Stranger

They left the room, packing the money into their duffel bag.

The air outside was cooling. The sun hung low over the Pacific.

-We need to blend in, he said.

-We look like people running away, Rosa said.

-We look like tourists. We just need the props.

They walked toward the commercial strip. It was a line of surf shops, taco stands, and souvenir traps.

Rosa walked close behind him.

They stopped in front of a shop. Salty’s Surf & Sport. Mannequins in the window wore board shorts and bored grins.

-In here, Joseph said.

He opened the door. A bell chimed.

Joseph walked up to the clerk and leaned on the counter.

-Hey boss, he said. We need to gear up. My wife and I are hitting the sand.

Rosa flinched.

-Cool, the kid said.

-I need a metal detector, Joseph said. And she needs some strings.

-Detectors are in the back. Suits on the rack.

Joseph turned to Rosa. He winked.

-Go wild, babe. Something colorful.

He turned back to the clerk. He started talking about tide charts and gold rings lost by tourists. He was charming. He was a chameleon.

Rosa walked to the racks.

She found the black one-pieces. The sensible suits.

She pushed them aside.

She found a bikini. It was red, bright and violent.

It was barely there.

She held it up.

It wasn't Rosa Sharon.

It was someone else. Someone who slept on a bed of stolen money. Someone who ran away with a stranger.

She grabbed it.

She grabbed a wide-brimmed hat. Sunglasses.

Joseph walked over. He was carrying a long box.

-Found the gold sniffer? she asked.

-Top of the line. We’re going to look like professionals.

He looked at the red bikini in her hand. He grinned.

-Fire, he said.

-It’s a bit much.

-It’s perfect.

He took the hanger from her.

-Go try it on, he said.

-I know my size.

-Try it on anyway, he said. We’re not in a rush. The bus doesn't come for an hour.

He leaned in close. His voice dropped to a whisper.

-I want to see you in it.

Rosa felt the heat rise in her cheeks.

He handed her the bikini back.

-Go on, Rosa Sharon.

She took the suit. She walked to the back of the store. He followed her.

The curtain was flimsy. The mirror was cracked.

She stepped inside, and then he did.