Beatriz waited for them at the foot of the fifteen-meter-high statue of Mary dominating Valtiago. René braked when he saw her car but let the engine run. João got out and held the girl by her arm. She went with him with her head down. Beatriz took a few steps forward and put a hand on João’s arm. João reluctantly stepped back. Silently, Beatriz embraced the girl. Alejandro saw Carmencita supported limply in her arms, her eyes full of fear and confusion.
“We did a fantastic job,” said João bitterly. “Especially our padre here, who pulled a stunt.”
“What happened?” said Beatriz, still holding the child.
“Nothing special,” said Alejandro. “Just the normal crazy run of things. Want to hear a good one? Kurt loves her. And she is Carmencita, I know for sure. Carmencita had a small mole on her
