Chapter 119 Section 22

Forty minutes later, Esperanza turned off Interstate 25 onto Old Pex Drive, then onto Rodeo Drive, toward the side street where his trailer park was parked.It was nearly two and a half o'clock at this time, and there was no one on the street late at night. "In the morning I would drive into the desert to burn the weapons, our camouflage suits, and the fuel oil and fertilizer in the canteen," Decker said. "I bought the Remington for long-range shooting, but we Didn't use it. It's safe to keep it. Why don't you take it, Esperanza? Take the bow too." "And half the money," said Beth.

"I can't," Esperanza said. "Why not? As long as you don't spend the money right away, as long as you only spend it a little at a time, no one will suspect you have it," Decker said. "You don't have to explain how there are half a million dollars." dollars." "That number sounds good," Esperanza admits. "I can open an unnamed password account for you with a bank in the Bahamas," Beth said. "I believe you can." "Then you will take the money?" "No." "Why not?" Decker asked again, puzzled.

"I've killed quite a few people over the last few days for what I think are valid causes. But if I've taken the money, if I've profited from it, I think I'll always feel dirty." The car fell silent. "What about you, Decker?" Esperanza asked. "Are you going to keep the money?" "I know it has a good use." "for example?" "If I said it, it probably wouldn't work." "Sounds mysterious," Beth said. "You'll find out soon enough." "Well, while I wait, I hope you can clear some of my doubts."

Decker looked concerned. "What is it?" "You're looking for the gun guy. If the criminal lab confirms that the metal fragments from the bomb are from the kettle, and if he sees it in the paper, won't he remember a guy who bought a few guns the day before this happened? and 12 jugs?" "It's possible," Decker said. "Then why aren't you worried?" "Because I was going to get in touch with my former boss and report that Renata was finally disposed of—the final veto, as McKittrick likes to say. In terms of the disaster she caused in Rome, I My old boss would have wanted to make sure it had nothing to do with what happened at the cabin, make sure it had nothing to do with me. My old boss would have used national security as an excuse to keep local law enforcement from looking into it."

"I'm definitely going to cooperate," Esperanza said, "but in case they're late, I'm usually assigned to talk to the gun shop clerk. I can tell you right now that you and the Any connection between what happened at Cox is entirely coincidental." "Speaking of local law enforcement..." Decker leaned forward from behind and opened the locker between the two front seats. "Here's your police badge." "Finally give it to me." "And your gun." “Finally back to its rightful owner.” But, as Esperanza pulled up in front of his trailer, the lightness in his tone turned to melancholy. "The question is, where do I belong? This place doesn't feel like a home anymore. It's empty, no doubt."

"I'm sorry your wife is gone. I hope we can help," Beth said. "Call every now and then and let me know you're both okay." "We'll do something other than call," Decker said. "You'll see us a lot." "Of course." But Esperanza seemed preoccupied as he left the key in the ignition and got out of the car. "good luck." Esperanza didn't answer.He walked slowly across the gravel in front of the trailer.It wasn't until he disappeared inside that Decker got into the driver's seat and turned the key in the ignition.

"Let's go home," Decker said.