made it without any major injuries. About ten years ago, the newspapers carried my picture with the caption “El Gardo” and a story about the orphans I was supporting at the villa. I have been “El Gardo” from that day on.”
Pamela waited to see if Rudy was finished before asking her question, “ How many orphans are you caring for?”
“It changes from time to time, sometimes it’s only about 35 and sometimes it’s as many as 75.”
“You are the generous one,” she confirmed.
“Well it’s not just a handout or pure charity. They have to work for what they get and attend the local schools and go to church every Sunday. We try to teach them the skills of operating a villa and they receive an allowance each month, money they can use any way they wish.”
“Do you ever have any bad apples with problems too big that money can’t solve?” “Yes, ever so often one comes along that has been abused to the point that he can’t trust anyone. I know that I can’t change the damage that’s been done to them so I can’t let them stay and become an abuser to the others. In those casas I try to make a deal with them. I offer to have them accompany me to my prior guardian, Friar Manuel at the Monastery del Durango. If they agree with the deal I will pay 100 Euros a month for them to stay there and study with the monks. They may leave at any time they wish.”
“Is that the Monastery where you and your brother grew up?”
“Yes.”
“Do they stay or do they run off?”
“Some are gone by morning or within a few days, but some have been there for years. It all depends on their attitude.”
“And do you continue to pay them?”
“Yes, of course, as long as they stay. That’s the deal we have.”
“You are a remarkable man Mr. Rodriguez, a true gentlemen. A true El Gardo.” Rudy smiled at her approval and refilled their wine glasses.
Fernando came from the kitchen removing his apron, seated himself at the table, lifted his wine glass in the air and said, “Salute.” Pamela and Rudy raised their glasses and repeated the toast, “Salute.” Each took a drink of wine and Fernando said that their bouillabaisse would be ready to be served after a few minutes of simmering.
“So tell me, what part of the world are you two off to see,” he said looking at Pamela.
“We’re booked on tonight’s flight to El Paso, Texas, and then we’ll cross the boarder into Juarez, Mexico,” she said with a slight slur.
Fernando turned to Rudy and asked, “Do you know what’s going on down there? It’s an all out war between the drug gangs. Thousands of people are being killed. Why would you want to go to such a dangerous place?”
Rudy nodded his head that he understood the cause for concern and said, “we’re looking for a missing friend of Pamela’s, and she’s from Juarez. We’re hoping to find her there. We have no intention of getting involved with the locals feuds. We’ll be in and out before anyone has time to know we’re there.”
“Oh....they’ll know you are there all right. The Juarez Drug Cartel has bribed the corrupt Mexican Authorities for decades. Nothing goes on unreported to them. That’s why they are so powerful. That and ten thousand heavily armed foot soldiers who have no fear of reprisal. You must be very careful. They are smart and ruthless men.”
“Thank you for your advice and concern, amigo. This is something that we do not do lightly, but something we must do. So....for tonight we must celebrate with good friends, good wine and good food, for tomorrow our destiny awaits us.” Rudy raised his glass and said, “Salute.” Pamela and Fernando both raised their glasses but did not offer the cheer.
Three waiters each carrying a silver tray with a single large tureen approached the table. Simultaneously, as if they had rehearsed until perfect, they placed the soup bowls upon the three china platters that had been placed on the table beforehand.
Pamela inhaled the steaming concoction and murmured with delight, “Mmm, Fernando you are a genius.”
“Gracias, Señorita, you are most kind. I hope it’s as Señor Rudy had requested.”
“Yes, it’s even better than I could have imagined,” Rudy said after tasting his first spoon full.
“Tonight is the eve of my 30th birthday and I am honored to be spending it in such fine company, enjoying a meal fit for a king.”
Pamela raised her wine glass and said, “Here’s to Rudy’s birthday. Happy birthday Gemini.” She sipped her wine and began to giggle saying out loud what had passed through her thoughts. “You’re a twin and you were born under the sign of Gemini, the twins. That’s four...of you.” She started laughing uncontrollably at her irrelevant observation. The two men looked at each other as if they were missing some unexplained humor and smiled at her. After a few minutes of laughing to herself she tried to apologize for her rudeness. Each time she tried to say, “I’m sorry” her giggles and laughter grew louder. She appeared to be happy and without a care in the world and that made Rudy feel good.
After their dinners were finished and the laughter had died down, it was time to make their way to the concourse for their flight, Fernando announced that dinner was on him as his gift to Rudy and Pamela. Rudy thanked him repeatedly and insisted that he pay for the wine and the tip for the waiters. Fernando relented after Rudy took out his money clip and counted out twelve one hundred dollar bills and laid them on the table. The three hugged and shook hands as if they were long lost family that would not be seeing each other for a long time.. Pamela promised Fernando that they would come back sometime to see him.
As the two of them hurried to their gate Pamela asked why he had left so much money for the wine and tip.
“The Chateau Latour is over four hundred dollars a bottle and I could not permit Fernando to be held to such generosity. The outstanding Bouillabaisse he made was from items he had on hand in his kitchen, and his time. Without paying for the wine we could not tip the waiters. It seemed to me like the most fair arrangement.”
“You know a lot about wine?” she asked, with one eye shut.
“All Spaniards like to think they know a lot about wine. It’s our native drink. It’s good for the soul. The Monastery del Durango has a very fine winery, and while growing up there I got to help with the wine making....and drinking,” he added with a knowing smile.
As they arrived at their assigned gate first class boarding was being called and they were escorted to their seats. Rudy told Pamela that he would like to have the aisle seat and that she would be able to sleep more comfortably at the window seat. Without a word she sat down and rested her shoulder against the bulkhead and closed her eyes. She passed out. Rudy had the flight attendant bring her a pillow and blanket. The four hour flight was smooth with no turbulence and the landing at El Paso was perfect.
After taxiing to the terminal Rudy gently shook Pamela awake. “Okay, Sleeping Beauty, we’re here,” he told her.
“We’re here already?” She seemed confused and not sure where here was. She looked around trying to get her bearings and remembered what had happened that made her feel so bad. “The Chateau Latour was so good going down but now
