Page 11 of Casualties of War
Duardo rolled his eyes. “He wants an election,” he finished. “I put him on report and sent him back to the sandbags.”
Nick didn’t laugh. “Hierro has a point,” he admitted. “There is more than one generalnow. Thereshouldbe an election. Tell Hierro that if he can figure out how to hold a democratic election that allows every Vistarian adult to vote, he can knock himself out.” His voice was rising. He stopped to take a breath. “How the hell are we expected to call a general election in the middle of a war?” he added.
Flores waved his hand. “It is unreasonable, yes. Only, it is something we shouldthink about. Once we win back Vistaria, then democracy must return as soon as possible.”
“I’m not arguing with you,” Nick replied. “Or did you think I might?” He glanced at Duardo.
Duardo shook his head. “I know you better than that.”
Nick addressed Flores, who was still having trouble meeting his eyes. “Should I hand the presidency to you, Flores?”
The man blanched and shook his head. “No,no, Señor, I beg you. I have enough to do.”
“Nevertheless, if it makes you more comfortable to have the presidency back in the hands of the official military, I will hand it over immediately.”
Flores sighed. “You are correct, Nick. There is no one else who can do it, right now. Hierro is a buzzing mosquito who does not understand. Forget any of us spoke about this.”
“No, I don’t think I can,”Nick said. “It is a question we must address. To dismiss it is to dismiss democracy and law. We are fighting to preserve those things. We cannot abandon them because we are in the middle of a war. When the fighting is done and we stand in the Presidential Palace once more, we will return to this question once again. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” Duardo said.
Flores nodded. “Yes, that is reasonable.”
“Now, bring me up to date on the current strategies,” Nick said.
The two generals ran through the alternatives they were considering for the taking of Vistaria and the three of them continued to brainstorm. Nick could see Duardo was mulling over something—possibly another hair-raising strategy like the one that had won them the silver mine in the middle of a hurricane, which had got him promotedto general. Nick didn’t probe. Duardo would spit it out when he was ready.
After the meeting broke up, Nick gripped Duardo’s arm. “I’m about to phone the big house. Come and say hello to your wife for a few minutes.”
Duardo raised his brow at Flores. They were of equal rank, although Flores was the more senior of the two.
Flores nodded. “I will send out the scouting parties to check on whatwe have discussed.”
Duardo stepped around the table and picked up his jacket. The hastily sewn stars on his sleeve were made of a piece of yellow ribbon that had been found among the wreckage left after the storm. It wasn’t gilt braid, but it got the point across.
They moved out into the early morning air and headed for the shack built from storm wreckage, where the senior officers were camping.Duardo raised his brow. “You wanted to speak?”
Nick nodded. “You need more generals, Duardo. Two of you can’t carry this war.”
“You make ade factothird,” Duardo pointed out. “As you said, it is wartime. Things are informal.”
“I’m not thinking of now,” Nick replied.
Duardo was silent for ten steps. Then he sighed. “Then you see it, too. Flores is a good general…” He grimaced. He didn’t haveto finish the sentence.
“He’s not a politician,” Nick finished. “More generals will give the people a proper choice, when the time comes.”
“You won’t stand for election?” Duardo asked.
“I’m not a general.” Nick shook his head. “I’m not a leader. Not that way. Do you know how much I long to wade over the strait with a knife in my hand and finish this? I’m so sick of diplomacy and negotiationsand power-plays…I’ve had a permanent headache for a month—God, and don’t tell Calli that.”
Duardo grinned. “Better you than me, Nick. I intend to be one of those wading the strait with a knife in his hand, when the time comes.” He patted Nick’s shoulder. “You play footsies with the United States and Mexico and let me get on with what I know best.”
“Thanks,” Nick said. “Coming in?” he said, asDuardo turned away.
“Youarephoning the house, then?”
“Of course. Calli would skin me alive if I missed a call.”
