M. Forsythe - While Rome Was Sleeping

“Charlene, Father Ben and Andrew were the last people to speak with George Kelshaw and he tried to call you. As this unfolds you will know more. I must ask you again to be patient and I promise it won’t go on much longer.

“On another subject, I understand General Coleman paid you a visit; did it go well?”

“It was a bit difficult at first, but I suppose you already know that since you have spoken with Andrew. The second meeting went better and Brad said that he would help me find the answers I’m looking for.”

“Do you believe him?”

“I really wanted to,” she said cautiously, “but, after I spoke with Olivia Coleman on Friday morning I’m not sure, I believe that Brad did know George Kelshaw. I also believe that you know a great deal more about what happened to Paul than you have disclosed.

“He did know George Kelshaw, Charlene.” Neil responded.

“At some future date I want to know who betrayed Paul. Can we agree on that?” She added.

“Yes, Charlene, we can agree, that when I’m able, I will tell you all I can. Back to General Coleman; I sense that while you consider him to be an old friend, you have some reservations. Follow your instincts and be careful, Charlene, sometimes people change.”

“I understand and I will be careful.” Charlene held the phone to Andrew, “He wants to speak with you.”

“Good, because I want to speak with him too,” he said as he took the phone from Charlene’s hand.

“Neil, I thought you should know that Jim Savalza came by my place yesterday to inform me that you were right about the electronic surveillance. Jim wouldn’t even come to my door. He called me on a pretext to meet him out front because he was making a quick stop on his way home. The fact is he told me that the listening devices were so sophisticated that the guy who did the sweep said that it had to come from some ‘super spy’ agency. Does that ring any bells with you?”

“Andrew, that doesn’t surprise me, but it does confirm a couple of things. I hope you have been discreet in your conversations.” Neil replied calmly.

“I think that might be a problem. You see Jack Hubbard turned up on Friday and after dinner we crashed at my place and I got a blow by blow of the Hubbard, Kelshaw and Klein connection. Jack gave me a lot of history and I told him some things as well. To be honest, I was careless and stupid. I couldn’t believe that there would be any real interest in my place, but I guess I was wrong. I tipped Jack off as soon as I got back into the apartment so little else was said but…”

Neil interrupted, “Can you remember what you discussed, exactly?”

“I’m not able to tell you that.”

“All right, I understand; Charlene Thayer or Paul was one of your topics… and were there others as well, I and General Coleman for example?”

“Yes, you’re partially right; I’ll call you tomorrow morning from the Times.”

Neil cautioned, “Considering what you’ve told me, I want you to be extremely careful from here on out, Andrew. Without alarming her, urge Charlene to be extra cautious, in her conversations as well. I’ll call Savalza. Now I would like to speak with Father Lee before we end the call.

“Father Ben, George Kelshaw’s service will be on Wednesday; it will be private for family and close friends. I want you to know Myra Kelshaw, George’s sister knows of your help and support in the last hours of his life. She wants you to know that she is most grateful.”

Ben answered in surprise, “His sister? But when I asked if we could notify someone, Mr. Kelshaw said there was no one left to tell. Why did he not tell us?”

Neil responded, “I would suppose he knew that when I was contacted, I would know that his mission had been completed… without him. You see, Father Ben, Myra Kelshaw is Myra Kelshaw Klein, my wife. Her brother and my friend, was professional to the end, as I believe you are, Father.”

“Thank you, Neil, please relay my sincere condolences to Myra Kelshaw. I am so sorry that she and her brother could not have been reunited.”

“Thank you, Father”

As Ben replaced the phone in its cradle, Andrew quickly asked, “Myra Kelshaw? What’s going on, Ben?” Ben slowly sat down. “George Kelshaw had a sister.”

“Why did he…?”

Father Ben answered Andrew’s query, “I think I understand his reasons, Andrew, you see Neil Klein is married to George Kelshaw’s sister, Myra.”

“So that’s it. That explains a lot of things.”

West Seattle’s Alki village seemed to be a natural destination for Andrew and Charlene. It afforded a beach walk and friendly benches where one could sit and gaze at the water or admire the view. Often a ferry could be seen or the occasional tug and barge outbound, and one could always observe sailboats offering other pleasant points of interest.

After a brief wordless stroll, Andy pointed to a bench and said, “I want to talk with you about the station and all that.”

Charlene nodded in agreement and asked, “Are you thirsty? I have a thermos of tea and some cups in the tote.”

“Yes, thanks,” he responded as she took a small thermos from the tote and poured a cup for each of them. Then setting the tote slightly under the bench she raised hers in a toast.

“Cheers,” she said touching her cup to his. “So, talk to me about Friday.”

“Where do I begin?” he said, deciding not to tell her about his encounter with Coleman. He picked up at the point of his surprise and pleasure of finding Jack Hubbard at the Seattle Times.

He told her about his resolution to put the Bob Mitchell problem to rest with the station; recounting his and station manager Carmichael’s subsequent conversation that led to his resignation.

Then, taking her hand he said quietly, “I know I probably seem very stubborn and uncompromising in this whole thing, but to apologize as Carmichael and the station wanted me to would have been completely dishonest. I couldn’t do it, so I resigned. Can you understand that?” He asked, relieved as she nodded her head.

“Of course, Andrew; you are a man of integrity, of that I’m certain. Frankly, I would have been surprised if you had apologized,” she said emphatically. Then added, “The ‘reflect and rephrase’ method doesn’t always work.”

Still holding her hand he said abruptly, “I, I want to ask you something.”

“What is it?” The seriousness of his tone caused her to search his face.

“Charlene… Charlie,” he started again, “I’m not awfully good at this… journalists as a whole or even columnists don’t make large salaries, but I’m asking you to—consider marrying me. And before you flat out say no , I realize it can’t happen right away. I can’t offer you much right now. I just want you to think about it. I love you; that’s firm and it isn’t going to change,” he said, looking into her eyes that were now filled with tears.

“Andy,” She whispered as she touched his face with her hand. “Oh, Andy, I won’t flat out say no. That was wonderfully sweet, but,” she paused, “You’re right, there’s a lot to consider. Things that must take time and believe me, it doesn’t have anything to do with money. We are very different people and we need to get to know each other under different, less stressful circumstances. I think I love you too. I didn’t think I could ever say that to anyone again, but…” Her voice softened, “So for now, let’s take some time and see what happens.”

“That’s good, very good!” He said kissing her gently.

“Just one other thing, Andy,” She said pulling away. “Not in any way can I be a reason for any career decisions you make. I want you to promise me that or else I will have to say no, now. Will you promise?”