Topaz - Leon Uris [71]
“You know, of course, André has been in Cuba.”
“Sometimes he tells me where he is going. Other times he doesn’t. In this case it wasn’t hard to figure out.”
“Against a lot of opposition he took it upon himself to do a job primarily for the Americans,” Jacques said. “His report has arrived at SDECE. We conclude he found evidence of Soviet offensive missiles.”
“That’s frightening.”
“An understatement. If it’s true, the Americans are going to have to act and act soon. God knows what it can lead to. But André’s part. He is a French official. By his action he may have put France into a precarious position, involving us against our will.”
“That’s our André,” she said with a crisp tone of irony. “I’m certain he was wise enough to figure out the consequences in advance.”
“Even if his case is strong enough to justify it, he’s in the same tub of hot water he’s been in for five years in this continuous waltz with the Americans. NATO is unpopular and his views are unpopular. You know Admiral Brune. Brune is the prime mover of the Secret Service and he’s out and out to get André. I know my title as Aide to the Presidential Executive sounds impressive as hell but I’m just La Croix’s errandboy. I’ve managed to stop a lot of reports downgrading André from reaching La Croix.”
“As his oldest and dearest friend,” Nicole said, “then you know his damn martyred dedication.”
“Nicole. There’s also a report on his health I’ve been able to break and this little finger of mine can’t hold back the flood.”
“How can you get him out of Washington ... feet first?” she said bitterly.
“André has friends throughout the whole spectrum of the government. His reputation is almost like that of a holy man. I’ve talked around. We can get him out of this, honorably.”
“I’d give anything,” Nicole whispered.
“There’s an Ambassadorship opening soon. It’s his if he’ll take it.”
“Where?” she asked shakily.
“A bit far away but it’s quite decent. And mainly, it’s peaceful. New Zealand.”
Nicole turned her back and held her face in her hands, then quickly controlled herself before she came to tears.
“You must help me convince him,” Jacques said.
“I don’t even know if I have a husband. We’re in serious trouble.”
“André will come back to you,” Jacques said firmly.
“He may be involved with another woman.”
“I know my man,” Jacques said, “he’s no Granville. He’ll come back.”
Nicole calmed herself and returned to preparing the meal. Jacques refilled his wineglass and stared long and hard at her.
“I’m glad it’s raining,” he said. “And I’m glad Michele won’t be back tonight and I’m glad Paulette is in Normandy. I’ve never been anything but a bastard all my life and I won’t change this minute. Nicole, I want to take you to bed.”
She accepted it calmly, then smiled and tweaked his nose. “After three young beautiful wives, what do you want with an old girl like me? I know you’re just doing it to comfort my sorrow and I’m flattered you asked.”
“Now, damnit, Nicole. I’ve had a thing for you for a long time. I’ve behaved for twenty years, but under the present mutual circumstances I don’t think we have to moralize the situation.”
“Jacques ... I believe you’re serious.”
“I want to make love to you, Nicole. You can turn me down, but don’t take me lightly.”
The man before her was far too handsome, far too smooth. He was a beautiful rake and she was sure that her name would be forgotten among his lost legion of mistresses. She put her arm about his neck and kissed him.
Sooner or later the piper would be paid. But for now she handled it all with discretion ... in the French way.
6
SEVERAL DAYS AFTER HIS return from Cuba, André had fully indoctrinated himself on the Kuznetov interrogation and was ready to sit in attendance in what was obviously to be the crucial moment of revelation.
Boris Kuznetov asked to see him alone before the session began and was wheeled into a private office. He shooed the nurse out.
“Well,” André greeted him, “you look much better than the last time I saw you.”
“I wish I could return the compliment,