It is the first Sunday of December 1941 and the house is full of guests enjoying a festive occasion. Live Mexican music is playing, while Patricia and others circulate with food and drinks. Ben and Rita play hosts. Miguel arrives with his girlfriend, Raquel, and his friend, Eduardo.
Later, Ben greets the last arrival, an elderly neighbor, by the front door. His expression is somber.
"I'm afraid I have bad news," he says to Ben in Spanish. "Your country's been attacked. I'm so sorry."
"What did you say? "
The neighbor tried to make himself understood.
"Listen to the radio. The radio." Then he walks away.
Ben goes to the large radio in the living room and asks the people near him to lower their voices so he can hear the broadcast in Spanish.
"The latest reports are of wide-spread damage, death, and destruction at American military installations including Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu in the Pacific Ocean. This will undoubtedly mean war between the United States and Japan. I repeat, early this morning, naval air forces of the Empire of Japan attacked the U.S. Territory of Hawaii. We will be getting more reports soon. Please stay tuned to this station."
Ben is shocked, angry, and frustrated. A crowd of people, including Rita, gather to listen to the broadcast.
"I'm very sorry, Ben. Is there anything I can do?"
"I don't think so. I can't believe it. I'll call my brother. He'll know more."
"Let me know what you find out. I won't be far away."
As Rita leaves to attend to her guests, who are also drifting away from the radio, she keeps an eye on her husband. His country was attacked and he's far away. He's feeling impotent and wants revenge. If there were a Japanese there, he would have wanted to hit him. How dare they do this. His throat is dry. Ben heads to the kitchen for a drink of water. As he approaches, he overhears a conversation between Eduardo and another man.
"It's about time somebody bloodied the nose of the Americans," says Eduardo.
The other guest turns white as he notices Ben nearby. Ben enters the kitchen and confronts a surprised Eduardo.
Ben asks, "What did you say?"
"It wasn't important."
"Something about Americans and a bloody nose?"
Ben is in the mood to pick a fight. Eduardo regains his composure.
"Look, you must understand that, over the years, the United States has treated Mexico with some measure of disrespect. You invaded us and stole half our country. Even after that, you, I mean your country has dealt with Mexico shamefully. So, you can surely understand why some Mexicans may not shed a tear at this unfortunate loss of yours, I mean your country's, in Hawaii."
"I see. This has been very educational. However, I think it would be better if we discussed this further...outside."
"You're joking."
Ben leans forward so that he can whisper into Eduardo's ear.
"If you don't start walking out the back door with me, I'm going to tell everyone here that you are a coward and a son of a bitch."
He glares at Eduardo. At first, Eduardo shows no expression. Then, it changes to one of a happy opportunity to give an American his comeuppance. Also, he can show Rita she married the wrong man.
"After you," said Eduardo.
"No, after you," responded Ben.
"Whatever you want."
The two head out the back door. Rita is the only witness to their leaving, staying behind in the house at a discreet distance. She hadn't heard their conversation in the kitchen. However, based on the expression on her face, she wonders what had happened. Was this about the attack? Did Eduardo call Ben a gringo? Better yet, was this about her? She did have that one date with Eduardo. Perhaps he was still interested, even if he was a pompous, egotistical fool. Maybe Ben found out and is jealous. Two men fighting over her, how very exhilarating. On the other hand, she hopes Ben doesn't get hurt. But, if he did, she could play nurse.
Out in the yard, well away from the house, from where Rita is watching, the two men have some privacy. They take off their ties and jackets and roll up their sleeves.
"I suggest we fight only with our fists, in a gentlemanly way of course, Marquis of Queensberry, if you know what I mean," said Eduardo.
"I agree with you completely."
Eduardo is a little shorter than Ben, but is younger and in better physical condition. He had some experience boxing at school. He wants to feel out his opponent before giving him a well-deserved beating.
Ben, on the other hand, hasn't had a fist fight since junior high school. However, he's full of rage and wants to hit something very hard and very soon.
They approach each other with fists raised. At the backdoor, Rita's heart is racing with excitement and fear. Eduardo moves around a bit trying to confuse Ben, while looking for an opening. Ben stands still waiting to counter Eduardo's first forward move. Finally, Eduardo throws a light left jab at Ben's face. Ben reacts with speed and ferocity. With his right forearm, he chops Eduardo's left fist downward, throwing him off balance. Then, Ben shoots his left fist straight at Eduardo's face with all the power he can muster, catching him below his right eye. Eduardo feels a great deal of pain and makes an involuntary "ugh" sound. As quickly as he can, Ben follows this up with a wicked right cross directly at Eduardo's aristocratic nose. He puts all his leverage behind this punch. Eduardo's eyes close and he falls flat on his back, half-conscious. The prone Eduardo moans, and best of all for Ben, blood begins to flow from his nostrils. Ben bends down over his fallen adversary.
"Can you hear me?"
There's no response, so Ben grabs the front of Eduardo's shirt to pull his bruised face closer to his own.
"Eduardo, can you hear me?" Ben raised his voice a bit. Eduardo moans. "I want you to get out of here as soon as you can and never come back. Understand?"
Ben drops him back to the ground with a thud. He picks up his tie and jacket and heads toward the back door, full of pride and some measure of revenge for those at Pearl Harbor. As he reaches the back door, Rita steps out with a big smile on her face.
"You saw that?" asks Ben.
"I want to make love to you right now, my hero."
"Look, I'm sorry this happened, but..."
"Don't say another word, my champion."
They walk arm in arm back into the house, leaving Eduardo to enjoy the fresh air a little while longer.
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