48- Pure coincidences
In the lush embrace of the Costa Rican landscape, vibrant greens mingled with the soft hues of twilight, the air saturated with the earthy scent of damp soil and wild blooms. The trees danced in the gentle evening breeze, their leaves whispering secrets as the sun dipped beneath the horizon. Shadowy silhouettes of mountains loomed in the distance, their majesty softened by the delicate blush of dusk. In this paradise, where nature thrived, a delicate tension crafted a story that unfolded under the gentle caress of night.
As the night settled like a velvet cloak, Jhan Paul held the phone to his ear, his brow slightly furrowed, deep in thought. “Good evening... Yes, Mr. Nando, how are you?”
Nando Suarez’s voice crackled through the speaker, smooth yet commanding, a note of urgency underlying his words. “Mr. Gil, good evening. I am calling to inquire about my order…”
“Indeed, Mr. Juarez,” Jhan Paul replied, his tone respectful yet slightly wary. “We have begun to work with the herbs and fertilize them. I estimate that in about three months, we will have the 10 kilograms ready. Our distributor is small, so we can process a maximum of three kilos at a time.”
“Perfect, very well, Mr. Gil. And your friend, Mr. Uzcategui—how is he doing?”
With a frown, Jhan Paul responded, “Everth… he is doing quite well, Mr. Nando. In fact, he is here with me at this very moment.”
“Don’t tell me...” Nando’s curiosity piqued. “And is his Moroccan lover with him? Yes, she is also with us.”
Jhan Paul exchanged meaningful glances with Jade, her expression a mix of apprehension and intrigue.
“What a delight! I would like to speak with her,” Nando exclaimed.
“Do you mean Jade? You wish to talk to Jade?” Jhan Paul’s voice wavered slightly.
“Yes, the Moroccan girl. Please put her on the line.”
Jhan Paul, an air of unease surrounding him, extended the phone to Jade. “I want to talk to you,” he whispered softly.
Jade let out a muffled gasp of horror, her hand flying to cover her mouth. “Oh Allah... What does that man want with me?”
“Answer the call,” Everth urged, his voice steady amidst her rising panic.
Nervously nodding, Jade took the phone, trembling slightly as she brought it to her ear. “Hello?” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Miss Jade, how are you?” Nando’s voice flowed through the receiver, smooth and assertive.
“Good evening, Mr. Suarez. I am doing very well, thank you. We are so glad to receive your call…” Jade struggled to maintain her composure.
“The pleasure is mine. I want to stay informed on how my precious plants are doing. I like to take good care of what belongs to me. Do you understand?”
“Yes, of course. Our eyes must not stray from what holds value in our hands,” she replied, the weight of his words heavy in her heart.
“I'm glad you understand, Jade. You and your friends have something that is now mine.”
“Yes, I know, I understand, Mr. Nando. And you need not worry; we will take good care of it.”
“And tell me, Jade, what about Costa Rica? Have you thought of leaving?”
“Leaving?” Jade’s voice tinged with confusion.
“Yes, you are from Morocco... Have you thought about returning to your homeland? Perhaps traveling somewhere else?”
“No, sir, my parents were from Morocco... I am not. I lived there for a time during my childhood, but I have not considered going back.”
“And do you like Costa Rica? Are you happy there?”
“Yes, sir, I love it. It’s beautiful. In fact , it offers a vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a sense of community that I cherish. The rhythm of life here resonates with my spirit. The people are warm and welcoming, and every day feels like an exploration of something new and beautiful.”
Nando's tone shifted slightly, a blend of curiosity and authority. “That’s good to hear, Jade. Costa Rica has much to offer, especially for someone like you who appreciates nature. The rainforests, the beaches, the wildlife—there’s a reason it’s called a gem of Central America.”
“Yes, Mr. Nando. I find peace in the simplicity of the early mornings, the dense fog on the mountains, and the vibrant wildlife. It’s a different life from the one I imagined back in Morocco, but it has grown on me.”
“Life is often unexpected, isn't it? We don't always end up where we thought we would,” Nando mused. There was a slight pause before he continued, “But, tell me, how is your experience with Everth? Is he treating you well?”
Her heart raced at the question. “Yes, he’s… he’s very kind to me. We share a lot of moments together. He is a good friend and an incredibly talented person.” Jade hoped to convey her devotion to Everth while carefully navigating the conversation with Nando.
Nando chuckled softly, a sound that sent shivers down Jade's spine. “That’s good, but remember, Jade, friendships can take many forms, and not every bond is meant to last. Just be wary of those who might take advantage of your kindness.”
Jade swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Nando’s words. “I appreciate your concern, Mr. Nando, but I trust Everth completely. He has been nothing but supportive during these tumultuous times.” The unease bubbled in her gut, urging her to steer the conversation away from feelings and personal matters.
“Trust is a delicate thing, Jade. Once broken, it is not easily mended,” Nando retorted, his voice firm and on edge. “I advise you to tread carefully in these waters.”
As the conversation drifted on, Jhan Paul observed Jade’s body language, the way her fingers fidgeted with the corner of her shirt, her avoidance of direct eye contact with him. Nando’s presence loomed large through the phone, a force that felt oppressive even at a distance.
“What about your dreams, Jade?” Nando continued, his interest suddenly piqued. “Do you have any aspirations beyond what you are doing right now?”
Jade hesitated, her mind racing with unspoken ambitions and dreams put on hold. “I’ve always dreamed of making art—painting, traveling, capturing the beauty of the world around me on canvas,” she confessed.
“Art, eh? Interesting. A noble pursuit,” Nando replied, deliberately. “But can dreams feed you? Can they keep you safe?”
His question struck a chord deep within her. “Not always, but they nourish the soul in ways material possessions cannot. Art is my passion, Mr. Nando; it’s how I express myself in this vast world.”
“Very poetic, Jade. But I must remind you that the world can often be unkind. There are many who do not understand the value of art as you do.” Nando’s tone shifted from curiosity to something more insidious, overwhelming her with unease.
Just then, Everth leaned closer to her, his expression tightening, a silent communication of concern exchanged between them. Jade’s heart raced; she understood that this conversation was dangerously treading into territory that might compromise their safety.
Nando seemed to sense her shifting energy. “I do hope that you continue to blend your art with practicality, Jade. Perhaps serving those who know the worth behind beauty. This little partnership you have with Everth could blossom into something more profitable.”
“Profitability does not always equate to value, Mr. Nando,” Jade replied, trying to find her strength amidst the gathering tension.
“True, true,” Nando mused, his voice laced with a nonchalance that contradicted the seriousness of their conversation. “But remember, my dear Jade, it is vital to know which side of the coin you are with."