Memories of a Life That Never Happened

Cahpter 41 - Curveballs

It was a strenuous discussion, but Sandra convinced Detective Wando to postpone the questioning until the following day. Regardless of their intentions, out of the eight kids, none made it to watch the sand sculpture contest the next morning. Theo and Nick went back home with their friends and Joana had an ambulance come pick them up and take Virginie to Mary's House.  

Mica, however, had a long night ahead of her. Her two-hour conversation with Sandra was almost as grievous as the one Mica had with Jacira when she learned her father had left.  

Mica explained what happened, how Virginie collapsed on the beach and they went to the restaurant to care for her. She said, countless times, how sorry she was. Since she could not afford to repay Sandra for the damages, she offered to work for free and twice as much.  

"Don't be stupid," Sandra refuted in a chilly tone. There was a hint of controlled anger in her voice. But worse than that was the blatant disappointment in her face. Disgusted, Sandra stared at the filthy floor as if it was sewage discharge. She did not understand it would be less arduous for Mica to work harder than to go home with remorse weighting on her shoulders. 

Morning came as a wanton hangover and Mica woke up with an upset stomach. Escobar met Mica at the base of the stairs while she crept downstairs for a breakfast she did not want.  

Having heard from Sandra a much-softened version of the facts, Escobar announced to Mica that he had enlisted Abel to escort her to the police station in Marumbi. There, she was supposed to give deposition within one hour. 

"We're talking apples and oranges here," Abel protested.  

He was not old enough to have a driver's license, but that did not stop him from driving Eloy's Beetle into the narrow street with two police cars parked just around the corner. Abel slowed down, pulled over to the curb and cut the engine.  

"You're talking about seven people you know nothing about." He placed both hands on the steering wheel and looked at Mica. "How could you be so stupid to bring them into the restaurant when there's nobody else there?" 

Mica gasped. "Excuse me? What was I supposed to do? Leave the poor girl passed out in the sand?" 

"You should've done what you did anyway... call an ambulance." 

"And leave her unconscious on the beach?"  

"She would've been treated just the same. And you would've saved Sandra the losses and yourself this nice little trip."  

"Oh, please." Mica crossed her arms and glared at Abel. "If you came here to scold me, get on the line. It's a long one and you'd better get back to your friend Bianca." 

Instead of a comeback, Mica got an irritatingly condescending smile.  

"You're jealous," Abel said softly and Mica blushed with anger. 

"Don't be ridiculous. Why would I-." 

For the second time, Abel locked lips with Mica. This time, she felt his tongue tasting her, as if this was a reunion between an alcoholic and his drink.  

Abel's kiss carried an underlying need too strong to be healthy. Despite Mica's efforts, he refused to let go until his urge settled. Outraged, Mica yanked herself from his slightly relaxed grip, got out of the car and slammed the door shut.  

She was about to yell at Abel a few nasty remarks that would not make her mother proud when she caught something with the corner of her eye. A few steps ahead on the sidewalk, Nick was staring at them with a wry smile.  

"I'll take one of those, if you're giving them away for free," he said. 

Before Mica could think of a smart comeback, Leo, Alan and Theo came out of the police station and joined Nick next to the red truck.  

"Mica..." Theo called, but she stormed through the door and up the stairs without glancing at them a second time. 

On the upper floor, Mica was showed to a sofa. It had such a foul odor that Mica held her breath and hoped to be called soon. 

"I appreciate that, Mrs. Chuster." Mica heard Detective Wando say.  

Mica turned her head around to look past the blinders and recognized the woman in the black dress. Theo's mom was shaking hands with Wando.  

"It's the least I can do," said Carolina. "I assure you my husband and I are relieved to know that the peaceful town we chose to host our annual celebration is in such competent hands. We're glad to make our impression known to the Estate Chief of Police." 

Wando shoved his hands in his pockets, tilted back and forth in his heels.  

"A kind word from folks like you could mean a lot." 

"I would expect nothing less than a substantial raise, perhaps a promotion."  

"Thank you again, Mrs. Chuster. I'm sorry I bothered you to come down here on such a nice day." 

"Nonsense!" Carolina rested a delicate hand on Wando's shoulder but withdrew it as fast as if she had touched a hot pan. "It is I who thank you for understanding that what happened last night was an unfortunate accident." She raised and dropped a shoulder. "Kids being kids." 

As Theo's mom turned around to the door, Wando pat her on the back, hard enough to make her give two short steps ahead. 

"Your boys are lucky to have zealous parents. Besides, the victim told me you were more than generous and overcompensated her for the damages." 

"Let's try to avoid words such as 'victim', shall we? This was just a silly mishap." 

The detective cleared his throat, slid his thumbs inside his waistband and wiggled up his trousers.  

"You're absolutely right. There are no victims in this case." 

Carolina stepped out of the office, put her sunglasses back on. 

"Very well, then, Detective." She offered a hand. "Have a lovely day." 

"The same to you, Mrs. Chuster," he said shaking her hand. 

Wando watched Carolina sashay down the hall and leave as gracefully as she probably did when walking out of a ritzy hair salon.  

"Is it my turn?" Mica asked Detective Wando.  

He whipped his head left to examine who dared disturb him. When he saw Mica, Wando wrinkled his nose, as though the finding grossed him out. 

"It's your lucky day, little weasel. You can go home," he told Mica. 

"But-," she started saying when he cut her off.  

"I advise you not to push it. Be a smart girl and beat it." He jerked a thumb to the stairs at the end of the hall. 

Without daring another word, Mica obeyed. She took down the steps two by two, astonished at how easy it was for the rich to get away unscratched.