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his running mate?”
    “If wise, he would. Federico as vice-president will make a strong ticket.”
    “Steinerman will never allow free elections to happen?”
    “Correct.”
    “Understood. If Steinerman died, a deLorenzo-Quintero ticket will have no obstacles for victory?”
    “With Federico, Uncle Rafael can’t lose. If Federico runs against him, there’s an excellent chance Federico will win. Federico isn’t interested in the presidency if the deLorenzo Administration can be salvaged.”
    “The simplest and most logical solution is the elimination of Steinerman. The head must go.”
    “Easier said than done. You heard Federico’s reasons.”
    “I disagree.”
    “You do?”
    “Yes. I have a way to get to him without difficulty.”
    Tomayo turned intrigued. “Keep going. How?”
    “Next week. He has to be there. But I can’t imagine him leaving me alone with Uncle.”
    “He goes where Uncle goes.”
    “There you have it. That’s where it should be done.”
    “Pilar, it’s out of the question. I refuse to endanger you and your children. Forget it. It’s up to the committee to decide if, when, and where.”
    “Why can’t I get a gun and shoot the bastard’s brains out?”
    “Are you, crazy? What conversation is this?”
    “Calm down.”
    Tomayo ran his fingers through his hair in exasperation.
    “You don’t talk about that off the top of your head. How do you get away with it? What’s going to happen to your children?”
    “What if I find a way that no one gets caught? Will you help me?”
    “No! Out of the question. If you want to help, eavesdrop and then persuade Uncle Rafael to fire Steinerman.”
    “Control your temper, Tomayo. Don’t get a fever over it. I’m inquiring.”
    Pilar never saw Tomayo angry. She smiled as his hands jabbed air emphatic and adamant.
    “Before we close the subject on you as a murderess, our group has trained men like Alejandro adept at killing. If Steinerman is to go, they know the way and method.”
    “They won’t get as close to him as me.”
    “Granted.”
    “But forget it?”
    “Absolutely. I’m surprised you would think that.”
    “I have another question. Can I ask it without getting splashed by your temper?”
    “I’m shocked, not mad.”
    “You’re not mad? I hate to see when you are.”
    “Ask your question.”
    “Do you think we’ll be in danger at Uncle Rafael’s?”
    “Steinerman wouldn’t dare try anything in front of him. Don’t do anything foolish to give him cause for provocation. Never forget he can always arrange an accident.”
    “I don’t intend to take any nonsense from Steinerman.”
    “Remember, Mother, you have children. That common sense is better than stupidity and irrationality.”
    “I shouldn’t take anything with me for protection?”
    “Like what?”
    “Like a gun.”
    “Dammit!” He pounded the table. “If you feel danger you call me. Are we agreed?”
    “Why, Mr. deLorenzo. I would never think of differing with you. Get mad again. You’re cute when crazed.”

     
    Next day, Friday, Pilar and Esmeralda packed, ready for the presidential limousine. She wallowed in anger, hate, and repulsion thinking vengeance for Carlos.
    Her grotesque thoughts of Steinerman imbedded moving her to nausea, her thinking bordered on the insane. She wanted to shoot him on sight or go right up to him and slit his throat. She savored having him chained to the wall and torturing him then to whip him and beat him to death, to keep hitting and hitting until his life and her hate ended.
    These were unfamiliar thoughts of the Pilar the world knew. That Pilar was the Pilar she wanted for the times. She spent the day swimming in a world of violence and revenge, ‘drowning in a drop of water’. The torment whipped her to exhaustion. Her stomach rejected all food. Sleep and peace came at five o’clock in the afternoon.
    Day generated personal suffering with no energy for anything else. All day long, she wore her pajamas and