Doctor Frigo (35 page)

Three sleeping tablets. Am becoming addicted.

Received by Don Tomás promptly at ten-thirty. Very affable.

‘Let me begin by giving you some good news,’ he said. ‘Repair work on the Presidential Palace has gone forward quicker than expected, at least in those portions of it which most concern Don Manuel.’

‘Very good news, Don Tomás.’

‘There is still scaffolding on the main portico, of course. But the architects’ first reports on the staircase and state apartments have fortunately proved to be on the pessimistic side. Don Manuel will formally take possession tomorrow morning at eleven. As this will be a ceremonial occasion, the senior Cabinet members and his personal suite will accompany him there from the Palace of Justice. You will be there as a member of his suite of course. We assemble at ten-thirty.’

‘I understand.’

‘Personally, I regret it, Don Ernesto.’ His eyes twinkled at my questioning look. ‘Personally, I would prefer to see you there as a member of the Cabinet.’

‘It is good of you to say so, Don Tomás, but a person with my total lack of administrative experience could scarcely aspire to such an honour.’

‘By a person of education and high intelligence such experience can be quickly acquired. Although I cannot yet offer you one of the five senior posts, it would make me very happy indeed if you would accept an appointment of the second rank. I refer to the Ministry of Education.’

I think I showed appropriate amazement. ‘But, Don Tomás, that is
this
Ministry, yours!’

‘And I have taken great pride in it, Don Ernesto. But as
First Minister I must relinquish it. I shall have in addition, for a while anyway, responsibility for Economic Affairs and Ministerial Resources. In our negotiations with the Condominium this will impose a heavy burden. It would be a comfort for me to know that my work here, which as you know has not been unsuccessful, will be continued responsibly along the existing guide-lines.’

Delvert was right. The new Minister of Education is going to have his hand held firmly, whether he likes it or not. I managed to look suitably overcome.

‘A great honour, Don Tomás. I hardly know what to say. May I have time to think?’

‘Of course. That is the normal courtesy in these matters. Refusal in writing within twenty-four hours or acceptance is assumed.’

‘My request for time, Don Tomás, arose only from my consciousness of having other responsibilities.’

‘As Don Manuel’s physician you mean? Surely you could combine the two.’

‘If I were entirely happy about Don Manuel’s health that would present no difficulty.’

‘I know you give him these vitamin injections, but surely there’s nothing serious to concern you.

‘He has been subject to considerable nervous strain. He has certainly been overtaxing his strength. It had been my intention to call in Dr Torres to get a second opinion.’

‘Well, that will be for Don Manuel to decide. Torres, eh? You know his background I hope.’

‘Yes, Don Tomás. I also know that he is strongly in favour of your new government and totally opposes the thinking of men like his father. The fact that he stayed at his post when he could have gone to the United States, where he is qualified to practise, should not be forgotten I think.’

‘He impressed you, Doctor.’

‘To the extent that I think he would make an excellent
Minister of Health. Such an appointment would also broaden the political base of the administration.’

‘That point had already occurred to me,’ he said drily.

‘I beg your pardon, Don Tomás.’

‘No need to do so, Ernesto. You were correct to say it. The more liberal in our thinking we can show ourselves to be the better. The right men in the right jobs irrespective of their backgrounds. Have you any other similar thoughts?’

‘El Lobo.’

‘Ah, there we
are
in a difficulty, I am afraid. A Marxist-Leninist gangster? A terrorist? Our more important allies would certainly look down their noses at an appointment of that kind.’

‘And yet it was he as well as your student activists who helped force the Oligarchy into accepting the fact that their position had become untenable. A Marxist-Leninist? But also a pragmatist I think. And would our allies prefer to see him under Cuban protection heading a Government of National Liberation in exile? Hardly a threat to our stability, I agree, but surely a permanent nuisance. He is an able man. Would it not be better, having made sure that he had no power base, to utilize his ability?’

He thought for a moment. ‘Social Security under the Minister of Finance, was that the sort of thing you had in mind?’

‘Or Posts and Telecommunications under the Minister for Industrial Development.’

He smiled. ‘I can see that I’m going to have to watch you, Don Ernesto. You’re a politician already.’

And on that happy note I left, to make way for the next prospective officeholder. Borrowed a copy of the Constitution from the Ministry library on the way out. Am sure Delvert is right, but no harm in checking.

Saw Dr Torres by appointment. Not an easy interview. My claim that I had been impressed by what he had said yesterday about healthy leadership was treated with polite scepticism. He still dislikes me. Can’t blame him. But at least he agreed to see Don Manuel,
if ordered to do so officially
, and also to organize a second opinion
if the patient requests it.

Now, all I have to do is face Don Manuel without betraying myself. Must just hope that I can.

When I arrived at the Palace of Justice the masseur was still with the President, but Doña Julia was lying in wait for me.

‘I was hoping you’d come early, Ernesto.’ She took me into a small sitting-room. ‘I am deeply worried about Don Manuel.’

With coaxing I got the facts out of her.

Yesterday had been a terrible day for Don Manuel, terrible. To begin with there had been that bestial Father Bartolomé, only half drunk, true, but absolutely vile. With some reason to be annoyed perhaps – I got a reproachful look – but nevertheless intolerable in his behaviour. He had had to be forcibly removed by the security guards. A shattering experience. And then meetings, meetings – with Don Paco, Don Tomás, Don this, Don that. Nothing had been spared him. He had even been obliged to give an audience to the United States Ambassador, just returned from Bogota. Then, more meetings about the move tomorrow to the Presidential Palace. She had tried to make him rest, but it had been impossible. He had not liked the new
masseur. He had even complained about me. He was the President. I should see him every day, not every other day when it suited me. He had gone on and on about this.

And then something horrible had happened. They had been alone, thank God, after dinner. She had just begged him again to go to bed and he was promising her that he would, when suddenly his whole face changed. His mouth had opened and then he had grimaced at her like a wild beast and a curious noise had come from his throat. He had been like that for about half a minute and then he had seemed to collapse. Bursting into tears.

She had got him to bed somehow without anybody seeing. He had gone to sleep then, dressed as he was. Three hours later he had woken up and seemed all right again. But what was this terrible thing?

‘He’s been overtaxing himself, Doña Julia. I have warned him.’

‘Then now you must
order
him, Ernesto.’

‘Presidents don’t like orders, Doña Julia. I hope to bring in Dr Torres from the General Hospital to help. You will like him. He was trained in Baltimore.’

She heard the masseur coming out then, so I didn’t have to say any more to her. I wonder if she knows what kind of a man her husband really is. I find it hard to believe. No, not hard, impossible.

Don Manuel was still lying on his bed. He greeted me sullenly.

‘So, Ernesto, you have decided to desert me.’

‘I don’t think so, Don Manuel.’

‘Oh don’t try any tricks with me. You saw Don Tomás this morning. Do you think he hasn’t reported?’

‘I didn’t think that if I were to serve you as a Minister that would count as desertion.’

‘Nicely put, Ernesto, but still crap. You’ll never make a Minister. Except in your profession you’re a total idiot, and don’t let anyone persuade you otherwise. Look how you let Montanaro take you for a ride! And look at the trouble it’s
caused me. Just to put flowers on a tomb according to Paco. You’re an idiot!’

‘Then you should instruct Don Tomás to withdraw the offer.’

‘And what would you do then? Go back to St Paul?’

‘Of course. You shouldn’t be treated by an idiot. Now stop talking and keep still. I’m going to examine you.’

I did so, and thoroughly, forcing myself to touch him. Blood pressure was quite high. Even in the arms there wasn’t yet much discernible muscular change though. A slight shrinkage, possibly, but I couldn’t have sworn to it.

‘Well?’ he said when I had finished.

‘I am not satisfied. I propose to ask Dr Torres to arrange for a second consultant opinion.’

‘What was wrong with Professor Grandval’s?’

‘Nothing probably, but I want to make certain.’

‘Who is this Torres?’

I told him.

‘That family! He’ll cut my throat.’

‘Not unless it needs cutting. Hold still please.’

I gave him his injections and repacked my bag. He started to get out of bed.

‘No, stay there for an hour please. You have a busy day tomorrow. I’ll arrange for Dr Torres to see you with me after the move into the Presidential Palace.’

He looked at me steadily. ‘You’re very sure of yourself today, aren’t you Ernesto?’

‘Doña Julia asked me to be firm. I’m merely carrying out her wishes.’

‘Doctor’s orders, eh?’ He paused. ‘Ever heard of a man named Escalon? General Escalon?’

It was quite a jolt. I managed to busy myself refastening my bag. ‘General who?’

‘Escalon. He’s been reported missing from his home in the north.’

‘I imagine quite a lot of people in the north are missing from their homes, Don Manuel. Planeloads of them.’

‘But he doesn’t interest you?’

‘Why should he?’

‘He’s the man who killed your father.’

‘I’ve put flowers on my father’s grave. The men who shot my father are long dead.’

‘As far as you are concerned the matter is closed?’

‘I’ve said so.’

‘Then don’t think of changing your mind. That’s a Presidential order. It’s like a doctor’s order in a way. The person who disobeys it has only himself to blame if the consequences prove unpleasant. You understand?’

‘You’re talking too much.’

‘I asked if you understood.’

‘I understand that all lawful and sensible orders should be obeyed.’

‘Good. Now I’ll give you another one. Stay away from El Lobo. He has become a security risk.’

‘I see.’

‘I doubt if you do, but it doesn’t matter. Just stay away from him. I may be obliged to lose my doctor. I don’t want to lose my new Minister of Education too. I’ll see you in the morning Ernesto. It will be a formal occasion remember. Wear a jacket and tie please.’

‘Good night, Don Manuel.’

Doña Julia was waiting for my report. I told her that I intend to request Dr Torres’ presence at the Presidential Palace for a consultation on Friday, that is the day after tomorrow. I asked her for the note on presidential paper formally requesting Dr Torres’ attendance.

‘Has Don Manuel agreed?’

‘Under protest, yes.’

‘Very well.’ She gave me the note.

When I got back here I found that I was shaking. The sooner I can rid myself of this patient the better. My hatred of the man is just tolerable because it is qualified by pity for the body. That he should be able to arouse fear in me as well is something I hadn’t expected.

I should have done so. After all, Delvert did warn me. General Escalon’s disappearance alone has made Lobo suspect. I, too, am now in danger of becoming a ‘security risk’.

Feel I should warn Lobo. But how? Get an official car and drive out to the delta? Absurd, even if I knew the way. Besides Delvert had said that it was only
one
of his ‘safe-houses’.

El Lobo
has
looked after himself.

At least, I suppose that is one way of looking at the events of this ghastly day.

As instructed, I reported at ten-thirty at the Palace of Justice. Don Tomás, Paco, Finance, Interior, Defence and Economic Development were already there plus a contingent of the Civil Guard. These were mostly police with some army, but they all wore the ‘new’ Civil Guard uniform – actually some old army-ceremonial whites which had been dyed dark green for the occasion.

There were no speeches. Don Manuel was clearly saving himself for the television appearance on the real Presidential balcony later in the day. The security officer passed out copies of a list showing the order of the procession and who was to go in which of the cars already parked in the forecourt outside.

The Civil Guard contingent went out first and formed two lines down the steps in guard of honour fashion. They didn’t do it well, because the police among them weren’t used to army words of command and the officer in charge was ex-army. Still they managed it eventually. A rather muddled procession then formed up in the rotunda.

The idea was that the lesser lights should go first and get
into their cars, so that when the President and Doña Julia went down and got into theirs the procession could immediately move off. I was among the least of the lesser lights and so was among the first out, along with the Procurator and his wife and another senior official. We were supposed to be in the same car.

Unfortunately, the security officer who had prepared the procession list had failed to number, or distinguish in any other way, the cars to which it referred. The result was that when Don Manuel and Doña Julia began their descent of the steps, the rest of us, including the senior Ministers, were still milling about at the bottom trying to find out which car was which from the drivers.