"Last names."
"Peral Ferret."
"First names."
"Jaume Isidre Benet."
"Born in?"
"Barcelona."
"On?"
"February 29th. 1960."
"Twenty ninth?"
"Right. It was a leap year."
"Residence?"
"Carrer de Sant Mus, number 12."
"Here in Sitges?"
"Sure."
"Good. Then, let's hear your version of the facts."
Jaume slowly started to relate his story; trying to be as exact and complete as possible, while the corporal was typing the text of his affidavit. From time to time, the lieutenant asked questions, or for more clarification. At one point, the man asked:
"You were hunting, correct?"
"No. I am a waiter at La Brasa restaurant, in Passeig de la Ribera."
"Ah, a four star. Yet from our inquiries, it appears that you are a hustler."
"Some malevolent and envious person could have said so."
"You mean that it is not true that you have sex with men?"
"No, that's true. But not for money."
"But Mister Bowens says he paid you."
"Sure, he tried. Just to insult me. But I tore the check in pieces. You can check with the bank and verify that I didn't cash it."
"Anyway, you are a homosexual."
"It is not against the law."
"I agree. Do you have a sexual relationship with this Mister Bowens?"
"I had. It's over, now."
The interrogation continued quick and precise. Jaume quietly answered all the questions, calm and self controlled. He never lost his self control, in spite of the mocking remarks of the lieutenant.
It was the first time it happened, with Kevin Bowens. When the man had said to him in an icy voice: "Go away, you disgust me. You are a dirty tart, a mangy dog, a revolting bastard..." Jaume saw red and had attacked him; punching and kicking. Unfortunately, Jaume was strong and the other received the worst of it. And now he was there, at the police station, accused of assault. Moreover to a foreign tourist. Jaume did break his nose septum. They told him that the man arrived at the hospital almost unconscious, all dirty in blood. After he was treated, as soon as he recovered his senses, the man had reported the fact to the police. And now Jaume was there, accused of assault, beating and voluntary lesions, and of prostitution. He admitted everything, but denied being a prostitute.
When the interrogation was over, they read him his affidavit and he signed it. Then he was let free, with the warning not to leave Sitges.
Yes, he felt bad. Jaume didn't like violence, and yet he had been violent. He admitted his guilt. He was ready to pay for his mistake.
What would be his punishment? Sure, the lawyer will make a good defense. But he didn't want him to invent excuses or lies.
Just one thing burned him - that Kevin would not have paid for his behavior. Sure, he paid for it with his nice broken nose, but that was not justice, it was just revenge. Jaume would have liked justice, instead. But he was sure it wouldn't happen.
He had fooled himself, about Kevin. He judged him to be an open minded person, understanding, intelligent. And above all, in love. He could never have been wronger! Is it possible that he would always fall in love with the wrong person? Would he never find the right companion? His Mister Right? All right, he was still young, he was just twenty years old. But since he was fifteen, he was looking around, searching from the great love. One quarter of his life.
When he was back home, he excused himself to Juan and Miguel, who were waiting for him. He went into his room, plopped onto his bed on his stomach, his head resting on his arms.
And reconsidered his life.
