McCaskey started walking again. "Come on. Father," he said. "They're on our side."

The dual air and land approach suggested to McKaskey that the police were waiting for the army to split up like this so they could pin both parts down. That would significantly weaken resistance.

McCaskey and Father Norberto finished crossing the courtyard as the sirens neared and the choppers held the soldiers back. McCaskey ached to embrace María. But in his present condition it would probably cost him his lungs. She was also hurt, and Luis needed attention.

"It's good to see you again," María said, smiling. "Did I hear correctly? About Amadori?"

McCaskey nodded as he looked at Luis. The officer was ashen, his breathing very shallow. McCaskey checked the improvised bandage. Then he took off his own shirt and began tearing it into fresh strips.

"Father," McCaskey said, "we have to get Luis to a hospital. Please-would you flag down a car?"

"I don't think that will be necessary," Norberto said.

McCaskey looked toward the street. A police car had pulled up to the curb and four men had gotten out. They were dressed in distinctive dark blue berets, white belts, and spats.

"The Guardia Real," María said. "The Royal Guard."

A fifth man got out as well. He was a tall, white-haired gentleman with a proud military bearing. He approached quickly.

"It's General de la Vega," McCaskey said. Then he shouted, "We need help here. Luis needs a doctor!"

"ĄAmbulancia!" María added.

The Royal Guard members began running toward them. One of them shouted something to María.

She nodded then turned to McCaskey. "They're setting up a mobile field hospital in the Plaza de Oriente," she said. "They're going to take him there."

McCaskey looked down at Luis. He finished bandaging the Interpol officer then took his hand and squeezed it hard. "Hold on, partner," McCaskey said. "Help's here."

Luis squeezed back weakly. His eyes remained shut. Father Norberto knelt beside Luis to pray for him. The priest was obviously hurting. It was also obvious that he had no intention of letting that stop him.

A moment later gunfire erupted once again from inside the palace. McCaskey and María exchanged glances.

"Sounds like the government's playing for keeps," McCaskey said.

María nodded. "We're going to lose a lot of good people today. And for what? One man's insane vision."

"Or his vanity," McCaskey said. "I'm never sure which one motivates a dictator more."

As they spoke, the police arrived. Two men lifted Luis up gently and carried him toward the plaza. The general thanked McCaskey and María for all they had done, then ran after them. The other two Royal Guardsmen stopped and lifted María.

"An honor guard." She grinned.