Free God's Favorite by Lawrence Wright Page A

worried because he knows I know what he is up to. He is trying to get rid of both of us. He thinks that if I unload you, pressure will be brought against me—by the Americans and everybody else. So maybe he exceeds his authority.”
    â€œYou see it, too?” Nicky said excitedly. “That’s exactly what I realized myself! This whole business has been Roberto’s plan! Hehas been planting rumors, making people upset, scheming with the troops! He’s the one who has been disloyal! Not me! I’m only trying to do the right thing! I just want to help you, I swear it. Together we can fix everything—it’s not too late! We can make this country great, Tony! But first we have to get rid of Roberto. He’s the problem—not me!”
    â€œWhat do you have to say about this, Roberto?” Tony asked.
    Roberto was smiling uncertainly. He realized that Tony was in a mischievous frame of mind; in any case, one could never be too confident about his support. “You know very well that Nicky has been using the Spadafora case as a way to incriminate you,” Roberto said indignantly. “Surely you cannot tolerate such disloyalty. If I have gone too far in my efforts to protect you, it is simply because of my desire to serve my country.”
    Tony looked from one man to the other. “It’s hard, you know. Every day people bring me their problems and ask me to solve them. Sometimes I think the whole fucking country is waiting for me to make their decisions for them.”
    â€œTake this also into account,” Nicky said, leaning forward urgently. “If you remove me, you will be left with Tuturo Delvalle. He is the king of the white asses. Is that the kind of man you want running your country? The people won’t respect him. Everybody knows he’s a donkey’s behind.”
    â€œEverything you say is true,” Tony conceded. “And yet, you do not see the complete picture. This is what leadership requires, my friend. You see, there is some value in knowing that Roberto is a Judas. He cannot afford to be too clever, because we occupy the same milieu. I always know what he is up to. A man like that, he will work very hard to prove himself to me. You, on the other hand, have no such obligation. Every day of your life you will be working to get rid of me. And this is only human. I respect you for it. But I cannot allow you to stay in office.”
    The phone rang. It was Rollins. Tony put him on the speaker.
    â€œTony, I hear you’re about to make a change in government,” Rollins said.
    â€œThis is a possibility,” Tony admitted. “But to tell you honestly, Nicky says that if we remove him, the Americans will destroy me.”
    â€œNicky, did you say that?” Rollins asked.
    â€œI only say that because the Americans want the same things I want—stability, a democratic government, a commitment to sound fiscal policies. And of course, justice in the Spadafora matter.”
    â€œNicky also says his friend George Shultz will crush me,” Tony added. “Tell me, Rollins, do you think that is true?”
    â€œThe State Department will be very upset, I can guarantee it,” said Rollins. “And he’s right about Shultz—he’ll want your scalp.”
    Nicky shook his head meaningfully.
    â€œSo what do you think the White House reaction will be if we make this change?”
    â€œThe president will have to disapprove in very strong terms,” said Rollins. “Just make sure it’s constitutional, Tony. As long as it’s constitutional, you’ll be okay.”
    â€œOf course,” said Tony. “In fact, the legislature is already assembling to consider the matter of Nicky’s impeachment.”
    â€œWell, then, it’s an internal matter,” said Rollins. “None of our business.”
    Nicky seemed to collapse in on himself, like a ruined soufflé. “Very impressive,