The Fountains of Silence(76)

Society’s noose casts long shadows. Half a world away and this girl knows his family and also Laura Beth’s? His mother would be thrilled. Of course they know the Joyce family. Everyone does.

“I’m sorry,” says the girl. “Did I say something to offend?”

“Not at all,” recovers Daniel, realizing that his face gave him away. “Just looking for a place to put my camera.”

“Unlike the rest of us loafers, my pal Dan’s been on assignment this morning. He’s an award-winning photographer and a finalist for a big photography prize.”

Nick actually sounds proud. His mention of Daniel as a pal feels genuine.

“Holy cow, that’s impressive,” says one of the guys. “What did you photograph this morning?”

Five faces stare at him from the fancy lunch table, waiting for a response.

“I photographed Franco,” says Daniel quietly.

The table erupts with impressed chatter.

“I see you’ve got the press badge to prove it,” whispers Nick. “How’d you swing that? Shep says those are worth gold.”

“I’ll be returning it to Ben after I leave here,” says Daniel.

“Sure you will.” Nick nods with a grin.

Daniel moves to place his camera on a nearby table. Behind is a wall of shelves holding dozens of framed photos—Nick with his Le Rosey rowing team, Mr. and Mrs. Van Dorn with President Eisenhower, Mr. Van Dorn with Conrad Hilton. There are also several group photos and family photos. One image catches his eye. He moves closer. Standing in the back row of the group is Nick. Standing next to him is Ana.

Nick approaches from behind. “Evaluating the photo technique?”

“Nope. The people in the photo.” Daniel points to Ana. He looks at Nick.

“I told you, we’re friends. Nothing more,” whispers Nick. “Come on. Let’s eat.”

But Daniel has lost his appetite.





98



Ana stands in the office of her supervisor. “This message just came through the hotel operator. It says it’s urgent.”

Urgent? Ana’s mind pulls to Julia and Lali.

“If it truly is urgent, you may use the phone in my office. But do not make this a habit, Ana. The hotel cannot take calls for employees. Do you understand?”

“Sí, se?or. Of course. Gracias.” She looks at the telephone message:

    4:30 p.m. From Nicholas Van Dorn

Urgent. Please call.



As unpredictable as Nick can be, he’s never claimed urgency. Ana looks at the clock. She has just ten minutes before meeting Daniel on her break.

“You may call while I’m gone.” The supervisor exits the office.

A servant answers and Ana requests Nick. She twists the telephone cord, anxious.

“Hi.” Nick’s voice lacks the usual bravado.

“I got your message.”

“Yeah, listen. Dan was here for lunch. He saw the photo of our family. The one with you in it. This is getting ridiculous.”

“Why do you still have that photo?”

“I don’t know. It was on the shelf. But look, he’s asking questions. I watched you two last night at the dance. He likes you. He really likes you. Do you like him?”

Ana pauses, debating what she should share. “Nick, there’s something I haven’t told you. Please don’t be mad.”

“Oh, am I the last to know?”

“It’s not about Daniel.” Her voice lowers to a whisper. “I’ve been getting notes again.”

There’s no response.

“Nick, are you still there?”

Nick’s voice is deep, measured. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Well, I wasn’t sure who was writing them,” says Ana.

“You weren’t sure? You mean you have multiple men threatening you?”

“No. I thought maybe he put someone up to it. Part of me wanted to just let it go.”

Nick laughs in disgust. “Why do people say that, like it’s so easy. ‘Let it go, Nicky, just let it go.’ I’m so tired of hearing that.”

Ana hears Nick inhale, trying to contain his anger.

“Tell me, Ana. What do the notes say?”

She takes a breath. “He says I’m a liar, Nick. That he’s figured it out and it will be the end of me. He must know about the bracelet. He’s threatening consequences.”

“Consequences. Yeah, there’ll be consequences. I’ll tell my mom. I’ll tell the ambassador. I’ll write to President Eisenhower and broadcast that my father, Shephard Van Dorn, the dashing foreign affairs officer, is a louse and a first-class creep.”

“Nick, no. We agreed. And please, let’s keep your mom out of this. You promised. But . . . I want to tell Daniel.”

“You do?”

“At least part of it. The day I took Daniel to the camera shop he asked about my job before working at the Hilton. I told him I worked for a family in Madrid. But I didn’t tell him it was your family.”

“I didn’t tell him either,” says Nick. “I told him we were friends but didn’t elaborate.”

“Exactly, but it’s not fair. I’m not delusional. I know that I’d never be able to have a boy like Daniel. Trust me, Julia reminds me every day. But I respect him and I want to be honest with him.”