Brodie flashed back to his night patrols through Sadr City, one of the most dangerous quarters of Baghdad, where no vehicle was on the road without heavy armor. Back then he had the benefit of an armored Stryker with a mounted .50-caliber M2 machine gun in case things got interesting. But now, he and his two-person crew were traversing nighttime Caracas in an old beater, armed with three pistols and a jeweled cross for divine protection.
They arrived back at the El Dorado without incident a little after 8P.M. Luis went through the security check at the gate, then pulled up to the front entrance.
Brodie gave Luis three American twenties. “Thanks. You did good.”
“Too much, señor.”
“Hazardous duty pay.”
Luis forced a smile. “That is every day here.”
“Right. Tomorrow you get combat pay. We’re going to Petare.”
His smile dropped.
“I’ll call you with the pickup time.”
“It is better to go in the daylight.”
“Right. I’ll let you know.”
Taylor said, “If you don’t want to go, we understand.”
“We do,” said Brodie, “but we won’t be happy.”
“Scott—”
Luis said, “I will see you tomorrow.”
Taylor asked him, “Will you be okay going home at this hour? I can arrange for you to stay here tonight.”
“Thank you, señora, but I do not have far to go.”
Brodie said, “Thy Glock and thy cross will comfort you.”
“Sí…”
A doorman appeared and opened the front and rear passenger doors. Brodie and Taylor wished Luis a good evening and got out. The doorman looked at Luis’ low-rider pulling away and inquired, “Are you registered guests, or are you here for dinner?”
“Both,” Brodie replied.
“I am sorry to say, the restaurant is closed.”
“We’re actually registered at the bar.”
“Yes…? Good. It is open.”
Brodie and Taylor entered the hotel and Taylor said to him, “You’re a bully.”
“And arrogant. And we have a job to do. Also, I need a drink.”
They went to the lobby lounge, which was almost empty, and sat where they’d met Worley.
A waiter appeared immediately and they both ordered the local rum.
They sat in silence awhile; then Taylor asked, “Are you very cool in a dangerous situation, or do you just not understand what’s going on around you?”
“Sometimes one, sometimes the other.”
