Chapter 18
It seemed Dr. Avila’s son not only drove the jeep; he also skippered the small motorboat that took us to the diving platform in the center of the bay. Once we reached it, Carlos climbed over the side and crossed to the far end, where he stooped, apparently to speak to someone who was in the water. I was about to follow him when Viejo stepped in my way. He rolled a cigarette with casual competence, and after he’d licked and sealed the paper, he placed it between his thick lips, the whole while never taking his gaze off me. He lit a match with his thumbnail and touched the flame to the end of his cigarette, observing my body with an almost palpable glance. He inhaled deeply, held it for a moment, then blew out a stream of smoke in my direction.
I observed him thoughtfully. The o
