Chapter 7

Pete, despite the drink, maneuvered his long black Cadillac skillfully through the streets of Tijuana and out on the other side of the city. They had left the pavement and were following a dirt road to a large Spanish style hacienda. It showed up clearly, in the moonlight that flooded Baja California, even though it was still over a half a mile away.

The Martinis, wine, and black Russians left a comfortable glow on Ann. The black Russians in particular were delicious after dinner. It was a new drink that Pete had picked up somewhere and consisted of half vodka and half Kahlua.

Ann was at peace with the world. She hadn't minded when Carlos, had put his arm over the back of the seat and gradually let it down to rest across her shoulders.

On one bump he let his hand slip down cupping her left breast, but she had quickly moved to keep it away, not certain if it had been an accident or not. It did bother her, and the uncomfortable feeling she experienced at the bullfight returned again.

Strange, she though, what one contact with her first man in six months did to her. She could feel the nipple of her breast leap erect when he touched it and she was sure he felt the reaction as he nestled her just a little closer and more confidently immediately afterwards.

His leg pressed tightly against her thigh was also disquieting, and she tried to squirm away but he had followed her with each move she made. She didn't like the feeling this close contact with a man aroused and had started to push him away but had seen Julia slide next to Pete in the front seat and rest her head on his shoulder. His arm was around her and his hand was obviously somewhere in front. It hung over Julia's shoulder and Julia was enjoying it. Her head moved against him, kissing his ears and neck teasingly. Ann had been watching this little love- play too intently to completely ward off Carlos' innocent little advances. When the car finally pulled up to a large iron gate, Pete blinked his lights and the guard opened it.

"Buenos Noches, Senor Robinson," the guard smiled, waving them through.

"Buenos Noches," Pete responded; wheeled the car into the court-yard.

Ann was surprised; there must have been twenty cars parked inside and not a light anywhere. When they got out she could hear music coming from inside, the only indication, other than the gate guard, that anyone else was present.

Pete guided them to a large oaken door which was opened to them by a short, fat, obscene-looking Mexican in a tuxedo. Pete handed him two crisp one hundred dollar bills. Ann blinked in astonishment; she had never heard of a night club costing a hundred dollars a couple. Her misgivings arose again but she squelched them as they entered the large salon and bar. She was determined to show Julia that she wasn't a child and could be a good sport as well as Julia could.

It was the most lavishly decorated room Ann had seen; done in red velvet and gold embroidery from ceiling to floor. Long low couches were arranged in a broad semi-circle that faced a stage.

Most of the men present were middle-aged and obviously wealthy. Most of the women were quite beautiful and much younger than their escorts. They were exquisitely dressed. Ann was certain they couldn't be the wives of these men.

She also noticed several middle-aged women with handsome young Mexicans. She doubted these were their husbands. Whatever their reasons for being here, it was certainly a pretty exclusive and elite group.

"Put us close to the back tonight, will you Ramon!" Pete asked the short Mexican who had ushered them in. "We've got a new girl with us and I don't want her crawling up on the stage and interrupting the performance." He winked at Ann and for the first time she detected a certain lewdness not apparent before. She hoped she hadn't gotten in over her head--but thought nothing can happen to me here--not with all these people around.

If it got too rough she could always demand they call a taxi and send her back to the hotel. The logic soothed her and she followed Julia as Ramon led them to one of the large couches in the rear.

Two silver buckets of iced champagne were ready. Ramon popped the corks and poured them each a bubbling glass.

"Well, here's to a good evening, kiddos," Pete toasted, raising his glass to them. "Let's hope we get our money's worth tonight."

Ann tipped her glass up with the others and the cool bubbly liquid felt wonderful going down. She loved champagne but on Dave's navy pay they had never been able to afford it except on very special occasions.

Ann noticed she was getting the most covetous glances from the men. She felt Julia didn't like this and caught her jealous glances when the men looked at Ann rather than her. Ann didn't want to offend Julia but her vanity was pleased with this attention. She was glad to have some small triumph over Julia because Julia made her feel so immature in other ways.