The Fountains of Silence(53)

The hotel is alive with music and guests. Hundreds of young men in stark white uniforms fill the lobby. Daniel doesn’t want the distraction of a party. He longs for privacy. Quiet.

Ben Stahl speaks to an older man in uniform and takes notes on a small pad. Lorenza and Ana orbit the group, selling cigars and cigarettes. Ana sees Daniel on his way to the elevator and makes her way to him.

“Buenas noches, se?or.”

“Hola, Ana. Looks like a big party.”

“The U.S. Air Force cadets are visiting Madrid during their summer tour. The embassy is holding a reception here,” she says.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it.”

Ana’s brow creases. “Se?or Matheson, are you okay?”

Daniel looks at her. Ana’s concern is so genuine. He wants to tell her everything. Instead he gives a weak smile. “I’m fine. I think I’ll have an early dinner in my room tonight.”

Her voice quiets. “Of course, se?or. I’ll have the room-service operator call up right away.”

“Thanks, Ana. I appreciate it.” He makes his way to the elevator, holding the envelope of photos.

“Seventh floor, por favor.”

The elevator climbs. Daniel’s heart sinks.





63



The room-service trolley sits in his room, the silver dome unmoved from the entrée plate. A soft knock sounds at the door. Daniel opens it and finds Ana in the hallway.

“Forgive me for disturbing you, se?or. I will soon leave for the night. I wanted to inquire if you’d like turndown service?”

“Oh, thanks. That’s fine.” Daniel steps aside and allows Ana to enter. He slumps back in the chair as she flutters around the room.

She lifts the silver dome from the dinner plate. “You haven’t eaten. Did the meal not please you? We can request something different.”

“I’m not hungry.”

Ana walks over and sits down next to Daniel.

“Forgive me for intruding, se?or, but you are clearly not yourself.”

Daniel looks at Ana. She leans toward him, concerned and eager to help. Her brown curls lie in perfect waves across her shoulders. Her eyes search for answers.

“Ana, if I tell you something, will you promise not to tell anyone?”

“Se?or,” says Ana, smiling wide, “be assured that I am someone who can keep a secret.”

Daniel nods. He points to the telegram on the coffee table. “Read it.”

Ana lifts the paper and scans the message. “I don’t understand.”

“This is the second telegram. I know I shouldn’t read them. I guess it serves me right, swiping their secret.”

Ana pauses, examining Daniel. “And what, exactly, do you think their secret is?”

“I think they may be separating.”

Ana pulls back in bewilderment. “No, se?or. They’re not.”

“I wish that were true.”

“Se?or, I—” Ana pauses, as if choosing her words carefully. “Se?or, the housekeeping staff is witness to much at the hotel. I can assure you that your parents are not separating.”

“Do you know something?”

Ana closes her eyes and releases a frustrated exhale. “Hotel privacy forbids me from saying more.” She leans forward and puts her hand on Daniel’s. “Se?or, your parents are not separating. I am so certain of it, let’s make a wager. If I am wrong, I will help you with your project.”

“You’ll be Jane Doe?”

“No, I will not,” says Ana. “I’ll be Tom Collins.”

“Who’s Tom Collins?”

“Tom Collins is a drink on the lobby bar menu. It’s a drink with lots of ice.” She smiles sweetly.

Daniel laughs.

“But we needn’t speak of your project because I will win our bet,” says Ana.

Daniel stares at Ana’s delicate hand on his. She’s touching him, just as she did near the car in Vallecas. He slowly rotates his palm. Their fingers graze and gently thread together. A rush of heat flows down to his hand.

Ana’s eyes flutter and close. “I . . . are those your photos from Vallecas?” She rises and their joined hands surrender. She walks to the display of photographs on the desk.

Ana stands, silent, with her back to Daniel. He runs his nervous palms down the thighs of his jeans.

“Miguel developed them today.”

One image has been enlarged. It’s the portrait of Fuga and it’s stunning.

“?Dios Mío!” exclaims Ana. “Look at Fuga. He looks like a real torero! Rafa will be thrilled.”

Daniel approaches behind her. “I’m glad you like it. Take it to Rafa. I know he needs the photograph to promote the fight.” Daniel puts the photo in the envelope.

“He will be so pleased, se?or. Gracias. You have been very kind to my family.” She looks up at him. “I should be going. Just call room service if you need more ice.” She gives a flustered laugh and makes her way to the door.

He doesn’t want her to leave. “I saw your cousin today.”

Ana stops. “You saw Puri? Where?”

“At the Inclusa. Antonio suggested I go there to take pictures.”

Ana’s face clouds with concern. “The Inclusa?” Her mental processing is visible. “I’m sorry. I must go. I can’t miss my transport back to Vallecas. Perhaps I’ll see you tomorrow. I know your parents return from Toledo in the morning.”