Che Committed Suicide Read Free Page B

he had been completely open and informal, I suddenly discerned in his voice something like pride and provocation at the same time. The smile on Komi’s lips had turned into a smile of perplexity. She had no idea what either internationalism or the Communist Manifesto was, much less what they had to say. But she was experienced and quickly recovered her composure. She leaned forward to fix him better with her gaze.
    ‘You might call it internationalism and the Communist Manifesto , but others would call it connections with the governing party, Mr Favieros,’ she said in a bland tone. ‘And they also talk of your dealings with ministers.’
    ‘Not only with the governing party but with all the parties. Do you know any businessman who doesn’t have contacts with the parties, Mrs Komi?’
    ‘But we’re not talking just about contacts here. We’re talking about close personal relations. Only the other day, you were seen eating with a government minister at a well-known and very fashionable restaurant.’
    ‘What are you implying? That the Minister and I were plotting in public and in a restaurant of all places?’ said Favieros laughing. Then he suddenly grew serious. ‘Don’t forget that I am acquainted with many of the ministers in the government since the time of the military Junta, when we were students together.’
    ‘Nevertheless, there are more than a few who claim that the rapid growth of your businesses is due to the fact that you have the favour of the government,’ said Komi. ‘Perhaps because you were once comrades-in-arms,’ she added caustically.
    ‘My business success is due to proper planning, the right investments and sheer hard work, Mrs Komi,’ said Favieros gravely. ‘And that will be proven beyond a shadow of doubt, and very soon too.’ He stressed the last phrase, as if it were about to happen.
    Komi opened a folder lying in her lap, took out a sheet of paper and handed it to Favieros.
    ‘Do you recognise this letter?’ she asked him. ‘It is a letter of protest from five construction consortiums to the Minister of Town Planning and Public Works. They are protesting because the contract for the construction of three junctions was not awarded and will be re- advertised simply to allow your company, which wasn’t ready, to take part.’
    Favieros glanced at the letter and slowly lifted his head
    ‘Yes, I had heard something, but it hadn’t been brought to my attention.’
    ‘As you can see, here we’re dealing with very specific accusations. Is there any basis to them?’
    ‘Let me answer you,’ said Favieros calmly.
    Slowly, his hand went to the inside pocket of his jacket. Komi clutched hold of the armchair, fixed her gaze on Favieros and waited. Through her body language, she was trying to transmit the electrified atmosphere to the viewers, but the staging stank from here to Mesoghia, where the channel was located.
    Favieros withdrew his hand from his pocket, but he wasn’t holding a paper or even a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his brow. In his hand was a small Beretta pistol, which he turned towards Komi.
    ‘Heavens above, he’s going to shoot her!’ shouted Adriani, jumping to her feet.
    Komi stared at the pistol as if mesmerised. I don’t know if it was her terror that had paralysed her or the fascination that the murder weapon has for the victim, something I’ve noticed on numerous occasions. At any rate, when she came out of her momentary torpor, she started to get to her feet terrified, except that her legs didn’t obey her and she collapsed back into the armchair. She opened her mouth to say something, but her tongue had entered into an alliance with her legs and refused to obey.
    ‘Mr Favieros,’ said a voice off set, trying to pacify him, yet trembling with fear. ‘Mr Favieros, put the gun away … Please … We’re on the air, Mr Favieros.’
    Favieros paid no attention. He went on holding the pistol and staring at Komi.
    ‘Switch to the adverts,