Operation Blue Sapphire

by David B. Gilmore

  “So there’s no possibility the Church or a charity run by the Church would be looking for Lalana,” said LaCroix.

  “Of course he would never tell me so, but I came away with the impression from Father Verbeke that the Church has about reached its limits with helping the poor. He said the same was even true with the Salvation Army. The needy come to them, they don’t have to find them.”

  “Then the charity worker the shopkeeper mentioned doesn’t work for the Church. And that would mean she or they have another agenda, and you know what that is.”

  “By now the shopkeeper has probably told her the family doesn’t want to be bothered. Just like Vern found out about who owns the land, there are other ways to find her. It’ll only be a matter of time before she shows up at their apartment.”

  LaCroix nodded in agreement. “And if they feel they need to get to her before the police do, it won’t take them long.”

  “How would you feel about relieving Jimmy later today and keeping a watch on their place?” asked Emma.

  “Be happy to. I think if they’re going to come for her, they will do it right after school lets out or at night. At least that’s when I would.”

  “When we get back into Calcutta, drop me off near my car and go home and get some sleep and something to eat. Then relieve Jimmy. I’ll make sure he’s there for you before daybreak.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Emma laughed. “Henri, I think you’re kind of sweet on the girl’s aunt. She’s a good cook and will probably be a good business owner.”

  “Padma’s a very nice lady. I like her, but it wouldn’t be fair to her. There’s a war on, and as soon as our mission here’s over, we’ll be out of Calcutta and on our way to the next one. Colonel Wyman isn’t going to let the grass grow under our feet for very long.”

  Emma and LaCroix followed the man and watched as he slowed, made a turn, and then pulled into the long driveway of the same house they had followed the du Mauriers to on Sunday.

  “Keep going straight, Henri, and pick up your speed. At the next major road you come to, make a left. We’ll find another way back into Calcutta. Not too many cars out here. From the house, he can probably see across the field to the intersection. If he did see a car behind him, he may be looking for it to turn around.”

  “Emma, what do you think’s going on? The Russian and du Maurier looked like they were going to come to blows, then he delivers a package and drives home.”

  “From what Vern told us, he could have demolition experience. The package wasn’t all that big and it didn’t look heavy. It could have contained plastique.”

  “And now we know it was a tax collector who was killed at the café. Do you think they’re all involved in some kind of independence movement, and Preston found out about it?”

  “The only thing that doesn’t fit with your theory is du Maurier and Chevalier. They’re from Saigon. What interest do they have in the outcome of Indian independence?”

  “That, I don’t have an answer for. But it’ll give me something to think about tonight,” said LaCroix.

  “When you see Jimmy later, let him know what happened today. I’ll do the same with Vern.”

  Conrad Kruger was early. He not only liked being early but purposely made a habit of it. It was something he had learned a long time ago. On more than one occasion, it had paid off and kept him out of trouble. This afternoon he was meeting Ekana Noegi. They had decided upon a park as a safe meeting place. Plenty of open space and exits. He would be able to keep a good lookout while they conducted their business. The drawback to the park was that they could also be seen, but if anyone was watching either him or Noegi, the watcher would have to make his presence known. It was a trade off, but during the day, Krueger felt the odds were a bit more in his favor.

  He didn’t have to wait long before he saw Noegi entering the park. Before motioning to him, Kruger made sure he wasn’t being followed. As Noegi approached, Kruger rose from the bench he was sitting on. “It’s a beautiful day. Let’s walk while we talk.”

  “That is fine with me,” said Noegi.

  “I have new news about our plans. Have you encountered any checkpoints in the last week?” asked Kruger.

  “No, I haven’t.”

  “I haven’t, either. But I still feel better waiting and letting things calm down a bit.”

  “It was a wise decision. What’s the news?”

  “Beginning on Saturday, there’ll be one more shipment leaving the factory. It leaves the gates at eight-thirty P.M.”

  “Just on Saturday?”

  “No, it’s going to be every day for a while.”

  “Eight-thirty? That’s even better. When do you want to make your move?”

  “I still like Sunday night the best. In general, a lot less traffic on the roads and fewer police. They won’t be expecting a heist on a Sunday night. Can you have your people ready to go for Sunday?”

  “Consider it done, Conrad. You want it to happen in the same place as we decided?”

  “I think that’s best.”

  “I do, too. Tonight I’ll go back and retrace the steps again. I’ll leave the factory at eight-thirty and drive the approximate speed the convoy would. That way, we’ll know when it will be arriving. I think everything will go as we planned it.”

  “Very good. Ekana, be sure your men are men that can be trusted.”

  “They will be. Nothing to worry about with that.”

  “Good. If anything changes, let me know. If not, I’ll see you late Sunday afternoon.” Kruger kept walking and watched Noegi leave the park. When he was confident no one was following either of them, he turned and walked toward his car. Along the way he stopped at a pay phone. When the party answered, he asked for Zacharie Chevalier.

  Emma began to grow impatient. While LaCroix slept and Bunnel kept vigil over Lalana, she and Miller had been in separate cars parked outside du Maurier’s and Chevalier’s office. Since morning, the only activity she had noticed was at noon when they had both walked to a small café for lunch. After eating, they had promptly returned to their office. Finally, around 5 P.M., she saw both du Maurier and Chevalier leave the office and get into Chevalier’s car. She started her car and began to follow them. Driving down the street, she glanced in her rearview mirror and saw Miller slip in behind her.

  As she turned on Chowringhee Road, she saw Chevalier pull into the Grand Hotel and up to the valet parking. Emma found the entrance to the self-parking and found a spot. Miller followed quickly behind her and did the same.

  The lobby of the hotel was brightly lit and crowded with both British and American servicemen. The ones from out of town were scrambling to find a room. The rest were looking forward to starting a Friday night out on the town. Through the maze of people, Emma and Miller quickly spotted du Maurier and Chevalier. Waiting for them in the lobby were their wives.

  In a low voice Miller said to Emma, “This is cozy. Especially, given what you and Jimmy have observed regarding Chevalier and du Maurier’s wife in hotels. It may turn real interesting.”

  “Vern, you’re awful,” Emma laughed. “But you might be right. I’m beginning to think anything is possible.”

  After the men greeted their wives, the four talked for a moment and then started walking down a long hallway. Emma read a small sign on the wall—Casanova Restaurant—with an arrow pointing down the hallway. She slipped her arm around Miller’s and asked, “Shall we go for dinner?”

  “I think that’s a good idea. I just hope we get to eat and don’t have to be back sitting in the car soon.”

  As they walked Emma asked, “Are you sure you want to accompany me?”

  “Certainly. Why not?”

  “Well, it seems like everywhere I go lately, bombs keep going off.”

  Miller laughed, “What? Are you thinking the third time’s a charm?”

  “I’m just giving you the opportunity to back out.”

  “Not a chance. I know it’s work, but maybe we can enj
oy ourselves a little, too. I haven’t eaten here, but it has a good reputation.”

  The dining room was dimly lit. The tables were adorned in white tablecloths and set with good quality glass and tableware. The combination set the mood for elegant dining.

  “This is nice,” remarked Emma as she watched the du Mauriers and Chevaliers be seated.

  When it was their turn, Emma suggested a table in the corner. It was secluded but at the same time would give them a good view of the room and, most importantly, allow them to observe what was going on at du Maurier and Chevalier’s table. Emma sat with her back to the corner and Miller to her left. Both were very pleased with the seating arrangement. They were even more pleased when a waiter came by and took their drink order.

  “It looks like they’re just having a typical night out,” said Emma after they had ordered their meals.

  Several minutes passed then a very large man walked in and sat down next to Chevalier.

  “Hold the phone. That’s the same man Henri and I saw them meet at the Three Hundred Club,” said Miller.

  “Are you sure?” asked Emma.

  “Positive. Look at him. He’s big enough to be a lineman for the Chicago Bears. I would remember him anywhere.”

  They watched as a waiter brought the newcomer a cup of coffee.

  “He’s not here for dinner. He’s meeting them about something,” said Emma.

  “It’s the same thing that happened when we saw him,” said Miller.

  “Conrad, good to see you. Are you sure you won’t join us for dinner? Our food just arrived. I’m sure the chef can make something up for you in time to eat with us,” offered Jacques.

  “Thank you, but no. As usual, I have more things to take care of tonight.”

  “Do you have good news for us?” asked Margaux.

  “I do. That’s why I wanted to see you all tonight. I’ll be ready to make delivery on Monday.”

  “That is good news. Are you sure this time?” asked Zacharie.

  “I’m positive. The question is, are you ready? I want to make the transfer as quickly as possible.”

  “We’ve been ready,” said Jacques, answering for the table.

  “Everything’s set,” added Zacharie.

  “Good. I’ll contact you by messenger Monday with a time and location to meet. When I’m sure none of us have been followed, I’ll take you to the delivery point.”

  “Are you sure you’re not going to be just running us around?” Margaux asked in an indignant tone.

  Kruger was taken aback by her tone but didn’t let it get to him. “Not at all. I understand your concerns, but the way I want to make delivery is for the safety for all of us. Look, I don’t know what you’re planning on doing with what I’m supplying you. That’s your business. But I have a feeling this is only the beginning of something. If it is, eventually, you’re going to want more. When that time comes, I want to be your supplier. In the future, we should be able to move more quickly and not have as many delays. On the surface it may seem like a lot of extra work. But I want to keep us all out of prison.”

  “And the ammunition?” asked Simone in a hushed voice.

  “Monday, along with everything else.”

  Zacharie tucked his napkin into his shirt collar and took a few bites of his meal. Then he slid his hand under the napkin and into his coat and retrieved an envelope from his pocket. As casually as he could, he covered the envelope with the napkin and slipped it under the table to Kruger. “It’s all there. As we agreed, in American currency. There are thirty, one-thousand-dollar bills. We’ll have the other half on Monday. Go ahead and count it if you want.”

  “Oh, I will, and if it’s short, I’ll be back.”

  “We’ll see you on Monday,” replied Zacharie.

  Kruger felt the envelope between his fingers. It felt thick enough. He had faith that it would all be there, but he would count and inspect the bills as soon as he was able. Casually, he opened his coat and, in one movement, took the envelope from his lap and put it into his pocket. Then he shook hands with the men and wished them all a good evening. “Monday,” he said as he left the table.

  “Everything’s coming together,” Simone said after Kruger left the dining room. “Let’s order some more cocktails. Something special.”

  “Not so fast with that. We still have some unfinished business we need to discuss,” said Zacharie.

  “And what might that be?”

  “The Indian girl. Just before we came over here, Zacharie found out who she is and where she lives,” replied Jacques.

  “How did you find out?” asked Margaux.

  “For now, let’s just say I made a lot of telephone calls and leave it at that. I used a fictitious name no one will ever trace back to us.”

  “Then the only real unfinished business we have tonight is deciding when and who wants to take care of the little problem,” said Margaux.

  “Did you see that? Chevalier passed an envelope to the big guy.”

  Emma put her hand on Miller’s. “I saw it. Light me a cigarette and then pass it over to me.”

  Miller lit a cigarette for her and then one for himself. “What do you think’s going on?” he asked. “I doubt very seriously that they were newspaper clippings Chevalier wanted to make sure he hadn’t missed. It has to be some kind of payment, but for what? If he was one of their clients, it would be taken care of in the office.”

  “And he would have given them a receipt,” added Emma. She smoked her cigarette and took a sip of her drink before continuing. “We have two different things going on, and no pun intended, but both are under the table. They have something going on with the Russian and now this man. Both of them look like tough customers and neither’s one you’d want to cross.”

  “I agree. Tonight’s different.”

  “Yes, but how so? When Henri and I saw them at the Three Hundred Club, they were all drinking as if they were celebrating something. Look at them now, they’re as serious as if they were going to church. Almost like they’re making a decision. A big decision.”

  “I agree. Whatever it is, it’s important to them.”

  “After we leave here and see where they are heading, I’ll go find Henri and get him up to speed. I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

  “I don’t either,” agreed Miller.

  Emma began her Saturday morning following Zacharie Chevalier. He had stopped by his office and by 9:30 was back in his car. As she drove, Emma soon realized she was entering a part of Calcutta she hadn’t been in before. The area was industrial and there were many warehouses along the streets. At one of the warehouses, Chevalier stopped and parked on the street, walked to the small guard shack at the entrance, and briefly chatted with the Indian security guard.

  Emma parked and watched through a pair of binoculars. She was surprised that Chevalier didn’t go into the warehouse. Instead he walked up to two large trucks parked behind a fence. He unlocked the cab of each truck and started the engines. As the engines turned over and warmed up to operating temperature, Chevalier inspected underneath the trucks for any signs of oil or water leaks. Satisfied there were none, he then checked all the tires on both trucks and made sure they were not flat or low. Finally, he examined the canvas that covered the cargo beds. Taking a few minutes in each cab, he seemed to watch the temperature and oil pressure gauges. Methodically, he turned off both engines and locked the cabs of the trucks. His inspection had been as thorough as if he had done a preflight inspection of an airplane. Walking back to his car, he casually gave the security guard a wave as he left the lot.

  Chevalier drove quickly as he left the warehouse. The streets again became familiar to Emma, and she soon found herself back on Old Court House Street. “He’s going to the hotel. He has to be,” she said to herself.

  A few minutes later her suspicions were confirmed. She slowed the car and found a parking space across the street from the Great Eastern Hotel when she saw Chevalier pull up in front and give the car
keys to a valet. Simone du Maurier threw the remainder of the cigarette she was smoking into the street and ran to greet him. Chevalier wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her tight against him as he kissed her. Without a second thought, they entered the hotel.

  Emma looked at her watch. In the past, when she had observed them going into the hotel, they had occupied themselves for at least a couple of hours. Figuring today would be no different, she turned the car around and headed toward the docks to find Bunnel at Lalana and Padma’s apartment building.

  She found Bunnel sitting in his car just down the street from Lalana’s and Padma’s apartment building. He was surprised to see Emma walking toward the car but quickly unlocked the passenger side door and opened it for her.

  “This is unexpected, Emma. Is anything wrong?”

  “I thought I’d come by for a cup of coffee. Do you still have any?” she asked as she got into the car.

  “Certainly.” Bunnel poured her a cup. The thermos had kept it warm, and it tasted good to her.

  “How’s everything going here? Are the neighbors getting suspicious of you sitting in the car all the time?”

  “No. I’ve had a couple of looks, but the neighborhood’s mostly Indian. I think they think I’m a policeman. I don’t mind, They don’t ask any questions that way. What brings you down here?”

  “I have some free time. Chevalier and du Maurier’s wife are back at the Great Eastern again.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me.”

  Emma took another sip of her coffee. “What I came here to tell you about is what I saw Chevalier doing before he went to the Great Eastern. I followed him to a warehouse, but he didn’t go there to check on anything. He has two trucks, fairly large trucks, similar to what the army uses, but civilian. He started them up and gave them a thorough going over. I think he’s getting ready to make a trip.”

  Bunnel thought for a moment, “Sounds like he may have bought something big last night.”