The special envoy turned and walked away. His leather shoes clacked on the bridge, growing fainter.
Alvarez stood in the middle of the bridge, watching the black car disappear into the dust. He lowered his head and looked at the document in his hand. Military zone, demolition order within three days. He folded the document and put it into his jacket pocket, alongside the white flag, the blood-stained paper, the memorial stone, and the photo of Hassan standing among the trees. The pocket was already heavy, pulling down, and he supported it with his hand.
He picked up the walkie-talkie. "Connect me to Mexico City."
The phone rang once before it was picked up. Victor's voice was on the other end.
"Lieutenant."
"Leader, Assad has ordered that the olive grove be designated as a military zone. All memorial stones are to be demolished within three days."
There was a long silence on the other end.
"Lieutenant, tell that special envoy, the Mexicans disagree."
