Inspector Macias shook his head and said, “Es muy complicado …” His voice trailed away as if he were organizing the whole scenario in his head.
“Yes, very complicated— and also quite hard to believe.”
Hugh McKinnon pushed aside the curtain and stepped into the cubicle. Having heard Ana’s comment he asked, “I heard you say that something’s complicated. I guess you were referring to this whole thing—beginning to end.”
Ben introduced his father to Inspector Macias, who seemed anxious to get back to his purpose for being there. Macias explained that Pamplona’s Superintendente was out of sorts because his officers were not made a part of the rescue or informed of what was happening in London. Macias admitted that his superior’s attitude didn’t make sense. He had no idea why the man thought he should have been part of an action in the UK. The Interpol agent in charge was due in Spain the next day to meet with Macias’ superior and explain why information about their actions was late reaching him.
Hugh then posed questions to the Inspector about what would be required of Ben in order to bring the investigation of events at the little house to a close. Macias emphasized that Ben would still have to come to the Comisaria to give a formal statement regarding his part in both of the related deaths. Ben’s father stood taller and tensed his muscles. Macias quickly assured him that it was likely to be just a formality.
“’Likely’ to be a formality?” Hugh said, crossing his arms in a defensive posture.
“A man who was being chased is dead,” Macias said, “and you can’t expect us not to thoroughly investigate.” He was observing Ben’s reaction as he continued. “I’m sure that as soon as there’s a positive identification of both men, especially the one killed by the bull, we will find that your actions were justified.”
At that point Ana jumped in and said, “We know the name he used with Olivia—Clive Warren— but it was probably an alias. Is there any way to trace both men to where they were staying?”
Macias answered, “Well, your sister will have to be questioned before she can leave Pamplona. I’d prefer to do it while I’m here, while certain facts are fresh in her mind. But I must defer to her doctor.”
“I think she’ll be anxious to tell you what she knows.”
“We have the dead men’s wallets and perhaps by now the investigators have found something like a key or a receipt that could provide more information. The passport of the man you chased states his name as Gareth Logan. I hope by the time I see you tomorrow we will have confirmed their identities and be able to release you both and close the case—this part at least.”
Ben sat forward, suddenly remembering the rental car he had left parked on the side of the road. Macias assured him that it would eventually be towed to the police lot where he could retrieve it. As he shook hands with the men and started to leave, he added that any storage fees would be waived. Hugh strongly suggested that as soon as any further tests were completed, Ben should say goodbye to his mother and Olivia and get a taxi back to the hotel. Hugh returned to his daughter, and a few minutes later the doctor who treated Ben came into the cubicle to announce there were no injuries other than superficial bruising to his face, neck and torso. Ben declined the offer for strong pain medication and then was told he could go.
After doing what his father asked, he and Ana left the hospital and were soon on their way to the hotel. Ben rested his hand on hers but stared out the window, obviously pre-occupied.
Curious as to what was troubling him, she asked, “Are you worried about the statement you have to give tomorrow?”
He answered, “No, that isn’t it. It’s the woman—the one who’s really responsible for Valerie and my sister being alive.”
“Annunciata?”
“Yes, Annunciata Domingo. The woman works all the hours God gives and still struggles to raise her children.”
“You sure learned a lot in a short time. Of course you want to do something for her, and rightly you should, but rest tonight and in the morning get the business at the Comisaria over with. Then we’ll figure it out.” Ana thought for a minute and added, “I’ll bet Olivia and your parents will want to meet her.”
“I hope the officer at the desk took down her address yesterday.”
“I would think the police could easily track her down.”
“I don’t remember where she asked to be taken. She might not have gone straight home. You’d think I’d hit my head.”
“You could still be a little disoriented. From what you described, your oxygen supply was compromised. Like I said, you need some rest.” Ana laid her head back on the seat and a minute or so passed in thought before she continued. “It might be a lot to expect of her— to ask that she meet everyone.”
“Maybe, but whatever I have to do I will find her.” Ben turned to Ana with a broad happy smile, the first since they had arrived in Pamplona. Then he winced and rubbed his jaw.
* * *
Back at the hotel Ben settled on the bed holding another icepack to his jaw—this one just a towel filled with ice from the machine. Ana had a feeling of déjà vu, remembering that first night when she had dealt with his shoulder by making the same kind of makeshift ice pack. She went into the adjoining suite to shower, during which time Ben nodded off, the icepack having fallen aside. Wrapped in a fluffy robe provided by the hotel, Ana came back into his room just as the phone rang, startling him awake. She answered then
