Boy Who Said No : An Escape to Freedom (9781608090815) by Sheehy Patti

Author:Sheehy, Patti
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Midpoint Trade Books Inc
Published: 2013-09-10T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 25

While I was on leave the next Sunday, Sergio and I went to see Cuni. We had had a long conversation with Magda’s family beforehand regarding whether we could trust him, and we came to the conclusion that we had to take a chance.

Magda wanted to go to the meeting, but I insisted she remain home with her mother. I told her we would need privacy to conduct this conversation. She balked, but finally gave in. Naturally, everyone in the family was nervous.

La Terraza Bar had been a popular gathering spot for American and European tourists during the days of Batista, and it retained its elegant trimmings. Framed photographs of Ernest Hemingway lined the walls and polished brass accented the mahogany bar. It was also a comfortable place where workingmen could let down their hair and enjoy a few drinks with their buddies. As we walked in the door, the chatter of fishermen who had known each other for years filled the air. It was crowded and very noisy.

When we stepped inside, a hush fell over the bar. The men on the barstools turned to look at us. Sergio sported his usual starched shirt, and I had on my army uniform so I’d be ready to go back to base that night. Our clothes signaled that we were not one of them. For a moment we were a source of mild curiosity.

Sergio and I sidled up to the bar and ordered a couple of beers, while the men resumed their conversations. We looked around, but from Ralph’s description, we couldn’t identify Cuni. Several tables overlooked the marina, and they were all filled to capacity. The bartender smiled, placed our drinks in front of us, and wiped off the bar with an old, wet rag. I put some bills on the bar and caught the bartender’s eye.

“I’m a friend of Cuni’s. Please send him a drink with my compliments,” I said. “I don’t want to interrupt his conversation.”

The bartender nodded, plucked a bill off the bar, and pulled a lever to fill a mug with beer. I watched as he carried the drink to a table of four overlooking the water. I had no idea which man was Cuni, but I was about to find out. The bartender leaned down and whispered something into the ear of a man who was eating a hamburger. He wore a red plaid shirt and met Cuni’s description.

I waved when Cuni acknowledged my drink. He wiped his face with his napkin and motioned to me to come to his table. I extended my hand and introduced myself and Sergio to him and his companions.

“We have a mutual friend,” I said.

“Who’s that?”

“Ralph Huezo. He asked that I stop by and say hello. I’m Frankie and this is Sergio.”

“Yes, yes,” said Cuni. “Pull up some chairs. Here.” He made room for us at the table and we sat down. Cuni took a sip of his beer and said, “A great fisherman, Ralph. We used to go to cockfights together.

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