“I wasn’t kidding, John. I went crazy!”
He inspected me carefully. “Doesn’t show. You still look as fresh and unsullied as the day I met you. Damn, you’re a handsome fellow.”
I gave a grudging grin. “You’re taken, so cut out the crap.” I turned back to business. “Where will I stay while I’m working up there? As I recall Alma Pura is sort of remote. In the mountains, right?”
“Right. Actually, the church is outside of town a few miles. There’s a small, run-down adobe a couple of hundred yards from the mission. You’re welcome to use it during the project. Don’t know how suitable it will be, but it’s yours if you want it.”
“Great. I don’t care what kind of shape it’s in, I’ll take it. The job will involve some equipment, and that will save a lot of trouble hauling it back and forth.”
“I h
