Chapter 9

A Court Date

Lieutenant Colonel Garrison stood before the court. After stating his name, rank and serial number he began.

"You have been given the files of the men who, in exchange of working for the Army on the war effort, were promised a parole. Each of these men worked for me. They worked hard and with no thanks to the Nazi soldiers, they survived. Each file includes the report from their Parole Officer. As you can see, they have adhered to every condition set out."

"Yes, I can read. So why are you here?" Judge Harry McCormick was approaching seventy and over the years he had become used to having his way in his court and resented anyone bothering him with trivialities or questioning his orders.

"One of the conditions of their parole was to have no contact with any known felons."

"Yes," said the judge, obviously bored by this stating of facts. "That is a standard condition to keep them from getting caught up in further criminal activity." Then he added snidely, "Criminals do discus their plans for illegal activity and often seek out others with similar experience. We frown on that."

"I would like you to remove that condition for these three men."

"And why, pray tell, would I do that?" he asked sarcastically.

"I have remained in touch with these men. They are trying to adjust to their new lives, which under normal circumstances they would be successful at but because of what they were involved with during the war, they need someone to talk to."

"You say you are in contact, let them talk to you, or," and he added false brightness as if this was a new idea, "talk to their priest or minister." His voice returned to gruff. "So what has this to do with the no contact provision?"

'If you would quit interrupting I'll tell you,' thought Garrison. Instead he said, "I am often in the field and am unavailable."

"What about their Parole Officer, their families, new friends? There are lots of people out there," suggested the judge, raising his bushy white eyebrows to show how serious he was.

"What these men did and where they went is classified. They were sworn to secrecy and cannot talk about to anyone with proper clearance. What they need is to be able to talk to each other. They need to see that they are not alone with their fears, their worries. They understand each other; they can help each other."

"Are you saying," he said scornfully, "I shouldn't be concerned that they will pool their talents and pull off a bank robbery or some other criminal act? They do have a history of that sort of activity."

"No. I spoke extensively with each of the three and each said the same thing. They want to go straight. They do not want their old careers back. In fact Rodney Carysfort, former thief, is now crippled and Faustino Solari has a hearing loss that prevents him from hearing the tumblers. Victor Denova is also crippled. They are no longer a threat to society even if they pooled their talents."

"You stake your career on that?"

"They had my life in their hands more times than I can count. They were also on their own many times and could have done what they wanted but they stayed with me and worked with me." That was not exactly what the judge had asked but… "I believed in them then and I believe in them now."

"I will take this under advisement and give you my decision in one week's time. That is all. Court…"

"Sir, one more thing," interrupted the Officer. This was going to be the hardest part.

"What is it?" the judge asked angrily.

"There is one more man," and he placed the file on the Judge's bench. "He was injured on our last mission and hospitalized."

The judge opened the file and flipped through the appropriate pages.

"I took him out and brought him home."

"You took him," he started angrily. "There are no release papers from the Royal Sanitarium," he said as he flipped the pages then looked at the Officer, "And no admission forms here in the US. Where are they or should I ask, where is he?"

"Sir, your honour," Garrison started calmly. "For the past two years we worked together, we were a team. We helped each other, we relied on each other and because of that we survived. Then when the war was over and we were coming home we couldn't just leave him there. We had to bring him home too."

"Let me get this straight," the judge demanded. "You, all of you, broke into a facility for the criminally insane and kidnapped an inmate and took him…"

"I object, your honour," interrupted Garrison. "He wasn't criminally insane."

"Oh, now you're a psychiatrist," he said with indignant sarcasm.

"No, Sir," said Garrison calmly.

"Then why was he there?"

"If you will let me explain. The building he was in was booby-trapped. He was on the second floor when it exploded. It took us three days to find him buried under all the rubble. We thought he was dead but he had survived. He had been trapped there for three days, pinned in the wreckage, alive, conscious and trapped with no food or water. By the time we got him out his hands; his fingers were torn to pieces. He had tried to dig himself out. By the time we got him out he was in shock. We took him to the hospital. When we saw him in the Sanitarium he was in a straitjacket and drugged into submission. How can you help a man who has been pinned under tons of rubble by putting him in a straitjacket? We…"

"You keep saying we. The others, those felons you say want to go straight? They were in on this break and enter and kidnapping?"

"It was my idea. I take full responsibility. I had drilled it into them that they had to be responsible for each other, they had to protect each other so when I said I could not leave him behind, they, technically still working for the Army, agreed to help."

"So," said the Judge, "Where is this, by you definition, not criminally insane person now?"

"I don't know?" This was the weak link.

"That is good to hear," he said with derision. "So, he's out there right now. And let me guess. You want him to go free as well. Well," he thundered, "Unlike you, I have no delusions that I am a doctor. I am a judge and I will not release a criminal, who has been deemed insane, go free to do as he pleases. He is to be located by the police and returned to the appropriate facility where he will be held until he is deemed to be safe to be released into society. At that time he will begin his two year parole period. Do you understand me, Lieutenant Colonel?"

Somehow he agreed. It certainly was not voluntarily. He wanted to fight the judge. He wanted to say 'how dare you treat him like that'. He wanted to force him to remove the conditions. He wanted to demand that his parole be reduced to one year like the others but all he did was say 'Yes, your honour'.

Back straight, head up, face neutral he left the courthouse. For one week he had to remain neutral as he seethed at the system that allowed people like that to dictate over others' lives. The worst of it was that if he had just said nothing then Chief would be safe. He would have just disappeared and a change of name and he would have his life. Instead he had opened his mouth and now the police would have a warrant out for his arrest and he would be put in an Insane Asylum. He could hear the others say, 'Thanks a lot, Warden.'

One week later he returned for the verdict.

"Lieutenant Colonel, you may approach the bench." He did as requested. "I have reviewed the files of the three men. I talked to a psychiatrist. He said your men were faking." Craig gasped. The man was a quack. "Then I talked to another psychiatrist. He said it was called Battle Fatigue or Shell Shock. He agreed with you that they need to be able to talk, that strangers cannot understand. He also counselled that even though they were in it together that some want to talk about it and other do not. Do not get your hopes up that they will help each other. On this second doctor's advice I will remove the conditions BUT only among these three men. They are not to associate with ANY other known felon. Is that clear?"

"Yes Sir."

"Their Parole Officers have each been notified. The first two meeting are to be mediated by you. They are not to meet unless you are there. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir, Your Honour."

"Good. I will have a court room reserved for the meetings." He started to make a note.

"Your Honour?" Seeing he had his attention he said, "I am afraid, because we will inevitably be discussing Military matters, that I must be the one to choose the date and location." He saw the disagreement building. Putting on his best Lieutenant Colonel face and tone he said, "I am responsible for Military Security."

"You will inform their Parole Officers and they can…"

"No, Sir. That allows too many chances for leaks. I will call each of the men and inform them of the time and place. We must meet in private."

"You overstep your bounds, young man. The Court has control over this."

"Sir. Your Honour." He paused to consider what he was about to say. "There is a possibility of a breach of National Security. Teams, such as this, have been known to be targeted by enemy agents. If word of this meet were to reach the wrong ears it could have fatal consequences. That is why I must do things my way."

The Judge considered what he had heard. He could insist on his way. This was under his jurisdiction but he knew he was trumped by National Security. "Make your calls but I want a court Official there to witness the meeting."

"Again, I must insist that this be a private meeting. Unless your Official has Level Three Clearance then he will not be permitted to hear any of the conversation."

The Judge conceded and dismissed the court.

That was it. Good news for the three but nothing for Chief. He wanted to ask but feared he would only make it worse. As he walked out of the courthouse and down the steps with his bitter sweet victory he sent a silent apology to the Indian. 'I'm sorry Chief. Somehow I'll make it right. I swear I will.'

Craig hoped to meet as soon as possible but fate intervened. It started with a message waiting for him when he returned to his hotel.

'Call the Base'

This had to be serious. Makey was very competent so whatever it was required his presence. Damn. The meeting would have to be postponed, hopefully for not too long. He was correct. The meeting was postponed but not for the reason the Officer thought.

"Lieutenant Colonel Garrison's Office," answered the military precise voice of his aide. After hearing who the caller was he continued. "Sir. I received a call twenty minutes ago from a gentleman who refused to leave his name. He was quite cryptic, said you would understand. This was his message. Quote, Valentino innocent in worst possible place, need help, end quote. I assume you understand who and what he was saying?"

"I am afraid I do. That was all?"

"That was all he said but there was some banging in the background, metal on metal." He sounded puzzled. "Anything you want me to do?"

"No. Just hold down the fort."

"Yes, Sir."

The Officer had seen the police station on his way to the court so he headed there. If they could not help him there they could direct him. Lieutenant Colonel Garrison in full dress uniform and with his Military bearing was able to get the information he required within fifteen minutes. A short cab ride took him to the correct precinct and finally a meeting with his quarry.

The Interrogation Room door opened and his heart sank. Actor sat at the small table. His jacket was rumpled and stained dark down the front. His hands were handcuffed and laid on the table. The worst was the puffiness and the haunted look in his eyes.

"What happened?" Actor was a big man but he fought only when pushed and he could see no way out. He was a lover not a fighter so to see him like this meant it was serious. "Have you seen a doctor?" That certainly looked like an awful lot of blood on his jacket.

"No," he said quietly. "It is not mine." He knew he could talk to this man and he would be believed even if the cops did not. "I live at the boarding house as required but I have been dining with a friend, a young woman who has become very dear to me. We were out for a walk on our way to a play. The light was red so we started across. We almost made it to the other side when a car came around the corner. I ended up on the road. When I got up the car was gone and she…" He stopped visibly trying to control himself and failing. As he looked up to keep the tears from falling he felt the comforting pressure of a hand on his good arm.

"I went to her and held her until the ambulance came. It is her blood I wear." He took several deep breaths before he was able to continue. "I stayed with her through the night. She, she died early this morning." The hand on his arm squeezed signaling his sympathy as the tears slid down his cheeks.

"I'll get you out of here." Overcome with the tragedy he did not think through why he was here just that he had to do something.

"There's more. When I returned to the boarding house I was arrested."

"On what charge?"

"Parole violation. I am to be at the known address every night unless I have permission. I did not."

"They can't expect you to… under the circumstances?"

"They do not care and right now, I guess, I do not either. I should not have called you. I am sorry. I guess I just wanted you to know the truth. I failed you but there was a reason." He added quietly, "I loved her."

"Victor, I am glad you called and I will do everything I can to clear this up. We have been in worse places and we always pulled it off."

A spark of the old soldier returned as he said, "But this time we cannot shoot our way out." He smiled a sad smile that did not reach his eyes. There was too much pain and sadness there.

It took some talking and the insignia on his uniform to find out the details. He then went to the hospital and talked to the doctor who had tended the two hit and run victims. What Actor had told him was true. A man and a woman had been brought in last night. The woman had died of massive brain damage. The man had refused treatment insisting he be allowed to stay with the woman he claimed was his wife. He had then left the hospital after she had died.

When Garrison presented this evidence to the police he was told that that was just one night. There were others that he was unaccounted for. Back in to see the prisoner, he asked Victor who was confused.

"I have been there every night except the last. Alisha and I dined together, went to a play and a movie once but I never stayed the night."

"Then why would the landlady say she has not seen you come in all week?"

"I do not know. She led me to believe she hates foreigners. Her husband was European and in her words, a bum. I have done nothing to anger her. I thought she would appreciate me not showing up for dinner. It was saving her money on food." He thought for a moment. "I am not sure if one of the other residents might have seen me come in." His voice turned hard, "But I swear on all that is holy that I have slept there every night since I moved there."

"I believe you. Oh, I have some good news. I went to see a judge and I got the restriction removed for you and the guys to get together." Actor looked blank. "We have to meet in my presence for the first two times but after that you and the others can meet whenever you want; just no trouble." As soon as he said it he began to regret it. He pictured the other two trying to break Actor out. Not a good start.

Garrison still had to clear Actor. How could he prove he was there when no one saw him? He talked to the other residents. The Insurance Salesman said he might have seen him but couldn't swear what night that was. The accountant had a bad cold and had been in bed early all week though he remembered that Mr. Denova had not been at dinner a few nights. They were no help.

Not knowing what else to do he went to the news stand, picked up Rodney and headed to Brooklyn. The Englishman was confused when the cab stopped at an Appliance store.

"You want my advice on buying a washer? I think Mom would be better…" He did as he was told and waited in the car. Because of his confusion he was watching the door and saw the man come out. He thought he was a customer until he approached the cab door and opened it.

"Casino! Am I glad to see you. How are you?"

Casino climbed inside and the two fell to talking trying to catch up on each other's lives. Garrison climbed in the front seat and they took off again. When their destination dawned on the two in the back seat there was silence.

"Why are we here, Warden?" asked Tony guardedly. "Where's… He didn't…"

"Victor's in trouble and we have to help. I knew I didn't have to ask if you would."

"Damn right. What's the plan?"

The four men came up with a plan. There was some debate over who was to do what but they ironed it out. Come Mr. Denova's date with a judge they would be ready.

"Call your first witness."

"We call Mrs. Kovic." Once she was sworn in the Prosecution established that she was the Landlady at the Boarding House. It was also established that she heard everyone come and go.

"Doesn't that get to be a bother after a while?"

"Oh, no. It's my house and my livelihood. I need to know who is coming and going. I always know who is in and who is not and he," she pointed to the condemned man, "he was not there all week. I knew he was up to no good and he had blood on his…"

"Objection." Objection or not that was a nail in his coffin.

Lieutenant Colonel Garrison stood, called Sargent Makey and waited until he was sworn in. The opening questions identified the Sargent. Then he got serious.

"Where did you sleep last night?" The answer was 'in Mr. Denova's room'.

"And how did you get in there?"

"I obtained Mr. Denova's key from the Police. From there it was a simple matter of using it and walking in. The bed was a bit lumpy."

Mrs. Kovic was discredited. That plus the sworn statement from the Doctor regarding Mr. Denova's presence at the hospital was enough to have the defendant released. He was free.

"So where are you going now, not back there I 'ope?" asked Goniff. He wanted to offer his Mom's apartment but he was already sleeping on the couch.

"No," said Garrison. "Sargent? You have everything?"

The Sargent lifted the duffle and handed it to the former accused.

"Your bag, Sir."

"Thank you, Sargent." He did not have to ask if his Parole Officer knew the details of the proceedings. He had seen him in the courtroom. "I will have to find new lodgings."

Seeing the limp that Victor was trying to cover Goniff suggested that they would soon be twins. His cast was to come off tomorrow and then they both would be using canes.

"From the accident?" asked Garrison drilling the Italian with his eyes.

"It is nothing. Just a bruise."

"Listen to that; sounds just like Chief. I swear, my arm always bent that way. Liar," taunted Casino.

Victor glared but said nothing.

A short cab ride took them all to the hospital where they waited until Mr. Denova was called. When he returned he was on crutches.

"How bad?"

"Don't say 'not bad', Actor. They don't give out crutches for nothing," insisted Tony.

Victor sighed and then said, "Hair line fracture. The Doctor wants me to keep my weight off of it for two weeks."

"No cast?" asked Craig.

Victor shook his head but the others suspected he had conned the Doctor out of it. They also knew it was pointless to argue with the Italian once his mind was made up. Craig and Victor were two of a kind.

"The Doctor said there was a hotel nearby. I will go there until I can find a place."

"I wish you could come stay with us," said Goniff wistfully, "but it's only a one bedroom."

"You could stay with me. Julio doesn't mind sleeping on the couch," offered Tony, grinning.

"Thank you both." He stopped abruptly and his face softened. He stood up taller and said, "I used to think I did not need anyone." He looked to each man lingering on Craig's face. "You have taught me that even I need. I thank you for being there for me. I thank you all for helping me. The thought of returning to prison… you two understand." They nodded. "I am forever in your debt. Thank you, Goniff for the offer and Casino, Tony and I am sure Julio will be pleased to hear, but I will be more comfortable at a hotel."

"Just remember, babe, we're here for you."

"I will never forget." The four men headed for the exit, two on crutches and two walking, one on either side. This was the way they should be, together as a team. Together they had wreaked havoc on the Nazi and come out on top. Together they would put their lives back together because there was no one who understood a Gorilla like another Gorilla. The only tender place was the place where the fifth man should be and together they would find him and bring him back to where they could all be together again.