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Scene Two
Wednesday, September 29, 1998 (three months earlier) / Santiago, Southern Baja, Mexico
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth
it not, to him it is sin."
~ James 4:17 ~
 ose
Fernandez, 35, and a reporter with 'America Weekly' for over fifteen years, had just
drifted to sleep on his beach towel, enjoying the hot Mexican sun, when a bellboy
tapped him on the shoulder.
"Excuse me señor, but you are wanted on the telephone," said the
young boy.
"I'm on vacation," protested Jose, intent that his office would not cut
short this vacation also.
"Señor, it's your secretary. She's called five times. Por favor, señor,"
the boy pleaded.
"I'm coming," Jose replied, standing up. The hotel clerk handed the phone
receiver to Jose.
Jose: I'm here. Make it quick.
Person on the other end of the telephone: Fine greeting! I've called you a dozen
times!
Jose: The bellboy said 'five,' Diane.
Diane: How did you know it was me?
Jose: No one else would call me five times during my vacation and expect an answer.
Diane: As your secretary, I reserve the right to pester you any time I want. Especially,
when someone is pestering me.
Jose: Who is it?
Diane: Mr. Collins wants to talk to you. His phone number is 555 326-9844.
Jose: Wait a second. Who's Mr. Collins?
Diane: He wouldn't say, only that it's extremely urgent.
Jose: Extremely urgent?
Diane: I believe the words 'life and death' were used. You better call him, Jose.
Jose: O.K., I will.
Diane: As soon as I hang up?
Jose: Sure. Bye!
Jose punched the number into the telephone. The phone only rang once before someone
answered.
Jose: Hello, is this Mr. Collins?
Collins: Yes, it is.
Jose: I'm Jose Fernandez. My secretary said you were trying to reach me.
Collins: <no reply>
Jose: Hello?
Collins: Do you know of a company called 'ClearFieldz, Inc.?'
Jose: No.
Collins: ClearFieldz is a non-governmental, commercial company that is occasionally
hired by private parties to clear away anti-personnel land mines and unexploded ordnance
left over from previous wars. <pause>
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