While Rome Was Sleeping

by M. S. Forsythe

  I told her that Charlene had been injured and that she would be staying with us at the Convent for a time. She seemed most distressed, Andy, and briefly mentioned that she wanted to come to be with Charlene. I haven’t told Charlene yet; I wanted to talk with you first. What do you think?”

  Andrew pondered a moment and then said soberly, “Sister Ruth, I think you had better tell Charlene. If it were up to me I wouldn’t want her to come, but it’s not my decision or yours...its Charlene’s. You know it’s possible that it could be a good thing.”

  “I suppose so, Andy, I’ll tell her, but I’m going to pray about it first,” Ruth stated firmly.”

  Andrew grinned at the out-of-character serious face of the Nun, “You do that, Sister, and throw one in for me too. Call if you need me. I’ll check in with you later.”

  Chapter 19

  Washington, D.C. Friday, October 3, 1980

  Neil and Fred had spent several hours searching the packet again and found the microfilm hidden in a small slit on the inside of the packet.

  After viewing the enlarged documents both Wellman and Klein were speechless with surprise and shock.

  Kelshaw had managed to acquire information about a major world corporation who’s Board of Directors and shareholders would be internationally held up to scrutiny by world governments, as a result of his discovery.

  Contracts between the LPF Pathet Lao government and GCI and the Government of North Vietnam carried agreements for the use of convict labor, made up of political prisoners and dissidents. The agreements held that the labor pools would be supplemented by prisoners of war held in China and various camps in North Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

  There were contracts for material to be delivered through the Port of Haiphong by independent cargo ships and by air cargo planes where possible.

  Neutral GCI would take no notice of embargos or blockades. Kelshaw had filmed a list of international GCI consultants, their fields of expertise and their special access to monetary and material resources.

  Among the consultants two names stood out from all the rest; they were the two from the United States. Brigadier General Bradley E. Coleman, United States Department of Defense, special military consultant and Lyle J. Ramsey, Esq. of the United States Law Firm of Ramsey, Wilson & Carr of Seattle, Washington, and Washington, D.C., contract overseers.

  Other country names of consultants were identified as well, but Neil and Fred focused only on the United States.

  “No wonder Coleman looked sick when I told him his career would be examined...,”Neil commented.

  Fred offered, “Well you were right about Coleman being in the mix, to an even greater degree than we first thought.”

  “But he didn’t quite fit the Big Bad Wolf profile. Durkan certainly did.” Half smiling Neil mused, “Only George would have used a fairy tale to identify a cast of characters like the ones we are looking at. However, Coleman’s involvement with GCI was clearly something that none of us expected—not even George.”

  “He did a good job, Neil. We have names of some of the US POWs that Chernakov provided that were taken to China and the Soviet Union. And we have an idea of what happened to some of our POW/MIAs with the information George provided from North Vietnam and Laos and GCI,” adding, “It looks like we have our work cut out for us...an full scale investigation of GCI and their use of POWs,” he said resolutely.

  Neil nodded, “Yes and we’re going to need a lot of help. GCI may well be out of our reach; our best level of attack will be through Coleman and Ramsey and Carr. I think that Senator Ken Stone will be glad to help with this. He has a staff that’s up-to-speed on the POW issue. I’ll call Senator Mike Owens as well.”

  It was Fred’s turn to smile, “Since they’re both on the Armed Services Committee and Owens chairs it, I would guess that would turn up the heat on your friend General Coleman; am I right.”

  “I should say that’s probably a pretty good guess, Mr. Wellman,” Neil agreed.

  Their conversation was interrupted by a call from his secretary Nancy, “Mr. Klein is Mr. Wellman with you?”

  “Yes, Nancy he is.”

  “There is a gentleman here to see both of you. He said to tell you that his name is Lu Chan.”

  ✽✽✽

  Seattle

  When he placed the call to Washington, Andrew was again told that Neil Klein was in conference and could not be disturbed and that his secretary would have him call as soon as he was free.

  He knew Harry Browne was chomping at the bit for the GCI story and he was eager to talk with Jim Savalza and perhaps initiate some action around the law firm of Ramsey, Wilson & Carr. The tie with Coleman was becoming obvious and there should be enough evidence to hang all of them not to mention GCI, maybe.

  He decided to call Savalza; at least he could check on his car. The detective sounded distracted when he picked up the phone, “Savalza”

  “Jim, this is Andy, Where’s my car?”

  Savalza sighed; he didn’t really want to tell Andrew about the sad condition of the Land Cruiser. He had looked at it earlier and determined it was not drivable. Clearing his throat, “Andy, let’s talk about your car later, I’m working on something else at the moment.”

  “Wait a minute—my car—I need my car!”

  “You don’t need it right now, Andrew, believe me.”

  “How do you...what are you trying to tell me, Jim?” Andrew’s frustration was spilling out.

  “Nothing...” he paused, “Now, Andrew, I haven’t had a chance to thoroughly check it out, but I do know that it’s in impound and it’s safe. We’ll get it in a day or two...you have insurance don’t you?” Savalza dodged, he thought of the Land Cruiser with its wind screen gone, a large hole in the seat penetrated by a chunk of flying debris not to mention a flat front tire.

  “Yes,” Andrew stated impatiently, “Yes, of course I have some insurance...” then suspiciously he asked, “How much insurance do I need, Jim?”

  “Think about renting a car; I have to go, Andy. I’m going to interview Lyle Ramsey.”

  “What about?”

  “What do you think, Andrew? I’m going to ask Ramsey about Monte, that’s all. I have to go.”

  “Jim, there’s more, I mean about Ramsey, but I shouldn’t really talk about it right now.”

  “Oh man! Not again, Andrew...”

  “No Jim I should talk to Klein first. I can tell you this, it will help you nail Ramsey.”

  Jim stopped; “I have an idea, why don’t you come with me? It will give you an opportunity to watch and evaluate. I’ll pick you up and,” he paused, “I don’t want to hear anymore about your car, Andrew.”

  ✽✽✽

  Lyle Ramsey was surprised to find Harrison Carr waiting for him in his office at 7:30 AM when he arrived this Friday morning.

  “Sit down, Lyle, we need to talk,” Carr said darkly, his voice deeper than usual. “I received an overseas call early this morning from Karel Schneiderman. It seems that Schneiderman was contacted by the GCI office in Bangkok about a major break-in that occurred approximately three months ago.

  “That break-in could seriously compromise some of the contracts and projects that Ramsey and Carr have written and negotiated, not to mention a great many GCI activities in Southeast Asia.

  “According to the Bangkok office, it is believed that the intruder gained access to a number of very sensitive files; GCI security identified the intruder, but failed to capture him and after weeks of searching it is believed he escaped the country.

  “Schneiderman called me because someone on this side of the water assured the Bangkok office that the problem would be handled at this end. Since there has been no contact or word of closure with Bangkok, from Washington or Seattle, Schneiderman is deeply concerned...and so am I.

  “Lyle, I want full disclosure of what you know of this matter; I want to know how much of this is connected to the recent visit of our contact in the Department of Defense and I want to know why I was n
ot notified of this situation as soon as you knew.

  “I want the report by three this afternoon at which time you and I will discuss it fully before I call Karel Schneiderman. Do you fully understand?” Carr stood tall as he walked toward the door casting a sideways glance at the portrait that looked back at him.

  It was unthinkable that Harrison Carr would invade his office in such a manner. And it was unsettling. “Yes, Harrison, of course...there will be a full report,” Ramsey spoke defensively, uncertain of what he would tell Carr.

  ✽✽✽

  It was a little past eleven as Andrew Kincaid and Seattle Police Detective, James Savalza stepped out of the elevator into the reception area of Ramsey & Carr and approached the reception desk.

  They were greeted by a well groomed young woman who looked up from her typing flashed a brilliant smile and said pleasantly, “Good morning, gentlemen, may I help you?”

  Andrew appraised the posh surroundings as Jim displayed his shield and asked, “Is Lyle Ramsey in?”

  “I’ll check for you,” she said picking up the phone and pressing an intercom button to Connie Porter. “Connie, there are two gentlemen here to see Mr. Ramsey, one of them is a detective,” and questioning she looked at Andrew.

  “Oh, I’m Andrew Kincaid from the Seattle Times.”

  “Connie, the other man is with the Seattle Times.”

  An attractive, slender brunette in an understated designer suit appeared almost immediately, smiling as she approached the reception desk, stretching a manicured hand toward them she said, “Good morning, gentlemen, I’m Connie Porter, Mr. Ramsey’s executive secretary; is there something I can do for you?”

  “Thank you, but no, Ms. Porter, this is police business; we must speak with Mr. Ramsey, personally,” Jim added while admiring Ramsey’s good taste in secretaries.

  “Certainly,” she crooned, “Just a moment I’ll let him know you’re here,” she said picking up the phone and after announcing their presence to Ramsey, she turned, smiled again and beckoned to Jim and Andrew, “Please follow me,” as she led the way down a wide corridor to a richly appointed corner office that faced west. She tapped gently and opened the door stepping aside to allow the two men to enter.

  Lyle Ramsey was seated behind his desk and rose to meet Jim and Andrew saying to Jim, “You must be Detective Savalza, I do know Mr. Kincaid. To what do I owe this visit Detective? Surely not official business or is it?” he asked while gesturing to two leather chairs facing the desk, “Please, have a seat.” Ramsey had returned to his chair behind the desk.

  Jim leaned forward, “Yes, it is official; I’m sure that you’re probably quite busy, Mr. Ramsey, so I’ll get right to the point. A phone number was found in the suit coat pocket of the late Seattle Police Detective, Monte Maxwell. I dialed that number the other day and you answered on your private line. At first I thought it might be a mistake, but some things have surfaced that have caused me to reconsider.”

  Jim’s dark eyes were glued on Ramsey’s face. “I don’t think it was a coincidence that I got your private line, Mr. Ramsey. And in a follow up on Maxwell’s activities before he died, we have discovered his erratic behavior started with a few phone calls.”

  “What are you suggesting, Detective?”

  “I’m not suggesting Mr. Ramsey, I’m telling you that we believe that Monte was working for you. As much as I don’t like the idea, I believe that Monte and the two window washers who fell from the Rainier Tower, were all connected to you and the attack and murder of George Kelshaw. Something went wrong and you had Monte killed.”

  Andrew was surprised at Jim’s blunt accusation. He glanced at Ramsey, who seemed equally taken aback as Jim waded in for another punch, “I’m putting you on notice that we will continue to investigate until we can prove it.”

  Ramsey shot back, “Prove what—I don’t even know who this George Kelshaw is! What could I possible gain by arranging for the murder of a person I don’t even know?”

  “I’m equally sure that the motive will reveal itself, you see, Mr. Ramsey, Captain Martin remembers that you contacted him about the release of Kelshaw’s body.” Jim looked steadily into the cold eyes of Lyle Ramsey as he voiced his suspicions.

  Ramsey smiled at the audacity of the detective, “That’s a very reckless accusation. You are setting yourself and your department up for a harassment charge, Detective. You may have even provided a witness in the person of Mr. Kincaid. By the way, why are you here, Kincaid?”

  Andrew had been quietly observing Ramsey’s reaction to Jim’s accusations, noting his body language and facial expressions. At the beginning of the interview, the attorney had seemed preoccupied and slightly irritated. When Jim accused him of Monte’s death and later of George Kelshaw’s, the irritation had grown into anger and he had seen a momentary flash of fear cross Ramsey’s face when Jim mentioned Captain Martin’s recollection.

  Choosing his words carefully, Andrew responded to Ramsey’s question. “I probably wouldn’t be a very good witness for you, Mr. Ramsey, since I’ve been working with Detective Savalza in the investigation of the death of George Kelshaw.

  “I came today to discuss another matter...an interview with you and with Harrison Carr; I’d like to know more about your firm’s connection with Global Construction International.

  “I was very impressed when I learned that Harrison Carr is on the GCI Board of Directors. The Times would certainly like a story and our business editor would love an exclusive on GCI.”

  His face and voice were expressionless as Ramsey looked at Andrew and Jim. He then pressed the intercom button saying slowly, “Ms. Porter will see you out.”

  Jim looked at Ramsey, “Remember what I said, I will be back.”

  Connie Porter had appeared as if by magic; a frozen smile on her face, she stood by the door waiting to close it as the two men passed her on their way out. Andrew already in the corridor stopped and stepping back through the doorway looked at Ramsey, “I’ll be calling about that GCI interview, Mr. Ramsey. You might want to talk it over with Mr. Carr.”

  ✽✽✽

  Outside Jim rendered surprise, “GCI? What was that about, Andy,” Jim quizzed Andrew as they returned to the car. “What is all this stuff about GCI International? Is that what you wanted to talk with Klein about? If so I think you may have tipped your hand.”

  Andrew laughed, “Yeah, well don’t complain...I certainly didn’t expect you to accuse Ramsey of murder...twice! Wow! Did you see his face? I figured that I’d push him a little farther after you set him up. “He is very, very uncomfortable about our visit today and with any luck some of his associates won’t be happy either. “Now it’s our turn to watch. Yes, in answer to your question, Jim, GCI may well be a key to help sink Mr. Ramsey and some of his friends.”

  Washington D.C.

  Fred Wellman and Neil Klein looked at each other in surprise at hearing Nancy’s announcement that Lu Chan was waiting to see them.

  “He’s here?” Fred asked.

  Nancy responded, “Yes, he is in Mr. Klein’s office.”

  “We’ll be right there,” Neil said excitedly.

  A well dressed Chinese man was seated thumbing through the Washington Post which he folded and laid aside as Fred and Neil strode into the office.

  The two men greeted Lu Chan with warm handshakes both expressing pleasure and surprise.

  “What brings you to Washington?” Neil inquired.

  “I had orders to report to Langley...” Lu Chan looked at Fred, “Something about a new assignment. I thought I would try to see you and perhaps answer any questions that you might have. You see, I learned that George Kelshaw was killed in Seattle and I wanted to make certain that the information he was carrying reached you.”

  Neil was the first to speak and nodded affirmation, saying, “Yes, it’s true about George. With the help of a friend of Jack Hubbard’s, a newspaperman named Andrew Kincaid, the packet with the information is in our hands. Fred and I have been decipheri
ng some of the material from the packet.”

  Fred spoke, “We know most of the pieces of what happened to Paul Thayer and General Chernakov, except for the time between Nanning and your last contact with Chernakov.”

  Lu Chan nodded, “I will fill in some of the details for you,” he said remembering the last times he had interacted with Chernakov.

  “After our meeting in Nanning and learning that I was his contact, Chernakov went on to Hanoi to complete his mission for the Defense Ministry to obtain the captured American air navigation equipment and arrange for its delivery to the Soviet Union.”

  Lu Chan went on, “As he expected, it took approximately seven months to complete the negotiations for the equipment and arrange for its transport. I was in Hanoi again shortly before.

  “We were not in contact until immediately before he left for Moscow. He indicated that there would be another assignment to Hanoi and it would be his last before he could escape. I assured him he would be provided with weather updates on his return.”

  Fred and Neil were listening intently as Lu Chan quietly told the story of Chernakov’s preparations to defect.

  “When he came back to Hanoi in January, we met briefly at China’s military Headquarters to discuss some matters regarding U.S. prisoners. The General was very cautious in our meeting. He told me he had had a conversation with GRU Chief, Yuri Karpov before leaving Moscow, Karpov told him of a suspected defection of a very important high level person. Chernakov said the information had been given Karpov by a contact in a cell group he had been working with in Paris. His contact was a woman from Saigon.”

  “Lia Dupre`,” Neil interrupted; her name was Lia Dupre`.”

  Nodding, Lu Chan continued, “Two days later, Chernakov contacted me—it was brief. He told me Karpov was at the Soviet Embassy in Hanoi. He was to meet him that afternoon.

  “I gave him the information and the location where he would rendezvous with Thayer and he committed it to memory. He would be picked up the next morning by a Chinese supply truck, I would be the driver. The destination was an abandoned airfield in Laos.”