“Have them call back!” he ordered.
“It is your father, Señor Cletus.”
“Good morning, Cletus. It is your father calling.”
“Good morning.”
“I only a few hours ago learned—I am at Estancia San Pedro y San Pablo—that you have returned from Uruguay.”
“I got in late last night.”
“And was an angry man with a pistol chasing you?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I thought perhaps that a jealous husband had cut short your stay.”
“No. Nothing like that. I just had enough.”
“When I was your age, I never had enough. Did you meet the other guest at the house?”
Clete hesitated just perceptibly before replying.
“Just to say hello, to wish him a Merry Christmas. Señora Pellano tells me that he has left.”
“It is of no importance. The people who arranged for him to stay there were not aware that it is now your residence,” Frade said. “Tell me, have you plans for the day?”
“No, Sir.”
“May I make a suggestion?”
“Certainly.”
“I will send Enrico in the station wagon to you. He will bring you to the estancia, and you and I will have an American dinner. A rib of beef, with Worcestershire pudding. And perhaps a ride afterward. How does that sound to you?”
He means Yorkshire, Clete thought, smiling, and then: Is he alone out there? Lonely?
“I have someone coming to see me now; and, between twelve and three, I have to pick up my car at the port.”
“Excuse me?”
“My car has arrived from New Orleans. Señor Mallín has arranged for me to pick it up today between twelve and three.”
“Then you do not wish to come?” His disappointment was evident.
“No, Sir. I’m just telling you what I have to do before I can come.”
“I will call a friend in the Ministry of Customs,” Frade said. “When you arrive at the port, there will be no problems.”
“I think Señor Mallín has already arranged that.”
“I will call my friend. There will be no problems with Customs. And then Enrico, in the station wagon, will come from here to there and lead you back to the estancia.”
“I can read a map. Is there someplace I can get a map?”
“Yes, of course you can read a map. Ask Señora Pellano to prepare one for you.”
“Well, then, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”