Chapter 7

Jojo just shook his head in disbelief at Tiny’s brazenness, and then joined them in the elevator.2

The white Lexus SUV showed up right on time, and when Adam and Pete stepped from the air-conditioned Starbucks to greet Erwin, Erwin was already opening the car door to allow them to take their seats inside.

“Hello again, Mr. Adam,” Erwin said. Adam nodded and shook his hand, finding it interesting that Erwin’s accent was strong in some of the consonants.

“I’m Pete, by the way.” Pete shook Erwin’s outstretched hand.

“Erwin.” Erwin stopped for a second and then asked, “Are you Filipino?”

“Part,” Pete answered. “My mother is from Vigan.”

“So you can speak Tagalog?” Erwin asked.

“Just a little,” Pete said, then to emphasize, he said, “Konti lang, po.”

Erwin laughed. “Well, that’s good you have a Pinoy friend, Mr. Adam.”