Blood and Freedom is an action-packed novel about the capture and return for trial, of a deposed Latin American dictator who had been granted political asylum in the United States.
Written with polished smoothness and with vivid descriptions of moments of great tension, this story is captivating, from the beginning when Bill, the hero, is contacted with the plan, to the thrilling denouement when he lands his plane with his prisoner, his mission seemingly completed, he is surrounded by traitors, whom he must overcome before truly calling his mission accomplished.
Although set in the 1960s, in today’s world of increasing uprisings and revolutions, this story in which a cruel ruler is held accountable for crimes against his countrymen, is extremely timely. It will be welcomed by not only lovers of exciting fiction but by students of politics and history and all who cherish human justice.
Following what amounts to be a glimpse into the seemingly impossible, the story quickly jumps into high gear as Bill - not without reservation - agrees to do the job.
The following excerpts from chapter two give insight to the intensity of the danger involved as Bill plunges into his first encounter with one of Humberto’s former henchmen:
Clearance through La Guardia Airport was fast as usual, Bill thought. Coming from within the country, there were no customs or immigration inspections to undergo, and he was happy to be out on the sidewalk in less than ten minutes after he had disembarked. Airports always seem so busy, he thought, as he watched people jostling each other, and listened to the blaring of loudspeakers from within the building.
Within a few minutes, a taxi appeared, and as he entered, he gave the name of a street in Cedarhurst, Long Island….
As he pressed the buzzer to the ground floor entrance, Bill was shocked at the quick response which he received. A man's voice snapped over a loudspeaker, "Who is it?"
"Bill Stenoway to see Francisco," answered Bill curtly.
"Yes, what about?" demanded the same voice in deep Spanish accent.
"Siete, seis, cinco," answered Bill calmly in Spanish.
"Seven, six, five?"
"Yes," confirmed Bill. There was a pause, then the door opened and Bill went inside. He was met by a middle-aged man of medium height and size who was slightly bald on the crown of his head. The man was in good physical condition and was deeply tanned. He introduced himself as Ramon Francisco.
They scrutinized each other briefly before Ramon Francisco’s face creased in a smile. "Can't take chances you know. Follow me," he said cautiously.
"I reckon not," said Bill as they left the room. They walked down a long corridor, Ramon Francisco leading, then entered a small study. "Quite a nice place you have here," Bill remarked.
Francisco sat on a stool near a corner of the room and pointed at one a few feet away. Bill pulled it towards Francisco and sat facing him.
"I like it," said Francisco, his Latin American accent very discernible. "Let's get down to business. I've been expecting you people to get in touch with me since last week."
"I was put on this job only today…. Apparently every care has been taken to protect you. I only knew of your existence this morning."
"Good," grunted Francisco, pleased. "Now what did the government say about my offer? Did they agree to my request?"
"Wait a minute. I am not here to represent the government in any way. My job is to take Humberto back so he can stand trial…."
Francisco snapped his fingers violently. "Just like that!" he said heatedly. "They expect me to help - just like that! No help or reward in return….?"
Bill got up, walked to the only window, which overlooked a corridor, then returned and stood facing Francisco…. "I'll level with you Francisco," he said, looking directly into his eyes. "The government wouldn’t double-cross you… But there are a few things you should keep in mind."
"Yes?" prompted Francisco eagerly.
"First, I think you ought to know that without your evidence they can still convict Humberto….."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I am only speculating, of course, but instead of accepting your condition they might impose their condition…."
"Nonsense! Nonsense!" shouted Francisco, jumping off his stool. He took a pace towards Bill, then said in a subdued but angry manner, "Look, it's got to be on my terms or nothing. My terms or nothing."
"I don't think you'll have much choice," Bill said calmly, but in a manner which caused Francisco to stare at him in disbelief for a brief moment.
"Wha - what do you mean?" demanded Francisco finally.
"Humberto is after you, remember? Oh yes we know about that," Bill said quickly, raising a hand to demand silence. "As I understand it, when you abandoned him recently, you also stole some of his money...."
Bill looked at the beads of perspiration running down his face and knew what his answer would be….
"Well, what do you want to know?"
"First, what's the easiest way of my getting to Humberto?"
Francisco stopped with his hand holding his handkerchief in mid air. He looked directly at Bill as he stated flatly, "There is no easy way… He is guarded twenty-four hours daily by men you wouldn't want to leave the devil with."
"Well, supposing you just give me a complete layout of his place, a run-down on his activities and the men around him and so on."
"Okay. But like I said, trying to get him alive would be like committing suicide…"
A sudden crashing of broken glass on the floor shattered the calm in the room. Bill instinctively dived to the floor, looking towards the window from which the sound of an explosion had come… He was unarmed, and knew it would be useless to try to give chase. Instead, he dashed towards Francisco who was lying on his stomach. A brief examination showed him Francisco was dead....