Del Pozo paused for a moment. “The man you hope to replace? Yes, of course. We wouldn’t do business with anyone on that scale without being very sure that they were the kind of man that we would be comfortable working with. Señor Jackson has been here twice.” He indicated that he should follow him into the casa. “You are in the guest suite, Señor Smith. This way, please.”

Milton trailed del Pozo into the house. It was a large building, with grand proportions. The windows offered views of the well-tended gardens on one side and, on the other, several acres of paddocks in which a number of horses were kept. It must have been worth millions, and the impression of wealth was maintained with the décor and choice of furniture. There were Romanesque arches that led to quiet little alcoves, enormous vases filled with sunflowers and orchids, and pieces of furniture that included both obvious antiques and statements of modernity.

They continued along a corridor and passed two wide double doors. The room inside was vast—two thousand square feet, Milton estimated—and had been equipped with its own two-lane bowling alley, a variety of classic arcade cabinets and gaming tables, a separate caterer’s kitchen and bar, and a gym.

“This is all very impressive,” Milton said.

“Thank you. We like it.”

“You live here with your family?”

“I do. My wife and my daughter.”

“That was your daughter on the horse?”

He nodded. “Esmerelda lives for riding. It is a very expensive pastime.”

“I’m sure you can afford it.”

Del Pozo smiled. “Business has been good.”

They continued on their way, working toward the rear of the property. Del Pozo opened a door and gestured for Milton to go inside.

“Here,” he said. “I think you will be comfortable.”

There was a large bed, a wardrobe and a plush two-seater sofa. The open bathroom door revealed a glimpse of marble.

“Thank you,” Milton said.

“You must make yourself comfortable. Perhaps you are tired?”

“I’m fine.”

“Then maybe a swim to freshen up? You have your own pool outside, and you’ll find clothes that you can use in the wardrobe. Please, treat this as if it were your own home.” Del Pozo backed toward the door. “We will speak about business this evening before dinner. I will send someone for you at seven and we can talk on the veranda. The sunsets here are spectacular. We can enjoy the view and see whether we might be able to work together—pursue the proposal that you have made. You should relax until then.”

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