Summary

Left trembling in the mudhole, Roman Pupo watches as Trujillo drives away. He feels at once shaken at the rancor of the Trujillo’s outburst and relief that Trujillo has not discovered the conspiracy. As he reflects on Trujillo’s dominating presence, Roman Pupo remembers how he convinced the other conspirators that Trujillo must be killed, not simply kidnapped, if the coup is to be successful. He wonders why he joined the conspiracy and concludes that it is because he wanted to prove to Trujillo that he was not simply an incompetent fool. In detail, we hear Roman Pupo going through the plan of the conspiracy, from how he placed close friends in key military positions to Balanguer’s cryptic message of support. As he drives home and showers, he wonders whether his beloved wife, a Trujillo, will support his coup or side with...