Scene 29

Factory Compound of General Ricos

Since he was wounded and in a hurry, the General had not bothered to cover his escape. Although I’m not an expert tracker, it would be easy to follow him.

“Jaime,” I asked, “Can you get them out of here?”

He looked at me and asked, “You’re going after Ricos?”

“We may be able to get some information from him.”

“Go, and take someone with you. Don’t try it on your own.”

I turned and addressed the others. “Ms. Stork, Coemgen, you’re with me.”

The three of us each grabbed a rifle and made sure we had an extra magazine.

It appeared that the General had simply plowed through the vegetation. Occasionally there was a spot of blood from his wound.

The trail led deep into the wilderness, away from the General’s compound.

Suddenly, we burst into a small clearing. Sitting on a small mound at the opposite side of the clearing was General Ricos. He appeared exhausted, but did hold a pistol in his lap.

We raised our rifles and slowly approached him. The General made no attempt to raise the pistol to defend himself.

“Mr. Dove,” he said as we moved closer. “You are indeed a resourceful individual. I really should have listened to Ivana. I’m afraid I underestimated you.”

“Don’t feel bad,” I told him. “You’re certainly not the first.”

He glanced over towards Ms. Stork. “And you must be the one who led that small group of women who caused my guards so much trouble.”

“You may call me Ms. Stork,” she said.

“Stork, of course, I was told there were several women with bird names. I take it you are one of Mr. Dove’s associates?”

“The best at what she does,” I answered for her. “Now, General, if you would please drop the pistol, we can help you with that wound.”

“I don’t think so Mr. Dove. I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“General, there are three of us with rifles. You surely don’t think you can beat us.”

“No, I don’t believe I can.”

Suddenly, twelve guards stepped into the clearing with rifles raised, surrounding us.

“But, as you can see,” the General continued, “I am not alone.”

We lowered our rifles and tossed them to the ground.

“Well played, General,” I said.

“Thank you, it’s good to see that you know when you’re defeated.”

“What now?” I asked.

“Now? I am going to leave. I can continue my operations elsewhere. You, however, will not be going with me.” He motioned to one of his men. “Corporal,” he ordered in Spanish. “Help me.”

The guard moved to the General and helped him stand. The two of them moved to the edge of the clearing. Ricos looked back over his shoulder.

“Kill them.”