DAY 4
I spend the morning in Valencia, then buy a ticket to Oliva, about 80km south. While waiting for the bus, I meet an American couple who are heading to Cullera. They are incredulous when they find out I've been hired from Canada to cat sit.
The bus ride is cheap at 8,10 euro, but my mother would say it was the milk run. I almost miss my stop but get the driver to pull over again.
Call Joe the British cabbie, who is expecting me. "Five minutes," he says, and is there in three. "To Arianne's house?" Si, I nod. "Are you good friends?" he asks.
"I've never met her."
A look of concern on his face. Inside, I panic. Something amuck. I should have asked more questions before boarding that plane.
"What's wrong?" I ask.
"I don't understand."
"She's hired me to look after her cat while she travels."
"Didn't you say you were from Canada?!"
"Yes."
"And you're here for 3 months?"
"Yes."
Another puzzling look. Something is definitely amuck. We arrive at the house. I pay him and he asks if he should wait. I tell him no and he drives off.
Locked gate. I consider climbing it, but wait. Ten minutes and out she comes, saying she didn't hear me calling. Is she what I expected? What did I expect? "It's hot, let's go inside." An accent, but not a Spanish one.
She introduces Blanche, the cat. My charge. Instantly, I know she's going to be a nightmare.
Arianne offers lunch and I accept. Fish and rice. The two bedroom house is charming. "How long have you lived here?"
"A few months."
"And you're off on vacation so soon?"
"I'm already on vacation. This isn't my house."
"I'm sorry?"
Arianne rented the house for a year. Paid in advance. After seven months, she wants to leave. "They've found me."
"Who?"
She doesn't answer. The expression on her face is either, "You know who," or "I'm not sure I can trust you with that information." I remember the look on the cabbie's face.
She paces the kitchen holding a butter knife. "Tomorrow, Mateo will join us for lunch."
"Who's Mateo?"
"This is his house. He wants to meet you. He says he never agreed to another 'tenant'. He's not happy I've hired you. He's police. Retired." Great.
"Tomorrow? For lunch?" She nods. "But what time's your flight?" I ask.
"I haven't bought my ticket yet. I was hoping you'd help me with that. No point using my phone. Lets talk about it tomorrow. You should take a walk. Get to know the area."
"Do you want to join me? Show me the area?"
"I've seen enough of this town to last a lifetime," she says.
I walk the beach.
