A circular fountain sprayed water high, each droplet reflecting the sun in an undulating rainbow.

Danny looked around the grounds and gave a brief nod of approval. The sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea lay to the east while the more sheltered Nichupté Lagoon separated the hotel zone from the mainland proper. Speedboats and catamarans vied for space in the lagoon harbour. The sound of carefree laughter drifted on the air. “Well, this is shiny.”

As Clay stopped the vehicle in front of the main lobby area, a uniformed valet opened the driver’s door.

“Welcome to the Mayan Fiesta Resort and Spa.” The young man flashed a genuine smile, his white teeth contrasting with his mocha skin and coal-black hair. “Do you require any assistance with your luggage?”

Clay towered over him as he got out of the car. “No thanks, we’re travelling light.”

Danny received a quizzical look from the valet. “Just one bag apiece. I think we’ll manage.”

“Sí señors, I understand. Travelling light.” He rolled the words around on his tongue as if trying them for the first time.

“Don’t park it too far away, we’ll be heading back out in a short while.”

He gave Clay a short salute. “I’ll keep it close by and ready for you, señor.”

Clay handed the young man a twenty. “You can stop with the señor thing. My name’s Clay. This is my brother Danny. I hope dollars are okay?”

The valet glanced between the two brothers and nodded. “My name is Giorgio and US dollars are very okay. If you need anything, anything at all, just give me a call. I know all the best bars, the best beaches.”

Danny liked the kid. He was bright and enthusiastic. “I think we might take you up on that.”

Giorgio slipped into the driver’s seat. “You know where I’ll be.”

* * *

Danny opened the sliding door and stepped out onto the balcony while he waited for Clay to finish showering. Sounds of music and laughter drifted up. Good sounds. Happy sounds. The pool deck below was populated by a multitude: holidaymakers lay stretched on sunloungers, while others splashed around in the water. A game of water polo was in full swing. Beyond the pool lay the ocean, the shade of blue a thing of true beauty.

There were two taps on the door. Danny answered promptly. The woman outside was short and wide with distinctive oval eyes. She wore a pale green uniform with the Mayan Fiesta logo embroidered on the upper left breast.

“Hola, señor.