sheath as he looked over at the group of men, focusing on one in particular. It was the one who had delivered the message to Louisa at the stables. The man responded to Hector’s gesture of summons and hurried to his master. After a few brief words he walked away, at the same time alerting subordinates of his own who quickly followed him.
Hector went back inside his cabin and closed the door. Victor’s words about Louisa had wounded him. He walked over to an ornately carved dresser, pulled open a drawer and removed something wrapped in a scarf. He smelled the material and even though the perfume that had once pervaded it was long gone the smell of the scarf itself prompted memories of her. He removed it to reveal the frame with Louisa’s picture in it that he had stolen from Sebastian’s house all those years ago. His jaw tightened as he studied her eyes, her slight smile and elegant poise. Over the years he had made it his picture. It was him she was looking at, even though she had not known him when it was taken. Something snapped inside of him at the thought of her heart going to another and he threw the frame and scarf into the fireplace.
Unable to watch the flames distort and burn her face into oblivion he turned his back on it and stepped through a door in the far wall into a smoke-filled room where Steel and Ventura were enjoying cigars and brandy.
They watched Hector as he poured himself a drink and downed it in one.
Ventura gave Steel a sideways glance and a knowing smile. ‘Hector? If you don’t mind. The way I see it now, you have two choices. You either remove Sebastian yourself, and soon, or you allow us to.’
‘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?’
