Cholo

As I limped up the steps, the front door opened, and a man stepped onto the massive porch. He was wearing a dark blue suit jacket and slacks.

“Let me assist you, Mr. Downey,” he said.

“It’ll take me a minute, but I’ll get there,” I said. “Thank you.”

I eventually reached the top of the steps and then met his gaze. “We haven’t met. I’m Adam.”

He nodded. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Downey. I’ve heard good things about you. I’m Mr. Bale’s confidant and assistant, Downes.”

“Downes?”

He gave a nod. “That is correct, Sir.”

“Pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” he said. “Follow me, Sir? Mr. Bale will be down in a moment.”

“Sure.”

I followed him into the home, and along the corridor toward the rear of the house. His size and swagger led me to believe he was the security guard Mr. Bale had mentioned inheriting along with the home.

He stopped just short of a large room that was decorated with rich leather and velour furniture. The back wall was solid glass, and gave an unobstructed view of the ocean. I walked toward the glass and stared out at the waves as they came toward the shore.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he asked.

“It sure is.”

“What can I get you to drink?” he asked.

“I’m fine, thank you.”

“I’ll bring you a water. Have a seat, Mr. Downey.”

I sat down in a chair that faced the windows. As I admired the size and structure of the room, Mr. Bale walked in.

He stopped directly in front of me. “Is it as painful as it looks?”

I shook my head. “Not bad at all, really.”

“Sorry for your misfortune,” he said. “I hope they’re captured.”

I felt if I told the complete truth, he’d lose faith in me. So, I told a modified version of the truth, linking my injuries to being mugged by street thugs outside a restaurant.

“I’m sure they’ll get what they deserve,” I said.

“Let’s hope so.”

“I’m sorry about my absence. I was unconscious for almost three days.”

“The project came along smartly while you were away. Have you seen it yet?”

“I haven’t.”

I’d scheduled the painter, the cabinets, and the finish carpenter prior to being abducted, and hoped they’d made as much progress as I asked them too.

He motioned toward the kitchen. “Are you up to it?”

I pushed myself up. “Lead the way.”

When I entered the room, I was stunned. I tried to hide my excitement, but doubted I did a good job.

The cabinets were white, and no differently than the cabinets we had installed in the kitchen in Oceanside, they brightened up the space. The 6” custom crown molding seemed massive when I looked at a sample, but seeing it installed was proof that my instincts were correct.

“Crown molding looks great,” I said.

“I’m sorry I questioned you,” he said. “Victoria is giddy about it.”

“Your wife?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

“I’m glad she’s happy with it.”

“She’s so happy that. Well. We’ll talk in a moment. So, you’re pleased?”

I gazed around the room. It looked fantastic, and would only require tile and a little paint to be completed.

“I am. I’m going to guess two more weeks and we’ll be complete. Might be ten days, but there’s a lot of custom tile work and grout to get done.”

“Either way,” he said. “It’ll be ahead of schedule.”

“Again, I’m sorry for the lack of communication, but I’m glad we made progress while I was gone.”

“No worries,” he said. “Your health is far more important than this kitchen.”

Downes stuck his head in the doorway. “You water is in the other room, Mr. Downey.”

“Thank you.”

As Downes walked away, Mr. Bale turned to face me. “Victoria would like to have you remodel all of the bathrooms in a similar fashion. Maybe two at a time? After you’re finished with the kitchen, of course. Is that possible?”

“Absolutely. In fact, we can start as soon as we’re done.”

“She would like that. Same color cabinets. Same crown molding. I suspect different tile, though. Can you make a drawing and bring samples like last time?” he asked.

I fought not to smile. I had no idea how many bathrooms he had, but it sounded like he had more than two. The profits would get me that much closer to buying a house.

“Absolutely. Maybe two days to complete the drawings and gather samples, and then we can sit down and discuss it. How’s that?”

“Sounds fabulous.”

“How many bathrooms are there?”

“Seven inside the house,” he said. “And the bathhouse outside.”

Jesus.

“It might take me awhile to get everything worked up as far as price goes.” I chuckled. “That’s a lot of work.”

“I’m not concerned with price, Mr. Downes. I trust you.”

“I’ll give a price anyway. I always do. Surprises, especially financial ones, aren’t pleasant.”

He nodded. “Very well.”

After a few more seconds of admiring the work, I followed him into the other room.

We sat for some time, talking about golf, music, and our favorite sandwiches. His wife, Victoria, joined us, and the talk migrated to love, children, and raising a family. Children, they said, were the best thing to happen to their relationship.

It was rare for me to feel like much more than just another Mexican construction worker when I was remodeling kitchens. I felt that most customers appreciated my work, my prices, and my attention to detail. But, in the end, I always felt that I was just another Mexican in their eyes.

Being in Mr. Bale’s home made me feel otherwise.

I felt appreciated.