Best of Intentions, Chapter 20

On May 4, 1942, Ben's brother Dave and his wife sit in the living room of their home in Syracuse listening to a radio broadcast from the White House.  President Roosevelt addresses the nation.

"My fellow Americans.  The past five months have been very difficult for us and there will be more dark days ahead before we will achieve our ultimate goal of complete victory.  But be assured, that day will come.  Today, I want to inform you and the world that we have discovered a new potential enemy, our neighbor, Mexico.  I say potential because, up to this point, it has done us no harm.  However, Mexico is developing a super bomb that could cause a great deal of death and destruction to the United States.  We can not stand idly by and do nothing.  We must act to stop this threat.  Therefore, I am giving the Mexican government until tomorrow at 9:00 AM, the fifth of May, to turn over the scientist who's at the bottom of this crisis, a man named Julius Karchevsky.  If it does, no harm will come.  If not, we will have no choice but to enter Mexico, find him, and make sure he does not create his bomb.  My fellow Americans, do not be alarmed.  Your government will not permit another sneak attack such as Pearl Harbor."

Dave clicks off the radio and turns to his wife who has a very worried look on her face. 

"I wonder where our boy Harry is?"

Patricia sits alone in the living room of Rita's house listening to the radio.  President Comacho makes a speech to his nation.

"People of Mexico.  Today, President Roosevelt accused Mexico of planning to attack the United States.  Please believe that there is no truth to this.  Mexico has always wanted to live in peace with its neighbors.  However, as you know, many times in the past, the United States has invaded our country.  And what was once the northern half of Mexico is now part of the United States.  What more do they want?  We cannot stand idly by and do nothing while they make threats.  And their deadline is Cinco de Mayo, the day we defeated the French Army at the Battle of Puebla eighty years  ago.  If the Americans come, we Mexicans will defend our homeland.  Do not fear, my people.  Be strong."

Patricia is crying.

Meanwhile, Ben and Maria are frolicking in the blue Gulf waters by the beach near their cottage.  They jump around, grabbing at each other and kissing.  He picks her up in his arms and they fall backwards into the warm water.  Ben and Maria are full of joy.  Finally, they return to the deserted beach where they had left their blanket.  They open their picnic basket and take out some fruit.  

Rita says, "I don't think I've ever been happier in my life.  I have everything I want...you."

"I love you so much, Rita."

They lie down and start to make love.