Root: Part I, Chapter 9

While Ivan and Juan discover that their goals and tactics may not quite align, an imminent crisis forces them to put their differences aside.

For more on this project, please see “This Year a Serial Takes Root.”

9.0 Ivan

“You must be kidding me,” Juan said.

Ivan raised his arm to the square, putting on his sincerest expression. “Partner, I kid you not.”

Juan tilted his head. “Come on, seriously.”

“What can I tell you?” Ivan said. “That’s the story in a nutshell. Take it or leave it. You saw what I…