The embassy was quiet when Chernakov arrived and was escorted into an office where Yuri Karpov waited. “Good afternoon, Comrade General,” Karpov smiled, “You are surprised to see me here so soon after we last talked; yes?”
Thoughtfully, Chernakov nodded, “Yes, Colonel; I find it surprising that you are here, considering the topic of conversation at our last meeting. Either the reason you are here is more important or you found the defector or perhaps you found that the information was incorrect. In any case, you wanted to meet with me today; how can I be of service?” Chernakov asked calmly.
The GRU chief studied Chernakov a moment before answering, “Yes, Chernakov, it is important; the information is correct. The defector is the reason I am here.”
Chernakov winced internally at Karpov’s announcement, though outwardly he remained reserved and business-like. “I am very interested in your discovery, Comrade,” he said.
“You should be General; you will find it very interesting. It was a process of elimination that led me to my conclusion. There are a few in our country that would cause some concern should they decide to leave; artists particularly make good propaganda for the West. They are often used by the American press and Hollywood. Naturally they cause embarrassment. We have been very watchful of our performers—they are not allowed to travel easily.
“Then, there are those who work in embassies and the United Nations in the U.S., but they have no reason to defect. They are able to enjoy the decadent capitalist lifestyle in their assignments. Besides, many of them have much to hold them in USSR, families, spouses and children.
“So I asked myself who is well known; what kind of person would be a large coup for America...? Who would stand out on the world stage as a great loss for USSR? Who has no one to hold him? Then I know, Chernakov, it is you!
“For all the reasons we send you here to Hanoi and to Bejing and Havana to negotiate; and to state our interests to the West and NATO countries. You who are a hero to our people...of all possibilities, Chernakov, it is you.”
Karpov had stood with his back toward Chernakov and whirled around pointing his finger in Pyotr’s face he stated again, loudly this time, “It is you!”
Also standing now, Chernakov inhaled deeply and looked down into the watery eyes of the GRU chief, speaking slowly and with restrained anger, “You know Colonel, some situations can withstand the strain of false accusations, however, I will tell you this is not one of them.
“Although I consider myself to be a somewhat modest man, I believe my service to my country speaks for itself and let me assure you that this accusation will not be forgiven by me and certainly not by the Politburo or I doubt by Brezhnev himself.
“I want you to know, Karpov, you have overstepped your authority and it will not be forgotten!” Chernakov saw a moment of doubt register on Karpov’s face.
“I am leaving now, Colonel; I have some military business to attend to with some of our Chinese and North Vietnamese Comrades, that will take me on another journey into Laos regarding some American prisoners; this meeting is over.
“One more thing, I insist Karpov, that any further discussion of this matter be delayed until we are once again in Moscow and it can be brought before the Party,” Chernakov stated offensively.
Karpov was clearly stymied for the moment, though unconvinced by Chernakov’s attack; his words were that of a gambler hedging his bet, “Perhaps you are right, Chernakov, the Party should deal with this.”
As Lu Chan related Chernakov’s story of his encounter with Karpov, Wellman and Klein listened without interruption until then Neil commented, “Apparently Karpov wasn’t willing to let that happen.”
“That’s correct,” Lu Chan agreed, “He had determined that Chernakov was now a liability. Either way, Karpov was on trial...if Chernakov returned to Moscow and accused him, Karpov would be at best demoted and at worst sent to Siberia for ‘retraining’. On the other hand, if Chernakov defected Karpov would be held responsible for not seeing it coming. There was only one thing to do and that was to kill Chernakov.
“The General had figured it out too, so it was not a total surprise when the next morning Chernakov found himself under military guard at Karpov’s orders.
“When Chernakov met the supply truck he was accompanied by the guard. Apparently, word of the rendezvous point had reached Karpov and the guard was to make certain that Chernakov died.
“As I told you, I was the driver of the truck. It was a long ride and we were a short distance from the airstrip when the guard indicated we should stop; I pretended not to understand and he became very angry and pointed his gun at me. Chernakov ordered me in Chinese to stop. The guard ordered Chernakov out of the truck and told him to raise his hands. As he raised his weapon to shoot the General, I fired a short burst at him, killing him. The General jumped back into the truck and we went on to the airstrip. He got out and ordered me to leave him.”
Lu Chan was remembering his last words with Pyotr Chernakov, he said sadly, “He thanked me and told me to leave him there—we heard the helicopter in the distance and I saluted him and left at his direction. That was the last time I saw General Chernakov.” Lu Chan added, “He was one of the finest soldiers and bravest men that I shall ever know.”
Wellman and Klein were silent as Lu Chan concluded the last chapter in Chernakov’s life.
Drawing a deep breath Fred asked, “Where will your next assignment take you?”
Lu Chan smiled, “Back to Southeast Asia and possibly into China. I must leave soon; I am making a brief stop in Seattle where I have some unfinished business.
✽✽✽
Seattle
Friday afternoon
Ramsey was shaken by Carr accosting him in his office and later by the rash encounter with Detective Savalza and Andrew Kincaid. It was very clear that Kincaid knew something about GCI. “How and what did he find out? I’d better call Tokyo and then Coleman.”
Ramsey dialed Coleman’s office at DIA. “Brad I had an unpleasant meeting with Harrison Carr this morning; he knows about the break-in in Bangkok. He was contacted by Schneiderman. Zurich wants closure on this thing, Brad, Harrison also.”
Brad responded, “I will call Karel Schneiderman and get back to you Lyle.”
“I have a three o’clock meeting with Carr, Brad, how much should I tell him? He already suspects that it was you who contacted Bangkok and assured them that this thing would be handled here.”
Coleman could hear the apprehension in Ramsey’s voice. “Keep the lid on as much as possible, Lyle. Tell Carr that we know who the intruder was and that he has been neutralized; tell him we are uncertain what the damage may be at this time. I’ll call Schneiderman and the Bangkok office as well and tell them that.”
✽✽✽
Lyle entered Carr’s office promptly at 3:00 PM a sheaf of papers in his hand with rough notes.
“Sit down, Lyle,” Carr said somberly. “What do you have for me,” he asked glancing at the papers in Ramsey’s hand.
Lyle was prepared—“I have nothing in writing for you, Harrison; just some notes covering the items of your concern. Where would you like me to begin?”
“Let’s start at the beginning, Lyle.”
“Very well,” Lyle answered, “You recall, Harrison, the day I was called away from the partners’ meeting, I told you the next morning that something had come up that was somewhat risky. I had been approached by our Department of Defense representative for help with a problem. I was told there was a person with stolen GCI information who had escaped our Bangkok security by freighter and would be arriving in Seattle. The information this person had stolen could conceivably cause GCI and Ramsey & Carr a great deal of difficulty.
“The assignment was presented to me in an oblique and confidential manner as a way of protecting Ramsey and Carr and me individually as well as our contacts in the Department of Defense.
“The intruder was to be neutralized and it was done. Today our DOD contact is notifyi
ng Schneiderman and the Bangkok office giving them closure on the intruder. At the moment I know nothing more about this matter.”
Harrison Carr leaned back in his chair, “Thank you for your report, Lyle. I will follow up with Schneiderman as well; as a GCI board member, it is my responsibility to do so.
“I have one or two other questions for you; you were visited earlier by Seattle Police Detective James Savalza and Andrew Kincaid from the Seattle Times. Would you like to tell me why they were here?”
“No, Harrison, not at this time...,” Ramsey said impatiently.
Carr persisted, “My secretary overheard Kincaid say he would be calling about an interview regarding GCI and that you should talk it over with me...”
Looking at Carr, Lyle’s blue eyes flashed in anger. Taking a deep breath before responding he said, “I am not prepared to give an interview to Andrew Kincaid or anyone else about GCI without first discussing it with you, Harrison, and I haven’t time to do that right now. “I don’t mean to be rude, Harrison, while I appreciate your zealous safeguarding of our firm’s business ventures, at the moment I am unwilling to discuss this further.”
“You’re right, Lyle,” Carr was seemingly contrite. “I forgot the role I play here for a moment; I’ll see you in your office for our drink about 4:30 or 5:00.”
Ramsey returned to his office angry over his confrontation with his father’s long time partner. He felt like a chastised child. And yet Harrison Carr held the trump cards in Ramsey’s association with GCI.
✽✽✽
At 4:30 PM the receptionist at Ramsey & Carr was gathering her coat and purse preparing to leave for the day. On his way to Ramsey’s office, Carr passed Connie Porter on her way out as well. Pausing for a moment he asked pleasantly, “Are you on an errand for Lyle or are you leaving for the day, Miss Porter?”
“Yes, Mr. Carr, I am combining an errand for Mr. Ramsey and leaving a little early. I have some shopping to do and Mr. Ramsey said it would be all right not to return to the office. Is there something you needed?”
“No, no,” he said with a fatherly smile, patting her shoulder. “I was going to suggest that you play hooky the rest of the day and we’ll see you on Monday.”
Connie relaxed, she admired Harrison Carr and often times would do some little favor for him if his secretary was busy. “I see you’re on your way to Mr. Ramsey’s office for your Friday get together,” she smiled.
“That’s right, Connie, now you have a good weekend.”
Ramsey watched the old man enter his office. Though he was less angry than earlier he had not recovered entirely from Carr’s high-handed manner.
Lyle went to the bar and poured Scotch over ice in two crystal glasses; handing one to Carr, he returned to his desk, drink in hand, as Harrison settled in a chair across from him.
Raising his glass Carr lamented, “It’s been a hard day, Lyle; I want you to know that what I’m about to say is not personal.”
Finishing his drink and placing the glass on the desk, he calmly continued, “I’ve given this awkward situation a great deal of thought today, Lyle, and it seems to me as a director on the board of GCI that it is in the best interests of the corporation and of the firm as well, that you tender your resignation as a contract officer for GCI,” head nodding his assertion and his eyes narrowing as they met Lyle’s.
Ramsey was stunned. “I don’t know what to say, Harrison; although it’s clear that you have the final word in this matter, have you talked this over with Schneiderman?”
“Schneiderman agrees that your withdrawal is for the best.”
“What do you suggest I do, Harrison? I’m responsible for all those contracts...who...how should I...?” Ramsey fumbled.
Carr interrupted Ramsey’s question, “Lyle, I would like to dictate a personal letter written by you to me; I will send a copy to Schneiderman. It should be handwritten and brief.”
Still unbelieving, Ramsey numbed by surprise acquiesced to Carr’s press, taking stationery from his desk drawer, “Go ahead, Harrison,” he said in a dull voice.
Carr started, “Dear Harrison; I find myself in a situation which I am unable to resolve without scandalizing the firm of Ramsey and Carr. In my role as contract officer for our client GCI, I have made some serious errors in judgment...”
Lyle laid down the pen, “I can’t write this Harrison.”
“Yes, you can—believe me, this is for the best,” Carr insisted. “As difficult as it may be for you, Lyle, perhaps you should know that I am aware that the Bangkok break-in has led to some criminal activities whose repercussions will affect this firm.
“I’m no fool; I know that this morning’s visit by the Seattle Police Detective and the newspaperman, Andrew Kincaid is very much in response to these activities. I am determined to remove you as far as possible from GCI.”
Lyle thought for a moment then shaking his head in shocked silence once again picked up the pen.
Carr continued his dictation, “I realize this is a less than perfect way out, but I see no other way to protect you and the firm than to remove myself from the equation—I am sorry. Sincerely, Lyle.”
Harrison said, “Now sign it Lyle and I will copy it for Schneiderman.”
As Lyle scratched his signature, Carr quickly rose and stepped to the side of Lyle’s chair, a small revolver in his hand he fired into Ramsey’s temple. Wiping the gun clean of his fingerprints he forced it into Ramsey’s dead hand leaving him slumped across his desk, the ‘suicide’ note under his hand.
Harrison looked sadly at Ramsey’s form and looking at the portrait he said, “It had to be done, Lyle...for the good of the firm.”
✽✽✽
8:30PM
The cleaning crew methodically worked their way through the Ramsey & Carr offices; as one of the team opened the door of Lyle Ramsey’s office he yelled, “Hey better call 9-1-1 there’s a guy here and it looks like he’s dead.”
Savalza arrived at 9:15 and seeing the body of Lyle Ramsey he dialed the Convent of St. Helena where he knew Andrew Kincaid would be.
Andrew was preparing to say ‘goodnight’ after a festive dinner celebrating the removal of the bandages from Charlene Thayer’s eyes and the doctor’s report that there was no permanent damage. Charlene had given Father Ben a long embrace saying, “You never doubted, Father Ben,” and turning to Andrew, she smiled, “And neither did you.”
When Andrew took the call he wasn’t prepared for Jim’s message, “Andy, get yourself down here to Ramsey and Carr’s offices, Lyle Ramsey is dead!”
Surprised Andrew turned to Ben and Charlene, “I’m sorry to run out on you so fast. That was Jim Savalza and I have to see him right away, I’ll explain later.” He kissed Charlene on the cheek and hugged Sister Ruth before dashing out the door.
Andrew appeared at Ramsey’s office in less than twenty minutes. “What happened...who killed him?”
“Looks like a suicide, Andy,” Jim said pointing to the body lying across the desk. “And what looks like a suicide note was there, underneath. I’ve put in a call to Harrison Carr. The note was addressed to him, I expect him any minute now.”
“What does the note say?” curiosity urging Andrew.
As Jim read the brief note aloud Andrew looked around and saw the two bar glasses, “Looks like he had company...”
“He did, it was I,” the deep monotone voice of Harrison Carr answered Andrew’s comment.
Harrison Carr looked at the body of Lyle Ramsey and said shakily, “I--I must sit down—this is a terrible shock to me. I was just with Lyle a short time ago. We had our usual Friday afternoon drink together.”
“What time was that?” Jim asked.
“Around 4:30 or 5:00,” Harrison replied.
“Did he seem upset, Mr. Carr?” Jim spoke the questions in a detached manner, writing as the answers were given.
“Well yes, somewhat, but...” Carr shrugged, “As a matter of fact we did talk about...”
“About?” Jim press
ed.
“I didn’t think it was this serious,” Carr murmured.
Savalza was writing, “What was ‘this serious’?”
“I’m sorry, Detective; I can’t divulge any more information, it involves some of our clients. I want to help you, however I am in such a state of confusion and shock. I never thought Lyle Ramsey would ever consider this as a way out of anything. May I see the note?”
Jim handed the note that had been carefully placed in plastic, to Carr watching his face as he read.
Andrew pressed, “What did he mean about GCI...what serious errors, Mr. Carr?”
“I’m sorry...I simply cannot answer any more questions. I’m not thinking clearly; I really must go home...may I go detective?” Carr pleaded.
Jim looked at the obviously shaken elderly Carr, “Yes, Mr. Carr; I don’t see any reason for you to stay. I’ll have questions for you later, but right now—go ahead, go home.”
“Thank you, detective,” Carr paused, his voice breaking, “I’ve known Lyle Ramsey all of his life; his father and I,” pointing to the portrait looking down at them, “Started this firm over forty years ago. I cannot imagine life without Lyle.” Jim watched Carr, shoulders bent, walk wearily down the corridor to the elevator.
“Jim, I want to talk with him about GCI and I mean soon! He knows a lot more about this mess than he’s saying,” Andrew was adamant.
“Give it a rest, Andy; he’s an old guy and he’s got a lot on his shoulders right now.”
“Listen, Jim, that man is a formidable old alligator, save your pity...,”
Jim cut him off irritably, “Andrew, for crying out loud, have a little compassion! I’ll admit Carr is considered tough, but he’s still an old guy and he’s had a bad shock tonight.”
“And I thought the police were always suspicious of everyone,” Andrew shot back, “So you think it was a suicide?”
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