Free A Sorority of Angels by Gus Leodas

cheek. Uncle Rafael hugged him. The President straightened, heaved a big sigh, and held Pilar’s hand.
    “Pilar, I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have you here to have a family again.”
    “Listen you handsome devil don’t let it go to your head, but I missed you a little.”
    “The truth comes out,” he grinned then offered Esmeralda a warm greeting.
    “Esmeralda, has Pilar behaved in New York?”
    “Like a nun, Mr. President.”
    He laughed. “Come, let’s go inside.”
    He placed his arms around Sorel and Roberto and walked with them towards the atrium entrance. Pilar perused the grounds looking for Steinerman.
    Steinerman peeked unseen from an upstairs window. As the visitors headed towards the house, he left his position.
    Uncle Rafael noticed Pilar looking around.
    “What do you think?”
    “Gorgeous.”
    “How long have you been coming here?”
    “It was finished several months ago; a haven away from pressure. I try to come here whenever I get a chance.”
    Four servants waited by the front door.
    “Let’s get the children to their rooms then I’ll give you a tour.”
    They entered. From the foyer, Pilar could see the rear swimming pool through the floor-to-ceiling living room windows, ample distance from the house with islands of plantings in the foreground.
    Pilar turned to assure that Esmeralda, children, and luggage followed. When she faced front again Steinerman descended the stair. Seeing him, quiet revulsion forced a cordial smile.
    “Mr. Steinerman, we meet again.”
    Steinerman displayed an artificial smile and wore leisure clothes; blue shorts and a white polo shirt.
    “Wonderful to see you again.” His voice sounded less cool than the first time they met.
    That’s right you bastard. Smile and act nice in front of my uncle.
    “I looked forward to your arrival,” Steinerman added. “Not only for myself, but for the President’s sake. Maybe he can stop working for a change and relax. Mr. President, I’m outside should you need me.”
    Steinerman left. Servants carried the luggage upstairs. The President, Pilar, Esmeralda, and children followed.
    Pilar’s room with a balcony overlooked the pool and grounds. Pilar sat on the queen size bed then bounced up to explore beyond the balcony, to survey the vast expanse beyond the wall. The free-form shaped pool shimmered vibrant blue water a contrast to plants surrounding its perimeters. Her room was near the pool’s shallow end. To the far left beyond the diving board and deep end, sat Steinerman and a man in white swim trunks having breakfast. When coming back into the room, she realized her uncle waited by the door.
    “Pilar, the pool is heated. Also, there’s tennis, horseback riding, and toys and games for the children.”
    “Before I forget and before you ask, I extended your invitation to Tomayo. He couldn’t make it today but can tomorrow. Is that all right?”
    “About time I’m going to see him. You see the family is coming together again thanks to you. Oh, how’s his sister?”
    “Tomayo said she’s fine. I haven’t seen her yet.”
    “Maybe we can get her here.”
    “I have to call him later to give directions.”
    “When you come downstairs, I’ll have them written out for you. You can call from there and since you’re here, I plan to try to keep you longer.”
    “We’ll see, Uncle. I expect to go back to New York. I do have an important job you know.”
    “How’s my friend, Ambassador Estaban?”
    “A great asset to you and to Argentina. Everyone at the United Nations respects and regards him highly.”
    “Good, why I sent you to New York, to a friend. I’ll see you later.”
    He left. Pilar stared at the empty doorway. He was still warm, loving, and family. She felt comfortable with him as always, nothing dictatorial about him.
    Esmeralda escorted the children downstairs. They wore bathing suits. Pilar stayed behind in her room. From inside the room looking at the extreme left angle, Pilar could