The door opened, and the crowd parted to let a small group of townspeople enter the clinic. Sam and Remi recognized many of them. Señor Alvarez, the restaurateur, seemed to have been chosen as a spokesman. “Señor and Señora Fargo,” he said. “What just happened was exactly what you said would happen. Those men came from the Estancia Guerrero. Instead of asking to look at the old stronghold peacefully, they made us watch them murder the mayor. They’re going to take our town and the stronghold and even our homes and families. We won’t ever be able to complain, because they’ll keep us deep in the Estancia. If we try to get help, they can kill all of us, and there will be nobody left to say what happened. We were wondering—I know it’s more than anyone has a right to ask—if you would stay and help us fight.”

Remi said, “After what just happened? Of course we’ll stay.”

“I have to warn you that we’re not soldiers,” said Sam. “But we’ll do everything we can to help.”

Dr. Huerta said, “You fought the men who were guarding the marijuana fields and won—just the two of you.”

“They attacked us, we defended ourselves for a while, and then we got away. That’s not winning.”

“You killed a dozen of them and you’re just fine,” Huerta said. “I call that a victory—a big one.”

Sam said, “I don’t think we’d have much chance against these people in a fight. They’re heavily armed with modern weapons, they’re trained and organized, and they’ve clearly fought before. Our best chance is to keep trying to get the authorities to protect the town.”

“I agree,” said Dr. Huerta. “I hope we can, and we will keep trying. But we should also be ready to fight.”

“Yes,” said Señor Alvarez. “We’re all willing to fight, but all we have is five days before they come back. We need to start preparing.”

“I’ll get started by making a few phone calls,” said Sam. He put an arm around Remi’s waist, and they stepped toward the door.

“But you’re going to stay?” said Dr. Huerta.

Remi said, “You bet we are. When he’s all gruff like that, it means he’s digging in.”

“Thanks,” Sam said.

“Just don’t get in any more trouble for now.”

“No, we’ve got enough to last us.”

Sam hung up and called the number of the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City. He identified himself and asked for Amy Costa.

In a surprisingly short time, he heard Amy’s voice. “Sam!” she said. “Good to hear from you. Is everything all right?”