Rothschild glared at Janus then stepped into the road. ‘You can’t have her, she belongs with her own kind.’
Janus grinned at Rothschild. ‘My dear Vincent, still trying to walk the path of righteousness.’ He looked at Frederick. ‘Still recruiting I see.’
‘You have no right to do this, leave at once.’ Rothschild ordered.
Janus locked eyes with Jess. ‘I can see your pain Jessica, do you truly believe in your heart that you belong here?’ Jess glared back.
‘Come with me and I can stop the pain, I can give you the harmony you yearn for.’
‘Jessica do not do this, he is not what you think.’ Frederick urged.
Jess started to walk towards Janus.
Frederick went to grab her but suddenly found that he was unable to move.
Jess continued to walk towards Janus.
‘Janus, do not do this, let her go!’ Rothschild pleaded.
‘You chose a different path Vincent or do you not remember.’ Janus said.
Frederick looked on as Jess stood by Janus’ side.
‘Janus leave the girl, take me instead!’ Frederick shouted.
‘Tempting Professor, but I’m afraid your future is already written.’
Frederick’s mind filled with the image Janus had planted nearly two years previous. Elizabeth dead in his arms. Susan and James stood near sobbing. A huge hulk of a figure was now in the scene looking down on all of them. Frederick scrubbed the image from his mind glaring at Janus. ‘I told you the future is not yet written. Now let the girl go.’
Janus shook his head. ‘This one is mine.’ He paused. ‘Thank Jacob Barnes for me.’ In an instant the shimmering blue light and the craft were gone and darkness returned.
Frederick was able to move again, he looked at Rothschild with a suspicious glare. ‘What did he mean by a different path? Have you encountered Janus before?’
Rothschild walked towards the car. ‘I’m afraid at the moment Professor I cannot answer your question.’ He got in the car, which sped off down the road.
Three men came running down the road.
Jacob Barnes scanned the heavens. ‘Where did it go?’
Frederick suddenly realised what had happened. ‘You set me up.’ Barnes remained silent.
‘Your plan had nothing to do with taking her back to America. You were planning to hand her over to Janus.’
‘It’s for the best I can assure you Professor.’
‘Best for who!?’ Frederick shouted. ‘You, your empire, the Majestic 12 group.’
‘Calm down Professor it’s a small price to pay for what Janus has offered in return.’
‘Technology.’ Frederick said. ‘Human lives in exchange for advanced technology?’
Barnes nursed his swollen eye. ‘Don’t pretend to be shocked by all this Professor. You knew what you were getting into the moment I made the deal with him.’
Frederick fell silent, he had heard enough and walked away.
Chapter 21
Whitehall – London – 9:56am
Sunday 21st November 1954
‘It’s a god damn screw up that’s what it is.’ Stacy declared. ‘We’ve just lost the single most important intelligence gathering asset available to us.’
‘We still have other means at our disposal General.’ Barnes said.
‘You don’t get it do you Barnes. From the description Professor Frederick gave of the man he encountered last he was a Russian operative who was watching your every move.’
Barnes gently rubbed his swollen eye. ‘Well the mission was a success.’
‘Sending that girl to an unknown fate was a success?’ Frederick commented.
Barnes produced a black cloth from his inside pocket and laid it out on the table. Wrapped inside was a small object. ‘Do you know what this is Professor?’ Frederick shook his head. ‘It’s called a transistor, and it will revolutionise the electronics industry for years to come. No more bulky vacuum tubes. This object will lead to a revolution in miniaturisation.’
‘Courtesy of Janus no doubt.’ Frederick said.
‘As well as wreckage recovered from Roswell yes. Our technology will accelerate overnight Professor. We’ll always be one step ahead of the Russians.’
‘Not anymore they have the Roswell device.’ Frederick nodded.
‘A small price to pay if you ask me.’ Barnes replied glancing at Frederick. ‘You don’t approve Professor, well tough shit. I’ll give Janus all the people he wants if it helps means America remains the dominant power on this planet.
‘If I didn’t know better Senator I’d swear you have been spending too much time in the company of the men you acquired from Nazi Germany.’
Barnes remained silent.
Stacy drew breath. ‘Majestic has summoned you back to Washington immediately so I suggest you pack.’
Chapter 22
Moscow – Russia – 2:54pm
Thursday 25th November 1954
Pavel Vladimir held the Roswell device in his hand. ‘You have done well Comrade Shinski.’ He handed the device to the man sat next to him.
‘I did encounter the man from the hotel in Paris.’
‘Professor Frederick.’ Vladimir said.
Shinski nodded. ‘I’m certain he recognised me.’
‘It doesn’t matter we have this device now. It will help us locate individuals in the Soviet Union who have been abducted.’ Nikita Khrushchev stated as he examined the device.
‘That will be all for now Major Shinski.’ Vladimir said.
Shinski nodded and turned towards the door.
‘Do you trust him?’ Khrushchev asked.
‘Major Shinski is a loyal soldier. I do not think he will go running back to Colonel Konev.’
‘The Colonel is weak, although he does not realise it. Doctor Vilenko has been reassigned to the Tunguska Project. For now Comrade Vladimir we must remain in the shadows. Comrade Bulganin’s leadership is about to end and we will usher in a new era.’
Chapter 23
The Journalist and the Sealord
Whitehall – London – 9:56am
Tuesday 30th November 1954
Frederick looked at the newspaper General Stacy had handed him.
‘This came across the desk of Richard Wilks yesterday.’
Top Secret UFO conference to be held in Geneva
As you can see her source is Lord Mountbatten of Burma. I want you to go and interview this journalist and find out how she came across this information.
Frederick looked up at Stacy. ‘I take it there is some truth to this.’
‘You are one of the representatives going to the conference to discuss the threat extraterrestrials pose to the human race. I don’t know how this.’ Stacy reached for the newspaper looking for a name. ‘Dorothy Kilgallen got hold of the story but we need to find out. I’ve telephoned the editor of the London Evening Examiner. You will be meeting her this afternoon.’
‘I don’t understand why I have to interview her.’
‘You are the eyes and ears of the Angel Committee Professor.’ Stacy remarked.
‘Yes but as I pointed out before exposing me to the press will give them cause to suspect that we are hiding something.’
‘Don’t worry Professor we have a tight leash on the press. You won’t be splashed all over the front pages.
London Evening Examiner – Fleet Street – 1:01pm
George Rayman studied the man who was sat in the editor’s office. He got to his feet and walked over to the editor’s office knocking on the open door.
Bill Mirren looked up and smiled. ‘George come in.’
‘May I present Professor Ralph Frederick.’
‘A pleasure to see you again Professor.’ Rayman said shaking Frederick’s hand firmly. ‘I recall meeting you a few weeks back outside the house of Jessica Price, that girl with the remarkable abilities.’
Frederick thought for a moment. ‘Oh yes.’
‘You don’t know what happened to
her do you?’
‘I beg your pardon?’ Frederick stated.
‘I went back there a few days later and the neighbours told me that her father had been arrested. Apparently they found his wife dead in the cellar. And the young girl hasn’t been seen since.’
Frederick composed himself. ‘Really that’s dreadful.’
‘Would you care to comment as to what might have happened to her?’
‘As this is the first time I know of this incident Mr Rayman I cannot offer any explanation.’
‘Am I interrupting?’ A woman said knocking.
‘Dorothy.’ Mirren greeted as the woman glided into the office.
Frederick noted the woman’s American accent.
‘May I present one of Cambridge’s finest, Professor Ralph Frederick.’
‘Hello.’ Kilgallen said. ‘A Cambridge Professor eh, wow I feel as if I need to mind my manners.’
Mirren chuckled then got to his feet. ‘We’ll leave you alone.’ He said ushering a reluctant Rayman out of the door.
Rayman looked back towards the office door. ‘Why aren’t we in there with them?’
‘Because I don’t want to make it obvious that we are keeping tabs on Professor Frederick.’ Mirren replied. ‘We need to keep our distance otherwise he will clam up on us. Dorothy is an experienced journalist. She should be able to coax something out of him.’
‘So what brings you to the Examiner Professor?’ Kilgallen asked.
‘I thought we might have a little chat about the article you wrote the other day concerning the UFO conference.’
Kilgallen’s eyes narrowed as she studied Frederick. ‘Really!’ She said with surprise. ‘I would have thought one of Cambridge’s finest would have better things to do than chase after little green men.’
‘Actually I don’t.’ Frederick replied. ‘But your source has raised a few eyebrows and they’re wondering how you managed to get Lord Mountbatten to reveal this information.’
‘Are you saying that there will be a secret conference?’
Frederick shook his head slowly. ‘Like I just said Ms Kilgallen I’m here to discuss your source of information.’
Kilgallen continued to stare at Frederick for several seconds. ‘Ok, Lord Louis Mountbatten, yes we had a chat and a few drinks at a social event last week.’
‘And did he say how he came across this information?’
‘The French defence minister?’
‘I see.’
Kilgallen smiled. ‘Now there’s a man who can’t hold his liquor or tongue for that matter.’
‘And the French defence minister just happened to blurt this information out to Lord Mountbatten, who in turn told you.’
Kilgallen nodded.
‘Exactly how did you get on to the topic of flying saucers?’
‘Oh you know, small talk and all that stuff. You’ll be surprised the conversation they have at these charity functions. Listen Professor if you’re interested in the topic of flying saucers how about an interview. I also write for the New York Times. Flying saucers are a big thing back home in the States we would love to hear the opinion of a British expert.’
Frederick smiled. ‘I’m afraid I’m no expert.’
‘So what are you doing here?’
Frederick felt cornered. ‘Thank you for your time Ms Kilgallen.’ He smiled at her and left the room.
Mirren and Rayman entered the office and all three watched as Frederick left.
‘See, I told you if you printed that story you’d smoke someone out.’ Kilgallen said.
Mirren nodded. ‘What now?’
‘We keep investigating every flying saucer sighting we come across.’ Kilgallen replied. ‘Sooner or later our paths will cross again.’
‘We need to be careful if we’re going to tread on the toes of men like Professor Frederick.’ Mirren advised.
‘I wouldn’t be too bothered about the likes of him.’ Kilgallen replied. ‘Sooner or later we’ll encounter Jacob Barnes. That’s the man you need to be worried about.’
Chapter 24
Trinity College – Cambridge – 2:13pm
Friday 3rd December 1954
Frederick looked up as his secretary walked in after knocking. ‘Sorry to bother you Professor but there are some Gentlemen to see you.’
Frederick peered over Janet’s shoulder to see two men waiting at the door. It took a few seconds to process before Frederick realised he wasn’t going to be able to brush them off. ‘It’s ok Janet, let them come in.’
Lord Louis Mountbatten and Peter Horsley entered the room. Janet shut the door after they had politely declined the offer of tea.
‘Gentlemen this is an unexpected surprise.’ Frederick greeted.
Mountbatten and Horsley sat down opposite Frederick.
‘I would have thought Professor Frederick even a man as academically gifted as you would have figured out we would bump into each other sooner or later, especially since we share an interest.’ Mountbatten said dryly.
‘Interest, I don’t quite follow?’ Frederick shrugged.
Peter Horsley rolled his eyes. ‘Come on Professor, we’ve encountered each other before in Ripley a few years back. I may not have said much but I knew what you were up there investigating.’
‘So we suggest you drop your little act and tell us what the hell is going on with the American’s!’ Mountbatten’s voice rose.
Frederick pursed his lips inhaling a lungful of air. ‘What exactly do you mean, what’s going on with the Americans?’
‘They’ve shut down the Flying Saucer working Party. Which in case you didn’t know was our venture.’
‘I see.’
‘Henry Tizard is furious, he wants nothing more than to see your head on a silver platter right now.’ Mountbatten said.
‘Don’t pretend you didn’t know.’ Horsley said. ‘You and your little group have been in bed with the Americans for well over a year now. You honestly think you could keep it a secret.’
‘No.’ Frederick admitted. ‘Although I had no idea that you were both members of the flying saucer working party.’
‘We set up that group four years ago and we’ve been working damn hard to get to the bottom of the whole flying saucer fiasco.’ Mountbatten explained. ‘Your colleague Chester Osborne was our lead researchers.’
‘I’d hardly call it a fiasco.’ Frederick said.
‘So what is it the Americans know about flying saucers?’ Horsley asked.
‘Plenty.’ Frederick replied. ‘The only reason we are in bed with them, is because we caught them with their trousers down last year. They were testing a high altitude surveillance plane out of Mildenhall, and we happened to stumble on to their little operation.’
Mountbatten glanced at Horsley then back at Frederick. ‘Does the Prime Minister know about this?’
Frederick nodded. ‘Yes, but you already knew this. Malcolm Chambers said that he had access to information obtained by the flying saucer working party. When the Prime Minister called me into his office he said that you were dragging your heels a bit.’
‘Believe me Professor we have obtained plenty of information regarding the flying saucer phenomenon.’ Horsley said. ‘We have been keeping it under lock and key.’
‘His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh is interested to know what’s going on.’
‘I think it’s best if we keep his Royal Highness in the dark for now. I’m sure Buckingham Palace doesn’t want to find itself up to its neck in headlines about the flying saucers.’
‘I’m afraid we’re already up to our necks.’ Horsley replied.
‘How so?’
‘Two nights ago I encountered an acquaintance of yours.’
Frederick shrugged. ‘Acquaintance?’
Horsley nodded. ‘Yes, a Mr Janus I believe.’
‘Mr Janus.’ Frederick stated.
‘A most peculiar fellow.’ Horsley carried on. ‘He gave me the distinct impression he could read my mind. I can only assume
that he was not of this world.’
Frederick stared at Horsley intensely. ‘What exactly did you talk about?’
Horsley shrugged. ‘A lot of different topics, science, religion, politics a bit of philosophy.
He then mentioned you and requested a meeting.’
‘A meeting!’ Frederick could hardly believe what he was hearing.
Horsley nodded. ‘At the address in Smith Street in Chelsea. He said you were already familiar with it.’
‘It’s our main reason for being here today.’ Mountbatten added. ‘This Mr Janus also requested a meeting with the Duke of Edinburgh.’
‘I hope you said no.’ Frederick said.
‘Of course I did, I’m not a complete idiot.’ Horsley snapped.
‘Obviously you are familiar with this fellow.’ Mountbatten said.
‘You could say that.’ Frederick swallowed hard. ‘I suggest gentlemen if you want to continue investigating the flying saucer phenomenon you are to stay away from any press.’ Frederick looked at Mountbatten. ‘I had a rather uncomfortable interview with an American Journalist the other day concerning an article in the London Evening Examiner.’
Mountbatten nodded. ‘I did not expect her to publish and article regarding my comments.’
‘Never the less Lord Mountbatten you must be careful what you say.’
Mountbatten nodded before getting to his feet. ‘Agreed.’
Horsley handed Frederick a piece of paper before heading out of the door.
Frederick stared at the piece of paper which just had a time of day and date scrawled on it.
Chapter 25
Mr Janus
Smith Street – Chelsea – London – 7:59pm
Saturday 4th December 1954
The woman called Mrs Markham showed Frederick into the study where he had encountered Janus several months earlier.
‘Good evening Professor Frederick.’ Janus greeted.
Frederick walked towards the fire to warm his freezing hands. He stared into the flames dancing in the fireplace.
The Angel Conspiracy (The Angel Cronicles Book 2) Page 6
