I’ll never make it out of here alive unless I can convince Rio I’m on his side. For that matter, I probably am on his side. I represent the USA and he runs Venezuela and we were on poor terms with Santiago. Perhaps he is a sane leader and we all will be better off.
Two JFAL guards wielding Dragunov rifles stood at the door to the library. I’ll walk right up to them and show my credentials bold as brass. Hopefully they will not shoot me.
He took a deep breath….
He daringly announced in Spanish, “The United States of America and President Landenberger welcome the new government of Venezuela and wishes a conference with your new president!”
The pair patted him down and removed the revolver sticking down his backside. They ushered him into the library where gangs of military milled about and every weapon in the room pointed at him while nervous fingers toyed with the triggers. Along one wall sat Rio behind a desk wearing a blue business suit and burgundy tie, not at all what Robinson was expecting. A young lady hovered around him like a hummingbird touching up his face with make-up. Cameras were poised, lights were in place. It was a video feed to the country. He was apparently about to address the nation.
A congenial voice called to him. “Mr. Robinson, I have been expecting you. Why don’t you sit off-camera and we can have our first chat.” He pointed to a folding chair set off to the side. “I apologize for any inconvenience our little coup may have caused you. In the final analysis your timing is impeccable.”
Robinson vigorously shook the president’s hand now feeling much better and calculated that he might live though the day after all. His heart stopped thumping against his chest. “It is indeed a pleasure to meet you President Rio, although I must admit that I know nothing about you.”
“Would you like some ice-tea? You have had a harrowing day, I imagine, and you might enjoy some refreshment.”
“Gracias.” Robinson spoke in Spanish and took the glass that was offered to him from the make-up lady. “It is best you tell me what is going on here. I feared for my life when I walked in here.”
“It was a callous decision to murder Santiago and it will haunt me for the rest of my life. He was in the process of taking over the country and he had to be stopped. Had he been allowed to live in prison or exile, there always would have been those who would plot with him to retake the country. He was a greedy man — millions went into his personal account. We discovered he had a scam that involved the PDVSA oil contracts. Elections were going to be cancelled at the point of a gun and the constitution was being tossed out the window.”
“I see.” Robinson let him continue.
“I am one of the small fish in the legislature — a very popular fish — and was given the task of giving the country back to the people. There very likely will be dancing in the streets tonight. I only do this as my duty to my country and will remain in office only until the legislature appoints a proper leader and then conducts elections to appoint a more permanent president.”
“You sound like a man of integrity, Mr. President, and hearing this and seeing you today at this historic moment in your country’s history, I can say that I am impressed and will relay this to my president.”
“I assure you that relations with the United States of America will improve dramatically in the coming months ahead. Our country’s people have always felt that Santiago treated President Landenberger and your people shabbily and were ashamed of his behavior. Such disgusting displays have this day come to an end. It is our hope to bring this country to greatness much like your own.”
“TEN, NINE, EIGHT….”
“Excuse me while I address my nation and calm their fears. Please remain.” Rio addressed his audience and as Robinson listened he became convinced that this was a kind and benevolent man. He understood why his associates had chosen him as very quickly he was seduced by the charm. The president reminded him of his own father who always took the time to stop and explain a moral lesson when it was needed. Seldom did he raise his voice or lose his temper — a gentle man in every way.
Suddenly Robinson was on stage. “… And with me today for this glorious rebirth of our country is Houston Robinson, a close associate to the President of the United States.”
The camera moved in for a close up and he saw it all in glorious color on the monitor. There was a pregnant pause. What — I am supposed to say something? I must speak in Spanish of course. OK, here goes nothing. He found his voice. “It is a pleasure to be here today with your new president who I met moments ago and must tell you that I am impressed with him in every way. As representative of the United States I can tell you that you are in good hands and that I will recommend to President Landenberger that relations with your country remain in good stature. I have been assured by President Rio that better relations lie ahead and it is my feeling that it will be so. Our countries will benefit from the events of this historic day.”
Robinson could hear the sound of the incoming Blackhawk sent to rescue him. Now it seemed of little importance. Venezuela appeared to be in good hands at the moment and there was really no reason to take up more of Rio’s time. Undoubtedly his position during the last hour was closely watched via satellite technology and the Blackhawk team probably sensed that he was in little or no danger at the moment. The broadcast was no doubt witnessed by everyone in the White House Situation Room and that would alleviate fears. It was best to go meet the team before an unfortunate confrontation took place in the court yard.
“THREE, TWO, ONE. AND OUT….” The broadcast concluded.
“Is the airport safe for departure?” he asked.
“It should be fine. We shut it down for an hour as well as the phone communications.” He glanced at his watch. “Yes, it is safe to go there.”
“Be sure to let your household staff out of the wine cellar and please give my apologies to the guard.”
“Something happened between the two of you?”
Robinson shook hands in a parting diplomatic gesture then walked to the doorway that led to the courtyard. “Let us say I wanted to meet with you and he thought otherwise.”
The Blackhawk sat in the courtyard with a half dozen armed navy military surrounded by the JFAL. All were nervously eyeing each other. “It’s OK. Put down your weapons. There is no danger. We are all among friends,” he shouted above the roar of rotors while making gestures to the same effect. He shouted the same in Spanish and the JFAL lowered their weapons.
He shook hands with the Venezuelan soldiers as he made his way to the Blackhawk and surprisingly he found himself shaking hands with Vissarionovich the Russian Foreign Minister who was accompanied by a pair of JFAL. “This is an unexpected pleasure!” he spoke in Russian.
“Mikhail, sometimes it is a small world.”
“And a pleasure for us both — we are becoming good friends. I was arrested — at least I think so. I am separated from my interpreter and you are first in the last hour who can speak to me. What is going on here?”
“Wait a second while I talk to my team in the Blackhawk.” He ran across the grass and told the rescue team to wait while he talked to the Foreign Minister. He explained the circumstances to his Russian compatriot.
“I will visit briefly with President Rio then go with you to the airport. I still need a translator.”
“I can assist you.”
His eyes were wide with surprise. “You can do that? Great; let’s go.” Vissarionovich had a hurried discussion with President Rio somewhat similar to Robinson’s meeting earlier and then the pair jumped aboard the Blackhawk destined for the airport.