Page 50 of Cry Havoc

“We are less than two days away from a battle that has the potential to change the course of the war,” Dvornikov said. “Ho and Giap have temporarily left the country. They are citing medical reasons, but it is really to escape any potential fallout from Resolution 14, the Tet attacks, which they have never supported. Resolution 14 was pushed through the Central Committee by Le Duan, First Secretary of the Party, the man most likely to replace Ho when he dies. As you know, Ho is in his late seventies and in poor health.”

“All this prisoner, this Colonel Trân, needs to do is keep quiet for forty-eight hours,” Lavrinenko said.

“That might not be possible. He is being transported to the CMIC, the joint American and Vietnamese interrogation center; their Lubyanka. No one stays quiet in Lubyanka. I am concerned that he will break.”

“What makes you think he has not broken so far?”

“Because he was captured outside of Phu Bai. Then taken to Da Nang. Now he is being transported to Saigon. That tells me that he was not broken at Phu Bai or Da Nang. He won’t be able to resist when the South Vietnamese get ahold of him. The Americans at Phu Bai and Da Nang still play by the rules for the most part. Outdated rules but rules nonetheless.”

“Where are you getting your information?”

“A high-level source in Saigon.”

“The one who was supposed to deconflict our movements with American troop operations to prevent this exact scenario?”

“Yes. The two Americans transporting him are the soldiers who captured him outside of Phu Bai.”

“He had a security detail and was captured by only two men?”

“It appears so. There was no mission scheduled for the night of his capture. Apparently these two MACV-SOG operators were operating outside of normal protocols.”

“American cowboys,” Lavrinenko said, taking another sip of vodka. “You said you had a solution.”

“As you know I have established a robust network of agents throughout Southeast Asia but primarily in Saigon. One of my assets can ensure that the prisoner never reaches the interrogation center. It may burn him, but if it does then he was burned for protecting Tet. It is worth the sacrifice.”

“Do not fail.”

“You have my word, Director. The colonel will never reach Saigon alive.”

CHAPTER 13

“THERE IS ONE MOREthing,” Lavrinenko said.

“Yes, Director?”

“I want you closer to this operation.”

Dvornikov nodded slowly.

“I see the disappointment. You do not like Vietnam.”

“I prefer Moscow.” He paused. “Or Paris.”

“I see. You are moving up the ranks, Comrade, but you need to exercise judgment and caution. Someone else in my position might not be as understanding of your insubordinate attitude. Some might say it is too Western.”

“My file should list my accomplishments in France. The effectiveness of our network speaks to my efforts.”

“Are you sure it is not the Parisian nightlife, the cafés, the girls, perhaps even the freedom that attracts you?”

“I exist to serve the Party.”

“Of course you do, Comrade.”

“The excesses of life in the West are not the allure. I want to be in the place where I can do the most to advance the interests of the Party against the imperialists.”

“Save your speech for when it matters. I will not be in this seat forever. Penkovsky will advance and eventually take my place as director of theGRU. Be forewarned, he will not be as understanding or forgiving of your behavior as I.”

Lavrinenko paused and took another long swig of his vodka.