“How would anyone even know where I am?”

“Jack.” The man laughs. “In this day and age, no one can hide. You didn’t show up to work. Your wife died; people became worried. So they began the search. You bought tickets, and those were traced. After that, my acquaintances and I did the tracking of your travels. You made quite the impression on the locals.”

“Matías—is he okay?”

“The truck driver? Yes. My men delivered him to his home back in Chile. He is safe.”

After everything Jack has been through, he has a million questions. “How do you know me? My clothing size? My shoe size?”

The man smiles. “Jack, I know everything there is to know about you. It’s what people who want to succeed do. They study other successful individuals. I know that your mother struggled. Left your father. Raised you while working two or three jobs. You went to college. Married. Built a huge company. Lost a daughter to suicide. Had a son. Lost your mother. Lost your wife to cancer. And somewhere along the way, things quit making sense. And here you are in Colombia.”

“Colombia?” Jack thought he was in Peru.

“Yes, Jack. Where are my manners? Welcome to Colombia.” The man spread his arms. “I apologize for the way you were brought here, but I have to keep my location private. Lot of people would like to see me no longer breathing.”

“Who are you?”

“Look, my identity is unimportant. You rest. I’ll get some water brought in for you. Would you maybe like iced tea or a beer? Something stronger?”

“Water is good, yes, thank you.”

“How about some fresh fruit?”

“That would be great. I could use that. Thank you.”

“Look, I’ll get Guillermo to bring those items to you; then we’ll talk over supper in an hour. Does that sound sufficient?”

Did he have a choice?

ANNE

ANNE

Feet meet the moving ground. Wobbling like a knock-kneed puppet, not quite falling over, one by one Anne and the others run. The train keeps rolling on, unchanged.

Following each other over the green grass in search of town, grocery store, or gas station, they find a Family Dollar. A vanilla-colored building with a red awning. Anne removes her cash upon entering the store. Cold air washes over everyone’s faces. They load up on water. Chips, nuts, cookies, and candy bars. Heading to the checkout, she feels eyes judging. Anne lays the cash down. Hands take it, count it, return her change. They leave the store with their goods.