M. Forsythe - While Rome Was Sleeping

Father Ben’s hand was on Jack’s shoulder, “I can see, my friend, the terrible war you fight within yourself for having such feelings. It may surprise you to know that even I, a priest, am sometimes only one prayer away from many of the same emotions.”

“You, Father? How do you…”

Father Ben answered Jack’s partially asked question. “Forgive yourself, my son; you must; the best part of you resists the hate or you would not inwardly struggle so.

“Many of us constantly fight the dark side of our humanity, but we can only overcome it if we face it and recognize that it is there. Forgiveness is the only way we can survive our world and ourselves. That’s why our Lord talked about it so much; He knew we had to operate in forgiveness.

“Jack, there are lessons to be learned, even from the most terrible circumstances. I believe that you will never again look at war or brutality as a bystander. I am sure you know there are no bystanders in life.”

Jack sat silent for a short time then nodded his head as he weighed the words of the priest. Taking a deep breath and exhaling he said with some uncertainty, “Perhaps you’re right, Father Ben; you have given me something to think about. Maybe talking with you has helped. Thank you,”

“My door is open whenever you want to talk, Jack,” Ben offered.

Early Monday afternoon Andrew was mulling over the discovery of Lyle Ramsey’s private telephone number turning up in Monte Maxwell’s possession as he dialed Neil Klein’s number.

He was relieved to hear Neil answer on the second ring. “Klein”

“Neil, this is Andrew; I know you’ve already talked with Savalza about the explosion, but we have a new development that may help the investigation.”

“Yes, Andrew I have spoken with Savalza; actually I was about to call and see how you and Charlene Thayer are doing. What is this new development?”

“A telephone number was found in one of Detective Maxwell’s pockets. What makes it so intriguing is that the number is the private line of one of the principals of a powerful law firm here in Seattle, that of Ramsey & Carr. The number is that of Lyle Ramsey.

“If you recall you told me that you were sure that someone large and local was watching the handling of the Kelshaw murder? It occurs to me that the firm of Ramsey & Carr and Lyle Ramsey fit that category.”

“Yes, I do remember and it is intriguing. Ramsey & Carr is a large well known firm that handles a lot of government contracts; they have offices here in D.C. although they’re headquartered in Seattle. They are also in New York and San Francisco and I believe they have overseas representatives in Tokyo. Yes, Andrew I would definitely say that they would fit the category of ‘large and local’”

“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.”