Busy morning, left at 7 am to take Erika to airport. Heavy traffic on the way in. Tended to a few things in the afternoon then a couple hours at the pool. The ladies then went shopping so I was forced to lounge out in the sun and read.

I will add extracts of Embers for another couple of days.
The whole book is available as a download at Barnes and Noble or as a download or paper back from Lulu.com

 While he ate he developed a loose plan on what actions he would take in the morning and how he would handle the meeting with Raphael Montez.  After eating he called Pablo and asked if he could find a small caliber revolver preferably one that also had a silencer.

Pablo said that would be no problem and said he would have it for him in the morning.  Marsh said he would sooner have it that evening so he could familiarize himself with it before he went to work.  Pablo simply said, “In one hour Senor Marsh. My grandfather will deliver it.”

 An hour later, there was a knock on Marsh’s door and in answer to his question of who was there, Jesus replied.  A few moments later he was stripping down a good quality .38 Smith and Wesson.  He tested the trigger resistance and practiced screwing on the silencer.  Although not an expert with such a weapon, he was familiar with it and was satisfied.  The holster that came with it clipped comfortably on his belt above his left buttock.  He loaded the weapon and put a few spare cartridges in the jacket he would wear the next day.  He called Pablo again and thanked him and asked what the cost was, he told Pablo he would bring the hundred and twenty dollars out.

 Minutes later he met Pablo at his car, gave him the money and told him that he must be discreet the next day when they picked up Elena on the way to the Fire Offices.  Pablo just nodded and said a little stiffly, “Of course Senor.”  

Marsh smiled, “I know I didn’t have to tell you, but I am sure she would be very upset if she knew about this.  Okay Pablo off you go for the night, please be here at quarter after seven tomorrow morning.”

 “Buenos Noches, Senor.” And Pablo was gone.

 Marsh wandered around the hotel lobby for a few minutes, ostensibly looking at some of the décor but actually observing each person in the lobby, he took particular note of anyone who appeared to be just loitering.  Finally he went back down the hall to his original room, wandered about the room for a moment, flushed the toilet and turned off the television.  He then quietly opened the door a crack and checked the hall, seeing no one he slipped out and quickly crossed to the other room.  His cell phone, which he had left behind, was ringing as he entered.  It was Elena.

 “Marsh, where have you been?  This is the second time I’ve called, why didn’t you answer?”

 There was obvious concern in her voice, and he knew not to make light of the matter.  “Elena I am sorry, I slipped out to talk to Pablo for a minute and stretched my legs in the lobby.  Then I thought I better check the other room in case there were any messages. I left my cell behind.  I am sorry, I’ll make sure that I keep my phone with me.”

 Relieved at hearing his voice, she regained her composure and said, “Of course Marsh, I’m sorry for scolding you, but after calling the first time ….”

 To change the subject Marsh said,  “ Pablo is picking me up at seven fifteen in the morning, then we will swing by and pick you up, so perhaps around a quarter to eight or a bit earlier.”

 “Bueno, I shall let Dr. Alvarez know we will be there around eight.”

 “Elena, I feel fine I don’t th…”

 “Marsh!  You shall visit her in the morning!”

 He smiled as he quickly gave in, “Okay, okay I will go see your doctor but one more thing Elena, can you be ready Tuesday morning to fly to Cancun?  We will be there Tuesday night and fly to Saltillo late Wednesday and be back here either Wednesday or Thursday.”