33

The man was thin but extremely muscular, clean-shaven

man said.

to me?" he asked.

all over, you know what I mean?"

each other, having a jolly time.

"Maybe not. I'm just saying what I would have done."

and black-haired, with soft fleshy lips and oily skin the color

of hazelnuts. He was Puerto Rican with a strong island

accent, casually dressed in black slackS and loose-fitting

tropical shirt open to the breastbone. He had long mani-

cured fingers, a square gold ring on each hand, and shiny

gold chains around his neck. At most he was thirty-five. He

extended a hand, and Mark had to grab it out of politeness.

The ring seemed to weigh as much as the appendage. "LuIS

Camacho," the man said. How you doin' ?"

Peter Benedict," Mark replied. "I'm doing okay"

Luis pointed emphatically at the floor. "When I'm in tow

this is my favorite place. I love the Luxor, man"

ed sipped his beer. There was never a good time for

emall talk, especially tonight. A blender whirred loudly.

JIndeterred, Luis cont