Summary

Near San Salvador, Carolyn and Leonel go to meet with a lieutenant colonel. Leonel asks to shower. Later, he explains that the shower was a form of protection; when he comes out of the lieutenant colonel’s house looking fresh and clean, anyone watching them will understand that he is on good terms with the lieutenant colonel.

Driving again, they pass by a fire. Leonel points out that there are no fire tracks there, and explains that someone has probably ordered the poor barrio torched in order to acquire the property. No one investigates the arson, the insurance company pays the owner, and the owner turns around and sells to the interested buyer. Leonel announces that, for protection, Carolyn has to meet with the new American ambassador. When Carolyn declines, Leonel insists and tells her to ask about the Richardson case and to...