An Eye For An Eye by L.D. Beyer

noticed two men pushing a large motorboat out into the surf. They struggled for a moment in the waves before the boat began to bob and they were able to climb on board. A few seconds later, the boat was skimming across the water. Farther north, on the horizon, he could make out a cluster of buildings.
    Mexican President Filipe Magaña tapped his shoulder and pointed out the other window. They were approaching a group of islands. Beyond, he saw the cargo ships and the cranes of a port in the distance and a sprawling city that stretched beyond and to the south.  
    “That is Veracruz,” Magaña said with a smile.
    The helicopter banked and headed north along the coastline. After thirty minutes, they turned inland and began to descend. Kendall noticed the large hacienda nestled in amongst the hills. As they approached, he could see the patio and pool surrounded by several tropical-pink buildings, all adorned with tile roofs. The palm trees were swaying in the breeze. A rough wooden, split-rail fence separated the hacienda from the ranch. There were a dozen horses grazing in the field and then nothing but farmland on either side for miles.
    Noticing the look on Kendall’s face, Magaña smiled. “I thought this would be more private and,” he added, “more secure. This property has been in my wife’s family for generations, but lucky for me, she has been successful in keeping that fact quiet.”
    As they waited for the rotors to stop, Kendall spotted members of his Secret Service detail and the Mexican Security team. This was perfect, he thought. They hadn’t publicized the meeting so they were free of reporters and crowds. That had taken a bit of work. He had flown to Corpus Christi, Texas, the day before and, after paying a visit to the naval base, had hitched a ride on a U.S. Navy Seahawk to the USS Kennedy early in the morning. The Kennedy Carrier Strike Group was currently running training exercises two hundred miles off the coast. After a tour of the carrier and a meal with the sailors, a photo opportunity the press had been invited to attend, he had hopped onto the Seahawk once more. The press, having already read the president’s itinerary, knew that he had a private meeting with former President George W. Bush and that they would see him the following day for the flight back to Washington.
    While his plans did include a meeting with Bush, the press was not aware that the meeting had already occurred, by phone from the Kennedy.
___
    President Kendall and Mexican President Filipe Magaña strolled along the bluff overlooking the Gulf. Thirty yards behind trailed a team of agents from both countries. The wind ensured that their conversation would not be overheard.
    “I only wish that I could show you Mexico City,” Magaña said. “Hopefully, on your next visit that will be possible.”
    Kendall smiled. “I would enjoy that.” They walked in silence for a moment before he spoke again. “I have approval from Congress. We’re prepared to move forward with the new plan.”
    “As we discussed?”
    Kendall nodded. “As we discussed. We’ll continue to provide you financial support. I have succeeded in getting more money from Congress. We will significantly expand our treatment and rehabilitation programs.”
    “And the drones?”
    “We will provide the intelligence, but you will approve all targets and you will make the final decision on whether your forces will mount an assault or whether we will use the drones.”
    They continued on in silence for a bit.
    “It will get worse in the short term,” Magaña finally said.
    “It will,” Kendall agreed.
    Magaña stopped and turned. “The stakes are high, David, but I see no other way. For you, it’s about the drugs. For me, it’s about the future of my country.” He paused, his jaw set, his eyes hard. “I will take my country back from these terrorists, one way or another.”
___
    Through the fog, Richter heard noises. A click. A swoosh. His name. Muffled,