A Sorority of Angels by Gus Leodas

arrival.”
    “Men? I saw one.”
    Marichal laughed. “My men are all over, out of view guarding the approaches to the house within one mile. Security here is tight, and includes helicopters.”
    “I should have known you’d be efficient.”
    “Thank you.”
    “It’s a good thing I mentioned his coming.”
    “It is,” said Steinerman. “He wouldn’t have come within a mile before being turned back.”
    Pilar sensed Steinerman’s cordial sarcasm.
    “You see, Uncle Rafael. And you’d have thought he changed his mind about coming, that he avoided you.”
    The President grinned and nodded. “True. When should we feed the children?”
    “In another hour or so. Let them exhaust themselves. This way we’ll have a quieter afternoon.” Time was appropriate to throw Steinerman the knockout punch, a solid uppercut. “Speaking of the children, there’s a problem. I wasn’t sure whether to tell you today or on my last day here. This way we’ll have time to talk about the subject and you can advise me or recommend a doctor to me.”
    The President looked concerned and puzzled and shifted his chair towards her.
    “Is anything wrong with the children? Why do you need a doctor?” She looked at Marichal and Steinerman in a manner advertising hesitation to speak in front of them. “Pilar, shall we talk in private? What is it?”
    Pilar continued acting hesitant, dancing around Steinerman before unloading.
    “Well, I don’t want to disturb Mr. Steinerman and General Marichal. Let’s go for a walk in the garden.”
    “Good idea. Excuse me.”
    About to rise, Pilar placed her hand on his shoulder encouraging him to sit.
    “On second thought, Uncle, it’s rude of me. I will explain to them. For the next few days, I will need my uncle’s counsel in private conversation, nothing mysterious or unsociable towards you.”
    “Unnecessary to explain,” General Marichal replied.
    “It is. I have no objection to revealing the subject. I hope you’ll understand.”
    Steinerman was impatient for her to continue. “I’m sure we will, Mrs. deLorenzo. I respect your concern for us.”
    “Uncle Rafael, may I discuss a family matter?”
    “Ludwig and Klaus are close associates. The choice is yours entirely.”
    She looked at each.
    “The reason I must consult with you, Uncle Rafael, is that I’m to be hospitalized upon my return to the United States and uncertain of the outcome.”
    Horror overcame her uncle.
    “What do you mean uncertain? For God’s sake what is it?”
    She lowered her head, hesitated to speak.
    “I must undergo complicated surgery and I’m less than optimistic. The doctors seem confident but I’m leery, why I need to discuss the children and their future with you.”
    The impact struck hard. The President’s mouth dropped open and silent.
    General Ludwig Marichal made the first move. His foot nudged Steinerman.
    “I’m certain the doctors are correct. Surgeons in New York are highly regarded. I regret your problem. Those matters are private. It’s best we leave.”
    He pushed away from the table and stood.
    Reluctance froze Steinerman.
    Pilar stared innocence at him.
    “Come, Klaus,” urged Marichal.
    The President urged, “Ludwig is right, Klaus.”
    Steinerman’s ice melted. “Of course,” he reacted. “I was stunned and concerned. A second medical opinion is important.”
    Pilar grinned internally as he left with a worried face.
    She won by a deceptive knockout.

 
    Marichal and Steinerman engaged in conversation until they disappeared behind the house headed for the front garden.
    “Pilar, my best physician will examine you,” he said with tremor in his voice, holding her hand tight.
    “Please don’t be alarmed. You know I love you and always looked to you as the father I lost.” He nodded. “And I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. I did want to talk to you alone.”
    He continued to nod. She weighed wisdom of waiting for Tomayo. Maybe it’s best if Tomayo or both told him.