Unrelenting Questions
Chapter 30
“Come in Roberto, we have much to discuss.”
Mama had reopened the Green Serpent and her shop had been busy with those who wanted to glimpse the wonder woman who brought people back from the dead. The streets were relatively quiet thanks to the peacekeepers presence, although normal activity was still stunted given the concerns about a major outbreak of violence. People were rightly worried about their safety and what might happen to their country. It was a time of high anxiety and uncertainty about the future. In other words, most people were scared shitless!
“These are troubled times, Mama,” Roberto spoke as he lit up his French cigarette. She didn’t object, although she fully realized smoking and other things could kill.
“However, it just may be an opportune time to finish our business with the Americans.”
Oh, oh, Mama thought. Roberto was about to hand over the walking papers she’d earlier feared.
“I think we need to do more. Go after the Americans themselves instead of their Haitian lackeys.”
Mama was relieved. She’d had the same idea and was going to suggest it to Roberto. Now he’d raised it on his own. So they were already of the same mind and purpose.
“Here’s what I have in mind. Please add your suggestions as you wish: the more mayhem the better. First, we start with little practical jokes such as flattening tires, breaking windshields or perhaps a yam stuffed up the tailpipe or some sugar in a gas tank of their cars. Let’s do a few things to irritate them and keep them off balance. Let them worry about anti-American acts and blame it on the environmentalists who’ve been demonstrating against them for the past several months. Start a whispering campaign among your loyalists and point the finger at the political activists.”
“Can your goons handle such things?”
“Yes, my zombies can do their part.” She took offense at goons, but remained silent. No need to scotch the deal at the beginning. Besides, she much preferred vodka and the Cuban’s money.
“Good, the next phase of the operation is riskier because it involves some rough play. It will involve confronting the Americans on the street and threatening them with violence. A few slaps on the face will get their attention. Have your goons make statements about America despoiling the Caribbean with its pollution and lack of action on climate change. Start with the American businessmen and work up to the diplomats.”
“My zombies are very adept at such things, so no worries my friend.”
“Okay, depending on how these things work, we might go after their kids and put a scare into them so they’ll go crying to their parents. Hit them where they’re most vulnerable. Perhaps, hijack a school bus or two heading to the International School of Port-au-Prince. Businessmen and diplomats alike send their kids there. However, the children shouldn’t be harmed, that would be counterproductive.”
“Consider it done!”
“Here’s your last payment. Spend it wisely. I hope to wrap up the operation soon and leave for home. Minimally, we will have caused the Americans some grief, some disruptions to their operations and, just perhaps, they might rethink their role in the Caribbean. They’re no longer able to carry a big stick in this part of the world and they need to realize the fact. We will continue the good fight elsewhere.”
“Good luck to you, Mama. It’s been good doing business with you.”
With that, Roberto vanished from Haiti, never to be seen again. Mama began counting her money. She’d be seen awhile longer since she was hard to miss.
***
Mama locked the front door to her shop and was about to get into a taxi to take her home after a profitable day’s work. Before that happened, two uniformed gendarmes approached, ordering her to come with them. They told her she’d be escorted to their headquarters for questioning. Mama envisioned rubber truncheons and cattle prods, but that wasn’t to be the case.
She initially refused their stern offer, but reconsidered. Much might be learned from the authorities instead of the other way around. So she went willingly even though she wasn’t under arrest. Better to cooperate and see what’s on their minds, she thought. If she’d be interrogated by ordinary cops, it wouldn’t be much, so no worries, she believed.
The room seemed small to Georges St. Claire or maybe it was Mama Mambo’s enormous presence. In any case, it was a bit too claustrophobic for his liking. He was simply a bystander, an observer to what was about to transpire.
Mama sat with her hands folded before her, awaiting the questions. The manacles attached to the metal table weren’t used since she wasn’t under arrest. Moreover, the bracelets wouldn’t have fit her oversized wrists. She was a commanding figure who probably intimidated the gendarmes sitting across from her.
“Madame Dumont, you are here at our request to answer some questions. Well, how shall I say, to respond to certain allegations made against you,” the Chief Inspector formally announced.
“I am at your disposal monsieur. I have nothing to hide. I’m a pious woman as you well know. Please ask your questions so I may go home.”
“Thank you. It has been alleged by some that The Family which you preside over has been engaged in a systematic harassment campaign against the U.S. mission to Haiti. If true, that is a serious charge and, if proven, could result in many years in prison. How do you answer?”
“I answer truthfully sir. I am aware of such heinous things, like most residents of our city. I deny any involvement, but allow that it is possible some of my more misguided followers, the zealots among them, could have been involved in such matters, but unbeknownst to me. I have a very large following and like every organization there might be a few bad apples, as they say.”
“So you categorically deny such allegations and are you willing to sign a statement to that effect?”
“I do. Please prepare the document. I will sign and then go home.”
“No, not quite yet, Madame Dumont. Just a few more questions before you leave.”
Mama was beginning to worry. She’d expected the questions regarding the Americans, so no surprise, wondering what might come next. It was to be a bombshell!
“What do you know about Columbian drug flights transiting our country?”
She started losing her composure and Georges picked up on her discomfort. He was good at reading body language, no matter the shape or size. It was apparent that Mama was unsettled by the question. And she was about to tell big, fat lies!
“Drugs? flights? I know of no such things! Drugs are evil and have caused our people untold misery through their addictions. Why do you ask me such a question?”
“We have information that members of The Family have been facilitating such flights for many years. That’s why I ask.”
“That’s untrue monsieur, a terrible lie and personal affront to me and my family. How dare you suggest such a thing?”
“Either arrest me or let me go home. I’ve had enough of this nonsense!”
Mama got up and left and no one stopped her. Georges got what he wanted from the interview. He was convinced Mama was guilty on all counts, all the allegations of misdoing.
***
Through his contacts, Frank had learned beforehand Mama would be detained and questioned. It was then a simple matter of greasing some palms for the desired outcome. She couldn’t be arrested and jailed, not when things were so close to conclusion. That would have thwarted his plans or at least thrown off their timing. Mama was his prize and his alone. He would deal with her in his own good time and place. And he looked forward to killing the woman who’d raised him. It was nothing personal, only a bit of unfinished business.