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THE VELASCOS

I went to see Abregon, but he didn’t like the idea much. He was a businessman and he looked at the situation like a businessman would.

‘I don’t even know these people and, really Thomas, I would prefer not to get involved. Anyway, how well do you know them yourself? I’ve never heard you mention them before.’

‘They’re customers of mine. I’ve known them a few months. They’ll pay whatever interest you ask.’

‘It’s still not smart to get involved in other people’s problems. You never know what might happen in the future. The police could ask for more money, or these Velascos might say we’re involved somehow. Anything could happen. This is prison. You have to be careful. Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment, my brother. At the end of the day, they are still people wanting money from you.’

I knew that he was right, but the thought of Angela in Obrajes, the women’s jail, with a newborn baby made me sad. I persisted until, finally, Abregon gave in.

‘OK Thomas. I’ll lend the money, but it’s up to you to get it back. They’re your friends. I’m doing it for you, not for them. OK?’

Between the two of us, we lent them the money. I put in my two hundred and Abregon put in the remaining eight. The Velascos signed a contract with witnesses but it was unsecured because Jose Luis said he couldn’t find the title to their cell. I suspect that it was already mortgaged, but the important thing was that Angela was released.

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Three days later, the Velascos had not repaid the money. A fortnight later, I asked them again – they still wouldn’t pay up. I yelled at them to at least pay Abregon back. The money I had loaned them wasn’t overly important to me, because the tour business kept me afloat, but I felt responsible for Abregon’s money and hassled them every time I saw them.