Ghosts of Havana (Judd Ryker #3)(81)
“Let’s take a moment to applaud these brave men who have come home to their families,” Adelman-Zamora said, leading the crowd in a standing ovation, punctuated with hoots and howls from the floor. Alejandro winked at the cameras while Crawford gave the crowd an embarrassed nod. Brinkley stared straight ahead, stone-faced, like a zombie.
“Their release early this morning is a victory for justice and a reminder to the world that America will not waver in the face of aggression. We held firm to our policy of never giving in to blackmail, never paying ransom for innocent civilians. We stared the Devil in the eye and we did not blink!”
Adelman-Zamora stepped in between the men, grabbed Dennis Dobson’s good hand, and raised it in triumph, igniting more applause and flashbulbs. Dennis squinted and recoiled.
The congresswoman returned to the podium. “Now these courageous American heroes want to get home with their beautiful families as soon as possible. And we are so honored to have all of them with us today. I especially want to thank Pippa, Mariposa, Vanessa, and Beth for your sacrifice and your bravery. You have shown the world that strong families can help to defeat oppression. That strong women can keep us all on the path toward freedom. That love is stronger than tyranny.”
The four wives nodded to the press. Pippa Barrymore took a step forward, pressed her hands together in a praying gesture of thanks to the congresswoman and then stepped back in line. Adelman-Zamora accepted the gratitude with a solemn nod and a tapping fist over her heart.
“These men have chosen not to speak to the press today. After all they have been through, we must respect that. But they have asked me, on their behalf, to thank the American people for their prayers and for their support through Twitter and Facebook. They are ecstatic to be home safe. They look forward to putting this episode behind them and to returning to their normal lives.”
The congresswoman rubbed her hands together for her big finish. “Before we close, we have something else to celebrate this morning. A few minutes ago, Cuban state television confirmed that the leader of that nation has passed away. The era of the aging tyrants who have run Cuba since 1959 has finally come to an end. We are also seeing on social media that the Cuban people are now coming out onto the streets of Havana, Santiago, and every city and town across that country, to pay their respects and to call for democratic elections within ninety days. The people’s yearning to be free is unwavering. The force of democracy is unstoppable.
“This is a pivotal moment for Cuba and for the United States. I have spoken this morning with the State Department and they stand ready to deliver a package of support for the elections to ensure the people’s will is expressed and the transition is smooth. We expect an announcement later today from Assistant Secretary Melanie Eisenberg with more details.
“I want to stress that the United States supports the democratic process in Cuba rather than any one candidate. We should expect patriotic Cubans from within the country and those living abroad to step forward and help lead their country into a new era. We welcome their bravery and we wish them Godspeed. The days of Cuba’s leaders being chosen by fraternal blood or in the back rooms of the Communist Party are over.
“If Cuba’s elections are indeed free and fair and the results reflect the desire of the Cuban people, our two great nations will finally be on a path to true friendship. If the rule of law is respected and the rights of private property owners are restored, then Cuba will truly be on a path to rejoining the international community.
“Upon completion of open and democratic elections, I will introduce the Zamora Amendment in the U.S. Congress. This legislation will provide for the immediate lifting of all remaining sanctions and a generous recovery program. This is a window of opportunity that Cuba and America must seize.”
Adelman-Zamora raised her fist. “Viva Cuba Libre!”
85.
SANTIAGO, CUBA
SATURDAY, 10.55 A.M.
What do you mean they aren’t coming?” Ernesto Sandoval was almost in tears, nearly crying into the phone. “I’ve been so patient. All these years waiting, waiting. Building a life, a simple life in Africa, but it was mine. And I left it all behind to come back. I gave it all up for a promise. Your promise. And now that I’m here, you’re telling me . . . no crowds?”
“Mi hermano, please. I didn’t say no crowds. Just not yet.”
“When, Ruben? How am I launching a campaign to become the next president of Cuba without the people? I don’t understand. What happened to the crowds? What happened to the money?”
“The people are in the streets now.”
“They aren’t on the streets for me. That wasn’t how it was supposed to be. You promised me, hermano, that you’d take care of everything.”
“I will find a way, Che. We will have a campaign. I will get the money. I will get the crowds for you. For us.”
“I don’t know, Ruben.”
“The Americans have already announced an election package. The rest I will get myself. I promise, Che. We will do it. We will fight. And we will win. Viva Cuba Libre!”
86.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
SATURDAY, 11.03 A.M.
Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Are you just talking to Mommy all morning? I wanna swim!”
“In a minute, Toby,” Judd said. “Give me a minute and then I’ll take you in the ocean. I promise.” Judd’s older son hung his head and walked back over to Noah, who was digging a hole in the sand.