Due to shortage of quarters Paul had taken up residence at the Ham Nghi Hotel where Brad and some other military personnel were billeted. His room looked out on what had been a beautiful street of small shops and sidewalk cafes and now reflected a cheap carnival atmosphere. Thayer was shocked at how much Saigon and its culture had changed in the three years he had been away.
Following the 1968 Tet, Saigon had become a city with a siege mentality and very much in a war zone. Once beautiful and cosmopolitan it was now a place where anything, drugs, sex, black market and political favors were blatant and available to anyone for the right price. The conduct of some of the American military and political representatives surprised and disgusted him.
Brad had been in the field since August and had occasion to return to MACV Headquarters at Than Son Nhut in late October, a few days ahead of Paul Thayer’s return. He recalled the dinner at the American Embassy shortly after Paul had returned. Brad had arrived with Lia on his arm and seeing them, Paul had politely tried to distance himself from Brad and his companion only to find himself seated next to her at dinner. Across the table Brad watched Lia deliberately lean close to Paul, flirtatiously trying to engage him in conversation. “Are all Americans officers as attractive as you, Colonel Thayer? Perhaps I should choose a handsome American like you, when I marry. What do you think?” she teased.
“I think you are much too generous with your flattery, Miss Duprè, but I will tell you there any number of reasons why people should marry, not the least of which is love. That’s why I married when I did, Miss Duprè, I love my wife very much.”
Not easily deterred, Brad overheard Lia’s comment, “Too bad,” and invite Paul to a get-together at her home later that evening. Paul had declined saying that he was very tired and shortly thereafter, rose and excused himself from the gathering.
The next morning following a briefing at Division Headquarters, Paul entered Brad’s office, “We need to talk,” he had said and looking intently at Brad he asked, “What’s going on with you and that woman you were with last night?”
“You mean Lia? Nothing,” Brad replied innocently. “I need a companion now and then, she’s decorative and it’s expected.”
“Expected—by whom?” Paul knew that Brad referred to the casual alliances that were often winked at and overlooked as long as there was some attempt at discretion, but he was surprised at Brad’s apparent lapse.
“I’ve always thought you were a cut above the crowd, Brad. You’d better end it before someone gets hurt or Olivia finds out,” Paul told him in a serious tone.
“This has nothing to do with Olivia, Paul, and we’re a long way from home,” Brad retorted, his face reddening. “Believe it or not, Mr. priggish officer and gentleman,” he said derisively, “I’ve been fighting a war… besides, who’s going to tell her… you?” he challenged.
Paul looked squarely at Brad. “Don’t pull the old ‘far from home and war is hell’ crap with me as a way to rationalize cheating on Olivia,” Paul said angrily, “She deserves better. And don’t count on our friendship as a cover, Brad. I’ve known Olivia most of my life; she’s like a sister to me and I won’t see her hurt or humiliated because you… Paul didn’t finish the sentence.
“What goes on between Olivia and me in our marriage is none of your damned business,” Brad’s temper was rising as he added, “And I resent your interference, so back off!”
“Understand this, Brad, word gets around. The Army can be a very small community and I’m not going to stand by and see Olivia hurt by your inability to keep your pants zipped.” Paul repeated, forcefully. “Is that clear? Get rid of the woman!”
Brad looked at Paul’s angry face; he had been surprised at the intensity of Paul’s anger. Attempting to placate him he offered, “I can see that you have the wrong impression of our relationship. It’s just a harmless flirtation,” he said taking a calmer tone. “Lia works in the embassy and everyone flirts with her and she likes to flirt as well; you must be aware of that after last night—it’s just her way. You must admit she is very attractive.
“But perhaps you’re right. I’m going up to Long Binh tomorrow to meet with some of the field commanders and I’ll be gone for a few days. When I get back I’ll make sure that Lia understands that I am unavailable. I’ll be rejoining the Cav unit right after that. Are you satisfied?” Prudish bastard, he thought.
“I’ll expect you to do that.” Paul had told him coldly. “Be sure she understands what unavailable means… last night she didn’t seem to get it.
Brad had decided that he would have to be more careful in his liaisons with Lia especially when Paul was around. He would give her up eventually…, but not just then.
8:30 AM
Andrew was at his desk drinking coffee out of a very large cup and trying to read the morning paper when Jack stumbled out of the bedroom, hand shielding his bloodshot eyes, as daylight intruded. “Morning,” he mumbled. “I need a drink.”
“How about coffee?” Andy asked. “It’s a little early for the hard stuff isn’t it?”
“I think a little “hair of the dog” is really what I need, then maybe some coffee.” Jack sagged into a chair.
Andrew studied him for a moment then walked to the kitchen and without saying anything else, poured another large cup of coffee and gave it to Jack, who accepted it with both hands to steady the cup. “Thanks, Andy; coffee it is,” he said in resignation. “And thanks for your bed. You’re a terrific host,” he said lifting his cup.
“Yeah, well we put away a lot of painkiller last night.”
“Not enough,” Jack sighed wearily. “You said I needed a rest… I don’t know how it would help.” Jack said tentatively. “I can’t even turn my mind off.”
“Just make it numb, huh? With that stuff?” Andrew pointed to the nearly empty Scotch bottle.
“It helps, for awhile,” Jack responded.
Andrew was silent for a few moments then, “You know, Jack, you should meet, my friend Father Ben Lee.”
“Oh now wait a minute, Andy, I’m not in need of a chaplain if that’s what you’re trying to set up.”
“No, not at all, I just think that you might find talking with him interesting. George Kelshaw spent the last hours of his life with Ben. In fact, he gave Kelshaw last rites at the hospital; he didn’t even know whether George was Catholic or even a Christian for that matter. He’s not a holier than thou type. He’s been a good friend to me as well. Who knows, he might be able to help you find another way to turn your mind off. The alternative isn’t working too well, is it?” Andrew asked ponderously.
Jack was quiet.
“Okay,” Andrew closed the subject. “Now how about some breakfast and then I want to know what Kelshaw wanted you to do for him and what you got out of the deal.”
Jack drained his coffee cup, set it down and nodded as Andrew moved to start breakfast. “First, I think I’ll grab a shower, if you don’t mind. Hold the eggs until I come back.” He yawned and stretched as he moved toward the bathroom.
“Good plan,” I have to make a call.” Andrew quickly dialed Charlene. “Good morning,” he said pleasantly, hearing her say “hello.”
“Good morning to you,” she said warmly. “I heard your last show yesterday; I wondered…” She waited.
“I hoped you heard; I called Father Ben. I thought about calling you, but I wanted to see you in person and talk about it. That’s really why I phoned; I’d like to set something up for tomorrow or maybe even later on today?”