A Price for Balancing the Scales

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A Price for Balancing the Scales Page 4

by W Earl Daniels


  “First, the Penny, Crook, and Frazier cases all took place on US soil; second, the Rouse case is made more complicated because, from its initial appearance, we are being asked to help someone who is not willing to divulge the information that could help him; and finally and most importantly, for one to succeed in assassinating a state representative of Germany is not only a bold move but also requires a very smart and well-coordinated plan. If they managed to accomplish this act in a manner that precludes the only defendant from defending himself, they are a lot smarter than the average bear in the woods.

  “In short, Rose, the cleverness of either one person or a group of persons, which I believe to be the case, will only add to the element of danger. Such individuals could view our investigation as a fly to be swatted. If these perpetrators are willing to take out a state representative, they certainly will not object to eliminating two foreign private investigators who are prying into a matter for which there is already a candidate willing to pay the price for the action.”

  “That is the very reason why I don’t want you and Cedric to become involved. I’ve lost one husband in combat; I don’t want to lose another. But as to Carl’s guilt or innocence, who is there to bring some closure for Sandy?”

  “To ease your mind, I suggest postponing any decision as to our involvement until after some preliminary work is done here. Cedric and I will be initiating some inquires from sources who will know a lot more about this case than what is printed in the newspapers. I would like for you to contact your personnel colleague at marine headquarters and find out everything you can about Carl’s military career. I need to know what he did in the Marine Corps, any special skills he may have had, and if he was discharged under favorable conditions.

  “The plan is for you, Alice, Cedric, and me to meet here on Saturday morning to discuss where we stand and to let Alice hear what we have discovered from our inquiries. Afterward, we will collectively come to a decision as to whether Cedric and I should take on this case. In particular, you and Alice need to be fully aware of the challenges that we will be undertaking.”

  “I think that’s fair, Huck. Once a decision is made, I will advise Sandy. What do you say that we now clean up this kitchen and turn in for the night? I’m anxious to look into Carl Rouse’s background.”

  At ten o’clock on Saturday morning, Huck, Rose, Cedric, and Alice sat around the breakfast room table. Rose had coffee, orange juice, bran muffins, and a bowl of yogurt mixed with blueberries and bananas for all to enjoy while they discussed the future of Huck and Cedric’s involvement in the Carl Rouse case. Before a decision could be made, Huck, Rose, and Cedric had to report on what they had learned in their individual inquires. Alice was the designated objective listener.

  Huck turned to Rose. “Rose, why don’t you tell us what you’ve learned about Carl’s background.”

  Rose began. “Carl joined the marines upon graduation from high school. He excelled during both his booth camp at Paris Island and his individual infantry training. He volunteered for his first tour to Afghanistan within a few months of completing his training. He received several decorations for his service.

  “From there, he accepted an intra-theater transfer to Germany, where he was promoted to lance corporal. While in Germany, he volunteered for sniper school with a second assignment to Afghanistan. It was while assigned to Germany that he met his wife and they were married upon his return to the States.

  “During his second tour, he was again the recipient of several awards, to include the Purple Heart for wounds received and a Bronze Star for valor. It wasn’t long after his return to the States that he volunteered for his third assignment, as a sniper. Within six months of his deployment, his wife filed for divorce. He immediately submitted his paperwork requesting discharge upon his return to the States. In addition to more awards, he received an honorable discharge from the marines. His commanding officer wrote an extensive letter for his files, commending him as a marine and highlighting the fact that he would readily accept him back into his unit. Carl was discharged as a sergeant.”

  Huck inserted, “So in every respect, he was an outstanding marine?”

  “That is correct.”

  “Cedric, what did you learn from the CIA about any US covert involvement in the assassination?”

  “According to my sources, the CIA has no ongoing operation involving surveillance of any known German state representatives. While there are some ongoing covert operations, there are none that can be connected with the assassination. Furthermore, the assassination caught the CIA by complete surprise because they had no information from any of their field folks that such an incident was in the works by anyone. They are now working closely with German intelligence to secure a motive and to determine who orchestrated or ordered the assassination. That’s it from my end.”

  “Well, I wish I could provide more constructive information,” said Huck, “but the State Department is also at a loss as to who and why. Frank—Frank Walton, for the benefit of Rose and Alice—worked for the NSC and helped Cedric and me in the Penny case. He’s now at the State Department. Frank did provide some insight into some of the conflicting issues facing our two countries.

  “First, there are many Germans who feel that we have outlived the need for our military presence in Germany. Second, there is a belief that our country is meddling too much in the internal affairs of Germany. And third, there are strong opinions that the US is trying to break up the European Union. Some think that we believe the union makes it too easy for another Hitler to emerge. Of course, State does not believe that any of this speculation has anything to do with the assassination because there is no connection between the two.

  “I then asked Frank why State thinks this particular representative was a target. Again, Frank could only speculate. He opined that the Hesse representative had been a harsh critic of a pending trade deal with a particular Turkish company. In recent months, the representative’s position had been gaining support, especially when it was learned that a certain Turkish diplomat was positioned to receive thousands of euros from the owner of the Turkish bidding company should the deal be finalized in the company’s favor. Sort of reminds you of how some of the lobbyists work here in our country. But in this case, if the deal is not accomplished, it could mean the demise of the Turkish company and probably its owner.”

  “Do we know the name of the Turkish company?”

  “Frank emphasized that he could only speculate that it was the Kaplan Company, which is based in Istanbul.”

  “So where are we?” asked Cedric.

  “How did Carl Rouse get involved, and if he is innocent, why won’t he defend himself?” asked Alice.

  “I believe that’s why we’re being asked to intervene,” replied Huck.

  Rose spoke up. “I must admit, I’m also very curious as to the answers to your questions, Alice.”

  “There’s only one way we’ll ever find out,” inserted Cedric. “We’re going to have to get involved. The man has had an immaculate career in the marines; there is nothing to suggest that while on an interview trip to Germany he would suddenly assassinate a German diplomat. Hell, he probably doesn’t even know the guy.”

  “Please, Cedric, you don’t need to use that word,” commented Alice.

  Huck spoke up. “I’ve already explained to Rose the possible consequences of our involvement. In short, Alice, there is the element of danger. And I don’t want Cedric and me to get involved unless you ladies are in agreement.”

  Alice looked at Rose, and Rose looked at Alice. Finally—and surprisingly—it was Alice who spoke. “I think Carl’s mother needs to know something, even if its bad. There was a time when I thought I might have lost our daughter forever. Had it not been for Huck, I may have. Until there’s some confirmation as to the boy’s guilt or innocence, she will have lost her son forever.”

  Rose added, “I agree with Al
ice with one stipulation. If the guys find themselves getting sucked into a dangerous situation, they give their information to the local authorities and return home.”

  Before Huck could say anything, Cedric jumped in. “Then it’s settled. Huck and I will go to Germany, get the facts, and come home as quickly as possible.”

  Huck was a little stunned by how easily it all went down. “OK,” he said. “Cedric and I will book a Monday morning flight for Germany. Rose, please tell Sandy that we’ll look into her son’s case, but don’t imply or suggest any positive results.”

  That evening as Huck and Rose spoke in bed, Rose said, “Huck, I don’t have a good feeling about you and Cedric getting involved in a case in a foreign country.”

  “What are your concerns, Rose?”

  “Primarily, I think I’m worried that your involvement might be interpreted in some way by German authorities as obstructing justice or you’ll somehow be implicated in what has happened. It’s hard for me to comprehend Rouse being arrested without the Germans having more evidence than just his trying to leave the country using a false passport.”

  “I suspect that you’re right about there being more evidence than the public is aware of. Routinely, it seems, we have cases right here in the US where individuals are imprisoned for more than twenty years, only to learn through either DNA or heritage linkage that the incarcerated person is innocent. I guess it’s possible someone saw Rouse pull the trigger. But it’s difficult for me to imagine a decorated marine killing a state representative without a motive.”

  “Why do you suppose he won’t open up and tell the whole story, not even to his mother?”

  “My only guesses are that he’s either protecting someone or he’s confident that he’s protected. I believe that if I can get the opportunity to question him, I will find out. Try not to worry yourself over this matter. I promise you that Cedric and I will try to avoid getting involved in anything that would result in physical harm to either of us.”

  Huck gave Rose a reassuring kiss as she pushed her back against his chest and he dozed off. However, Rose remained awake, trying not to worry.

  Chapter 9

  Carl felt that he was in the middle of a horrible nightmare. That morning he’d had a seat on an American Airlines flight bound for the States, and now he was sitting on a bed in a Frankfurt jail. At first everything had seemed to move in slow motion, but now the speed was so fast that he couldn’t even think.

  The details of the events were seared into Carl’s brain as he began to recall the events of the day. After having taken a seat on the plane and just before the cabin door was closed, a stewardess approached Carl. “Herr Schultz, there seems to be some confusion regarding your seat assignment. Would you please gather your belongings and follow me?” He did as instructed, believing that he was getting an upgrade. She had called him Herr Schultz because the German passport given to him by Mr. S. contained that name with a copy of his US passport picture.

  Carl found it strange that they had to go all the way back to the boarding desk, but he followed as instructed. As he exited the plane, there were two men who appeared to be waiting to board. He assumed that they were late boarding passengers. As they passed the men, Carl was suddenly grabbed from behind, slammed against the wall, and ordered to spread his feet for a pat down. Then his hands were pulled behind his back and placed into cuffs.

  One of men had his mouth close to Carl’s ear and said, “Herr Wilhelm Manfred Schultz or Carl Edward Rouse, which is it?” Carl didn’t know what to say. In all their classes at Empire Enterprises, the issue of being caught with a false passport had never come up. At that point, he thought it best not to say anything.

  Upon arrival at the police station, Carl was placed into an interrogation room with a uniformed police officer. He was seated at a table and handcuffed to it. By now he was certain that the two men who had apprehended him were detectives. One of them entered the room and took a seat directly across from Carl. Looking him in the eyes, he said, “You need to understand that in Germany we do not conduct interviews as seen on your police TV shows. We first get the suspect’s attention.”

  Without any warning, Carl felt a burning sensation on his left cheek and his ears began ringing. Had he not been handcuffed to the table, he would have fallen to the floor. Carl had just received an open-hand slap from the detective. He then said, “Do I now have your attention?” Carl nodded that he did.

  The detective continued. “You first need to understand that, in addition to your understanding that the legal system in Germany is not like that in the United States, the police in all our cities are agencies from the state level. In short, I do not work for the city of Frankfurt but for the state of Hesse. The truth, on your part, is important because in Germany you will not be tried by a jury of your peers but by five judges. Our public prosecutor general is located in Karlsruhe, which is where you will be tried should the evidence sufficiently support your having committed the crime with which you will be charged. Do you understand the importance of telling me the truth?”

  After Carl nodded that he did, the detective then slid two passports in front of him, one with the name Carl Edward Rouse and the other with the name Wilhelm Manfred Schultz. “Which is your correct passport?” he asked.

  Carl pointed to the one with his real name. “I think I do have your attention. I am Agent Weber of Bundespolzei, or BPOL, which is equivalent to your FBI. My involvement should indicate the seriousness of your crime. How did you come in possession of a German passport with your picture?”

  “I can’t answer that question,” Carl replied.

  His response resulted in the receipt of another attention-getter to the right cheek.

  Carl collected his thoughts and, knowing that he needed help, asked to make a phone call. The agent asked if it was a local call. Carl said yes. The detective then laid the business card from Empire Enterprises in front of him. Carl knew that it was the one from his wallet because there was a check in the upper right corner to remind him that it was a possible job interview. He then asked if that was the number Carl wanted to call. He said yes. The detective responded that Carl would find it to be of no help. There was no phone service to that number, and the number on the card was associated with a throwaway phone. Carl hastily asked about the address. The agent replied, “That is a valid address, but the building manager denies anyone having been in suite 204 in the last six months.” Suite 204 was where Carl had met Mr. S. His head was now swimming in confusion.

  The agent returned to the question of why Carl needed a fake passport. He told him that he could not answer the question but that he wanted to contact his embassy. The agent then said, “Which name will you use, Rouse or Schultz? When we advise them that you attempted to leave our country on a German passport, I don’t think that will elevate their interest to the level you might require. One final passport question, before I tell you your current situation: How did you lose control of your passport?”

  Carl replied, “I can’t say.”

  Weber said, “Is it possible you lost it?”

  “Maybe,” Carl replied.

  “Well, while I have your attention, and to give you something to think about, know that your passport was found at the scene of a murder. This was not just an ordinary murder but the murder of a member of the German Bundeskabinett. When you’ve had the opportunity to dwell on how long you will be in prison, you might want to tell us more. If you didn’t know, the German government did away with the death penalty in 1949, but under the current circumstance, you might be made an exception.” The agent departed.

  The uniformed police officer escorted Carl to where he was now. He was made to strip to his shorts and then put in a small cell containing a stainless steel toilet, a stainless steel sink, and a metal bed with a mattress.

  Looking around the cell, Carl had discovered two ceiling-mounted cameras to ensure that there wer
e no blind spots in the room and that the overhead recessed lighting burned all the time. He was now convinced that he was not only in solitary confinement but also probably under a suicide watch. His marine POW survival training kicked in. If what the agent had told him was correct, he could be the victim of a sophisticated frame. He needed to get a message to someone he trusted. That person was his mother.

  After twenty-four hours of confinement, he was permitted, under both surveillance and tape recording, to call his mother. Their conversation had been brief. Within forty-eight hours, an attorney appeared, stating that he had been hired by Carl’s mother to represent him.

  He first made sure that Carl understood that a defense attorney in Germany was much different from a defense attorney in the States. He had to undergo rigorous training in which he had to prove that he had the aptitude to be a judge. For that reason, he was very expensive and he hoped Carl would not waste his mother’s money.

  His first instruction was not to say anything without his presence. Furthermore, the attorney had filed a petition with the court to have private access to Carl to prepare for his trial. Unfortunately for Carl, the trial was not for the bogus passport but for the murder of a member of the German Bundeskabinett, a man who had represented the state of Hesse, one of Germany’s sixteen states.

  Through all that was happening, Carl tried to keep hope that what he had been told by Mr. S. was true and that all this would soon go away.

  Chapter 10

  The phone call was short and clipped. “Job done; see local news. Wire balance. Destroy phone.” The phone call had interrupted the man from a trance, as he stared out the window of his eight-story office building. His view took in the vast wealth that his family had accumulated over three generations of ambitious men whose only objective was to exceed the wealth acquired by the previous generation. This man’s success, with a negotiated trade agreement with Germany, would far exceed the accumulated wealth of the two previous generations. Nothing could be permitted to stand in the way of that happening.

 

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