This would be the most difficult raid yet for the Viet Minh. The Viet Minh had surprise on their side, but the Japanese were entrenched in a well-armed fortress. Standard military doctrine suggested that the attacking force would need to be three times that of the defending force in a fortified position. That was not a comforting thought for Granier. A lot of Viet Minh could die.
Dewey went back to Ho’s cave and entered. Giap and Ho were still there discussing the problems in the camp. “If I may interrupt?” said Dewey.
“Of course,” said Ho. “Please sit down.”
“I shall stand. This will only take a moment. I have reconsidered our discussion and… although I think it very unlikely, I suppose it is possible that Buck is a potential threat to you and your people. At least I understand the reasoning behind your conclusions. I will send him back across the border with our wounded man, Davis, as soon as he is well enough to travel. In the meantime, we will move forward with the raid on the Japanese garrison at Tan Trao.”
“This is not what we asked for,” said Ho.
“No. This is a compromise. It’s an effort not to abandon the progress we have made. We still fight a common enemy.”
“And what will happen to your man in the meantime?”
“I will watch him personally.”
“You will be responsible for him and his actions?”
“Yes… as always.”
“And during the raid?”
“He will be with my men and me. I will keep a close eye on him. When we return, he will leave with Davis.”
“Would you accept an alternative?”
“I would not. I am informing you of my intentions. I am not asking for your permission.”
“Then I see we have little choice. Thank you for informing us. See that you watch him closely. He is your responsibility.”
“Right. Well… good day,” said Dewey, turning and leaving.
Spitting woman was not happy when a messenger said Giap wanted to meet with her again that evening after sunset. In her mind, Giap was trouble she didn’t need. It was always better to stay away from powerful men, especially if you were a Viet Minh woman. She entered the forest where they had met before. Giap was waiting with another man, Spitting Woman’s unit commander, Mr. Doa. “Am I in trouble?” she asked, sheepishly.
“No, my daughter,” said Giap. “You have proven your loyalty and your usefulness. There is a matter we need to discuss with you.”
She said nothing in response. She listened. Giap’s accent in her native tongue was not good. At times she had trouble understanding him, and she wondered if he had trouble understanding her.
“The American… your lover… he is a spy for the French,” said Giap, careful, knowing it would be a blow.
“That’s not possible. I know him. He is a good man.”
“He is a traitor.”
“He has fought for us. He saved my life many times.”
“Yes. A spy does that so that you trust him. So you will tell him your secrets.”
“How do you know this?”
“The coin you took from him and showed to me. It is French. A gift from his grandfather. His family is French. He was born in France. He became American when he and his family went to the United States.”
“He told you this?”
“No. The American commander, Dewey, told me when I confronted him about the coin. But all that doesn’t matter. Your lover is a spy for the French. Uncle Ho and I are sure.”
“Uncle knows?”
“Yes. I had no choice but to tell him.”
“Oh, no…”
“Uncle does not blame you. The Americans and we were fooled too. It is not your fault. The French man is deceitful.”
Spitting Woman felt her legs giving out. Her power was gone. She squatted on the ground, knowing it was disrespectful, but she couldn’t stand anymore. She felt faint. “This can’t be true. What will happen to him? Is he being sent back to China?”
“No. That is not an option. He knows too much about us. He is endangering all of us; your tribe, your family, your children. He cannot be allowed to leave and rejoin the French.”
“What are you saying?”
“He must die. His death must seem an accident. We cannot afford to lose the American’s support. They will not accept his assassination by our hand or their own. He must die in battle. During the upcoming raid on the old fortress at Tan Trao. Commander Doa will help you.”
“You want me to kill him?!”
“Yes, but it must seem that the Japanese did it. You and Commander Doa will create the situation to ensure his death.”
“I can’t.”
“This is an order. You must obey. The Viet Minh have protected you, your family, and your tribe. We wish to continue this arrangement, but we can only do so with your strict obedience. You should think about your children and your parents. You must do what is necessary to keep them safe. Do you understand?”
Spitting Woman was frightened by the thought. She had seen what the Japanese could do to young children. They were barbarians. She loved Granier, and she loved her family. It was a terrible choice to make. She slowly nodded and said, “I will do as you say.”
Granier returned to camp and looked for Spitting Woman. He missed her and wanted to hug and kiss her before reporting to Dewey. She was nowhere in sight. The information he had gathered was important, and he knew he must report it immediately.
Granier found Dewey with the other Americans and reported his findings from the mission. “How sure are you that there are only seventy-five soldiers in the garrison?” said Dewey.
“There is no way to be sure. They could receive reinforcements any day. It could also be that they were due for a supply shipment, and that explains the low food stocks. But if I am right, we should attack as soon as possible. With only seventy-five men, we could easily defeat them with minimal losses of our own,” said Granier.
“I see. How many men would you suggest as an assault force?”
“Well, I’ve been giving that some thought. The smaller the force, the faster we can travel without being detected. I think five hundred. That’s enough to defeat the garrison even if they do receive reinforcements.”
“Alright. Five hundred. Light machineguns and mortars?”
“Absolutely. And plenty of grenades. We’ll also need some of Davis’ explosives to destroy the fortress when we leave.”
“Yes… Davis. There’s something else I need to speak with you about.”
“What’s that?”
“When this mission is completed, I want you to take Davis back across the border.”
“You think he’s up to it?”
“Hoagland assures me he will be by the time we return.”
“Okay. I can hitch a ride back with the next supply drop.”
“No. You won’t. I’ve asked for your replacement.”
“What?! Why? I can believe you’re disappointed in my performance.”
“It’s not that. Look I know you’ve grown fond of the Viet Minh scout. Normally, headquarters frowns on fraternizing with our allies, especially when they are aborigine.”
“That’s why you’re sending me back. Because I’m fraternizing? That’s bullshit, Commander. Everybody has been fraternizing.”
Dewey felt like a coward and decided to come clean. “It’s not that. Mr. Van and Mr. Ho have discovered that you were French.”
“What? How?”
“It’s not important. What is important is this mission. We are making real progress with the Viet Minh. And they, in turn, are taking the fight to the Japanese just as we planned. They’re saving lives.”
“Chinese lives.”
“The lives of our allies. If we stay the course, it is just a matter of time before the Japanese are forced to withdraw from China and Indochina. But Mr. Ho and Mr. Van are threatening to withdraw their forces if you stay in the camp.”
“
Look. I can talk to them. I can explain. I’m not a spy.”
“I know that. And I think deep down they know it too, but in their minds, they can’t risk it. They hate the French. And regardless of your loyalty to America, they see you as French.”
“You’ve got to let me try to explain, Commander.”
“No. It’s done. The decision has been made. You will be returning to headquarters in China. That’s an order.”
Granier was stunned. It took him half a minute before he responded, “Yes, sir.”
“You’ve done excellent work here, Buck. Someday, the Viet Minh will recognize that. In the meantime, you will have to accept the gratitude of a grateful nation. I’ve recommended you for a Bronze Star. Commander Patti assures me that you will get it.”
“Yeah. Thanks,” said Granier. “May I be excused? I’ve got a lot to do… to prepare for the raid.”
“Of course.”
Granier left, downcast and unsure.
Granier found Spitting Woman walking toward the river. He was glad to see her but unsure how he would tell her that he had been ordered to leave. He thought about telling her that he would come back when the war was over. At the rate the Americans and their allies were advancing in the Pacific, he didn’t think it would last too much longer, especially if they could cut off the Japanese supply lines. In the meantime, he was sure he could get leave and maybe take her someplace nice like the Philippines or Hawaii. He had saved up a lot of money over the years, and he couldn’t think of anything he would rather spend it on than making her smile. “Hey,” he said approaching her from behind.
She turned. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and she looked away. Granier was surprised, worried. “What’s wrong?” he said. “I thought you’d be glad to see me.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “Whoa. Hey, what’s wrong? Is it something I said?” Then it dawned on him, “You heard, didn’t you?”
She was angry and disappointed. She slapped him across the face and hit him with her fists on the chest and arms. “Wait a minute. It’s not my fault. I don’t want to leave. I especially don’t want to leave you. But I’m a soldier like you. I have to obey my orders.”
She stopped and broke down sobbing. He grabbed her and held her close. “Stop. Stop. It’s gonna be okay. It’s not forever. The war will end soon. I can come back. I will come back. I promise. You’re the only woman that has ever made me happy. I wouldn’t leave you for the world. You gotta believe me. I love you.”
She kicked him until he let her go. She ran off into the woods. He didn’t follow her.
SIX
The Viet Minh task force, five hundred soldiers strong, and the American team, minus Davis, wound their way through the mountains and forests. They did not talk unless necessary, and all of their gear was tied down or stowed in their packs to prevent any clanking sound that might tip off an enemy patrol or outpost. They were disciplined and took seriously the instructions of their commanders no matter how inconsequential their orders seemed. Unlike the Americans that seemed more self-assured, the Viet Minh troops believed that because their commanders were more educated, they knew better. It was a soldier’s job to listen and obey.
The column did not travel on footpaths. Instead, they stuck to the trees. It was hard going. The forest floor was uneven and thick with groundcover. Exposed tree roots were especially hazardous and caused more than one twisted ankle. It was dark below the forest canopy. The shafts of sunlight that did make it through were not welcome. The soldiers’ eyes were forced to readjust between light and dark constantly. Five hundred soldiers left a trail of stomped plants and footprints in the soil. It couldn’t be helped. The last three soldiers in the column used tree branches to cover the tracks as best they could. Nobody thought it worked well, but they had to try. Their best method of remaining undiscovered was speed and silence.
Dewey had not told Ho and Giap that the suggested troop levels were Granier’s idea. He knew that they would become immediately suspicious if they knew of the intelligence source. Dewey trusted Granier and knew there was little chance he was a spy for the French. But it didn’t matter. Granier had to go to keep the peace and to complete the mission successfully. Dewey had ordered Granier to stay with the team and not scout ahead. That job was left to the Viet Minh scouts, including Spitting Woman. The scouts and snipers were competent, especially after having been properly trained by Granier.
Granier carried his rifle in his hands, always at the ready, and the explosives Davis had given him in his backpack. He had been chosen to take Davis’ place as the leader of the demolition team since he already knew the compound and where the explosives should be placed. Davis had given him a refresher course on demolition before he left. He had been trained on their use during his OSS training back in America, but when it came to explosives, a refresher course was never unwelcomed. He and Davis had discussed the enemy compound. They outlined a demolition plan. Davis had insisted Granier use the chemical pencil detonators instead of the electronic timers. Granier was going to argue with him but then thought better of it. It was Davis’ specialty. He would carry out the mission according to Davis suggestions.
Granier avoided contact with the Viet Minh. He didn’t know with whom Giap and Ho had talked about their suspicions. He would be forced to leave soon enough. There was no need to get in an argument with any of the Vietnamese, especially when he planned to come back after the war. He didn’t want any grudges.
Spitting Woman was, of course, different. He had to find a way to talk with her before he left. He had to make things right. He had asked Hoagland if he could translate, but Hoagland said he didn’t understand her tribe’s language and wouldn’t be much help. The only other person he knew for sure understood her language was Giap. Granier was sure that was not going to happen. He would have to try to communicate with her as he always had with his gestures, expressions, and the tone of his voice. He considered drawing in the dirt for really hard concepts. It left much to be desired, but it was all he had.
He wanted to give her space so she would calm down. He would talk with her in the evening after the mission before they returned to the Viet Minh camp. He would find her in the forest where she would be keeping watch, alone, and for the first time in his life, let the woman he loved know how he truly felt. He would tell her of the sacrifices he would make for her and that he couldn’t think of living without her. He had to find a way to make her understand that she was loved and that he was worth loving.
The Viet Minh had five scouts in front of their column and two on each side guarding their flanks. If the task force were discovered, the Japanese would be tipped off. It was obvious where they were heading. The old French fortress was the only Japanese position in the area worth attacking. The idea behind the scouts in front was more than just spotting the enemy before the enemy spotted the column. In the event of detection, the scouts would try to mislead the Japanese by taking them on a wild goose chase through the forest. Hopefully, that would give the Viet Minh column the time it needed to move past the Japanese patrol without detection and continue their mission. It was a very risky assignment for the scouts who normally did not engage the enemy but rather reported back the enemy position to their commander.
Spitting Woman was part of the five scout team in front of the Viet Minh column. The advanced team of scouts proceeded through the forest spread across a line one hundred yards apart from each other. That gave the column a wide berth in which to travel. They were almost a half-mile in front of the column. Because of their large number, the Viet Minh soldiers needed plenty of time to disperse and hide should they encounter a Japanese patrol.
The scout team came to a fast-moving mountain stream. While a welcome source of refreshment, flowing water made the scouts more cautious. It was difficult to hear approaching footsteps over the sound of water flowing over rocks. The stream was also a natural resting place for the Japanese. The chance of encountering a Japanese patrol was higher ne
ar a stream or river.
The scouts stopped at the stream. The two scouts on either end of the line walked down the bank to ensure there were no Japanese patrols nearby. The three center scouts, including Spitting Woman, closed their ranks and took up close defensive positions where they could cover each other in the event of a firefight.
The column would be arriving shortly and would naturally want to drink from the stream. It was the scouts’ job to make sure it was safe. Spitting Woman scooped up a handful of water and examined it. It was clear and cool in her hand. She smelled it. It smelled fresh and free of odor. She took a small sip and tasted it. It was fine. She drank and filled her water bag.
Her eyes never left the surrounding forest. She thought about Granier. She was angry with him. He had lied by being nice to her. He wasn’t the man he seemed. He was a traitor. He was endangering her and her people just like Giap had said. She forced herself to stop thinking about the stupid American. He was an annoying distraction. She had a job to do and needed to focus.
As she tied a knot over the opening of her water bag, something caught her eye. She motioned to the other two scouts that she was going across the stream to have a look. She set down her pack and carried her rifle at the ready. Stepping on a rock in the middle of the stream, she crossed to the opposite bank and walked up a small slope to a fallen tree. A thin wire attached to one of the exposed roots stretched twenty feet across the forest floor and seemed to end at an upright tree. It was one and a half feet off the ground so that small critters would not accidentally trip it. A boobytrap. She wasn’t sure what type – mechanical or explosive, but that didn’t concern her at the moment. Were the makers of the boobytrap watching and waiting? She acted like she was unaware of the wire and did not search for the weapon that would be triggered by the wire. If the enemy was watching, she did not want to give them a reason to kill her.
A War Too Far Page 16