“It goes to show you,” the father said, shaking his head. “You can never fully trust people. You think you know someone, but then, as soon as you turn your back on them, they’ll stab you.” He pointed his finger at his elder son, as though teaching him a lesson that had escaped his younger one. “The only God out there is money. It’s the one everyone follows.”

“Papá . . .” Lizardo said.

“Anyway.” He looked at me. “That’s the story.”

“I would like to pay for this watch and keep it,” I said, “if you don’t mind.”

“That’s generous of you,” the older brother said.

“Well, it’s the fair thing to do. You deserve payment for your work, even if it’s nine years late.”

The father banged the counter. “I got it!”

The three of us turned to him.

“Her name.” He smiled as if he’d uncovered one of the biggest mysteries in the world and spoke in an ominous voice the words that only confirmed my suspicions. “Her name was Elisa.”

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 38

I spent the night at Aquilino’s house. The lawyer was discreet enough not to ask me where I’d been and I didn’t offer any explanations, either. I returned to the hacienda the next day. When I arrived, it was already nighttime and the house was silent and dark. I hadn’t eaten all day so I headed directly to the kitchen. The sobs inside the room stopped me. I could tell it was a woman but didn’t know whether it was Catalina or Angélica.

I really needed to eat something if I didn’t want to pass out, but I didn’t want to intrude in this private moment.

Before I made up my mind, Angélica opened the door, handkerchief in hand. Had Martin told her who I was? I held my breath.

“Don Cristóbal! I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were coming back tonight. Someone in town said they saw you leaving with Tomás Aquilino yesterday.”

“Yes. He offered to take me to a dentist in Guayaquil.”

“Oh, good.” She pointed at a silver teapot on the counter. “I just prepared some Hierba Luisa tea. Would you like some?”

Her eyes were swollen. I’d never seen her hair this untidy. Even in the mornings, she was well-groomed.

“No, thank you. Is something the matter?” I said.

“No. Yes.” She blew her nose, sitting on a stool.

“Do you want to talk?” I said.

She nodded.

I sat beside her.

“I must explain what you saw yesterday,” Angélica said. “My . . . familiarity with Don Martin.”

Yes, please explain!