Early, on a Monday morning, they left Mosorrie. Con knew it was only a matter of a few more days before he was back in the Hills preparing for the big offensive. Carla knew, too. They had never mentioned it. Not once. But they both knew that soon there were some decisions they would have to make.
CHAPTER XXII
They dropped Danny and Doc Travis at the receiving station of the American Base Hospital at Delhi. Con was billeted at the Imperial Hotel and arranged an adjoining suite for Carla. The Imperial was exactly as the name designated. A stately but simply lined structure. All black and white marble with priceless oriental rugs and Indian tapestries adorning its lobbies and corridors and rooms.
Immediately after they had secured their suites Con left Carla and went down to the bar to meet the Colonel. It was about five in the afternoon and the bar was crowded with British and American Staff officers and airmen along with an international conglomeration of refugees and civilian workers. It was all very colorful and scented of government people and their bureaucratic airs and at once reminded Con of the Mayflower Lounge in D.C. during his training days.
The Colonel got down to business at once. He referred to the directive from C.B.I. headquarters as the pink paper. He told Con he had sent word of the directive to his own boss General O’Hanlon back in Washington. Without ever having had a reply he expressed confidence that the General would back them down the line. And Con having twice met General O’Hanlon and familiar with his record as one of the most courageous officers of World War I at once expressed an equal confidence. General O’Hanlon was not the kind of man that would tolerate any outside interference with his command.
Then the Colonel told Con that only yesterday he had accidentally run into Colonel Flip Cochran of the 1st Air Commandos. Cochran had said that the Commandos had run into the same kind of trouble, probably from the same source. The source appeared more and more to be a certain clique in Stilwell’s command. The clique had certain West Pointers in it but also a group of intellectuals.
Colonel Pearson did not state it but hinted broadly, very broadly, that the intellectual set were sympathetic to the Communist line and were using the West Point Group to their advantage; the West Pointers envisioning no more than their own glory through personal command. He also mentioned that if a successfully American trained Chinese Army were turned over to Kai-shek after the present conflict that they would pose a threat to the Chinese Communists in China tantamount to defeat. If this were true then everyone in a position to help the American-trained Chinese was, as far as the intellectual set were concerned, on the liquidation list; the Colonel, Danny, and Con having a very high place on the list because the success of the American-trained Chinese in North Burma depended in great measure on the scouting and intelligence provided by the Kachins.
He told Con how they had almost had Colonel Cochran removed. Initial resentment to Cochran and the Air Commandos had been stirred up by pointing out the close personal relationship between Cochran and the British. Then they had sent Criminal Investigators into Cochran’s command, infiltrating them in the guise of enlisted medical men and specialist machinists.
Cochran had had a swimming pool built for his men and they had tried to get him for misappropriation of funds. They failed. But Cochran was then aware that he was being spied upon. Also Cochran had rotated his men on weekend passes to Delhi using one of the command’s planes for transportation. The men had all frequented the same whorehouse. During the week in barracks they would review their exploits. The investigators charged five of these men with debauchery. Cochran moved fast. He practically kidnapped the men and tried and exonerated them before another court could get at them. He was severely reprimanded for interfering with the due process of military law. His personal friendship with General Hap Arnold was the only thing, he had told Colonel Pearson, that saved his ass.
Then the Colonel asked Con about Danny. Con told him that the Doctor thought it would be at least two months before he could resume his command. The Colonel said in that case he would hold Danny’s unit immobile until he got back unless Con thought he could handle both outfits.
“I can handle them all right,” Con said, “but I believe I’d be more effective with just my own unit. At least for the time being.”
“Let’s leave it open then,” the Colonel said.
“Fine. Do you want me to brief Danny on what we went over?”
“No, I’m going out to see him in the morning. I’ll tell him myself.”
“I’d like to take Doc Travis with me when I go,” Con said. “I don’t think Danny needs him anymore.”
“Certainly. And I’ve decided to transfer Danforth to Danny’s outfit. You can keep the new man. Ringa.”
“That’s a good idea if Danny doesn’t object.”
“It’s a good idea anyhow. Danny will understand.”
“I guess he will,” Con said. “I’ve got a suggestion to make to Danny though. Why not place Danforth in charge of his outfit while it’s immobile. It might prove a tonic for him.”
“It might at that,” the Colonel said.
“Danforth’s a hell of a good soldier. A first class son-of-a-bitch when he drinks, Ray, but he can fight. It’s like he was born to fight. I’ll bet he’s never studied tactics a day in his life but he gets a maximum of effectiveness out of every man and every weapon. I should have given him more of a chance myself. Basically, and aside from his drinking, he’s a much better combat man than Niven will ever be. It’s a question of how much you need a combat man versus how much you need a commander. You’d think that somewhere in between there’d be an ideal. But if you have that in between man he hardly ever fits. It’s a problem.”
The Colonel was smiling. “I think this leave has given you just the perspective you needed.”
“Not quite. But it’s helped.”
“I’ll settle for that,” the Colonel said. “Incidentally, Niven told me this Ringa is a plenty cool customer. You’re getting a good man in him.”
“That’s what I heard,” Con said. “I had a hunch about him when I first saw him. Danny did too. By the way, how about this commissioning in the field?”
“They won’t let you do it. But I have authority and I’ll go along with anyone you recommend.”
“I’ve thought about Niven but I’m going to wait-see now. This Lau’rel doesn’t seem to be too much of a combat man but with the stepped-up operation we might have need for a supply officer. He might fit. I understand he’s quite a businessman.”
“Very wealthy.”
“I’ll wait and see there, too. But how about promoting them all to the highest possible non-commissioned rank?”
“We have no T.O. We can do it if you recommend,” the Colonel said.
“Well, I do. And I think they deserve the pay, anyhow. For just being there.”
“I agree there,” the Colonel said. “By the way, you’ll be a major within the next couple of weeks. It’s been approved.”
“Hell, I’ve only been a Captain six months or so.”
“A private two years ago. It’s a fast war, Con.”
“I’m beginning to wonder who the enemy is? Some war.”
“Yeah, some war,” the Colonel said hunching his massive shoulders and scratching his battered nose simultaneously. “A dirty war. Mark my word, Con, if Stilwell doesn’t get his ass out of the field and find out what’s going on in his office they’re going to have him before long.”
“They wouldn’t dare.”
“They wouldn’t? There’s talk already. Reliable talk. That’s why I’m telling you to be careful. If he’s vulnerable you’re nothing but the confetti they’ll use to wave him goodbye.”
Con thought about it for a moment. The hell with it, he said to himself. I can’t worry about everything.
“I want you to do me a favor, Ray,” Con spoke seriously in a new voice.
“Within reason and my capability. I’m wary of you and Danny and your favors,” he smiled.
�
��I want to get married.”
It went off in the Colonel’s ear like an exploding grenade. Quickly without changing expression he muffled the sound. “When?”
“Before I go back.”
“Impossible.”
“Why?”
“I’ll try, Con. But I can tell you now; too much red tape.”
“I want you to try.”
“You know I’ll do that,” the Colonel lied. “But do you know you’re going back day after tomorrow?”
“No.”
“Well, that’s when it’s scheduled for,” he lied again.
“I didn’t realize it was so soon.”
“I wish I could give you more time,” the Colonel said. “If Danny wasn’t ill.…”
“I understand. So does Carla.”
“If she were American born it might be possible. But being foreign born,” he said then paused changing his mind. “Have you had some foolish premonition, son?” he asked in a fatherly way.
“No. The opposite. I’m confident I’ll pull through.”
The Colonel could tell he was sincere. “Then by the time this campaign is through I’ll have it set up.”
“I appreciate that. But don’t mention it to Carla. I haven’t said anything myself.”
“I’ll have to mention it. We’ll need her signature on the request. And more than likely her birth record.”
“All right then. I’ll tell her. Why don’t you come up and have a drink with us?”
“I’d like to.”
“I gave her that report you sent,” Con grinned. “Unopened.”
“I didn’t count on that,” the Colonel grinned awkwardly. Jesus Christ no, he hadn’t.
“Waiter,” Con called. Then to the Colonel: “You don’t mind if I buy you a round. I feel obligated, in a way. That leave didn’t cost me a dime.”
No. Save your money, the Colonel wanted to say sarcastically. You’ve got responsibilities now, boy. But instead: “Fine. I’d like another.”
Carla was busy with the chores of getting unpacked and settled. She had a kind of infatuation with chores especially when they related to cleanliness. The real meaning of life, she had once thought, was the expenditure of energy of any kind. In fact she hardly ever sat down to rest, even for a few moments, without picking up one of the numerous books she carried everywhere. She had always read randomly, hardly ever starting a book at its beginning.
Now she was humming, dusting her living room which was immaculate to begin with, when Con came in and said the Colonel was waiting. Absorbed as she had been she was truly surprised the time had flown as it had. In fact, except for a fleeting instant when she had recalled a certain Hungarian melody and Con asking her to play it over and over, she hadn’t thought of him at all. She said she would hop in the tub. She called to her ayah, who was dusting in the bedroom, to run a cold tub.
She came out in dark satin slacks and a white brocade lounging jacket which looked something like a maternity jacket, Con thought. The Colonel was on the phone and waved and nodded a greeting. Con took her aside and out of hearing and told her about the request he had made.
“The Colonel’s trying to get information on it now,” he said. Then looking at her with a dark troubled expression; “I have to leave day after tomorrow.”
She looked at him for a long moment. Her eyes glowed sad and serene. “Once.…” she paused. “Once I would have thought our marriage to be very important,” she said serenely. “I don’t think it makes any difference now. I think we are, in our way, anyhow.”
“Yes,” he said taking her shoulders in his hands. “I feel that way, too. But I thought.… no,” he paused perplexedly. Whatever it was he didn’t say it.
“Are you afraid something’s going to happen, Con,” she asked.
“I don’t feel that way at all. I thought that marriage would … well, cement this thing we have.”
He spoke from the well, she knew. “What we have is between ourselves. Without ceremony. Let’s not have a ceremony add or subtract from it. If they permit it, we will. If not, let’s not worry about it,” she said, waited a moment, and reached up and kissed him firmly on the lips. “Now fetch me a scotch-soda will you, dear,” she said aware that in the far corner of the room the Colonel was almost done with his conversation.
“If Ray asks us to dinner, or anything for tonight, beg off, will you?” he said.
“Of course.”
“In fact beg him off quick,” he half-whispered. “I’ll tell you why in bed.”
She smiled. “I’d like that,” she said. Her eyes said it, too. And more.
The idea of Con’s getting married perturbed the Colonel deeply. All the way up to the suite his mind had raced in an effort to get a comprehensive picture of the situation, to visualize its possible repercussions.
After all, he had said to himself walking up the stairs, you had to be realistic about this sort of thing. There was a hell of a lot more involved than a simple love affair. And even if they were in love, really and truly in love, waiting for a while or even until after the war wasn’t going to make any difference. He really wished he had been able to explain that to Con. But how do you explain it to any man. How could you even hint to a man that you opposed his marriage without becoming number one boy on his shit list.
Marriage never played to a man’s spirit, the Colonel knew, but against it. It cut a man in half. You cannot give all of yourself to two things. The Colonel could not afford to have Con half a man now. Especially with Danny laid up.
Now he was in the suite on the phone going through his routine with the Judge Advocate. Out of the corner of his eye he had been observing Carla and Con. Christ, he said to himself remembering; a little over four weeks ago he had to order Con away from his command. Actually tear him away from it. Not once since he had been with her had he mentioned going back. Not once, he recalled now, did he show any real concern over the precarious position the pink paper had placed him in. And then he saw Carla reach up and kiss Con firmly.
The bored voice of the Judge Advocate rattled on boringly into the phone. “Why don’t you get it all down in its essence,” the Colonel interrupted, “and I’ll get hold of you first thing in the morning.”
The Colonel, only half hearing the reply, suddenly remembered how on two different occasions he had been approached by members of Carla’s own set to use his influence to get certain refugees to the States. It wouldn’t be beyond this one, he thought. Marriage could solve a lot of things for her whether Con pulled through or not. For her daughter, too. Automatic citizenship and maybe even insurance. She’s been kicked around too much, the Colonel thought remembering the report they had on her, not to watch out for herself. And shrewd? The methods she had used to get her money first out of Austria and then to Egypt and India had astonished the whole Bureau. Well, he thought, she’s not going to ruin one of my men. Not if I can help it she isn’t.
She greeted him. Quickly they dispensed with the formalities.
“Con went to fetch a drink,” Carla said. “He’ll be with us in a minute.”
“Con told you about his request?” he asked.
She made no gesture. Her eyes implied her answer.
“There’s a lot of red tape all right,” he shook his massive head skeptically. “If you were an American we might be able to arrange it right away. But the War Department is rather averse to foreign marriages. The Judge Advocate is looking up the proper procedure now. I should know something in the morning.”
She knew at once that no matter what the Colonel had promised Con there wasn’t going to be any marriage if Colonel Raymond Pearson could help it. She half-laughed that laugh that lay somewhere between a contempt and a sincerity. Take your choice it seemed to say.
Then she smiled. “It doesn’t really matter,” she spoke sincerely, truly.
There was no doubt in the Colonel’s mind. He had been caught. For an instant he fought valiantly to hold down the surge of belittling, all exposing redness that had
discharged within him. It was no use. The muscular filament of his leathery, rough hewn face turned lobster red laying him now completely naked. He should have known better than to try and slip one past her, he said to himself, forcing his shamed eyes to meet hers. Her eyes stared back contemptuously, pityingly, loathingly. He didn’t know which. He shifted his eyes as the enforced, re-enforced silence swelled to a thunder. If she chose to expose him to Con there could be a drastic loss of faith. Con could at times be unbearbly stubborn, one-tracked, and unreasonable. He knew he would have to throw himself at the mercy of the court. What mercy? Goddamn her, smiling his best officer gentleman smile slightly awkwardly. His gargantuan chest swelled about to speak.
“As an actor,” she said coldly, “it’s a good thing you’re an officer, Colonel.”
He braced himself prepared to take her retribution with as much dignity as he could muster.
“However,” she said in a new and kind voice, half-smiling, “I shouldn’t worry about it. But was he really to leave day after tomorrow?”
The Colonel was about to try again but changed his mind. “He has four days,” he said wearily.
“I’ll let you tell him,” she said. “You can consider it forgotten.”
“Thanks,” he said a little sheepishly. Still stunned.
Con came in with Carla’s drink and the Colonel felt suddenly gratefully relieved.
“The Colonel had a nice chat with your Judge Advocate,” she said. “He’s going to see him tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Ray. I appreciate it.”
“Maybe we could all have dinner,” the Colonel suggested quickly.
“With two days left?” Con grinned archly. “I’ll be seeing enough of you.”
He told Con the change in plans. “I forgot about having to stop in Calcutta,” he said. “No reason for you not to stay here and meet me in time for the trip to base.”
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