Lopez took on the voice of an orator, or a man in court making an important announcement. "If anyone 'ere shall tell me a lie, zen you shall all be—" he paused dramatically once more—"shot." The final word rang out like a shot itself.
A movement of despair ran through the group.
"Geemoneddy!" Uncle Henry broke the tension.
Lopez turned to Lucia. "All bot you," he graciously informed her. "I 'ave ozzer plans for you!" Her hair enraptured him—her youth and loveliness.
The relief she felt at the first part of the sentence was quickly killed as the sinister meaning of the latter part rushed into her brain.
"Other plans!" she cried.
"Si." He was unmoved by her apprehension. He walked to the very center of the room, and looked about him, studying all their faces.
It was as if he were a central pivot and their destinies revolved around him. They had no idea what he would say next, and they hung on his words.