He said it casually, but it gave Megan a sudden insight into the kind of life he led. How many other houses and disguises did he need to stay alive? How many other close calls had he had that she knew nothing about? She remembered the ruthlessness of the men who had attacked the convent and thought: If they catch Jaime, they’ll show him no mercy. I wish I knew how to protect him.
Megan’s mind was filled with thoughts she had no right to be thinking.
Amparo prepared breakfast: bacalao—steamed, salted codfish—goat’s milk, cheese, and thick, hot chocolate with churros.
As they were eating, Felix asked, “How long are we going to stay here?”
Jaime replied casually, “We’ll leave when it gets dark.”
But he had no intention of letting Felix use that information.
“I have some errands to do,” he told Felix. “I’ll need your help.”
“Right.”
Jaime called Amparo aside. “When Paco calls, tell him I’ll be back shortly. Take a message.”
She nodded. “Be careful.”
“Don’t worry.” He turned to Megan. “Your last day. Tomorrow you’ll be at the convent. You must be eager to get there.”
She looked at him a long moment. “Yes.” Not eager, Megan thought. Anxious. I wish I weren’t anxious. I’m going to shut myself away from this, but for the rest of my life I’m going to wonder what happened to Jaime and Felix and the others.
Megan stood there watching as Jaime and Felix left. She sensed a tension between the two men that she did not understand.
Amparo was studying her, and Megan remembered her words: Jaime is much too much man for you.
Amparo said curtly, “Make up the beds. I’ll prepare lunch.”
“All right.”
Megan went toward the bedrooms. Amparo stood there watching her, then walked into the kitchen.
For the next hour, Megan worked, busily concentrating on cleaning and dusting and polishing, trying not to think, trying to keep her mind off what was bothering her.
I must put him out of my mind, she thought.
It was impossible. He was like a force of nature, taking over everything in his path.
She polished harder.
When Jaime and Felix returned, Amparo was waiting for them at the door. Felix looked pale.
“I’m not feeling too well. I think I’ll lie down for a bit.”
They watched him disappear into a bedroom.
“Paco called,” Amparo said excitedly.
“What did he say?”
“He has some information for you, but he didn’t want to discuss it on the phone. He’s sending someone to meet you. This person will be at the village square at noon.”
Jaime frowned, thoughtful. “He didn’t say who it is?”
“No. Just that it was urgent.”
“Damn it. I—never mind. All right. I’ll go meet him. I want you to keep an eye on Felix.”
She looked at him, puzzled. “I don’t un—?”
“I don’t want him using the telephone.”
A flash of understanding crossed her face. “You think that Felix is—?”
“Please. Just do as I ask.” He looked at his watch. “It’s almost noon. I’ll leave now. I should be back in an hour. Take care, querida.”
“Don’t worry.”
Megan heard their voices.
I don’t want him using the telephone.
You think that Felix is—?
Please. Just do as I ask.
So Felix is the traitor, Megan thought. She had seen him go into his bedroom and close the door. She heard Jaime leave.
Megan walked into the living room.
Amparo turned. “Have you finished?”
“Not quite. I—” She wanted to ask where Jaime had gone, what they were going to do with Felix, what was going to happen next, but she did not want to discuss that with this woman. I’ll wait until Jaime returns.
“Finish up,” Amparo said.
Megan turned and went back into the bedroom. She thought about Felix. He had seemed so friendly, so warm. He had asked her many questions, but now that seeming act of friendliness took on a different meaning. The bearded man was looking for information that he could pass on to Colonel Acoca. All their lives were in danger.
Amparo may need help, Megan thought. She started toward the living room, then stopped.
A voice was saying, “Jaime just left. He will be alone on a bench in the main plaza. He’s disguised in a wig and mustache. Your men should have no trouble picking him up.”