The Angel Conspiracy (The Angel Cronicles Book 2)

by Jason Chapman

‘Are you married?’ McCarthy repeated the question.

  ‘Yes.’ Frederick replied.

  ‘Where is your wife now?’

  ‘I beg your pardon.’

  ‘I asked where your wife was Professor.’

  ‘I don’t see how this has anything to do with this interview.’

  ‘Just answer the question Professor.’ Jacob Barnes said.

  Frederick glared at him before looking back at McCarthy. He took a deep breath.

  ‘My wife and I are currently separated.’

  ‘Why is that?’ McCarthy asked.

  ‘I think you already know the answer to that question Mr McCarthy.’

  ‘The incident in Paris with the red headed woman.’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘How long were you a prisoner of the KGB?’

  ‘A matter of hours.’ Frederick replied.

  ‘Most of which you claimed that you were unconscious.’

  Frederick nodded. ‘We had followed our target to the hotel where we were ambushed, I was drugged.’

  ‘And the next thing you remember was waking up in that room with that woman.’ McCarthy continued. ‘This is not your first encounter with Soviet agents is it Professor?’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Frederick asked.

  McCarthy turned the pages in a file he had in front of him. ‘It says here a few years ago a Russian approached you in Cambridge and made you an offer of service.’

  ‘Which I reported immediately, otherwise it wouldn’t be documented there would it.’ Frederick started to get agitated.

  ‘And then there was an incident in Scotland with Colonel Konev.’

  Frederick nodded. ‘We were acting on a tip off from Dimitri Kirov who claimed the Russians had an archaeological team working in the area.’

  McCarthy checked his notes. ‘You were looking for something known at the Hammer of Thor. It says here you shared intelligence regarding markings on some stones.’

  ‘I’d hardly call it sharing intelligence Mr McCarthy Colonel Konev practically had a gun to my head.’

  ‘Again there is the incident in Loch Ness, where you were held captive by a Colonel Konev.’

  ‘Along with Morris Stanford and two other men. The British navy came to our rescue.’

  ‘But you were still in the company of the Russians for at least 24 hours.’

  ‘Yes but most of the time I was unconscious.’

  ‘Just like the incident in Paris.’ Barnes pointed out.

  ‘Tell us the incident regarding the artefact a few weeks back.’ McCarthy stated.

  ‘Incident?’

  ‘The auction where.’ McCarthy took a drag from his cigarette. ‘Again you were ambushed.’

  Frederick looked at Barnes. ‘I don’t understand why are you questioning me about that, you were there yourself, you saw what happened.’

  ’Are you a communist Professor?’ McCarthy asked in a calm tone.

  ‘Absolutely not!’ Frederick stated.

  Barnes and McCarthy exchanged looks.

  ‘When Churchill asked you to head the Angel Committee, you suggested that former members of a group called the Cambridge Apostles should chair this committee?’ Barnes said.

  ‘I did.’ Frederick said.

  ‘This is a highly secretive society with interests in Marxism.’

  ‘All matters are discussed, not just Marxism. Capitalism, socialism are just a few of the ideologies that have been talked about.’

  ‘Are you familiar with Guy Burgess Professor?’

  Frederick took a deep breath. ‘I am familiar with him yes.’

  ‘What about Donald Maclean.’

  Frederick nodded slowly.

  ‘Did you ever socialize with them during your time at Cambridge?’

  Frederick scratched the back of his head. ‘We often played cricket together and had the odd social meeting outside the university. Burgess was a bit of a drinker.’

  ‘What did you discuss?’

  ‘You don’t honestly expect me to remember back that far do you. ‘It was before the war.’

  ‘What about the Apostles did you attend meetings with them?’

  ‘One or two.’ Frederick replied.

  ‘What did you discuss?’ McCarthy asked.

  ‘I just explained to you Mr McCarthy the apostles discuss a number of topics.’

  ‘Was there ever a time when you found yourself alone with both Burgess and Maclean?’ Barnes asked.

  Frederick shook his head. ‘No.’

  ‘You a faggot Professor?’ McCarthy stared at Frederick while taking another long drag from his cigarette.

  ‘I beg your pardon.’ Frederick said.

  ‘Homosexual.’ Barnes clarified.

  ‘How dare you!’ Frederick jumped to his feet.

  A man stood behind Frederick and placed his hand on his shoulder. Frederick pulled away and sat back down.

  ‘Are you aware that Burgess and Maclean were both homosexual?’

  ‘It was rumoured in Cambridge, but I never take any notice or rumours.’

  ‘What about Alan Turing?’ McCarthy enquired.

  ‘What about him?’

  ‘You worked together here at Bletchley Park during the war.’

  ‘Alan Turing was a key factor in deciphering the enigma machine, he served his country with honours. I see no point trampling on his good name.’

  ‘But he was a homosexual.’

  Frederick hesitated before answering. ‘Yes he was, but Alan chose to have treatment to cope with this.’

  ‘And now he’s dead.’ Barnes remarked coldly.

  ‘Yes and now he’s dead.’ Frederick repeated. ‘Look gentlemen are you going to charge me with something or not?’

  ‘It’s just routine questioning Professor.’ McCarthy said. ‘We just want to know where your loyalties lay.’

  Frederick fixed a stare on Barnes. ‘Where my loyalties lay, why don’t we talk about where Mr Barnes loyalties lay.’

  Barnes smiled. ‘I can assure you Professor Frederick I know exactly where my loyalties lie.’

  ‘Really, what about Janus?’ Barnes didn’t answer.

  ‘Unprecedented access to the human race. Isn’t that worse than selling out to the Russians. You may have condemned us all.’

  ‘Thank you Professor Frederick that will be all.’ McCarthy said.

  ‘What’s the matter? Don’t like it when the tables are tuned on you. What about you Mr McCarthy where do your loyalties lie.’

  McCarthy made eye contact with the man behind Frederick who was ushered out of the room.

  Whitehall – London – 5:06pm

  Morris Stanford listened as Frederick spoke about his interrogation with Barnes and McCarthy. ‘It’s a bloody witch hunt. This Senator McCarthy is seeing Russians everywhere. They grilled me on my personal life, which is none of their bloody business.’

  Stanford inhaled. ‘If it’s any consolation Ralph you’re not the only one to have had the third degree. Barnes and McCarthy have grilled all the committee members. Anthony Berkshire was in here yesterday ranting about how they treated him.’

  Frederick nodded slowly and looked at Stanford. ‘This would never have happened if Malcolm was still at the helm.’

  ‘No it wouldn’t have.’ Stanford replied. ‘Well at least they’ve flown back to the States so we can all breathe again.’

  Frederick stared at of the Window. ‘Until the next time.’

  Chapter 62

  One Last equation

  Moscow – Russia – 8:09am

  Monday 22 May 1955

  Anna Vilenko stood firm in front of Bulganin who was sat with Colonel Konev.

  ‘Sit down please Major.’ Bulganin instructed, before looking down at a document in front of him. ‘I am impressed with the work you are doing regarding Tunguska. Your superiors tell me that you have eased back into the project without incident and that you have made some breakthroughs not thought possible.’

  Anna glanced at her father before looki
ng at Bulganin. ‘Thank you comrade Bulganin the Tunguska project means a lot to me.’

  ‘We have a little task for you something that I feel you are right for.’

  Anna nodded slowly, wondering where the conversation was going.

  ‘In the wake of Professor Einstein’s death it has come to light that there is an equation he formulated just before he died.’

  ‘Equation?’ Anna questioned.

  ‘It seems that his theory of relativity is not as concrete as what the scientific community believe this new equation could unravel the world of physics.’

  ‘I see.’ Anna replied. ‘And how did you come by this information?’

  ‘We have people operating in certain circles. There will be a memorial service in a few days in Stuttgart looking back on Einstein’s life. We would like you to go to this gathering and find out if the rumours regarding this formula are true.’

  Anna shifted in her seat. ‘And how do you propose I find information regarding this lost equation.’

  Bulganin smiled back at her. ‘You needn’t worry major I am not asking you to return to your former position. One of our deep cover operatives will be attending the conference. He will make contact with you and will give you instructions on how to proceed.’

  Anna let out a sigh of relief.

  ‘I’m sure you can find other methods in obtaining information concerning Professor Einstein’s final breakthrough.’

  Ann nodded. ‘I will do my best to find out if the rumours are true.’

  Bulganin nodded. ‘You are dismissed major.’

  Chapter 63

  Stuttgart – Germany – 11:11am

  Wednesday 24th May 1955

  Frederick and Professor Wilks looked on as Dr Nathan Rosen gave a speech on the life of his friend and colleague Albert Einstein.

  Frederick thought back to his first meeting with Einstein at the Oxford and Cambridge club in London.

  Nathan Rosen talked for about twenty minutes before finishing.

  Many of Europe’s leading minds had attended the ceremony. Richard Wilks had been pulled away by three top astronomers from the West Berlin astronomical society leaving Frederick stranded.

  ‘Professor Frederick I presume.’ A man said holding his hand out to Frederick.

  Frederick couldn’t help staring at the man who was dressed in full cardinal’s robes.

  The cardinal smiled at Frederick. ‘Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Carlos Banderas, I am a physicist with the Vatican.’ Carlos offered his hand.

  ‘Oh I see.’ Frederick replied politely.

  ‘Not expecting anyone from the Vatican to be attending such an event.’ Banderas said, still smiling.

  Frederick took a sip from the champagne glass he was holding. ‘Actually I wasn’t, I always thought you chaps in Rome took a dim view on science.’

  Banderas nodded. ‘Times are changing Professor. New technologies are emerging enabling mankind to stare out into the heavens. Besides ever since Columbus made his historic journey and demonstrated that the world is not flat, the Vatican has been forced to change its views on certain matters.’

  Frederick smiled at the Cardinal’s attempt at humour.

  ‘Albert Einstein was an inspiration to men of science and men of faith. He crossed boundaries never thought possible.’

  Frederick nodded. ‘Most of my work is based on his principles.’

  ‘As are many other scientists.’ Banderas said.

  A man approached and handed a note to Frederick. ‘This is for you sir.’ He said.

  Frederick looked at the note which was an invitation to meet up with Victor Rothschild. A few miles away. He looked at Banderas. ‘If you’ll excuse me Cardinal I have matters to attend.’

  Banderas watched as Frederick walked out of the conference hall.

  Chapter 64

  12:09pm

  Nathan Rosen was waiting as the car pulled up in front of an impressive looking Town House. The journey had lasted less than five minutes.

  ‘Professor Frederick, thank you for coming.’ Rosen greeted.

  Both men climbed stairs leading to the entrance entering the building.

  Victor Rothschild shook Frederick’s hand. ‘Professor Good to see you.’ Rothschild invited Frederick to sit.

  ‘We wish to talk to you about Professor Einstein’s work.’ Rosen explained.

  ‘Ok.’ Frederick said nervously. ‘I don’t know how much help I could be on such matters but I’ll try my best.’

  ‘You’ll remember our meeting in London a few years back Professor.’ Rothschild said. ‘Professor Einstein entrusted you to carry on with his work after his death.’

  Frederick nodded. ‘To be honest with you I didn’t think he actually meant it.’

  Rothschild produced an envelope and handed it to Frederick. ‘I can assure you Professor he meant every word.’ The envelope had Frederick’s name written on the front. He gently lifted the flap and pulled out a piece of paper.

  My Dear Professor Frederick,

  Although our meetings in London and at the Bilderberg Conference were brief I am entrusting you with my last gift to science. You may remember that I mentioned that relativity was not a fixed concept and is subject to change. I found this to be true several years ago during my time examining the craft that crashed at Roswell in New Mexico. The creatures that built the craft have knowledge that is way beyond what mankind is capable of at this moment in time. I have estimated that it will take decades to understand the technology that the craft contains. I have already started to formulate an equation that could propel mankind to the stars. However illness has plagued me these past few months and I have found it difficult to proceed with my work. So therefore Professor I am handing the torch to you. I have faith that you will carry on with my work and you will succeed in finishing the equation. I believe that you are capable of great things and will be able to finish what I have started.

  I wish you well on your journey.

  Your friend.

  Albert Einstein.

  Frederick’s hands trembled as he held the letter in his hands. ‘I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘Professor Einstein held you in the highest regards.’ Rosen revealed.

  Frederick examined the note. ‘Where is the formula?’

  Rothschild took a deep breath. ‘The formula is at an address in Munich.’

  ‘Munich!’ Frederick replied.

  Rosen nodded. ‘An apartment block he visited frequently many years ago.’ Rosen handed Frederick a piece of paper with an address on it. ‘You must go to Munich and pick up this formula.’

  Frederick looked at Rothschild and Rosen. ‘I cannot just go swanning off to Munich. For a start I am with Professor Wilks. He has no idea I am part of the Order of Galileo ’

  ‘We have arranged for Professor Wilks to be distracted for the next few days.’ Rothschild said. ‘This is a simple enough task Professor. You should be there and back in a day or two. A car will take you back to the memorial service and then you are to catch a train tomorrow.’

  ‘You know Munich is deep within Russian territory.’ Frederick pointed out.

  ‘As I said, you should be back the day after tomorrow, not long enough for you to rouse suspicion. However as a precaution we have supplied you with papers just in case you are stopped.’ Rothschild handed Frederick the documents.

  Frederick eventually nodded. He was then escorted back to the car and driven back to the memorial service.

  ‘Ah there you are Ralph.’ Professor Wilks said. ‘Something has come up, a group of colleagues have asked me to stay on for a few days, hope you don’t mind.’

  ‘No, not at all.’ Frederick said. ‘I’m sure I can find something to occupy my mind.’

  For the next few hours Frederick mingled with other scientists, chatting about Einstein and his work. Professor Wilks had been spirited away to attend a meeting of European astronomers.

  As the crowd started to thin Frederick headed for the exit. He ha
d decided to go back to his hotel and plan for the mission the Order had given him. As he descended some steps Frederick found himself in the path of a red haired woman who wasn’t paying attention to where she was going. Frederick stopped dead in his tracks and tried to side step the woman who bumped his shoulder.

  She looked up to apologise. ‘I am so sorry I...’ She locked eyes with Frederick.

  ‘You!’ Frederick exclaimed, instantly recognising the woman he had encountered in Paris several months back.

  The woman hurried up the stairs with Frederick in pursuit. The foyer to the building was quite large. Frederick quickened his step blocking the woman’s path. He glanced around quickly to see if there was anyone who was dressed in a uniform.

  ‘Get out of my way!’ The flame haired woman demanded attempting to get by.

  Frederick matched her moves. ‘Not until you give me some answers.’

  ‘Look I don’t know who you think I am...’

  ‘I know exactly who you are.’ Frederick cut the woman off in mid sentence. ‘Paris last year, remember that!?’

  Anna Vilenko stared at the handsome stranger she had encountered in Paris. The Cambridge Professor who she had been assigned to seduce. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ She said. ‘Now move aside!’

  ‘I’m sure you don’t.’ Frederick said. ‘Why are you in Stuttgart?’

  ‘Look I don’t know who you are but I have a meeting to attend.’ Anna’s voice carried across the foyer attracting attention.

  A man approached. ‘Is there a problem?’ He asked politely.

  Frederick was about to say something but the woman beat him to it.

  ‘Yes there is.’ Anna protested. ‘I was just on my way to a very important meeting, when this man suddenly accosted me.’

  ‘I beg your pardon!’ Frederick stated.

  The man looked at Frederick. ‘Professor Ralph Frederick isn’t it?’

  Frederick quickly looked the man up and down. ‘Yes.’

  The man looked back at the woman. ‘My apologies Doctor Vilenko, I’m sure Professor Frederick Just wanted to talk to you about your research.’

  ‘Research?’ Frederick said with a bemused look.