Chapter 17
Scott, Daniela, and Adolfo watched diver after diver plunge into the waters until the sun hung low and the horizon turned purple, red, and violet.
After the last dive, Adolfo strolled down the walkway humming an old Mexican melody.
“He’s having such a great time,” Daniela said. “Thanks for bringing us.”
“Of course,” Scott said. “How’d you like the show?”
“I loved it.” A sadness like a dark cloud overtook her. “I just wish I was as free as those divers.”
“What do you mean?” Scott said.
“I mean, I wish I didn’t have to live under the thumb of those cocaine cowboys who run Acapulco. What kind of life is this? The cartel runs everything. We don’t go where we want. We can’t work where we want. As long as I’m here, I’ll never be free.”
“Would you leave if you could?”
“Yes. I would leave tonight. I’d take my father and never look back. I don’t want to end up like my brother.”
“What happened to him?”
“He was a policeman, and he was shot in his car one night while on patrol. The police told us it was a robbery, but they found my brother’s wallet just outside the car.
Everyone knows what really happened. He was complaining about all the other cops who were crooked, and he caught a bullet for it.
My mom died soon after that. They said it was a stroke but it was really a broken heart. ”
Daniela’s eyes welled with tears. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Maybe it’s the sunset. Maybe the margaritas.” She tried to laugh it off. “I’m being silly.”
“No, it’s alright,” he said. Their eyes met and something pulled them closer.
He put his arms around her and leaned close to her.
She smelled like flowers, the ocean, and a soft perfume, and he could feel the heat from her body.
She closed her eyes. But just before their lips met, Scott heard Adolfo’s whistle.
“How about another margarita?” the old man said, interrupting their romantic interlude.
“Dad, I don’t think Scott?—"
“No, it’s ok,” Scott said. “I’ll be right back.”