Free Cuban Sun by Ann Bauer, Bryn Bauer Page B

I meet a bunch of rich Cuban-Americans who must somehow be connected to the car, then I get beat up by another wearing green fatigues and-”.
    “Wait!” Quint cut her off. “He was wearing green fatigues?”
    “Yeah, I-.”
    “You didn’t mention that before.” Quint leaned forward again. “Tell me exactly what he looked like.”
    She didn’t want to relive it but told him, shuddering as she began. As she spoke, he looked more and more concerned. When finished she said, “Do you know who it was?”
    He shook his head. “I have a guess, but it’s only a guess. I’ll still need to ask Joe.”
    She had enough of these guesses and not knowing and she was done. “Quint, tell me what the hell is going on right now or I’m getting on the first flight back to Charleston.”
    He still looked deep in thought. “Quint!”
    He started and then responded. “I heard you, but look, I can’t explain it now. We’re here on business and I have to get back.” He gestured to where the two Hispanic men were still deep in conversation with Joe and Helena.
    Sofia infused as much disdain into her voice as possible. “They seem to be taking care of things, why can’t you explain?” She strove to keep her voice under control.
    “This is a team, we support each other. I need to get back.”
    Seeing the thunderous look on Sofia’s face, he relented. “Ok, like I said, we’ll tell you more tonight but come with me.” He took her hand to help her to her feet. She shook him off but followed to the knot of people who stopped and turned. Helena and Joe looked up but did not react which told Sofia either they had already spotted her or they were very cool under pressure. Probably both, she thought.
    Quint introduced her to the two men. Turning first to the man who had been Quint’s elegant dinner partner he said, “Sofia, let me introduce you to Juan Carlos Perez.” Then, turning to the man who looked more in line with the bar’s patronage, said, “And Ignacio Jimenez”. Quint made the introductions in Spanish but Sofia had sufficient grasp of the language to understand most of what was said. Mr. Jimenez gestured to her face and asked Quint in a voice like dried corn husks, “Is she another one?” Quint shot Sofia an urgent glance, willing her not to ask “another what?” Sofia briefly returned the look as if to say “I’m not stupid, you know.”
    Quint turned back to Ignacio and answered. “No, she is on our team to help you. She has just had an unfortunate accident.” Well , thought Sofia, that was putting mildly . We’ll see if I’m really on your team after today .
    Jimenez nodded and grasped Sofia’s hand quick and hard. “Thank you. Thank you for your help.” came his fervent rasp. She squeezed his callused hand and nodded. Whatever his situation, she thought, he must be desperate. She could see pleading in his eyes.
    Mr. Jimenez gave a weak smile as Mr. Perez spoke. “Mr. Jimenez, we don’t want to keep you any longer; it could be dangerous for you.” He took out a wad of bills. “Here, take this and go to the address I gave you. They’ll help you get a place and a job. Don’t contact your family for a couple of weeks, and that includes sending money. “That,” he gestured at the money, “Is to help you . Then you can help your family. It is possible that your family is being watched.” Ignacio Jimenez rose and seemed to debate taking the money, just looking at it. Helena stepped in.
    “Please, Mr. Jimenez, your information has been so helpful and you put yourself at risk to do it. The least we can do is compensate you.” It worked. He slid the money into his boot glancing around to make sure no one but the five of them had seen. Then he shook each hand around the tight circle and left.
    Mr. Perez did the same, adding to Joe, “Thanks, your help is appreciated.”
    Joe shook his hand and said “Of course, and thank you too. We wouldn’t be this far along without you. This information will