Chapter 5 The third rebirth

one Barcelona, ​​1940 The incident of the abandoned site of the Willard textile factory has never been seen in the media.No one wants that to be made public.Only those who were present at the time will remember the whole story.Late that night, Mauritius.After Vaz returned to the bunker and confirmed that the prisoner in Cell No. 13 had escaped, Officer Fumero of the Secret Police received a notification from the Director that several prisoners had reported to him the incident of hiding huge sums of money.Fumero and his men arrived at the scene of the incident before dawn. Officer Fu assigned two of his men to monitor the surroundings, while the others guarded the entrance gate of Wasti, from where the hut could be seen.The heroic driver Haimeng.Montoya, who volunteered to investigate the suspicion raised by one of the informers, was killed and his body still lies among the rubble.It was almost dawn, and Fumero ordered his men to enter the factory.They gradually approached the hut. When the two men and a woman in the house realized that the outside force had invaded, the only incident of conflict was that the young woman shot and wounded one of the police officers in the arm.Just minor scratches, nothing serious.Despite such a small mistake, Fumero and his men caught the three thugs without a fight in thirty seconds.

Then, Officer Fu ordered his men to escort the three of them into the hut and drag the driver's body into the hut.Fumero did not ask for the names of the rioters, nor did he ask for identification documents.He ordered his men to tie the hands and feet of the three of them to the rusty chairs in the corner with wire.After confirming that the mob was immobile, Fumero instructed his men to stand by at the gate of the hut and the gate of the factory, and he had to deal with the matter alone.Then, he closed the door and sat down in front of the three of them. I haven't slept all night today, and I'm very tired.I want to go home.You just have to tell me honestly, where is that Shakado guy's money and jewelry, and everyone is safe, how about it?

The three thugs watched him with a mixture of confusion and fear. We don't know of any jewels at all, and we don't know the man named Shakado.said the older man. Bomero nodded, with a look of disgust on his face.He glanced at the three thugs calmly, as if he could read their minds, with disgust and impatience on his face.After hesitating for a moment, he chose the young woman, and then he pulled the chair forward in front of her, only a few feet away.The young woman trembled all over. You are not allowed to touch her!You son of a bitch the younger man snapped.If you dare to touch her hair, I will kill you!

Fumero showed a sad wry smile. Your girlfriend is so beautiful! The police officer Navas, who was guarding the door of the hut, felt that he was sweating non-stop, and his clothes were already wet.He deliberately ignored the screams coming from the house, and when his colleagues sneaked concerned looks from the factory gate, Navas still refused to find out. No one dared to speak aloud.After Fumero stayed in the hut for half an hour, the door behind Navas finally opened.He immediately backed away, trying to avoid looking directly at the wet blood on the officer's black clothes.Fumero walked slowly towards the door, and Navas took the opportunity to scan the situation inside the house. He tried his best to hold back the nausea that surged up, and hurriedly closed the door.Fumero made a gesture, and two of his men came over with two large barrels of gasoline, and then poured gasoline on the surrounding area and every wall of the hut.A group of people fled the scene before the fire spread.

When they got back to the car, Fumero was waiting in the back seat of the car.They left there in silence.At this time, the sky over the ruined textile factory was like a pillar of smoke, the tongue of flames rose, and ashes filled the sky, blowing away with the wind.Fumero rolled down the car window and put his hand out of the cold and damp car window.His fingers were still stained with blood.Navas locked his eyes ahead, but what he saw was the pleading eyes of the young woman, who was still alive when he closed the door.He was startled to realize that Fumero was looking at him, and in order to hide his trembling, he had no choice but to hold the steering wheel tightly.

On the sidewalk, a group of ragged children watched cars drive by.One of the kids gestured for a pistol, pretending to shoot them.Fumero smiled and responded with the same gesture, and then the car disappeared into the winding alleys around the jungle of chimneys and warehouses, as if they had never been here before. two Fermin lay unconscious in the shed for seven days.No wet towel could bring down his fever, no medicine could relieve his ailment.It was said that his disease was destroying him from within.The local old ladies took turns tending him and preparing him with tonics that they hoped would save his life, and they said there was a devil inside the stranger, a devil incarnate remorse, and that his soul, they said, only wanted to Hide at the end of the tunnel and rest in the emptiness of darkness.

On the seventh day, Amanduo, as everyone called it, walked into the hut. This famous man whose prestige in the local area was second only to God, sat down next to the patient after entering the room.He inspected the patient's wounds, opened his eyelids with his fingertips, and read the hidden secrets in his slack eyes.The old ladies who took turns taking care of the patients gathered behind him, all waiting quietly, no one dared to say anything.Not long after, Amanduo nodded and left the shed.Several young people waiting at the door followed him all the way to the tide on the beach, and then listened attentively to his instructions.After watching them leave, Amanduo remained where he was, sitting on the wreckage of a barge that had been disintegrated by a storm, and was now stranded between the beach and Purgatory.

He lit a short cigarette and sat comfortably in the smoke against the dawn breeze.While smoking, he was also thinking about the next response method.Amanduo took out from his pocket a small page of "Valentine" that he had been carrying with him for several days ago.The newspapers were full of classified ads and brief theater presentations, interspersed with a news bulletin about the escape of a prisoner from the Montjuc prison.The article reads as if it was copied word for word from an official press release.The only part the editor was able to add to the narrative was that no prisoner had ever managed to escape the impenetrable bunker before then.

Amanduo looked up, and then stared at the Montjuk Mountain in the south.The bunkers are like a row of jagged teeth in the clouds, dominating the sky over Barcelona.Amanduo couldn't help showing a wry smile. Then, he lit the small page of newspaper with the cigarette in his hand, and watched it turn into ashes in the wind.All the papers, as always, dodged the facts, as if telling the truth would kill them.Maybe they were justified.The news was full of specious content and details that were deliberately ignored.Among them, no prisoner has ever successfully escaped from Montjuk Prison.But he thought about it, maybe what they said was right about this point, because he, the Amanduo in everyone's mouth, was after all just an ordinary man in a slum that was forgotten and abandoned by the world.There are times and places where being unknown is more respected than being famous.

three The days passed with trepidation day after day.Amanduo is concerned about the condition of the strange man, and has to go to the shed every day.The fever had improved slightly, and the bruises, cuts, and scrapes all over his body seemed to be beginning to heal after applying ointment.The patient sleeps with nightmares and wakes up with incoherent speech most of the day. Can he survive?Amanda asked occasionally. Not sure yet!The old woman who responded to him was mistaken by this poor strange man for his mother who had passed away for many years. After a few weeks, it seemed clear that no one else would come looking for the stranger, because no one would worry about things they would rather ignore.As a rule, the police and gendarmerie never set foot on the shores of Somorostro.Everyone silently abides by an unwritten rule. This city and this world, and this slum densely populated with shanties, have nothing to do with each other. An invisible border divides two completely different life styles.Amanda knew that on the other side of the border, many people prayed, privately and publicly, that someday the storm would sweep away the slum forever.But before such a day comes, all people would rather just look at the world on the other side, and everyone would rather turn their backs on the ocean, completely ignoring the group of ordinary people living in poverty between the coast and the factory jungle in Xincun.Even so, Amanduo still has concerns.The stranger's involvement was serious enough to break that unwritten rule.

One day a few weeks ago, several young policemen went to the neighborhood to ask if anyone had seen a stranger who looked like he was from out of town.In the next few days, Amanduo maintained a high level of vigilance, but no one else came to look for the stranger's whereabouts. At this time, he finally understood that no one wanted to find this person at all.Maybe he will die, that's anyone's guess. One and a half months after arriving there, the wounds on the stranger's body gradually healed.When he opened his eyes, he immediately asked where he was. They helped him to sit up and gave him hot soup, but nothing was said about what had happened. You must rest well. Am I still alive?he asked. No one can confirm whether he is still alive.Day after day, nightmares and exhaustion clung to him.Whenever he closed his eyes, his whole body fell into a state of fatigue immediately, and then his mind always wandered to the same place.In the dream that was repeated every night, in the vast open-air tomb where dead bodies lay scattered all over, he desperately climbed the surrounding earthen walls.After climbing up the earthen wall, looking back, the sea of ​​corpses was wriggling like groups of steamed fish.The dead bodies opened their eyes, climbed up the earthen wall, and followed behind him.They followed him across the mountains, and then into the streets and alleys of downtown Barcelona, ​​looking for their original home, knocking on the door and calling for the people they loved deeply.Some searched for their killers, scoured the city, hungry for vengeance, but most just wanted to go home, to their beds, to embrace the children, wives, and lovers they had left behind.However, no one opened the door for them, no one reached out to hold their hand, no one was willing to kiss their lips.This stranger struggling on the verge of death, covered in cold sweat, woke up in the dark night with a shrill cry, as if he was carrying the ghosts of all the dead bodies. A stranger often came to visit him.The man smelled of cigarettes and cologne, both of which were rare in those days.He always sat on the chair beside him, and the eyes staring at him were always unpredictable.His black hair was as pitch, and his features stood out.When he realized that the patient had woken up, he immediately smiled. Are you god or devil?The patient once asked him this. The stranger shrugged, unable to answer for a while. Probably both!Finally, he gave such an answer. I am basically an atheist myself.Patient self-report.However, I have a lot of faith. Many people are like this.Have a good rest, my friend.You can go to heaven for a while, but hell can't hold you anymore. Four The dark-haired man came to visit again and again, during which the patient gradually recovered, not only began to eat, but also took a bath and put on clean oversized clothes.At last he could stand and take a few steps, and they walked him to the beach, letting his feet dip into the waves and enjoy the warm Mediterranean sun.One day, he sat by the seaside for a whole morning, watching a few children in ragged clothes and dirty faces playing on the beach, he suddenly had a thought: he wanted to live, at least for a while.For a while, memories and anger gradually came to mind, so he had a desire to return to the city, but also fear. The legs, arms, and other joints have mostly returned to normal function.He regained the weird pleasure of pissing hard without being nervous or embarrassed, and he told himself that a man was a responsible man when he could pee standing up without any assistance.Late that night, almost early in the morning, he quietly got up, and then shuttled through the narrow alleys of the slums until he reached the border railway.On the other side stands a giant log-like chimney, as well as angel statues and mausoleums rushing up in the cemetery.In the distance, a sea of ​​lights stretches up the hillside, that is Barcelona.At this time, he heard footsteps coming from behind, turned around and saw the peaceful eyes of the black-haired man. You have been reborn.He said. Um!Let's see if it's a little better than the first time, you know, I always play against myself Brunette man smiling. Allow me to introduce myself to you Amanda, a gypsy. Fermin held out his hand. Under Fermin.Romero.Torres, a rough country man, but quite well-behaved. Brother Fermin, it seems to me that you want to go back to those things. The country is easy to change, but the nature is hard to change!Fermin said.I still have some things to work on. Amanda nodded. I understand, but let's hold back for now!dude.He said to Fermin.be patient!You stay with us a little longer! He was terrified at the thought of returning to his old home, where the kindness and generosity of his fellow countrymen had kept him, until that Sunday morning when he borrowed a newspaper from a child at a soda stand on the beach in Barcelona. Picked up from the trash can.Exactly how long the paper sat in the trash is difficult to determine, but the date printed on it was three months after the night he escaped from prison.He read the newspapers in detail, trying to find some clues or any relevant reports, but there was nothing.That afternoon, he made up his mind and planned to return to Barcelona in the evening. However, Amanduo approached him and mentioned that one of his men had already visited the hotel where he used to stay. Fermin, you must not go back there to pack your things. How do you know where I used to live? Amanduo smiled and deliberately avoided his question. The police have told the other lodgers that you are dead.Your obituary was in the papers several weeks ago.At that time, I didn't want to mention this matter to you, because I knew that it would definitely not be a good thing for a patient in the recovery stage to see his own obituary. What is the cause of my death? Accidental death.In your attempt to escape from prison, you stumbled and fell off a cliff. So I die? Killed instantly. Fermin was thinking about all kinds of problems that might be involved in his current situation. So what should I do now?Where am I going?I can't stay here forever, accepting everyone's kindness and care for nothing, and besides, I will cause everyone trouble. Amanduo sat down beside him, and lit a cigarette that he rolled himself. The smoke exuded a faint fragrance of eucalyptus. Fermin, you can do whatever you want because you don't exist anymore.I just want to tell you that you can stay and live with us, because you are now a part of us, and we are all people who have no name and no appearance in the world.We are ghosts.Invisible ghosts.However, I also know that you have to go back and fix some things.Unfortunately, once you leave here, I can no longer protect you. You have done enough for me. Amanduo patted him on the shoulder, then took out a half-folded piece of paper from his pocket. You'd better leave that city for a while, and after a year, when you return to the city, you can start a new life from this place.As he spoke, he stood up and prepared to leave. Fermin opened the paper and it read: Fernando.ban lan lawyer 12 Caspe Street attic, room one Barcelona Tel: 564375 How can I repay what you have done for me? Come back to see me sometime when your issues are resolved.Let's go to see Carmen together.Amaya [Note] Dance the flamenco, and then tell me how you escaped from above.I'm curious too!Amanda said. 【Annotation】Carmen Amaya, 1913︱1963, famous flamenco dancer and singer, gypsy, born in the slums of Somorostro, Barcelona, ​​was twice invited to the White House show. Fermin stared fixedly at those deep black eyes, and nodded slowly. Amanduo, which cell did you live in? number thirteen. Did you carve all the crosses on the wall? I am quite the opposite of you, Fermin, I was a Christian, but I no longer believe in it. That evening, no one stopped him from leaving, and no one came to see him off.From here, like other invisible ghosts, he set off for Barcelona, ​​towards the streets and alleys filled with sulfur smell.He looked at the spiers of the Sagrada Familia in the distance. At this moment, red clouds were shrouded, predicting that the rainstorm was coming, but he continued to move forward.He went as far as the bus stop on Trafalgar Street.There was money in the pocket of the coat Amanduo gave him.He picked the longest route, bought a ticket, and spent the long night on the bus in the rain.The next day, he did the same thing, and day after day, by train, on foot, and on the midnight bus, he even walked down streets with no names, looked at houses without numbers, and went to places where no one remembered anything of the past. place He has worked in hundreds of industries, but has no friends.He made money, but also spent it.The books he reads describe worlds he no longer believes in.He once started to write a letter, but once he wrote it, he didn't know how to finish it.He does everything he can to keep memories and regrets from seeping into his life.More than once he stood on the bridge, or on the edge of the cliff, and then calmly gazed into the abyss beneath his feet.At the last moment, he always remembered that promise and the eyes of the prisoner in the sky.He lives in a small room above a bar. The only possession in the room is "City of the Damned" he found in a small market. He has read it more than ten times, and it may be Martin's work. One of the few books in China that survived the book burning.A year has passed since Yoyo, he walked two kilometers to the train station and bought the ticket that he had been looking forward to for several months. excuse me!I want to buy a ticket to Barcelona. The conductor handed him the ticket and gave him a disdainful look. take it!He said.Go to town and eat shit! five Barcelona, ​​1941 Just as night fell, Fermin got off the train at Gare de France.The huge locomotive spewed out clouds of steam and soot, filling the entire platform and drowning the tired footsteps of all the passengers who had just finished the long journey.Fermin followed the silent crowd and moved towards the exit. The crowd was full of travelers wearing worn out clothes and pulling their luggage on belts, as well as people who were not necessarily old but showed signs of aging. All their belongings were in the cloth bag The children's eyes were empty and their pockets were empty. Two gendarmes were patrolling the entrance of the platform, and Fermin caught a glimpse of their eyes scanning the crowd back and forth, and stopped several passengers at random, asking for their identity documents to be checked.Fermin kept to the right and continued walking in the direction of one of the gendarmes.At a distance of about ten meters, Fermin realized that the gendarmerie was staring at him.In the Martin novel that has been with him for the past few months, one of the characters has suggested that the best way to fight authority is to be the first to strike before it strikes.Therefore, before the gendarmerie found him, Fermin walked over boldly and spoke calmly. Hello!Sir, I'm sorry to bother you, could you give me some advice on how to get to the Grand View Hotel?As far as I know, it is on the side of the Palace Square, but I have almost no impression of this city. The gendarmerie looked at him silently, apparently taking him for another unemployed vagabond.At this time, his colleague came over, strode forward, and blocked his partner's right side drive with a big stride. This kind of question should be asked at the export service desk.The tone of the gendarme was not very friendly. Fermin nodded respectfully. Sorry to bother you two!I will do as you say. He was about to continue on to the station hall when another gendarme grabbed his arm. Palace Square is on the left after exiting the station, directly opposite the Port Authority. Grateful!I wish you both the best tonight. After the military police released his arm, Fermin left calmly, silently counting his slow steps all the way until he left the station hall and finally reached the street. The crimson night sky shrouded the pitch-black Barcelona, ​​and occasionally a few dark and thin figures could be seen shuttling through it.A tram carrying only a few passengers moved forward slowly, its dim headlights dragging along the cobblestone street.Fermin wanted to go across the street, so he had to wait for the tram to pass.After the car drove away, he looked at Columbus Avenue, which suddenly opened up in front of him, at the end of which was Montjuque Mountain, and the blockhouse overlooking the entire city.His eyes moved down a little, and he looked along the shopping street towards the Bonn market.He has nowhere to go. He remembered Martin's mention of living in that area years ago, in an old mansion on narrow, dark Fraserdes Street, next door to the Molly Chocolate Factory.So he set off for the area, only to find upon arrival that the mansion and the chocolate factory next door had been bombed during the war.The government units have not seen any action to dispose of the rubble, so the neighbors had to pile up the broken rubble on the side of the road, presumably to dredge this alley, which is narrower than the passages in some wealthy mansions. Fermin looked around.As far as I can see, there are no faint lights or candles on the balconies and windows next to the alley.Fermin walked into the ruins, busy avoiding the rubble, broken gargoyles, and messy overlapping steel bars from time to time.He found a small vacancy among the rubble, and then he curled up on a stone slab, and the number 17 could be vaguely seen on the surface, which was David.Martin's home.He folded his overcoat into cubes and made pillows out of old newspapers he kept hidden inside.He closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep. After about half an hour, the bone-chilling cold began to invade the body.A cold, clammy wind swept across the ruins, penetrating every tiny crevice.Fermin opened his eyes and got up immediately.He was planning to find a more secluded place to shelter when he was startled by a figure standing by the side of the street looking around.Fermin stood still.The figure moved several steps towards him. Who are you?the man asked. The figure of the stranger gradually approached, and his figure was reflected in the street lights in the distance.It was a tall, strong man dressed in black.Fermin noticed his neck.is a priest.Thus, Fermin raised his hands in a gesture of peace. I'm leaving right now, Father, please don't call the police! The priest looked him over from head to toe.This person has stern eyes and a powerful look, as if he has spent most of his life carrying heavy cargo at the port, he does not look like a priest holding the Holy Grail at all. Are you hungry?asked the priest. At this time, Fermin could swallow a stone with two or three drops of olive oil, but he firmly denied it. I just had dinner at the Seven Doors Restaurant, and the cuttlefish rice made me sick! A wry smile appeared on the priest's face.He turned and walked back, and gave an order casually: follow me! six Father Wan Lilai lives in the attic of a building at the end of Bonn Avenue. Looking outside, it happens to be the roof of Bonn Market.Fermin happily drank three bowls of soup, a few slices of hard bread, and several glasses of red wine mixed with water.When the priest brought him drinks, Fermin looked at him curiously. Father, won't you have dinner? I'm used to skipping dinner.Take it easy!I think you probably haven't had enough to eat since 1936. Fermin gulped down the soup with a sigh of relief, and chewed the hard bread. While eating and drinking, he didn't forget to look around the furnishings in the dining room.Beside him was a glass case in which were displayed a set of plates, wine glasses, statues of saints, and a rather modern-looking silver cutlery. I've read Les Miserables too, so you better keep your head down. Fermin shook his head embarrassingly. What is your last name? Under Fermin.Romero.Torres, please advise. Are you on the run?Isn't it, Fermin? You are right, this matter is a long story. It's none of my business unless you're willing to tell me.But you can't go anywhere in this suit.Probably before reaching Layetana Street, he had already been arrested and thrown into the dungeon.The police have caught many fugitives who have been hiding for many years.You have to be alert. After I have settled a few bank accounts that have been idle for a long time, I plan to go to a high-end suit store to buy a new outfit. Then I will be a gentleman! Let me see you stand up. Fermin put down the spoon and got up immediately.The priest looked him over carefully from top to bottom. Raymond is two sizes bigger than you, but I think some of his youthful clothes would fit you well. Raymond is? my brother.He was killed in the street below, at the gate, in May 1938.Those people were looking for me, but he stepped in to stop them.He was a musician, originally playing in the municipal orchestra.He is the chief trumpet. I am very sorry about that, Father. The priest just shrugged. Regardless of party affiliation, the loss of loved ones is overwhelming. I don't belong to any party.Fermin said.Moreover, in my opinion, the national flag is basically a stinking colored rag. I especially can't stand that someone actually wears the national flag, sings the national anthem, and adds impassioned patriotic speeches. vomit!I often feel that these people are so party-minded that they are like sheep being herded. You must be very unhappy in this country. You don't know how sick I am!Still, I always tell myself that this country is home to good raw ham, and that alone more than makes up for all the sacrifices.Moreover, broad beans are grown all over the country! This is true.I said, Fermin, how long has it been since you tasted a delicious raw ham? From March 6, 1936 to the present.The snail restaurant on Rue Escudjes!What a nostalgic good old days! The priest gave a knowing smile. You can stay overnight, Fermin, but it would be better to find another place tomorrow.Neighbors gossip.I can give you a little bit of accommodation, but you know that hostels will ask for ID because they have to register their guests with the police. Father, you don't need to tell me this, I know it too.At dawn tomorrow morning, I will automatically leave here as quickly as possible.Also, I can't accept half a dime from you, you've helped me enough The priest waved his hand and interrupted him. Let's find out if Raymond's stuff is right for you.He said as he got up from the table. Father Wan Lilai insisted that Fermin accept a pair of old leather shoes, an old but clean woolen suit, a few changes of underwear, and some toiletry items that were originally in a suitcase. utensils.There is a small shiny trumpet on a shelf in the room, and there are also several photos of two young people with bright smiles, which seem to have been left during the festival in the Grace District group photo.After taking a closer look, I discovered that one of them was actually Father Wan Lilai, who looked thirty years older than in the old photos. I don't have hot water available right now.The water tower won't be replenished until tomorrow morning, so you either have to wait or take a cold shower. While Fermin was trying to clean himself up, Father Wan prepared a coffee pot, and he added some chicory to it, and mixed in a few strange-looking unknown items.Although there is no sugar to add, the cloudy liquid is hot, and the aroma that wafts out smells delicious. It would not be an exaggeration to say that we are enjoying Colombian coffee cooked from specially selected coffee beans!Fermin said. You are a very special person, Fermin.Do you mind if I ask a personal question? Will you keep your confession a secret? Of course it will! Then please ask! Have you ever killed someone?I mean, during the war No.Fermin replied. I have killed people. Fermin, who was about to take a sip of the hot drink, was stunned.The priest lowered his eyebrows. I never mentioned this to anyone. I will certainly keep the secret of your confession.Fermin's tone was firm. The priest rubbed his eyes and sighed quietly.Fermin couldn't help wondering, how long has this man in front of him been living alone like this?Tiantian can only guard the ulterior secret and the memory of his deceased brother. I believe you must have had a last resort at that time!the priest The priest shook his head in denial. God has abandoned this country.said the priest. Don't worry, just watch, He will soon appear in disgrace at the northern foot of the Pyrenees. The priest pondered for a long time.The two drank the coffee substitute in their cups in silence, and to please the poor priest who was getting more and more dejected, Fermin poured himself a second cup of hot drink. You like to drink, don't you? Fermin nodded frequently. Do you want me to hear your confession?asked the priest suddenly.Seriously this time. I don't mean to offend you, Father, but, in this respect, I don't quite believe it. But maybe God believes in you! I'm not sure. You don't need to believe in God to confess.This is an exchange between you personally and your conscience.What good would there be to lose? For the next few hours, Fermin narrated to Father Wan what he had never dared to mention in the past year since he escaped from the bunker prison.The priest listened intently to his narrative, occasionally nodding in response.Finally, Fermin felt that he had been hollowed out, and he could finally let go of the heavy thoughts that had weighed him down for the past few months but unconsciously.Father Wan took out the small suitcase containing the shochu from the drawer, and poured the rest of the wine to Fermin without asking. Father, instead of pardoning my sins, you give me brandy? It's all the same anyway!Besides, I'm in no position to forgive or judge anyone!Fermin.However, I think it's always good for you to bring these things up.What are you going to do now? Fermin shrugged. I returned to this city and risked my life for the promise I made to Martin.I had to find the lawyer, and to find Miss Isabella and her son Dani, I had to protect them. What protection law? I don't know either.When the time comes, I will naturally figure out a way.Your suggestions are welcome. But you don't know them at all!They're just strangers that a cellmate in prison talks to you about I know.But it sounds crazy to have said that already, right? Father Wan watched him, as if he could see through his true thoughts beyond words. Have you ever seen so many miserable and needy people in the world that you want to do something good, even if it's crazy? What's wrong with doing something good? Wan Lilai smiled. I knew that God has always trusted you. seven The next day, Fermin left on tiptoe in order not to wake up Father Wanlilai, who was sleeping on the sofa with a collection of poems by Machado in his hand, snoring as loudly as a pit bull. Same.Before going out, he kissed the priest lightly on the forehead, and put back on the dining table the silverware that the priest had secretly stuffed into his suitcase after wrapping it in a napkin.Then, he quietly went downstairs, wearing clean clothes, with clear awareness in his heart, he was determined to continue to live, at least for a few more days. 【Annotation】Antonio Machado, 1875︱1939, a representative Spanish poet. It was a sunny day, the sea breeze was cool, the sky was blue and the sea was blue. On the street under the sun, people dragged elongated figures under their feet.Fermin returned to the streets he still remembered, wandered around all morning, stopped to look at the windows when he was interested, or sat on a bench by the side of the road to watch the beautiful women coming and going. For him, Looking at beautiful women is the supreme enjoyment.At noon, he came to a small restaurant at the corner of Escudjes Street, near the snail restaurant in his fond memory.Disliked by picky diners, this small restaurant serves some of the cheapest sandwiches in Barcelona.According to experts, the trick to buying is not to care about the ingredients and ingredients. Fermin wore a decent new outfit. In order to enhance his momentum, he also put several copies of "Valentine" folded in half on the inner layer of his clothes, simply making himself look more powerful. He sat in front of the bar, watching After looking at the menu, and touching his empty pockets and hungry stomach, he decided to mediate with the waiter. Excuse me!Young man, the part about the special of the day, a sausage and bacon sandwich on country bread, is that fresh tomato spread on that bread? Freshly harvested in the town of Platte, which is our restaurant's own farm, right behind the sulfuric acid plant. oh!That must taste delicious.Let me ask you again!Brother, do you trust this restaurant? The waiter put away his smiling face on the spot, and then returned to the back of the bar, with a dishcloth over his shoulders and a frowning look on his face. I don't even believe in God. If you are a retired disabled veteran with a medal, can you give us a special discount? No talking!Call the police any more. 費爾明碰了一鼻子灰，只好很識相地去找個安靜的角落繼續想辦法。他剛在門邊的階梯坐定，這時候，有個年輕女孩，看起來還不到十七歲，身材倒是凹凸有致，經過他身邊時，她突然趴倒在地。 費爾明連忙起身去扶她，才剛抓緊她的手臂時，他聽見背後傳來腳步聲，接著是驚天動地的大嗓門，比較之下，剛才魯莽服務生對他大呼小叫，算得上是輕快和諧的樂曲了。 snort!妳這不要臉的婊子，少跟我來這套，否則我撕爛妳的臉，把妳丟到大街上自生自滅，到時候妳連個婊子都不如！ 說話的是個彪形大漢，膚色青黃，身上披掛了一串串造型詭異的廉價飾品。說完了上述那段話之後，他彎下腰來瞪著費爾明，手上似乎握著利器，至少是尖銳的物品。費爾明實在看不慣這個逞凶鬥狠的無賴，於是，他挺身站在年輕女孩和壯漢之間。 你又是他媽的什麼東西啊？可憐的倒楣鬼！快，在我打爛你的臉之前，趕快給我滾開！ 費爾明覺得，這個一身肉桂和油炸食品怪味道的女孩，此時正緊抓著他的手臂不放。眼前這個惡形惡狀的流氓，一看就知道無法以溝通解決現狀，為了讓事情有個結果，費爾明決定直接動手。他在緊急狀況下分析了對手的實力，得到的結論是，大個兒的身軀大部分是靠脂肪撐起來的，至於所謂的肌肉，或稱瘦肉也行，根本沒個影兒。 不許您這樣對我說話，對小姐更不應該！ 虛胖的紙老虎一臉驚愕看著他，顯然是沒把他的話當真。接著，一心以為瘦骨伶仃的對手一定會盡力避免衝突的大個兒，軟趴趴的肥肉出乎意料地被皮箱把手猛力一擊，隨即狼狽伏地，滿是戒指手環的雙手趴在地上，隨後又挨了幾下重擊，皮箱的尖銳箱角奏效，大概可以讓他安分地癱在地上一陣子。 一群旁觀的路人鼓掌叫好，當費爾明回頭確認女孩是否無恙時，看到的是她陶醉的眼神，充滿了感激和溫柔的情意。 小姐，在下費爾明．Romero.Torres, please advise. 女孩踮起了腳尖，在他臉頰上印了一個吻。 我叫蘿西朵。 他們腳邊的紙老虎正試圖起身，打算再戰一回。在陷入對己不利的情勢之前，費爾明選擇遠離衝突現場。 咱們得趕緊離開這裡。Fermin said.錯失先機，全盤皆輸啊 蘿西朵抓著他的手臂，帶著他走過一條條錯綜狹窄的巷弄，終於在皇家廣場豁然開朗。重見陽光的費爾明，站在寬闊的廣場上盡情深呼吸。這時候，蘿西朵發現費爾明臉色越來越蒼白，神色看起來不太對勁。蘿西朵猜想，或許是重回舊地的激動，或許是過於飢餓，因而導致她的英雄血壓下降，於是，她把他帶到兩個世界旅社的餐廳裡，費爾明一進去就暈倒在一張椅子上。 蘿西朵大概只有十七歲，但是察言觀色的工夫倒是比醫生看診還要準確，她立刻替他點了一客綜合小菜拼盤，藉此讓他恢復體力。豐盛佳餚送上桌時，費爾明反而慌了： 蘿西朵，我身上一毛錢也沒有啊 這餐我請客！她一臉得意。我的男人由我來照顧，而且我一定餵他吃得飽飽的。 蘿西朵出手大方，餵他吃的美食包括小臘腸、麵包和炸薯塊，外加一陶罐啤酒。費爾明重拾體力，氣色也恢復正常，蘿西朵則在一旁心滿意足地看著他。 您如果想吃飯後甜點的話，我幫您點一客餐廳的招牌甜點，嗯保證讓您滿意得說不出話來。年輕女孩邊說邊舔著雙唇。 可是，丫頭，妳這時候不是應該在學校裡跟修女們在一塊兒嗎？ 蘿西朵被他逗得呵呵笑。 Ouch!真討厭，先生您真是愛耍嘴皮子。 享用大餐的過程中，費爾明心想，他如果緊抓著蘿西朵不放，說不定可以在淫媒這一行打出一片江山，不過，其他更重要的事情還等著他去處理。 蘿西朵，妳今年幾歲啦？ 報告費爾明先生，我今年十八歲半。 妳看起來成熟多了。 那是因為我上圍比較豐滿嘛！我的胸部十三歲就發育成這樣了，誰看了眼睛都會發亮哩！這樣講是有點不好意思啦！ 打從那段令人嚮往的哈瓦那歲月之後，費爾明再也沒看過這麼銷魂的性感身段了，不過，理智將他喚回現實。 蘿西朵他開口明說。我沒辦法負責安排妳的 I know this!先生，您以為我有這麼笨呀！我知道您不是那種靠女人吃軟飯的男人。我雖然年紀很輕，但是我已經學會怎麼看人啦 妳得告訴我，我以後要怎麼把這頓大餐的費用寄還給妳？嗯這個，我現在剛好手頭不太方便 蘿西朵猛搖頭。 我就住在這裡的樓上，一家小旅社，我跟蘭麗合租一個房間，不過，她今天一整天都不在，因為好幾艘商船進港了先生，要不您乾脆上樓去，我幫您按摩一下，怎麼樣？ 蘿西朵 免費招待啦！ 費爾明盯著她，眼裡滿是哀愁。 您的眼神看起來好悲傷啊！費爾明先生。您就讓蘿西朵幫您放鬆一下嘛！All at once.這樣有什麼不好嗎？ 費爾明羞赧地低著頭。 先生您多久沒跟女人親熱啦？ I don't remember either. 蘿西朵伸出手來，一把將他拉了起來，然後帶他上樓，進了一個狹小的房間，房裡只有一張鐵床和一個小小的盥洗盆。房間外有個面向廣場的小陽台。蘿西朵拉上窗簾，脫下身上那件幾乎快崩裂的緊身碎花洋裝後，一絲不掛地站在他面前。費爾明緊盯著眼前的絕妙胴體，任由她那幾乎和他一樣蒼老世故的心靈撫慰他。 如果先生不想，那麼我們什麼事都不必做，好嗎？ 蘿西朵先讓他躺在床上，然後挨著他躺了下來。她緊緊摟著他，並且不斷地輕撫著他的頭。 boo boo!她輕聲哄著他。 費爾明把臉埋在那對才十八歲的酥胸裡，突然號啕大哭了起來。 到了下午，蘿西朵必須起床幹活，費爾明則找出安曼鐸一年前給他的那張紙條，上面寫著班藍恩律師的地址，他決定前去拜訪。蘿西朵堅持要借他一些小硬幣，讓他可以買票搭車或喝杯咖啡，他因此對天發誓，矢言一定回來找她，或是帶她去看場電影，或是帶她去望彌撒，因為她對聖女卡門非常虔誠，並且很喜歡那些宗教儀式，尤其是詠唱聖歌。蘿西朵陪他下樓，道別時，她親吻了他的雙唇，並在他臀部輕輕捏了一下。 我心愛的大涮哥！她對他說道，然後看著他從廣場邊的拱廊下離去。 當他穿越加泰隆尼亞廣場時，天邊零散的烏雲開始集結。通常在廣場上旋的鴿子群，早就忙著在樹上找到棲身之處，並且焦躁不耐地等著。人們已經嗅出空氣中的悶熱，並加快腳步往地鐵站口前進。驟然颳起一陣強風，掀起廣場上的枯葉如潮浪捲湧。費爾明快步趕路，才到賈斯柏街，天空開始下起了傾盆大雨。 eight 班藍恩律師是個帶有些許波希米亞學生味的年輕人，看起來似乎只靠鹹餅乾和咖啡過日子，因為辦公室裡瀰漫的就是這兩種味道。還有灰塵滿布的氣味。他的辦公室設在堤沃里大劇院所在的那棟建築閣樓上一間陋室，就在沒有電燈照明的走道盡頭。費爾明晚上八點半才找到那個地方。穿著襯衫，一身隨意的班藍恩來應門，一見到他即點了點頭，隨後嘆了口氣。 我想您應該是費爾明吧！馬汀跟我提過您。他老早就一直問我，您是不是來找過我了。 我去了外地一陣子。 想必也是。來，您請進！ 費爾明跟著他走進房裡。 真是個討厭的夜晚啊！您說是不是？律師神態略顯緊張。 雨水多了點。 費爾明環顧四周，隨即發現房裡只有一張椅子。班藍恩把椅子拉給他坐，他自己則坐在一叠商事法書籍上面。 我還得添購一些家具。 在費爾明看來，這個房間已經連個削鉛筆器都放不下了，不過，他決定不予置評。桌上擺著一個盤子，裡面放著豬排三明治，外加一杯啤酒。旁邊一張餐巾紙，清楚說明了律師豐盛的晚餐來自樓下的咖啡館。 我正打算要吃晚餐，您若不嫌棄的話，我們就一起吃吧！ 您吃，您吃！年輕人還在長，應該多吃點，我吃過晚餐才來的。 您要不要吃點或喝點什麼？Is coffee okay? 您如果有瑞士糖的話 班藍恩埋首在抽屜裡翻找，但裡面恐怕什麼都有，就是沒有瑞士糖。 歡諾拉喉糖好嗎？ oh!No thanks! 那我先吃了，不好意思！ 班藍恩張大嘴巴咬了三明治一口，嚼得津津有味。費爾明忍不住自忖，他們倆究竟是誰比較像快餓死的模樣。書桌旁一扇半掩的房門，通往隔壁的房間，房內依稀可見一張凌亂的鐵床，披掛了皺襯衫的衣帽架，還有一大疊書籍。 您住在這裡嗎？費爾明好奇問道。 伊莎貝拉替馬汀聘請的顯然不是收入豐厚的大牌律師。班藍恩隨著費爾明的視線瞥了臥房一眼，隨即露出靦腆的笑容。 這裡暫時是我的辦公室兼住家沒錯。班藍恩應道，同時欠身關上臥室房門。 您一定會想，我看起來一點律師的樣子都沒有。hehe!Do you know?我並不是第一個哩！我父親就是這副德行。 您別在意這些，我父親常說我們幾個兄弟笨頭笨腦，將來恐怕只能做石匠討生活。結果您看看我，比一個無賴更無賴。一個人只要有家人的信任和支持，一定能闖出一番大成就的。 班藍恩勉強點了點頭。 仔細想想，的確如此事實上，我一直到不久前才開業。在此之前，我在轉角的恩寵大道上一家頗負盛名的律師事務所工作。但是，我們後來有了一連串的麻煩。從此以後，所有案子都變得很棘手。 該不會是瓦士在搞鬼吧？ 班藍恩點頭回應，豪邁地喝了兩三口啤酒。 自從我接了馬汀先生這個案子，他們無所不用其極，幾乎把我所有的客戶都逼退了。少數留下來繼續和我合作的人，根本付不出我的律師費用。 那位伊莎貝拉小姐呢？ 律師的眼神頓時暈染一抹哀傷。他把啤酒放在書桌上，一臉茫然地看著費爾明。 Don't you know yet? what do you know? Isabella.森貝雷已經過世了。 Nine 暴風雨橫掃整座城市。費爾明捧著咖啡，班藍恩站在敞開的窗戶前，凝望大雨拍打著加蓋的屋宇，開始細訴伊莎貝拉離世前幾天的曲折變故。 她突然生病，莫名其妙就這樣倒下去了。您如果認識她的話就知道伊莎貝拉年紀輕輕，充滿活力。她的身體一向跟鐵打的一樣，戰爭期間的各種艱困磨難，她都熬過來了。事情的發生，恰好應驗了俗語說的人生無常。您從城堡監獄逃出來的那天晚上，伊莎貝拉很晚才回到家裡。後來，她丈夫發現她跪坐在浴室裡，全身冒汗，並且不停地顫抖。她說她覺得很不舒服。於是，他們打電話請醫生過來，不過，在醫生趕到之前，她已經開始抽搐，而且還吐了血。醫生判定是中毒，還說她接下來幾天應該格外小心飲食，然而，她在隔天早上情況惡化。森貝雷先生替她裹上毛毯，再由開計程車的鄰居送他們到海洋醫院。這時候，她的皮膚已經出現深色斑塊，就跟爛瘡一樣，而且頭髮也開始大把大把地掉落。他們在醫院苦等了好幾個鐘頭，但醫院始終拒絕收她，因為當時候診室裡有個人，一個同樣在等待看病的患者，他自稱認識森貝雷，並指控森先生是共產黨員，反正就是類似的蠢話。我猜他就是想插隊。有位女病患好心送了他們糖漿，並說這糖漿有助於清腸胃，可是，伊莎貝拉什麼都吞不下了。森貝雷不知所措。他把她帶回家裡，找來了好幾個不同的醫師。沒有人知道確切病因。有位經常光顧書店的實習醫生剛好在大學醫院有熟識的人。於是，森貝雷趕緊把她送去那裡。 到了大學醫院，院方告訴他們，她可能染上了霍亂，並要求他們回家，因為有病毒，而且傳染力非常強。附近已經有好幾個人因而病逝。伊莎貝拉的病情逐日惡化，後來陷入昏迷。她丈夫竭盡所能，想盡辦法，但是不過才幾天的工夫，伊莎貝拉已經虛弱到連醫院都去不了。發病一週之後，她病逝於聖塔安娜街的家中，就在書店樓上。 沉默在兩人之間凝結了許久，周遭的聲響唯有淅瀝瀝的雨聲，以及在伴隨著轉弱的風勢而逐漸遠颺的雷鳴。 過了一個月之後，有人告訴我，他們曾經看見她有天晚上出現在黎塞歐歌劇院對面的劇院咖啡館。當時，她和毛里修．瓦士同坐一桌。伊莎貝拉就是聽不進我的勸阻，她揚言要把瓦士利用馬汀捉刀重寫什麼揚名立萬暢銷書之類的事情抖出來。她赴約就是為了質問他。咖啡館服務生還記得，瓦士當天搭著座車提早抵達，他還告訴我，瓦士同時點了兩杯洋甘菊茶和蜂蜜。 費爾明暗自推敲年輕律師話中引出的因果關係。 您認為是瓦士對她下了毒嗎？ 我無法證實這一點，不過，從我剛剛告訴您的那些訊息看來，已經再清楚不過了。一定是瓦士！ 費爾明低頭看著地板。 馬汀先生知道這件事嗎？ 班藍恩頻頻搖頭。 他還不知道。您逃獄之後，瓦士下令將馬汀囚禁在其中一座尖塔裡的隔離牢房。 尚南華醫師呢？他們沒把這兩個人關在一起嗎？ 班藍恩哀嘆一聲，神情落寞。 尚南華被指控教唆叛逃，在您逃獄後兩星期被槍決。 房裡又是一陣漫長的靜默。費爾明站了起來，並開始繞著小圈子不停踱步，神情躁動不安。what about me?為什麼沒有人來搜尋我這個人？再怎麼說，一切都是因我而起的啊 您根本就不存在了。為了避免上級指責，也為了不讓自己的大好仕途毀於一旦，瓦士向長官宣稱，巡邏隊在搜索過程中，一槍擊中了正打算從蒙居克山坡逃跑的囚犯，然後，他們還將逃犯的屍體丟進了露天墓穴裡。 費爾明氣得咬牙切齒。 我跟您說，我打算現在就去軍警局投案，然後告訴他們，我他媽的還活得好好的！看看瓦士那傢伙怎麼解釋我死而復活是怎麼回事。 您別說這種傻話！您這樣做根本就於事無補。到時候，您唯一的下場就是被押送到清泉公路，然後脖子挨上一槍。那個卑鄙小人不值得您這麼做。 費爾明點了點頭，然而，羞愧和罪惡感仍在內心啃蝕著他。 馬汀呢？他接下來會怎麼樣呢？ 班藍恩只能聳肩以對。 我所知道的都是祕密消息來源提供的。他是出不了監獄了。碉堡裡面有個叫做貝伯的獄卒，他欠了我一點人情。他弟弟原本被判死罪的，但是我幫他爭取減刑為十年徒刑，目前在瓦倫西亞服刑，貝伯是個好人，他把自己在碉堡內看見和聽見的所有事情都告訴我。瓦士不讓我和馬汀會面，但是透過貝伯，我知道他還活著，瓦士把他囚禁在塔裡，並且派人二十四小時監視。獄方提供了紙筆給他。貝伯說，馬汀一直在寫東西。 Write what? who knows.瓦士認為，這是貝伯告訴我的馬汀正依照他的要求改寫他交代的那本書。但是您和我都清楚得很，馬汀的神智已經不太清楚，他可能在寫別的東西。他偶爾會大聲重複朗讀他寫的句子，或是突然站起來，然後開始在牢房裡走來走去，嘴裡唸唸有詞，說的都是一些對話片段和不完整句子。貝伯負責大夜班監視馬汀的牢房，只要情況允許，他總會乘機塞幾支香菸給他，還有方糖，那是他唯一會吃的食物。對了，馬汀有沒有跟您提過什麼《天使遊戲》之類的？ 費爾明搖頭否認。 這是他正在寫的這本書的書名嗎？ 貝伯是這麼說的。根據馬汀對他的敘述，以及馬汀大聲朗讀的內容，聽起來很像是自傳或是懺悔錄之類的如果您要問我的意見，我認為馬汀已經發覺自己正漸漸失去理智，趁著情況還不算太嚴重之前，他試圖將自己的回憶寫成文字。這就好像他為了尋找自我，正在寫一封信給自己 萬一瓦士知道馬汀根本就沒把他交代的工作當一回事，會有什麼後果？ 班藍恩律師回了他一個哀戚的眼神。 ten 雨勢停歇時，已近午夜。從班藍恩律師的閣樓往外遠眺，巴塞隆納夜空仍不見清朗，低垂的烏雲在屋宇間徘徊不去。 您有地方過夜嗎？費爾明班藍恩問道。 我有個很誘人的選擇，那就是去跟一個小姑娘一起住，同時也充當她的保鑣，這小姑娘衣著打扮稍嫌輕涼了點兒，但是心地非常善良，還有那身材啊！往街上一站，交通會打結的不過，即使可以拜倒在南方維納斯的石榴裙下，我還是覺得自己不適合擔任這個角色。 費爾明，我認為您在街上遊蕩非常不妥，太危險了。您可以住在這裡，想住多久都行。費爾明在屋裡張望了一下。 我知道這裡不是五星級大飯店，不過，我裡面有一張摺疊床，睡覺不打呼，而且，我是真的很高興有人作伴。 您沒有女朋友啊？ 我原來有個女朋友，她是我原本服務的律師事務所創辦人的掌上明珠，瓦士派人阻礙我手上的所有案子，後來我就被辭退了。 馬汀這個案子真是讓您付出不小的代價啊！我看您會因此保持貞潔和貧窮的狀態。 班藍恩被逗笑了。 您就讓我迷惘一下吧！我會很快樂的。 這個我可要先把話說清楚。除非您讓我幫忙做事，我才會住下來。我呢，打掃、整理、打字、做飯、提供意見、幫忙抓人或跟蹤，這些我都能做，如果您覺得壓力大得讓您透不過氣來的時候，我的好朋友蘿西朵一定能以她的專業服務讓您煥然一新，年輕的時候一定要特別留意性欲過強、精子直衝腦門的問題，否則接下來會更糟糕。 班藍恩伸出手來。 That's it.您被正式聘任為專為負不出費用的客戶打官司的班藍恩律師事務所助手。 我拿費爾明這個名字當保證，本週末以前，我一定幫您找到一個能夠以現金支付訴訟費用的客戶。 就這樣，費爾明暫時在班藍恩律師的狹小辦公室安頓了下來，接著，他馬上著手整頓、打掃，白天的時間都花在整理卷宗、檔案夾以及處理中的案件。不過兩、三天的工夫，經過費爾明的巧手整理，辦公室變得乾淨又整齊，看起來比原來大了三倍。費爾明白天大都在辦公室裡度過，不過，他偶爾也會外出考察一兩個鐘頭，帶回來的是他在堤沃里劇院大廳順手拿走的一把鮮花，還有一些咖啡，那是他對樓下咖啡館女服務生猛灌迷湯的成果，他還帶回了吉利士商行的精緻進口食品，他記得在事務所的帳目裡看過，這家商行曾經找班藍恩處理過案子，於是，費爾明以事務所新任助手的身分進去打了招呼。 費爾明，這火腿怎麼會這麼好吃啊？您去哪兒弄來的？ 您快嚐嚐那個拉曼卻羊乳酪，保證讓您心花怒放！ 每天早上，他仔細查閱班藍恩手上的所有案件，並將凌亂的筆記重新謄寫一遍。到了下午，他拿起電話，手握一份名單，主動開發一些未來有可能上門的新客戶。只要嗅出對方有一絲意願，他會趕緊掛上電話，直接登門拜訪。他總共打了五十通電話，包括這一帶的商家、專業人士，以及一般百姓，他親自拜訪了其中十人，後來有三個人成為班藍恩律師的新客戶。 一名寡婦正在和保險公司進行訴訟，對方拒絕支付她猝逝的丈夫應得的死亡給付，理由是死者在享用了七扇門餐廳的龍蝦大餐後心臟病發而死亡，此舉無異是自殺行為，所以不符合保單的給付條件。一位動物標本製作者和一名退休鬥牛士對簿公堂，因為後者把一頭死於表演場上的五百公斤鬥牛委託他製成標本，解剖完成之後，退休鬥牛士卻拒絕前來領取並付費，根據此人的說法，標本製作者為鬥牛鑲製的玻璃眼珠充滿一股鬼魅邪氣，他看一眼就嚇得逃離現場，嘴裡還不斷喊著：蜥蜴！蜥蜴！住在聖彼得圓環的一位裁縫控告無照行醫的牙醫師，對方拔掉他五顆臼齒，但沒有一顆是蛀牙。這些都不是什麼重大案件，但至少客戶們都付了保證金，並且還簽了約。 費爾明，我打算付您固定薪水。 No talking! 費爾明拒絕任何工作獎金，僅是偶爾借點小錢以便週日下午帶蘿西朵看場電影，或到白鴿舞廳跳跳舞，或到提比達波遊樂園走走，一進了那兒的明鏡之屋，小姑娘立刻在他脖子上用力吸吮，讓他足足痛了一個禮拜。那天，因為天候關係，盤旋在巴塞隆納城市模型上空的飛機模型上，乘客僅有他們兩人，乘此良機，費爾明重溫了久違的魚水之歡，總算滿足了他身為男人的基本需求。 有一天，費爾明正在遊樂園的摩天輪上和蘿西朵翻雲覆雨之際，他不禁暗自沉吟，眼前這一切，完全出乎預料，竟是如此美好。接著，他突然心生恐懼，因為他有自知之明，眼前的美好不可能持續，這偷來的靜好歲月和幸福，終將在蘿西朵春光凝豔的胴體和雙眸前化為雲煙。 eleven 當天晚上，他坐在辦公室等待外出的班藍恩，年輕律師這天行程滿檔，法庭、公務機關、辦事處、監獄，以及無數次為了獲取消息而勉強為之的鞠躬哈腰。當他聽見班律師的腳步聲在走道上逐漸接近時，已經是晚上十一點了。他趕緊去開門，律師拖著疲憊的腳步和頹喪的靈魂，無精打采地進了門。接著，他跌坐在牆腳，雙手抱頭。 What's wrong?班律師 我剛從碉堡回來。 Any good news? 瓦士拒絕接見我。他們讓我足足等了四個鐘頭，最後竟然把我趕走。他們取消了我的會面許可和進入碉堡的職權。 他們不讓您探視馬汀？ 班藍恩搖了搖頭。 他根本就不在那裡。 費爾明困惑不解地看著他。班藍恩沉默了好一會兒，斟酌著該如何開口才好。 我正打算離開時，貝伯跟上來了，然後把他知道的事情都跟我說了。事情發生在兩個禮拜前。馬汀像個瘋子似的，日以繼夜寫個不停，幾乎都不睡覺了。瓦士已經聽說事情不太對勁，於是命令貝伯沒收馬汀的所有稿子。為了從他手中拿走那些手稿，獄方甚至出動了三名獄卒合力制伏他。貝伯把稿件呈交瓦士，結果，瓦士一看就抓狂了。 我猜是因為那不是他要的稿子 班藍恩頻頻搖頭。 瓦士熬夜讀完那份稿子，隔天早上，在四名手下陪同之下，他上了尖塔。他命令手下將馬汀上了手銬和腳鐐，然後親自走進了牢房。貝伯隔著門縫聽見了部分對話。瓦士當時暴跳如雷。他告訴馬汀，他非常失望，明明交給他的是足以寫成曠世傑作的材料，但他這個可惡的傢伙，不但沒有聽命行事，而且還寫出了這