‘This way, sir,’ Stevenson said, gesturing toward the doorway.
When the knob clicked shut, I rose from the floor and brushed off my skirt. ‘Who is that man, sir?’
‘He is an agent of the United States government.’
‘Have you considered that he might be a double agent and that his loyalties lie elsewhere?’
‘Clark, I’m not the enemy here,’ Crenshaw said.
‘Maybe not, sir, but it seems to me that you are fraternizing with the enemy. That man inspired Tom O’Malley to commit the destructive actions including the damage to the railroad tracks and that makes him responsible for those deaths as well.’
‘It was a mistake, Miss Clark – an ugly, misguided mistake. I would like to explain everything to you but I need you to understand that what I am going to tell you cannot leave this room. You can’t tell your group. You can’t tell your supervisor. No one.’
‘But, sir—’
Crenshaw waved away my words. ‘You can tell them that what happened to Tom was a mission gone awry. You can tell them not to talk to strangers on trains. Any general information like that you can share. But I need your solemn word that you will not repeat any of the details of what I am about to tell you.’
I nodded, feeling my jaw tighten. I needed answers but I also wanted to share them. I’d have to settle for what I could get.
‘I understand because of your past experience, you would be prone to see spies everywhere. It is only natural. Similarly, it is to be expected that the military intend to increase their plans to uncover potential spies before they do any damage. When you stepped into this room, I was discussing one such program with Agent Cooper. I told him that what he was doing was not working and had demonstrated the potential for unexpected consequences. I intend to go up the chain of command with my concerns with the hope I can bring all of this to an end.’
‘I don’t understand. What program are you talking about?’
‘I imagine you would agree with the initiating premise that the spies that can do the most damage are turncoat scientists.’
‘That’s logical,’ I said, the questions in my mind bouncing around like ping pong balls in a wind storm.
‘The next premise was that an individual is most likely to be turned when they are at their most vulnerable.’
I sucked in my breath. ‘As in when they are facing a personal loss?’
‘Exactly. I was not aware of what the agency was doing until last night. However, they were targeting scientists, like Tom and you, who had lost a family member recently as well as those who lost sons and brothers on the front since the beginning of the conflict.’
‘Sir, I want to end this war as much as anyone but, to me, those men are as predatory as snake oil salesmen.’
‘Agreed, that is why I wanted it stopped immediately. Agent Cooper, who is with the Counter Intelligence Corps, strongly disagreed. He is tasked with rooting out any subversive elements and he feels that he is doing just that.’
‘No. He’s preying on our sorrow,’ I objected.
‘Think a minute, Miss Clark. Did you fall victim to his ploy?’
‘No, but I was protected, in a way, because I was forewarned by Tom. But Tom had not made peace with his father – his emotions were so conflicted. He had a breakdown or the onset of some deep psychological disturbance. That agent destroyed him.’
‘I agree, Miss Clark, but nonetheless, I do not think you would have succumbed as he did. You’re made of sterner stuff. Now, I hope you will be open and truthful with me. I want to know every detail of your interaction with Tom O’Malley.’
‘Sir, I’ve told you I will not name names,’ I said, bristling anew.
‘No. I don’t expect you to do so. Just say “we” or “they” when required. I want an explanation to better understand what happened to that young scientist. I had a long talk with the chaplain and I’ve come to the realization that some of my preconceived notions have colored my perceptions in a way that is detrimental to my command. I am trying to broaden my outlook and I want to stop what they are doing but I need a better understanding of what happened to Tom O’Malley.’
‘Only if you will agree not to do anything to besmirch his memory.’
‘Agreed,’ Crenshaw said with a nod.
I detailed every aspect of my communications and interactions with Tom, only interrupted occasionally with questions from the lieutenant colonel. When I had finished my tale, I asked, ‘Has his body been removed from the woods?’
‘Yes. It is in the morgue.’
‘What are you going to do with it?’
‘That decision has not been reached. It’s a complicated situation with many factors to consider.’
‘I think I have a solution for you.’ I ran through our plan to label Tom’s death an accident.
‘No one will contradict that account?’
‘No one on my end, sir. Your soldiers are out of my control. It does tidy up the situation and makes it all a bit easier for Tom’s family.’
Crenshaw crossed his arms and rested his chin in his palm before spinning his chair and staring out the window. I bit my tongue a hundred times before he turned back around. ‘Agreed. Accidental death. He took a walk in the woods before going to the train station and suffered a horrible accident.’
He stood up and stretched his hand across the desk. I wrapped my fingers around his and shook. ‘Thank you, sir.’
‘Don’t make me regret it,’ he warned.
FORTY-EIGHT
I ran down two flights of stairs anxious for a quick escape from the oppressive atmosphere in the administrative building. Outside, I took several deep breaths before I felt free of the miasma. The web of lies spun in the name of security soiled everything it touched. Whatever my future held, I knew that I never again wanted to perform any work involved with weapon making or with the military brass.
As I walked, I was amazed anew at the monumental changes and growth of our little isolated community. In three short years, the population had exploded as had the number of buildings, stores and amusements now available right here. No longer did any of us need to go beyond the gates for any of life’s necessities. But was the price we paid too high? After the war, will the mail censors go away? Will our phone calls be private again? Will we be able to leave our community without passing by armed guards? If all that remained here, I don’t think I could bear it.
Entering the lab, I brushed aside the greetings and questions and went straight into Charlie’s office. He joined me there moments later.
‘Did Crenshaw approve your plan, Libby?’ he asked.
‘Yes, he did. But I feel soiled and corrupted by enabling yet another lie.’
‘It’s for the best.’
‘I know that, Charlie. But I don’t like living in a place where truth is so readily sacrificed for the greater good. It eats at me every day – I fear my character bears a taint that will never be erased.’
‘It’s the war. War corrupts everything. When it is over, everything and everyone will return to normal. You’ll see,’ Charlie said.
‘I wish I could believe that,’ I said. ‘Now, I have to lie to you – well, not exactly lie but conceal the truth, which seems morally equivalent to me.’
‘See,’ Charlie said with a chuckle, ‘no irreparable harm to your soul. You’re still bothered by it. What’s at issue?’
‘Crenshaw imparted information to me on the condition I do not share it with anyone and he made a point of telling me that includes you.’
‘He mentioned me by name?’
‘Yes,’ I said. ‘I have been instructed that I am permitted to tell you and the group that the official cause of Tom’s death is accidental, that it was precipitated by a mission gone awry, and that all scientists should take care not to talk to strangers on trains.’
‘Why?’
‘That, I cannot tell you. I do know but I can’t utter a word about it.’
‘You’re going to have a small rebe
llion on your hands.’
‘I know. It’s why I’d like you to be with us when I explain. I was hoping to gather everyone together at lunch time and explain it then. When the badgering starts, I am hoping you’ll be willing to intervene.’
‘I’ll do my best. Do you want me to go over to Alpha and inform the others in that lab to join us? If so, I’ll need a list of names.’
I scrawled out the names on a piece of scrap paper and handed it to Charlie. ‘Please destroy this after you’ve talked to them all. I don’t want it falling into the wrong hands. I’ll call Tom’s aunt while you’re gone.’
I sat down, attempted to banish my feelings of dread and picked up the phone. The call went smoother than I thought it would. Gertrude was composed and her voice cracked only once. She accepted the accident explanation without question. I provided her with information I had received from Crenshaw’s aide to enable her to bring Tom home to lay for eternity beside his father. I wiped away tears and walked out of the office.
Every pair of eyes seemed to turn to me as I emerged. The faces of the Walking Molecules members appeared concerned and quizzical. The expression of the others was baffled anticipation, as if they knew something was happening but had no idea of what it was. ‘I’ll be coming around to each of your stations to get a status report. Be prepared to tell me where you are in the process and the length of time you think it will take you to complete what is at your table right now.’
I went around, jotting down that information and making no comment to the others. With the members of my group, I informed them of the informal lunch get-together with Charlie.
At noon, Charlie and I led the crew from our lab outside. The guys from Alpha lab exited, too, and flocked together with us. Charlie came to a halt in front of the cafeteria. ‘Maybe this isn’t the best place to talk. Why don’t we all get something to carry away and convene at my house. We will be able to talk more freely there.’
I wasn’t sure if I agreed. If we were in the corner of a crowded room, perhaps the criticism of my lack of openness would not be as intense but I went along with the others who agreed with Charlie.
Lunches in hand, we gathered around the Morton’s dining room table. Charlie pulled out folding chairs from a closet and added the extra seats needed. I explained to them the situation using exactly the same words I had used with Charlie, but their reaction was far different.
‘We are supposed to be able to share within this group anything and everything,’ Dennis complained.
‘I’m Tom’s best friend, I deserve to know the whole truth,’ Gary yelled.
I lost the remaining comments in a cacophony of discordant voices. It all blended together with the fury of a storm.
Charlie rose to his feet and tapped a fork on the side of a glass. ‘Don’t any of you realize how difficult this is for Libby? Don’t you think she wants to tell you?’
Hostile murmurs rose around the table until Gregg and Teddy stood. Teddy, understanding his personal bias, had the good sense to defer to Gregg.
‘Charlie is right,’ Gregg said. ‘If she had not made a commitment to Crenshaw, she would not have learned anything and she would not have been able to get the assurance that Tom’s body could be returned to his family. And that he be laid to rest on the church grounds beside his father. Our sense of deserving to hear more has to be sacrificed to granting peace to Tom’s family. We owe them that.’
Nearly every head looked down at the table and nodded. The notable exception was Gary who held his head high, moving a harsh glare from me to Charlie to Gregg and back again.
Rudy raised his head. ‘One question, Libby. Are you saying that the mission that went wrong involved manipulating Tom to the point of madness?’
‘I did not say that, Rudy. However, I can understand why you would find that a logical hypothesis.’
‘But, is it in alignment with what you know?’
I glanced at Charlie as I struggled for an answer. He simply shook his head. ‘Rudy, I’m sorry, but I cannot answer that question.’
‘I’ll take that as an answer,’ Rudy said.
‘That is your right, Rudy, and the right of everyone at this table. Reach your own conclusions as best as you can, just don’t expect me to confirm any of them.’
A heavy silence descended but it was soon replaced by the sounds of chewing and multiple one-on-one conversations. I could not wait to get back to the lab. The walk back was no happy stroll. Teddy, of course, tried to inject a lighter spirit into the afternoon. He attempted to make me laugh, but it didn’t work. I was ready to go home, pack my bags and cocoon myself in the safety of Aunt Dorothy’s home until the war was over.
FORTY-NINE
My legs felt like two tree stumps as I plodded home after work. I had no reason to remain here any longer. The majority of the men in the lab did not know what was going on but they clearly picked up on the new negativity in attitude toward me from the members of the group. I felt as isolated now as I had done when I was the newly-arrived alien in the midst of an all-male world.
The camaraderie I had established with my lab mates proved to be as ephemeral as fog. I felt like nothing more than an annoying presence and an unneeded pair of hands. The war in the Pacific would be won with or without me. It would be a relief to no longer be torn between my patriotism and my moral qualms.
I had arrived here with the idealistic notion that I could make a difference in the outcome of the conflict – I had long ago abandoned that belief. I should leave and let it all go on without me. I could wait the war out in seclusion at Aunt Dorothy’s home. After that, I could resume my professional life.
First, I’d announce my plans at the beginning of the next regular meeting of the Walking Molecules, and excuse myself. Then, I’d formally resign to Charlie. But, wait. I would have to tell Teddy first – I couldn’t surprise him in a room full of people. I’d also let him know that I expected a visit when the war was over – that should cushion my departure a little bit for him. And I’d promise to write – often.
My steps felt lighter with the decision made as I approached my home. When I turned the final corner and my house came into view, I saw a woman waiting by the door. As I got closer, I realized it was Eleanor Stanley, dressed to the nines in white gloves and a stylish hat as if she were visiting the queen. She had asked me to think about what I was willing to do to improve conditions at the hutments. A wave of guilt washed over me – I had not given another thought to her request.
I walked up the steps and stretched out my hand. ‘Mrs Stanley, won’t you please come inside.’
‘It’s Eleanor, please. I hope we will be seeing a lot more of each other. Right now, I would love a few minutes of your time,’ she said with a smile.
‘Certainly, Eleanor,’ I said, a bit wary about the intimation of a future relationship. ‘Should I put on the tea kettle?’
‘That would be delightful, thank you.’
While I worked in the kitchen preparing the tea service, Eleanor talked about the heat and humidity of summertime in the south and her longing to be able to return to Maine for the season as she did growing up. The way she described the fresh air, cool breezes and the invigorating chill of the water in even the hottest months, I yearned to escape with her.
When we settled in the living room with our cups, Eleanor said, ‘You are probably wondering about the timing of my arrival on your doorstep, Libby. There are two reasons why I am here today. First of all, I did not want to bother you immediately after the death of your mother – I am so sorry for your loss.’
‘Thank you. How did you hear about my mother?’ I asked.
‘Oak Ridge might have exploded in growth, but in many ways, it’s still a very small town. The grapevine moves information around faster than a hungry bobcat chasing down dinner. I imagine you’re not as aware of the gossip machine since you are working with men all day.’
‘Men do gossip,’ I said, ‘but mostly about the women they’ve been dating and in ways t
hat bore me.’
‘Oh yes, boy talk,’ she said flapping the air with one hand. ‘I explained to you previously about our desire to improve the living conditions for the colored laborers here in Oak Ridge and, well, I want to inform you about what we have learned this week, but I really need you to agree to keep what I say confidential.’
‘Of course,’ I said, inwardly groaning about more secrets in my life.
‘First, I want to make sure you understand, none of our husbands are telling us about the work they do. Most of what we learn from them is intuitive. Some of us have been married for a long time and that gives you a sense of knowing when something is wrong – when they are facing a dilemma that makes them uncomfortable. Lately, more of us sense self-doubt in our spouses. We can tell they are troubled, in some way, by the end goal of their labors. I don’t want you to reveal your personal concerns but are you battling any ethical or moral questions?’
The question startled me. Was this a test? Was she sent to pry information out of me to destroy me? I shook my head, but remembered – it really didn’t matter since I was planning to leave anyway. ‘Quite simply, yes I am.’
‘I expected as much. We also have a network that reaches out to other secret facilities. One of us has a sister whose husband works at another place. She doesn’t know where her sister is located – just that it’s drier and not as green as here. Her sister doesn’t have to contend with mud but she does have to fight an unending battle with dust. Another woman has a connection to a different installation with lots of trees like we have here.
‘We’ve all been soaking up hints and clues as best we can. One thing that seems universal is the belief that something big is in the air. That whatever you all are doing, it is about to be used in some way. We assume it is a weapon. What else could be so top secret? If we are correct, it must be something that they are certain will finally end the war. You don’t need to confirm or deny this – we know you can’t do that.
‘However, we believe that when the war ends, we will need to move quickly. Everyone will be celebrating and in that exuberant mood, we will be more likely to have our demands met.’
Sabotage in the Secret City Page 22