His fever’s very high. I went in without making any noise and I heard him snoring, so I touched his forehead.”
“I believe it. That room is drafty as hell. It’s terribly hot during the day, but at night the temperature drops sharply. Pass me the wine.”
“Well, what were we supposed to do, get a hotel room? I didn’t know any other places. This is where I always worked, since I first came to this city, until they shut the place down.”
“We need to give him some antibiotics. I can get them.”
“I’m worried. He needs to give me the instructions tomorrow. I might have to go somewhere and maybe the police will be there waiting for me.”
“No, what are you saying? He can’t run the risk of them catching you. Don’t worry; if you’re not safe, he’s not safe.”
“Eh, easy for you to say. After all, the guy who has to show up to get the money is me.”
“That’s bullshit, I’m in more danger than you are. Remember, the boy knows who I am. I’m going to have to disappear, change my name, cut my hair. And you can rest assured he won’t leave you alone for more than a second. He can’t run the risk of you running away with the loot.”
“With the money we’re going to earn on this job you’ll be able to pay a plastic surgeon in Brazil to make you look just like Jennifer Lopez. Even though I like you the way are now, with blond hair.”
“Don’t be an asshole. This is no time to think about things like that. But listen, what do we do next? What’s the schedule?”
“He’ll call me on the cell phone he gave me, which I’m never supposed to use. He manages every last detail: He didn’t even want to know where we are to avoid running the risk of giving himself away.”
“And what’s he going to tell you?”
“What you’re supposed to write on the note, because you know the stupid language they speak around here, and then how and where I’m supposed to turn him over. Then he’ll call me again to tell me where he’s going to come pick up the boy and his share of the ransom.”
“That makes it sound easy. When’s he supposed to call?”
“It could be anytime. We just have to wait.”
“Then let’s wait. After all, you have a point; we can have a little fun while we’re waiting. Give me some more wine.”