While Rome Was Sleeping

by M. S. Forsythe

  Contacting Interpol was the next step. Wellman wired Durkan’s physical description and his origin as a possible Australian or British subject or an American operating in Southeast Asia in the 1960’s and 70’s time-frames.

  The reply to his inquiry from Interpol showed no record of a Phillip Durkan, Australian, British or American. However, the description fit a well known KGB agent, Yanov Zemenek. Zemenek had escaped capture in Laos while posing as a CIA agent. He was last reported there in 1975 and reappeared in Moscow in 1976. Interpol was wiring a picture.

  When the picture arrived, Fred looked at it and said, “No surprise..., hello, Mr. Durkan. Now I think we’ll go see your former employer.”

  Fred checked the time, straightened his tie and prepared to depart for the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church where he would say goodbye to an old friend.

  ✽✽✽

  General Brad Coleman was furious when he left the meeting with Neil Klein at the Watergate on Tuesday night and he was alarmed. What had seemed an easy solution to a potentially large problem had gone completely awry. Yes, Kelshaw was dead, but the information that he carried had reached its mark and unless he was bluffing, Klein had it. Coleman could only speculate on what the packet contained.

  As he drove home he went over the meeting with Klein. He had been caught completely off guard by Klein’s accusation connecting him with the betrayal of Paul Thayer and Pyotr Chernakov.

  So it was in fact, General Pyotr Chernakov that was the “big shot” defector that Lia had goaded him about. It all began to make sense; somehow word had gotten to her pals in Moscow and they must have tracked Chernakov. Brad’s mind was racing, “Why would Klein think that I had betrayed Paul Thayer... because of Lia? Had Kelshaw believed it? What was Klein threatening...my exposure of having an affair with a known Soviet agent? After all, Klein had known about Lia, why would he wait until now to expose an affair that had ended more than ten years ago? No, there had to be something else. Klein didn’t mention GCI.

  ✽✽✽

  It was ten years since Brad left Vietnam following which, he and Olivia had enjoyed nearly two years in Germany. Brad had been assigned to US Army Support Group at Heidelberg and though his schedule was pressured, he and Olivia took advantage of the proximity to Switzerland, France and Italy, traveling as much as his time would allow.

  Brad was scheduled to return to the United States

  to a new job in the Pentagon that carried with it a promotion to Brigadier. Before leaving, Mr. and Mrs. Laird, Olivia’s father and mother had combined a visit to see Brad and Olivia with Clyde Laird’s banking business. Clyde was on his way to a meeting of international bankers in Zurich.

  The Lairds invited Brad and Olivia to join them in Switzerland for a few days. The visit was climaxed by the Colemans accompanying the Laird’s to a lavish party for the bankers and their guests hosted by Global Construction International in the lush lobby of the GCI headquarters building in Zurich.

  In the center of the lobby was a remarkably beautiful fountain bubbling around a large rotating globe that rested on the top of a graceful tower. Colored lights on the globe marked cities of the world where GCI maintained satellite offices.

  Brad and Olivia noted besides headquarters in Zurich, there were satellites in Valencia, Spain; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Bangkok, Thailand and Cairo, Egypt. They were both awe struck at the display and the immensity of Global International.

  At the party Olivia’s father proudly introduced Brad to Karel Schneiderman, GCI’s CEO, telling Schneiderman that his son-in-law would soon be General Bradley Coleman assigned to the Pentagon.

  Schneiderman and Coleman spent a major portion of the evening discussing Vietnam and Brad’s time there. The GCI executive was impressed with Brad and before the evening ended gave Brad his card saying, “We’re always looking for outstanding people to join us. What are your plans for the future...?”

  Brad was flattered by Schneiderman’s interest and was careful in his response offering pleasantly, “At the moment my military career is on track with my plans, but thank you for your interest. If there is any way that I can be of help to you from my office in the Pentagon, please call me. You can always reach me through my father-in-law, Clyde Laird.”

  As they shook hands Schneiderman studied Brad a moment before saying, “It may well be that you can be of help to our company as a military contact, perhaps even a consultant. Goodnight General.”

  ✽✽✽

  1973 found Bradley Coleman settled in the Department of Defense with the Defense Intelligence Agency. Now thirteen years old, the DIA had established its presence and Brad was moving up in the organization.

  The Vietnam War was ending and the POW/MIA issue was the major consideration in the minds of the many government officials and law makers as it applied to the Peace Negotiations.

  Rumors of a secret letter from the administration to North Vietnam offering financial aid for post war rebuilding in exchange for a full accounting of American POW’s and Mia’s was circulating; at the same time word reached the Senate of the inhumane treatment and the abuse and torture of American prisoners.

  Wrangling on the hill dragged on, but there would be no agreement on reparations.

  When the prisoner exchange finally occurred and not all of the POW’s and MIAs were accounted for, an immediate shock wave was felt throughout the community of families of those who were listed as missing. Only 586 prisoners were returned.

  Coleman hadn’t thought about George Kelshaw since leaving Saigon in 1970 until he saw his name on a list of MIAs that were identified as being captured by the Pathet Lao as late as 1974 and held in Laos; Kelshaw was among those not repatriated and unaccounted for. He estimated that Kelshaw had no doubt been identified as CIA and had probably been killed after capture.

  The DIA listed over 350 US personnel as missing or captured in Laos alone. As the inquiries of the fate of the unreturned MIAs increased and reports from some of those who were repatriated of prisoners left behind, a meeting of Department of Defense, State Department and CIA personnel was called along with congressmen in attendance whose constituents were pressing them for answers.

  Brad’s office had been tasked with the follow-up and investigation of reports of live sightings of Americans who might still be held in enemy prison camps.

  As the reports came in to the Defense Intelligence Agency’s office, DIA staff members were required to check out the source of the information and then contact on site in-country sources for further verification; often the investigations led to a dead end.

  As months dragged by families waited for answers. The newspapers continued to carry story after story of families seeking information on their missing and unaccounted for loved ones who were listed as MIA’s. Some were beginning to believe that the government was concealing information when their questions went unanswered.

  In an effort to assuage pressure from the media as well as families, General Coleman was directed to appear on a television news interview and explain the government’s position and the role of the Defense Intelligence Agency in seeking to identify and verify reports of POW’s that were still being held. He explained the difficulties of the agency staff in attempting to trace all the leads.

  He was quick to assure the families that the government agency would do everything possible to check each reported sighting and press the governments of Laos and North Vietnam for answers.

  ✽✽✽

  GCI’s Karel Schneiderman on a US business trip to Washington turned on the television in his room at the Washington Hilton; he recognized Bradley Coleman and watched the interview with interest.

  The following day he placed a call to Brad’s office in the Pentagon to make an appointment.

  When they met over lunch Brad was surprised and pleased as Schneiderman greeted him, “General Bradley Coleman,” he said admiringly, “It is General Coleman, now I see. You do remember that I suggested that it was likely that you could be of service to our orga
nization from your military position. Now General, I am inviting you to become a member of our international team as one of our consultants. I feel you would be invaluable.”

  Brad was flattered and elated, but didn’t want to appear too eager. He was being sought after as a consultant to one of the world’s largest companies. He smiled savoring the moment as he slowly nodded his head saying, “This is a surprise and I don’t quite know what to say, Karel; let me have a day or two to consider your offer. I’d like to talk it over with Mrs. Coleman, my wife Olivia,” he qualified.

  “Of course, General, this is Wednesday and I’ll be in Washington until Saturday...”

  “I’ll have an answer for you before then. What type of consultation do you feel I can provide?” Brad inquired.

  It was Schneiderman’s turn to sit back and smile, “I believe you can be very helpful in helping us with some of our projects. You are in a position to know of your government’s investment interests and of the various departments in your government that have knowledge and pockets of funds that could be tapped to participate in some of GCI’s humanitarian efforts. And of course there is your knowledge of the military community and programs as well.”

  “Is Clyde Laird involved in any way with GCI?” Brad queried. “If so, GCI projects could be compromised by using me, his son-in-law, as a consultant. It could be awkward for all of us.”

  “The answer to your question, General, is no. I am very gratified that you are aware of the need for care and discretion. This will serve us all well as we proceed.”

  Schneiderman was pleased. He continued, “Our corporate business interests are largely handled by a large American West Coast law firm of Ramsey, Wilson and Carr from their offices here in Washington. They are headquartered in Seattle where the firm’s principal, Lyle Ramsey, makes his home as well as does Harrison Carr. Our Far East contracts are handled in Ramsey, Carr’s Tokyo offices. The firm and its people are very efficient and very discreet.

  “I will put you in touch with the Seattle office and Lyle Ramsey; I want you to meet him; he handles all our US contracts for us.”

  Brad was listening intently and nodded understanding as Schneiderman continued adding, “Although I haven’t mentioned it, Bradley, I’m sure you understand that you will be well compensated as he wrote a figure on a slip of paper and slid it across the table to Brad.”

  Coleman laid his napkin carefully beside his plate, picked up and read the paper and looking at Schneiderman said quietly, “This is more than generous...I don’t believe I’ll need two days to consider your offer, Karel, I believe that you and I have struck a deal.”

  Before extending his hand Schneiderman smiled, “Please know and understand this, General, at GCI we do what is needed regardless of the political climates. As a result GCI is not always looked on with favor by some world governments, but we are very well insulated. I do want you to know that much of your affiliation with us must be sub-rosa. By that I mean that while you will be openly recognized as one of our world wide military consultants; the public description of your work with us will be sanitized. There will be situations when your work with us may necessitate complete secrecy. Can you agree to that, General?”

  Their eyes met as Brad stated firmly, “I will do what is necessary to further the goals of GCI; and...,” he said pausing, “I will continue to do what is necessary to further my own military career goals as well; I don’t believe these are mutually exclusive.”

  “Nor do I...Yes, General,” Schneiderman said, now extending his hand, “I think we have struck a deal.”

  ✽✽✽

  The association with the Seattle office of Ramsey and Carr occurred shortly after Brad’s affiliation with GCI.

  Brad was introduced to Harrison Carr and Lyle Ramsey and given a brief overview of the firm and its history. He and Ramsey developed an excellent rapport from the outset.

  Coleman had already located funds in several government departments that with the help of one or two congressmen were easily channeled into GCI program contracts that were written in Seattle. Brad felt he was off to a good start.

  ✽✽✽

  Brad was now the Deputy Director at DIA and the POW issue was only one area of his responsibility. Many of his initial duties were placed on the shoulders of Air Force Major Raymond Thomas who served as his main staff liaison. All major decisions remained with Brad, however, and he purposely took time to participate in all interagency POW discussions.

  The issue was becoming bogged down and layered by interagency turf wars, and becomimg more problematic as time went on. There had been recent reports that some American POWs had been seen working in chains with a road crew near Sam Neua in Laos. There were similar rumors that some American POWs had been seen in North Vietnam and Cambodia.

  Word often came through refugees arriving in camps. Satellite photos were inconclusive and attempts to verify reported sightings were often frustrating and queries from congressmen following up on the reports for their constituents occupied a great deal of staff time and frustration at DIA.

  When Major Thomas asked for additional help to investigate the Laotian report, Brad declined saying, “We can’t waste your time and my time investigating every damned fool rumor that comes in. We don’t have the resources or manpower to follow-up on trivia. There are specific leads and information that you should be investigating on individual sightings in North Vietnam. Stay on track!”

  GCI had instructed Brad to overlook the rumors emanating from Laos as political gaffs; a way to discredit GCI’s quiet attempts to help rebuild a country in part destroyed by war. It was recommended that his office downplay any such reports.

  The embargo against the three Communist governments of Laos, North Vietnam and Cambodia held little meaning for GCI’s contract intentions, although their agreements with the three governments were looked on with disfavor and by some member nations of the South East Asia Treaty Organization, the US among them. Severely weakened by internal disagreements, SEATO would finally disband in mid 1977.

  ✽✽✽

  In October of 1978 a message was received by the US Embassy and sent to the State Department that an American POW identified as George Kelshaw had escaped a forced labor crew of the Pathet Lao and had made his way to Bangkok. It was reported and forwarded to the DIA office that he had first been seen in Vientiane and later Bangkok, but had now dropped out of sight.

  The on-site DIA investigative staff in Bangkok attempted to verify his whereabouts and confirm that it was American George Kelshaw, but they were unable to locate Kelshaw or their own sources of the reported sighting. It was posited that he could be hiding out of fear; possibly that he was ill and might have gone underground to recover or had died. Nothing more was heard about George Kelshaw.

  ✽✽✽

  Spring of 1980, word reached Brad that the GCI offices in Bangkok had been broken into. No thought of a connection with George Kelshaw crossed his mind until he realized that the forced labor crew from which Kelshaw had escaped, was in fact a GCI road building project guarded by Pathet Lao soldiers and that many of the laborers were prisoners of the Pathet Lao.

  Coleman had over the last several years, as GCI’s Schneiderman suggested, ignored rumors of POWs being used for slave labor in Laos and North Vietnam. His office had been unable to verify such reports and the DIA had been urged to parrot the administration’s position that all live POW’s had been returned, even in the face of a growing body of evidence to the contrary.

  After a call to GCI Bangkok it took a short time for Brad to verify his suspicions that it was Kelshaw who had broken into Bangkok’s GCI offices and had accessed important information. He remembered George Kelshaw and his rock hard determination.

  GCI security assured Brad that steps were being taken to locate and terminate the intruder. Weeks later Coleman was notified that Kelshaw had eluded discovery and it was believed that he had escaped on a freighter bound for the United States. Her name was the Tsein-Maru and one of her
destinations was the Port of Seattle, to arrive in September.

  ✽✽✽

  Although it was late when Brad reached home, Olivia was waiting in the den reading the newspaper. He noticed her luggage in the entryway and felt a knot in his stomach. “I’m sorry to be so late, my dear, why are your bags here, Olivia?” he asked tenuously.

  “I’ll be leaving for Seattle right after George Kelshaw’s service tomorrow.”

  “You’re going to his service?” He was incredulous.

  “Yes, Brad. Dr. Kelshaw, George’s father asked if I would accompany him and I said yes. I won’t ask if you plan to attend.”

  “Why are you going to Seattle?”

  “I’m sure you know, Brad; I am going to see Charlene Thayer. I called her house today and her phone was answered by a friend, a Sister Ruth Myers, who told me that Charlene had been injured in an explosion and was going to be staying at the Episcopal Convent while she was recuperating. It seems her eyes were injured and she will need someone to be with her until she is well. I think I can be of help to her.”

  “I forbid you to go...” Brad sputtered.

  “What did you say? I don’t think I heard you correctly, Bradley—“

  “I’m sorry, Livy, I just don’t want you to go...I need you here. Things are not good—I really want you to stay; I need you very much.”

  “I’m sorry. You’ll be alright, Brad,” Olivia said wearily. “Mrs. Ridgeway will be here to see to the house. I must get away from here and you for a time; perhaps Charlene and I can help each other. I’m going to bed now, goodnight, Brad.”

  He followed her forlornly up the stairs, “When will you be back?”

  She turned and looked at him, “I don’t know, I have a lot of thinking to do, Brad, and some things to work through. I’ll let you know.”