Chapter 28 end

Cuba, Havana Monday, June 12, 2006 2:15pm Jack wants to take Laurie to a unique, unconventional place for honeymoon.He had considered Africa, but thought it was too far away.He also considered India, and felt that it was farther away.Then it was suggested that they go to Cuba.At first Jack thought it was impossible to make the trip.But he checked it online and found that he was wrong.Although the number of tourists is not very large, people do travel to Cuba via Canada, Mexico or the Bahamas.Jack chose to go to Cuba via the Bahamas. On Saturday, the day after the wedding, they flew from New York to Nassau and found it a bit tedious.From Nassau to Havana, they changed to Cubana Airlines, which made the trip lively and gave them a taste of Cuba in advance.Jack booked a suite at the Cuban International Hotel, wanting to experience Cuba's old glory.They were not disappointed.The International Hotel is located on Breakwater Avenue in the new city center of Havana.Although some facilities are outdated, you can still feel the charm of the Deco architectural style.Best of all, the service here is very satisfying.Contrary to what Jack imagined, the Cubans looked happy.

Thankfully, Laurie didn't ask for further sightseeing beyond a walk in Old Havana.Much of the old town has been restored.A few times they stumbled across the unrestored part and found that many old buildings, although in disrepair for a long time, vaguely retained their former glory. For most of their honeymoon, Jack and Laurie were content to eat, sleep, eat, and sunbathe by the pool.Such an itinerary gave Jack enough time to tell Laurie everything that happened in Boston and have an in-depth discussion on the current situation.Laurie sympathizes with everyone, including Craig.She said it was a tragedy for the American medical community.Jack agrees.

Why don't we go for a walk in the country, Laurie suddenly suggested.Jack wanted to do nothing to recuperate and recover his strength, but this was no longer possible. Jack shaded the sun with his hands and turned to look at his new wife.Both were lying on white deck chairs by the pool, wearing swimwear and SPF 45 sunscreen.Laurie was looking at him with raised eyebrows, just above the frames of the dark glasses. Do you really want to give up this leisurely life?Jack asked.The seaside is so hot, the countryside must be like a furnace. I'm not talking about going in these two days.Always go there once before you go.It's a pity that I have come all the way, and I don't know what the places outside the tourist areas are like.

Maybe, Jack wasn't very enthusiastic.The thought of the heat in the heart of Cuba made him thirsty.He sat up from his chair.I'm going to buy something to drink.What do you want me to bring for you? Would you like to try a mojito? Willing to take a risk, Jack said. You're on full vacation, Laurie said.All right.If you dare to drink, I dare to drink too.The big deal is going to sleep this afternoon. It's good to fall asleep, Jack said, standing up and stretching.Now he really wants to rent a bicycle and go out for a good ride.But before he reached the bar, the thought disappeared.He lazily thought, let's talk about it tomorrow.

At the bar, Jack ordered two mojitos.He rarely drinks, let alone in the afternoon.He had tried it the previous afternoon, though, and enjoyed the utter relaxation the alcohol gave him. While waiting for the wine, Jack looked around the swimming pool and found several women with first-class figures, so he couldn't help but take a few extra glances.Then his gaze turned to the Caribbean Sea not far away.A cool breeze blew across the open sea. Sir, your wine is ready, the waiter greets Jack.He signed the bill, picked up the drink, and was about to turn around and walk to the swimming pool when a man's face at the end of the bar caught his attention.Jack took another look, and finally turned sideways, staring at him with impunity.The man glanced at Jack, didn't seem to recognize him, and quickly turned to the beautiful Latin woman beside him.Jack saw him smiling happily and gracefully.

Jack shrugged, turned and walked towards the deck chair by the swimming pool, just walked a few steps, then turned and walked back.He decided to get closer to get a better look, so he walked around the bar and stopped behind the man.The man's Spanish was passable, at least better than Jack's. Craig?Jack's voice was loud, the man should have heard it, but he didn't turn around.Craig.Boman, Jack raised his voice a little more.The man still didn't respond.Jack looked down at the two glasses of wine in his hands, feeling very inconvenient.After hesitating for a moment, Jack put a glass of wine on the bar, freed up a hand, and patted the man on the shoulder.The man turned around and met Jack's eyes, but still didn't recognize him, just frowned and looked confused.

What's up?The man asked in English. Craig?Jack asked looking into the man's eyes.He used to be an ophthalmologist, so he is good at observing people's eyes, from which he can not only find signs of diseases, but also explore people's emotions.This time he found nothing, the man's pupils didn't change at all. You must be mistaken.My name is Ralph.landron. I'm sorry, Jack said.I did not do it on purpose. It's all right, Ralph said.May I have your name? Jack.stampton.Where are you from? boston.And you? New York City, Jack said.Do you live in this hotel too?

No, said Ralph.I rent a house on the outskirts of the city.I'm in the cigar business.And you? I am a physician. Ralph sat back a little so Jack could see his girlfriend beside him.This is Toya. Jack shook Toya's hand. Nice to meet you, before this sentence, Jack stumbled a few words in Spanish, so that Toya could understand what he meant.He picked up a cocktail from the bar.Sorry to bother you. Hey, it's all right, said Ralph.This is Cuba.Talking to strangers is normal. Jack nodded his goodbyes and walked around the bar back to the pool.Laurie raised herself on one arm and took a cocktail.It's been a long time, she joked.

Jack sat down on the recliner and shook his head.Have you ever experienced this?Meeting a stranger and thinking it's someone you know. A few times, Laurie said, taking a sip of wine.Why did you suddenly remember to ask this? Because that happened to me just now, Jack said.Can you see that man at the bar?The one who was talking to the beauty in red.Jack said and pointed to the two people. Laurie sat up and took a look.can see.What's wrong? I thought it was Craig.Boman, Jack said with a laugh.The two look like twins. I remember you said Craig.Bowman has sandy hair like you.The man's hair is black.

Well, only the hair is different, said Jack.Can not believe it.I'm starting to wonder if I'm remembering wrong. Laurie turned to face Jack.There is something unbelievable.For someone like Craig, Cuba is a good hiding place, and there is certainly no extradition agreement with the United States.This may be Craig.Boman. Absolutely not, said Jack.I had the cheek to say hello to him just now in order to observe his reaction. Oh, don't worry about it, then, said Laurie, and lay down again with the cocktail in her hand. I don't worry about it, Jack said and lay down.But he could never forget the coincidence.Suddenly, an idea occurred to him.He sat up, fumbled in the pocket of his bathrobe, and took out his cell phone.

Laurie noticed him and opened one eye.who are you calling Alexis, said Jack.She answered the phone, but told Jack that she was in a medical appointment right now and had no time to speak. Just a little problem, Jack said.You know a man named Ralph.Someone from Landrum?From Boston. Once, Alexis said.Jack, I'm really busy.I'll call you in a few hours. once?Why use the past tense?Jack asked. Because he passed away, Alexis said.He's Craig's patient.He died of lymphoma a year ago. (End of the book)