A Sorority of Angels by Gus Leodas Page A

The opportunity was now. She leaned over, kissed his cheek, and sat closer to him.
    “I lied to you about my health.”
    He stopped nodding and looked at her nonplussed. Relief echoed in his exhale.
    “Why? You mean you’re all right?”
    She nodded.
    “Why lie?”
    “I want to have private time with you without having to apologize to Steinerman and Marichal.”
    “You scared the hell out of me.”
    “I’m sorry, Uncle Rafael. I have important subjects we must discuss.”
    “It’s not about health or the children?”
    She felt bolder to tell him the truth, convinced he’d believe her.
    “No, it’s about you.”
    That came as a surprise. “What is it? What about?”
    “Since returning, I heard good and negative things about you. The negative ones frighten me.”
    “What have you heard, and from whom? All that I do is in the best interest of our country. Without question, I can’t please everybody. Malcontents are ever present.”
    “Let’s talk about Tomayo first. He has difficulty getting through to you because Steinerman prevents him. He wrote you letters. He telephoned but nothing. Did you ever receive his letters?”
    “No. That’s surprising.” He looked perplexed. “Or his calls.”
    “I wrote you several times. Did you ever get my letters?”
    “Yes, and I answered them.”
    “I never received them in the last six months. Steinerman is keeping Tomayo from you. Tomayo also said his business hasn’t improved much since you became president. Obviously, he’s disappointed, disenchanted.”
    “His industry is vital to this country. I told Klaus to assure he received fair share bids. I’ll check into that with him.”
    “Then Steinerman had me followed.”
    “He explained…concerned for your safety and mine.”
    “I don’t think so. I think he’s worried we are talking alone.”
    “Are you making a case against Klaus?”
    “Yes, I’m making a case against the bastard.”
    “Why? Why do you think so harshly of him? He doesn’t deserve your acrimony.”
    “He does. He killed Carlos!”
    “Pilar, that’s absurd!” he said shocked.
    “Steinerman had him killed by his German officers. Tomayo has proof, a witness.”
    Speechless, he then said, “I…I can’t believe that!”
    “Steinerman killed him so he could become your senior advisor. He knew Carlos was destined for that position. They murdered him! They shot him six times!”
    “Tomayo told you this?”
    “Yes. And Senator Federico Luis Quintero.”
    Silence.
    “Was there a purpose to telling you, an ulterior motive?”
    Pilar sat up and shifted in her chair.
    “You are used by Steinerman and General Marichal in order for them to control Argentina.”
    “Absurd!”
    “I know you’re doing your best but if you allow Steinerman to operate in secret, Argentina will be at war in one year. By secret I mean they’re building an army with the plan to invade Chile using the jointly owned islands by Cape Horn as the excuse.”
    To her surprise, her uncle reverted to calm. His expression changed to suspicious. He leaned back as he evaluated.
    “What else did they tell you?” His voice lacked alarm, confusing Pilar.
    “That a secret police group exists, abusing human rights. There is oppression and suppression below the surface, the democracy promised is turning into a dictatorship. You are criticized for delaying free elections.”
    “Damning words, Pilar. Hear my side before you make any final judgments. You’re wrong.”
    Pilar stared incredulous, his rebuttal unexpected.
    “Yes…yes, but what about Carlos?”
    “I don’t believe Carlos was murdered. Why all of a sudden a secret witness comes out? Klaus Steinerman would never do that. He suggested I make Carlos my senior advisor. My investigation was thorough and painful. Those I talked to said he died doing his duty.”
    “You mean you aren’t going to do anything, you won’t investigate his murder? There’s a witness.”
    “If there’s a witness let him come