Chapter 3

Ramon Garcia dialed the number of their contact in Washington. The man answered on the third ring. "Hola," Diaz said.

"May I speak with Senor Lopez?" Garcia asked.

"I'm sorry, Senor Lopez is not available."

"I see. Can you have him call me at 00+501-892-0858 when he gets in?"

"Of course. I'll be glad to give him the number."

"Gracias." Garcia hung up the phone. "Minister, he will call you back."

It was a pre-arranged signal Sandoval had used several times over the years. The man had proven loyal to Sandoval and had previously supplied good information on Labado's government activities.

They waited for several minutes for the contact to call from a payphone. Sandoval quickly answered. "Yes."

"Minister, it's good to hear your voice," Enrique Diaz said.

"It's good to hear a loyal voice."

"Have you had any trouble with the border guards?"

"The American dollars have smoothed the way with most border guards and officials. We have entered Belize. Everything is going according to plan."

His original plan had been to remain in Guatemala and make a future attempt at a government takeover. Now his only thought was to exact revenge on the man who had foiled his plans.

"That is good news."

"What information have you found out about this Steadman character?"

"I spoke with my source—"

"A reliable source?"

"Si, Minister, it is a reliable source." Diaz cackled. "She doesn't know she's provided me this information. The man's true name is Lee Stetson. He is an agent at the Agency. He was the one who smuggled the plans out of Labado."

Sandoval hissed in a breath. "I knew he was the one. I should have held him and beat the information out of him, then killed him, regardless if he was an American."

"Minister, how can I assist you in your journey?"

"Get me the address and phone of this International Federal Film company and his home address. And see if you can get any more information about Stetson. Once we enter the U. S., I will contact you."

"I will do this, Minister. Good luck to you."

Sandoval hung up the phone. So the man's name was Lee Stetson. Hatred flooded through him. This Lee Stetson would regret he had ever been to Labado.