Somebody Else's Space Program
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Chapter Twenty Two "Just put your money in my hand,
And you will get what money buys!"
A successful launch, finally. "When do we invite the mayor to watch?"
"Whoa. Not until we can do more than land on fish."
"I've been talking to the fishermen. If we get the final stages to float, they will retrieve them, if we pay a bounty for the capsule."
"I hear two sizeable 'ifs' in there. Our funds are tight enough now. How are you proposing to get money to pay for retrieval?"
"Is it cheaper to build a new capsule every time?"
"Probably, if we're taking the first one apart to study it. But you're right, we have to start doing something."
There was a note on the dining room table for John the next morning. "I'll be back when I have the money."
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"Don Espiridion, there is someone to see you. A young man,he won't give his name or business. Should I just send him away?"
Don Espiridion yawned. "Send him in. I need a diversion." He pulled himself to his feet and doused his head in a bowl of water, rinsing the dust away. He was pouring himself some wine when the door opened. "Enter. And be polite to Don Espiridion, understand?"
The youngster looked travel-worn, dusty and exhausted. "Would you like some fruit, young sir?"
"If it pleases you, Don Espiridion, yes."
Espiridion tossed two oranges to the young man. "What business have you with me?"
"I understand that you have been looking for Enriqueta Villatuya."
The older man used a small knife to peel another orange, and offered it to the boy. "Yes. Her family has had no success finding her, and they are concerned."
"Is there a reward?"
"Do you know where she is?"
"I have a friend who mentioned her to me. Of my own knowledge, no. But my friend can be persuaded to talk with some coins."
"And it has to be worth your while, too, I am sure. How much do you want?"
"Five hundred in gold."
Don Espiridion laughed. "Fifty. And I see the girl before either of you get a copper of it."
"We can use the priest as an intermediary. I will explain things to him -- when you give him the money, he will send me a message. I will then have my friend bring Enriqueta to the church."
"Agreed."
"Don Espiridion -- what do you want of her?"
"That is not your business."
"My friend will ask."
Don Espiridion growled, "Does he want the money or not?"
The younger man slumped. "Yes. He needs the money. I will go speak to the priest now."
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"You are insane. When the messenger leaves, I am to follow him... where?"
"Where ever he goes, Franco. I see no reason to pay for what I can gain freely."
"But the messenger won't leave until the priest has the money."
"Leave that to me."
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"Ricky! You should not have come back to this town. There is a price on your head."
"I know. I'm going to collect it."
"And what good is that going to do you?"
"Father, Don Espiridion is not going to hurt me. And I need the money -- it's for a good man."
"How are you going to get it to him?"
"That's where you come in. I need to talk to your altar boys."
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The waiting Franco tried not to doze in the heat. The young man had gone into the church as he had arranged, now there should be a messenger... a swarm of small children scattered at the entrance of the church, in five different directions. And among them were some older youngsters, any of whom could be old enough to be used for message work. Don Espiridion was going to kill him.
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One of the younger priests knocked at Don Espiridion's door. "Yes, Father?"
"The girl is at the church, waiting for you."
"Enriqueta."
"Yes."
"And the money?"
"Is well on its way. Those were the terms of the agreement."
Don Espiridion sighed heavily. At least he would have the girl under his hand at last. "Yes."
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