Drone

President Barraza’s security detail stood alert around the office. Antonio sat behind his desk in an elegantly cut light blue suit, while Hernán took up his usual position, slouched on the couch with a glass of liquor in his hands.

Cruzalta sat opposite the president, and next to him, Senator Madero, a silver-haired elder statesman. Both men had been checked for weapons when they entered the building and again when they entered the president’s office. Madero kept a hand-stitched brown leather attaché case on his lap.

“What we have to say might be better said in private,” Cruzalta suggested.

Antonio shot a glance at Hernán, who nodded his approval.

Antonio turned to the security chief. “Dismissed.”

“But, Mr. President—”

Antonio’s glowering eyes cut him off.

“Yes, Mr. President.”

The security chief nodded to his men and they left the room.

“Say what you’re going to say, traitor.”

“Traitor?” Cruzalta could barely contain his rage.

“What my brother means to say is, what is it that you are proposing?” Hernán asked.

Madero opened his attaché case and handed Antonio a sheet of paper. He read it.

“There are 425 signatures on that list requesting that you vacate the office of president,” Madero said with great solemnity. “Enough to satisfy the constitutional requirements to elect an interim president.”

Antonio laughed. “I have no reason to step down.”

“You have over a one hundred fourteen million reasons to resign. Our nation is about to collapse into a civil war. We need new leadership, now,” Cruzalta said.

Antonio laughed again. “You?”

“No. Senator Madero is my choice, and the choice of the majority on that list, and of many of the governors.” Cruzalta was right. Madero was the most respected politician in Mexico. For decades, Madero had displayed courage, honesty, and integrity in his public service.

“If this nation is on the brink of revolution, as you think it is, then it’s of your own making. You’re the one who partnered with the Americans to kill poor Bravo and wage war on our people,” Hernán said.

“Our people? You’re talking about the animals who butchered tens of thousands of innocents—those are the people you partnered with. The greed, the corruption, the violence—all of it must end if our nation is to have any hope of real democracy.”

“A dreamer’s dream, Cruzalta. This is Mexico,” Hernán laughed. “You can’t change a whole culture by changing a few names on the office door.”

“Perhaps not. But we can at least try, and if we fail, we can fail as men, rather than living like a pack of vicious dogs.”

Madero trembled with rage. “How dare you speak so poorly of your own people, Barraza. It’s the politicians who corrupt the people, not the other way around.”

“You have many enemies, Barraza. Some closer than you think. Get out while you can,” Cruzalta said.

“I have no fear of enemies. The people love me, especially after the attempt on my life,” Antonio said.

Cruzalta reached into his pocket and pulled out a digital player. He explained that it was a portion of the conversation Pearce had secretly recorded with Ali in San Diego.

“Then why did you attack the president at the Hidalgo church?”

“Hernán Barraza ordered the attack on his brother.”

“Why would he want you to attack his brother?”

“He wanted his brother to think that you Americans were trying to assassinate him.”

“But that drone could easily have killed the president.”

“Hernán wants to be president. He is already making plans for another attempt.”

Antonio turned toward his brother. He was on the verge of tears. “Hernán?”

“What is that recording supposed to prove?” Hernán protested. “Americans can doctor anything on digital.” He knew Antonio thought the moon landings were staged.

Antonio turned back to Cruzalta. “You are a dangerous man and a traitor. You make me sick.” Antonio nodded at Madero. “And you, old man, are a fool.”

Hernán slumped in his chair, visibly relieved.

“So give me one good reason why I should resign in disgrace and let you traitors take over the government?” Antonio demanded.

Madero pulled out another document and set it carefully in front of Antonio. “On this resignation letter, you are guaranteed a full and complete pardon and total immunity for all crimes you may have committed, and you may keep all of the money you currently possess by whatever means you acquired it, up to and including the moment you sign the document.”

Antonio read the resignation and the pardon, then handed it to Hernán. “You’re the lawyer. What do you think?”

Hernán took the paper from his brother and scanned it.

“What about my brother? Is he included in this pardon?” Antonio asked.

“We are prepared to extend that offer.”