Page 43 of Cartel Rose (Jorge)

“We’ll come up with something by then. Telling Friedrich and Bastian may be inevitable. If it comes to it, I will get the suite next door, and they will join us.”

This suite alone is nearly two thousand euros a night. He’s been here for over a week. Now he’s saying it could be days or weeks more. He doesn’t even bat an eye at the offer.

“Thank you.”

It’s the least I can say, especially after I sounded like a bitch a moment ago. I look around. It’s too early for bed, so the other thing to do is watch TV. It feels wrong to kick back and relax. But what else are we going to do to fill the time.Muttihas her own solution.

“Mr. Diaz?—”

“Jorge, please.”

“Jorge, I’ll take you up on your offer of a room. I’m exhausted.”

Heidi and I glance at each other. Our mom has reached her limit for being the stoic parent for us to lean on. She needs time alone.

“My room has the en suite. There’s a bathroom down the hall. Let me gather a few things, and I’ll be out of your way.”

I have the most disturbing longing to sleep in the bed where Jorge did. To perhaps smell his cologne on the pillow or sheets. It would reassure me.

“You girls take that room. I’ll take the other.” My mother offers the better room, but I know Heidi will agree to give her the en suite.

“Is there anything you need? There are toiletries in both bathrooms, but if there’s anything specific, I can get them. I can have three toothbrushes brought up.”

Jorge is trying his best, and I can tell my mom and sister appreciate it. I certainly do. The least I can do is express that.

“We would appreciate that. Heidi, do you need contact saline and a case?”

“Yes, please.”

“Anneliese?”

I fucking hate hearing him call me that after how he’s insisted upon calling me Liesel. I know he’s doing it for my sake, but I don’t like it. However, I can’t explain that away if I just told my mom and sister I barely know him.

“Just the toothbrush for now.”

“I can ask my mother’s friend to go to your places for fresh clothes in the morning.”

“Wouldn’t she need to come by here to get our keys?” I wonder the same thing as Heidi.

“She would. I think you’d all like her.”

“I think we’re all ready to head to bed.”

I can tell Heidi’s tired, but she also wants to speak to me in private. This is the perfect opportunity. I’m certain she’s about to pepper me with questions. I’m as ready as I can be. I’ve been considering answers to these questions since I arrived here. I didn’t really focus on the TV show I turned on while Jorge was in the bedroom on the phone the first time.

Heidi closes the door behind us, and I turn around as she opens her mouth. I shake my head and wave her over. I don’t want anybody to overhear us, so we head to the two armchairs in the room near the window. I remember how upset it made Jorge the last time I got near one. I change course, instead sitting on the bed.

“Let’s stay away from the windows.”

“Why?” Heidi practically barks the question.

“Just as a precaution, I think it would be wise to stay out of sight. That’s the whole reason we’re all here.”

“Really? Because I thought the reason might be partly that you’re into him.”

My sister knows me too fucking well. There’s a searing pain behind my eye that makes it twitch.

“I’m into staying alive, Heidi, and I’m into finding out what happened to Papa.”