(1976) The R Document

by Irving Wallace

  Seconds later, Tynan was connected with the Oval Office of the White House.

  ‘Sorry to have missed you,’ Tynan said breathlessly. ‘Just walked in. I had two appointments on the outside, and neglected to let Beth know. Is it something urgent?’

  ‘Vernon, we’re cooked. The 35th is as good as dead.’

  Tynan simulated astonishment. ‘What are you saying, Mr President?’

  ‘Just before I phoned you, I had a call from Chief Justice

  Maynard.’

  ‘Oh?’

  ‘He wanted to know if I’d ever heard of a place known as Argo City, Arizona. It rang a bell immediately. The place you discussed with me last night when you were briefing me on the latest Bureau activities. I told Maynard Yes, I knew about it, that it was a community the Bureau had been investigating for several years. I told him you personally had been leading the investigation of Federal crimes in that city, and would soon be submitting your findings to Attorney General Collins.’

  ‘Correct.’

  ‘Well, Maynard took another view of your activities in

  Argo City.’ Tynan acted utterly bewildered. ‘I don’t understand.

  What other view could be take?’

  ‘He had the notion that you had been using Argo City as a test site for the 35th Amendment. And the results, while they may have pleased you, were horrifying to him.’

  ‘That’s absurd.’

  ‘I told him it was absurd - exactly that. But the old coot

  would not be swayed.’

  ‘He’s off his rocker,’ said Tynan.

  ‘Whatever he is, he’s against us. He said he’d never publicly expressed himself on the 35th, but he was now prepared to do so. Then he tried to strong-arm me.’

  ‘Strong-arm you, Mr President? In what way?’

  ‘He said if I publicly withdrew my support of the 35th, he would gladly remain silent. But if I refused to do so, if I

  refused to change my position, then he would speak out.’

  ‘Who the hell does he think he is, threatening the President?’ said Tynan indignantly. ‘How did you answer him?’

  ‘I told him I had consistently stood behind the 35th, and I would continue to stand behind it. I told him I believed in it and wanted it ratified as part of the Constitution.’

  ‘How did he take that?’ asked Tynan with pretended anxiety.

  ‘He said, “Then you’re forcing me to act, Mr President. I’m stepping down from the Bench and into the political arena, so I can speak out while there is still time.” He said he was flying to Los Angeles this afternoon. He’ll spend all of tomorrow at his Palm Springs home. The day after, he’s going to drive back to Los Angeles. He said, “I’m holding a news conference at the Ambassador Hotel to announce my resignation from the Supreme Court, and I’m going to announce my willingness to appear as a witness before the Judiciary Committees of the California State Assembly and the California State Senate to speak against passage of the 35th Amendment.”’

  ‘He’s actually ready to do that?’

  ‘No question, Vernon. I tried to argue some sense into him, but to no avail. He’s off to California in a few hours. And we’re in the soup. The minute he comes out against the 35th, we’re finished. He’ll turn the whole legislature around. Who could have imagined this would happen? All our efforts, our hopes, destroyed by the interference of one man. What can we do, Vernon?’

  ‘We can fight him.’

  ‘How?’

  ‘I’m not sure. I’ll try to think of something.’

  ‘Think of something-anything.’

  ‘I will, Mr President.’

  Tynan hung up, smiled at the telephone, raised his head, and smiled at Adcock.

  He winked. ‘We certainly will think of something, won’t we, Harry?’

  Chris Collins was in high spirits that evening. For the first time he was relieved of the strain of the last weeks and ready

  to relax.

  Returning from work, and just as he had stepped into

  the house, there had been the awaited telephone call from

  Maynard. The Chief Justice had arrived minutes ago at Los

  Angeles International Airport, and before he and his wife

  got into their car to drive to Palm Springs, he wanted to

  inform Collins of what had transpired that morning. He had

  indeed spoken to the President on the phone. He had asked

  the President to reverse his position on the 35th Amendment.

  The President had refused to do so. Maynard had then

  advised the President that he was leaving for Los Angeles,

  where he would announce his resignation from the Supreme

  Court and say that he intended to speak out, in Sacramento,

  against passage of the 35th Amendment. He would spend a

  day in his Palm Springs study writing his resignation speech

  and his strongly worded statement to the state legislative

  committees.

  ‘I hope this does it,’ he had said.

  ‘It will, it will,’ Collins had promised, bursting with excitement. ‘Thank you, Mr Chief Justice.’

  ‘Thank you, Mr Collins.’

  Karen had been hovering nearby, wondering, and the moment that he’d hung up, Collins had leaped to his feet, grabbed up his wife, started to lift her from the floor, remembered her pregnancy, and merely hugged and kissed

  her.

  Quickly, he had explained to Karen - without going into detail, without mentioning Argo City - the Chief Justice’s decision to come out publicly against the 35th.

  Karen had been genuinely thrilled. ‘How wonderful, darling. Good news at last.’

  ‘Let’s celebrate,’ Collins had said. He had felt light of head and body, as if he had shed pounds of pressure. ‘Let’s go out on the town. You name it’

  ‘The Jockey Club,’ Karen had sung out, ‘and Tournedos Rossini.’

  ‘You get dressed. I’ll make the reservation. Just the two of us. No business, just pleasure, I promise you.’

  A half hour later, after showering together, they were in the bedroom, almost dressed.

  Collins was pulling on the trousers of his best navy blue suit, stuffing his shirttails inside, when the telephone rang.

  ‘You get it,’ Karen called out from the dressing table. ‘My nail polish isn’t dry.’

  Collins went to the dressing table and prayed it wasn’t business. Only a few of the people who had his home number were not connected with the Department of Justice.

  He picked up the receiver. ‘Hello?’

  ‘Mr Collins?’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘This is Ishmael Young. I don’t know if you remember?’

  Collins smiled. As if anyone would be likely to forget that name. ‘Of course I remember. You’re Director Tynan’s ghost.’

  Ishmael Young said seriously, ‘I hope I’m not really remembered that way. But that’s right. I’m doing Tynan’s autobiography, and you were kind enough to see me last month.’ He hesitated, fumbled for the right words, then, with a new immediacy in his voice, blurted out, ‘I know how busy you are, Mr Collins, but if it’s humanly possible I must see you tonight. I won’t take much time - ’

  Glancing at his wife, Collins interrupted. ‘I’m afraid I am tied up for the evening, Mr Young. Perhaps you can call me at the office on Monday, and we can make a - ’

  ‘Mr Collins, believe me, I wouldn’t bother you if it wasn’t important. To you, as well as to me.’

  ‘We-ll, I don’t know -‘

  ‘Please.’

  The tone of Ishmael Young’s voice made Collins capitulate. ‘All right. Actually, my wife and I were going to have dinner together at The Jockey Club.’

  ‘I’m sorry. But -‘

  ‘Never mind. We’ll be there at eight thirty. You can join us.’

  After he hung up, he saw Karen looking at him inquiringly.

  Collins shrugged. ‘He’s ghostwriting an
autobiography

  for Vernon Tynan. He has to see me tonight. I guess I’m curious enough to want to know why. At least, he’s a nice guy. I hope you don’t mind, honey.’

  ‘Silly, I never expected it to be two.’ She pointed to the telephone. ‘Better call The Jockey Club back and make it three. Besides, I’m as curious as you.’

  *

  The Jockey Club, located in the Fairfax Hotel on Massachusetts Avenue, was crowded to overflowing by nine o’clock that evening. Nevertheless, the best table in the restaurant had been reserved and held for Chris Collins and his party.

  ‘You see,’ Collins had whispered to his wife, ‘there are some advantages to being Attorney General.’

  ‘Or to being a big tipper,’ Karen had replied.

  Ishmael Young, who had been awaiting them outside on the corner, had been unusually anxious and constantly apologetic ever since their arrival.

  Now, again, as their drinks arrived, and Young absently fingered his Jack Daniels and soda, he was apologizing. I hate intruding on your private evening like this.’

  ‘We’re delighted to have you,’ said Collins expansively. He was feeling wonderful, and he held up his Scotch and water in a mock toast. ‘Here’s to the defeat of the 35th Amendment.’ He waited for Karen to take up her vodka and tonic, and for the writer to join in the toast, and then he drank. Setting down his glass, he said to Young, ‘You didn’t know, did you, that I’m not supporting the 35th anymore?’

  ‘But I do know,’ said Young.

  Collins did not hide his surprise. ‘How could you? It’s a personal decision. It’s nothing I’ve made public. And nothing I will make public as long as I’m a member of the Administration.’ He cocked his head at Young. ‘How did you find out?’

  ‘You forget,’ said Young. ‘I’m working with Director Tynan. The Director knows everything. And I’m his ghost.’

  Collins’ mood had sobered. ‘I see. So he knows, also?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘I should have guessed.’ He took a big swallow of his drink. ‘I tend to underrate him. I should remember he is formidable.’

  They fell into brief silence. Ishmael Young fiddled with his drink, apparently trying to formulate something he wanted to say. At last, he spoke. I wanted to see you tonight for - for two reasons. One has to do with you. The other with me. First, you.’

  But he didn’t go on immediately, and Collins said, ‘Well, what is it?’

  I want to discuss Tynan.’

  Collins was momentarily exasperated. ‘If you mean you want to ask more questions about what I think of Tynan for your book, let me tell you right off, I have nothing more to say.’

  ‘No, it’s not that,’ said Young quickly, ‘It’s not about the book. I didn’t barge in on your dinner to ask you about Tynan. I really came because I wanted to tell you about Tynan. I wanted -‘

  ‘To tell me what?’ Collins interrupted impatiently. ‘What do you want to tell me?’

  Karen reached out to touch Collins’ arm. ‘Please, Chris. Let him speak.’

  Ishmael Young gave Karen a grateful nod, nervously pushed up the knot of his tie, and patted at the strands of hair combed to cover his bald pate.

  Although still irritated by the writer’s fidgeting and his reluctance to come to the point, Collins obeyed his wife and waited.

  ‘He doesn’t like you, you know,’ said Young.

  ‘Who? Tynan?’

  ‘He doesn’t like you at all,’ Young repeated.

  ‘I’m not surprised,’ said Collins, ‘but how did you find out?’

  ‘I’m there, with him, every week. I’m there, but lately he doesn’t seem to realize it half the time. He talks on and on. He answers the phone. He makes calls. He leaves notes and memos lying around. Mostly, by now, he’s not aware of

  me. It is as if I’m not a person. He may be right. I’m a blotter.’

  ‘So he doesn’t like me,’ said Collins.

  ‘I decided if he doesn’t like you, then I should. Anything or anyone Tynan is against, well, it has to be good. As you know, when we first met, I told you he’s not my kind of guy. I made up my mind he’s not your kind either. I realized, whether you’d admit it or not, we’re on the same side. That’s why I wanted to see you at once, to warn you about something.’

  Karen looked troubled, but Collins remained impassive. ‘Go on.’

  ‘All right.’ He lowered his voice. ‘Tynan and the FBI have been investigating you.’

  ‘Oh, Chris,’ Karen gasped.

  Collins waved her silent. He held on the writer. ‘So what else is new? If that’s all -‘

  ‘But I thought-‘

  ‘Naturally I was investigated by the FBI. It’s their job. They had to investigate me the minute the President nominated me for Attorney General. It was routine.’

  ‘No, you misunderstand, Mr Collins. I know they investigated you weeks ago. I know that was routine. I’m trying to tell you that Tynan instigated a new and secret investigation of you the other day. It’s in progress right now.’

  Collins blinked at Young - letting it settle in, finally comprehending. He exhaled, and said, ‘Well, now…’ Then he said, ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Positive. Not the first time Tynan’s checked on you, either. Once, last month, I overheard him speak on the phone about Baxter and the Holy Trinity Church and made a reference to the Collins thing -‘

  Collins interrupted. ‘I know about that. This is more important right now. You say you’re positive? You heard that Tynan was investigating me again?’

  ‘Absolutely. I was with him a long time yesterday. He got this call. When I’m there and we’re working, he usually takes calls only from the President and Adcock. The call wasn’t from the President. While he was on the phone, I

  went into the bathroom, but I left the door partly open. I could hear his side of it. Your name was never mentioned. But there was some reference - I don’t remember exactly what - that made it clear they were talking about you. It had to do with an investigation now going on. Tynan finally said to Adcock, “Well, keep trying. And keep after the others.”’

  Karen had picked up the last. ‘The others? What did he mean by that?’

  ‘I have no idea,’ said Ishmael Young. He turned back to Collins. ‘But there was no question the discussion was about you. Does it make sense? Would there be any reason for him to investigate you now?’

  ‘There might be, yes, there could be,’ said Collins slowly.

  ‘Well, I thought I shouldn’t waste any time in warning you,’ said Ishmael Young, ‘so that you can have your guard up.’

  ‘I appreciate it,’ said Collins sincerely. ‘Thank you -Ishmael.’ He glanced distractedly around him, found their waiter, and beckoned him. ‘I think this calls for another round of drinks.’

  After Collins had ordered, Karen drew closer to her husband. She tried to repress her agitation. ‘What does all this mean, Chris?’

  ‘I’m not sure, darling. Probably nothing.’ He tried to comfort her. ‘Not all investigations are sinister. Sometimes they’re done to check on someone I’m associated with, in order to protect me.’

  ‘That could be true,’ Young said hastily to Karen, also eager to reassure her.

  ‘But at least he ought to tell you,’ said Karen to her husband, ‘not do this sort of thing behind your back. I mean, you’re his boss. Really, he’s a horrible man.’

  The second round of drinks had appeared, and Young lifted his glass. ‘That’s something I’ll drink to, Mrs Collins.’ His eyes roved the vicinity to see if anyone was listening. ‘He - meaning you-know-who - is the worst bastard - forgive me - the worst egomaniac and the most unprincipled bastard I’ve ever met.’

  They drank, and before the conversation could resume,

  the maitre d’ had appeared to take their order.

  They all agreed on Onion Soup Gratinee for starters, then Collins ordered Toumedos Rossini for Karen, waited while Young examined the menu again and finally asked for Be
ef Stroganoff, and for himself ordered Coq au Vin.

  Ishmael Young had returned to his Jack Daniels. Tn fact, speaking of Tynan,’ said Young, addressing Karen, ‘I can find no one who loves him except - and I’m only guessing here - except his mother and Adcock. Everyone else either respects him or fears him or plain hates him.’

  Collins became interested. ‘Except his mother and Adcock, you said. Was that just a crack about his mother? Or were you being literal? Does he have a mother around?’

  ‘You wouldn’t believe it, would you? That Vernon T. Tynan could have a mother. Well, he has. Just a stone’s throw away from here. Rose Tynan. Eighty-four years old. She’s in the Golden Years Senior Citizens Village in Alexandria. Nobody knows this except Adcock and myself, but Tynan goes to see her every Saturday. Yes, the monster has a certified mother.’

  ‘Have you seen her?’ asked Collins.

  ‘Oh, no. Verboten. Once, when I was interviewing him about his younger days, he couldn’t remember something, but he said his mother would know and he’d find out from her. I told him I didn’t know his mother was alive. He said, “Oh yes, but I don’t talk about it for security reasons, for her safety.” He wanted to be sure I didn’t put it in the book, that she was alive, but he said I could refer to her and he wanted some nice things in it about her. And he told me a little of her background. That’s how I know.’

  ‘Interesting,’ said Collins.

  ‘I can’t imagine Tynan’s having a mother,’ said Karen. ‘It makes him sound almost human.’

  ‘Don’t be fooled,’ said Ishmael Young. ‘Caligula also had a mother. So did Jack the Ripper.’

  Collins was amused, but Karen was serious about pursuing Tynan further with Ishmael Young. ‘Mr Young, if you dislike Director Tynan so much -‘

  ‘I never said I disliked him. I hate him.’

  ‘Very well. If you hate him, why are you working with

  him on his autobiography?’

  ‘Why? I’ll tell you why….’

  But he didn’t right away, because the waiter had rolled up a cart with the onion soup and was ladling-it into bowls and serving them.

  No sooner was the waiter gone than Young picked up where he had left off.

  ‘When I met your husband, I told him I was pressured into writing this book. Now I’d like to explain that, if I may.’ He turned toward Collins. ‘Actually, it is the other reason I wanted to meet with you tonight. I said the first reason had to do with you, and the second with me. I hope you don’t mind my bothering you with a problem I have. It has to do with Tynan, and why I’m writing his Mein Kampf.’