every day to work with you. Bringing you here seemed more convenient.”

  Manuel glanced out over the groves of avocado trees and fields that would yield a bountiful harvest. “This is beautiful land. I think I’ll enjoy my stay.”

  Isabel laughed and turned toward the house with her box. “Wait until you taste Maria’s cooking. You will never want to leave.”

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  An hour later, Isabel and Manuel settled into the study to continue their translating efforts. The fire had disrupted their work for nearly a week, and Manuel felt eager to resume. They worked side-by-side at the large table, the journal open between them. Isabel studied the Spanish text and wrote a rough translation on her notepad. Occasionally, she would point out an Indian word or phrase to Manuel, and he would jot them on his tablet. He’d volunteered for the more difficult job of translating the Pachacamac words. They fell into a rhythm, working silently for over an hour before combining their work and reading the next journal entry.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  July 10, 1505

  Today, I killed a man. I suspect he followed me to the hut and spied on Karwa and me for a time before showing himself. His face registered disgust and hatred as he stepped into the open and confronted me for hiding a savage. Assessing her with a leering gaze, he offered to keep my secret if I would agree to share her with him. His attitude and vile suggestion rankled, and my fear turned to anger.

  She whimpered when he stepped forward and grabbed hold of her, and though he did not harm her, I beat him soundly for touching her at all. With his body and pride wounded, he staggered away from the hut, threatening to bring back reinforcements. I watched him retreat into the vegetation, knowing he would make good on his threat. My superiors would not hesitate to hang me for my treason, and Karwa would suffer a fate worse than death. I could not bear to imagine her subject to the Spaniards’ cruelty.

  Since the moment I’d whisked her away to safety, I’d known this dreaded day might come. I stared into her eyes as I struggled with the most difficult choice of my life. From my youth I dreamed of a career with the Spanish navy, rising to a position of power and authority, as had my father and his father before him. Yet my earlier dreams seemed empty and meaningless without her at my side.

  Karwa seemed to understand my predicament. She stepped forward and placed her hand on my arm, fixing me with a look of trust. Knowing I could not allow her to fall into the hands of the enemy, I pursued my shipmate and took his life in order to save hers. Dios, have mercy on my soul, for I do not feel guilty about the sin I have committed.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Isabel released a long, low whistle as she finished reading the journal entry. “I wasn’t expecting to read about murder, but I guess something had to motivate him to get off the island.”

  Manuel nodded. “And this entry explains why the captain’s log I told you about stated two crewmen were missing. The captain assumed they were in cahoots, but really, Rodrigo Velasquez acted alone. The other missing man was the one he killed.”

  Isabel wrinkled her nose. “Puts a bit of a damper on the romantic story he had going. I think I’ve lost my enthusiasm for translating today.”

  “I don’t mind stopping either.”

  Isabel stood and lifted her arms over her head, stretching with the grace of a dancer. “Let’s go ask Maria for some fruit juice and sit on the porch for a while. It’s stuffy in here.”

  Ten minutes later, they’d settled into the wicker furniture on the screened porch, and sat sipping their drinks and talking aimlessly. During the last few weeks of working together, Isabel had grown comfortable with his company, so that hanging out with him now gave her the same feeling she got when she slipped into her favorite pair of old blue jeans. Soon the topic of
the fire came up.

  “Hard to believe the stuff they’re saying about that fire at your building.”

  Isabel sat up straight. “What do you mean? Who are ‘they’ and what are they saying?”

  “You mean you haven’t heard?” Manuel cocked his head and gave her a puzzled stare.

  “Manuel, I’ve been here for a week. We don’t listen to the radio much, and we don’t receive a newspaper. Here at the hacienda we’re isolated from the rest of the world. It’s not like city life.”

  “That’s for sure.” He sighed, looking as if he did not miss modern society in the least.

  “Manuel, the fire?”

  He shifted in his chair. “The investigators are saying it’s a case of arson.”

  “Who would deliberately set a fire like that?” Isabel wondered aloud. “They killed four people, and they could have burnt down half the city and injured dozens more. The buildings are so close in my part of town, and the people so tightly packed together.”

  Silent, Isabel pondered the cruelty behind the unnecessary disaster. “Have they released the names of the victims yet?” She had become acquainted with many of the people in her building and dreaded finding out one of her friends had perished in the fire.

  Manuel shook his head. “No. They’re holding back most of the information while they investigate and put together a list of suspects. I’m surprised they haven’t contacted you, Isabel.”

  “Me? I never even considered they might want to talk to me. They might presume I died in the fire. I don’t suppose anyone would know where I’m staying. Maybe I should call them.”

  “Wouldn’t hurt,” Manuel agreed. “The newspaper said they’re interviewing the former residents, looking for information.”

  “I’d like to take care of this as soon as possible. Excuse me, Manuel.”

  Isabel went inside the house and called the police from the phone in the living room. After explaining her situation and awaiting a transfer to the correct extension, Isabel talked with one of the detectives on the case.

  “Miss Palmer, we’ve been hoping to speak to you. Are you available to meet with us?”

  “I don’t know what I could possibly tell you that you don’t already know, but of course, I’d be willing to answer any questions.” She gave them her grandmother’s address.

  “Would tomorrow after lunch work with your schedule?”

  “Tomorrow would be fine. Yes, I’ll be watching for you.”

  She set the phone back on the cradle and tried to dismiss the uncomfortable feeling in her gut.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Isabel and Manuel rose early and began work right after breakfast, hoping to translate a fair amount of entries before the police arrived to question Isabel. Excited at having reached the entry about the stolen pearls, Isabel forgot the unpleasantness related to the fire and delved into her work.

  July 11, 1505

  While I awaited the cover of darkness last night, a terrible and compelling plan filled my mind. As my feelings for Karwa increase, so does my compassion for her people. Simply fleeing the atrocities no longer seems sufficient. I desire to strike at the heart of the greed that drives these men to their evil.

  I found the admiral’s cabin unoccupied and unguarded, and it seemed to me that Dios had sanctioned my treachery. I stepped inside and laid hold of that which the admiral finds most dear: his treasure. He has set aside a small chest of pearls, the finest and largest harvested off the coast, to make an impressive gift to the royal court upon his return. He hopes to buy favor and promotion with this gift. Many Indians have been sacrificed to fuel the admiral’s ambition. From the luxury of his well-appointed quarters, he orders the cruelty and carnage around him. He does not deserve to profit from his sins.

  The chest is heavy, and the pearls, stained with the blood of thousands of Karwa’s people, hold no value for me. Yet I will take the admiral’s hoarded treasure and steal away with Karwa. May the admiral’s heart fail him when he discovers my treason.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Isabel was helping clear the lunch dishes from the table when she heard the rumble of an approaching vehicle. Her stomach quivered as she went to the door and admitted the two uniformed men. Maria followed them into the living room and set a tray of refreshments on the coffee table. Nerves making her breathless, Isabel offered the men a seat.

  While Maria poured glasses of iced tea and urged little dessert cakes on the officers, Isabel used the opportunity to study her visitors. They were an odd pair if ever she’d seen one. The older of the two carried a thick paunch around his middle. Streaks of silver and gray lined his dark hair. The younger officer appeared around thirty years of age. A wide gap separated his two front teeth, and numerous cowlicks turned his hair in disorderly swirls.

  As soon as Maria left the room, the older man set his refreshments aside and initiated business. “Miss Palmer, my name is Office Ramirez and this is my partner, Officer Galván. We appreciate your willingness to meet with us. As I’m sure you realize, we are eager to find the person or people who committed the crimes in your apartment building.”

  Isabel rested her glass of tea on her blue-jean clad leg. “I’m happy to meet with you, though I’m not sure if I’ll be of any help.”

  The men exchanged a glance that sent a jolt of fear through her. They’re hiding something from me.

  Officer Galván spoke next. “Where were you the night of the fire, Miss Palmer?”

  “Let’s see,” she murmured as she collected her thoughts. “I was working at a colleague’s apartment until 4:30 or so. Then I ran errands, did a little shopping, and got some dinner too. I believe it was just after seven when I got off el metro and found my apartment burning.”

  “Can you prove you were out of the apartment around six o’clock?” asked Officer Galván.

  Isabel’s stomach tightened at the suspicion evident in his voice. “I think so,” she stammered. “I bought a shirt that night. The bag is still in my room and the receipt is probably inside. Most cash registers record the time of purchase.”

  “We’ll need to see that.” The older officer leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his ample belly. He gave Officer Galván a nod. “Go with her and find it.”

  “Now?” she croaked.

  “If you don’t mind, it’s important.” His tone stifled any argument.

  Isabel led the young officer to her room and dumped her purchase on the bed. A white slip of paper fluttered out, and the officer snatched it up in his hand. As he stared at the receipt, Isabel thought he looked disappointed. “We’ll have to confirm this, of course. We’ll check with the store’s employees and look over their security film to be sure you were the one who made this purchase.”

  They had to verify it? Did they suspect her of the crime? Unease turning her stomach, she led Officer Galván back to the living room.

  “Looks like she was shopping, Ramirez.”

  Isabel stared hard at the men as she returned to her seat. “What exactly is this about?” she asked, her tone sharp.

  “We apologize if we’ve offended you, Miss Palmer, but you’ve been a key suspect since the fire.”

  Isabel’s heart lurched hard enough to bruise her ribs. “Me? Why on earth would you suspect me?”

  “You lived in apartment 3C, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “The investigation showed the fire started in your apartment, and an accelerant was used. Was anyone in your apartment when you left?”

  “No! I live alone and seldom have friends over.”

  “Did you store any lighter fluid in the apartment, like for a grill or a fireplace?”

  “No. I don’t have any use for it.”

  Officer Ramirez scratched his jaw. “Do you know of any reason why someone would target your apartment? Have you made any enemies recently?”

  “Not that I can think of, Officer.” She heard the tremor in her own voice.

  “Though it’s impossible to be certain because of the d
estruction, the investigators found evidence that your apartment had been ransacked. Did you own anything of value?”

  “I was a college student until just a few weeks ago. I live simply.” Isabel swallowed hard, trying to absorb the shocking news the men had revealed. Had someone targeted her? But what could they possibly want? She didn’t have anything of value … except maybe the journal, but only a handful of people knew about that.

  She heard footsteps in the foyer and turned to see Manuel crossing to the door. Had he been lurking out of sight, listening as the police questioned her? Did he know something?

  Isabel pulled in a deep, slow breath and tried to calm the panic that threatened to claim her. What had she gotten herself into? Until now, translating the entries and dreaming of chasing after lost treasure had seemed like a grand adventure. She’d never considered it might put her in danger. That was naive of her. Whenever there was something of great value involved, greed had a way of rearing its ugly head. She’d simply have to be more cautious about whom she trusted.

  Six

  July 13, 1505

  Today, Karwa and I reached the mainland. We stood on a hilltop in the light of the setting sun, and there I vowed to share my life and love with her for eternity. In the absence of a priest, Dios himself officiated our wedding ceremony. I believe His blessing will cover our union. The sky burned with shades of fiery color matching the intensity of my passion as I bent to claim Karwa’s lips for the first time. Encouraged by the wild sweetness of her response, I carried her to our shelter and made her my wife.

  How incredibly romantic! Isabel stared at the translation she held in her hands, but her mind saw the scene he’d vividly painted with his words. “Oh, Manuel, this is my favorite entry so far. Can’t you just imagine it? Two people standing alone on a hilltop silhouetted against a fiery sunset, vowing to love one another, not because anyone is watching, but because they’ve found something wonderful and unexpected.”

  She glanced up from her notes and found Manuel staring at her, wearing a look she’d not seen before. Her chest clenched, and she gave a nervous laugh to hide her embarrassment. “We females like to indulge in these silly romantic notions from time to time.”