Ayala didn't speak again.
He turned and left.
February 8, 2 a.m., northern border of Ecuador.
The first unit arrived before dawn.
It was the advance team of the Mexican Army's 1st Armored Brigade, 500 men, 50 armored vehicles, departing from Chiapas, traveling day and night for twenty hours.
They stopped five kilometers from the border, turned off their engines, and kept the lights off.
Brigade Commander Hector Garcia stood in front of the command vehicle, looking at the dark mountains in the distance.
On the other side of the mountains is Ecuador.
"Report to the brigade commander, the reconnaissance company has been dispatched. They say there's no movement on the other side."
Garcia nodded.
"Keep monitoring."
He glanced at his watch.
Eighteen hours left.
February 8, 1998, 9 a.m., Quito, Carondelet Palace.
Ayala pushed open the door to the President's office.
"Mr. President, the Mexican Ambassador has arrived."
Alarcon stood up and adjusted his tie.
"Let him in."
