“Christopher Lee.”

“The other one.”

“Vincent Price. Luis, he didn’t look at all like Vincent Price, he was a totally different physical type. Plus, Vincent Price was American.”

“I’m talking about the vibe he had. Kind of degenerate. He saved my brother’s life, and he even went on treating him after he lost his fingers. The way he died was really strange. A guy like that, driving without a chauffeur? And then everything burned because they didn’t get there in time to put out the fire, I don’t know.”

“I’m surprised your folks didn’t fight to keep him. Juan, I mean.”

“Mom tried. My dad didn’t want that problem, he said Juan would be better off with the filthy rich. Dad wasn’t exactly a great guy. When I found out they’d bought Juan, I had a fight with my old man and I never spoke to him again. I don’t even know if he’s alive.”

“They paid him off, then.”

“Those sons of bitches bought my brother. And on top of that, my dad supported me with that money when I was in college. I owe them, too. You have no idea how mad it makes me. That’s why I don’t want their money. I know Gaspar would share, that’s not it. He’s got a big heart, like his mother, who was a brave, extraordinary woman. It was a shock when I met her because I didn’t think anything good could come from that family. Gaspar’s mom was first-rate, and I don’t think she knew how my brother came into her family.”

“Does Gaspar know she got you out of the country?”

“I don’t know how to talk to him about that. I’m afraid it’ll upset him.”

“Why would it? It’s his mother, he has a right to know. Well, that’s between you and him. Another thing: when they finally give me the full list of his inheritance, it’s gonna knock you on your ass. I did an informal investigation. You have no idea. Plus, they don’t have any debt, apparently. Gaspar is rich.”

“Just my luck.”

“It’s not like it’s going to be bad for you.”

Luis growled in the darkness.

“My brother made it very clear he didn’t want Gaspar to have any contact with his grandparents. They still haven’t asked to see him?”

“Even if they did, you’re his father, they have no legal claim.”

“But they have all the ammunition.”

“They’ll never let go of that.”

That summer they didn’t go on vacation, but Luis’s ex-wife came to visit from Brazil with her two daughters, one older than Gaspar and one younger. The girls ignored Gaspar, or maybe they were just shy and spoke more Portuguese than Spanish. Luis had raised them as his own, he missed them and wanted to see them, and his ex had agreed to a visit. Luis spent a week taking the girls on all kinds of outings, and Gaspar was grateful he didn’t insist he go with them.