Eliecer and Rolo talked until late, interrupted periodically by the former’s coughing attacks. The next morning, a guard brought them some old bread and water.
“When are you letting me out of here?” said Rolo.
“Ask your new friend,” said the guard, nodding towards Eliecer as he stepped out of the cell.
“I haven’t killed anyone.”
“Not for lack of trying.”
“This is all a misunderstanding.”
“I don’t really care.”
“Don’t I get a hearing before a judge?”
“What do I know? I’m just a guard.”
“Then let me speak to someone who knows.”
The guard turned the key. He smiled at Rolo through the small opening the door had at face level.
“Sure, sure. We’ll let the mayor know. How’s that? Or maybe the governor.”
He walked away.
“Come back here! Hey! I’m talking to you!”
The guard’s steps faded away.
“They’ll let you out, eventually,” said Eliecer, “but you’ll need to be patient, if you don’t mind an old man’s advice. You humiliated lieutenant Cueto in the town square, in front of everyone, over a dog.”
“That dog is worth a hundred Cuetos.”
“I don’t doubt it, but the dog has no military rank.”
“Any man who abuses an animal is a degenerate.”
“It wasn’t even your dog.”
“To hell with Cueto.”
Rolo turned away around and picked up his bread.
“Don’t tell me you’ve been living on bread and water all this time,” he said.
“Later they’ll bring some rice and beans, or boiled potatoes. Now and then they bring some old fruit. Limes and bananas, sometimes mangoes.”
“Great.”
“I used to be as big as you when I first got here.”
Rolo looked down at Eliecer. The old man was smiling.
“It’s good to have company,” the old man said. “I’ve been laughing at my own jokes for ages.”
“You’re not that funny.”
“That’s what the guards say…”
Eliecer laughed and started coughing again.
“What’s wrong with you?” said Rolo when the coughing stopped.
“Besides being a hundred years old and being locked up in here all this time?”
“You’re not a hundred.”
Eliecer spit in a corner. “I’m old. I’m sick. With a little luck, I’ll die soon.”
“Don’t you have anyone? Outside, I mean.”
“Not anymore.”
They sat in silence for a while.
“Tell me a story,” said Rolo. “A story from the old days.”
Eliecer stared at him.
“I can tell you a story. You might not believe it.”
“Why wouldn’t I believe it? Does it have to do with sirens and sea dragons?
“There are no such things.”
“Ghosts?”
“I don’t believe in them, either. I don’t believe in anything.”
“Really? You must believe in something.”
Eliecer turned down the corners of his mouth.
“That’s true. I believe in silver.”
Rolo smiled.
“Lovely. So, why wouldn’t I believe your story?”
Eliecer sighed. “I’ve learned that people are more likely to believe bad news than good. They may have something wonderful right in front of their eyes, and they keep looking for the catch.”
“Listen, I asked you for a story, but if you have good news, please share them. I could use some good news right now.”
“Hm. Maybe. But if I tell you this story, you have to promise me something.”
“Oh, so there is a catch, after all.”
“No, it’s not like that. It would be a shame, that’s all…”
“What would be a shame?”
“If I told you the story and you did nothing about it. Look, I know the only way I’m getting out of here is feet first, and I’ll be damned if I’ll tell the story to these bastards. But you’re young and healthy and they won’t keep you here too long, so maybe…”
Rolo stared into the old man’s eyes.
“What are you talking about?”
Eliecer leaned in.
“I’m talking about treasure, my friend. Real buried treasure. And if I tell you this story, I want you to promise me you’ll go get it. Go get it and toast your old friend, Eliecer, who will have probably left this world by then.”
“And you know where this treasure is?”
“Isn’t that what I just said?”
“So, where is it?”
The old pirate closed his eyes and nodded.
“Let me tell you the story.”
***
Six months later, pale, bearded, and wider around the waist from eating too much rice, Rolo Barba walked out of the jailhouse and blinked in the morning sunshine. The dog was waiting for him. As it approached, ears down and wagging his tail, Rolo crouched down to pet him.
“Come along, my friend,” he said. “There’s someone I know who will be happy to give you a good home. I would take you with me, but it might be dangerous for you. I’m going treasure hunting.”
I hope you enjoyed this story. Click on the image below to download Buried Treasure at Coffin Key, an exciting historical adventure short story with Rolo Barba and his friend, Captain Primo Fuerte, set in the Caribbean of the 19th century. The download is free and you will also be joining my VIP list. I’ll send you occasional news of upcoming releases, special offers and more. I’ll never share your email and you can opt out any time.
