The Naked and the Dead - Norman Mailer [214]
Wonderful woman, that sister of mine.
Yes.
I think it a shame I didn't know you very well years ago. You really would have fitted into the department. I've watched you develop, Edward; I think, when the occasion demands, you have as much perception and tact, you grasp the core of a situation as quickly as any man I know. It's a pity it's too late now.
I think sometimes I might have been good at it, Cummings agrees. But you know I'll be lieutenant colonel in a year or two, and after that I'm free of seniority. It might be a little impolitic to brag, but I should make colonel within a year after.
Mmm. You don't speak French, do you?
A fair amount. I learned some over there in '17, and I've kept up with it since.
The brother-in-law fingers his chin. You know, Edward, I suppose it's one of the laws of government, but there are always many points of view in a department. I'll tell you, I've been wondering if you couldn't be sent on a little joust to France, in your capacity as an officer of course. Nothing official.
What about, Minot?
Oh, it's nebulous. A few talks here and there. An element in the department is attempting to change our Spain policy. I don't think they're going to succeed but it would be disastrous if they should, be tantamount to handing Gibraltar to the Russians. What worries me is France. So long as they stay on the fence I don't think there's a chance of our trying anything by ourselves.
I'm to keep them on the fence?
Nothing so big as that. I've got some assurances, some financial contracts which might put a little pressure in the proper places. The thing to remember is that everyone in France can be bought, none of them has clean hands.
I wonder if I could get away.
We're sending a military mission to France and Italy. I can work it through the War Department. I'll have quite a briefing to give you, but that should give you no trouble.
I'm very interested, Cummings says. The problems of manipulation. . . He trails off, not finishing the sentence..
The water slaps past, resolves itself again behind the stern, quietly, softly, like a cat grooming its fur. Beyond the catboat the sunlight is scattered over the bay, tinkling upon the water.
We might as well put back, the brother-in-law says.
The shore line is wooded, olive-green, a pristine cove.
I never get over this, he says to Cummings. I still expect to see Indians in the forest. Pure country, Maine.
The office is smaller than he has expected, more leathery, somehow more greasy. The map of France is covered with pencil smudges, and a corner is folded over like a dog-eared book.
I must apologize for this place, the man says. (His accent is negligible, a certain preciseness of speech perhaps.) When you first suggested the nature of our business I thought it perhaps best to meet here, not that there should be anything clandestine, but you would attract attention at the Bourse. There are spies everywhere.
I understand. It's been difficult to see you. The party we know suggested Monsieur de Vernay, but I think he is a little too far away to judge.
You state there are credits?
More than enough. I must emphasize that this is not official. There is a tacit agreement. . .
Tacit? Tacit?
An understanding with Leeway Chemical that they will invest in such French firms as he thinks advisable. There is no chou involved. (He wonders if the slang is correct.) A legitimate business arrangement, but the profits I think are large enough to benefit Sallevoisseux Frères, and enable you to conduct any adjustments which might be necessary.
On s'arrangera.
I would have to know some further details of course on the processes you will employ.
Ah, Major Cummings, I can assure you of the vote of twenty-five members of the Chamber of Deputies.
I think it would be best if it didn't come to a vote.