For All Nails #120: Careful What You Wish For
by Mike Keating
- Mexico City, War Department
- Coyoacan, Chiapas
- 31 July 1974
- 11:10 AM
Alexander Winston sat in his office going over routine and boring paperwork. He didn't think he'd ever actually liked this part of the job; he was wishing for some relief from it. His wishes were granted when his secretary stuck her head in the door. Her face was shocked.
"Señor... El Presidente is here to see you. In person."
Winston's jaw dropped a small bit, but he recovered quickly. She hadn't said "El Popo," which had to mean that the President was angry. "Send him in, Maria."
President Moctezuma walked in, looking calmly angry. "Nnnngh. Señor Winston, I want to talk to you about Operation Chaos," Moctezuma said to him in English.
"What is the problem, Señor Presidente?" Winston fought down a nervous tic in his face.
"The problem is that I supposedly permitted this operation two years ago. Explain to me then why it is that my authorization didn't come to my knowledge until someone accidentally sent me a report?"
"Mr. President, I... I... Señor Mercator told me he had spoken of this with you." FN1
"Then I would know I authorized it, right?" Moctezuma leaned a little closer and stared right into Winston's eyes. It was almost like having the real Mount Popo staring at you. A frightening experience.
Winston found the President had a penetrating gaze; he could not convincingly lie to the man. "Secretary Mercator, sir, he was the one to bring your name in."
Moctezuma scratched his chin absently in deep thought. "Fnnnnaugh braugh. I don't suppose I need to tell you that I don't feel the goals of this operation are in the country's best interests. I also don't suppose to tell you that I've got you by the eggs for keeping me out of the anillo." FN2 He looked into Winston's eyes again. "Some vacancies may be opening up in the War Department soon. You have a good record. You keep it that way, and you might be able to take advantage of that fact. Me explico, Alexander?"
Winston was on a circus tightrope, he was aware. But the reward... "Yes."
Moctezuma nodded. "Bueno. Chewy will be in touch. Hasta."
(Forward to FAN #121: October Surprise.)
(Forward to 2 August 1974: The Gun Room.)
(Forward to Pickett: Cold As Ice.)
(Return to For All Nails.)