Total Consciousness

Chapter-2: The Bird and The Cat

     “Based on this report,” said Diego, “the bank agrees with your actions. The discovery of copper veins, in your silver mines, must be accounted for in the contracts with The Far-East Trading Company in Spain. Once Spain is aware of this report, they will send representatives to verify, on site, all claims made within this document.”

     Diego opened a thick folder on his desk, flipped a few pages and continued, “Based on this clause here, there is a penalty for delay, and the earliest we can expect them to verify your mines is nine months from now. Be advised, this will push back all contracts by at least twelve months. Do you still want to set this in motion, señor?”

     A triumphant grin showed his pointed fangs as Don Amado replied without hesitation: “Of course, Diego, fire away. Let loose the seeds of money and watch it grow upon the land.”   

     “Very well, then,” said Diego, “as a first step, Señor Amado, I’ll leave Marco in charge of this business trip overseas. He will act as courier and as initial negotiator.”

     “Si, that’s perfect,” said Don Amado. He stood and moved to the refreshments. “Marco is most dependable and charismatic. He is an excellent choice.” He placed two ice shards in a glass, poured tamarindo halfway up and filled the rest with Tequila from a flask he carried in his coat.

     “Glad you agree,” said Diego. He stared at his grandfather clock and pressed his lips tight.

     Amado sipped his drink and picked up several napkins with his right hand. From a variety, he gathered a pineapple empanada, a circle of mazapan and two plump purple higos. He took a bite of each item he gathered and then focused his next two bites, finishing his higos.

     Rich color poured in through the stained-glass window, a mix of red, orange and yellow. Amado moved to the vibrant window, sipping on his drink. His head angled up and he stared at the two crossed Henry rifles. He bit into his pineapple empanada and lowered his gaze and stared at the window.

     Diego served himself a glass of water and walked over to Don Amado with an uneasy stomach. He asked, “Is there anything else?”

     “These rifles above your window,” said Don Amado, “do you still remember how to use them?”

     “I haven’t kept up with much practice since the war. My skills have dulled. I doubt I could hit a target even at fifty meters.”

     Don Amado stared at the rifles with sparkles in his eyes. “If I recall, doesn’t the bank have a pistol and rifle range in the back?”

     Diego breathed in deep, and said: “That’s correct, the guards are required to practice at least once a day. However, ….”

     “Well, there you go,” said Amado, “you have your two rifles, and I have my two rifles. How does some night practice sound? We each take two shots, one with each rifle.” He grinned and stared closely at Diego for a response.

      Diego’s posture stiffened and his neck tensed. He ran his hand through his black wavy hair and thought, of all nights, why this night? His throat dried tight; but he managed to reply calmly.

     “As … you request, señor; however, is there anything else with our current business. The mines or Spain?”

     “No, Diego,” said Amado. “All the details we have discussed are in the report. When do you expect Marco will be ready to leave?” He finished his tamarindo drink and stared at the window.

     “Sunday afternoon at the latest,” said Diego. “I’ll have Patricio relay the information and bring Marco back tonight, after our meeting … after our night practice.”

Thank you

     I appreciate your time in reading this blog post. Next Saturday I will upload the next part of Chapter Two: The Bird and The Cat, from my first novel: Guerrero of Passions.