Red roses and little bishops   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode       “She is a beautiful woman” Grandfather said, talking about his plane. “Of course, next to Manuela her beauty is insignificant, but still, that happens to any woman when compared to Manuela! Well, except you hon, but I’ve always…

Back for lunch   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      On the dashboard, aside of the compass, he also invariably carried a small rosary with black beads; it was a gift from Grandmother, who had it blessed by the Bishop of Managua years before. Before Grandfather took off, many times…

A rosary with black beads   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      “Jairito, I’m simply asking that when you’re up there flying those deadly missions of yours that you take good care of yourself, and you come home for lunch, once you’re done.”      All this happened a long…

Forty protective saints   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      In a way Grandfather still fumigated with his trusty Cessna. In his own words:      “I don’t believe that things are so different, here and now; before, I would spend my time, flying over the cotton plantations and fighting…

An irresistible officer   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      Corporal! Place the Sergeant under arrest, conduct him to headquarters and then, proceed to place yourself and the eight troopers present under arrest as well! Understood, Corporal?”      “Sir! Yes, Sir!”      “Very well, carry on! And, Corporal!”…

Counting from one to three…   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      In any event, immediately realizing the perilous circumstance he was in, without so much as an instant’s hesitation, he squared his shoulders and stood tall and straight. With a disciplined attitude, coupled with a commanding voice, he addressed…

An arrested recruit   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      Lately, he clearly realized the danger in not having chosen sides. He was completely aware, how the risk greatly increased each day. Finally, he decided between the Sandinistas or the US-backed government Contras, with his heart and his feelings, after…

A recruit with a plane   Chapter 13. About how cigars and how they explode      One day, my grandfather rose early in the morning. After breakfast and without breathing a word to anyone, not even to my grandmother Manuela, he walked over to the Sandinista’s Revolutionary Armed Forces Office in León, and without…