by Morris West
There was a brief murmur of assent. Tanaka waited a moment and then, in the same brusque, impersonal fashion, set down the information.
‘You all know that I am a dying man. I have, in the normal course of events, only a few months to live. I must look, therefore, to the speedy ordering of my affairs. I have already arranged, through a series of family and business transactions, an alliance between the House of Tanaka and the organisations controlled by my old friend Hisayuki Kobayashi. Each house will maintain its own identity and its own spheres of activities, but a family relationship now exists between them. The announcement of the merger will take place after the close of all stock exchange business this week. It will be obvious to you all that the new alliance creates a financial entity of enormous strength.
‘However, I shall no longer be directing policy. Therefore, I have provided that each of you shall be free either to continue your present financial relationships with the Tanaka Group or to make other arrangements at a fair market price. In your case, Gil, our contract has always provided that if we wished to sell our interest in Polyglot Press, the first offer should be made to your present staff. You may inform them that our offer is now on the table and banking arrangements can be made for them to take it up.’
It was a gesture in the old, princely style and I was grateful to him and glad that he still had the magnanimity to make it. However, this was no time for speeches and demonstrations. Kenji Tanaka was writing his own obit.
‘Now, to the business in hand, our negotiations with the Soviet Union. Our new associates have agreed that these negotiations should continue for the agreed period of two weeks. They are, however, convinced – as I am – that there is no possible hope of a resolution in that time. The whole apparatus of central government in the Soviet Union has broken down and there is no hope of restoration other than by bloody repression and ultimate dictatorship, or by the slow and painful process of consensus based upon common need. Either way, there is little hope of realistic commercial agreements in the immediate future. This diagnosis will, we believe, be confirmed in a forthcoming report by the International Monetary Fund.
‘In practical terms, therefore, we should seek to preserve the goodwill which we have established, to capitalise at some time the investment we have already made in this plan and, at the same time, keep the goodwill of our bankers and investors. It is better that we should be known as prudent protectors of their funds than as profligate spenders of them. I would welcome your comments on this, gentlemen. Carl?’
Once again I had to give Leibig top marks. He was fully in command of himself and of the situation. Your personal news distresses me, Kenji. I will not embarrass you with sympathy. I respect your frankness and I have to say, with great regret, that I agree with your business assessment. A few weeks, even a few days, ago, I should have been prepared to go ahead alone, with a modified version of this plan, for the republics west of the Urals. Now I cannot see even that happening. I think we have to withdraw, but I believe we should do it with due respect for the difficulties in which the Soviets find themselves. We should not exacerbate those difficulties by untimely or intemperate announcements. In the end, I think we should agree a statement that the conference has been postponed while further studies are made by all parties. Would your colleagues agree to that, Kenji?’
‘I’m sure they would.’
‘I think we can do a lot better.’ Pavel Laszlo was bustling and combative. ‘This was a Soviet initiative, remember. They invited a proposal from Carl, Carl co-opted the Tanaka Group. Together, you put up an expensive and well-founded project on the minimal assumption that the central government could sign, seal and deliver binding agreements for the whole country. For the present at least, they can’t do that. So, before all our work becomes public property, before this conference breaks up, we’ve got to lodge some formal demands: for compensation, for first and last bid if and when the market opens again and any other goddam shopping items you can dream up. To hell with their difficulties, Carl! They’re self-inflicted. To hell with their goodwill. Of all the animals in creation, politicians have the shortest memories. We’re not professional mourners. We’re dollars and cents men, experts like plumbers and electricians. We give service, we expect to be paid. If we give free service, as we have done in this case, we expect to be called for the job that pays money. What say you, Gil?’
‘I agree with you, Pavel, but I’ve got a couple of footnotes to make. All the Soviet delegates are bred to the same system: the hierarchy, the nomenklatura. So, at the end of the day each one is going to be covering his own arse, with his own set of excuses in his own collection of memos. In that operetta, we are cast, naturally, as the nasties. I don’t think we should let it happen that way. We’ve begun with a very positive press release. We have to maintain that tone, while at the same time being very clear about the real difficulties that exist in Moscow, difficulties which we recognise may become insuperable. In short, our message is: the plan is great. There’s money to make it work, but the Soviets have to put their political house in order before we can commit the funds of our investors. That’s the first note. The second is about another matter altogether. I was warned today by Max Wylie that Israeli Intelligence, Mossad, has got hold of Marta Boysen’s thesis and is preparing to launch a press campaign against what they are calling, “this new Berlin/Tokyo axis”.’
‘Do you believe that?’ The challenge came from Laszlo. ‘I don’t. It’s a fairytale, an anti-Jewish propaganda piece.’
‘I take everything that comes from so-called Intelligence sources with a large grain of salt. Wylie’s explanation is that this is part of a campaign of reprisals for anti-Semitic demonstrations in Germany and in Russia itself. On the other hand, it’s possible that Wylie himself is the instigator. Whatever its origin, the campaign will begin very soon. We have to be ready for it.’
‘In view of this new information,’ Tanaka thrust himself back into the discussion, ‘I ask why we continue to spend time and money on a cause we all know to be lost. Why not cut our losses now and get out clean, without having to answer to anybody? I know that’s the solution my colleagues would prefer, although they have agreed not to force it upon us. You’re the mediator, Gil. What’s your advice?’
‘Stick to protocols we’ve both agreed – open discussion, honest mediation. You spoke to General Popov this afternoon, Pavel. How did that talk go?’
‘Well enough. He was reluctant at first to move beyond a formal positive statement. Then he loosened up and admitted that he’s caught in a cleft stick between the military and the politicians. I think he was as open as he dared to be. For the present, at least, there’s no way the military will release rolling stock or aircraft into civilian hands.’
‘So let me talk to Vannikov. I’ll give him the gist of what’s been said here this evening, including our legitimate demands for a shopping list of compensatory items. I’ll ask his opinion about the quickest and easiest way to disengage. Remember, it’s his problem too. I’ll see if I can take him out to dinner tonight. I’ll report back to you before nine in the morning. Agreed?’
‘Agreed.’ It was a murmured chorus. Laszlo then faced me with a blunt question.
‘Why did Max Wylie want to see you?’
‘He said his wife was anxious to meet me.’
That raised a laugh, as I had hoped it might. It also prompted a tart little question from Carl Leibig.
‘How do you cope with all these women, Gil?’
‘Not well at all, Carl. But Wylie’s wife is pleasant enough. She’s number three and determined to have a long reign.’
‘What was the real reason for the invitation?’
There was a barb in Tanaka’s question that drew blood and made me irritated.
‘He was delivering a warning.’
‘About what?’
‘About Domenico Cubeddu who, as you know, is here in Bangkok and still waiting for your word on his acceptance as an investor in the Tanaka/Leibig
syndicate.’
‘Which will soon be a dead letter.’
‘But he doesn’t know that and when he reads our first press report he will note that the Japanese funds are already fully subscribed. He will be insulted and vindictive. Meantime, however, he is using the good offices of Hoshino, who is also in town, to set up his own connection with the local drug lords.’
Tanaka gave a shrug and a small wintry smile. ‘I wish him luck.’
‘He is, I am told, under surveillance by the Thai police and his telephone is bugged. The DEA liaison office here has copies of the tapes.’
‘And how is that supposed to concern you or us?’
‘Marta Boysen’s thesis on Haushofer was leaked. It is still an embarrassment to us. These tapes could embarrass all of us, you especially, Kenji.’
‘Did your Max Wylie have any suggestion as to how we might avoid such embarrassment?’
‘I asked him the same question. His answer was that I shouldn’t stir the soup, because I was likely to get scalded; that I should keep my hands in my pockets and my mouth shut.’
‘Sound advice.’ Laszlo got up to leave. ‘You owe us nothing. Why stick your neck out?’
‘It is not our wish to put you at risk,’ said Carl Leibig. He, too, was on his way to the door. I was just turning to follow them when Kenji Tanaka called me back.
‘Do you mind staying, Gil? I need a few moments of your time.’
He was obviously embarrassed, so I tried to take some of the heat out of the occasion. I thanked him for his offer to sell his interest in Polyglot Press to my staff and told him I would put their response on the table as soon as possible. He made a small cautionary gesture.
‘Don’t delay, Gil. I’m not going to be around very long.’
‘But you said a few months.’
‘Much less, Gil. I am taking the shortest road possible to join my ancestors. I have no time left for bargaining and none for revenge either. So, whatever you have to tell me, I should like to hear now.’
‘In that case, I’d like to have Miko here.’
For a longish moment I thought he was going to refuse, then he got up, opened the door to the adjoining room and summoned Miko to join us.
When she was seated, he announced in his brusque fashion: ‘Gil has something to communicate to me. He insists you hear it too.’
‘Why, Gil?’
‘So that you will hear exactly what I am reporting in the words which I am using. How do you want to hear it, in English or Japanese?’
‘You conversed with Wylie in English,’ said Tanaka curtly. ‘You should report in English.’
‘This afternoon, I was invited to tea with Max Wylie and his wife. They are here on vacation, but he is obviously in touch with local colleagues. He told me, among other things, that Domenico Cubeddu is seeking to establish a connection with local drug lords. He is under surveillance by the Thai police and by local US narcotics agents working in co-operation with them. Cubeddu’s phone is bugged. There is a record of a conversation between you, Miko, and Cubeddu. Copies of that tape are in the hands of the Thai police and US officials.’
There was no change in Miko’s expression. She simply nodded and asked a bald question: ‘Did Wylie say what was on the tape?’
‘He described the contents. He didn’t render them verbatim.’
‘Tell me what he said, please.’
‘He said the conversation dealt with the financial arrangements between you and Cubeddu: a finder’s fee for the introduction into this current project and a million dollars held in escrow against a favourable outcome. If you lost the million you could recover it by agreeing to work for Cubeddu on the Coast and in Japan and by providing sexual hospitality to Cubeddu.’
‘And my reply?’
‘You had loyalties to Kenji Tanaka. You would do nothing to hurt him. When he was no longer here, you might discuss business.’
‘Anything else?’
‘Cubeddu wanted sex with you then and there. He didn’t get it.’
‘Did Wylie have any comment?’
‘Yes. If the tapes were leaked and the Cubeddu connection became known, Kenji would be gravely embarrassed. More importantly, he suggested that you were in personal danger.’
‘What sort of danger?’
‘His exact words were: “The lady Miko could have a very short life.” End of report, end of story.’
‘Thank you, Gil.’ Miko was very calm and composed.
‘My thanks also,’ said Kenji Tanaka. ‘You have done us both a service. Now, if you will excuse us, we need to be alone for a little while.’
I let myself out of the room and went upstairs to call Boris Vannikov. Tanya answered.
‘He’s in the shower. Can I have him call you back?’
‘What’s he doing tonight?’
‘He’s taking me to dinner.’
Tell him to cancel it. I’m taking you both.’
‘If it’s business, the answer’s no.’
‘It is business and if you’re supposed to be reporting to Moscow, you’d better hear it too. Besides, I’ll feed you better than Boris can.’
‘Hold on a minute. He’s just coming out of the bathroom.’
There was a murmur of talk in the background and then Boris came on the line. ‘Gil. What’s this about a business dinner?’
‘The roofs falling in and the floor’s collapsing. I’m commissioned to take you to dinner and report back to our people in the morning. If you want to bring Tanya, that’s fine.’
‘She’d better be there. She’s an official monitor for Moscow. How serious is this?’
‘Three days short of Judgment Day.’
‘Where are we eating? What time? What’s the dress?’
‘Meet me on the landing stage at eight. We’re going across the river. Dress is casual.’
‘The food had better be good.’
‘It will be.’
My next call was to Siri. She had just finished her business day. Would she be free to partner me at an eight o’clock dinner? She would be delighted. Would she call Madame Loi and ask her to prepare a dinner for four in her river room? It would be done. The guests? I explained who they were and why the occasion, for all its informality, was of diplomatic importance. I also explained that Boris Vannikov was a notable connoisseur of women. Siri laughed happily.
‘Good. I love to be courted. Have you seen Marta today?’
‘Not a chance. I’m about to call her.’
‘Give her my good wishes.’
‘I’ll do that. We’ll see you just after eight.’
‘Come to my house for a cocktail. Then we’ll all stroll round the corner to Madame Loi’s.’
I was about to call the hospital when Laszlo telephoned me. He wanted to know whether I had fixed my dinner date with Vannikov. When I told him it was arranged, he grunted approval.
‘Good. I’m taking the General for a meal with our local manager. I just wanted to be sure you and I are following the same script as we agreed with Tanaka.’
‘Exactly the same. How is Leibig handling the decision?’
‘Very well. He’d prefer to play the conference right out to the final session, but he’s agreed to suspend judgment until your report is delivered. He is, however, enormously worried about Hoshino and Cubeddu.’
‘He has reason to be. I’m hoping, however, that Tanaka will find his own solution to the problem.’
‘Have you any idea what that might be?’
‘None. I don’t want to speculate. In fact, I don’t want to know. I’d like to wake up one morning and find it’s simply gone away.’
‘Keep your fingers crossed, Gil.’ There was a touch of gallows humour in his laugh. ‘Touch wood and stroke your rabbit’s foot. We’re a long way east of Suez. Anything can happen.’
After that I called Marta at the clinic. She was feeling much stronger. She had walked about the room and down the corridors. They had taken her off the drip and were feeding her liquids and l
ight nourishment. She hoped to be discharged the day after tomorrow. Franz had called to see her. He had brought the most beautiful orchids and entertained her with gossip and scandal. Miko had telephoned just before me. It was a goodbye call. She was flying back to Tokyo in the morning. She would stay there a week and then return to Los Angeles. She sounded strained. She was glad to be leaving Bangkok. The conference had been, for the most part, a bore, little groups of delegates huddled in technical talk. After all that had happened, this was the best way to say goodbye, yes? I agreed it was. I promised on my scout’s honour to visit her the next day. ‘Goodnight, schatzi, and golden dreams.’
My final call was to Tanaka. I made it on an impulse, because I was concerned at the news of Miko’s imminent departure. However, I approached that subject walking on tiptoe by a roundabout route.
‘Kenji? Gil. I thought you’d like to know that the dinner with Vannikov is arranged. He’s elected to bring Tanya, who is also one of Moscow’s monitors. I’m happy about that. Laszlo is taking General Popov to dinner. That will give us two angles on the same subject. I’d suggest an eight o’clock breakfast meeting to compare notes before the conference resumes. I think it best you call Leibig and Laszlo and set it up.’
‘I’ll do that, Gil. Anything else?’
‘I spoke with Marta Boysen. She’ll be discharged in the next forty eight hours. She told me Miko had called to say goodbye. Is this a sudden decision?’
‘It’s a prudent one, in view of your report.’
‘What flight is she taking?’
‘JAL. Why do you ask?’
‘I believe she should be accompanied until she is ready to board.’
‘Thank you for the thought, Gil. It is already arranged. Two of my staff will ride with her to the airport and see her through Immigration. There she will be met by a senior police officer and a male member of JAL service staff. She will remain in the VIP room until a few moments before departure.’