Sitting on the bench across from the public clinic, Beckerwondered what he was supposed to do now. His calls to the escortagencies had turned up nothing. The commander, uneasy aboutcommunication over unsecured public phones, had asked David not tocall again until he had the ring. Becker considered going to thelocal police for help—maybe they had a record of a red-headedhooker—but Strathmore had given strict orders about that too.You are invisible. No one is to know this ring exists.

Becker wondered if he was supposed to wander the drugged-outdistrict of Triana in search of this mystery woman. Or maybe he wassupposed to check all the restaurants for an obese German.Everything seemed like a waste of time.

Strathmore's words kept coming back: It's a matterof national security… you must find that ring.

A voice in the back of Becker's head told him he'dmissed something—something crucial—but for the life ofhim, he couldn't think what it would be. I'm ateacher, not a damned secret agent! He was beginning to wonderwhy Strathmore hadn't sent a professional.

Becker stood up and walked aimlessly down Calle Deliciaspondering his options. The cobblestone sidewalk blurred beneath hisgaze. Night was falling fast.

Dewdrop.

There was something about that absurd name that nagged at theback of his mind. Dewdrop. The slick voice of SeñorRoldán at Escortes Belén was on endless loop in his head."We only have two redheads… Two redheads, Inmaculadaand Rocío… Rocío… Rocío…"

Becker stopped short. He suddenly knew. And I call myself alanguage specialist? He couldn't believe he'd missedit.

Rocío was one of the most popular girl's names inSpain. It carried all the right implications for a young Catholicgirl—purity, virginity, natural beauty. The connotations ofpurity all stemmed from the name's literalmeaning—Drop of Dew!

The old Canadian's voice rang in Becker's ears. Dewdrop. Rocío had translated her name to the onlylanguage she and her client had in common—English. Excited,Becker hurried off to find a phone.

Across the street, a man in wire-rim glasses followed just outof sight.