Grapevine

By PAUL GRAY/

WAS IT THE FOOD OR THE COMPANY? Ever since the U.S. flew tottering Haitian President Prosper Avril into exile in March, the former leader's whereabouts have been a well-kept secret. Rumors targeted Boca Raton, Fla., New Orleans and the Washington area. Now the wife of a prominent Haitian businessman claims a close encounter. Leaving a restaurant in Miami Lakes, Fla., she suddenly screamed, "There is Avril!" Says her husband: "I went home and took a Maalox and a tranquilizer."

With reporting by DAVID ELLIS