“Before you even do anything.”

“Why not? They arrest people before they commit crimes.”

“True.”

“Build the best case you can. Like a cross between a memo and a manifesto.”

“Kind of like the Declaration of Independence,” said Clint.

“Yeah,” said Donny. “Not exactly that easy. The Founders kind of had their revolt and ate it. But—” He paused. “This is interesting.”

“Great,” said Percy. “Put that together. And then we go find an international body that can help us make our case.”

“Like the UN Court of Claims, the one that took our reparations case.”

“Right.”

“And then if we succeed, who enforces the judgment?”

Percy looked at the crates full of guns.

“Self-help,” said Clint.

“I knew you were going to say that.”

“Betcha wonder where we sourced these,” said Clint, snapping the weapon back together.

“I’d rather not know,” said Donny. That was true and false at the same time. He already had an idea. He’d seen the news reports a few days earlier, about the busload of asylum-seekers Percy had escorted to the Mexican border, part of a deal she had cut to allow them to leave the country. When she came back over, the bus must not have been as empty as they thought.

“Good idea,” said Percy. “Are you still in touch with that ex of yours in Mexico City?”

“You mean Joyce?” said Donny.

“Yeah,” said Percy. “You two still talking?”

“It’s complicated.”

“I thought maybe she could help. I’ve been reading her open letters. It’s powerful stuff—puts all the pieces together in new ways. And she’s very plugged in with the expat opposition.”

“She’s the minister of information for the so-called government in exile.”

“Yeah. We could use their help.”

“Let’s start with the memos, okay?”

“Fair enough,” said Percy.

“So who’s paying me?” said Donny.

“We don’t have much money,” said Percy.

“How did you pay for those?” said Donny, nodding at the crates.

“Maybe they were a donation,” said Percy.

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” said Donny. “Or a free Kalashnikov. Definitely don’t tell me what strings are attached to that. Or who’s holding them.”

“We’ll take care of you,” said Xelina.

“Last time I represented you, I had to get paid by the court,” said Donny.

“Not money,” said Xelina. “Personal services.”

Donny raised his eyebrows.

“Protection,” said Clint, snapping the banana clip into the rifle, which was now fully assembled.

“That could work,” said Donny. Life was dangerous in those days, when the cops were as likely to shake you down as the robbers.

“Great,” said Percy. “Now I need to get my speech ready for tomorrow. Just as soon as the sisters get here for the pickup.”

And on cue, there was a knock at the door.

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