Page 51 of Under His Sheets
“If you get confused or rattled,” Costa said, “simply look to Ruiz to answer. He can convince your àvia—your grandmother—he is the pope, can’t you, Ruiz?”
The soldier smirked and bowed his head. “I live to serve.”
While these two seemed capable enough, they also didn’t seem to be taking this as seriously as Alonso had.
“Moreover, Ruiz will be able to explain how his family was in favor of the referendum and his parents supported the former president in exile, Carles Puigdemont. These are details that will put the others at ease speaking around him. I don’t expect anything of major importance to come from this but we have to cover all of the bases, as you say in America.” He chuckled and typed a few things into his laptop.
“Well, I’m glad he will be there. I don’t know very much about the independence movement,” I admitted.
“And why would you? It will be fine, just let Ruiz do the talking,” Costa said. “It will be just as Sargento Segura told you. We will be monitoring you from a safe position, which Ruiz will point out on your way into the Ferrer property. If he tells you to go, you go. ¿Me entiendes?”
“Sí,” I said. “Is there anything you want me to look for? Anything I should do?”
“No, gràcies. You shall entertain, speak to whomever asks to speak to you, and when it seems appropriate, Ruiz will collect you and you will say your goodbyes. This is not to be a lengthy visit. We will have people outside collecting information on the other guests. If Ruiz thinks there is danger, he will say that his mother phoned and she is not well.”
“And what ifIfeel there is a problem?”
Costa tilted his head. “I know you have no family here. Is there a friend?”
“Yes, uh, I can say Josette called, and she’s not well?”
“That will be fine. Josette. You catch that Ruiz?”
“Sí, és clar.”
“Bé.” He looked at his watch. “I suppose the two of you should get ready.”
“I’m going to shower,” I said, leaving them to their discussion. I didn’t love having strangers in my house while I showered, but what else could I do? I took my time in the hopes I could get my nerves under control. I did indeed blow out my hair and painted my nails a shimmery gold to match my tie. I wandered back out to my kitchen and was waiting for them to dry when I caught a screen of pictures up on Costa’s computer.
“Wait, I know him.”
They turned to look at me and I pointed at the screen. “That man has come to school with Mr. Ferrer a few times. They approached people together. And that man,” I said, recognizing one of the drivers. “I think he works for Mr. Vidal. He’s been at the school with him. And that man, he has a student in my afternoon class. He’s come in to pick the child up before.”
“These are all persons of interest in our investigation. None of them are of too much concern. I am only giving you this information in order for you to perhaps listen a little more carefully when they are speaking, or perhaps to even stand near to them tonight, if it seems proper.”
Somehow I didn’t think Alonso would agree to this, so I made a mental note to be extra cautious around those people, not attempt to get closer.The more he spoke, the more Costa seemed as if he was just going through the motions and this was just another routine mission, nothing more. It sure didn’t feel that way to me.
I’ve always been a big reader, and cozy mysteries are a lot of fun, but I had no intention of putting myself in the damsel-in-distress role, nor the amateur sleuth. No. I wanted peace at my school. That was it.
“Mind if I go change?” Ruiz held up a garment bag, and I gestured toward the bathroom.
“Be my guest.”
Costa stopped him.“If the two of you are supposed to be casually dating, there is an expectation that you may be physically affectionate with each other.”
Ruiz and I looked at each other. He grinned.
“Not a problem for me. I get to be the pretend boyfriend to an American rock star.”
“Um…I’m okay with a hand to the back or a kiss on the cheek,” I said. “That’s about as much as I would ever do with anyone in public, no matter how long we’d been together.” I didn’t want this guy all over me, nor did I want him taking liberties. The only one I wanted to touch me couldn’t be there and this guy was no substitute.
Ruiz shrugged. “Understood. Maybe I will have my picture taken with you and gain more Instagram followers.” He winked and then laughed. “I’m joking. I will go get dressed.”
He slung the garment bag over his shoulder and strolled into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.
“He will act appropriately, you have my word,” the commander said. “Ruiz is young, but he is a good soldier and has done this work before.”
I sighed. That wasn’t building up my confidence, but again, I wasn’t heading into a den of arms dealers or a drug cartel compound. This was a party at the home of a popular Catalan musician, where at least one child would be present.
