"I'M SORRY TO tell you, Rodolfo."
The boisterous voice was absent completely. "Arturo? No. I can hardly believe it."
Rhyme continued, explaining about the plot that Diaz had engineered--to kill his boss and make it seem like a by-product of an assassination mission to Mexico City.
In the ensuing silence, Rhyme asked, "He was a friend?"
"Ah, friendship . . . I would say, when it comes to betrayals, the wife who sleeps with a man and returns home to care for your children and to make you a hot meal is less of a sinner than the friend who betrays you for greed. What do you say to that, Captain Rhyme?"
"Betrayal is a symptom of the truth."
"Ah, Captain Rhyme, you are a Buddhist? You are a Hindu?"
Rhyme had to laugh. "No."
"But you wax philosophical. . . . I think the answer is that Arturo Diaz was a Mexican law enforcer and that is reason enough for him to do what he did. Life is impossible down here."
"Yet you persist. You continue to fight."
"I do. But I'm a fool. Much like you, my friend. Could you not be making millions by writing security reports for corporations?"
The criminalist replied, "But what's the fun of that?"
The laugh was genuine and rich. The Mexican asked, "What will happen to him now?"
"Logan? He'll be convicted of murder for these crimes. And for crimes here several years ago."
"Will he get the death penalty?"
"He could but he won't be executed."
"Why not? Those liberals in America that I hear so much about?"
"It's more complicated than that. The question is one of momentary politics. Right now, the governor here doesn't want to execute any prisoners, whatever they've done, because it would be awkward."
"Especially so for the prisoner."
"His opinion doesn't much enter into the matter."
"I suppose not. Well, despite such leniency, Captain, I think I would like America. Perhaps I'll sneak across the border and become an illegal immigrant. I could work in McDonald's and solve crimes at night."
"I'll sponsor you, Rodolfo."
"Ha. My traveling there is about as likely as you coming to Mexico City for mole chicken and tequila."
"Yes, that's true too. Though I would like the tequila."
"Now, I'm afraid I must go clean out the rats' nest that my department has become. I may . . ."
The voice faded.
"What's that, Commander?"
"I may have some questions of evidence. I know it's presumptuous of me, but perhaps I could impose upon you."
"I'd be delighted to help, however I can."
&nbs