THE CONTROLLER-Obsession

by Jerry Bruce

  “Like what?” Nelson hadn’t had much to say to this point but his curiosity was aroused.

  “Don’t mind me, it’s just some of my insecurities rearing their ugly heads, I guess. Anyway, Taylor, you need to make this guy believe that you are on his side. But you have to be firm with him and make him understand that you can’t help him if he doesn’t open up to you. You are to make no promises to him without imposing the stipulation that he tells you everything he knows.”

  “Got it.”

  “Okay then; let’s get to it.”

  * * *

  “Richard, tell me honestly, do you think we can successfully overthrow the Controller and undo all that he has done?”

  Richard rolled over onto his back and pushed the covers down so that he was uncovered from the waist up.

  “I wish I could promise you that we will be the victors, but that would mean lying to you. I have my doubts, but only because I don’t know what to make of Wilkins. I don’t see how he cannot be the Controller, but yet the interrogation results are throwing me for a loop.”

  “Is it possible for anyone to be so conditioned that they could fool a polygraph and truth serum?”

  “From what Thornton tells me, yes it is possible. But it would take months of conditioning to get to such a point and I can’t visualize the Controller dedicating that much time to get there. He would have to be an extremely busy individual to manage all the things he had going on at once and probably wouldn’t have the time to devote to fooling truth serums and such. And besides, all of that notwithstanding, it would be an admission of failure. If he were to prepare himself in such a way, he would be admitting that he could be bettered. That isn’t in his nature. He can’t see failure as a possibility because he prides himself on his thorough planning. He accounts for every eventuality.”

  “But if he anticipated that the time might come when he would be under scrutiny—like now—it would make sense for him to be prepared, especially since preparation and planning is his forte.”

  “That’s just it, I cannot conceive of him entertaining the idea. He has always been so sure of himself and so sure of his ability to consider all possible scenarios that I don’t think preparing himself for failure would ever enter his mind. Being taken captive and interrogated would definitely be deemed a failure by him and the word ‘failure’ isn’t in his vocabulary. No, there is something we aren’t seeing in this picture, something we are missing in spite of all our advance planning. There has to be a logical reason for what we are witnessing. We just have to figure it out.”

  * * *

  Wilkins had been gasping and coughing from the effects of the waterboard torture and nearing the time frame for serious harm when Taylor burst through the door and confronted Vale.

  “Don’t you think this is enough? If you kill him, what good will he be to us?”

  “Since when is it your responsibility to question my methods, Taylor?”

  “I’m just not convinced that nearly killing the man is necessary, that’s all.”

  “Well, since you’re here, help me invert him before he passes out.”

  They proceeded to get Wilkins off the board and into his bed. He maintained consciousness throughout and heard every word that was said. When Vale started his questioning, Wilkins decided to say nothing and while still gasping from the waterboard torture, added some extra signs of discomfort to discourage Vale from further interrogation. He had been entertaining the idea of making up some plausible lie just to end the torture, but with Taylor questioning the goings on, he decided to see how things might play out.

  “I’m warning you Wilkins, if I don’t start getting some answers, I’ll make you wish you were never born. You are either going to tell me the truth or you’re going to welcome the waterboard; you decide for yourself what it’s going to be.” Vale’s acting impressed Taylor and he hoped he did as admirable a job.

  “Taylor, take his vitals, get him cleaned up and feed him. I want him fresh for our next session. I don’t want him feeling any pain when I start the next phase. I want him to experience every agonizing moment.” With that Vale stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

  Taylor made sure Wilkins was feeling well enough to take a revitalizing bath while he fetched his lunch. Taylor waited patiently while Wilkins let the warm water soothe his aches. Finally, after about an hour, Wilkins sat down to eat.

  While Wilkins picked at his lunch, Taylor decided to start his routine. “Why don’t you just tell him what you know and put an end to this? I don’t know what you’re hiding but surely it can’t be worth dying over.”

  “Don’t you understand? There isn’t anything to tell; I don’t know anything.” Wilkins sounded very convincing.

  “Look, if you insist on this charade, Vale won’t stop anywhere short of killing you. Consider it from his standpoint. He has his orders to get information from you and authorization to use whatever methods he deems reasonable. And yes, he is authorized to kill you if it is perfectly clear that you are not going to reveal anything.”

  “But what good am I to anyone if I’m dead?”

  “Alive you are nothing more than a loose end—a witness to something in which we are not supposed to be engaged.”

  “So if I talk, you have to kill me anyway, isn’t that what you are saying?”

  “No, if you talk we keep you alive. It may be only for purposes of putting you on trial and imprisonment, but at least you will be alive.”

  “Some choices.” Wilkins shook his head in disbelief at the situation he was in.

  “I’m being honest with you. I’m not trying to gloss over anything. You don’t have much of a future any way you look at it. But for the time being, if you cooperate you may not have to suffer any more torture.”

  “How can I cooperate? I don’t know anything. Your boss won’t be happy with anything I tell him because it all falls short of what he wants to hear.”

  “If you tell me the truth, I’ll convince him to end the torture. But just bear in mind that everything you tell me has to be true and verifiable, otherwise all bets are off. Think about it. I’ll be back in a little while.”

  Taylor called Nelson in to stand watch and then he left with the lunch tray, closing the door behind him. He felt he had turned in a performance as good as Vale’s and wanted to fill Vale in on the progress he felt he made.

  * * *

  Richard wasn’t looking forward to this call, but he knew it was only a matter of time before it would take place.

  “How are you, Josef?”

  “I am fine, Richard, but I would be better if I had some positive news from you regarding our little problem.” Russian Premier Josef Vashenko wasn’t the kind of man to sit idly by while putting all his trust in a former foe.

  “I wish that I had some good news to pass on to you but I don’t. We are still questioning our man.” Richard knew this wouldn’t satisfy the Russian but couldn’t think of anything else to say.

  “Perhaps you need to have me send over some of our personnel? We may be more effective in such matters.”

  “I don’t think that will be necessary, Josef. I have every confidence in my people being able to get the job done.” Richard spoke firmly and unapologetically, demeanor he knew would have the most affect with the Russian.

  “Very well, Richard. I will abide by your wishes, for now. Do not leave me hanging too long, however. My patience is wearing thin. Good bye.”

  Before Richard could give his farewells, the line went dead. He knew that he couldn’t keep the Russian at bay much longer. Deep down inside, he wasn’t so sure that it wouldn’t be a bad thing to have Vashenko go off on his own. At least he wouldn’t have to deal with the same constraints.

  * * *

  Taylor, Vale and Bradshaw sat down to discuss what had transpired and what their next action might be.

  “I think I actually made some headway with Wilkins. I may have gotten him thinking about the futility of holding back. I deviated a
little from our scenario.”

  “Deviated? How?” Vale was almost afraid to ask.

  “I told him that his life wouldn’t be worth anything if he wasn’t up front with us.”

  “I don’t believe you did that!” Bradshaw was beside himself.

  Vale jumped in with both feet, “Don’t you realize that you gave him every reason for lying to us just to keep himself alive. He could string us along for who knows how long.”

  “I told him that everything he gave us would have to be verifiable. If he lies to us, he knows that won’t save him. Look, we aren’t getting anywhere as it is, so what have we got to lose? He has already been thinking that the only way to get you off his back is to tell you what you want to hear. Using our current methods will only result in him lying to us to avoid more torture. Why not play out my scenario?”

  “What choice do we have? You backed us into a corner.” Bradshaw didn’t try to veil his displeasure with Taylor’s actions.

  “Bradshaw is right, Taylor. You haven’t left us with any other alternative. We have to play out your hand and see where it leads us. I think I should caution you though, forget the adlibbing. From now on, we discuss everything before you offer anything up to Wilkins. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, sir, quite clear. I really think this will work out best in the long haul. Now I better get back in there with him. I don’t want to let him think about it too long.”

  “Make this work, Taylor.”

  * * *

  Richard, Christine and Adam decided to have dinner together at Christine’s apartment. They wanted to discuss the latest developments over a relaxing dinner.

  “Any more word on how the interrogation is going, Richard?”

  “Only what I have previously told you, Adam. I think there is a lag between the agents deciphering their results and our being informed. I’m sure we will be hearing something soon.”

  “I hope so; this waiting is harder than receiving bad news.” Christine filled each of their glasses from a bottle of chardonnay that Richard had provided. “I just hope this is over sooner, rather than later.”

  “We’re committed to the long haul, so don’t get too impatient you two. Give it some time. Actually I think the waiting time is worthwhile; it gives us a chance to evaluate each new development without feeling pressure to react on a moment’s notice.” Richard hoped they didn’t see through his less than enthusiastic pep talk.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Richard had debated with himself over whether he should contact LeClerc. He was aware that LeClerc knew more about Vashenko than anyone else. He needed to know if Vashenko would be likely to go off half-cocked if Richard’s agents didn’t show some signs of success. He finally relented to his more curious self and placed the call to Jean Pierre.

  “Hello, Richard, good of you to call.” LeClerc sounded almost joyous.

  “Hello, Jean Pierre. I hope you have a few minutes to talk to me?”

  “Of course my friend, what may I do for you?”

  “Jean Pierre, I’m concerned about Josef. I think he’s growing extremely impatient with my lack of progress and I’m afraid he may go off on his own.”

  “I wouldn’t worry if I were you, Richard. I talked to him just yesterday and while he was a little upset at the lack of progress to this point, he did assure me that he was willing to give you more time.”

  “Well, I don’t mind telling you, that’s re-assuring news. I was beginning to have my doubts.” Richard’s voice sounded more relaxed.

  “Don’t worry, Richard. I made Josef promise me that he would not do anything without first checking with me. I, of course, would notify you immediately. It is in the best interests of us all to work together on this.” Jean Pierre was the voice of reason that Richard needed to hear.

  “Thank you, Jean Pierre. I’m very glad I called you.”

  “You are most welcome, Richard. Feel free to call me anytime my friend.”

  Reassured, but still concerned, Richard promised himself to keep a closer watch on Josef. Even LeClerc couldn’t stop him from going off on his own if he had a mind to do so. “As if I don’t already have enough to do, now I’m going to have to baby sit a Cossack,” Richard mumbled to himself.

  * * *

  Taylor gave Wilkins a couple of hours to recoup from his latest “questioning” by Vale. Maybe if Wilkins had some time to think things over he might be more prone to accept Taylor’s show of friendship.

  Taylor closed the door behind him so they could be alone and to show Wilkins that he was trying to shield their conversations from the other agents. Wilkins fell for the ploy and gave Taylor a warm greeting.

  “So, Mr. Wilkins, have you given any thought to my proposal?”

  “Yes, I have been thinking about it long and hard. What assurances can you give me?”

  “I’m in no position to give you any guarantees. All I can promise you is that I’ll do everything I can to see that you are unharmed. I can’t get you freed, if that’s what you are looking for; I can encourage my superiors to cut you some slack. Other than that I don’t have much to offer.”

  “You can’t make any promises and I don’t have much choice in the matter. We are both powerless. The only difference between us is that I’m the only one with something to lose.”

  “I take it then that you’re willing to work with me and give me some information?”

  “Yes, I’ll tell you everything I know.”

  * * *

  Vale, Bradshaw and Nelson were planning their next move should Taylor not be successful in getting Wilkins to open up. They were considering methods that would subject Wilkins to a great deal of pain, methods which Vale held back until there were no other options. Their discussion reached the point where each man was speaking louder and louder trying to be heard until Vale finally interjected.

  “Hold it down; we don’t want Wilkins to hear what we’re planning for him.” Unfortunately his call for quiet came too late. Once silent, the agents heard the faint sound of a helicopter hovering high above the house. No aircraft of any kind ever flew over these woods, so the agents were more curious than alarmed.

  Nelson and Bradshaw went for the front door only to stop dead in their tracks at the “thud” of a heavy object crashing down upon the roof.

  Vale had one instant to reason out where they had failed. “Shit, we forgot about covering the airspace” he mumbled to himself. It was the last thought he would ever have.

  The bomb was heavy enough and dropped from an altitude that would assure its crashing through the roof and possibly the ceiling. It didn’t matter though as the device packed enough punch to completely destroy the house and bend all the trees within a fifty yard perimeter.

  The helicopter pilot banked and turned away as quickly as possible, long before the bomb reached its target, lest any debris from the blast reach them. After the shock wave passed, the pilot circled back over the target area. The wash from the helicopter’s blades cleared away enough of the smoke and dust to allow the pilot to confirm that nothing remained at the site. He turned his head toward the back of the helicopter and gave a thumbs up to his passenger/bombardier, then with a quick turn, he headed for home.

  * * *

  The old man dropped his hoe, shocked by the severity of the blast. Confused, he didn’t know in which direction to look until he heard the approaching helicopter. Glancing over his right shoulder as he slowly turned his body, he saw the rising cloud of smoke and dust as the helicopter passed directly overhead. He was too surprised to notice what, if any, markings emblazoned the helicopter.

  * * *

  Richard had called Christine and Adam into his office for a quick conference to discuss a speech he was preparing. He was due to address the World Organization of Nations general assembly where he would update the members on key matters and present to them the plans he developed for the implementation of the organizations highest priority items. They were just about finished when Richard heard a familiar so
und coming from the area of his desk. As the sound got louder he gasped aloud as he recognized the tune—“Hail to the Chief”. It had been ages since the cell phone had been used; not since Wilkins had been taken into custody had Richard heard the familiar tune.

  Christine and Adam looked questioningly at each other, the significance of what was occurring lost on them.

  Richard reached his desk and pulled out the center drawer, removed the cell phone, and pressed the “talk” key. Before he could utter a single word, he heard the voice.

  “Hello, Richard.” It was unmistakable; the same person Richard had talked to for so many hours over the years was on the other end. Only this time something was different, the voice was now even colder and more emotionless than Richard thought was possible. For a brief instant Richard hoped, against all reason, that it wasn’t the Controller on the other end, but all doubt was soon erased.

  “You have put into motion something which cannot be stopped, Richard. My biggest disappointment with you is that you underestimated me even after all you have witnessed.”

  Richard started to speak and was abruptly interrupted.

  “No, Richard; you have nothing to say that I wish to hear. I take it you have not yet been informed as to the fate of your agents and their hideaway in the woods.”

  Richard felt his heart skip a beat at the idea that the team had been compromised. No, it couldn’t be true, nothing could have happened. There were no stones left unturned, the house was a too closely guarded secret. There was no way that Wilkins could have escaped, abetted or otherwise.

  “You probably want to end this call so that you may contact whoever was in charge of your operatives and verify what I am saying. Go right ahead. We will talk again later.”

  With that the phone fell silent.

  Richard looked at the confused faces of Christine and Adam as he walked back to his chair and plopped down in utter despair.

  “What’s wrong, Richard?” Christine wanted to hold him but restrained herself. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”