Hall spent the rest of the day at Gonzales', dictating to the lieutenant. While they worked, Duarte phoned to tell him that Gamburdo had formally conceded the election. "What are your dinner plans?" he asked the Mexican.
"None. I have to finish a long report on the elections before I eat. Where and when are you eating?"
"I don't know. I thought that for sentimental reasons I'd eat with Jerry and Pepe and Vicente and Souza at the Bolivar. Lobo is tied up for the evening."
"I'll join you when I can, Mateo."
Later, when the American officers left, Hall tried to reach his friends by phone. Arturo, the desk clerk, told him that Souza had taken the day off and that Pepe and Vicente had been called up with the reserves. He gave Hall a list of numbers where he might possibly find Pepe. Hall finally reached him at the Transport Workers' Union. "Can you eat with me tonight?" he asked.
"Yes. Where are you? Our officers just handed us our new orders. I am to be your driver and Emilio your guard."
"What?"
"Sergeants Delgado and Vicente at your orders, sir."
"Is this official?"