My father did not look at the money. His eyes were fixed firmly on the general.
“I am okay with riding the public jeepney,” he said. “I don’t come here often.”
His refusal of the bribe set Rogelio off on a different trajectory. Gone was the big smile and forced diplomacy; in its place was a hungry and mad animal that had his prey within reach yet could not eat him. The fact that he had no power over my father drove the general to hysterics.
“Who do you think you are, Isayaz? You criticize me for every Cagayanon to read, and you dare to ask that I show mercy! What nerve!” he growled, walking around his desk toward my father.
My father stood up instinctively in self-defense, stepping right into the path of the air-conditioning.
“How dare you come to my office and invade it with your hig
