Alejandro took her by the shoulders and shook her so hard that her mouth slammed shut. “I don’t take off this mask because I don’t dare,” he said hoarsely. “I was your daddy’s best friend, and I loved your mother and you. If I take off this mask and you refuse to recognize me, what happens then, Carmencita? How will I then be able to convince you?”
“You’re all liars and murderers,” the child whispered, trying to tear herself loose. “Dad told me that there are people who live by lies: they try to destroy everything in Terreno because they’re jealous of our money.”
Alejandro let her go. “Are you the daughter of Lucía?” he said. “Are you the girl who tried to play on Víctor’s guitar on Sunday mornings when we had breakfast with all the members of Aconcagua at your home? Remember? The smell
