Read Online Certain Jeopardy by Jeff Struecker, Alton Gansky - Free Book Online

details about their adventure. Her husband smiled, nodded, said, “Ah” and “Wonderful” and “You don’t say” whenever he could squeeze a word in. They slowed, more because they needed to breathe than the lack of things to say. Hector took advantage of it.
    “I will see you soon. I have two more days here in Rome then I’ll fly straight to meet you.”
    “Will you bring us something, Papa?”
    “Perhaps, Lina. What are your plans for today and tomorrow?”
    Nestor shrugged. “Mamá can say it better.”
    Julia looked into the camera. “Today we rest. We will watch television and maybe a movie then have dinner in the hotel. Tomorrow they’ve arranged for a tour around the city and a boat ride.”
    “I’ve never been on a boat before.” Lina jumped in place, unable to suppress her excitement.
    “I wish I could go with you. Maybe if you like the boat trip we can do it again when I get there. I also want to show you where I grew up.”
    “Okay,” Lina said.
    “I want to go into the jungle.” Nestor remained more reserved than his sister.
    “I’ll see what I can do. Now let me talk to your mother.”
    The children disappeared into the adjoining room.
    “They’re so excited, Hector. This has been a big adventure for them.”
    “I’m glad. And what about you? Is it such a big adventure?”
    “Yes … most of the time. I worry some. We’re so far from home.”
    “You grew up in Caracas just as I did.”
    “I know, but we’ve been gone so long. I feel out of place. My family …” There was no need for her to finish. Hector and she were dating when her parents died in an auto accident. An only child, she was all that remained.
    “I feared this might stir up old pains.” Even thousands of miles of Internet connections couldn’t hide the concern in his face. “It is why I suggested we turn down the invitation.”
    “Nonsense. I’m a woman. I have the right to feel down from time to time. I want to be here when they honor you. It is one of the joys of being married to a great man.”
    “I’m not a great man, Julia. I’m just a man who loves his work.”
    “You’re a nuclear scientist. How many women can say, ‘I married a nuclear scientist’?”
    That made him laugh. “If you were with me at this conference, you would be surrounded by such women. And men too.”
    “So you are well?”
    He nodded. “I feel fine. A little weary from the travel and the difference in time zones. It is already late here. I am six hours ahead of Caracas time.”
    “You must be exhausted.”
    “I’m fine. Did you have any trouble at the airport? Did they ask you questions?”
    “Someone from the government met us. He showed his identification to the customs agents and security. No one stopped us or asked questions. He even carried our bags.”
    “It sounds like they’re treating you well.”
    “The hotel room is beautiful. I didn’t expect such luxury. It’s a suite with two bedrooms and a large common room. It has a kitchen with a refrigerator filled with food and drinks. I’m having trouble keeping the children from eating it all.”
    “Let them have some fun. This is all new to them.”
    “Spoken like a father who will not have to get up in the middle of the night and tend their upset stomachs.”
    “Just make sure they’re well when I arrive. I plan to spoil them unmercifully.”
    “You always do.”
    “I’ll be praying for you.”
    Her voice softened. “And we’ll be praying for you.”
    They said good night and Julia ended the video call. As she did, it seemed as if the distance between them had grown. It was good seeing his face and hearing his voice, but it came nowhere close to having him near enough to touch, to hug, to kiss.
    “Mamá, Nestor hit me with his book!”
    “No, I didn’t. Liar!”
    Julia sighed, rose, and walked from the computer.
    * * *
     
    THE MAN IN TH E adjoining room winced when the child shrieked. He pulled his headphones away from his ears just before the