They looked at each other without saying a word, like two chess players about to embark on the endgame.
“I thought you were dead,” Roberto eventually managed to say.
“You aren’t the first to make that mistake.” The cold smile on Osvaldo’s face grew a little wider. “A costly one.”
Antía. Diego. I have to get them out of here.
“Uh-uh.” Osvaldo shook his head, guessing Roberto’s thoughts. “If you’re wondering about that woman of yours and the kid, they’re outside. Someone’s asked them to go pick up a present for you. A little surprise.”
“Let me guess. No present.”
“But it is a surprise, right?” Osvaldo raised an eyebrow. “Anyway, they’re in good company, don’t worry.”
“What do you want?”
Osvaldo looked at him with mock astonishment. “What do you think I want?” He held out a copy ofStormy Night. “Your signature. And a little chat, of course.”
As he took the book, Roberto felt he had fallen into some kind of nightmare. No one in the line had noticed anything—they all continued to wait their turn, chatting away like normal. Carmen Gavín, who was accompanying Roberto for the signing, was over in a corner,engaged in a seemingly lengthy phone conversation. He looked around in desperation, but not a single employee of the bookstore was nearby. It was a Saturday afternoon, and they were all run off their feet.
He spotted three guys who looked very out of place. Tall, muscle-bound, pretending to be browsing the shelves but each clearly with one eye on Roberto and Osvaldo.
“Don’t do anything dumb,” Osvaldo said, “or this thing turns ugly.”
“I can cry out. Call for help.”
“And what are you going to say? That I threatened you? That I’m one of the characters in your book?” Osvaldo rubbed his temples. “Nobody knows me, I don’t have a record in your country, and neither do any of my men. Besides ...”
“Besides what?” Roberto’s mouth was dry.
“I’m sure you’d love to see that girl of yours again, and the kid. Am I wrong? Like I say, they’re outside, and they’re being well looked after.”
Roberto bowed his head, defeated. “What do you want me to do?”
“First, sign the book.” Osvaldo glanced over his shoulder. “People are beginning to stare.”
Mechanically, Roberto opened the book and wrote his signature inside.
“Great book, I really enjoyed it, but it’s full of lies.”
“I changed the names, like we said.”
“I don’t mean that,” Osvaldo said sharply. “I’m talking about the money.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, yes you do.” Another icy smile. “Before the boat capsized, I had time to look. There was some actual money in the bags but mainly just a crapload of flyers and maps. You can imagine how upset I was.”
Roberto shrugged. There was no use denying the obvious.
“You tricked me, Lobeira. And I don’t like being tricked.”
Just then, the next person in line blew out their cheeks loudly and said, “Man, this guy’s taking his time. We’ve been waiting an hour now ...”
Osvaldo turned and gave the man a death stare. The man flushed and dropped his gaze.
“Now, you’re gonna tell me where the money is,” Osvaldo said, turning back to Roberto with a wolfish smile. “Every last bill.”
Roberto squeezed the marker pen in his hand and briefly entertained just stabbing Osvaldo in the eye with it. But he knew there was nothing he could do as long as they had Antía and Diego.
