Andean Express
Page 15
“Yes, but I’m puzzled. Doña Clara, she’s a classy woman . . .”
“That is it . . . for being classy woman, send Alderete to hell. Ricardo, promise you not say nothing. On your word—if not, Doña Clara in trouble, even though no proof. Alderete already underground. End of story.”
“Gulietta . . . did she know?”
“I do not think so. She sexy girl, but not diabolical. You the same.”
“Thanks for telling me. I’ll sleep better now.”
“Even though you think a lot about Carletti girl.”
“It’ll pass with time.”
“There are a lot of girls, you very young. Not run out of chances.”
“You didn’t tell anyone else?”
“I am discreet guy.”
Petko called the bartender, who was preparing to close down. A peaceful time of night, with the sea breeze alleviating the heat.
“It on me,” said Petko.
“Will you stay a few more days?”
“Go back Tuesday on train. I finish everything I have to do.”
And so began Ricardo’s vacation: mornings at the beach, siestas in the afternoon, social outings with Canepa, evenings in the company of his parents and the Tréllez’s. There were the visits to the port, the daily double-features at the movie theater, and the sleepless nights thinking about Gulietta. With every passing day, though, the memories receded, little by little, until only faint images remained . . .
I wish to thank my father, John Althoff, who introduced me to Bolivia and whose love and support made it possible for me to pursue this adventure.
—A.A. (translator)
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