Took her and
the kids, and, as soon as we got there, I explained that I had to leave
the marriage. I gave her all the money I had, enough to buy her a house
and get her started. You know what she said? 'No way! We're going back
to California.' She took the money, and two weeks later she and the
kids were back in the city. She rented a place in Oakland. Still there,
I'm pretty sure."
"Are you in touch?"
"Not really. She's got a new life. It would confuse the kids. I worry
about them sometimes. Not Constanza, she's strong, good looking--she'll
do fine. But the kids--I used to take Esperanza to school on a bike,
pulled her behind me on a little cart." He looked at Arthur and shook
his head. "Maybe later on, when I get ahead a little bit."
"They're better off for what you did."
"I hope so. I guess so." He held up his glass. "Another?"
"Let's get something to eat," Arthur said. Penn pulled out his wallet.
"On me," Arthur said.
"Good man. You got something to write on?" He took a worn business card
from his wallet and copied into Arthur's notebook an address written on
the back of the card. And the names: Constanza, Sergio, Consuela, and
Esperanza. "It's a hell of a favor to ask," he said, but could you
check up on them sometime, for me." His voice dropped. "See if they
need anything?" He looked up helplessly.
"I will."
It was as close as they had come to acknowledging the bond between
them.
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