فصل سی و یکم

Chapter 31: Sinking the Ampere

Jaime returned as the sun was setting, a huge red ball sinking slowly into the indigo-blue ocean. I was woken by the sound of his car door slamming. I sat up and looked around the dark room, then at the clock. Had I really slept more than six hours? The house was quiet, and with the exception of Taylor’s breathing, I couldn’t hear a thing.

I quietly got up and walked out to the front room. I turned the lights on in the hallway, then the front room. Jaime had opened the door and was carrying in several boxes.

“I brought some more food,” he said.

“Is there anything else in the car?” “Sí.”

I walked out to the van and grabbed several large packages of bottled water and brought them back in while Jaime made a second trip, bringing in the rest of the food. I put the water in the refrigerator as Jaime put away the rest of the groceries.

“Where is everyone?” he asked.

“I’m not sure,” I said. “I think they’re sleeping.” “They went to bed early,” he said.

I didn’t tell him that we had gone to bed shortly after he’d left. “Did their flight take off okay?” He nodded. “Sí.” He glanced at his wristwatch. “They should almost be to Nicaragua by now.” As much as I hated seeing them go, I was happy to hear they were out of Peru. “At least they’re safe,” I said.

“For now,” he said gravely. “For now.” He patted me on the shoulder. “If you think your friends will wake up, I am going to make some dinner. Seco de cordero.” “What’s that?”

“It is a Peruvian specialty. Lamb stew with potatoes. The lamb is cooked in beer until it is tender then seasoned with ají peppers and cilantro.” “That sounds good,” I said. “Do you need any help?” “Sí. Gracias. You can peel the potatoes.” While we were preparing dinner, I turned to Jaime. “I still haven’t spoken to my mother.” “We have not had a time to arrange it. I will do my best to contact the voice tonight.” When we were ready to eat, I went back to the room and gently woke Taylor. She was as disoriented as I had been.

“What time is it?” she asked, pulling her hair back from her face.

“It’s time for dinner,” I said.

She squinted at me. “Dinner? How long did I sleep?” “Most of the day.”

She pushed herself up. “Where’s everyone else?” “I’m not sure,” I said. “We need to get them.” We searched the house. We found Jack in the garage working out. He was drenched in sweat and his muscles were pumped, his biceps bulging like grapefruits. His knuckles were red from pounding his homemade punching bag.

“Time to eat,” I said.

“I’ll be right there,” he said.

We found Ostin and McKenna in McKenna’s room. Ostin was holding McKenna while she slept and he put his finger over his lips to silence me.

“Dinnertime,” I whispered.

He just waved me off. “I’m not hungry.” As we walked out I turned to Taylor. “Did he really just say that?” “Wow,” she said. “That’s the power of love.” We laughed the whole way to the kitchen.

The stew was delicious and easily the best meal we’d had since coming to Peru. Halfway through dinner Ostin and McKenna joined us. I’m glad they did. It had been a traumatic day, and it was good to come together.

Jack was quiet during the meal, and Taylor tried to engage him. “How long have you been working out?” “All day,” he replied.

“Aren’t you tired?”

He looked at her as if the question hadn’t crossed his mind. Or, more likely, was irrelevant. “I’m preparing.” “That is good,” Jaime said. “We must prepare. There is much to do before the Elgen fleet arrives. Tonight I am picking someone up from the airport. We will be here in the morning.” “Who are you picking up?”

“Someone who can help us,” he said.

“Help us do what?” Taylor asked.

He looked at us seriously. “Sink the Ampere.”