Gigolo

By Jeannine D. Van Eperen

"Try to make a fool out of me, will you?" Her red-painted upper lip curled in a sneer as she studied the young man before her. "I bought and paid for you. You'll always be mine. Certainly not hers." She gave a throaty chuckle. "Mine as long as you live." She took a deep breath. "Here's something you'll always remember. My last present to you, darling." She aimed the pistol and pulled the trigger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9781597054836

Book preview

Prologue

T ry to make a fool out of me, will you? Her red-painted upper-lip curled in a sneer as she studied the young man before her. I bought and paid for you. You’ll always be mine. Certainly not hers. She gave a throaty chuckle. Mine as long as you live. She took a deep breath. Here’s something you’ll always remember. My last present to you, darling.

She aimed the pistol and pulled the trigger.

One

Twenty years ago, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The flight had been a long one and the best that could be said was there was no time change as in flying east to west or west to east. Hugh Winter glanced at his wife. He saw her powdering her nose and smiled. Christopher, their four-year-old son, still slept on his side between them. They were in a holding pattern, circling Corcovado waiting for their turn to land.

The aircraft was filled to capacity with Carnival travelers. Passengers had been drinking and partying since they left Atlanta. He sighed. If he had any sense in his head, he would have put off his business trip for another week, but it seemed like fun to fly down now and mix business with pleasure.

Do you think I have time to run to the bathroom, Hugh? Margaret asked.

Sure. They’ll make an announcement before they land. You know, ‘Fasten your seatbelts.’

Okay, I’ll just take a sec.

Margaret deserved a little fun. She put up with his trips here and there while staying home with their small son and did very little complaining. They would have left the boy with his grandparents but they were at this minute heading down to Puerto Rico for some warmer weather from their Iowa home. He smiled to himself. It was his and Margaret’s ten-year anniversary and he planned to surprise her by taking her to the best restaurant in Rio, and they’d kick up their heels a little. According to the travel agent, the hotel had secured a reputable baby-sitter to watch Chris while they cavorted with the native Brazilians in celebrating Carnival. He and Margaret would have two days to sightsee before he had any business meetings. It would be fun and the trip would give Margaret something to brag about to her friends. Hugh believed once Lent began, the city would quiet down to normal again. He had been to Brazil a couple times on business, but never in February during the busiest time of the year.

Margaret took her seat just as the return to seats announcement was made. His son stirred, opened his eyes and smiled. Hugh smiled back and thought life couldn’t get any better.

FIVE HOURS LATER, AS they finally walked into a hotel room, Hugh set down their bags, It’ll get better, Hugh said, giving his wife a smile. He ran his hand through his pale blond hair and hoped everything was satisfactorily settled. One thing and then another had gone wrong. A mix-up, the hotel clerk had said. The hotel with which they had reserved a room didn’t have a room and shuttled them to another... a nice hotel... a Sofitel... right at the beach. I’m sure Chris will sleep tonight.

Margaret smiled. I think I will, too. She patted her son’s curly dark hair. We don’t have to go out to dinner tonight, Hugh. She smiled at her husband. We can just stay and eat here, can’t we?

We could if we wanted to but we have such a short time to see the Carnival and you want to be able to tell your club women about it, don’t you?

I can make something up.

Hugh smiled and put his arm around her shoulder. He wanted, no needed, to do something nice for her. They were married for ten years now and had waited six years before having a baby, not they planned to wait long. It just didn’t happen earlier, but now they had a fine, strong boy of four and Margaret had recently told him she might be pregnant again. He couldn’t be happier and neither could she. He hoped she was right. Another baby would be nice. Hugh wanted to show her how much he needed and loved her. She was the light of his life and always had been. Now was the time to let her know how much he appreciated her. In a few months, she might be tied down again by pregnancy and caring for another child. No, tonight’s the night, he decided, and nothing will postpone it. Their tenth wedding anniversary should be special. Chris may act up a little, but he was a good kid, and Hugh knew the boy would settle in and behave himself once they left.

Taking a seat next to Chris on the bed, he put his arm around the boy, and spoke man to man. You don’t mind Mommie and me going out, do you, son? We won’t be long, and a nice lady is going to keep you company for about two or three hours or so.

Can’t I go wif you? the four-year-old asked, his light silver-blue eyes gazing at his father wistfully.

Not tonight. Every other night you can. He spoke to the child as to an adult. Tonight’s Mommie’s and my wedding anniversary.

Oh, Hugh, maybe we shouldn’t...

Hugh grinned. Maybe we should. After all the hassle I had to get a sitter, and the other hotel said this woman is great and didn’t mind coming here instead. He rose and went to his wife who stood near the large plate glass window. She had drawn the curtains affording them some privacy since the room they were given was on the first floor near the pool. He put his arms around her waist. We’ll come back just as soon as we’ve eaten and joined the crowds in celebration for a half-hour or so. Okay?

Yeah. Okay. She gave him a peck on the cheek. I’m sure Chris will just conk out as soon as we leave. I’ve asked some food be delivered in an hour, so we’d best freshen up and I’ll put Chris’ pajamas on him.

MARGARET GLANCED AT her watch. Almost six. In a little while, they’d be cavorting with the crowd before they made their way to the restaurant. The dinner reservations were for eight o’clock. Late for dinner but that was the Brazilian way, she decided, at least during Carnival. It was so sweet of Hugh to plan something special. Her stomach fluttered in excitement. She’d never really been anywhere before, content to stay home while Hugh traveled to exciting places on business for his job in an electronics manufacturing firm. The sitter ought to arrive in a few minutes. They had been told the lady spoke some English. She hoped it was enough English so Chris understood and wouldn’t be frightened to be left alone with a stranger. The boy rarely had a sitter and when she did go out, either her mother or her sister watched Chris.

Margaret jerked at a knock on the corridor door. She felt a little on edge. Excitement, she surmised.

Hugh went to answer the knock and ushered into the room a woman who appeared to be in her thirties, perhaps forty. She appeared neat and clean and gave them a warm smile.

I’m Alicia, the woman said in accented English. I will take good care of your child for you.

Hugh shook the woman’s hand. I’m Hugh.

Alicia took a few steps farther into the room and smiled in Margaret’s direction.

Margaret returned the smile. We’re Margaret and Hugh Winter and this is Chris.

What a beautiful boy!

Margaret grinned at the praise. He’s a good boy, too, aren’t you, Chrissy? She looked at her son and said, You’ll be a good boy and do what Alicia says, okay?

I wanna go wif you.

We were over this, young man, Hugh said, using his fatherly stern tone. You’ll stay with Alicia and do as you’re told... as Alicia tells you. Hugh couldn’t help smiling at the boy and ruffling his curly hair. It’s just like being with Grandma or Auntie Judy. You always enjoy your time with them.

The child’s lips pressed together in a pout. I wanna... he began.

He’ll be fine once you leave, Alicia said.

Someone will be here with room service in a few minutes, Margaret said. I don’t think we’ll be gone long.

Shouldn’t be later than eleven or eleven-thirty. Hugh urged his wife to the door. He thought leaving quickly would tend to settle his son down sooner.

Take all the time you need, the sitter said.

Don’t go, Mommie. The boy looked up at his mother from the bed upon which he stood. Tears formed in his eyes. I don’t wanna be alone.

You won’t be alone. Alicia will be here. Margaret turned to her husband. It wasn’t important they go out to dinner on their anniversary. In her heart she felt they should stay. Chris looked so devastated to see them preparing to leave.

Hugh took Margaret’s hand and led her to the door.

The boy ran after them. Mommie... He started to cry. Mommie!

That’s enough, young man. Now behave yourself, Hugh said. "We’ve been over this. You’ll stay and you’ll do as Alicia tells you.

Hugh smiled at the sitter, who didn’t appear in the least rattled by his son’s behavior, probably having seen the same scene time and time again. I’ve put a telephone number here on this card in case you need to get in touch. It’s a restaurant.

I’m sure we’ll get along fine as soon as you leave. I’m told I have a good way with children.

Good. I’m sure you do. Margaret and I leave Chris into your care.

"I’ll treat Chris as my own.

Hugh glanced at his watch. We’d better leave. Hugh crouched down by his son, We’ll see ya, sport. Be good and we’ll bring you a present.

The boy nodded but still wanted to cling to his mother’s skirt. He put his thumb in his mouth, but his mother drew his hand away from his mouth. No finger sucking. You’re a big boy now, remember? She bent down and kissed him. We are leaving you with Alicia now. You show her what a good, big boy you are. I’m sure she’ll take very good care of you.

Don’t worry, Mrs. Winter.

The Winters left as the room service cart arrived and was brought into the hotel room.

During the moment their son was distracted by the cart, they fled.

He’ll be all right, Hugh said. I’m sure in a few minutes he won’t miss us at all.

Margaret chucked. I don’t think I’d like that. I’m his mom and I want to be missed, otherwise, what good am I?

ALICIA PICKED UP THE four-year-old boy and sat down with him on her lap. There, there, don’t cry. I’ll take very good care of you. Your mommie and daddy gave you to me and I’ll never let you go. Didn’t Daddy say, ‘Margaret and I leave Chris into your care?’ The boy nodded. Your father, your daddy, said to me and your mommie agreed, isn’t it so, my sweet one? My name is Mama. You’ll call me mama, won’t you?

The child was confused. He frowned. Mommie and Daddy comin’ back.

No, oh no. Remember, they said they were giving you to me. You’re mine now. All mine. She sat him in a chair by the small table. It’s best you eat. We have a long trip ahead of us. I don’t think your parents had time to unpack your things. You eat while I check the luggage and the bureau drawers. Now, be a good boy. Eat everything and I’ll take you out and buy you an ice cream.

Chris nodded his head and began to spoon the food into his mouth. He frowned in thought as he ate, trying to understand what the woman had told him, but mostly he focused in on the ice cream. He’d be a good boy for Mommie and Daddy. He’d eat and then the lady would take him to find his parents and they’d all have ice cream. He paid no attention to what the woman was doing as she had turned on the television and he watched costumed people frolic in the streets.

Ah, you finished everything, Alicia said, praising him.

Now ice cream.

Yes, now ice cream. Alicia beamed at the tot. Are you big enough to carry your sweater? At his nod, she handed one to him. It’s warm outside, but it may turn cooler. We’ll go for a walk.

Can I bring Scoopie? He scrambled up onto the bed and drew off a small stuffed animal. Scoopie likes ice cream, too.

By all means. Scoopie will come with us. She bent down and engulfed the child in her arms, arms just aching for a boy such as him to caress. Such a beautiful child! She hoped his light eyes would not be a problem, but he did have such dark hair. She smiled. Ah, my husband could have been a German. Many Germans fled here. Yes, some German blood.

Ice cream, the boy said, pulling at her skirt.

Yes, yes. Ice cream. Perhaps you ought to potty first. Isn’t that the word the Americans use for toilet? Yes. Potty. The child understands. Ah, in no time he’ll be speaking Portuguese. He’s a bright boy, and I’ll keep him away from people until he can communicate. Until then, I’ll pretend he’s slow to talk.

After opening the sliding door leading to the pool area, Alicia took the boy’s hand in hers and picked up his satchel with her other hand. At present, the pool area was deserted. Everyone was in the streets celebrating. She’d take the boy through the pool patio. It was a shortcut to the Ipanema Beach. They’d blend in with the tourists walking down the street that bordered the beach. She only lived a few blocks away.

Alicia was happy the tot seemed distracted by the revelers and all the different sights. It’d only take a few minutes for her to pack a few things, take what money she had hidden away and leave. She’d splurge on a taxi to take them a few blocks away and then they’d walk to a bus.

Ice cream, the boy said.

Yes, you sweet, soon.

Mommie and Daddy?

Maybe they’ll be there waiting for us.

ALICIA TOOK THE BOY into her sparse apartment.

Hotel?

Sort of a hotel, she answered. She pulled things out of a drawer and closet. She was happy she didn’t own much. She had a large suitcase and combined her belongings with the boy’s, discarding some of the things too expensive for a Brazilian child, a child of hers, to have, but kept most of the small toys he had.

Alicia felt bad about leaving her job. It was a government job, one she really liked, but having the boy was far more important. She’d been waiting, looking, taking babysitting jobs just praying for and looking for a boy such as Chris. I’ll keep his name Cris. He’ll be Cristovao Inverno. Isn’t that what those people said? Hugh and Margaret Winter? Inverno. Winter. The same thing. Well, the Winters were no more. They were gone. They shouldn’t have run off to have fun, leaving their beautiful boy alone. They don’t deserve him. Now, I’ll be Alicia Inverno and he my son Cris.

Ah, my precious, now you and I will get you some ice cream.

She saw the child sleepily rub his eyes. You don’t want to fall asleep just yet. She smiled. We have some ice cream to eat. Come, we must walk just a little farther. We’ll have our sweet and then I’ll find a cab and we’ll ride.

Home? the boy asked.

Yes, Cris. Home. We’ll find a new home and no one will ever find us. Oh, it will be wonderful!

SEVERAL HOURS LATER, Cris slept beside Alicia on a crowded bus. She cradled his head against her breast. It was the most wonderful feeling to experience the warmth of him, to feel his little heart beat.

She sighed. It felt good to relax for a little while. At first they changed buses often, but now, she decided, they could continue northward while the child got some rest. She wasn’t tired. She was too keyed up to feel fatigue. Right now she just wanted to get as far away from Rio de Janeiro as she could. She could still see Corcovado in the distance. She prayed to Christ to keep her and her son, Cris, safe. She glanced at the boy. Her son. Her dream had come true. When the boy woke, she’d change buses again. Head west for an hour or two and then reverse on to her destination. She had worked all this out a long time ago, but now it had truly happened. She had decided Recife in northeastern Brazil was the perfect place. It wasn’t as large as Rio but it housed over three—almost four million—people. Surely, one little boy and she could easily blend in and find their way. Somehow, she would acquire papers proclaiming her to be Alicia Inverno and her son, Cristovao. She felt since she was able to snatch the boy from his parents, she’d be able to do anything, and she would do anything to keep him with her.

Two

O h, what an exciting night! Margaret said as they walked down the wide corridor to their hotel room. Her high heels clicked on the grey tile floor beneath her feet. She had been too busy with luggage and Chris to notice much of the hotel earlier, but now in her slightly inebriated state, she felt relaxed and her eyes took in the wide expanse of hallway and the other surroundings.

And you didn’t want to go out, Hugh teased.

Hugh, dinner must have been expensive...

Hang the expense. We have to have some fun while we’re still young enough to enjoy it. He chuckled. Besides, my half of the meal goes on my expense account.

This is a nice place, Margaret said, sounding and feeling a little tipsy. They had celebrated first with old-fashioneds, but then decided to try the waiter’s suggestion of a cairpininha. The attractive and solicitous man had told them it was Brazil’s national drink and it would be a shame not to drink at least one during this carnival season. Well, one taste of the cocktail led to another. She never drank much alcohol, usually preferring ginger ale, but as they say, When in Rome, so it must apply to When in Brazil as well. She hiccupped. Hugh’s arm tightened around her waist, steadying her. Hugh, honey, I’m glad we did go out and kick up our heels tonight. What time is it, anyway?

Hugh checked his watch. Oh, boy! It’s after midnight. I hope the sitter isn’t too upset we’re out so late. Where’d the time go?

They reached their room doorway. He put the key into the door’s lock. They’re probably both asleep by now, he whispered before opening the door. But I do hear the television. He pushed the door open slowly so as not to disturb the sitter, who probably dozed, before he needed to do so. He wanted to be extra-polite and he also decided he’d give her a pretty good tip. They walked into the room. Stopped and looked at each other, confused. The bed was still made. The room service items were on the table and it was apparent Chris had eaten.

No one’s here, Margaret said. Where are they? Her eyes opened wide and she began to feel panic. No longer did she feel tipsy.

Maybe Chris couldn’t sleep and she took him for a walk.

She shook her head no. Her legs could no longer hold her and she fell back onto the chair by the table. "Hugh! What’s