Incident at San Miguel by A. J. Sidransky

Author:A. J. Sidransky [SIDRANSKY, ALAN]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Cuban Revolution, Family, Brothers, conflict, Cuba, love, Betrayel
Publisher: Black Opal Books
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

The trees in the park across from the Malecon cast long shadows as the sun set into a corner of land, sea, and sky on the horizon. Moises chose a nondescript, open space for his meeting as much to protect himself as Morales. Though he didn’t fear it, he was aware of the growing paranoia inside the government. He knew, instinctively, that the coalition was too broad. The days of simply being opposed to Batista were over. Now the battle was for the future. He was completely committed, but nevertheless, wanted to maintain his image as such. Inviting Morales to his office would have tempted scrutiny. While Moises knew himself to be incorruptible, he also knew that virtually anyone working in the ministry might view such as visit as an opportunity to relay suspicion about an important official.

Morales appeared nervous entering the park. Moises, seated on a bench at the far end facing the sea, watched as he walked quickly around the flower beds. Morales extended his hand. Moises nodded and smiled. “Please, join me,” he said, gesturing to the seat.

Morales smiled half-heartedly and sat. He left a comfortable distance between them, shooing away the curious pigeons approaching his feet. “Thank you for agreeing to meet,” he said.

Moises smiled. “Of course. How can I help?”

Morales became visibly awkward, shifting his posture, unable to find a comfortable position. He avoided direct eye contact with Moises.

Moises was pleased with himself. Morales clearly knew he wasn’t the same man he had met with two months ago. Events had changed him, hardened him, and made him confident about who he had become and the path he walked.

“I’ve thought about what you said for some time now,” Morales said.

“What specifically?”

“What you said. About the future of Cuba. About the corruption. About accepting the revolution.”

“And?”

“I thought I’d answer your question.”

Moises played with Morales. “Which question? I’m not sure I recall.”

“Who are we paying…”

Moises nodded, his smile receding from around his lips. “Of course. Now, tell me the real reason you’re here.”

Morales took in a deep breath, as if he was about to vomit. He looked around the park. The shadows were lengthening, the light receding, casting a pinkish-gold hue across the landscape. The park was nearly empty, save for an old couple, a mother with three small children, one of them in her arms, and the pigeons. “Are you going to nationalize my business?” Morales blurted out, the words fleeing his mouth like thieves.

“Is that what brought you here?”

Morales didn’t answer.

“I couldn’t possibly tell you that, even if I knew,” Moises replied.

“Will it help me if I give you the information you asked for?”

“It will help your conscience, in the end.”

Morales regained his composure. He reached into his pocket and took out a small photo. One of the faces in the photo was circled. “This is the carrier. He comes once a month, the first week in the month, to take the payment for the prior month.”

“Where did you get this photo? How old is it?”

“It’s recent.

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