Payroll by William James Johnson Chapter 37

Silky was amazed at the remarkable change in Rona's attitude when he told her about Juarez' proposal. After the experience with Hansen's men, and the threat posed by the thugs who beat Carlos to death, she wanted to get away. At last something positive was going to be done.
The urgency expressed by Juarez to make a move as soon as possible brought Eduardo to the hacienda. "As I told you Senor Silky when you purchased the estate, it was a remarkable investment. Your timing could not be better. I have a client who had been looking for just such a property, and cost is not relevant if he likes what he sees."
"Who is your client?"
"Let me say he's a wealthy Arab who is looking for a base for himself and his family that is secure."
"In Tijuana? Why would anyone with money want to locate here?"
"First of all, he's concerned about security. He's afraid of terrorists. He has been sent here by his family to invest in our off shore oil. He has a theory the next great drilling area is going to be off the Pacific coast."
"But he could do that from several places in your country. Why Tijuana?"
"The same reason you came here my friend...proximity to the United States. His family has connections with gulf drilling and they want to be near the Americans...don't fight it. This property has everything this man is looking for."
"Has he seen our house?"
"No Senor, but I've told him about it. It's exactly what he wants."
"And Francisco and his family...what will happen to them?"
"He may want to keep them as servants. That can be resolved after we see if he likes the hacienda."
"What's not to like?"
"Exactly. So if you'll permit, I'll arrange to bring him here."
"How much do you think I can get for the place?"
"I think I'd ask one point three, and negotiate."
"One point three...What's that? A hundred and thirty thousand?"
"No Senor. You'll remember when you bought the house, I said you were getting it for one tenth of its value...I mean one million, three hundred thousand dollars."
"Wow! You mean it? You think we can get that kind of money?"
"If he likes the place, I'm sure we can get close to that. It's well worth it. Replacement cost would exceed that figure. Would you like me to have him come and see it?"
"Of course...Get him here today. We don't have much time."
Eduardo was a man who could make things happen. That's what Silky admired about him. Later that afternoon he returned to the hacienda with his middle eastern client, Mohammad Kafira, a man of medium height, in full length white robes, with a red and white checkered headdress. The Saudi was most impressed with the high walls and solid iron gate.
"Is this the only entrance to the property?"
"One could scale the walls which face the lake, but it would be a major undertaking. I don't know of any other property which has been so well chosen to provide security for its owner. It's truly a jewel."
"I'm anxious to see inside." Kafira had a very pronounced Oxford accent. His manners were polished, and his phrasing deliberately precise.
Eduardo rang the bell and waited.
"There's one change I would suggest."
"What might that be?"
"Up there, where the tiles cover the wall, I'd install a security camera so that I could see anyone approaching...you know, the kind that is moveable so you can scan the entrance."
Kafira looked up. "I agree. That's a splendid suggestion."
The small slot in the door was opened.
"Who is it?" asked Silky.
"Eduardo and my client."
The sound of the heavy bolt banging against its stop, reassured Kafira. The hacienda was a veritable fort.
"Senor Silky, I'd like to introduce Mohammad Kafira."
"How do you do Sir. Welcome to my home."
His penetrating gaze, meticulously trimmed beard, and graceful movements, convinced Silky this was no run of the mill rug merchant. Kafira gave him a classical salaam, intimidating Silky who was unsure how to respond.
"I am so honoured you would permit me to view your magnificent home."
"My pleasure Mr. Kafira," replied Silky awkwardly.
The freshness of the air in the courtyard, saturated with the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle and jasmine gave the Arab visitor the sensation of being in an exotic garden in the middle east.
"What a marvellous creation. Your garden reminds me of my uncle's palace in Ad Dilam. The man who designed this courtyard is a gifted artist. It is stunning."
Silky moved behind the two men, letting Eduardo do the presentation. He was astounded at the vast knowledge of his banker. As they moved into the foyer, Eduardo pointed out features of the portico, comparing the structural designs borrowed from the Arab world to make living in such a warm climate tolerable. Silky had taken these features for granted.
It took about forty minutes for Eduardo to complete his tour of the house.
"It is a magnificent house. Exactly what I've been looking for. Secure. Aesthetically appointed...Serene. My family will be delighted I'm sure."
Silky interrupted Kafira. "There's one proviso that comes with the property."
"Proviso...Is the property not for sale sir?" asked Kafira.
"It's for sale, but it includes an agreement that the servants and their children may stay on."
Kafira was obviously a man accustomed to getting what he wanted without restrictions. Silky's remark was disappointing.
"I'm sorry you would say that sir. I'm not interested in purchasing a property which includes servants. I have my own staff who will be residing with me. I think we should leave Eduardo. I'm sorry you didn't tell me about this before we came. You could've saved us all the trouble."
Eduardo was stunned by the turn of events.

"Would you please give me a few minutes with Senor Silky. I'm sure I can clear up this misunderstanding."
"By all means...I'll be waiting in the garden."
Eduardo turned to Silky, fire in his eyes.
"Have you lost your mind? The man wants the house and you try to queer the deal by including those people."
"But I can't just write off Francisco and his family like that."
"Don't forget to include the two orphans," said Eduardo sarcastically. "My gawd man. No one's asking you to write off your friends. With the money you're going to clear on this deal, you can buy them a small citrus plantation, where they can all work in a family business. There's a very nice farm within a half mile of Fernando's place. It'll be perfect for them. This hacienda is no place to raise kids. Get rid of that proviso, and I guarantee you I'll help your friends get situated in a more suitable environment. Believe me Silky, guys like Kafira come along only once in a lifetime."
Silky knew he was angry when he dropped the polite "Senor" Silky he always used.
"You're right Eduardo. I'm being stupid. Do you think your man would reconsider if I dropped the proviso?"
"I don't know. He was really annoyed...and quite frankly, so was I."
"It's all happening so fast."
"Believe me my friend, if we don't get you and Senorita Rona out of here as soon as possible, you're going to have Mounties banging on the front gate, and if not them, then those two murderers who beat Carlos. There's very little time."
"Okay. Let's do it your way. Tell him he can have the place without restrictions, but you've got to promise you'll help Francisco and the kids get settled somewhere."
"I promise...now I'd better talk to Kafira."
Silky watched the two men talking in the garden. At first the Arab appeared sullen, listening to Eduardo's pitch, then suddenly he broke into a full smile, his white teeth like shining pearls against his dark beard. They shook hands, and returned to Silky.
"Eduardo has explained why you included that provision Mr. Silky. That kind of loyalty to one's servants is most admirable. I am so glad you have decided to make other arrangements for them. Now that there are no restrictions, I am prepared to purchase your property for your asking price of one and a half million dollars. Is that agreeable with you?"
Silky almost burst into laughter when he realized Eduardo had increased the asking price. He was able to maintain his composure long enough to seal the agreement with a handshake before the two left. Bolting the front gate, he hurried into the house to tell Rona.
"Rona...Rona. Where are you?"
"Out here darling. By the pool."
Silky was so excited he stammered as he tried to explain what had happened. Rona got the key phrase, "a million and a half bucks," and began to jump up and down with Silky.
"Holy cow Silky! Are you sure? A million and a half?"
"I know. Isn't it crazy. Gawd, that Eduardo is a miracle worker."
"When do we have to leave?"
"He'll get back to me as soon as they draw up the papers in town. It'll be soon though. It's not safe for us to stay here."
"And he's going to let Francisco and his family stay?"
"No... In fact I almost loused up the deal by insisting he keep them on. I've never seen Eduardo so angry."
"What's going to happen to them?"
"We're going to get them their own place, and they have to agree to keep Miguel and Pedro. Eduardo says he knows of a nice citrus grove near Fernando's. I think it'll be great."
"Are you going to tell them now?"
"I think we better wait until we know for sure."
"I agree. No use getting them excited about a change and then have something go wrong."
"Do you know what I'd like to do now?"
"What's that?"
"Let's go and see Sandy. We've got to make some arrangements for him too. I'd like to see him live with the kids, especially Pedro. He loved that dog."
"Why don't you take him with you? It might help if he met the vet and was able to ask him questions."
"That's a good idea. Where are the kids now?"
"Pedro and Miguel are playing electronic games downstairs. I'll get him for you."
As she walked away from him, he had a flashback to the time he and Rona first met. Neither of them had any idea when they fled the country, they would be millionaires some day. He was so lucky to have a partner like her. He had to admit when he lost his temper with her, it was usually because he didn't want to acknowledge she was right about something. Rona had very little formal education, but somewhere in her life she had developed wisdom, and he was relying on it more and more.
"You want to see me Senor Silky?"
"Yes Pedro. I'd like you to come with me to see Sandy. Would you like that?"
"Oh yes...Yes Senor. Is Miguel going to come too?"
"Not this time...just you and me."
On the way into town, he explained why he and Rona were going to have to leave. He said they were planning to go to Mexico City where they could get a flight to a Pacific island. And maybe when they were settled in a safe home, they would send for him. In the meantime, he was going to make sure Pedro would have a good life with Francisco. The little boy was devastated.
"No...no poppa...I mean Senor Silky. Don't leave me again. Please don't leave me again."
Silky stopped the jeep and put his arms around Pedro. The child pushed him away and jumped out of the jeep and began running.
"Pedro...come back. Come back."
"I don't want you. You're just like my poppa. You say you want me then you throw me away. Go away...Leave me alone."
"But I don't want to throw you away. I want you to have a good life with Francisco and his family. You'll be with Miguel. You'll see. It'll be a happy life. Come on little one. Get back in the jeep. I need you Pedro."
"You don't need me...nobody needs me...you're just saying that."
"I do need you Pedro. We can't take Sandy with us. I need someone who can look after him. Won't you please come with me. You're the one he really likes." His remark that there was someone who really liked him, made the child stop.
"You mean it Senor?"
"Of course I mean it. Sandy and you were the best of friends. I wouldn't want to leave him with anyone else. Please get in."
"Silky extended his hand to the child and pulled him into the jeep.
"I'll do it for Sandy Senor Silky."
"That's my boy."
Out of the corner of his eye Silky saw the child wipe his tears on his sleeve. A small grin formed on his tiny mouth as he thought about the fun he used to have with the friendly Doberman. Silky was glad he thought about the dog.
Arriving at the clinic, Pedro ran ahead of Silky and opened the door. "Hurry up poppa."
Every time he called him poppa made it more difficult for Silky. He didn't want to leave the boy, not after the struggle he went through to find him. Rona was right. Trying to get away with a child would risk all their lives. He had to be firm in his decision to leave Pedro with Francisco.
"Ah! Senor Silky," said Doctor Gomez.
"How is our patient Doctor?"
"Who is this young gentleman?"
"This is Pedro. He is Sandy's best friend."
Pedro smiled broadly at Silky's description of him.
"Come along. Sandy's out back."
Walking down the narrow corridor they could hear the sporadic barking of other dogs. The air was heavy with the smell of antiseptic. Gomez opened the door to a small, brightly lit room. Lying on a blanket was the quiet body of Sandy, breathing faintly, his eyes barely open. Pedro dropped to his knees and draped his arms around the dog's neck, and kissed him on the nose.
"His nose is so hot."
"He has a fever," said Gomez.
"It's usually cold and wet when I kiss him."
"Sandy's very sick."
"Is he going to die?"
"Only time will tell. He's very weak."
"I won't let him die. He needs me."
"Stay with him Pedro while I have a talk with Senor Silky."
Stepping into the corridor, Silky looked back through the opening in the door and saw Pedro lying beside the still animal, stroking him gently.
"What's the problem Doctor?"
"Sandy's not going to make it, I'm afraid."
"What?...I thought you said he would be okay."
"I told you there was a chance of infection. Apparently the bullet has caused lead poisoning and he's not reacting to the medication. I'm very sorry."
"My gawd!..What am I going to tell that little kid?"
"I can tell him if you like."
Tears began to form in Silky's eyes. He hadn't given any thought to the possibility Sandy wouldn't make it. What would the child think of him now?
"I think I better tell him. Thanks for your offer Doctor."
"Whatever you wish. Let's let him spend these last few minutes with the dog. It might help him accept his death when it comes. We'll go to the office and have a coffee."
Doctor Gomez knew that Silky appreciated his compassion. He could tell that he needed as much time as Pedro to deal with the unexpected passing of his dog.
"I'm glad you came in."
"Why's that?"
"I've been hoping I could turn this thing around, but you saw for yourself how sick he is. I hate euthanasia, but sometimes that seems to be the only solution. It's easier to do it when an animal is as sick as Sandy. It's horrible when people come in with perfectly good pets, and want them destroyed for their own selfish convenience. That really bothers me."
"So what do you think I should do about Sandy?"
"Let the boy spend as much time as possible with him, then I think I should take the poor animal out of his misery. If you'll authorize it, I'll give him a needle to put him to sleep.:
"Of course. I want you to do whatever you think is best for that poor dog."
"You must love him a lot."
"More than most people I know. He's been a great friend. And if I tried to tell you about all the things he has done for me, we'd need a whole day."
"I've got nothing scheduled. I'd like to hear all about him."
"You would?"
"I really would...let me freshen up your coffee."
He told Gomez the whole story. It was good to get it off his chest with someone who could appreciate the exploits of this marvellous animal. An hour and a half passed as though it were a few minutes. It was Gomez who remembered about the boy.
"What a fascinating story. No wonder you feel you're losing a friend. Not many people have friends who do as much for them. I think we better go and check on the young lad."
"Maybe Sandy's gone by now."
"I doubt it. Pedro would've been in here right away if that happened."
"I forgot to ask you Doctor, what do you do with the body?"
"We cremate the remains, unless you have another suggestion."
"I think it would be easier for the children, if we buried Sandy, where they could visit his grave."
"That's a very good way to have children benefit from what must be a tragic experience for them. I'll call you when the body is ready to be picked up."
Returning to the small room, the two men were astounded to find Sandy standing, his stubby tail moving irregularly, while Pedro hugged him warmly.
"I don't believe it," said Gomez, putting his stethoscope to the dog's chest. Listening carefully he looked at his watch and measured his pulse. Touching Sandy's forehead he could tell the fever was receding.
"This is the most amazing thing I've ever seen."
"You mean, he's going to be okay?" asked Silky.
"The medication finally seems to have taken hold."
"It's not the medicine Doctor. It's Pedro. I told you he was Sandy's best friend."

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