Chapter 23: The Masquerade
I saw Luis’s Adam’s apple bob as he caught sight of us crossing the room toward him. Again, for just a moment, I worried that my costume hadn’t been effective. I strode forward and extended a hand, pretending not to know the man.
“My friend the executioner would like to buy you a drink,” I said.
Zorro’s white teeth flashed against his brown skin. Luis might have overdone the Spanish accent just a tad, but the overall effect was nice. “The señor is too kind. I have not been able to attract the bartender’s attention. Perhaps your axe might do the job.”
John’s back stiffened. He cleared his throat nervously, then seemed to find the right spirit. He thunked the plastic axe onto the bar and bellowed for service. The bartender gave us a dirty look, but maneuvered h
