Chapter 6

"Mmmmm," Ann smiled, "This Martini is heavenly. I'm glad you talked me into having one."

The two girls were sitting at the Patio Lounge out by the pool. The cool breeze blowing through the garden was refreshing after the hot, dusty afternoon in the Plaza de Toros. Ann felt absolutely in heaven. It had been a perfect day. She was ravenously hungry, which was a good indication of the elation she felt.

"Roberto mixes the best Martini this side of the border," Julia said.

"They're a bit stronger than Daiquiris, I must say," Ann said, grimacing in jest after a sip. "I think I might get to like them, they make my toes tingle," she giggled.

"Well, don't let them tingle too much just yet," Julia said suddenly, looking over behind Ann's shoulder. "I think we may have a heavy date for the evening."

Ann looked around at the two men who had just entered the lounge. They appeared to be in their late thirties or early forties and not too bad- looking.

"Julia, you don't mean you're going to pick them up?" Ann said, shocked at the thought.

"Don't be silly, Ann," Julia chided. "I know one of them. We can get them to take us out to dinner and dancing. You know we don't dare go anywhere in this town alone at night."

"But we're both married women. We can't do that!" she protested, "what if we see someone we know?"

"Oh for heavens sakes, Ann, no one we know is down here," Julia admonished. "Pete's a nice guy I've known for years and the best protection we can have. Remember, we're here to see the sights and we can't sitting in this dead hotel."

Before Ann could protest further, Julia waved the two men over to the table.

"Well, hello Doll, what are you doing here?" the ruddy-faced man of about forty bubbled to Julia.

"Same as you, Pete, trying to relax for a weekend," Julia answered, smiling and extending her hand. "Sit down and join us."

"Sure thing, we'd love to," Pete said elated. "I'd like you to meet my friend Carlos. He handles my business here in Tijuana."

"How do you do, Carlos," Julia said and introduced Ann to them.

From a distance both had looked rather nice, but up closer, Ann had her doubts. The one Julia called Pete, appeared a type likely to be in some illegal business. Carlos was too good looking, in fact, almost perfectly so. He wore heavy cologne that didn't seem quite masculine to Ann. Something about him was not trustworthy though Ann couldn't spot it. She supposed if Julia knew them, it was all right. Ann thought she'd probably been seeing too many old gangster movies on television lately.

Carlos sat by Ann and his heavy cologne surrounded her--obviously he spoke little English which made her uneasy.

"Hey there buddy," Pete said, thickly, "I think you've hit the jackpot tonight. Where'd you come from honey?"

"Don't mind Pete," Julia broke in, "he's always popping off. You be easy on Ann, Pete, she's a lonely navy wife too, and it's hands off."

"I was just being friendly," Pete feigned mock indignation. "I wouldn't want to scare the little girl."

"Don't worry," Ann said bravely, not wanting to embarrass Julia with her innocence, "I've been around a bit."

Pete's remark irked her. She was tired of being treated as a babe in arms. She knew Julia was older and a great deal more experienced but this didn't justify what she was doing. She could take care of herself.

"Well, Carlos and I have been invited to a party tonight that is a party and no kids allowed. Are you chicks game?"

"Well, I'm for good, clean fun, but Ann likes to go to bed early," Julia chided.