Topaz - Leon Uris [103]
But André’s admiration was not total, as was Robert’s and Jacques’. It was tempered with the fear that if one day La Croix came to rule, his strong-man traits could become undemocratic. Furthermore, his drive for power was a mania that could be channeled effectively by the less scrupulous of his staff.
With access to top-secret documents, André was able to trace La Croix’s struggle and the wizardry he had performed in the name of France.
Free France had been shut out of all the top-level decisions in military and political planning by the Anglo-Americans. Innumerable documents seemed to bear out La Croix’s fear that the British aspired to replace France as the dominant power in several areas of the Middle East that had traditionally been in the French sphere.
In the early stages of the war, Churchill continued to bow to Roosevelt’s pressure by not arming or allowing the Free French to fight in Allied campaigns. Finally, La Croix made the blunt threat to send a division of Frenchmen to fight alongside the Russians against Germany on the Eastern Front. Only then was La Croix able to increase his military role.
His most painful affront came when the proud Frenchman was invited to Casablanca by the American President. La Croix and his staff were greeted coolly in Casablanca, without military honors. In this, a French possession, they were billeted inside barbed-wire compounds under the guard of armed American soldiers. The American President bluntly warned La Croix to place his forces under the supreme command of Admiral de St. Amertin.
But even with American backing, Admiral de St. Amertin was no match for the brazen Pierre La Croix, who outmaneuvered him at every turn. La Croix was splitting his forces from him, rallying the territories to his cause. And when negotiations opened for a merger and a national council, it was predestined that La Croix would emerge as the supreme head. No small part of La Croix’s advantage was due to the fantastic intelligence network he built, and young Devereaux was one of its driving forces. La Croix’s people seemed to have the tactical advantage and answer to every Anglo-American move against him.
Despite the ground swell of Free France, America continued to withhold recognition. Pierre La Croix had no embassy in Washington, only a mission.
Then André Devereaux obtained evidence of American intentions to “occupy” France. With the evidence at hand, he asked for an immediate and urgent appointment with the General and raced to the Villa Capucines.
“General,” André said, “we have the proof here, in their own orders, that the United States intends to install an American military government in France in much the same way they will occupy conquered Germany.”
9
“FEEL THE BABY,” NICOLE said, pressing André’s hand to her stomach. “It’s kicking up a real storm today.”
André kissed her cheek and petted her as they went out to the little balcony together to watch the sunset. Nicole was starting to waddle a bit as she grew larger. He adored the wonderment of the whole thing and hoped they would have child after child.
In a moment he became pensive.
“I found some beautiful lamb. A whole rack of it, and I’m making it just your way.”
André didn’t hear her.
“It’s almost like a party when you get home for dinner.”
“The General was in a rage today. I’ve never seen him in such a vile mood.”
Nicole did not answer immediately, but her discomfort was apparent. “Darling, this is the first evening we’ve had to watch the sunset in so long. Let’s not talk about him or Free France or the war or anything but us tonight. I saw the doctor yesterday. He says it’s still safe to make love.”
“You can’t imagine how serious it’s become. If the Americans go through with their plans to treat us like a defeated enemy ...”
“La Croix,” she snapped, “La Croix! Morning, noon, and night, La Croix!”
“Nicole, without the General, France will be reduced