They found the address on a quiet lane near the edge of town.
The house from the photograph stood behind a low stone wall.
Its shutters were green now instead of white, but the front steps were the same. A lemon tree grew beside the window where the man with the dark ring had once been standing.
Esperanza remained in the car.
Mother Caridad did not hurry her.
Doctor Paloma turned off the engine.
For several seconds, they listened to the ticking sound of the cooling motor.
Paloma nodded.
“That is true.”
Esperanza looked at Serrano.
“Then why was I at your clinic seven weeks ago?”
The doctor folded his hands.
“You were not.”
Silence spread through the room.
Mother Caridad leaned forward.
“The clinic confirmed an appointment for Ana Valdés.”
“Yes.”
“But not for her?”
“No.”
Esperanza stared at him.
“Who attended?”
Serrano looked at Elena.
Elena’s face had gone pale.
