September 30, Monday

It’s almost noon and we’re making good time. I’m starting to breathe easier since we’ve passed several federal highway stations and most of them have been deserted. Luiz seems calmer by the day.

“I think we can make a good distance today, stay overnight and then get home to Taguatinga tomorrow night.” I look back at Luiz, reclining against the seat.

“I wish you’d let me help with the driving, we could travel all night and be home in the morning.”

I’m actually considering this when I see a federal highway station up ahead, and this time there are several cars pulled over to the side and a uniformed cop standing in the middle of the highway.

“Oh my God, Luiz. It’s a blitz. Hide!” I hear the back seat slam shut.

I calm my breathing and put on a big smile as the cop waves me over to the side.

“License and registration.” No nonsense from this guy.

“Of course, Officer.” I reach into my purse and hand him the documents. He scrutinizes them, unsmiling.

“What is the reason for your travel?”

I put on my best smile. “I made a trip to Rio to buy bikinis that I can copy and sell to ladies in Brasília. Just a little more income to buy my kids Christmas presents.”

He grunts. “Open the trunk and step out of the car.”

I wonder if he thinks I’ve stolen something, maybe my story isn’t a good one. I pop the trunk and it clicks open slightly. I let my sundress ride up my legs as I turn to get up. I’m sure he’s looking at my cleavage behind those aviator sunglasses. I walk to the back of the Gordini and he’s about to fully open the trunk. I think the hammocks and suitcases and bundles of stuff will cover Luiz but I’m not willing to take a chance.

“Officer, like I said, Christmas is coming . . . I’m just trying to make a little extra money to buy my kids gifts. Could I make a donation to the officers’ fund for the holidays?” I reach into my cleavage and bring out a twenty-cruzeiro note. I hold my breath.

He looks at me and grits his teeth. An eternity passes before he speaks. “Yeah, gimme that and get the hell out of here.” He slams the trunk shut. I drive as calmly as I can until we’re a ways down the road.

Luiz opens the back seat. “Damn, Eva, you scared the hell out of me. Do you think I really need to keep hiding in the trunk? It just makes me look more suspicious.”

“Chico and I talked a lot about it. We don’t know if it was a rogue officer who let you go or if they have an alert out for you. The guy in the alley told me they had someone on the inside and not to talk with anyone, and he specifically said not to get caught. Once we get back to Brasília, you and Chico can quietly use your contacts to try and figure out what is going on.”

“Yes, that makes sense I suppose. Like I said, paranoia is the right attitude.”

We drive in silence to the next gas station, and the next, and finally stop for the night at a no-name town off the highway, where we get a room for the night in a run-down hotel.