Mind Games
Chapter 2
"What are you doing?" Actor was flabbergasted. He never would have thought in a million years that they were capable of this. The only thing stopping him, though he did take a step in their direction before stopping, was that Chief was cutting around and not up. He was tearing a strip off the bottom of her skirt.
"We need a torch."
Still confused he asked, "Pardon me?"
"You," and Chief pointed his knife to the conscious man, "take off your shirt, his too." As the last of the strip he was ripping came free he stood and approached the man.
"Chief?" prompted Actor again.
"Need somethin' to burn."
"Ah." He understood now. "Casino, we need a stick or a branch."
The male prisoner watched as his captor approached then looked anxiously at Elsa. He had been frightened for her. The man with the knife was closing in. They were outnumbered and unarmed but he did not have to make it easy for them.
"Don't matter to me if it's got blood on it. Or holes."
Seeing the light glint off the blade and Elsa being released he realized that maybe it was better to cooperate. He took off his jacket and then his shirt. Replacing his jacket he turned to Ernest. There was blood on his head where they had hit him but he was breathing. Elsa came over and between them they got his shirt off then they sat back as the shirts were ripped into strips.
"Will this work?" asked Goniff as he held up the spanner Casino had used to knock out the first man.
Casino arrived holding a piece of two by four from a broken skid. Chief considered his options and took the wood. It was too long and heavy but the rough wood would hold the material better. It would also not get hot from the flames. He set to work tying and wrapping the strips around the end while Casino went to the car and opened the hood. They did not have a hose to siphon from the tank so they would have to do it the hard way.
Minutes later the torch was ablaze. Actor, holding Elsa in front of him led the way with Chief following with the torch held high, partly to help spread the light and partly to avoid the thick black smoke. As she led them down a side isle they saw that Casino had been right. There were trip wires and a mat studded with nails. The two had originally insisted that there was no one else in there, that it was just the three of them but they had heard the, "What do I do with him". Someone was in there and they were going to find out who it was. She led them to the Office in the back.
Actor took her with him as he entered the room. It was empty other than a bed and an IV pole with a bag attached. The needle end was on the floor in a growing puddle of clear liquid. Just outside the door was a pile of gauze.
"Lieutenant?" called Actor.
"He's out here," whispered Chief who had remained just outside the door. "Over that way," and he indicated to his left.
"Lieutenant, there are booby traps out there. Please stay where you are and we'll come to you." There was a crash as something large fell and they hurried in that direction.
"Warden?" called out Chief. "You all right?"
With the advantage of being able to see the obstacles they were able to catch up to the fleeing former prisoner. The tall lean blonde man wearing hospital pajamas had his back to the pile of skids. He was their 'Warden' but he showed no signs of recognition. Instead he turned his face away from the light and shuffled sideways trying to put more distance between them.
"Lieutenant? Warden, we've come to take you home."
That voice. He knew that voice. Who was he? He turned his head to see but the light hurt his eyes and they watered and closed involuntarily. He used his hand to shade his eyes and tried to open them hoping to block some of the light. He needed to see who was there. Was he one of the men who had stood by the door? Was he the one who came in and put a gun to his head? How was he to know? He had not seen them clearly. Go along with them. Let them think he believed them.
"I got scared. Where's Elsa? Is she here?"
"Yes, I'm here." If she was going to say more the arm around her throat convinced her not to. Actor abhorred the thought of hurting a woman but when it came down to the Warden's life, he would do what he had to do.
She sounded different. She had always sounded happy. Now she was scared or nervous. If she was in on conning him, and he was sure that was what was going on then, whoever this man was he must be telling the truth? Did that make sense? Or was this all part of the con. What did they want? Why was he being conned? He had been pondering these questions since he had seen that flash of reality when he took the bandages off. Now they wanted him to go with them? Where were they taking him? In his present condition he did not have a choice.
Careful not to release his prisoner Actor began shrugging out of his jacket. Chief saw what he was doing and reached out to assist. Once it was off Chief took it and moved in closer to drape it around his friend's shoulders. It was cold in the warehouse.
"Come, we will take you home now." The voice was gentle, almost familiar.
He took a step closer. Were they taking him back to that room? He wanted to escape but he knew he would never get out of this maze in the dark. He would have to try again. He was somewhat relieved when the tall man opened a door and he felt the colder air of outside. He might be out of the maze but he was in no condition to run. He continued to follow as he was led to a car. The door was opened and he sat. The car was cold but it was out of the breeze and the floor mat was warmer than the cold rough ground he had been walking on.
"Let me see your arm. Chief, bring the light closer." The man in the front seat held out his arm and turned his head away as the light drew near. Actor noted the reddened area where the tape had been pulled off and the spot of blood where the needle had been removed. He was going to have a nasty bruise there but other than that he looked to be relatively undamaged.
"Do you have a headache?" asked Actor. He was concerned that the Warden was still reacting to the light even though it was dwindling. Was the sensitivity from a concussion? Was it something else? Had they done something to his eyes so he could not identify them? If they had blinded him, he would kill the three of them himself including the woman.
"Warden, are your eyes bothering you?" The man's hand had gone to his eyes. "Can you look at me?" As he waited he noted that his hair was flattened around the sides of his head. He had been blindfolded. Maybe that was the cause. He watched as Garrison turned toward him, eye closed. Was there redness around his eyes? It was hard to tell in the weakening light of the torch.
"The next step is to get you back to London," said Actor, "and get our prisoners back as well." Garrison had sat with eyes closed for a time but now he put his head back. He was tired. Actor knew this was not the time to burden the man with what he planned to do next so he told him he would be back and he left.
"So, now what?" asked Casino. He looked to the three who sat leaning against the wall. The first man had regained consciousness. He looked even more miserable that the other two. He probably had a head ache but no one felt sorry for him.
"We need to get going."
"And them?"
"It will be a tight fit in the car but we cannot..."
"Hey, you two," said Casino as he pointed at the two men. Goniff still had the gun trained on them. "Get over here." They looked at each other but did not move. Casino knew what they were thinking. "Goniff, just shoot them," and he turned back to the car.
"No, wait!" and the two men got up with the nameless man helping Ernest. He was a little unsteady on his feet. When they reached the car Casino opened the trunk and gestured inside. "We can't… You can't make…" they protested.
"Goniff." They climbed into the trunk and he shut the lid. "Now there's room."
They all got into the car with the woman in the middle in the back. While the car warmed up Chief noted the gas gauge. "We ain't got enough gas to get back." From the back seat Actor suggested he take them into the downtown area.
"Stations are all closed."
"Yes, but if we find a call box, we can summon help."
Half an hour later they found what they needed but it took another twenty minutes before he could get through to anyone who would take him seriously. Finally he was given an address and told to wait there, that someone would come for them.
Chief kept the car running to provide heat for the Lieutenant. Actor got out and tapped on the trunk lid, checking on its occupants before returning to the car's interior. The night was getting colder.
Several minutes after the car's engine chugged and died a policeman approached and asked if they were all right. Actor told him they had run out of gas and were waiting for a friend who was coming to help them.
"A policeman is always your friend. Come. I will take you to a place you may spend the night."
The place was an Inn called the Miller's Pantry where they were given two rooms. At Actor's insistence the three suspects were taken to the Police station where they were to be held for the Military Police.
Once inside, Actor led the Officer to the bed and Garrison sat heavily, eyes tightly closed. The conman was unsure how to proceed. He did not want to press the man but he needed to know what he had said. He could leave it to the Military who would undoubtedly interrogate him in the morning when they got to London but he wanted to help him if he could. First he had to put him at ease.
"How are you feeling, any better?"
The answer was a guarded, "Some."
That told Actor that he was still suspicious. There had not been any signs of recognition so he had to assume that whatever was in the IV was affecting his perception. All he could do was hope it wore off, soon. His eyes were another concern. Was this sensitivity temporary? What would happen if these symptoms were permanent?
"Can I get you anything? There is a kitchen downstairs and a well-stocked bar. A brandy perhaps?"
"No. Thanks. I think I'll just rest until it's time to go." He lay back on the bed and put his forearm over his eyes.
Actor wanted to question him farther but was afraid to push him. That would only defeat the purpose. Leaving only the small bedside lamp on, he headed downstairs.
"Warden," the Englishman said quietly, "are you awake? I 'ope you're all right. We come looking as soon as we could. You weren't easy to find. Glad you're back though."
"Yeah," said Casino. "You know, that'll teach you to go off on your own."
"Get some rest and we'll see you in the morning," added Goniff.
There was silence for a minute and if Garrison had been aware he would have known that there was someone in the room with him, just sitting there, watching, guarding. This one did not have a gun in his hand but he would have killed anyone who disturbed the sleeper.
Actor came up the stairs as the two men headed back to their room. "What are you doing? And where is Chief." In his hands he had a plate of sandwiches. The proprietor had given him permission before he took them to their rooms. He had in fact offered to make them but Actor had seen the sleep in his eyes to told him he would do it.
"We just went in to say good night to the Warden," said Goniff as they all went in to the cons' room. Chief was not there but Actor understood. He would be watching over the man. Someday he would understand that connection but for now it was beneficial to the team. Actor gave them their sandwiches and he took the rest to the room he shared with Garrison.
As he pushed open the door he called to the watcher. He was sure he had heard him in the hall but just in case. Chief was sitting in the chair watching him. "I brought you a sandwich," he said quietly as he handed him the plate then stepped closer to the bed.
"Warden," he said quietly. "I brought you a sandwich if you are hungry." There was no response so he turned back to the chair. "If you would like to go get some sleep I will take over."
"I'll wake you in four," he said between bites. Actor nodded and stretched out on the other bed.
Morning saw Actor rise stiffly from the chair. As he stretched he saw the sleeper move. At some point in the night he had rolled over taking the blanket Chief had put over him with him. Actor stepped to the side so he could see his face. The eyes moved and the lids fluttered before opening. The curtains were closed so it was dim in the room, still the eyes squinted. That was not good.
Then he blinked and peered up at the Italian.
"Good morning," said Actor.
"Morning," replied the blonde. He looked around the room frowning and said, "Where are we?"
Actor was encouraged. He has said we not I. Did he recognize him as part of the team?
"Where are the others? Where's Elsa?"
Actor's heart sank. He thought he was still with his kidnappers.
"Then his eyes narrowed, "Why were you wearing an SS uniform in my kitchen?" There was a long pause as he considered what he had just said. The frown deepened. "I seem to be… "
"Do you know who you are?" The hazel grey eyes zeroed in on him.
"Yes. I also know who you are."
There was a coldness to the words but he decided to let that pass. "Good," he said warmly. "The drugs are losing their effect. How are you feeling this morning?"
Garrison sat up and surveyed the room through squinted eyes.
"We are at an Inn waiting for transport to London. I am sure the Brass will want to debrief you as soon as possible." As much as he wanted to fill him in on what had happened he knew that was best left for the memories to return naturally. Maybe just a nudge? "Do you remember what happened?
Garrison's hand came up to his forehead. "I'm not sure." He looked around again then carefully stood. "There was a woman."
"Yes. She is at the Police Station awaiting transport."
"Police?" He turned to look at Actor then away as he searched his memory for clues.
Actor waited. When noting more was said, it was time to move on. "Are you hungry? Breakfast should be ready." The other man nodded.
"I have obtained some clothes. If you will get changed I will wake the others and meet you outside the door." Another nod as he eyed the clothes and hat on the end of the bed.
Minutes later they were all seated at a large table in the dining room. The Innkeeper, a burly older man, approached the table looked around and settled on Actor.
"A word, if you don't mind." He was apparently upset about something.
Actor rose and the man led him to the door and outside. "Is there a problem?" he asked. The other three hadn't done anything foolish had they?
"What are you doing with Harrison's car?" he asked coldly pointing to the car they had stolen the night before. Someone, probably the policeman, had brought it to the Inn.
Fortunately fast on his feet Actor sprang into explanation mode. "Thank you for identifying it. We knew the kidnappers had probably stolen it but did not know from where at this time. Once that has been verified it will be returned to the rightful owner. Now, I will need you to give the police the full name and address of the owner. Are you sure of the identity."
The Innkeeper was slowed by the twist Actor had thrown him so he backed down somewhat. "Yes, I know that car. Mr. Harrison is a local who brings us meat and produce. The trunk latches but does not lock. Easier to get his wares. It smells of meat too."
Actor returned to the table to finish his meal. Garrison had not eaten much but the others were almost finished.
"I was promised transport this morning but I was not given a time." He had just finished when the door opened and a US Captain and two MP's entered the room. Since they were the only ones there they approached the table.
Garrison tried to get up but the Captain held out his hand. "At ease Lieutenant. We're here to take you back." He scanned the table seeing only crumbs and said, "If you don't mind, right this way." He gestured to the door.
Everyone rose and headed out except Actor who stopped to thank their hostess. He handed her an envelope and then followed his team mates out. It was only fitting that the money in their prisoners' pockets pay for their lodgings. The Captain gestured to the truck and they climbed on board. It was a quiet trip partly because of the noise of the engine and the tires on the road plus the tension between the cons and their leader. No one quite knew what he was thinking. Not even the man himself.
Back at the base Garrison was taken to the hospital and the cons were delivered to their base.
Hours later the four cons turned down the hallway where Garrison's room was supposed to be. Actor had engaged the nurse while Casino had looked up his room number. Being worried about their leader they had decided to make sure he was all right.
Seeing MP's standing guard in a Military Hospital was not common and with their backgrounds it always caught their notice. The first time they had seen an MP on guard duty Goniff had smirked and said, "Hey, It's not us this time."
As they neared their target they saw that the guards were at his door. 'He must have company' was their thought. They were accustomed to the pat down before they were allowed to enter and Chief was held in the hall until he surrendered his knives. They were not thorough enough to find the one in his boot and he was not about to tell them.
When they entered the room they were pleased to find their leader was awake and sitting up wearing dark glasses. They were worried when they saw he was the room's sole occupant.
"Lieutenant," said Actor in acknowledgement.
"Actor." He remained waiting until they were all in the room. "Anyone know you're here?" he asked. There was an edge to his voice. Actor only had time to open his mouth before he continued, this time his anger was evident. "Other than the guards at the door?"
They were surprised. This was not what they had expected. Why was he angry? He knew they did this all the time and he had never said anything before.
"Lieutenant," started Actor, removing all warmth from his voice. "What is going on?"
"Right now you can all be charged with being Absent…"
"Without Leave," finished Casino. "Yeah, yeah, but what's with you," then he gestured to the door. "and them?"
"Your presence here is not helping. Go back to your base and Stay there." The last two words were emphasized.
"We're not leaving until we get some answers."
"You'll get your answers in time. Now, do as I say. Go back to our base and wait for your orders."
"That's not good enough," was all Casino got out before Actor was literally pushing him out the door. "What're you doing?" He demanded as he was propelled out the door.
Behind them they heard Garrison say, "You too, Chief." He had apparently hung back.
Once they were down the hall and out of sight of the MP's Casino turned on the con man. "What the Hell're you doing? He didn't answer the question."
"He gave us his answer," Actor replied sternly.
"He did?" queried Goniff.
"He told us that what is going on cannot be said there."
Casino frowned. "So…"
"Exactly," replied Actor. Goniff was not sure but he decided to go along. The four men headed back to the purloined jeep.
As he walked Actor tried to puzzle out the situation. Guards at the door meant keeping people out or in. If Garrison was being protected then why was he so angry? The anger had to be the result of being detained. Why was he being held? He had gone out alone and had been kidnapped. Was that it? Was he being charged with being AWOL? That would explain why he had brought that up to them. He did not want them being charged with what he was being charged with. That made sense.
Another possibility was that they had blundered in and spoiled the plan to find out the mastermind behind the operation. That made sense too. The only thing for them to do was split up and deal with each of these possibilities. When they arrived at their vehicle Actor set out the plan. It, of course, did not include returning to their base.
Three civilians entered the Stockade. Goniff and Chief approached the desk and began spinning their story. While the Sargent was busy looking out the window at the supposed 'scene of the crime', Casino slipped into the holding area and made his way to the back where the three kidnappers were being held.
"You guys are really up shit creek, you know that don't you." He eyed the two men in the one cell and the woman in the next one. They eyed him back. "Your only hope is to come clean. The Feds see you co-operating, they'll go easier on you."
Casino felt foolish parroting the words he had heard said to him. It hadn't worked on him and he figured it wouldn't work on them either. Regardless, it had to be done. They had to be told that their cause was lost and that if they were naive enough to think they might still get away with it, that was not going to happen.
"I heard you'll be charged with treason. You know the penalty for that? They're also going to pin a murder rap on you too. Way I see it, you three aren't leaving here alive. Think about it, Keep your mouths shut and it's all over, lights out, or tell us what you were up to, who you're working for and you'll get to live. Your choice. Whoever your boss is, he's worried right now. He's worried your gonna talk. He might even come gunning for you. You're gonna hang and he's free to go on with his life. Too bad for you, Suckers.
"So what's it gonna be?" No one spoke but he saw the two men look to the woman. Was she the leader? Interesting, thought Casino. He would let Actor know about that, it could be important. When he looked in her direction she was sitting on the bench, her face impassive.
"Suit yourself, don't matter to me." As he turned and began walking away, he tossed an "I heard you shit yourself when you die," over his shoulder.
Meanwhile Actor had been busy working his way up to the top. Finally he managed to finesse a meeting with the General.
"The best covert operators are men who do what has to be done. They think independently, form a plan and carry it out. This is what the Lieutenant did. You informed him of the problem; that is why he was escorted to your base, because you feared this might happen. He considered his options. He could play it safe and obey or he could take action, go to the scene and look around. He is a man of action and that is why you selected him for this type of warfare, because he is not afraid to take a calculated risk.
"Lieutenant Garrison should be commended for his actions, not punished. If you must, then reprimand him for not taking backup but do not take him out of the fight."
"Are you quite finished?" asked General Freemont calmly.
"That depends on you, General."
"I must say, your appearance here is a surprise as is your plea."
"He is a good Officer."
"Yes, he is."
"Then why is he under guard?"
"He isn't." General Freemont enjoyed the look on his face and the silence."
Actor was shocked. Not only was the answer not what he had expected but worse, he had been wrong about the situation. Over the years, Actor, and every other con man worth his salt had learned and continually refined his ability to read the clues that helped him understand a situation. He had seen the guards and Garrison's anger. That meant Garrison was a prisoner and unhappy about it. If he was not being charged then why was he angry and why had he brought up being AWOL?
He had been caught in a mistake. Actor, the best conman in Europe had been conned. "You think," said Actor relaxing as he shifted his thinking, "someone might try again." His eyes narrowed and his voice tensed, "But this time he will not be alone. He will have backup." It was not a question and the General did not disagree.
Obtaining German uniforms was perilous, even fatal if you got caught. Obtaining Allied uniforms should be easier but this came with a new set of restrictions. You could not, in all good conscience, hit an Officer over the head and strip him. Though not fatal, the consequences were still daunting. A last resort was the Quartermaster's domain.
Fortunately Actor managed to learn of an Officer who was on leave. He figured he would not mind if he borrowed his duds. Once dressed, he powdered his hair to change the color, added a large mustache and glasses. Even Goniff admitted he looked completely different.
"Major Kenworth to see the…" He looked to the file he was carrying.
"Kidnapping case," finished Goniff, looking very official as his aide.
"Yes, thank you. John Doe one, John Doe two and Jane Doe."
The Desk Sargent looked at his list. "I don't see your name here. Did you…"
"Do not tell me the orders did not go through," he said angrily. "I am surrounded by incompetents."
"Sir," said Captain Goniff calmly. "With our arrival being so recent, it is entirely possible that the transfer has not caught up with us. Maybe our predecessor's name is there."
"Good point." Actor, looking relieved, took over. "Who was assigned to represent the accused?" Actor would have preferred to be an investigator but the MP's would do that. He would have to hope the accused would be allowed an attorney.
The Sargent dutifully checked again. "I don't see anyone scheduled to visit with them."
"No one? That is ridiculous. Accused must be allowed access to a lawyer even if they are guilty. It is part of the investigative and legal process. That is part of what we are fighting for. Now, just put my name down on your list, Major Rodney Kenworth, Attorney at Law, here to see the accused kidnappers.
"I can't just …"
"Obstructing justice is a crime, son." He gave him the inquiring eye.
Fortunately the Sargent was not a seasoned veteran. He succumbed to Actor's words and his gaze, wrote the name on the list and even opened the door for him and his aide. The two Officers were escorted to an interview room.
First to be escorted into the room was John Doe one, aka Ernest. Casino had told him his theory about the woman but he did not want the prisoners to know. He had to put his recent error behind him and trust that was the only mistake he had made. Ernest refused to talk. Even the question about his head was met with stony silence. Finally Actor sat back and just looked at the prisoner. Within a minute the silent man began to show signs of nervousness. This was not what he expected. Goniff wanted to break the silence but Actor had told him to follow his lead so he too sat silent, using the knowledge that they had the upper hand to keep him still. Finally Actor called the guard and said he was ready for the next one.
As John Doe two was escorted in Goniff said, "Do you think all that stuff 'e said was true?"
"Most of it fits with what we already know. Hopefully we can get confirmation…" He looked to the new man and said, "Have a seat."
John Doe two sat down and Actor began the same routine, identifying himself as their lawyer and saying he needed information to prepare his defense. When the first man had left he pulled out three sheets of paper with handwriting on them from the file he had carried with him. He occasionally scanned these pages before asking a question as if he already had the answer and wanted confirmation.
The prisoner had started confident but when he saw the papers he too became a bit nervous. Finally Actors charade broke him and he said, "I don't know what he told you but I never met Leon. Elsa talked me into it. She said…" He stopped aghast, and closed his mouth suddenly realizing what he had just said.
"She said what?" but the prisoner refused to even look at him. "I'm trying to help you here. If you weren't part of this I can have you separated and tried separately. Help me and I might even get you immunity. You would be free but I need your help. What did Elsa tell you?" Then he lowered his voice and softened it, "Or did she promise you something?" There was a flash of recognition or was it shame but then it was gone. Actor had hit on something. It also lent credence to Casino's theory that she was the leader.
"I will have you transferred to another cell."
"No! They'll think I talked. No, I want to stay." Apparently he had forgotten Goniff's inference that Ernest had talked.
"He might try to harm you."
"No, Ernest is my brother. I can handle him," he said, his voice tinged with disgust. More information but the biggest clue was his pronunciation of his brother's name. It was German.
"All right, but if you need help just call the guard. I will let him know that you are to be moved to a separate cell.
That left the woman. When she arrived Actor waited until the guard had closed the door and then addressed her in German. She remained silent but Actor's keen eye saw his tactic had worked. She was unsettled. He explained that Leon had contacted him and told him to represent her but the others were to be left. He had a plan set up to get her out of the prison and to the outside world except for one thing, Leon had not paid him and what he had set up would cost. He knew that time was of the essence so he must move quickly but he had no money. The Allies had frozen all the assets that had been put in place for just such an emergency. He needed her to tell him how to contact Leon. He waited only a moment before she broke her silence.
Elsa did not know how to contact him. He called every night at midnight for a progress report and gave any new instruction. They had missed that last one.
Keeping with the story Actor looked concerned as he said that they needed money. He even asked her if she had any. She said no. He considered for a moment then asked where he called her. He would have to go there at midnight and ask him for the money. Success, she told him her address. After asking if there was anything he could get for her he promised to return.
She was returned to her cell and the two imposters left. Goniff wanted to know what she had said but was told he would have to wait until they were together. After picking up the other two they headed into town and into a pub. Meals and drinks were ordered and Actor shared what he had learned.
The apartment building was an older three floor block on the outskirts of town. The door to the flat was locked but only for less than half a minute after Casino worked his spring steel. Inside was stark, as if no one really lived there. From the looks of the furniture it might have come furnished. The looked around but there was nothing personal. Even the ice box was empty. This was a drop only.
The five men settled in for the night. Midnight came and went in silence. Actor even checked the phone. It was connected but no one called. In the morning Actor and Chief headed for the City Hall. Armed with the address and his charms, Actor soon found out the name of the owner of the warehouse where Garrison had been held. It was only a very slim chance but he was disappointed that the name was not Leon. Winston Harmsworth, the name on the title would have to be checked out.
It took no time at all to find out his phone number. Casino dialed as the others waited. After the small talk was out of the way, he got down to business.
"I got some business to take care of and I need a place. I heard you got an empty building down by the water. How much you want for six months."
"I am afraid you have been misinformed. Both warehouses on the water have already been leased. I do have a building…"
"No. I want that one. I checked it out and it's empty."
"It might appear so but it has been paid for."
"By who? Tell'm I'll make it worth his while to move. What's his name?"
"I cannot tell you that. I can…"
"You either tell me now or I'll have to pay you a little visit. You wouldn't like that, would you?"
There was silence on the other end of the line before he said weakly, "Just a minute and…"
"Don't put the phone down, just tell me his name."
Again there was silence and then in a hesitant voice, "Mister Wagner."
"Mr. Wagoner," he said deliberately mispronouncing his name. "What's his first name and where can I find him?"
Mr. Harmsworth had been in business for many years and dealt with a lot of people, none of them like the pushy American. He knew it was not ethical to reveal the name of the person who had rented the warehouse but he just knew in his gut that that was the wiser move. Mr. Wagner would probably refuse to renew the lease or he would withhold the rent but he would deal with that later. Right now he wanted to get away from the gangster on the phone. He surrendered the information and was relieved when the call drew to a close with, "Now that wasn't so hard was it?" Somehow the dial tone sounded sinister.
"Well, there you have it," said Casino proudly. Actor had his ways of getting what he wanted and Casino had his. "I'll bet he's our guy. Leo Wagner a.k.a. Leon. He rented the warehouse and set it all up. Let's go get him."
"No."
"What? Why not?" he asked in angry disbelief.
"Because, my dear fellow, we want him to be able to testify."
"He'll still be able to talk," he said with a knowing grin.
"No. We will inform General Freemont of what we have learned. The MP's will pick him up."
"Aw, why do they get all the fun?" asked Casino looking crestfallen and relaxing his fists.
"Because that is what they are paid to do. Come, let us go and visit with our favorite Lieutenant."
"It must be 'bout visiting hours," said Goniff.
"And if it's not then Doctor Actor'll get us in," said Chief with a smile. He watched for the smile from the subject of his jest. He got it. The four men headed for the Base and the Hospital. A short detour to the General's Office and they would be done.
It turned out the detour was not short. They arrived at his office but were told he was in a conference and they would have to wait, so they waited and fidgeted and paced and smoked. Finally they were ushered in, at last. They were in but the General was putting his coat on. "Make it fast," he said as he buttoned his jacket.
Actor laid out the information they had learned. By the time he reached the warehouse owners name the General's actions slowed. At the lease holders name he stopped and stared.
"And you think this is the man behind the kidnapping?"
"It is definitely worth looking into unless you have any other leads."
"This will be turned over to the Military Police and you will return to your base."
"We'll take care of him. Those guys don't know what there're doing," put in Casino derisively. "Too busy with their…"
He was cut off by an elbow to his ribs. When he went to return the blow he was stopped by Actor's eyes as they angrily flicked from him to the General. Casino shut his mouth.
General Freemont decided to go with the conman's cue. In an angry tone he said, "That pretty big talk from someone who could be back in prison within a week. I would think you'd be a little more careful with you words and attitude."
"Right now," interrupted Actor calmly, "we are more concerned with what is going to happen to Lieutenant Garrison."
"The last report from the Hospital that I had, the Doctor was concerned that his eyesight might not improve."
"That's why 'e was angry! 'E's scared 'e's gonna be blind."
There was dead silence as they considered this revelation. Goniff was right, he had to be. It fit. Garrison would be devastated by that news and would cover it with anger. That was the way he was.
"Lieutenant," said the General as he strode into the room.
"Sir," snapped out the other uniformed man as he came to attention.
"At ease," and then he added, "Sit down," when he saw the soldier assume the 'at ease' position. He watched him comply. The dark glasses were still in place.
"Your men," who had filed in behind him, "have come to me with information." He watched as the 'obedient soldier' look was replaced by a 'what have they done' look. Had his men gone off on their own before? He would have liked to see the look on the Lieutenant's men's' faces but they were behind him. Did they look guilty or smug?
"I assume they were not obeying orders?" The General had added a hint of censure to see the reaction.
Shit, thought Garrison. He had told them to go back to their base but they had obviously disobeyed. Of course. Why couldn't they do as they were told? He would have to cover.
"I am sorry sir; my memory is a bit…"
General Freemont let him dangle for a moment. The Lieutenant was known for being a little slack with rules and regulations which was reflected in his lack of progress up the ranks, but in spite of his disregard for military protocol, his mission record was good. If you threw in who or what he was working with, his record was damn good, seeing as the men were all still here.
"I will let it go this time," said the General. It would be fool hardy to let the Lieutenant think this was acceptable, "Since they apparently did it to protect you." No need to spell it out that Actor originally thought he was trying to clear Garrison's name. A quick glance at the conman accompanied that statement. The General enjoyed the look the Lieutenant gave his men. This time he did turn to look at the other men and was pleased to see the obvious rapport within this group. Interesting dynamics
"On another note, I hear the Doctor gave you some good news."
"Yes, sir. My eyes are getting better." He removed the dark glasses though he still squinted. He did not look to be in pain now. "The effect of the drops they used is wearing off. I should be back to normal in a day or two. The Doctor has signed my release.
"Good. Your men can escort you back to your base. And that," he looked to all the men, "is an order."
"Thank you, Sir," he said as he stood at attention.
Once the General had left, Garrison turned to Actor and asked, "What did you do?"
" 'Ey Warden, 'ow about we take you to the Doves and we can tell you all about it?"
Before he had a chance to react Garrison was ushered out the door and down the hall. In the back of Actor's mind he considered if removing the Warden from the Hospital was such a good idea, at least until after they had told him what they had done. He could hardly yell at them there. But then the Lieutenant rarely yelled. He was one of a few people who could effectively berate you without raising his voice.
General Freemont regretted meeting Garrison and his men. He had made it a point not to meet the covert teams. It was a lot easier to send faceless names to face death. This team had been the easiest; there was just one soldier, one who did not always follow the rules. The rest of the team was made up of the dregs of society, men whose loss would not be missed by society and might even be beneficial.
His human heart wanted to reconsider this view of them but his military mind knew he could not afford to. They were criminals brought here to do a job. That was all. Just criminals.