Digital Fortress Chapter 28

Senor Roldan was sitting behind his desk at Escortes Belen congratulating himself for deftly sidestepping the Guardias newest pathetic attempt to trap him. Having an officer fake a German accent and request a girl for the night-it was entrapment what would they think of next?The phone on his desk buzzed loudly. Senor Roldan scooped up the receiver with a confident flair. Buenas noches, Escortes Belen.Buenas noches, a mans phonation said in lightning-fast Spanish. He sounded nasal, ilk he had a slight cold. Is this a hotel?No, sir. What number are you dialing? Senor Roldan was not going to fall for any more than tricks this evening.34-62-10, the voice said.Roldan frowned. The voice sounded vaguely familiar. He tried to place the accent-Burgos, maybe? Youve dialed the correct number, Roldan offered cautiously, but this is an escort service.There was a pause on the line. Oh I see. Im sorry. Somebody wrote down this number I opinion it was a hotel. Im visiting here, from Burgos. My a pologies for disturbing you. Good nigh-Espere Wait Senor Roldan couldnt help himself he was a salesman at heart. Was this a referral? A new client from up north? He wasnt going to let a little paranoia blow a potential sale.My friend, Roldan gushed into the phone. I thought I recognized a bit of a Burgos accent on you. I myself am from Valencia. What cultivates you to Seville?I sell jewelry. Majorica pearls.Majoricas, reeaally You must travel quite a bit.The voice coughed sickly. Well, yes, I do.In Seville on business? Roldan pressed. There was no way in hell this guy was Guardia he was a customer with a capital C. Let me guess-a friend gave you our number? He told you to break off us a call. Am I right?The voice was obviously embarrassed. Well, no, actually, its nothing like that.Dont be shy, senor. We are an escort service, nothing to be ashamed of. Lovely girls, dinner dates, that is all. Who gave you our number? Perhaps he is a regular. I can give you a special rate.The voice became flustered. Ah nobody actually gave me this number. I found it with a passport. Im trying to find the owner.Roldans heart sank. This man was not a customer after all. You found the number, you say? Yes, I found a mans passport in the park today. Your number was on a scrap of paper inside. I thought perhaps it was the mans hotel I was hoping to return his passport to him. My mis top. Ill just drop it off at a police station on my way turn out of-Perdon, Roldan interrupted nervously. Might I suggest a better idea? Roldan prided himself on discretion, and visits to the Guardia had a way of making his customers ex-customers. Consider this, he offered. Because the man with the passport had our number, he is most likely a client here. Perhaps I could save you a trip to the police.The voice hesitated. I dont go to sleep. I should probably just-Do not be too hasty, my friend. Im ashamed to admit that the police here in Seville are not always as efficient as the police up north. I t could be days before this mans passport is returned to him. If you tell me his name, I could see that he gets his passport immediately.Yes, well I suppose theres no legal injury Some paper rustled, and the voice returned. Its a German name. I cant quite pronounce it Gusta Gustafson?Roldan didnt recognize the name, but he had clients from all over the world. They never left field their real names. What does he look like-in his photo? Perhaps I result recognize him.Well the voice said. His face is very, very fat.Roldan immediately knew. He remembered the telling face well. It was the man with Rocio. It was odd, he thought, to have two calls about the German in one night.Mr. Gustafson? Roldan forced a chuckle. Of course I know him well. If you bring me his passport, Ill see he gets it.Im downtown without a car, the voice interrupted. Maybe you could come to me?Actually, Roldan hedged, I cant leave the phone. But its really not that far if you-Im sorry, its late to be out wandering about. Theres a Guardia precinct nearby. Ill drop it there, and when you see Mr. Gustafson, you can tell him where it is.No, wait Roldan cried. The police really neednt be involved. You said youre downtown, right? Do you know the Alfonso XIII Hotel? Its one of the citys finest.Yes, the voice said. I know the Alfonso XIII. Its nearby.Wonderful Mr. Gustafson is a guest there tonight. Hes probably there now.The voice hesitated. I see. Well, then I suppose it would be no trouble.Superb Hes having dinner with one of our escorts in the hotel restaurant. Roldan knew they were probably in bed by now, but he needed to be careful not to offend the callers refined sensibilities. Just leave the passport with the concierge, his name is Manuel. Tell him I sent you. Ask him to give it to Rocio. Rocio is Mr. Gustafsons date for the evening. She will see that the passport is returned. You might slip your name and address inside-perhaps Mr. Gustafson will send you a little thank you.A fine idea. The Alfonso XIII. Very well, Ill take it over right now. Thank you for your help.David Becker hung up the phone. Alfonso XIII. He chuckled. Just have to know how to ask.Moments later a silent figure followed Becker up Calle Deliciasinto the softly remission Andalusian night.