by Gus Leodas
Pilar shuffled to the window and looked out staring. Her hand sought solace and comforting as it rubbed the Achilles Heart. When awareness called it to attention, she studied the Heart and concluded her analysis.
“What will happen if Steinerman was assassinated instead of Uncle Rafael?” she asked still rubbing the Heart, staring at the horizon.
Tomayo and Federico were surprised and intrigued.
“A potential solution.” Federico analyzed.
“Tomayo?” She turned to him.
He shrugged and pursed his lips.
“It will retard their growth. Steinerman is their leader.”
“And,” hastened Pilar, “a body without a head has difficulty functioning.”
“Correct,” added Federico.
“You both agree eliminating Steinerman like the assassination of the President can lead to a change without civil war?”
“Yes,” answered Federico, “a strong possibility, but not as strong or immediate as the assassination of your uncle.”
“Without question, my uncle’s death will bring instant change. Steinerman’s might take longer, but in the end it’s a good solution.”
Federico nodded. “I agree.”
She straightened and looked at them shoulders back.
“Then why don’t we assassinate Steinerman?”
“Pilar,” responded Federico, “it’s not for us to say. I will present your suggestion to our group at a meeting next week. Many of your uncle’s advance moves and trips make him easier to assassinate because of publicity. No one knows where Steinerman goes and how he travels. That shouldn’t present a problem. He, on occasion, accompanies Rafael. Maybe opportunity will present itself.”
“What if you miss your first attempt?”
“Then he’ll either go deeper into hiding or counter with a massive retaliation.”
“We can’t afford to miss,” added Tomayo. “A bloodbath will follow.”
“Steinerman is more effective when Rafael is out of town,” Federico said. “Then he’s in charge, and protected. If you think getting to your uncle is tough wait till we try to get Steinerman.”
“Pilar,” Tomayo said. “His coming to the airport was an exception in security motivated by needing to meet you – the old ‘know thy enemy’ cliché so to speak.”
Pilar sighed. “Gentlemen, it’s been a hell of an evening. Your shocking revelation and conversation has numbed me. Shall we call it a night?”
Federico walked over and, fatherly like, held her shoulders with both hands.
“Very painful to see you hurt tonight. I know you appreciate the necessity.”
“Yes.” A solemn tone remained in her voice.
Tomayo opened the door.
“Federico, go first.”
Federico bid goodnight and left.
Tomayo raised her chin making her look at him with sad eyes. Wetness remained by her right eye. Tomayo put his lips there. She wrapped her arms around him, and leaned against his body. Releasing, she reviewed her face with a hand mirror from the purse.
“Do I look all right?”
“You look fine. You make a better Miss Argentina than before.”
“All right liar let’s go face the world.”
She forced a grin.
Silence reigned on the drive back to central Buenos Aires. Pilar fled to her thoughts staring at a fading orange and gray dusk, Tomayo respecting her private moment. Alejandro stopped the Volkswagen bus at the corner of Calle Florida and Tucuman. Tomayo nudged Pilar, who stepped out of her dismal world.
“Here’s where we get off. We have packages in back to carry from shopping all this time. Take a few.”
He handed her three and kept five. They walked Florida with their packages, continued to Plaza San Martin, and crossed the park to their car, the area lit and crowded with expectation of more congestion.
Tomayo opened the trunk and placed the packages. He saw the two Mercedes parked farther down and their drivers scampering across the road to start their engines. He lifted the packages and rearranged them to make sure the stalkers saw them. Tomayo pulled out. The caravan headed towards Palermo.
“We’ll stop for dinner on the way. What do you feel like having?”
Pilar rubbed her stomach.
“Lost my appetite.”
“Nonsense. You are full of grief…that won’t make you feel better.”
“I’m poor company in a bad mood.”
“I’m hungry. You can watch me eat. I won’t take you home looking and feeling down in the mouth, and obvious to Esmeralda and maybe the kids if they’re awake.”
“I yield, Doctor. Find a place.”
He searched the avenue for respectability, liking the facade and landscaping plus ample parking at the next restaurant and pulled in, the interior appropriate and acceptable. Tomayo asked for a table in a private section. Pilar ordered a brandy with ice. Tomayo ordered a beer. Impressed with the menu, he mentioned it.
Pilar said, “You’re determined to feed me aren’t you?”
“No sense wallowing in grief. You did that for a long time. You were hurt tonight. Don’t feed off it. You’ll make yourself sick by allowing it to overcome you.”
“To avoid a lecture, I’ll have the house salad. Federico is impressive.”
“And admired and respected.”
“I should have asked more questions. I’ll ask them of you.”
“Go.”
“What happens if Uncle Rafael held free elections? Will he select a man like Federico as 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?”
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“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 robe, never giving a thought to her hair or face. Nothing mattered but agony. For Pilar to come far from her past depths then degenerate was tragic. She realized the self-inflicted punishment when the nap ended at six o’clock.
Pilar agreed with Tomayo. She must think of the children, her Achilles heel. What would happen to them if something happened to her? By killing Steinerman and going to jail solves one problem and creates another…a horror.
Then she transformed into the new Pilar again. A hot bath cleansed her mind and body. By the time Tomayo arrived, she looked and felt beautiful. Her attitude the remainder of the evening stayed happy, positive, and receptive to Tomayo’s company, humor, and conversation.
That night she ignored thinking about Steinerman.
Thoughts of Tomayo kept her awake.
The drive to the presidential retreat saturated with mixed emotions and blessings, an opportune time to see her beloved uncle and have a direct involvement in Argentina’s affairs of State. Confident of persuading her uncle, Pilar looked forward to seeing him again. The ugly vision of war clouds and tyranny creeping over her country was priority to dissipate. Yet, she reasoned, she wasn’t an immediate threat and Steinerman had no reason to panic or suspect her, a temporary visitor.
Pilar realized Steinerman would turn paranoid if he saw her talking in private for any duration to her uncle and needed to soften the paranoia, to stand up to him when necessary and avoid anything emotional or erratic to reveal her knowing that he murdered Carlos. She must inform her uncle.
The limousine headed northwest to the pampas first running along a road bordered by tall grass until slowing near a clump of jacaranda trees to make a right turn. Up ahead about a mile away, she saw the sprawling two-story villa and its red Spanish tile roof.
An armed military guard opened electronic gates for the limo to enter the landscaped grounds behind an eight-foot wall surrounding the property. President Rafael deLorenzo waited as they weaved through the long driveway to the clearing. Grinning, he waved as they pulled in. President deLorenzo, handsome, tall, in his late sixties with a full head of white hair, stood erect defying the years.
“Hello, hello!”
They waved back.
Pilar exited first and kissed him. His enthusiastic hug lifted and spun her around.
“Pilar, you look magnificent.”
“Uncle Rafael, you haven’t changed. You still throw me around like a towel.”
He laughed heartily.
Esmeralda collected the children, and they waited by the limousine.
“My how the children have grown,” Rafael exclaimed. He approached Andres. “Andres, do you remember me?”
“Yes, sir. Uncle Rafael.” Rafael hugged him.
“Andres, you’re getting to be a big boy. Are you taking good care of your mother?”
Andres nodded. Rafael patted his head.
“And how is my beautiful, Sorel?” Sorel giggled. “Come on, give me a big hug.”
Sorel put her arms around him when he crouched in front of her.
“How about you, Sorel, do you remember me?”
“Yes. I have your picture in my room.”
“You do?” His eyes widened with exaggeration.
“Yes, Uncle Rafael. I also brought you something.”
“You did?” He looked at Pilar. She shrugged.
Sorel opened her little purse and pulled out her picture.
“Here, this is for you to always remember what I look like.”
Rafael accepted with affection and smiled.
“Your picture is a wonderful gift, Sorel. Thank you.”
He hugged her. Pilar savored the scene.
Then he looked at Roberto hiding behind Sorel.
“How about you, Roberto, are you going to say hello?” Roberto looked expressionless at his mother. “Come on, Roberto,” Uncle Rafael coached. “Do you remember me?” Roberto’s body swayed sideways to answer in the negative. “Are you afraid of me?” Roberto swayed again. “Then why don’t you come over here and give me a hug.”
Roberto crept out and kissed him on the cheek. Uncle Rafael hugged him. The President straightened, heaved a big sigh, and held Pilar’s hand.
“Pilar, I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have you here to have a family again.”
“Listen you handsome devil don’t let it go to your head, but I missed you a little.”
“The truth comes out,” he grinned then offered Esmeralda a warm greeting.
“Esmeralda, has Pilar behaved in New York?”
“Like a nun, Mr. President.”
He laughed. “Come, let’s go inside.”
He placed his arms around Sorel and Roberto and walked with them towards the atrium entrance. Pilar perused the grounds looking for Steinerman.
Steinerman peeked unseen from an upstairs window. As the visitors headed towards the house, he left his position.
Uncle Rafael noticed Pilar looking around.
“What do you think?”
“Gorgeous.”
“How long have you been coming here?”
“It was finished several months ago; a haven away from pressure. I try to come here whenever I get a chance.”
Four servants waited by the front door.
“Let’s get the children to their rooms then I’ll give you a tour.”
They entered. From the foyer, Pilar could see the rear swimming pool through the floor-to-ceiling living room windows, ample distance from the house with islands of plantings in the foreground.
Pilar turned to assure that Esmeralda, children, and luggage followed. When she faced front again Steinerman descended the stair. Seeing him, quiet revulsion forced a cordial smile.
“Mr. Steinerman, we meet again.”
Steinerman displayed an artificial smile and wore leisure clothes; blue shorts and a white polo shirt.
“Wonderful to see you again.” His voice sounded less cool than the first time they met.
That’s right you bastard. Smile and act nice in front of my uncle.
“I looked forward to your arrival,” Steinerman added. “Not only for myself, but for the President’s sake. Maybe he can stop working for a chang
e and relax. Mr. President, I’m outside should you need me.”
Steinerman left. Servants carried the luggage upstairs. The President, Pilar, Esmeralda, and children followed.
Pilar’s room with a balcony overlooked the pool and grounds. Pilar sat on the queen size bed then bounced up to explore beyond the balcony, to survey the vast expanse beyond the wall. The free-form shaped pool shimmered vibrant blue water a contrast to plants surrounding its perimeters. Her room was near the pool’s shallow end. To the far left beyond the diving board and deep end, sat Steinerman and a man in white swim trunks having breakfast. When coming back into the room, she realized her uncle waited by the door.
“Pilar, the pool is heated. Also, there’s tennis, horseback riding, and toys and games for the children.”
“Before I forget and before you ask, I extended your invitation to Tomayo. He couldn’t make it today but can tomorrow. Is that all right?”
“About time I’m going to see him. You see the family is coming together again thanks to you. Oh, how’s his sister?”
“Tomayo said she’s fine. I haven’t seen her yet.”
“Maybe we can get her here.”
“I have to call him later to give directions.”
“When you come downstairs, I’ll have them written out for you. You can call from there and since you’re here, I plan to try to keep you longer.”
“We’ll see, Uncle. I expect to go back to New York. I do have an important job you know.”
“How’s my friend, Ambassador Estaban?”
“A great asset to you and to Argentina. Everyone at the United Nations respects and regards him highly.”
“Good, why I sent you to New York, to a friend. I’ll see you later.”
He left. Pilar stared at the empty doorway. He was still warm, loving, and family. She felt comfortable with him as always, nothing dictatorial about him.
Esmeralda escorted the children downstairs. They wore bathing suits. Pilar stayed behind in her room. From inside the room looking at the extreme left angle, Pilar could see her uncle heading towards Steinerman and his companion. She wondered who he was. When the children came out, she saw her uncle pointing them out to the man in the white trunks. Bernardo appeared with a huge cardboard box full of pool toys and games: three sets of snorkels, masks, and fins in three different colors; volleyball and a floating hoop to toss the ball through; water wings, a rubber mattress, and smaller size balls. In an instant, all toys spread out on the stone decking. The children were swimmers and they jumped into the pool with their paraphernalia. Roberto and Sorel screamed for their uncle’s attention to show him their abilities. They had taken swimming classes at Pilar’s athletic club in New York. The President clapped encouragement.
