‘I told you I would take care of it,’ Hector replied softly.
‘Can I remind you,’ Ventura continued, ‘that there have been two significant occurrences since we last met that have greatly influenced current events. One, Chemora was killed by Sebastian. Two, an attempt on Sebastian’s life failed.’
‘Gentlemen,’ Steel interjected diplomatically. ‘If I may add a little flavour to this stew that you guys are cooking. My people are pleased with the peace proposals as presented by Neravista and agreed to by you, Hector.’
‘There is no agreement yet.’ Hector corrected him in a tone that suggested he had said it a thousand times.
‘Okay,’ Steel acknowledged. ‘A proposal that provides the foundations on which you and Neravista could possibly build an understanding.’
Hector shrugged to confirm that he considered the statement close enough.
‘A speedy and sustainable end to the conflict is all that we - as in “my people” - are concerned with at the moment,’ Steel added.
‘Sebastian’s death could seriously upset this strategy, at least for some months,’ Hector warned.
‘Then why did you try to kill him?’ Ventura asked.
‘I didn’t,’ Hector insisted, looking at Steel.
Steel drew on his cigar before realising that both men were looking at him. ‘Why’re you lookin’ at me?’ he asked, unable to suppress a grin.
‘I know that one of Julio’s men planted the bomb,’ Hector said. ‘What did you promise him?’
Steel blew out smoke and shrugged, knowing when he was cornered. But it was no big deal to him. ‘A US passport. But not to kill Sebastian. He arranged the booby trap in the weapons cache and was supposed to maintain the confusion.’
Hector shook his head in disappointment.
‘It was Julio’s idea,’ Steel added.
‘Julio has never had an idea of his own in his life,’ Hector said accusingly.
‘It sounds like Victor thinks it was you,’ Steel said, sounding amused.
‘Don’t worry about Victor. He won’t be telling anyone any of his suspicions after tonight,’ Hector said.
The news did not faze the other two men.
‘I appreciate the personal difficulties you might have in sanctioning Sebastian’s death,’ Ventura offered. ‘Which is why I think it would be best if you did not have that burden.’
‘You think that makes it any easier for me, letting you do it?’
‘I am right, though, aren’t I?’ Ventura said, looking at Steel as if he were speaking to him. ‘I don’t believe the peace negotiations will be jeopardised by Sebastian’s death. On the contrary. I believe it will speed the process.’
Hector took a sword from the wall and weighed it in his hand. ‘They would not be jeopardised by your absence either, Ventura.’
Ventura gave him a piercing look, angered more by Hector’s insolence than the physical threat.
‘Gentlemen,’ Steel said soothingly. ‘We’re allowing our emotions to run a little high. I agree with Hector that we must be sure about the effect any mishap that might befall Sebastian could have on the people. I also agree with him that the decision on how to proceed in that matter should come from the revolutionaries themselves. Surely they are best placed to decide on that subject and they are also the best people to absorb the repercussions. But, Hector, I must agree with Ventura that you are perhaps too emotionally involved to make the best judgement call here. You do see that, don’t you?’
Hector’s silence seemed to indicate that he agreed, in principle at any rate.
‘Well,’ Steel announced, getting up from his seat and finishing off his brandy. ‘I’ve gotta go.’
Ventura too got to his feet, placed his unfinished glass on the table and stubbed out his cigar. ‘Me, too,’ he agreed.
‘Why don’t you think about it, Hector?’ Steel suggested. ‘This is the perfect time to strike. Neravista is mighty pissed about losing his brother. You push your demands, back them up with an assurance that you’ll take care of the man who killed Chemora and you just might get a good piece of what you want.’
Hector glanced at him. It was something that he had not considered.
‘Thanks for your hospitality,’ Steel said as he strode out of the room, followed by Ventura.
The two men left the cabin and walked into the night towards the main camp, its fires burning in the distance.
‘That was clever,’ Ventura said. ‘I hope Hector is intelligent enough to see it.
‘Was it? It is an issue, though. How to get rid of a legend without the legend biting you in the ass at the same time.’
‘Have the legend die at the hands of someone he trusts - or make it look like that, at least.’
Steel drew on his cigar. ‘You mean Julio?’
‘No. He’s unreliable. What if Sebastian was killed by outsiders?’ Ventura suggested.
‘What would their purpose be?’
‘What’s yours?’
Steel smiled, glancing at Ventura. ‘You mean, if the Americans were to be accused?’
‘Why not? You have to pay a price at some time. Playing one side off against the other has not produced the results you wanted. You have big shoulders.’
Steel contemplated the idea. ‘I would have to cover my own ass. I don’t mind Uncle Sam getting the blame but I don’t want to make it look personal.’
‘Of course. What about the Englishman?’
Steel nodded. ‘That’s a possibility . . . You’re a natural at this, Ventura. I’m going to have to watch you.’
Ventura was pleased by the flattery. ‘How would we go about it?’
‘It wouldn’t be difficult. We don’t have to alter our plans any.’
‘There is one other issue,’ Ventura said, looking a little uncomfortable.
‘What’s that?’
‘The Nerugan gold mines. I saw the licensing proposal. How much of that syndicate do you control?’
Steel came to a stop and faced the government official. ‘Are you ready to take the pebble?’ he asked, holding out his hand, a threatening look in his eye.
Ventura looked into the open palm that had nothing in it. ‘It wasn’t a challenge,’ he said, aware how dangerous Steel could be.
Steel closed his hand on the invisible stone. ‘Good. Your battalion is on the highway, right?’
‘Yes.’
‘It’s ready to move in on your command?’
‘Yes.’
‘This is now all about neutralising Sebastian’s brigade and there’s only one way you’re gonna do it. You have to move between Hector’s and Sebastian’s encampments. Hector won’t touch your back. He’s got too much to lose. If he countered your attack it would only push him further from his dream of becoming a revolutionary leader. I’ll make sure he knows that.’
Ventura nodded in agreement. ‘We could begin to move into position during daylight tomorrow. Preparations could be complete by nightfall. We could attack the following morning.’
‘Sounds perfect to me, my friend. It’ll be over in a couple hours. Especiallly with those helicopters we gave you.’
‘So what’s the final story concerning Sebastian?’ Ventura asked. ‘How will the people eventually see it?’
‘They’ll see what they’re given. The revolutionary council brokered a deal with the government but Sebastian stood in its way. Sebastian’s outfit became a rogue terrorist organisation that murdered the head of the government’s beloved brother.The revolutionary council tried to get rid of Sebastian but failed and found they were unable to deal with the situation themselves. So they paid a mercenary, who happened to be training Sebastian’s troops at the time, to kill him. Meanwhile, government troops arrived to arrest Sebastian for the murder of Chemora. A skirmish broke out. People were killed. The mercenary was never seen or heard from again. But everything turned out fine in the end. The revolutionaries, under their new leader Hector, brokered a deal with Neravista and everyone lived happily ever after. It’ll get a short column on page five of the New York Post.’