The Eagle's Throne

32. MARÍA DEL ROSARIO GALVÁN TO BERNAL HERRERA

Darling, my protégé Nicolás Valdivia has served us well. The wolf has fallen into the trap and doesn’t know it yet. Tácito is ours. But he might slip away if we act too hastily. Observe the political panorama that’s taking shape. The evil César León is attempting to convince the president of Congress, Onésimo Canabal, that there’s still time to change the constitution and reform the laws regarding succession in the event of the president’s incapacitation or death.

His idea is that instead of being replaced by an interim president during the first two years in office (which President Terán has already completed) or by an acting president during the last four years in office (the president’s current situation), both of which cases are presently subjected to a vote in both houses of Congress, it should be the president of Congress (in our case, Onésimo Canabal) who automatically assumes the executive’s duties.

What does our ex-president César León want? He doesn’t hold a publicly elected position — and according to his enemies, he never did. He detests Tácito de la Canal. He fears and despises you. But Onésimo is an ass who will let himself be manipulated in a transitional situation. A transition to what? you might ask. I think César León knows something you and I don’t. He has a secret. He’s a born politician, don’t doubt it. The bad thing about him is that he’s like soft wax. He can mold himself into any shape, he can adapt to any new situation or requirement that presents itself. You have to realize, Bernal, that this is a war of secrets. You and I (and, necessarily, Valdivia) have a secret that can bring Tácito down and you to victory. But if we reveal it too soon, Tácito will be able to put together his defense with plenty of time to spare. I think he’d be capable of having you killed. And what do you gain, Bernal, what do you lose, if you talk or if you don’t? It’s a matter of timing. You win if you talk in time. You lose if you talk at the wrong time. I think I have the solution. In a couple of days I’ll fill you in.

P.S. It’s inappropriate for the institution to send bills and notifications to you. In this matter, I should be the only one to appear on the correspondence. No suspicion must fall on you.