Without Light or Guide by T. Frohock

Author:T. Frohock
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2015-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIVE

The next day, a gray bank of clouds set the backdrop for the asylum at Holy Cross. Palm trees presided over the empty courtyard, where benches were placed under the arcades and out on the lawn. In sunnier weather, the atmosphere might have been inviting. With the gloom of an early November storm hanging over them, the mood was much more subdued. Other than a few nuns intent on their nursing errands, the yard was mostly empty.

Diago had to admit, Guillermo certainly knew how to arrive in style. Suero had polished the Mercedes-­Benz 770 to a high luster, and drove the vehicle like he had been born behind the wheel. He skillfully guided the long black car up to the curb. Diago considered it a pity no one was around to receive them.

Suero halted the car in front of a fountain, got out, and opened the back door. Diago emerged first and stood beside the car. Once Guillermo joined him, Suero moved the vehicle farther down the curb where he could watch the entrance and wait for them.

Guillermo’s gaze drifted to Diago’s wedding ring for the seventh time that morning. He’d probably been thinking of clever ripostes for the entire ride. Might as well get it over with.

Diago asked, “Is something wrong?”

“Nice ring.” Guillermo gestured to Diago’s hand. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen it.”

“That’s it? An hour ride, and that’s the best you can come up with?”

Guillermo treated Diago to a most wicked grin. “I’ve been biting my tongue all morning, because I promised Miquel if you ever started wearing it, I wouldn’t tease you.” After a brief pause, he said, “I assume he is happy?”

Diago made a contented noise in the back of his throat. “Yes. Very happy. We spent the evening—­”

“No details.” Guillermo’s blush extended down into his collar. “I don’t need details.”

“—­reading to Rafael.” Diago allowed himself a smile, enjoying Guillermo’s discomfort. “What did you think I was going to say?”

He tugged at his collar and shot Diago an amused glare. “I know what you just did.”

“I didn’t do anything. Your brain jumped to its own conclusions.”

“Touché.” Guillermo chuckled and they stood quietly for a moment, listening to the wind hiss through the fronds. “Garcia said to meet him here. I wonder where he is.” He looked up at the windows overhead.

“Most likely somewhere nearby,” said Diago as he strolled away from Guillermo and searched the arcades for any sign of the inspector. Garcia was far too servile to keep Guillermo waiting for long.

A cloud of cigarette smoke billowed from behind a column at the far end of the porch. Got him.

Diago kept to the grass and followed the scent of tobacco. He heard Garcia’s voice, speaking just above a whisper.

Why the secrecy? He glided forward on cat’s feet, hoping to eavesdrop on the inspector.

Without warning, Garcia stepped backward and punctuated a comment with a sharp jab of his finger.

Diago ducked behind a pillar. Someone is going to break his hands one of these days.

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