“Neil, the other piece that makes it more curious is this, Charlene told me that Coleman was coming to the West Coast on business and had moved his timetable ahead so he could talk with her about the letter. We know that his business had to be in Seattle because he didn’t leave town until he left for Washington on Saturday.”
“What you are suggesting is a possible tie between Coleman and Ramsey, Andrew; that raises some interesting questions. In any case I will caution you again to be careful. You and Charlene Thayer are lucky to be alive. Please don’t put yourselves at risk again. We are doing everything we can at this end…,”
Andrew cut him off, “Look Neil, I appreciate your concern for our safety, but until we get to the bottom of this rotten barrel I don’t think we’ll be very safe no matter what we do; and I have to do what I have to do.
“I didn’t tell you before, but I had a second interview with Coleman on Friday before he left town.”
“Aha… and how well did that ‘interview’ go and what did you gain by it?” Neil asked calmly, although Andrew noted the slight lowering of Klein’s voice that indicated he was less than pleased at the news.
“Neil, I’m a newspaper man and I’ve had a hunch about Coleman. I just thought I’d push a few of his buttons.
“I dropped in on him as he was packing to leave, so I asked him if his business in Seattle had only to do with Charlene Thayer or if there was something else; I was just fishing, his verbatim response was, ‘why I came to Seattle is personal and none of your business nor is it in any way connected to Charlene Thayer’… Then he told me to get out. However I didn’t accommodate him for a few more questions.
“In answer to your question, Neil, I gained an insight that the man has a lot more to hide than an affair with Lia Duprè, although that obviously concerns him. He’s wound tighter than a tick and he’s very worried about something that I am certain has to do with Kelshaw.”
“Andrew, tell me you didn’t ask him about Lia Duprè.”
“Can’t do that, Neil, I did ask him. He turned pale as a sheet, denied ever knowing anyone named Lia and told me I needed better information sources and then he threw me out, after a few more questions,” Andrew added lightly. “I didn’t mention that I had a very reliable source.”
“All right, Andrew, I can’t control your actions, but keep in mind that other people can be affected by whatever you do, so don’t risk too much. I know you don’t like Coleman, neither do I, even so don’t that let cloud your judgment; just remember a wounded bear is very dangerous… especially if he’s cornered.
“We’re still going through Martha’s luggage and some very interesting things are turning up. I’ll do a little follow-up on your information at this end. Give Ms. Thayer my regards.”
“Thanks, Neil, I will. Savalza is looking into the Ramsey-Maxwell connection at this end and I’ll be working with him as much as I can.
It was nearly four o’clock when Andrew called the Seamen’s Center to report the news on Charlene to Father Ben and Sister Ruth. After telling them about the doctor’s prognosis he said lightly, “Taking care of her will be no problem, I’ll just stay at her house and…”
At which point Father Ben said, “No, Andrew, Sister Ruth and I have another plan. Sister Ruth has suggested that Charlene stay at the Convent of the Sisters of St. Helena and they will take care of her.”
Andrew began, “But I…”
Father Ben interrupted, “Sister Ruth and I agree that you are much to busy to undertake this task and I believe the Convent is a wonderful idea; that settles it then.”
“All right, you two conspirators, I know when I’m licked,” Andrew stated and then asked, “Father Ben. Is Jack still with you?”
“Yes, Andrew, he is. We have had an opportunity to talk… he carries much weight on his soul.”
“I hope you can help him, Ben; I know if anyone can, you can,” he said confidently.
“I am not certain, Andrew; I will do what I can. Do you wish to speak with him?”
“Yes, I plan to go home and I think I want Jack there with me. It will be good for both of us… what do you think?”
“Yes, my friend, I believe he should not be alone just now… I’ll put him on.”
“Andy,” Jack sounded different as he took the phone. “Father Ben has been showing me around the Center and I have even met some of the fellows that come here. I watched them play Mah-Jongg and I think I might have even understood what they were doing,” he said lightly.
“It sounds as if Father Ben has found himself another promoter,” Andrew laughed. “Jack, plan to stay with me for a couple of days… Ben will help you get your stuff from the WAC and drop you by my place. You still have a key. I’ll be home after while… then we’ll have dinner.”
“Thanks, Andy, we need to talk and don’t worry, the booze will be safe. I’m sticking to soft stuff.”
“That’s good to hear, buddy, see ya’ after while.”
Washington, D.C.
Neil Klein was relieved to hear the feisty attitude in Andrew Kincaid’s demeanor. He trusted Andrew to do exactly what he promised. He would go after the truth regarding Coleman and Neil knew he would leave no stone unturned. That was somewhat unsettling for Neil as it related to Paul Thayer.
He had called Fred Wellman earlier; now his secretary buzzed him that Wellman had returned his call.
Picking up the phone he said, “Fred how soon can you meet me in the code room? I’ve thought about Little Red Riding Hood and I have an idea.”
“I’ll be there as soon as possible… has something happened?” Fred asked.
“I had a call from Seattle last night; there was an attempt to kill Charlene Thayer and Andrew Kincaid.”
“How?”
“Some type of bomb,” Neil told him, “In broad daylight in a waterfront park.”
“Are they all right?”
“Kincaid is okay, Mrs. Thayer was more severely injured. Fred, I think I know who the Big Bad Wolf is,” Neil declared.
“Okay, I’m on my way.”
Neil was in his office when Fred arrived and wordlessly they proceeded to the code room.
“Now,” Fred urged, “Did I hear you right? You think you know who BBW the Big Bad Wolf is?”
“Yes,” Neil asserted, “I’m ninety eight percent certain; everything points to him.”
“Who are we talking about, Neil?” Fred asked.
“Better sit down, Fred, I believe BBW is General Bradley Coleman, Deputy Director of Defense Intelligence Agency.”
Fred whistled, “Neil, I know there’s no love lost, but Coleman?”
Neil sighed, “I think Little Red Riding Hood fits, Fred. No, there is definitely no love lost, however, my dislike of Coleman has nothing to do with my conclusion.”
“I’m not so sure; I will look at it again with him in mind. You obviously think he had something to do with the bomb in Seattle.”
“Yes,” Neil said firmly, “I do… and if I’m right he was behind George’s murder. And now this Red Riding Hood thing is evident to me that George was trying to tell us that Brad Coleman is BBW—it has to be him.”
“Okay,” Fred acquiesced, “As I said, I’m not altogether convinced of that; I will have another look, but Kelshaw could be telling us something else. What else do you need from me?”
“Nothing right now,” Neil told him, “I’m going to do a little personal research on our friend Coleman and see what surfaces.”