“I promise you,” said Donny. “I’m going to win this.”

Donny knew better than to make promises. But he meant it.

“I hope so,” said Slider. “And at least you’ll be on the right side on this one. Fighting the killers instead of helping them.”

This was two weeks after the ex-president’s sentencing.

“I guess everybody heard about that. Even the people like you who don’t have phones or TVs.”

“You definitely got people talking with that gig,” said Slider. “People are pissed.”

“How about you?”

“I guess I know you too well. You gave me enough lectures about how you didn’t want to have to defend me against the death penalty that I know you really mean it.”

“Thanks,” said Donny. “He got what he deserved. And now he’s going to face the international war-crimes tribunal.”

“Yeah, screw that. What do those people in Switzerland or India know about what he did? We need to take care of that shit right here.”

“It’s how it needs to work,” said Donny. “We need a global system. Rules for everyone on the planet to follow. How else are we going to build a future people can live in?”

“Fuck people. The animals and plants will be fine without us.”

“I don’t think it’s that bad yet.”

“Maybe not down in your fancy office. I mean offices.”

“There’s nothing about my offices anyone would call ‘fancy.’ And besides, they kicked me out of my New Orleans digs. The radicals are seizing power.”

“So I heard. They’re even more pissed about what you did than I am.”

“Makes sense you’d know.” Digging, he said, “You’re probably in on the takeover.”

“Well, your ex-girlfriend definitely is. She’s hardcore, man, even if she just says she’s our mentor, not our leader. But yeah, I’m all-in on that program. It’s our turn. Time for a new generation. And a new idea of liberation. One that starts with the creatures that don’t have a voice. You want rules for the whole planet? Wait till we get done.”

“Good luck with that,” said Donny.

“My luck’s going to improve if you can really win me that kind of money. I could do a lot of good with that. When are you going to file it?”

“Soon,” said Donny. “Hopefully first thing Monday.”

“They don’t need you back in Washington?”

“No,” said Donny. “They’re done with me, and El Presidente’s case is done. Our part, at least. They’re getting ready to transfer him to UN custody for the international case.”

“Oh yeah? When?”

“A week from Friday,” said Donny. “But you didn’t hear that from me.”

Slider pulled an invisible zipper across his lips.

“Seriously,” said Donny.

“Relax,” said Slider. Then he looked to the door at the sound of footsteps on the porch.