03.4 Photographer

It was the end of the fasting month and the visitors celebrated Eid according to their Islamic practices – a day for merry-making to mark the break of fast. They could go out and enjoy the outdoors, the ordinary lifestyle, eat any moment they wished.

At first, she cared less about the film. When she showed the photographs to two of the maids in whom she trusted, they choked. Both insisted to obtain the negatives. Those shots were too detrimental for her image. He was blackmailing her. The two maids thought it could fall into the wrong hands. But the idea of going out on a date with a stranger worried her. Marina had headaches and swallowed half a dozen aspirins. The two maids incited her to go, “One time and it will be over.”

Marina called Lucero, their coordinator and Senior Executive at the Rogers Bank, “Bonjour!” she began in a frail voice, “I must talk to you, monsieur.”

“Yes ma’am. How can I help?”

“I can’t talk over the phone.”

“Is something wrong?” asked Lucero.

“No,” she found it difficult to say, “Can you come over here?”

“Oh ma’am! It is really busy here.”

“It’s a very serious matter,” she said.

“I will be free at five.”

“Can you make it at four?”

“Is it that serious, señora?” he asked.

“Yes, that serious,” said Marina.

“It’s Tuesday. A very busy afternoon.”

“Please!” she pleaded.

“Let me see!”

“Do you play tennis?” asked Marina.

“I do,” said Lucero.

“Can we go somewhere to play tennis?”

“There is the Atlético Club in Quilmes. I will make a reservation and pick you at five,” Lucero decided.

“Four,” she insisted.

“Alright.”

 

Jamal tried many times to reach Lopez but failed. Eventually, he showed up with the orchid – ten minutes past two.

“Damn! Where have you been?” Jamal Carreon grumbled.

“I had to go to another market,” replied Lopez, “Chloreae magellanica, not for grabs.”

“Let’s go!” Both climbed the Dodge and drove to Malibet. “You know, it is not voodoo that brings the woman here. It’s the edge, the film I have, these photographs.” Jamal tried to explain, “It may not sound much to you, Diego, but for them it’s everything.”

“Once you pass this orchid, she grows an urge, uncontrollable…” Lopez clawed his fingers, “It builds a bridge and in one week…”

“I do not have a week,” snapped Jamal, “I must sink her now. I’m going to tell her that I will publish the pictures on La Nación.”

He slowed down by the curb, peering at the tables looking for her. He saw three ladies in maximum robes seated inside the café.

“I think she is there. You stay in the van and take some pictures on my camera.”

“Don’t lose yourself!” reminded Lopez.

Jamal grabbed the orchid and climbed down, crossed the patio and entered the café. He reached the table, “Good Afternoon!”

“Good Afternoon!” returned Marina.

“This is for you. A very rare orchid that is found in Patagonia,” Jamal passed this very rustic looking flower with green veins, a tough skin and a yellow tongue.

“Thank you, Mr Jamal,” she picked the flower and touched to her nose but she could detect no fragrance, “Meet my friends, Layla and Adela.”

“How do you do?” And then he turned to her, “Can we talk outside?”

“Sure.”

Marina moved out to sit with him in the patio. She wore a traditional caftan – an ankle-length attire with long flowing sleeves – cream slip inside and navy-blue tunic in embroidered georgette.

She asked, “Did you bring the film?”

“Yes,” he said.

“Give it to me first, then I go with you.”

“I give you the film only if you go with me on a proper date in adequate clothes.”

She smiled, “I have to know you a little better. What do you do, Mr Jamal?”

“I am a freelance reporter.”

“Freelance!” cried Marina.

“That’s right. I have access to all media outlets, newspaper guys, press agencies…”

“Are you married?”

“I was,” he said, “Two kids in the States. They are grown. How about you?”

“I married some time ago. An arranged marriage. My husband gave me a house as for a dowry. My parents live there.”

“How old are you now?”

“Thirty-one.”

“No kids?”

“None,” she sighed.

He wanted to know, “Mary, do you seek blind dates after marriage?”

“Sometimes,” she nodded.

“Well, then it’s not an awful request.”

“No, it’s not that. It’s only that you have those film strips. It makes me nervous.”

“Give me a decent date before husband comes. I will give you the film.”

“I will give you a very fine date,” Marina said, “You will love it. We go out today.”

“When?” enquired the man.

“At five. And please don’t call me. I will be down by the waterside.”

Jamal left the table hugely satisfied. He reached the Dodge, “She’s going out with me.”

“I told you,” uttered Lopez, “the minute you pass the orchid…”

“It is not that, fat ass!” he slammed, “It is the edge, the Devil’s edge, the film.”

“I shot some photos on your camera.”

“Good,” he praised, “And Diego, I have to buy a shirt.”

He stopped at a boutique and failed to agree with a colour. Lopez honked as he was getting late to begin with the ritual. For him it was not a suitable time for his sorcery to kick in but Jamal was anguish about her. Finally, Jamal cashed for a maroon-colour shirt and a bottle of Smirnoff. He drove off to drop Diego Lopez and return to his lodge.