Malice in Mexico Read online

  Claire stood there, watching people’s faces carefully for some hint of what the doctor’s words meant. Finally, the doctor shook hands all around and left. Jack turned to her and translated. “Helen Marie is out of surgery and he thinks she’ll make a full recovery in time. She had a broken rib which punctured her lung causing it to collapse. They had to put in a chest tube. She will be in pain as she has many bruises and what he called contusions. The men who did this to her were animals.” This last sentence Jack growled with feeling.

  Jack turned back to Helen Marie’s family, and after several more spurts of Spanish they all nodded. Jack took Claire’s arm and gently guided her out of the room. “They will wait until she is conscious so they can talk to her and they will let us know how she is. Tomorrow, Helen Marie’s sister, cousin and niece will all be at the house to clean it and put everything back in order.” He shook his head at Claire’s alarmed look. “No, they insisted. It is her job, you see. They all want to protect it for her. They will clean up the mess, and one of them will be there each day to clean, just as Helen Marie did, until she is able to return to her job herself. And they apologized that this has happened to us in their town.”

  “But, Jack, this isn’t their fault.”

  “No, but they feel responsible. We’ll let them come and clean. It’s their job, their livelihood. And don’t worry, Claire, I’ll be sure to compensate them appropriately.”

  Claire nodded, thinking what a nice person Jack was.

  But when they returned to the Pruitts’ house and surveyed the mess once more, they wondered how they would ever make enough order to even sleep there that night. While they were standing there the phone rang.

  Jack went to answer while Claire started picking up the clothes strewn around the bedroom.

  “Claire, it’s Teddy. He’s heard about our mess. He and Jeff insist we stay the night with them. He said tomorrow Helen Marie’s relatives would get it all sorted out, but tonight was not the time for that. What do you think?”

  “I say, thank you, Teddy. I was going to suggest a hotel, but this is a far better solution.”

  Jack looked at her and seeing the frustration etched on her face, he nodded and returned to the living room where the one telephone was located.

  It didn’t take long to search through the mess to gather a few necessities for the night, flag a taxi and arrive at the door of Teddy and Jeff’s house.

  “Oh, my dears, what an awful experience you’ve had. Come in, come in. We’re going to have some Margaritas and nibbles, and then my cook will serve us a scrumptious dinner.”

  Teddy grandly ushered them into the front room, Jeff hovering behind them. As soon as they were seated on one of the soft couches, Jeff offered them drinks he had poured and Teddy appeared with a plate of tiny tostados and crackers with cream cheese and pepper jelly spread on them. “These will tide us over until dinner.”

  Jeff sat on a chair opposite them and Teddy perched on the foot stool, leaning forward eagerly. “Now tell us, how is Helen Marie? You know she’s been with the Pruitts for years. She’s almost like family. I just can’t imagine who would do something like this to her. Or why?” He turned around and looked at Jeff, a distressed expression on his face.

  Jeff reached out a big hand and gently squeezed Teddy’s shoulder. That contact seemed to comfort Teddy and he turned back to Jack and Claire. “Tell us what the doctor said.”

  So Jack repeated all he knew about Helen Marie’s condition and told Teddy about her relatives coming to the Pruitts’ in the morning to put the house back in order.

  “Oh, Jack, Claire, I’m so sorry this happened. We really have very little crime in San Miguel. The police here are quite efficient, really. Did they take everything?” Teddy really did seem upset, as if he was responsible.

  “Well, they took the television, and it looks like they took all the bits and pieces we’ve bought while we were here. And of course they took Claire’s jewelry, which included that set we bought from Isobelle.”

  Claire just shook her head, she knew all her things were stolen, but she hadn’t asked. Still, it was hard hearing they were all gone. She thought again how lucky she was she didn’t bring her gold and diamond watch given her by Vantage Airlines. If she had, it would be gone.

  “And it looks like they took my medicines.”

  She looked up sharply at that. “Oh, no. Not your medicine. You still have a few days left on the prescription from Dr. MacIntyre.”

  Jack reached over and patted her hand. “Don’t worry, I’ll call him in the morning and get the correct name and spelling. I’m sure I can buy enough pills here locally to complete the sequence. And I’m sure it won’t matter if I take it later in the day instead of first thing in the morning.”

  “Oh, my yes, there’s a wonderful little pharmacy across from the Bellas Artes that everyone uses. I’m sure they can take care of you,” Teddy told them.

  “And of course all my pain pills are gone, but I haven’t used any since I’ve been here,” Jack explained. “Margaritas and aspirins seem to be working fine.”

  That reminded them of the frosty Margaritas that Teddy had made. Claire helped herself to one of the little tostados, surprised at how good it was. She was starved and no wonder, she realized, as she took one of the crackers. With all that had happened since breakfast, they had forgotten to eat. Jack, who always seemed to be starving these days, filled a napkin with several of each.

  Teddy took the hint and went to the kitchen to check on dinner. It wasn’t until they finished the delicious meal of chicken enchiladas, salad and vegetables with hot corn bread that Jeff told them Raphael’s funeral would be Tuesday morning.

  Teddy rushed into the conversation. “Kaye told us you were with Raphael the day of his accident and only escaped being in the car with him because you stayed to hear the Mondot sisters perform. I just about fainted when I heard that. To think I recommended him as a driver and I could have sent you to your death.” He clasped his heart dramatically. “My dears, thank God you ran into Kaye that day.”

  Jack shook his head. “Who knew? And who’s to say if we hadn’t dismissed Raphael early and he stayed to drive us home, he wouldn’t be here today? Maybe it was because we did, that he died.”

  Claire was alarmed. “Jack, Jack, do you think that’s true?”

  “No, Claire,” he said gently, “what I really think is none of us ever knows what impact we have on others’ lives. We can only do what we think is right for us and hope we don’t cause damage inadvertently.”

  She nodded numbly, processing in her head what Jack said.

  “We can’t control the universe. We don’t know what other factors were involved with Raphael’s accident. But Teddy, we do know he was a very good and careful driver. That was obvious. And he gave us a wonderful tour of Delores Hidalgo and then Guanajuato. Didn’t he, Claire?”

  “Yes, and he was very nice. And he took us to the most wonderful pottery. I bought a lot of serving pieces to take home with us...” her face fell. “Oh, dear, they’re all gone. Most of them were still in Raphael’s trunk. He was going to drop them off at our place the next morning. And the little piece I had with me was probably stolen when the house was robbed.” All of a sudden the loss hit her. “And Raphael is dead!”

  The table fell quiet as they all realized how quickly things changed forever.

  “We’d like to go to the funeral. Do you think we could?” Claire asked their hosts.

  “Sure, it’s a funeral mass at the Church of San Francisco on the corner of Calle San Francisco and Calle Juarez. I believe it’s going to start at eleven, right Teddy?” Jeff looked to Teddy for confirmation. “We’ll be there as will most of the people you met at that dinner at Mama Mia’s and our party. Everyone knew and liked Raphael. He is going to be sorely missed here. And his family, of course, is devastated. Raphael was their main source of income.

  “In fact, Teddy had been collecting money from our friends to help the family over this initi
al period of adjustment. And Steve Carter, you remember Kaye’s husband, has volunteered to oversee the insurance claim so the insurance company pays the family the correct amount. Sometimes big business doesn’t act like they have a heart.”

  Jack nodded. “Well, we’ll be at the funeral, and of course we’ll want to contribute to the fund you’re collecting. The pottery we lost can easily be replaced, but Raphael is not replaceable. It was a tragic accident.”

  “Well, enough of that for now, or we’ll all start crying. Let’s have our coffee in the den. What about watching a film?” Teddy stood up and waited for Claire to rise. “Do you like Elvis Presley? Jeff and I love his old movies and watch them frequently. We have a favorite called Follow That Dream. Have you ever seen it?”

  Claire shook her head.

  “Well, you must see it. I’m not surprised you haven’t seen it. I think he made it just about the time you were born.” Teddy looked at her appraisingly. “Nineteen, sixty-two?” He nodded at her surprised look. “I thought so. That’s when Jeff was born. I admit I remember him. I was a fan, albeit a young fan. I was devastated when he died. We have all his movies, but this one is the best. It’s funny, and he actually does good acting in it. Let’s put it on and laugh a little. You probably need it after the day you’ve had.”

  They all found places on the comfortable couches, Teddy’s cook brought in a tray with coffee and cups and then they could hear her clearing the table and finishing in the kitchen.

  While Teddy was preparing to play the DVD, Jeff nodded toward the kitchen. “I don’t know how we’d survive if something happened to Tia. She’s our cook, housekeeper and good conscience, kind of like our own Jiminy Cricket. She’s the one who told us about Helen Marie. The phone was ringing off the hook here for the better part of the afternoon after you found her. Every cook, housekeeper or yard person working in San Miguel must have known within minutes of the police arriving at your house.” He shook his head. “Nothing is secret. But then you know they all help each other. At our party the other night half of the people who work in houses here in San Miguel were here working under Tia’s direction that night, in addition to those who worked for the catering company. And frequently when we go to dinner at someone’s house, we find Tia working there on her day off. It’s the way things work here.”

  Teddy finished preparing the movie, poured the coffee and passed the cups around and then clicked the remote and they all settled back to watch.

  The movie was entertaining and fun. Claire found herself relaxing, laughing along with the boys as the story unfolded. When it ended and Teddy suggested an Elvis marathon, Claire was grateful that Jack shook his head firmly.

  “You two have fun. Claire and I are off to bed. We’ve had a long day and I suspect tomorrow will not be any easier.”

  Claire got up, following Jack’s lead, and impulsively kissed Teddy and Jeff’s cheeks good night. “Thank you both for rescuing us as well as for being such pleasant company. And I loved that movie. I can’t believe I’ve never seen it before.”

  Teddy smiled. “Well, don’t think his other movies are as good, but the music is wonderful in all of them, and the man is divine, always. I hope you sleep well. I may not see you in the morning as I usually sleep in, but Jeff is up with the chickens; his art, you know. And help yourselves to anything you want in the kitchen. Tia doesn’t come in until noon, so we have to fend for ourselves until then.” He looked at them anxiously, then seeing their nods, he relaxed again. “Nighty-night, we enjoyed having you. See you tomorrow, or if not, Tuesday for sure. And remember if your house doesn’t get put back together to your satisfaction tomorrow, just come back here. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Right Jeff?”

  Jeff nodded, smiled, and turned back to the DVD he was putting in the player.

  CHAPTER 10

  Kathleen didn’t even glance at the colorful pottery in the showroom as she followed her uncle and Miguel, the owner of the pottery, into the back. She saw him knock on the locked door off the packing room and wait impatiently for someone to let them in. Then they went through the door, which was carefully locked behind them.

  Good, she thought, they are paying attention to security, even though it was the old story of the barn door. Now, walking through the laboratory she looked around carefully, making sure it was still set up just the way she had organized it originally. She knew how easy it was for people working in an environment to make little adjustments which they thought would make things easier, or faster or better, but she had designed the optimum set up and wanted it to remain the way she designed it. She was satisfied with what she saw and so followed the men into the room off the laboratory they used for meetings and planning.

  She nodded to Ben and Ricky, sitting at the table. She noticed Tony was not present and assumed Ben had taken care of him as her uncle had instructed. The three others at the table had to be the men sent from Mexico City. She pulled out a chair, eager to hear their story. She and her uncle had both heard about the unfortunate break-in at the Pruitts’ house the day before, as had most of the expatriates in town.

  “Did you get it?” Her uncle asked before any pleasantries were exchanged. One of the men nodded, and reached down beside him and brought up a plastic bag and put in on the table in front of him. He opened it and revealed the missing frog.

  “Good. That’s good. Anything else interesting?” He nodded his head at Ben who took the frog and carried it out of the room, apparently to put it with the others waiting to be shipped.

  The man who had placed the frog on the table seemed to be the leader and he motioned to his companions. One got up and went to a table in the corner returning with a box. He set the box on the table and proceeded to take items out and lay them on the table. There was a nice mirror inlaid in hammered metals, a few small pieces of decorative pottery, some note paper, a pair of silver salt and pepper shakers, and a collection of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, including the necklace and earring set that had obviously been made by Isobelle.

  “That’s it except for the television, automatic coffee pot and a blender. Not much else worth the effort to take.

  “Do you want any of it?” Her uncle asked looking at Kathleen.

  Kathleen looked at the array with distaste, none of the jewelry was interesting except the set Isobelle made, but those were too noticeable. She didn’t dare take it. Too many people in town had seen Claire wear it at Teddy’s party. “No.” she waved her hand, dismissing it. “Get rid of it. We don’t want anyone to find it.”

  “Well,” her uncle said, “I’ll send the mirror and the jewelry in the shipment to Houston. George will find a use for it. Take the appliances with you back to Mexico City,” He told the man in charge.

  Two of the men got up and headed out, leaving the third sitting at the table.

  “This is Eduardo. He will be staying to work with Ben and Ricky. Tony is gone, and now we’re short a man. Ben, see that Eduardo learns the process here. Kathleen has just arranged for the first delivery, and we’ll need to step up production in order to supply our new client.” The men at the table nodded soberly, their eyes swiveling to Kathleen.

  “We have decided to delay the shipment that was to leave today in order to fill the truck. We will be leaving on Friday instead. So we will need to work overtime this week to process enough, understand?”

  They nodded. “Well, let’s get to it then.” Kathleen didn’t clap her hands, but her words had that effect on the men. They hastened out of the room leaving only her, her uncle and Miguel.

  * * *

  “Good morning, Jeff.”

  They found him on the terrace off the kitchen having coffee and fruit, working on something in a sketchbook.

  “How are you today? Did you sleep well?” He indicated the empty chairs, so Jack and Claire sat.

  “Coffee?” Seeing their nods he poured them cups of the rich aromatic brew from the thermos on the table. “There are fruits and rolls in the kitchen if you like,
or you’re welcome to cook breakfast, if you prefer. I’m sure there are lots of fixings in the refrigerator.”

  “Thanks, but we’re going to our favorite breakfast place on the Jardin before meeting the cleaning people at the house. Coffee is just what we need to get us going,” Jack said taking a big swallow of scalding coffee.

  “We slept very well. It’s a very comfortable room. You and Teddy were so nice to have us. It was a nice evening. Somehow the evening muted the horror of seeing that trashed house and finding poor Helen Marie all battered. It’s amazing the healing power of good friends and laughter, don’t you think?” Claire smiled her thanks.

  “We were happy to have you. Teddy was so upset when he heard about your housekeeper being hurt and the house being vandalized, he just had to do something. This made him feel good, and we enjoyed your company.”

  They finished their coffee and graciously refused Jeff’s offer to call a cab. “We’d like the walk. It’s a beautiful morning and it’s all downhill.” They left carrying their few belongings in the straw tote bag Claire hooked over her shoulder and headed downhill toward the Jardin.

  Later, over breakfast Jack said, “I think we need to make a list of what was stolen and then before we leave we should try to replace it all. Why should we let those thieves rob us of having souvenirs of our first vacation together?”

  Claire nodded thoughtfully. “I’d like to go back to that pottery because those pieces we bought were perfect for my mother and much better than anything else we’ve seen. Could we rent a car or find someone to hire?”

  “Why not? Jerry Farnsworth, you remember the couple we met Saturday night? He gave me the name and number of a guy they used for touring while they were here. He said he was very reasonable and good. I could give him a call. When should we go?”

  Claire shrugged. “We don’t need a whole day, maybe Tuesday afternoon? Or Wednesday? But since the funeral is Tuesday I think it would be good to have something pleasant to do afterwards to neutralize the depression we’ll be feeling. What do you think?”