"I had to kill one of them," Clete said evenly. "The second, I am ashamed say, I shot because I lost control of myself when I saw what they had done to Se¤ora Pellano. I now regret that very much. If I hadn't lost my temper, we could have made
the sonofabitch tell us who paid him."
There was another long silence. Per¢n said nothing at all until Clete had finished replacing all of Enrico's bandages.
"Obviously, Se¤or Frade," he said finally, "you believe what you have said. I find it difficult-impossible-to accept. But I will look into the matter, and put the question to rest for all time."
Watch what you say, Clete! Not only was this guy your father's best friend, but pissing him off isn't going to accomplish anything.
"I would be grateful if you would, mi Coronel," Clete said. "And I have an-other service to ask of you."
"Anything within my power, Se¤or Frade."
"Would you see that Suboficial Mayor Rodriguez gets to Our Lady of Pilar tomorrow? By automobile? I will see to it that there are seats with the family for my father's best friends."
"Of course."
"You go to bed, Enrico, and try not to do anything else stupid between now and tomorrow."
"S¡, mi Teniente. Gracias, mi Teniente."
"If I can't get you to call me by my name, at least get the rank right," Clete said. "I was discharged from the Marine Corps as a major."
Clete saw Per¢n's eyes light up with that announcement.
Is that why I said that? So Per¢n won't dismiss me as just one more young, and stupid, lieutenant?
"You're very young to have been a mayor," Per¢n said.
"Yeah, well, we were in a war. Promotions come quickly when there's a war. Enrico, is my Buick drivable?"
"Yes, of course, mi Mayor."
"I think I'll take it with me," Clete said. "I took a Ford station wagon from my father's house. Do you think one of the men downstairs could drive it back for me? They may need it tomorrow."
"You came here alone?" Enrico asked, horrified.
"Why not?"
"Mi Mayor," Enrico said, shaking his head at Clete's stupidity. "The men downstairs will see you safely to el Coronel's house."
Clete put out his hand to Per¢n.
"I am delighted to have the privilege of your acquaintance, mi Coronel."
Per¢n grasped his hand firmly.
"The pleasure is mine, Mayor," he said. "I regret the circumstances."
Chapter Eight
[ONE]
The Basilica of St. Pilar
Recoleta Plaza
Buenos Aires