The game had changed so radically that she had to play catch-up, and fast. Which was why she had hung on each word of the conversation between Moira and Arkadin not only for content but also for tonal nuance, any clue as to why Moira was actually here. What did she want from Arkadin? Surely the deal Moira was making with him was as bogus as her own.
Outside, the night was very dark, without moonlight. Because of the cloud cover, only a wan halo of stars toward the crown of the sky was visible. Inside, the cantina stank of beer and body odor. The room was raucous with a desperation tinged by hopelessness and despair. She felt surrounded by people for whom tomorrow didn't exist.
She wished that she and Moira could talk to each other, if only for the briefest moment, but under Arkadin's eye that was impossible. Even going to the ladies' room at the same time would doubtless arouse his suspicion. She didn't know Moira's cell number, so texting her was out. There remained only a verbal conversation laced with coded messages. If they were on parallel paths, or even by chance the same one, it was essential they not get in each other's way.
Arkadin and Moira were dripping sweat when they returned to the table. Arkadin ordered beers for them, and another coffee for Soraya. Whatever might happen tomorrow, he was clearly enjoying being with the two women tonight.
"Moira," Soraya said, "do you know anything about the Middle East, or is your expertise strictly in the Americas?"
"Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, and to some extent Brazil are my territories."
"And you work alone?"
"I have a company, but right now I'm on special assignment to Berengaria Moreno." Moira gestured with her chin. "And you?"
"My own company, though there's a conglomerate that's looking for a hostile takeover."
"Multinational?"
"Strictly American."
Moira nodded. "Import-export, you said?"
Soraya stirred some sugar into her coffee. "That's right."
"You might be able to use my, ah, expertise against hostile bidders."
"Thank you, but no." Soraya sipped her coffee, then put the cup back in its saucer. "I have my own, ah, enforcers."
"What do you call a thought in a woman's head?" Arkadin leaned forward, looking from one to the other. "A tourist!" He laughed so hard he almost choked on his beer. Then, noting their somber expressions, "Shit, lighten up, ladies, we're here to have fun, not talk business."
Moira looked at him for a moment. "What do you get when you cross a Russian with a Vietnamese? A car thief that can't drive."
Soraya laughed. "Now we're having fun."
Arkadin smiled. "Have any more?"
"Let's see." Moira drummed her fingers on the table. "How about this? Two Russians and a Mexican are in a car. Who's driving? The police."
Arkadin laughed and shook his finger at Moira. "Where do you pick up these jokes?"
"In prison," Moira said. "Roberto Corellos loves making Russians the butt of jokes."
"Time to switch to tequila," Arkadin said, signaling the waiter. "Bring a bottle," he said to the young woman who came over. "Something fine. A reposado or anejo."
Instead of another ranchera, the jukebox began to play "Twenty-four Hours from Tulsa." Gene Pitney's high twang rang out over the laughter and shouts of the drunken patrons. But morning was coming, and with it a change in the clientele. As the night owls slowly staggered out, the night-shift people from the maquiladora drifted in, heads aching, tails dragging. There were fewer of them, as well, most of them stumbling home to fall into bed without taking off their clothes.
Before the tequila got to the table, Arkadin had grabbed Moira's hand and was swinging her onto the dance floor, which for the first time all night was larger than a postage stamp. He held her close while they swayed to the Burt Bacharach melody.
"You're something of a smart-ass," he said, smiling like a shark.
"It didn't come easy," she said.
He laughed. "I can only imagine."
"Don't bother."
Arkadin swung her around. "You're wasting your time in South America. You should come to work for me."
"Before I set up Corellos's murder?"
"Let that be your last assignment." He stuck his nose into the side of her neck and inhaled deeply. "How are you going to do it?"
"I thought you said no business."
"Just this one bit, then it's all fun. I swear."
"Corellos is addicted to women. I have a connection to his supplier. When is a man more vulnerable than after sex? I'll find someone who's good with a knife."
Arkadin pulled her hips harder into him. "I like it. Set