Evening News

by Arthur Hailey

  After that, of course, would come the greater problem of how to rescue them. But that would have to be faced when the time arrived.

  Unless some lucky, sudden breakthrough happened, Partridge expected the process to be demanding, slow and tedious.

  Continuing the TV correspondent routine, he next visited Entel Peru—the national telecommunications company with headquarters in downtown Lima. Entel would be CBA's base for communication with New York, including satellite transmissions. When crews from other U.S. networks arrived, as seemed likely in a day or two, they would use the same facilities.

  Victor Velasco was the busy, harried international manager of Entel whom Fernandez Pabur had already contacted. In his forties, with graying hair and a permanently worried expression, Velasco was clearly preoccupied with other problems as he told Partridge, "It has been difficult to find space, but we have a booth for your editor, his equipment, and we've run in two phone lines. Your people will need security passes . . .”

  Partridge was aware that in places like Peru, where politicians and military leaders strutted and got rich, it was lowprofile managers like Velasco—conscientious, overworked and underpaid—who really kept the country running. Back in his hotel suite, Partridge had put a thousand dollars in an envelope which he produced and discreetly handed over.

  ”A small thank-you for your trouble, Sefior Velasco. We'll be seeing you again before we leave.”

  For a moment Velasco looked embarrassed and Partridge wondered if he might refuse. Then, glancing in the envelope and seeing U.S. currency, Velasco nodded and put it in a pocket.

  ”Thank you. And if there's anything else..."

  There will be,” Partridge said.”That's the only thing I'm sure of.”

  * * *

  "What took you so long, Harry?” Manuel Leon Seminario inquired when Partridge phoned from the hotel shortly after 5 P.m., having just returned from Entel Peru.”I've been expecting you since our little talk.”

  "I had a couple of things to do in New York.” Partridge was reminded of his phone conversation ten days earlier with the Escena magazine owner-editor; it had been at a time when Peru involvement in the Sloane family kidnapping was a possibility, though not a certainty as now. He asked, "I was wondering, Manuel, if you've a dinner engagement tonight.”

  "I have indeed. I shall be dining at La Pizzeria at eight o'clock and my guest will be one Harry Partridge.”

  It was now 8:15 and they were sipping Pisco sours, the popular Peruvian cocktail, piquant and delicious. La Pizzeria was a combination of bistro and traditional restaurant where the movers and shakers of Lima were often to be seen.

  The magazine chief, slightly built and dapper, with a neatly trimmed Vandyke beard, was wearing high-fashion Cartier spectacles and a Brioni suit. He had brought with him to the table a slim burgundy leather briefcase.

  Partridge had already reported why he was in Peru. He added, "I've been hearing that things around here are pretty bad.”

  Seminario sighed.”It is true, they are. But then, our life has always been a mixture. We . . . how did Milton put it? . . . 'Can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.' Yet we limefios are survivors, something I try to reflect with Escena's covers.” He reached for the briefcase and opened it.”Consider these two our current edition and the artwork for next week. Together, I believe they say something.”

  Partridge looked at the printed magazine first. Its cover was a color photograph of a tall downtown building's flat roof. The roof contained a mess of debris, obviously from an explosion. Central in the picture was a dead woman, on her back. She appeared to have been young; her face, not badly damaged, might have been beautiful. But her stomach had been blown away, with bloody entrails strewn around the body. Despite his familiarity with scenes of war, Partridge shuddered.

  ”I'll save you reading the story inside, Harry. A business convention was in session across the street. Sendero Luminoso, in which the woman was an activist, decided to mortar the convention center. Fortunately for the convention, but not the woman, the mortar was homemade and exploded before she could fire it.”

  Partridge glanced at the picture, then away.”Sendero is increasingly active in Lima, I believe.”

  "Exceedingly so. Their people move around freely and this bombing, which went wrong, was an exception. Most are successful. Nevertheless, consider next week's cover.” The editor passed across the artwork.

  It was sex and cheesecake, only a hairbreadth away from pornography. A slim young girl, perhaps nineteen and scantily clad in the briefest of swimsuits, was leaning against a silken pillow, her head thrown back, blond hair tumbled, lips parted, eyes closed, legs partially spread.

  ”Life goes on and there are always two sides, even in Peru,” the magazine man said "Speaking of which, let us order dinner, then I will make suggestions, Harry, to ensure that your life goes on too.”

  The food was Italian and excellent, the service faultless. Near the end of the meal, Seminario leaned back.

  ”One thing you must realize is that Sendero Luminoso may already know of your presence here; their spies are everywhere. But even if not, they will learn of it shortly, probably after your CBA broadcast tomorrow, which will be repeated widely. So beginning at once, you must have a bodyguard accompany you, particularly if you go out at night.”

  Partridge smiled.”That seems to have happened already.” Fernandez Pabur had insisted on collecting Partridge from the hotel and bringing him here. Accompanying them in the Ford station wagon had been a silent, burly man who looked like a heavyweight boxer. Judging by a bulge under his jacket, he was armed. At their destination, the new man alighted first, Fernandez and Partridge remaining inside the vehicle until signaled to come out. Partridge had not asked questions, but Fernandez told him, "We will wait while you have dinner.” Presumably the retinue was still outside.

  "Good,” Seminario acknowledged. ”Your man knows what he is doing. Are you carrying a gun yourself?”

  Partridge shook his head.

  ”You must. Many of us do. And to quote American Express, 'Don't leave home without it.' Another thing: Do not go to Ayacucho, a Sendero stronghold. Sendero would learn of your being there and you would be committing suicide.”

  "At some point I may have to go.”

  "You mean if I, or others trying to help you, learn where your friends are being held. In that case you will have to ensure surprise by going in fast and getting out the same way. There will be no other way and you will have to use a charter airplane. Some pilots here will do that if you pay them enough risk money.”

  When they had finished talking, most other diners were gone and the restaurant was preparing to close.

  Outside, Fernandez and the bodyguard were waiting.

  In the station wagon returning to Cesar's Hotel, Partridge asked Fernandez, "Can you get me a gun?”

  "Of course. Do you have a preference?”

  Partridge considered. The nature of his work had made him knowledgeable about guns and he had learned to use them.”I'd like a nine-millimeter Browning; also a silencer.”

  "You will have it tomorrow. And about tomorrow—are there plans that I should know of?”

  "Just like today, I'll be seeing more people.” Partridge added mentally: And in days beyond that, still more—until the breakthrough comes.

  3

  Friday was a (lay of action at CBA, New York. Some of the activity had been anticipated; a good deal more was unforeseen.

  As usual, the network's broadcasting day began with the 6 A.M.”Sunrise Journal.” During that program a CBA News promo aired along with commercials, as it would throughout the day. The promo was a recorded message spoken on camera by Harry Partridge.

  "Tonight ... on CBA National Evening News ... an exclusive report of startling new developments in the kidnapping of the Crawford Sloane family.

  ”And at nine p.m. Eastern time, seven central, a one-hour News Special—Wetwork in Peril: The Sloane Kidnap.'

  "Be sure no
t to miss tonight's National Evening News and one-hour News Special,"

  The choice of Partridge was appropriate since he had regularly anchored all the evening kidnap news. It was also opportune since his appearance conveyed an unspoken implication that he was in the United States, though at 6 a.m. he had already been in Peru for eighteen hours.

  Les Chippingham saw the promo while having a self-serve, on-the-run breakfast in his Eighty-second Street apartment. The news president was in a hurry, knowing there would be a good deal happening during the day, and through the kitchen window he could see his CBA limo and driver already waiting outside. The limousine reminded him of Margot Lloyd-Mason's instruction at their first meeting that he should use taxis instead, an order he had ignored. He must not ignore keeping Margot informed, however, and as soon as he reached the office would call her since she was likely to have seen the promo too.

  The decision was unnecessary. When he entered the car, the driver handed him a phone and Margot's voice barked instantly.

  ”What is all this about new developments and why haven't I been told?”

  "It happened suddenly. I intended to call you as soon as I got in.”

  "John Q. Public has been told. Why should I have to wait?”

  "Margot, the public has not been told; they will be this evening. You, on the other hand, are going to be told as soon as I reach my desk, but not on this phone because we've no idea who's listening.”

  There was a pause during which he could hear heavy breathing.”Do it immediately you get in.”

  "I will.”

  Some fifteen minutes later, connected again with the network president and CEO, Chippingham began, "There's quite a lot to tell.”

  "Get on with it!”

  "First, from your point of view the outlook is excellent. Some of our best people have achieved several exclusive breakthroughs which tonight may give CBA the largest news audience in our history, with matching ratings. Unfortunately, the news about the Sloane family is less than good for Crawf.”

  "Where are they?”

  "In Peru. Held by Sendero Luminoso.”

  "Peru! Are you absolutely sure?”

  "As I said, we've had some of our most experienced people working on this, especially Harry Partridge, and what they've discovered is convincing. I've no doubts, and am sure you won't have either.” Just the same, Margot's startled reaction at the mention of Peru surprised Chippingham, making him wonder what was behind it.

  She said sharply, "I'd like to talk to Partridge.”

  "I'm afraid that isn't possible. He's already in Peru, and has been since yesterday. We expect to have an update from him for Monday's news.”

  "Why are you moving so quickly?”

  "This is the news business, Margot. We always work that way.” The question amazed him. So did a hint of uncertainty, even nervousness, in Margot's voice. It prompted him to say, "You seem concerned about Peru. Do you mind telling me why?”

  There was silence and obvious hesitation before an answer.”At the moment Globanic Industries has a substantial business arrangement there. A great deal is at stake and it's essential our alliance with the Peruvian Government remains good.”

  "May I point out that CBA News doesn't have an alliance with the Peruvian Government—good or bad—or with any other government either.”

  Margot said impatiently, "CBA is Globanic. Globanic has an alliance with Peru; therefore so does CBA. When will you grasp that simple fact?”

  Chippingham wanted to answer, Never! But he knew he couldn't and said instead, "We're a news organization first and have to report the news the way it is. Also I'll point out, we didn't involve Peru; it's Sendero Luminoso which appears to have kidnapped our anchorman's family. In any case, as soon as our story breaks tonight, everyone else—networks, print press, you name it—will jump on the Peru story too.”

  In a comer of his mind Chippingham was asking: Can this conversation really be taking place? And should I laugh or weep?

  "Keep me informed,” Margot said.”If there's any change, especially about Peru, I want to know immediately, not next day.”

  Chippingham heard a click as the connection was severed.

  * * *

  In her elegant office at Stonehenge, Margot Lloyd-Mason pondered. Uncharacteristically, she was uncertain about what to do next. Should she call Globanic Chairman Theo Elliott, or not? She recalled his cautioning words about Peru at the Fordly Cay Club meeting: "I don't want anything to damage our stilldelicate relationship . — . and thereby spoil what can evolve into the deal of the century.” In the end, she decided that she must inform him. Better he should hear the news from her than on some newscast.

  When she talked with Elliott, his reaction to her information was surprisingly calm.”Well, if that Shining Path rabble did the kidnapping, I suppose there's no way it cannot be reported. But let's not forget that the Peruvian Government is in no way involved because they and the Shining Path are deadly enemies. Be sure your news people make that clear.”

  "I'll see that they do,” Margot said.

  ”They can go even further,” Theo Elliott continued.”What's happening presents an opportunity to make the government there look good, and CBA should use it.”

  The comment puzzled her.”Use in what way?”

  "Well, clearly the Peruvian Government will do everything possible to find the kidnapped Americans and free them—using Peru's military and police. So while they're doing that, let's ensure they get proper credit, with upbeat pictures on our TV news. Then I can call President Castafieda, whom I know personally, and say, 'Hey, we're making you and your government look great!'—which should help us when Globanic Financial and Peru put together the final pieces of our debt-to-equity deal.”

  Even Margot hesitated.”I'm not sure about going quite that far, Theo.”

  "Then be sure! I know what you're thinking—that we're manipulating the news. Well, in something as important to us as this, so be it!” The Globanic chairman's voice rose.”Jesus Christ! We own the goddamn network, don't we? So once in a while let's put that ownership to our advantage. At the same time, remind your news people that this is a competitive, profit oriented business which pays their fancy salaries and they are a part of it, like it or not. If they don't like it, they've a clear choice—get out!”

  “I hear you, Theo,” Margot said. While listening and making notes, she had decided on a modus vivendi which would have three stages.

  First, she would call Chippingham to insist that CBA News indicate clearly the Peruvian Government's innocence of involvement in the kidnappings, precisely as Theo urged. Second, she herself, as president of CBA, would contact the U.S. State Department, asking for immediate pressure on Peru to do everything possible—including use of their military and police to rescue the three Sloane family members. Third, the cooperation of Peru's government would be reported by CBA headquarters for general release. At the same time, CBA News would report positively the actual efforts made.

  Almost certainly there would be difficulties and argument, but one thing Margot was sure of. Her relationship with Theo Elliott and loyalty to Globanic were paramount, overriding everything else.

  * * *

  Les Chippingham was growing used to Margot's unpredictabilities; therefore receiving another call from her so soon after their earlier conversation did not surprise him. The subject matter, though, made him uneasy because this was direct corporate meddling in news content, which happened occasionally at all networks but almost never with a major story. Fortunately, in this instance it was possible to be reassuring.

  ”All of us know the Peruvian Government was not involved in the kidnapping,” the news president said.”I'm sure that in our news tonight that will be implied and evident.”

  "I want more than implication. I want a positive statement.”

  Chippingham hesitated, knowing he should take a strong stand about news department independence, but aware of his precarious personal dependency on Margot.”I'll hav
e to look at scripts,” he told her.”Let me call you back in fifteen minutes.”

  "Don't make it any longer.”

  Ten minutes later, Chippingham called.”I think this will please you. It's something Harry Partridge wrote before he left for Peru and is in our news for tonight: 'The government of Peru and Sendero Luminoso have been fierce enemies for many years, dedicated to each other's destruction. Peru's President Castanida has declared, "Sendero's existence imperils Peru. Those criminals are a knife thrust in my side.”' That last statement will be a library shot and sound bite by Castaneda.”

  Chippingbam's voice reflected relief as well as humor.”I guess Harry read your mind, Margot. I hope it satisfies.”

  "It will do. Read it again. I want to write it down.”

  After the phone call ended, Margot summoned her secretary and dictated a memo to Theo Elliott.

  Theo:

  Resulting from our talk, the following will be in the National Evening News tonight:

  "The government of Peru and Sendero Luminoso have been fierce enemies for many years, dedicated to each other's destruction. Peru's President Costaneda has declared, 'Sendero's existence imperils Peru. Those criminals are a knife thrust in my side.”

  Castaneda will be seen and heard making the last statement. Thanks for your suggestion and help.

  Margot Lloyd-Mason

  The memo was to be hand-delivered by special messenger to Globanic Industries headquarters.

  Margot's next call was to Washington—the Secretary of State.

  * * *

  Throughout Friday at CBA, until the National Evening News first feed at 6:30 P.m., security was strained while outsiders nibbled at its edges, attempting to gain access to the exclusive information about which CBA News had been titillating viewers and competitors all day. News staff at other TV networks, radio stations, news wire services and the print press telephoned friends and contacts at CBA, attempting—sometimes directly, but mostly by inventive ruses—to learn the gist of what was coming. But within CBA, by carefully limiting the number of people with knowledge, and temporary isolation ot an inner core of computers, the line was held and secrecy preserved.