"Don't let them out of your sight, Vicente," I reminded him as I petted the mane of his horse.
The teniente smiled and picked up the straw hat hanging on the horn of the saddle. "You did not need to tell me, Heneral."
I nodded, then turned and walked towards the kalesa where Alicia and Isabela were seated. The girls were peering out of the small carriage, their eyes drawn to the plaza and the newly constructed wooden frames that had appeared in recent days. The function of the structures was obvious—the ropes swaying gently in the breeze, the stools beneath them placed with cold precision.
A sizeable crowd had already gathered around the gallows. Word had spread in the past few days, and villagers from outlying barrios had arrived in town to witness the event. For many, it would be the first time they saw justice take such a public and final form.
"Don't worry... it will be over before you return," I assured both girls as they remained quiet.
