Assumed Identity

2

They drove to a wooded park that had a public washroom. Wade bolted the door and stood behind Buchanan, holding him steady while Buchanan hunched over the sink, trembling, doing his best to shave. He tried to comb his blood-matted hair but didn’t have much success, deciding that he’d definitely have to use the straw hat that Wade had bought for him. He used bottled water to brush his teeth, feeling marginally better now that he was partially cleaned up. His shirt and pants, which the sea had cleaned sufficiently of blood to stop people from staring at him last night, were unacceptably soiled and wrinkled in the daylight. He changed into a fresh shirt and pair of pants that Wade had bought, and after they left the washroom, Buchanan crammed the dirty clothes into the suitcase in the Ford’s backseat. Associating his Seiko watch with the now-defunct character of Ed Potter, he traded it for Wade’s Timex, anything to get the feel of a new identity.

By then, it was eleven o’clock.

“Traveling time,” Wade said.

In contrast with the large picturesque city, the airport was surprisingly small and drab. Wade managed to find a parking space in the lot in front of the low terminal. “I’ll carry your suitcase to the entrance. After that. .”

“I understand.”

As they walked toward the entrance, Buchanan glanced casually around, studying the area. No one seemed to be paying attention to him. He concentrated on walking in a straight line, not wavering, not betraying his weakness. At the sidewalk in front of the doors, he shook hands with Wade. “Thanks. I know I was a little grumpy a couple of times. I. .”

“Forget it. This isn’t a popularity contest.” Wade continued to grip Buchanan’s right hand. “Something’s wrong with your fingers. They’re jerking.”

“It’s not a problem.”

Wade frowned. “Sure. I’ll be seeing you, Victor.” He emphasized the pseudonym. “Have a good flight.”

“I’m counting on it.”

Buchanan made sure that the serape was hitched firmly to his right shoulder, hiding his wound. He gripped the pull strap on the suitcase and entered the terminal.