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He gave a low hu “That’s fine I wouldn’t invite someone I’ve never met into my home either I had a few questions about your faht?”

When she gave a single silent nod, he continued “I’ for Frederik Orlando He landed in Montevideo not too long ago, and it’s very important that I speak with him”

Gabriela tensed visibly at the mention of Frederik’s name, and as Quint went on, the smile slowly faded from her lips

Quint forged ahead, seely undeterred by the woricultural researcher I have what could be a mutually lucrative business opportunity for him Have you had any contact with him? A phone call maybe, or letter? Visit? My offer is time sensitive, and I need to speak with him as soon as possible”

“I don’t knohy you would seek him here,” Gabriela said

“I was unable to reach him in America, at his job or home”

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nbsp; Gabriela’s voice wavered, sounding al “I’ about Federico or where heti from him, and we do not expect to I’ of my brother is very painful to me I must ask you to depart”

When Quint didn’t ate “Please I thank you for your visit, but you will have to seek him somewhere else”

Quint was silent for a longhis hands froement froize for re-opening old wounds Thank you, Miss Orlando Be well”

“You, as well, Mister Forbes Encantado de conocerle” She gave a bow in return, and turned to reenter the house

Where there was only silence behind the big door the first tilish-speaking voices spilled out as she slipped back inside As the door locked into place, the voices were again inaudible

Quint sighed heavily “I hoped that would go better than it did We’ll have to follow up on our other leads”

A about the Orlando woht, but she chalked it up to the fact that she so closely resembled Frederik, both in manner and appearance Her hair had been dyed, but she couldn’t have been er than him

As they drove back down the long path, Quint rolled up both of his s and the een Thiago’s section and theirs so they could speak in private