82. Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda, Didn't
Chapter 6
Terry had left the Duchess's apartment as soon as the banks opened, and walked to the one Actor had procured an account for her in. The money she got from missions went into her Coutts account in London. They transferred a set amount to the Swiss account. She rarely had to touch anything. She needed to touch things now.
Stepping out of the bank with an unseemly amount of money on her, Terry walked across the street to a ladies' clothing shop. Purchasing off the rack, she paid cash and the delivery fee, instructing them to deliver the items to Bernardo's Casino in the afternoon. They weren't the clothes Actor would have purchased for her, but she did not want to stick out on the streets of the larger towns. This was her con, and she wouldn't admit to anyone but herself, she was scared. This wasn't going to be something she had tried on her own before.
Now, with her false identity papers, she went to the train station and boarded a train to Basel. The ride was uneventful, and she spent the afternoon wandering the streets of the city, looking for a photographer's shop. It was after two hours of walking the streets, and with sore feet, she spotted a shop ironically named "Miller's Photography." She thought it odd he didn't use the German version of his name, but then again, she used Mancini and a few others of Actor's aliases almost as much as the con man did.
Terry parked herself at an outdoor café a half block away, and sipped café au lait while watching the foot and car traffic on the street. As the shadows lengthened, she purchased something to eat and continued to watch. With darkness coming, she was about to leave when a car parked at the curb and the driver got out. He was a tall man, probably her brother's height, with brown hair and brown mustache. He went to the door of the shop and opened it with a key. Terry couldn't be certain, but it looked like something was a little wrong with the man's left arm. He kept it tight to his side.
Paying for her drinks and food, Terry got up and wandered across the street. She walked slowly down the sidewalk, looking into shop windows. She was abreast of the window to the shop and looked up, seemingly startled, when the man appeared to pull the blind down. He eyed her and smiled. She gave a shy smile back but did not stop walking.
It was just before midnight when Terry entered the casino. She went straight to the office. The Duchess, now Kat to the Garrison girl, looked up and shook her head.
"I was beginning to worry," admonished the woman.
"Sorry," apologized Terry. "I just missed the train I was going to take back and had to wait for the next one."
She sat down in a chair beside Kat's desk and looked at her one time mentor. "Can I use your phone?" Terry asked. "Overseas and I'll pay for it."
The blond woman pushed the phone closer to the girl. "Were you successful?"
"Yeah, almost too successful," replied Terry.
The girl dialed an operator and gave the private home phone of Major Richards. It was a little late, even with the time zone difference but he would have to deal with it. It was twenty minutes before the phone was answered.
"Terry? Are you all right?" asked the major with concern.
"Yes. Sorry, I missed a train." She didn't wait for a response. "I found him."
"The shop or him?" asked Richards now alert and very interested.
"Both. Found the shop and saw him a little too up close."
Kat was unabashedly listening to this one way conversation.
"Did he see you?"
"Oh yes. He took a good look too."
"So you're compromised," said the major with defeat.
"Not yet," replied the girl. "I just have to change my appearance a little and find a different café to sit at."
She heard the sigh on the other end.
"Terry, are you sure it was him?" questioned Richards.
"Pretty much. The name on the shop was right. He's brown-haired, about Craig's height, thin, Germanic appearing, has a neat mustache now, and there's something wrong with his left arm. It doesn't seem to function well."
"That would make sense. He was shot in the lower left shoulder. Probably nerve damage." The gloat was evidence in Richards' voice. "All right, what next?"
"Can you get SOE to drop me a tiny camera with microfilm? The usual place in Zurich. I want to try to get a picture of this Miller and hopefully his men," asked Terry.
"We need more than that, Terry. We need hard evidence."
Terry knew that. "Once I figure out their routine, I plan on doing a little B and E."
Despite what he had been telling others about the woman's capabilities, he was concerned. "Do you want SOE to go with you?"
"No," was the reply. "If I go down, I don't want to take anyone with me."
"Just be very careful," warned Richards.
"Kevin, I'm always careful."
GGGGG
This time Major Richards came out to the Mansion instead of General Garrison going to him. The door to the Lieutenant's office was closed. The general, major, and the four cons sat at the conference table. Actor explained the plan he had come up with and worked on repeatedly in his mind, looking at all the possibilities.
Major Richards liked the idea of using his office to keep the Germans out of Allied Command. He scrutinized Actor. "And do you have an idea of what would be interesting enough for Miller to want to break in to get this information."
Actor paused, sucking on his cheek. "I am sure by now Allied Command is plotting how to invade Europe and force the Germans back. Perhaps a set of false plans?"
Garrison stared at the Italian. He couldn't possibly know about Overlord. Ike and Montgomery were still in the beginning stages of addressing that potential.
"Do you have some plans in mind?" questioned Richards, fully aware of the workings of the con man's mind.
"Perhaps," admitted Actor with a devious smile. "Where would you like the German troops to be in the event of a real invasion? I would assume the assault would take a short, frontal approach. So, you would want the false plans to indicate a different approach. And maybe a two-fold approach considering Stalin seems to be on the side of the Allies now."
"How about from the north?" suggested Casino. At the pairs of eyes staring at him, he shrugged. "Hey, you know how many times we've been on a boat in the North Sea? Nobody's gonna expect you to come in from there."
"So, why would they believe that?" asked Garrison.
"Pincher effect," said Actor, seeing where the safecracker was going with this.
"Sure," Casino took over again. "Come in along the coast of Belgium, Holland, and northern Germany. Push 'em east. Stalin comes in from the east and pushes them west. Then bomb the hell outta them when they meet in the middle."
The two officers stared at each other and back to Casino.
"And this is how you would do it?" asked Will Garrison in amazement.
"Hell no," shot back Casino. "The North Sea is full of submarines to take out the ships. And if they didn't, those Army guys would be too busy puking over the sides of the boats in those rough waters to be able to make it to land. Naw, I'd take a direct route. Shortest distance between England and France. Move up, capture Paris and then do the pincher thing."
Actor chuckled. "Yes, Casino. We all know about the effects of the North Sea crossings on Goniff."
"'Ere now!" objected the Englishman. He shrugged with a quirky grin. "You're right."
General Garrison sat back in his chair, pipe suspended in hand, trying to comprehend all of this. He turned his head to look at Major Reynolds, who was staring back at him.
"Do you think we may be going about this all wrong?" asked the Commando officer. "Maybe we should make them generals and put them in charge of invasions."
Garrison scanned the faces down the table that were watching him. "Do you gentlemen have anything else to add?"
Chief grinned. "You think they got the idea now, Actor?"
"I believe so," replied the con man. He looked at Casino. "Do you have anything more?"
"Naw, I think we gave 'em enough to begin with."
"Goniff?" asked Actor.
"I don't care wot we do so long as it isn't by boat," said the pickpocket adamantly.
Casino laughed. "Hey Limey, you don't like boats, or planes . . . "
"Enough!" ordered the confidence man before it could turn into a full-blown argument.
Both officers fought hard to contain their amusement.
Will sent a critical look at the big Italian. "Just one more question. Why would Miller believe documents of such importance would be in the safe of a British major and not in Allied Command?"
"We just told yuh why," shot out the safecracker.
"Casino, please," objected Actor calmly. "Lt. General Garrison comes over from the War Department and agrees to act as courier for some initial plans that need to be seen by Churchill. The original is given to the Prime Minister, but a copy needs to be on hand. Allied Command's security has been breached. Where would you go with the papers? Someplace least expected. The safe of a, pardon me," he looked as apologetically as he was capable of at Richards, "a lowly British Commando major." Now Actor turned to Richards and said with apparent sincerity, "I am sorry Major. I am sure by the time you reach Gen. Garrison's age you will have your stars."
There was dead silence in the room. None of the cons could believe the suave confidence man was saying these things to superior officers. Gen. Garrison cocked his head to look at Maj. Richards.
"Major, I believe we have been insulted," said Will. "you are lowly, and I am elderly."
"Yes," replied Kevin. "I believe you are correct."
Garrison shook his head and continued, "The young these days, no respect for superiors or the elderly."
"Thank you, General," said Actor, "however I am not young."
Garrison's eyes slowly shifted to the twinkling hazel ones watching him. "I have read your dossier, Mr. Borghese. I am old enough to be your father."
This brought loud guffaws from the men, Major Richards, and even Actor.
"Touché, Sir," acknowledged the con man.
GGGGG
Terry spent the next day visiting shops and getting make-up, a bottle of peroxide and a little zippered cloth bag to put it in. On the way back to the Duchess's apartment, she walked around to the drop off place and retrieved the microfilm camera and an extra cassette. It carefully went into the bottom of the make-up kit.
Returning to the empty apartment, Terry immediately set about changing her hair color. She borrowed Kat's scissors and snipped a short length of hair off where it wouldn't show. Holding her wrist watch up where she could see it easily, she dipped the hair into the peroxide and sat down to watch the time. It wouldn't do to kill the color of her hair and come out looking like an under-ripe strawberry. When she was satisfied, Terry removed her clothes in the bathroom and taking a deep breath first, worked the peroxide lightly through her hair.
An hour later, Terry was several shades lighter, shampooed and had some kind of conditioner Duchess used on her blond hair putting body and moisture back into the tresses. Now the girl set about applying make up to make herself look older than what she was. She did not want to make herself look appealing to Miller. And, ideally, he wouldn't even see her.
Another hour later, Terry was on the train back to Basel. This time, she hid behind a garbage bin at the mouth of an alley across from Miller's shop. She didn't have long to wait. The German parked a non-descript car in front of his door. He got out of the driver's side and walked around the car. Terry began shooting pictures. Three men got out on the sidewalk side. The camera kept shooting. She was afraid she was not close enough to get anything sharp enough.
Terry waited another hour. They did not come out. Afraid she would be spotted if she stayed any longer, the girl moved out to the sidewalk and walked behind a group of young women who had just passed. One door from the corner on the next block was another outdoor café. She took a seat at a rear table where she could watch but not be easily spotted. The coffee was good quality, but more expensive than the other café.
The light was starting to dim when the men finally emerged from the shop and got back in the car. Terry bent her head down but watched out of the tops of her eyes as the car went up the street. This time she stayed. She wanted to make sure they did not come back. Time of the essence and she would need to search the shop, sooner than later.
Terry barely caught the last train back to Zurich. Even the casino was closed by then, so she made her way back to Kat's apartment. Tapping lightly on the door, she wondered if she would have to pick the lock. The door was flung open and the older woman grabbed her by the arm and yanked her inside.
Peeking out into the hall, Duchess closed and locked the door and turned on the younger girl.
"What happened?" she demanded. "I thought you had been caught or killed or something."
"Sorry," apologized Terry. "I had to watch a little longer than usual to make sure they didn't come back. I'm going in tomorrow." She glanced at the mantle clock. "Tonight."
"I'm going with you," said the confidence woman.
"No," said Terry firmly. "Same reason I am not taking SOE with me. I don't want to be responsible for anyone else getting hurt or killed."
"And if you are?" The filmy cream colored peignoir floated around her as she paced the room. "What do I tell Craig if you don't come back."
Terry sighed, not wanting to tell the woman this, but she deserved to know. "If I don't come back. You don't have to tell Craig anything. We'll all be dead. Me, Craig, Actor, Casino, Goniff and Chief."
"What?" Duchess stopped dead in her tracks and stared at the girl.
"That's what this is all about," said Terry. "Treason. The sentence for treason is hanging. This is why I am here doing what I'm doing."
"Santa Madre di Dio," breathed the blonde woman.
Terry gave a quirky sad smile. It had been a long time since she had heard Kat swear in Italian."
GGGGG
The two officers went back to Major Richards' office. As long as Will had no problem with it, Kevin watched the man make a phone call to the War Department. His eyebrows went straight up when Garrison reached someone and asked for General Eisenhower. There was a guffaw of laughter to the response.
Where is he staying?" asked Will. "All right, thank you." He hung up and turned to the Commando officer. "I understand the Savoy is a hot bed of intrigue."
"It has its problems," replied Richards. "Is the General staying there? It's not a particularly safe place."
"Yes, and don't worry. He's the one who told me about it." Garrison grinned. "How would you like to stake out the Savoy with me? General Eisenhower happens to be on this side of the Pond meeting with the Prime Minister."
Now Major Richards grinned. "I would be delighted to accompany you. They have an excellent menu, and with enough money, one can procure items that are not on the menu."
GGGGG
Lt. Garrison gave a jaundiced eye to the meal on the tray that had been slipped through the door of his cell. It looked as though the Spam had been boiled not fried. It was soggy and not browned. The brown mush of the pork and beans beside it did not improve his appetite any. At least they had allowed him to have the Hersey's chocolate bar for dessert. With a sigh, he sat on his cot and picked at his food. It felt as though he had been abandoned. He did not like being kept in the dark about what was going on and if his men were alright. He might have gotten a glimmer of satisfaction to know their evening meal was the same as his.
GGGGG
Will left Major Richards at the American Bar in the Savoy and quietly asked the front desk manager of the hotel to let General Eisenhower know there were two officers to see him and where to find them. He went back to the bar and took the other chair beside Major Richards at the small round table within sight of the hallway and far enough away from the piano to enjoy the jazz music, but not so close that it overwhelmed their conversation. There was a bourbon waiting for him. Richards had his own glass with whiskey.
It was two hours before the trench-coated General paused in the hall and looked into the Bar. Will caught his eye. Eisenhower gave a brief dip of his head and walked slowly down the hall. Garrison and Richards tossed down the remains of their drinks and followed him. Nothing was said until they entered the suite the General was staying in. Eisenhower removed his coat and handed it to his lieutenant.
"Is it clean?" he asked.
"Yes, Sir," replied the lieutenant. "I haven't left it."
Ike turned to Will and gave an eye to the Major. "Craig or Terry this time?" he asked.
"Both and more," replied Will. He turned to the British officer. "General Eisenhower, this is Major Kevin Richards, British Commando."
Eisenhower grinned and held a hand out to shake lower ranked man's hand. "Terry's handler."
"Yes, Sir," acknowledged Kevin.
"Have your hands full, don't you Major?" said the General wryly.
"At times, Sir," agreed Richards.
"All right, gentlemen," said the General moving to the table and chairs in the far corner of the room. "What is it you need my assistance with?"