In a poignant tale that unfolds through the eyes of a young narrator, we learn of a fateful encounter with a state police officer in New Mexico. Told by Felipe, a man marked by his past in the Korean War and now living back on the reservation, the story explores themes of anger, desperation, and regret. As events spiral out of control, the gravity of Felipe's actions sinks in, leaving a lasting impression on the narrator.

The Unfolding of a Tragic Tale

The story is recounted by a twelve-year-old boy who describes how his friend, Felipe, shared the events leading to the shooting of a New Mexico state policeman. Felipe, though known for a somewhat reckless nature, is not considered a malicious person by the narrator. As a former marine, Felipe has lived through the harsh realities of war and has now returned to his roots on the reservation, guiding the young narrator on fishing and hunting trips.

A Story of Misguided Decisions

Felipe shares his narrative with a seriousness that compels the narrator to remember it vividly. He attributes the regrettable incident to the influence of wine consumed by him and his brother Antonio. Their troubles began when they encountered Luis Baca, a state patrol officer infamous for his previous rough treatment of Felipe. Without provocation, Baca demands the brothers leave town. Their journey back to the reservation is interrupted when Baca overtakes them, mocking them as he passes by.

Confrontation on the Open Road

In a rash moment, Antonio accelerates their truck and drives Baca's patrol car off the road into a ditch. As Baca struggles to recover, Antonio circles back to taunt him further. Eventually, Baca regains control and chases them with his siren blaring. As the pursuit continues, Felipe arms himself with a rifle while Antonio diverts onto a dirt road, leading onto the reservation where Baca’s authority does not extend, yet his resolve to pursue them remains unwavering.

The Fatal Ambush

The brothers conceal their truck behind dense juniper trees and prepare for a confrontation. As Baca approaches a narrow bend, Felipe starts shooting at the windshield with determination, despite the blinding glare of the sun. He lands three shots on target. Baca halts his car and emerges slowly, his body clearly injured. "He called something like he was crying. ‘Compadre,’ he said," Felipe recounts, observing Baca's bloodied neck and shoulder. Attempting to disarm himself, Baca is met with another shot from Felipe, striking his abdomen. A final, decisive shot to the head ends Baca's life.

Aftermath and Reflection

Despite Baca's grievous injuries, he remains alive momentarily as the brothers approach. Antonio seizes Baca's weapon and fires the final shot, ending the officer's life. Felipe ends his story with a grim acknowledgment of the inevitable consequences, predicting his own capture and subsequent death in the state’s electric chair. The young narrator, initially skeptical of Felipe's account, finds validation in the hushed conversations of his parents, confirming the tragic reality of the tale he has been told.