Agent in Place by Helen MacInnes Read Free Book Online

now out of date. The new strategy of détente was “the conquest of the system,” a phrase much used by German Communists. By this was meant the destruction of political democracy in the West, by covert attacks on its constitutional foundations and by the discrediting of fundamental political and social ideals. For this purpose, Disinformation (Dept. A of the First Chief Directorate, Committee for State Security) had become increasingly important in Soviet planning.
    Disinformation. Mischa’s department. What would he have to say about these details on the recent successful take-over of the Free University in West Berlin, for instance? His agents and their methods clearly described? Rick drew a deep breath to steady himself, then went on with what he had been discussing. “You’ll be at the top of the ladder in ten years—Director of the Institute by Tom’s age. How does that grab you? Better than being a foreign correspondent.” He placed some of the pages on the desk, squared them off neatly. He pursed his lips.
    “What’s the verdict so far?” Chuck was eager to know.
    “Packs a hefty punch. But—don’t you think?—it might be considered a low blow against Kissinger and Ford?”
    Chuck stared at him. “I told you what it was about, didn’t I? What made you change around?”
    “I haven’t. I still think it ought to be published. Perhaps a little later. Not at this moment. Ford is in Vladivostok right now.”
    “All the more reason—”
    “Why don’t we wait until after Kissinger attends the NATO meeting on December twelfth in Brussels? That’s not too far off.” And, Rick thought, that would give me time to squelch Holzheimer’s interest.
    “And that is exactly why we are going ahead as planned. We’ll make sure that the Brussels meeting is going to listen to NATO’s assessment of détente, and talk about it openly. It isn’t just the American public that needs a jolt. There’s far too much secrecy about things that should be out in the open. How can people decide, if they get no choice? They’ve got to know the alternatives...”
    “Okay, okay. It was just a suggestion. You’ve convinced me that it wasn’t a good one.”
    “You know your trouble, Rick? You’re too damned conservative.”
    “You know both our troubles? We need some food. I’ve had nothing to speak of since breakfast. And you? I bet you didn’t eat much lunch. What’s in the refrigerator?”
    “You can fix us a sandwich while I’m typing.”
    “Right. But first let me finish reading. I could use that drink now. A dry Martini?”
    “Coming up.” Chuck left for the pantry.
    Rick moved quickly. He dropped the sheets of paper on the desk, turned towards the typewriter, and lifted off its cover. Then he selected the A key, raised its type-bar, and bent it. He did the same with the S key next to it. That should be enough, he decided as he pushed the type-bars back in place as far as they would go. He slipped the cover over the machine and wiped his fingers clean of ink before picking up the memorandum again. By the time Chuck returned, he was sitting at the desk, a study in complete concentration. He finished the last page and placed it with the others.
    “Well?” Chuck asked.
    “It’s good. Someone worked hard over all that. NATO Intelligence, I suppose?”
    “It’s something like our own work at Shandon. A matter of analysing facts, and evaluating, and wrapping it all up with judicial opinion. Prognosis is always the hardest part, and yet it’s the most necessary. Here’s your Martini—dry enough? I’m out of onions and olives. Like some lemon-peel?”
    “No, this is fine. Just fine.”
    Chuck looked at the clock on the desk, checked his watch. “I’d better give Tom a call before I set to work.” He was suddenly worried. “Hope I have enough carbon paper. I’ll need a copy for myself—just to make sure that the Times prints all I give them.” He went to the typing table and pulled out its drawer.