Unless he stops somewhere on the way home, he should be here in fifteen or twenty minutes.”

“I’m sure he will come straight home,” said Mami.

“We will soon see,” said Mr. García. “In the meantime, my men will have a look around.” Mami, Carlos, and I sat in the dining room while Mr. García’s men opened drawers and cupboards. They pulled the books off the bookshelf and threw the pillows off the furniture.

“So, Carlos,” sneered Mr. García, “I hear that you are the fourth Alou brother. I suppose you are hopeful that you will be asked to play ball in the United States in a few years.”

“… my men will have a look around.”

“Yes sir,” said Carlos, twirling his baseball bat between his knees.

Just then Kiki danced across the floor. We watched as she swatted a big wad of tape between her paws. One flick sent it tumbling under a bureau.

Mr. García frowned.

I held my breath.

Papi came through the door, right on time.