by Pirate Irwin
Suddenly the atmosphere changed as the group’s previous looks of condescension, reserved for the elderly and young children, changed to ones of respect.
“As a result, while obviously Leclerc cannot be present in Paris as he continues to restore some pride to the French Army, Driant here is his representative and will transmit the news to him directly when our coup is successful.
“Leclerc has sworn on receiving the news that while he cannot supply us with troops, for they are needed in the theatre of war, he will issue a statement to the effect he is supporting us and we represent the recognised government of France,” said de Cambedessus, the smile on his face now a broad one as he absorbed the admiring glances from his accomplices.
Lafarge thumped the table along with the others in congratulating de Cambedessus on his success in securing the agreement of France’s leading General in the field.
However, Lafarge felt sick to the stomach as he realised the effect Leclerc’s switch would have on the French population. Already fatigued, starving and fed up at seeing no visible improvement in their daily lives, they would probably accept the return of the Comte if he was backed by the one military man who, aside from de Gaulle, still enjoyed their respect.
He tried to look as nonchalant as possible as he walked to the drinks trolley and helped himself to another cognac.
He was beginning to feel he had fatally underestimated de Cambedessus. The time he had been left to kick his heels had been used to great effect by the colonel. It had obviously been planned this way to bring him in, but at the very last moment, so that if he proved to be a plant he could not hijack the negotiations with Leclerc.
Now he had to try and find a way of warning Pinault and Luizet. However, could he trust either of them? If Leclerc was a supporter then there may be others seen as totally loyal to de Gaulle who had also sworn their allegiance to the coup plotters waiting in the wings to openly declare for them. Even if they weren’t in league with the plotters their resolve to oppose de Cambedessus might wilt on hearing a man of the stature of Leclerc was involved.
The trouble was that he and most of France, on both sides of the equation, had been so used to dealing in subterfuge for the past few years nobody really knew whose side each one was on. It came almost as second nature to say one thing and do another. In the end he, Levau, even the Courneuves, were expendable pawns in the game of political chess and battle for supremacy.
Lafarge was yet to learn from de Cambedessus what was his role to be before he was sacrificed, probably released into the hands of Macaire.
First, though, he had to hear what McLagan was to bring to the table.
It turned out it was equally demoralising listening to those who still swore fidelity to de Gaulle for the American was, it turned out, an unofficial emissary from Ike. It transpired President Roosevelt had once again vacillated about the sagacity of having such an independent-minded man as de Gaulle taking power and was looking for a more pliable alternative.
Confident, indeed emboldened, by the successes on the battlefield in France and the élan that Leclerc was bringing to the campaign and thus garnering positive headlines in the French press, the commander-in-chief was prepared to support the Comte as the next head of state.
This was certainly the impression McLagan had given de Cambedessus, but again on the proviso nothing was revealed publicly until the coup had taken place.
Lafarge was fast sinking into despair. The dice, as the Americans enjoyed saying, were seemingly loaded in favour of the men sitting round the table.
Even low-lifes like Macaire and Joanovici could come out on top and get another chance they did not merit. Basking in this certainty of success, all the men round Lafarge looked extremely pleased with themselves as they sucked on expensive cigars and drank fine wines or the finest cognac.
“So to you, Lafarge,” said de Cambedessus almost as an afterthought.
“You are the last but not least part of the plot,” he added smiling, though his eyes lacked warmth but then that was nothing new when it came to addressing Lafarge.
“In fact you hold the key to the success of this operation, and is why I reluctantly acceded to General McLagan’s request for you to be involved. You are only here because you unfortunately were appointed lead investigator on the murder of the Baron, which was so clumsily carried out by Courneuve and as a result you became aware of the plot.
“However, you have convinced General McLagan of your sincerity in wishing for de Gaulle’s removal so I am inclined to believe you. A lot hinges on your role, Lafarge – without you the whole plot could fail – and yet it may seem to you what we want you to do doesn’t add up to much.
“With de Gaulle still out of Paris on his victory tour, it leaves Palewski as the most senior representative in the capital. Yes, he has returned, Lafarge, perhaps a prescient sense of what might be taking place as he is no fool. Well, he isn’t perfect because he has trusted me,” said de Cambedessus laughing.
The others joined in, Joanovici slapping the table with his hand so hard his signet ring made a mark on it. Lafarge didn’t bother to laugh this time; he was too apprehensive of what lay in store for him.
“Lafarge, you are to go to the Crillon tomorrow morning and arrest Palewski for ordering the murder of the Baron. You will subsequently offer a deal to Madame Courneuve that she testifies to Palewski having been the mastermind and in return she will be spared the guillotine.
“You should be good at that, Lafarge, as you have quite a way with damaged good-looking women, why you may even provide Madame Courneuve with a happy home once she comes out of prison,” said de Cambedessus, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Lafarge smiled and thought that at least he was unaware of Berenice’s pregancy or their plans, but that was of little consequence to what had been outlined for him the next day.
“How exactly do you think I can convince my superiors Palewski is implicated? I think they will need rather more than just a hunch I suddenly came up with. It’s not like the days of old where trumped-up charges sufficed for the likes of Macaire,” said Lafarge.
De Cambedessus smiled triumphantly and pointed to a folder in front of him.
“Ah, it is here, Chief Inspector. All the evidence you require. While he has been following his master round France I have been keeping myself busy in utilising some of Joanovici’s old contacts in the forgery business and compiled a very incriminating case against Palewski.
“Here, you can take it with you and show Pinault. I think after he has read it there will be no problem in obtaining an arrest warrant. Once it is carried out de Sarrandon will replace Palewski in his suite and in his position and the Comte de Paris will join him to make a broadcast to the French people.
“When Palewski’s arrest is made public then I think de Gaulle’s position will be untenable as the scandal will envelop him too. The people will want to know how much he knew or was he even involved.
“It will be presented as a murder motivated by avoiding a scandal over the Baron’s behaviour when he was sent to Algeria and his own involvement in a gruesome murder of a young Algerian pederast.
“There, Lafarge, is the incontrovertible proof as to why General de Gaulle does not deserve to lead France, but that a man of impeccable breeding and morals such as the Comte de Paris is the right man and has the all-important support of not only the Americans but also General Leclerc.”
Lafarge conceded the plan was a brilliantly conceived one. De Cambedessus appeared to have acquired all the elements required to make it work but there were things that needed confirmation, and he wanted to dent the colonel’s seemingly unlimited self-confidence, at the same time sewing doubt in the minds of his fellow conspirators.
Desperadoes they might be but at least two of them – Joanovici and Macaire – cared very much that they backed the right horse and any sign it wasn’t could set them thinking perhaps it was time to switch mounts again and try and work out a deal with Pinault.
“It all sounds ex
tremely detailed and well-planned, Colonel,” said Lafarge trying to sound civil.
“However, a couple of things concern me. Firstly, how certain are you of Leclerc’s support. I doubt he would be so naïve as to put it in writing, so apart from his former commanding officer’s word do you have anything more concrete?
“Secondly, there appears to be very little mention of troops on the ground. Apart from Chabrol’s men in the provinces and that fellow …” Lafarge refused to even name Macaire “… and his thugs attempting to retake the Quai, I don’t see how you can hope to assume control of radio stations and points of military interest without them.
“Finally what happens to Palewski and General de Gaulle and his other followers afterwards? I would personally advise against show trials or any bloodletting – there can be plenty of that when or if Petain, Laval and Bousquet return.
“I don’t think it would be wise to test French public opinion with vengeful attacks on a man considered a hero. Forgive me if I take your name in vain, Chabrol, but I venture you would not be favorable to it either. I imagine without his support through the dark years you would not have had the resources to be so effective,” added Lafarge.
Chabrol, who had the unimpressive physique of a scarecrow but possessed striking blue eyes which lent him an air of both intelligence and determination, nodded.
“I agree with you, Lafarge. I didn’t appreciate a lot of the orders that came out of London during the Occupation and there were too many concessions to the Communist elements among the Resistance.
“However, I cannot stand by and allow the General to be put on the same footing as those Vichy low-lifes and tried. If that is the plan, Colonel, then I will have to reconsider my position,” said Chabrol in his pleasant southern French burr.
Lafarge felt heartened by Chabrol’s support, but he realised soon enough that was the limit of it. Macaire screamed drunken abuse and Joanovici and McLagan also voiced their disagreement in more measured tones.
Driant and de Sarrandon stayed silent. De Cambedessus twiddled with the ends of his moustache, his eyes glinting with undisguised hatred at Lafarge for provoking disquiet in his previously docile group.
“I can see why Bousquet wanted rid of you, Lafarge. You really do not know when it is best to cede ground and hold your tongue when it is the wisest thing to do,” said de Cambedessus sounding exasperated.
“I will nevertheless address the points you have raised as you appear to have pricked Chabrol’s conscience.
“Firstly, General Driant, for he has a name Lafarge, assures me Leclerc has given him his unqualified assent he will support us. If you wish for a firmer sign than that then I suggest you drive to his headquarters and ask him yourself,” added de Cambedessus, his sarcasm prompting laughter round the table.
“Your question about troops, as you can imagine the majority are otherwise engaged. Unless you had forgotten in the euphoria of Paris being liberated, the war is still going on. The Germans, despite their many faults, are proving particularly stubborn and courageous fighters. If only our lot and the British had shown similar resilience in 1940 we may not have been having this conversation,” he said with a supercilious sigh.
Lafarge grimaced at the final remark.
“My men fought with great courage, Colonel. It is a pity that you and your like, sitting in the safety of some chateau, drinking and whoring, failed to do your jobs adequately. I say you succeeded in taking the word intelligence out of your job description,” said Lafarge angrily.
He could feel the atmosphere go very tense; even de Sarrandon twitched showing a sign of life not evident till then and Chabrol shot him a warning glance.
“Yes well, Lafarge, we will allow the historians to judge on that matter. We are not here to debate events of four years ago or to insult each other,” said de Cambedessus surprisingly calmly.
“Anyway we will have enough manpower to take control of the key points. That is my area of expertise and I have every faith in the men I have entrusted the tasks to.
“In terms of General de Gaulle and Palewski, we can hand the latter back to the English as they like each other and he is a keen supporter of English womanhood,” said de Cambedessus showing a rare glimpse of humour.
“The General of course is the thorniest issue and one I have discussed at length with the Comte.
“We have decided, or at least the Comte has, me being just his humble servant, it would not be wise to send him into exile. I was informed by General McLagan he had made this clear to you, Lafarge,” said de Cambedessus reproachfully.
Lafarge replied he had but that he required clarification.
“Well we could try and hand him back to the British and request they send him to St Helena as they did with Bonaparte,” said Driant with a faint smile.
“Or send him to Devil’s Island like that Jew Dreyfus,” slurred Macaire.
De Cambedessus smiled patronisingly.
“Very good, gentlemen, always refreshing to have an injection of ideas and humour,” he said through gritted teeth.
It amused Lafarge as his seeking clarification had provoked an unnecessary distraction and upset de Cambedessus’s smooth running of the meeting.
“Whatever the outcome, the General will be not be harmed by us physically, unless he proves troublesome during his arrest, and will be looked after. For the moment we have an idea of sending him to the Pierre Levée on the Ile d’Yeu where he can be locked up and kept there until we are satisfied he will cause us no trouble,” said de Cambedessus.
“I trust that is enough reassurance for you, Chabrol, and even for you, Lafarge,” added de Cambedessus.
Chabrol looked at Lafarge, then at de Cambedessus and nodded. It left Lafarge on his own and although he thought the phrase ‘looked after’ was ambiguous at best he accepted he could not press the point any further and held up his hands in mock surrender.
With that de Cambedessus rose and tugged at a tasseled rope beside one of the three doors of the room. He walked back to his chair, looking every inch the conquering hero, only pausing to pour himself a glass of whisky.
Fremont appeared in answer to the tugging of the bell.
“Ah, Captain Fremont, would you bring in the package you were tasked with looking after,” said de Cambedessus.
The colonel turned to Lafarge as Fremont exited.
‘You may have thought, Lafarge, once the meeting was over you could go straight to the Quai and report all you have learned here this morning. Indeed you may have been wondering why we were waiting for 24 hours and presenting you with a window of opportunity to prevent it going ahead.
“That is, of course, only if you are not wholly committed.
“McLagan thinks you are, but I am suspicious, it is the nature of my day job to be so. Thus I have taken the precaution of obtaining some insurance so you will not betray us.
“It has been extremely fortuitous, took up a lot of time and expenditure, for which I am indebted to Joanovici for footing the bill,” he said tilting his head to the collaborator as a mark of gratitude.
Lafarge was completely at a loss as to what de Cambedessus could be alluding to. The door opened and through it came Pierre, the son Lafarge had thought he would never see again.
Lafarge went rigid and choked back tears. Having recovered from the acute shock at seeing Pierre alive he rose from his chair to embrace him. His son, who appeared to be physically fine and was well groomed though the clothes he wore – a beige jacket and corduroys – were a size too big for him, glanced at him and instead of running to Lafarge went and put his arms round Chabrol’s neck.
Lafarge tried to hide the pain he felt, but he was deeply hurt and even more so the scene had taken place in front of this group.
“Ah, I see Pierre has a similar attitude to you as I do, Lafarge – to keep you at arm’s length. Pity my wife didn’t feel the same way,” said de Cambedessus acidly, to which all the assembled group bar Chabrol laughed.
The words hit home
and Lafarge, overcome with emotion, could not hold back anymore.
“Well at least I can provide her with children something you are patently incapable of doing,” he shouted.
He instantly regretted it as Pierre grabbed an even tighter hold of Chabrol’s scrawny neck and flashed a look close to disgust at him. De Cambedessus remained impassive and fiddled with the papers in front of him before taking a sip of whisky and dabbing at the corners of his moustache with a handkerchief.
“Lafarge, I don’t think this is the time for an airing of our personal dislike for each other. We have far more pressing and important tasks and we all need to keep our emotions in check otherwise we risk losing our focus and, as a result, our heads,” said de Cambedessus, his tone back in neutral.
Lafarge grunted his assent and held his tongue.
“Now to enlighten you, Lafarge, on why your son is so keen on Chabrol’s neck it is because our Resistance hero has protected him ever since he was brought ashore by a fisherman.
“Once it had been ascertained none of his family were among the survivors brought to that fishing village the fisherman, being a friend and informant of Chabrol’s, thought it best to hand him over especially as Pierre had told him his father had been a top policeman in Paris.
“The fisherman, being relatively intelligent for his kind, figured the only reason a former top policeman would be fleeing abroad would be because he had some problems with the Nazis.
“He didn’t see why a boy should suffer the consequences of his father’s actions – we are all sadly aware the Nazis and Vichy didn’t care how many members of a family were punished for another’s ‘crimes’ – and he would be safer with Chabrol’s cell.
“As you can see, Chabrol looked after him very well and for that you owe him a great debt of gratitude.
“It was just my great fortune that Joanovici here, being the scheming Jew he is and keeping all options open throughout the war, knew Chabrol. When he went to see him to get his support for our little plan he offered us this little goldmine at a price mind you, and voilà …” said de Cambedessus sitting back looking smugly at Lafarge.