and the other boys just watched him go sadly. About an hour later the police tried to raid the addresses Roberto had given them. They were driven off in a hail of small arms fire. When they brought in armored cars those were attacked
with rockets. It was obvious the drug dealers were heavily armed. The national guard was called in, the neighborhoods closed off, and a house by house battle began, as the drug gangs and their supporters fought to keep from being arrested. Federal troops had to come in.
For two days the fighting raged. Samuel was going to his room when he saw frantic activity at Roberto's door. Two attendants were trying to get it open with pry bars. Other boys gathered in the hall. Finally the door gave. One of the attendants rushed inside and came back out.
"Too late!" he moaned, "Too late! He's hung himself. We're too late!"
"Go along, gentlemen," the matrons ordered. "Clear the hall. Let the stretcher party through."
Alfie put his hand on Samuel's shoulder. "Damn!" he muttered, "Damn!"

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