Chapter 43

43
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Jesus and Juan watched the city stream by below as the helicopter from the Resurrection headed east once more. The pilot and Mr. Santos were speaking in low tones in the cockpit. The pilot tapped the radar screen, pointing to a blip near the base of the circle. "Sir, I can only speculate as to what's back there, but its definitely following us. We're making about one hundred miles per hour and that craft is closing up with us fast. He must be running a hundred seventy or better. Probably a big military chopper of some sort."

Mr. Santos was speaking on his cell phone. "When will the plane be there? We should be landing in about fifteen minutes. I am expecting trouble, so get that jet refueled and keep it hot. Watch out for State Security forces. They've been in our hair all day." Looking over at the pilot, he asked, "They brought the big corporate Grumman in from Sao Paulo, but it's not going to do us much good if we can't it off the ground. Squeeze everything out of this chopper. We need three minutes lead time once we get on the ground."

Jesus leaned forward, "Is everything going according to plan, Mr. Santos?"

Santos looked back, laughing. "Well, let's say that everything is going almost according to plan. There is a big helicopter behind us loaded with troops and possibly even Your friend, General Ortiz. They are trying to beat us to Your executive airport in hopes of stopping our departure. But be of good cheer. It ain't over till the fat lady sings!"

Juan had to ask, "Won't it be difficult for her to sing with General Ortiz there."

Now both the pilot and Victor Santos burst into laughter. Collecting himself, Santos leaned back, "It just depends on how loud she sings!" Now everyone, including two utterly clueless passengers burst into laughter. The brighter mood seemed to even give the little helicopter a few more miles per hour.

Very shortly, a large helicopter from the Brazilian Air Force came along side. Santos gave the pilot instructions to land safely, no matter what. He could see the lights of the small airfield a few miles ahead. Soon he could see the dark outline of the Grumman G2, a fuel truck was just pulling away. The jet's pilot had the navigation lights running. As the helicopter approached, the runway lights went on and the powerful landing lights from the jet reached out to show the way.

The military chopper was already on the ground when the small craft from the Resurrection touched down. Troops were lining up around the jet. Troops with guns. Troops with dogs. A familiar figure, replete with swagger stick and jack boots, sauntered confidently toward them.

Santos, a little shaken at the turn of things, moved out in front of the others. "Good evening, General. I am surprised that you still have your job. You may recall that you have never been too careful about video cameras. I've taken the liberty of transmitting the image of this travesty of justice right from our security system to El Globo. They were interested, of course, after receiving the great footage of your bungling at Government House."

"You're under arrest, Santos." The General pulled his automatic. At that cue, all the troops around the jet also brought their rifles to bear. "I have orders to take Jesus Robeles into protective custody. None of your tricks is going to help you this time."

The pilot, holding back with Jesus and Juan quickly stepped in front of Jesus to block the line of fire. Ortiz shot him. Through the forehead. The General yelled over his shoulder. "Let the dogs go! Bring 'em down and hold 'em!" Six German Shepards, already straining at their leashes, lunged toward the remaining three figures. The troops moved forward.

Victor Santos raised his arms up to protect his face. Juan and Jesus knelt by the slain pilot.

Finally, Jesus rose to His feet again. The dogs had stopped their attack and now formed a disorganized ring of sorts around Santos and his charges. One licked the hand of Jesus lovingly.

Addressing General Ortiz, Jesus stepped up closer and looked at the astonished brute head to toe. "General, you were never meant to lead a life with such sorrow and anger. I think you've even been a bad influence on these dogs and perhaps those young men there, also.  I am pretty sure that you've killed the pilot. You have killed him even though he has never wronged you. I have an uncomfortable feeling that you even have the ambition to be a bad influence on Me. All of this makes for a sad, unhappy life, General. I think you deserve better."

General Ortiz had lowered his pistol. He was crying inconsolably. The troops behind him, initially skeptical, now had laid down their rifles, their eyes also filled with tears. Santos, still a bit nervous about the dogs, was actually speechless with astonishment.

The General blubbered through his sobbing, "I didn't need to kill him. I don't know why I'm like this."

Jesus turned abruptly and walked over to where Juan had remained with the pilot's body.

Juan looked up at Him, speaking in a whisper, "Can You do this, too?"

Jesus, with His normal optimism, replied in a whisper, "I don't know!" He swept His hand across the face of the man's lifeless body. The now dried blood remained matted in the pilot's hair, but the bullet's entry point was not to be seen. The man's eyes opened, and he cried out as if awakened from a hypnotist's parlor trick. Juan steadied him on his feet.

Now, all the troops were sobbing, some were on their knees. General Ortiz sobbed with them, but with a wild look on his face. He threw his pistol out across the apron into the darkness. The police dogs began to play with each other, frisking harmlessly around the group gathered at the jet.

"Now all this evil is undone, General." Jesus spoke matter of factly. "I am very happy about the way things have turned out. Aren't you? This is way we all should lead our lives. With joy in the abundant beauty that surrounds us. Couldn't we have a little smile, General Ortiz?"

The General abruptly stopped crying and smiled. "I feel wonderful and free!" The smile progressed to an uncertain laugh. Then it progressed to a continuous giggle. Then it became unending raucous laughter. The General's levity placed him in a mental hospital where his abundant good mood lasted for the rest of his lifetime.

The dogs wanted to go with Jesus on the jet, but were left in the care of the troops. The soldiers all offered candy bars and cigarettes to Jesus and Juan, sincerely wishing them a safe trip. Their laughter was wearing off a little when the jet's doors were finally sealed, although all of them to a man waved good bye as the craft taxied into the night.

Once airborne, Mr. Santos came aft to check on his passengers. He was still shaken up by the miracle of the helicopter pilot, not to mention the rest of the episode with the General and the State Security Police. And the dogs.

Juan spoke with candid innocence, "The lady didn't get a chance to sing, did she?"

Santos shook his head. "No, Juan. You're wrong. The fat lady definitely sang. Oh brother, did she ever!  Oh brother, did she ever sing!"