Read Online Open Pit by Marguerite Pigeon - Free Book Online

goes up.
    â€œWe want to provide an update on the status of the investigation into the abduction of five Canadian citizens —” Reading from his paper, Schiffer lays out the essence of Danielle’s predicament.
    â€œWeird,” Aida says, under her breath. It’s a novel experience, having already absorbed — as much as possible — the news others are only now getting from the TV . André unknits his fingers to squeeze her elbow, but it comes off badly, like he’s honking a horn. André is not good at pity.
    The Attorney General, who turns out to be very boring, digresses into a discussion of his government’s commitment to the War on Terror, which he says takes many forms, including zero tolerance of gangs, drug cartels and kidnappers, as well as the continuing presence of Salvadoran soldiers in Iraq.
    â€œToo much politics,” says André.
    True, thinks Aida, nodding. André prizes the idea of self-care first, just like her. Aida has been trying to keep it up. She’s been dressing especially nicely since finding out about Danielle. Today: a wool skirt and the grey cashmere sweater André gave her for her birthday. Unlike her mother, Aida doesn’t wallow or look for someone to blame for her problems. Personal choices matter. Dressing well makes her feel like she can cope.
    Eventually, Schiffer passes the floor to the ambassador. “Thank you,” says Catharine Keil, her voice unexpectedly husky. She’s short, but has a grey pageboy that helps make up for it. Keil lauds the Salvadoran police and their professionalism then says that while her government doesn’t negotiate with terrorists she is open to “reasoned dialogue.” To Aida, this sounds like the same thing. “It is in the interest of all parties to take a calm, measured approach,” Keil insists. She repositions the microphone and looks up, speaking directly to the camera. “I do not pretend to know what could motivate a crime like this. No past act can excuse it. However, there are options besides violence.”
    The ambassador, Aida realizes, is speaking to the person who took Danielle, the one who signed his ransom note “A humble Salvadoran peasant.” Aida has read the note a dozen times, but its meanings still evade her. Why would someone wait so many years before looking for his family? How can he be so sure they’re dead and buried where he says they are? Maybe Keil’s got a plan. Maybe an ultimatum is coming that will guarantee Danielle’s freedom — Aida’s too.
    â€œThe Bishop of San Miguel has offered to act as a neutral third party. Meanwhile, I’ve taken the step of contacting the team of forensic specialists, led by Alejandro Reverte, named in the letter. Right now, this team is in Guatemala. It will be difficult to obtain their services in the restrictive time frame provided. My discussions with them can continue, but only if there is a clear demonstration of will from those who have imperiled these innocent lives. They must contact the Bishop’s office immediately to work with us towards a peaceful resolution.”
    Keil pauses a moment, as if weighing something, whether to say more. Aida tenses. This woman must have something up her sleeve. Some leverage. But the ambassador puts a hand over her papers and passes the floor to NorthOre’s spokesperson, the wide-faced Barraza. Aida feels herself deflate into the couch.
    As Barraza plants his palms on the table, Danielle’s phone rings. André gets up. He knows the drill: if it’s a journalist, he’s to say “Not interested” and hang up. If it’s the kidnappers, he’s to hand the receiver to Aida and use his cell to dial the number Foreign Affairs gave them. Aida cannot envision that moment, how it would be to talk about Danielle’s capture — her life, the imminent threat against it — with some outlaw kidnapper who has a grudge