Luna Tango by Alli Sinclair Page A

voices in disapproval of Juan Perón allowing the Eva Perón Foundation for the poor to start crumbling after the passing of his wife. Burning piles of rubbish cast an eerie orange glow along the sidewalk as acrid smoke curled above the people’s heads. A shot rang in the distance, causing Louisa to jump.
    â€˜Stay away from the windows, you’ll get hurt.’
    She spun around to find Eduardo in the living room doorway, his sturdy build taking up most of the doorframe.
    â€˜The people are growing more restless. What will happen, do you think?’ Her gaze returned to the crowd below, their chants growing louder as more people joined the throng.
    â€˜Perón must figure it out soon. Those people you feel sorry for are the ones who attacked and burned the Jockey Club and the National Democratic Party headquarters.’
    â€˜They did it because Perón called for a violent response to the explosion that ripped through Plaza de Mayo.’ Louisa detested political discussions with Eduardo because of their opposing views, but he insisted on dragging her into them, perhaps in the hope that one day she would finally agree with him.
    â€˜They did it because they are thugs. What is this country coming to when police and firemen refuse to attend calls of help from the affluent?’
    â€˜It’s a strong way of showing the rich they will not be bullied any more. I’m not saying it was right—’
    â€˜It couldn’t have been more wrong,’ Eduardo said.
    â€˜The people are tired. They’re hungry. You were poor and struggling once. And me.’
    â€˜We have a different life now, Louisa. I didn’t spend all this time earning money to give it away to commoners.’ He strode over to the brocade armchair and sat.
    â€˜But—’
    â€˜It is time.’ He gave a curt nod.
    â€˜For what?’ A hollow feeling grew in her stomach.
    â€˜We go to America next week.’
    He’d mentioned it many times before but she’d put it down to rambling. This time, though, his stony expression and the conviction in his voice told her he was serious. Her wobbly legs threatened to buckle and she sat heavily on the sofa. ‘Shouldn’t we wait to see what happens here?’
    He gestured towards the street. ‘You’ve seen the people. The future is already decided. If we don’t leave now we could lose everything.’
    â€˜I don’t think going to America is a good idea. You know Buenos Aires. You’re familiar with the cafés, bars, concert halls. America is a new country, a place where you’ll have to speak English all the time. I don’t think it is in your best interests to go.’
    â€˜I will not let this disease rule me.’ He straightened his back.
    â€˜The doctors could maybe slow it down—’
    â€˜Enough!’ He glowered at her. ‘We are going. The decision has been made.’
    She willed her voice to remain calm and soft, the perfect way to temper his mood. ‘Is it because you made a promise to Carlos Gardel?’
    â€˜Yes, of course it is. It may have taken nearly twenty years to honour my promise, and I am not about to give up my only chance to follow in his footsteps and show the world not all tango dancers and singers are like that revolting Rudolph Valentino.’
    â€˜I admire your loyalty, Eduardo, but America isn’t the same as when you made the promise to Carlos Gardel and—’
    â€˜I am not a man who goes back on his word. We go next week.’
    A lump of fear grew in the back of her throat. ‘So it’s the three of us travelling?’
    Eduardo shook his head and a stray lock fell across his forehead. Ignoring it, he said, ‘Are you talking about Roberto? No. He will stay here.’
    â€˜Why?’ Her eyes burned from holding back the tears.
    â€˜Because it is time he made his own career.’
    â€˜But he hasn’t performed live since you started