Murder at the Kennedy Center by Margaret Truman Read Free Book Online Page B

inquired about Mrs. Morales.
    “She is fine, thank you,” Morales said. “She is very busy with humanitarian efforts for our people.”
    “Yes, I’m sure she is,” Morse replied. “Gathering medical supplies from private sources, and so on.”
    Colonel Gilbert Morales had been the military leader of Panama and a staunch ally of the United States. Deposed in a coup staged by the current Panamanian leadership, he’d fled with his family, settled in Washington, and immediately launched an intensive lobbying effort on behalf of forces in Panama still loyal to him. He’d found sympathetic ears in President Walter Manning and his administration.
    A door opened, and a young man in a blue suit stepped into the room. He said to Morse in a library whisper, “The president is ready.” They all went upstairs to the State Dining Room, where President Manning, Vice-President Raymond Thornton, Secretary of State Marlin Budd, and Senate Minority Leader Jesse Chamberlain were seated at the large dining table. The Panamanian was directed to a chair next to Secretary Budd. His aide stood awkwardly to the side. “Mr. Morse,” Budd said, “please see that our young visitor is extended every courtesy downstairs.”
    “Yes, sir.” Morse led the aide from the room.
    “Well,” President Manning said, “here we are again, Colonel Morales. It’s getting to be a habit of sorts, isn’t it?”
    Morales smiled. “Yes, Mr. President, a habit of which I heartily approve. Your concern for my people, and for justice in my country, is very much appreciated, not only by me and Mrs. Morales, but by every freedom-loving Panamanian.”
    Morales looked at Chamberlain, a heavyset Texan who’d been elected to the Senate for seven consecutive terms and who anchored the Republican conservative caucus. “You, sir, of course, have always shared President Manning’s love of freedom. I bring you fond wishes from my wife.”
    “Thank you, sir.”
    “And, when you are elected the next president of the United States, Mr. Vice-President, our fight together for justice and democracy will continue.”
    “I can pledge you that, Colonel,” Thornton said. “Your cause is my cause.”
    “
Sí
, and I am grateful.”
    Secretary Budd said flatly, “We wanted to meet today, Colonel, to discuss certain realities that might have to be faced in November.”
    A wide, radiant smile had been on Morales’s face from the moment he entered the room; Budd’s words caused it to fade.
    “I suggest we have lunch,” Manning said, “then get down to business. I don’t have much time.” He touched a button on the side of the table, and three waiters appeared. “We’re ready,” the president said wearily. He slumped back in his chair and sighed.
    After twenty minutes of aimless chat between the Americans and Morales, the waiters cleared the remains of a grilled swordfish and avocado salad, biscuits, and rice pudding, and served coffee. Secretary Budd then leveled with Morales. “To be blunt, Colonel Morales, we in the administration don’t see any hope of further aid to you before President Manning’s term ends.”
    Morales lighted a cigarette and drew deeply on it. He looked at Senator Chamberlain, whose cigar added to the rising blue smoke in the room. “There is no possibility of passage of the new aid bill in Congress?”
    “Afraid not,” Chamberlain said, coughing. “It’s dead, absolutely dead. Damn shame.”
    “Yes, especially for my people, many of whom will be dead as a result. Of course …” He looked at Raymond Thornton, who sat ramrod straight. “You will be the next president, Mr. Thornton.” The smile returned to Morales’s broad face.
    Thornton spoke in measured tones. “Colonel, we fully expect victory in November, but, as you know, nothing is certain on Election Day. Promises to be a tight race. We expectSenator Ewald to be the choice the Democrats will make, and—”
    The president interrupted. “Senator Ewald has considerable