Knight's Code

Knight's Code

by

Don Levin

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This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events, is purely coincidental.

© 2006 Don Levin. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 6/14/2006

ISBN: 1-4259-3699-7 (sc)

ISBN: 9781467083188 (ebk)

Bloomington, Indiana

Contents

Preface

1   

2   

3   

4   

5   

6   

7   

8   

9   

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Epilogue

Postscript: February 2006

A final note to the Reader

About the Author

Preface

February, 1990.

The sun rising over the scraggly peaks reflected off of the snow on the mountains, creating a pristine setting; the majestic peaks were ideal for skiing if that was your fancy, or simply there to be enjoyed, for the view really was breathtaking from the balcony of the large rustic lodge. However, the occupants of Rural Route 2, Iron Mountain, Colorado, or Moosehead Lodge as it was commonly known as to the inhabitants of Iron Mountain, were there neither to enjoy the skiing nor the scenery. The lodge has been chosen for a clandestine meeting with an agenda of world wide significance. For them. The mountains offered privacy and isolation.

The five jeeps and three four-wheel drive vehicles were huddled together in front of the large rustic cabin-like structure, as if to mimic a herd attempting to stay warm against the elements. The wind was howling, and causing the smoke that rose from the chimney in white plumes to swirl around before being lost in the clear and quiet mountain air.

The pine trees that rose behind the cabin were heavy with snow, their branches bending under the weight of the previous night’s snowfall. The roads leading to the cabin were largely snow packed and would pose a hazard to most private vehicles not specifically equipped for the locale.

Without warning, the quiet of the morning was shattered by the explosions that rocked the mountain as approximately one hundred eighty pounds of plastic explosive were detonated in strategic spots so as to send a wall of snow and ice cascading down the mountains, burying the cabin, the vehicles, as well as the unfortunate occupants of Moosehead Lodge. Accounts of the disaster compiled later from those in town made reference to hearing thunder in the mountains immediately before the avalanche.

The three men that were huddling around the propane stove above where the avalanche had started, took turns watching the cabin with binoculars for any signs of life. If no one appeared by late afternoon, they would venture down there to confirm the fate of those assembled. Their instructions had been simple; create an illusion that all of the occupants died as the result of an act of nature. If this was not possible, make any survivors disappear in a mountain lake – quickly, quietly, and most assuredly, permanently.

The explosives had done their work well. The velocity achieved by the wall of snow had been such that when it engulfed the lodge, all of the still sleeping occupants were either trapped or buried in the bedrooms they were occupying in the rear of the lodge.

It had taken them nearly three hours to scale down from their vantage point to observe the results of their efforts. Their employers would be pleased. Better a wall of snow to accomplish the deed than the carnage of automatic gunfire, or the mountain lake, had been their instructions.

The public would read about it over their morning coffee tomorrow, or the next day, and not give it a second thought. But, an investigation of the mountains above would still yield enough evidence for the occupant of the Oval Office to know that it was no accident, and to know that he would have to contend with the consequences of violating Knight’s Code.

BOOK ONE

OPPONENTS OF FORCE

1   

20 May 1940.

Allies' Far Eastern Combined Bureau. London.

Commander Eric Nave, an Australian serving with the Royal Navy was nothing short of a genius when it came to breaking codes used by other countries. Having studied at the Government Code and Cypher School in London, he quickly became instrumental in cracking the code used by the Japanese in the days preceding the start of World War Two.

It had been some six months since he had revealed to his superiors that he had the key to the code being utilized by the Japanese for operational signals with their naval fleet. He had discovered the key one night after everyone else assembled for this special mission had gone for the evening. One of the liaisons sent to the team by an isolationist United States was an up and coming Army Major by the name of William Rogers. It was his mission to keep Washington, more specifically the Secretary of War, Henry Stimson, and the President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, aware of such developments.

How many months had we all spent on this blasted cipher without getting anywhere before you magically found the key, barked Major Rogers.

You know old boy that if I had not found it, that it just might as well have been someone else today or tomorrow that would have, said his friend Eric, setting down his pint of ale.

Well, I am just glad that you did, said Rogers. This will provide all of us with an incredible advantage in the event that war finally comes.

Not if your press gets wind of it, and reveals it to the world, said Nave.

Rest assured old friend, that this will be one secret that will not leak out to the members of the fourth estate, said Rogers.

Oh, how can you be so sure of that, asked Nave.

Because I have been instructed by the Secretary not to send any messages or commit anything to writing that could compromise this strategic advantage, said Rogers.

So what are you to do with this news, asked Nave, his clipped Australian accent only slightly modified by his extended assignment in London.

I am leaving for Washington tomorrow morning, and will give my final briefing to both the Secretary of War and the President at the White House, as soon as I arrive, said Rogers.

What then for you old boy, asked Nave.

I don't know exactly. Assignment back to the War Department, and when we finally get into this little duck shoot, maybe a battalion command, said Rogers.

I know that the new Prime Minister shall be disappointed at not seeing you when he gathers all of the American advisors and liaisons, said Nave. And most especially when he meets with your President Roosevelt.

Having observed Mr. Churchill these past ten months while he so ably served as First Lord of the Admiralty, I remain confident that if he desires my humble presence at any meeting, that he will dash off one of his famous notes to the President, Rogers said with a smirk.

To be sure, said Nave.

How do you think things will shake out now with Mr. Eden in the War Office, Mr. Alexander at the Admiralty, and Sir Archibald at the Air Ministry, asked Rogers, resuming the role of tactician that he relished more than his current role as liaison.

With Winston as Minister of Defense, I am confident that we will persevere against anything that Jerry throws at us, said Nave, making reference to the growing threat on the continent from the forces assembled by Hitler against France, the last bastion before Hitler would reach the English Channel.

Well, it will only be a matter of time before we are in the war too, said Rogers, shaking his head.

By the by, will Mr. Roosevelt seek a third term of office, asked Nave, taking a long puff of his cigar.

No one knows, or is saying yea or nay if they do know, responded Rogers.

Well what is the man himself saying, pressed Nave.

He says nothing. One newspaper editorial cartoon depicts him as the Sphinx, said Rogers.

What do you think he will do, asked Nave.

If I were a gambling man, I would wager that he will run again. If France falls, and all that is standing between Hitler and the Western Hemisphere is England, I think that Roosevelt will feel that he is the only man for the job, said Rogers.

When is the nominating process, asked Nave.

The Democratic Convention is to be held 15 July, in Chicago Stadium, said Rogers.

Will he win, asked Nave, swirling his ale.

Unless people are afraid of the precedent that a third term sets, I don't see anyone that the Republicans could put up that would beat him.

Well, here is to your President Roosevelt, said Nave, raising his bottle in salute.

Here here, said Rogers.

In the mean time old man, please keep sending us ships and arms; they are so desperately needed, said Nave.

Oh I am sure we will; that old fox in the White House is already firming up the program that he calls 'Lend-Lease' that should immensely please your Prime Minister, said Rogers.

We get the fifty destroyers we requested, asked Nave innocently.

Come now Eric. Your acting skills are not so sophisticated. You must have known for some time that the President would find a way to honor Winston's desperate plea for those old buckets, smirked Rogers.

June 1940

The Oval Office, The White House.

It looks like they are after your scalp again Mr. President, said Harry Hopkins, entering the Oval Office with the morning paper in his hand.

So it would appear Harry, said the President.

It seems like both sides want to take their swipes at you for appointing Stimson and Knox, observed Hopkins wryly.

Well let's face it Harry, it is not everyday that a Democratic President appoints two distinguished Republicans to the Cabinet, said the President with a big smile on his face.

You are getting a kick out of this aren't you, said Hopkins, wearily lowering his frail body into a chair.

Harry, both of these men have been very vigorous in their opposition to isolationism for a long time. Stimson was Hoover's Secretary of State back in '31 and had advocated resistance to the Japanese invasion in Manchuria, said Roosevelt.

I remember that. He was castigated for it by his own party, said Hopkins.

Exactly. But he did not back down. And for that reason, I want him to be my Secretary of War, said Roosevelt, lighting yet another cigarette.

But how can you stand to have Knox around when he has ripped the New Deal to pieces in that rag of his, said Harry referring to the Chicago Daily News, and even ran for Vice President under Landon last time.

Because dear Harry, times change. And this country needs Frank Knox as the Secretary of the Navy now.

This wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that he was a Rough Rider with your cousin Teddy would it, asked Hopkins, exhaling a plume of smoke himself.

These are trying times Harry. We need every ally that we can muster.

I don't know how much of an ally either one of them can be, given the fact that the Republican leadership is demanding that they be read out of their own party.

It is somewhat amusing to watch the Republicans fight among themselves, said Roosevelt, flashing one of his infectious grins.

I am still wondering about the timing, said Hopkins. Why before their convention in Philadelphia. Why couldn't you let Knox go to the convention?

Because I needed him in the cabinet as a Republican in good standing so as to show that we are really facing a crisis that goes beyond partisan politics. My God Harry, we are staring the second world war in twenty years right in the face, said Roosevelt growing somber.

I don't think it is going to make a difference Mr. President. Congress is not going to simply hand over control of the purse strings to you, regardless of whom you place in the cabinet, said Harry.

That may be Harry, but we must assemble the very best team that we can field to fight both Germany and Japan, said Roosevelt.

You still believe that the war is going to be a crusade against both of them, asked Hopkins.

The war in Europe is a certainty. France will fall, and England will be left to stand alone. Yes, Harry, we will be fighting in the old country. In so far as Japan is concerned, they have been extending their sphere of influence steadily since 1931. I am certain that given the information that we are receiving from England regarding Japan that we will be fighting the yellow peril as well.

You know you really do have to make a decision about a third term, said Harry.

Harry, I would love nothing more than to step aside and go home to Hyde Park to work on my papers. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to the day that I can retire to the Library, and enjoy the life of the elder statesman.

But, said Hopkins, prompting what he hoped would be a decision and its rationale.

But, I cannot allow Farley or Garner to gain control of the party. Those isolationist bastards will undo all the good that we have done thus far.

So, you are going to break precedent and run for a third term, said Hopkins with anticipation.

Harry, I have no doubt that if I step aside now, that in 1944, the Party will look to me to fix what has been done either by our own President or whomever the Republicans might be able to slide into this office, said Roosevelt with a slump of his shoulders.

Then let's win this election now, said Hopkins raising his glass in salute.

The White House. June 1940.

It's Wilkie, said Hopkins walking into the President's bedroom.

So they finally decided, said Roosevelt wearily from the bed.

You sound pleased, said Hopkins sinking into the chair next to the window.

Well, he is the best that they have to offer, and may prove to be a challenge before it is all over, but I am glad, said Roosevelt.

Why, asked Hopkins.

Because dear friend, Wilkie is not an isolationist, and therefore, regardless of the outcome of this election, the country will not have had to endure an isolationist - interventionist campaign.

Congress will still make it an issue though, said Hopkins.

Fine, let them squawk, but we have more pressing business Harry, said the President, sitting up to begin his day.

The bases, said Hopkins.

Yes, the bases. We must insure that we are all on the same page of the hymn book, said Roosevelt.

Harold is carrying the banner on this one, said Harry.

I genuinely feel that we have found the way to circumvent Congress on this one, said Roosevelt almost gleefully.

Let's face it Chief, Congress does not trust you, said Hopkins with a smile to soften his words.

I shant lose any sleep over it Harry, said FDR.

But the tag line they threw on the last Naval Appropriations bill was a direct slap in the face to you, said Hopkins, all seriousness now.

Don't worry Harry, we have solved the problem. Congress says that we cannot transfer any item of military materiel to any foreign government unless Marshall or Stark declares it as useless for the defense of the United States.

Exactly my point, said a now excited Hopkins. Stark cannot now state as the Chief of Naval Operations that the destroyers are useless to our defense when he has been crying to Congress that it was their usefulness that demanded the high cost of keeping them in mothballs all of these years.

"That is why we are going to give the Congress a quid pro quo basis for allowing the transfer of the destroyers to Great Britain."

The leases, said Hopkins, unable to hide the doubts he had with this venture.

Harry, we are going to receive leases for American bases on eight British possessions in the Western Atlantic.

So what, said Hopkins. Congress will not swallow leases for ships.

They will if Stark certifies that the bases for ships in fact strengthens rather than weakens our defensive posture in the Atlantic.

You know, Winston is not going to like this, said Hopkins.

He will have to live with it if he wants those old cans, said Roosevelt.

He wanted the leases to be an expression of gratitude, not payment, said Hopkins.

I understand this Harry, and that is why in your absence we have determined that Bermuda and Newfoundland would in fact remain free gifts, apart from the deal.

You realize that Wilkie will make an issue of this, said Hopkins.

"No he won't. Knight has already talked to Mr. Wilkie and obtained his cooperation so as not to make this an issue to be bandied about as campaign rhetoric.

I guess I should have known better than to doubt the old wise one, said Hopkins, assisting his friend into his wheelchair.

Oh Harry. Some day we will leave this old house, and let someone else worry about the state of affairs. But for now, ours is the burden.

Are you going to the convention, asked Hopkins.

I don't know yet. I tend to think that it won't make a whole lot of difference, and I have so much work to do here, responded the President, welcoming the challenge that the new campaign would bring.

Well, I guess if you don't go, someone better, said Hopkins, squaring his frail shoulders.

Exactly my thoughts Harry, said the President, patting his friend on the arm as he was wheeled into the bathroom.

The Democratic National Convention of 1940 opened on July 15, 1940, at the Chicago Stadium.

In attendance was the President's personal aide and representative Harry Hopkins. In his pocket was a handwritten letter addressed to the Convention from the President of the United States stating his desire to return to private life on January 20, 1941. When this message was read to the convention, the politicos performed as they had been instructed by Senator Rutherford Sterling Knight III, and conducted the now famous fifty three minute demonstration. Any fear on the part of the President that the party and the nation were ready for a change was quickly dispelled when his onscene observers reported the sea of We Want Roosevelt placards that magically appeared during the demonstration. The next day, 16 July, the President was virtually drafted by acclamation. The only change in this election from the previous two, was the selection of Henry Wallace to replace John Nance Garner on the ticket as Vice President.

July 16, 1940.

The Bismarck Hotel, Chicago, Illinois.

Who does he think he is, asked an angry Harold Ickes.

Calm yourself Harold. It has been decided that Wallace will be the Vice President, said Knight.

Decided by whom, roared Ickes.

By those in authority who can see with an eye to the future what is right for the nation and for the party, said Knight.

I'd sooner leave the party, said a now irate Ickes.

Calm yourself brother. We are facing a national crisis here. We must all serve where called, said Knight.

"And what if we don't want to serve where others choose to call us," said Ickes.

Then my brother, we have to assume that retirement is where you wish to be, said Knight, standing to indicate that the conversation was at an end.

I want to talk to Roosevelt, said Ickes.

Feel free. I am certain that he will echo all that we have discussed here today, said Knight.

Fine. We'll see about that, said Ickes.

Harold, don't cross me, said Knight, the steel in his voice sending a shiver down the spine of the erstwhile Vice Presidential candidate.

You really are an SOB, you know that Ford, spit Ickes.

Be that as it may, be a team player Harold. It will all work out for all of us, I promise, said Knight, flashing him the smile he saved for campaign rallies.

You haven't heard the last of this Ford, said Ickes, as he went through the door.

Yes I have, said Ford in a voice no louder than a whisper.

In 1932 FDR had broken with political tradition and had dashed to Chicago from the Governor's Mansion in Albany, New York to accept the party's nomination in person. For the acceptance of this, the 1940 Democratic nomination, he chose to use radio as the medium by which to become the standard bearer for his party.

Are we on the air, asked the President.

Five seconds Mr. President, said the young director with headphones perched on his head.

Like most men of my age, I had made plans for myself, plans for a private life of my own choice and for my own satisfaction. These plans, like so many other plans, had been made in a world which now seems as distant as another planet. Today all private plans, all private lives, have been in a sense repealed by an overriding public danger…. I accept the nomination of this party for President of the United States of America. God Bless America.

That was wonderful Mr. President, said the director, indicating that they were off of the air.

Well I hope you and 25 million other Americans will think so, and will vote for me come November, said the President.

Oh yes Sir, said the director, momentarily flustered.

Thank you Son, said the President.

Mr. President, are we going to war against Mr. Hitler, asked the young man, seizing the opportunity to ask the President of the United States a question.

I hope not son, but the fall of France, after Mr. Hitler's invasion of Denmark, Norway, Holland, and Belgium, certainly does place Britain up against it, and makes her our last line of defense as well, said Roosevelt.

Fight over there, or fight them here, is that it, Mr. President, asked the young man.

I am afraid so, said the President. Mr. Hitler will not be satisfied until he rules the world.

It's frightening, said the young man, running his hands through his curly hair.

It's frightening to think that so many young men will be called upon to lay down their lives in the name of freedom, said Roosevelt.

I'll vote for you Mr. President.

Thank you Son, said the President, as he wheeled himself from the room.

August 1940.

The President's Study. The White House.

"Harry, I do not wish to make you feel as a little child might, but would you please define the phrase national defense for General Marshall and Admiral Stark," asked the President, nodding in the direction of the Chief of Staff of the United States Army and Chief of Naval Operations.

Certainly Mr. President, said Harry, loosening his tie, and slipping back into the chair, his drink firmly in hand.

National defense is the mustering of armed forces in sufficient strength and number to repel invaders and to protect the citizens of the United States from all enemies, said Hopkins.

Would you agree with that General, asked Roosevelt, grabbing a marking pen and pad of paper.

Yes Sir. Simplistic as it is, I believe that Mr. Hopkins has defined the purpose, if not the scope, of national defense, replied General George Catlett Marshall, the Army's senior officer.

How about you Admiral? Satisfied with that answer, asked the President, obviously ready to spring a trap on someone.

Yes Sir. I believe that is the essence of our national defense — the protection of our citizens, and the enjoyment of their freedoms, he added quickly.

Alright gentlemen. Class is now in session. If the German Navy decided to sail across the Atlantic, what would you advise doing to protect Boston Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, the Potomac River, and Charleston Harbor, Harry, asked Roosevelt.

Well, I would imagine that we would dispatch the Atlantic Fleet to protect these key points against whatever force the Jerrys were likely to throw at us, said Harry.

Sort of like a football goal line defense, eh Harry, asked Roosevelt.

Well, naturally we would use our coastal artillery and air support to ward them off before we were actually fighting in the harbors, added Hopkins quickly.

Admiral, would you please tell Mr. Hopkins how much of the coastline of just the Eastern United States we could realistically defend against an enemy intent on conducting amphibious attacks, asked Roosevelt.

I can't give you an exact figure Mr. President, but it is a small percentage indeed, said Admiral Stark.

With all due respect Mr. President, what is your point, asked Harry, knowing that it was a baited question all along.

Ha ha Harry. I never could put one over on you. And for that you shall receive a direct answer to your question, said Roosevelt starting to sketch an outline the Eastern seaboard.

Gentlemen, please stand by, said Hopkins, drawing his chair closer.

This is the east coast of the United States, began the President.

Obviously you failed Art 101, said Hopkins.

And these are our coastal defenses, continued the President. Here, here and here. An enemy could land any number of expeditionary forces at literally hundreds of points along the coast, and we could not stop them.

So you are saying what exactly, asked Hopkins.

I am saying that better we land our own troops on European shores, or African shores, rather than waiting for those bastards to land at Virginia Beach, snorted Roosevelt. We can only defend less than one and one-half percent of our coastline. That is unacceptable to me gentlemen. So long as I am President of the United States, we will not permit any hostile force from setting foot on our shores. We will oppose all force exclusively on foreign soil. I will not expose the American people to a war zone. Do we understand one another?

Yes, Mr. President, responded his subordinates in unison.

Then get cracking, and find a way for us to assist Britain before it is too late, said Roosevelt, dismissing his military subordinates.

Kind of rough on them weren't you, asked Hopkins.

Harry, we are Britain's lifeline, and they are our last line of defense. We must get Congress and the American people behind us in this great crusade, or we are doomed.

Beating up on Marshall and Stark is not the answer though. They're on our side, said Hopkins.

I know, but something has to give, and I don't know which way to turn at this point, said Roosevelt.

June 10, 1940. Charlottesville.

Harry, I believe it is time that Mr. Churchill and I opened a greater dialogue, said Roosevelt.

Oh, why is that, asked Hopkins.

Since that rather remarkable evacuation of the British Army at Dunkirk, it has become readily apparent that the only thing that is going to save Great Britain, and the western world for that matter, will be the manufacturing might of the United States, said Roosevelt.

I don't disagree with you, but there is still the problem that we are non-combatants, and we are severely hamstrung by what we can do, said Hopkins.

Harry, it was only by the grace of God that the British were able to evacuate some three hundred thirty five thousand troops off of the beaches of France.

I know, it was amazing. Anything that could put to sea in the Channel was used, said Hopkins.

Unfortunately, they left all of their equipment sitting on that beach, said a sardonic Roosevelt. We must replace it, and do it quickly. We must step up our efforts along these lines.

How do we finance payment of these goods, asked Secretary Morgenthau of the Treasury.

My Brother Morgenthau, but of course on the cash and carry basis, said FDR flashing a smile.

Mr. President, the British reserves are dwindling quickly. I can only suggest that it will be only weeks before some other alternative will be necessary.

Well, Henry, find that alternative. In the meantime, old Winston has rallied his people and has asked for our help. I can only hope that every American will want to answer the call, said Roosevelt.

Italy's entering the war was not exactly a surprise, said Hopkins wryly.

Did you read what Churchill said in his speech yesterday, asked Roosevelt rhetorically. We shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.

Vintage Churchill as I understand it, said Marshall.

Well, it may be vintage Churchill, but the United States will respond. History will not judge the United States as being an isolationist country who would not respond to the call of its sister country, said Roosevelt.

Mr. President, I urge restraint in your remarks, said Marshall.

George, it is time we start talking straight to the people, and we will extend to the opponents of force the material resources of this nation, no more and no less, said the President of the United States.

Heaven help all those assembled in this room when the press gets hold of this in their teeth, said Harry Hopkins.

Harry it goes beyond those of us gathered. Whether we like it or not, we are no longer a continent removed from the activities of Europe. There is not a general staff or propaganda office that does not spend a great deal of time pondering what the great and mighty United States will do in any given situation, said Roosevelt.

Mr. President, do you really think that we are that significant consideration to both sets of combatants, asked Morgenthau.

Yes, Mr. Secretary I do. I know it as well as I know my own name. I believe that Admiral Stark would agree that the ocean is no longer a barrier, but rather a broad highway, on which the navies of the world travel. Isn't that right Admiral, said the President turning his gaze to his Chief of Naval Operations.

Yes Sir. The United States Navy can stay at sea longer than at any other time in its history. Its weapons are superior, and the manner in which we conduct operations permits us great latitude, said the Admiral, confirming the President's point.

So gentlemen, for that reason, our frontier is now the Rhine River; we cannot allow England to fail in its defense of the Western World.

Congress is not going to allow you carte blanche in the support of England even if you can convince the right people that it is really America that you are protecting, observed Hopkins.

That may very well be Harry, but hopefully by that time we will have completed all of the preparations necessary for war, said the President solemnly.

Christmas Eve 1940.

Abraham Lincoln's Study. The White House. Washington D.C.

In May of 1940, Harry Hopkins took up residence in the White House, one of the few non-elected citizens to ever do so. Overlooking the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument, it granted the occupant a commanding view of Washington. Situated in the southeast corner of the second floor living quarters, it had once served the sixteenth president as his study. In this very room the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. Now it was the bedroom office of perhaps the most influential man within the President's inner circle.

The knock at the door that suddenly broke the silent reverie of the occupant was that of the thirty-second president. Harry, are you awake, asked Roosevelt.

Yes, Mr. President, replied Hopkins, throwing off his covers, rushing to open the door for his wheelchair bound nocturnal visitor.

I have been thinking, said the President, pushing himself past Harry, into the room.

Yes, Mr. President, said Harry, hastily putting on his bathrobe while casting a furtive look at his wristwatch, noting that it was not yet Christmas Day.

I believe that more than ever, it is time that I open a dialogue with Winston Churchill, said Roosevelt.

What kind of dialogue, asked Hopkins. You are already corresponding on a regular basis making reference to the letters that Roosevelt routinely addressed to Former Naval Person, and that were answered by Churchill and addressed to POTUS", the initials for President of the United States.

I mean a face to face conversation, in which we could hash out everything that is of consequence to our countries, said Roosevelt, highly animated in spite of the hour and the long day that he had yet to finish.

I think that it would be a splendid idea, but I do not see him coming here just now, and you are certainly not going to expose yourself to the dangers of entering a wartime theater, said Hopkins. Are you?

Certainly not Harry, said the President irritably. We need to establish a line of communications through an intermediary.

Like who?

I don't know. That's the problem.

What about Joe Kennedy? He's there, and certainly represents corporate America with all of its warts, asked Hopkins, making reference to the Ambassador to the Court of St. James.

No, certainly not Kennedy, said Roosevelt emphatically.

What about Hull, asked Hopkins, referring to the Secretary of State.

No, he will have his hands full with the Japanese and the threat that they pose to us in the Pacific over the next few months, said Roosevelt, lighting a cigarette with a lighter that had appeared from the folds of his bathrobe.

Mr. President, it has to be a man of substance, said Hopkins hesitantly. What about General Marshall?

No, too visible. The press would roast me for being a warmonger and for sending off our top general only seven weeks after the election, said Roosevelt, exhaling a plume of smoke towards the window in which the Washington Monument was framed as if in a picture. Think about it though would you, and get me some recommendations.

What about Ford Knight, asked Hopkins to the back of the exiting president.

Ford Knight is a dangerous man Harry. Mark my words. Lord knows that we need him and his influence on our side in the Senate, but mark my words, that someday we will have to reckon with the man. He wants my job, said Roosevelt, flashing the warm smile reserved for those close to him. Sleep well old friend.

Goodnight Mr. President.

January 1941.

The Oval Study. The White House. Washington D.C.

Harry, I received the most delightful note from Winston today, said Franklin Delano Roosevelt, using his powerful arms to wheel himself over to the bar to begin mixing the day's ritualistic mystical and magical Roosevelt martini for everyone to partake in.

Oh, is that so, said Hopkins.

I do so enjoy the man, said FDR, emptying the jigger into the martini shaker, his trademark black cigarette holder clenched jauntily in his teeth while he performed this favorite ritual.

What did he have to say, asked Mrs. Roosevelt who looked up from the magazine that she was reading.

He thanked me for my speech of the other day, and may have provided the answer to a question that I have been wrestling with since our Christmas Eve visit.

Oh, said Hopkins, looking over the sheaf of papers that he had been gazing at.

Yes. He has asked that you come over and visit him, said the President.

And I suppose you have already decided that it would be a good idea for me to make the trek to London Town, said Hopkins wryly.

Yes, I have, said Roosevelt with a twinkle in his eye.

You realize Franklin that the Nazis are bombing London now, using incendiary bombs, said Eleanor in a matronly tone.

Yeah, do you realize that, asked Hopkins, already blanching at the thought of both the rigors posed by a flight over there aboard the Pan-American Clipper to Lisbon, and the peril associated with the additional leg to London.

Of course I do. And the Prime Minister has assured me that you will be perfectly safe, said Roosevelt.

When, asked Hopkins, resigning himself to his fate.

Next week, on the 8th, said FDR, flashing his winning smile.

Ducky.

Winston has arranged for you to be met by a Mr. Brendan Bracken upon your arrival at Poole Airport, said Roosevelt.

But I will miss your inauguration, said Hopkins, making reference to the first inauguration to be held on January 20, and the end of the March 4 tradition.

You can read about it. I am certain that it will make all of the papers, said FDR.

And what is my mission, asked Hopkins.

Your mission is to assure the Prime Minister and his countrymen, that the United States remains resolved to supporting them in their struggle against that pint sized tyrant. Let him know of the battle that we are waging here in an effort to eliminating the arguments of those who will argue on behalf of the silly, foolish old dollar sign, that aid is not necessary. We will provide all the aid necessary to defend his country, said Roosevelt, his smile gone.

So the old destroyers and the kitchen sink will be going to Britain, said Hopkins.

Just as quickly as we can get them out of mothballs and get them ready to sail across the North Atlantic, said Roosevelt.

What else should I concern myself with while I am over the pond, asked Hopkins.

Keep your eyes and ears open, accompany Winston as much as you can, and discuss the feasibility of our meeting somewhere this summer, said FDR. If he is in person anything like his telegrams have been, I am certainly that we will get along famously.

Have you forgotten that there is a war on, asked Hopkins.

No Harry, I haven't. It is the first thing I think about when I awake, and is the last thing that I think about before I fall asleep. It is up to us to save the world, said a somber President, his shoulders sagging, as if under a huge weight. For a moment, he looked as much like the invalid and tired old man as the Republican Wendell Wilkie had attempted to paint him during the recently concluded national campaign.

I'll tell him, said Hopkins quietly, raising his glass in salute. And I hope it snows six feet on the evening of January 19th, he said under his breath.

The White House. February 1941.

It was a most enlightening trip, said Hopkins, settling himself into his accustomed chair in the oval office of the President of the United States.

So I understand. Churchill cannot stop raving about the wonderful new friend he has made in America. Spare me no detail, said FDR, wheeling himself over in front of the fireplace to face Hopkins, who looked much frailer and worse for wear than he had but a short six weeks earlier.

The trip across was absolutely hellacious, began Hopkins. As you know, it took me five full days of travel to finally set foot in Poole. The clipper took me into Lisbon, and then I had to take a British carrier into Poole. Brendan met me at Poole, and a good thing too, because I was feeling most under the weather by that point of the journey.

So it was reported to me, said the President, sipping the coffee that had been poured by his valet.

We proceeded to board a train bound for London. Frightful what Hitler has done to the countryside. The bomb damage is quite extensive. Upon arrival in London, I met with the great man.

Yes, yes, said the President eagerly.

Our first meeting was private, and was of about three hours in duration, during which I conveyed to him that at all costs, and by all means available to you, that you would use the full scope and authority of your office to see him and Britain through this crisis, said Hopkins.

And what was Winston's response, asked Roosevelt, exhaling a plume of cigarette smoke.

He was visibly relieved, and broke into a grand smile, said Hopkins.

And what else did you learn about our illustrious ally?

For as much as you might fancy the two of you to be two peas in a pod, I must respectfully submit Mr. President that the two of you are as opposite as two opposites can be.

Oh really. Pray continue, said an amused Roosevelt.

Well, whereas you and I, like most men of our generation, prefer to retire for the evening by ten o'clock, Winston is just getting started. He keeps his staff working with him until 3:00 a.m. most nights, and is at it again by 7:00 a.m. The man is remarkable. He drinks throughout the entire day, and yet you would never know it. For a man who is sixty six years old, he is a dynamo.

Please share your other impressions of Winston with Mrs. R, Harry, said the President, nodding to Mrs. Roosevelt who had just entered the room.

Yes Harry, please do. I find the news accounts of Mr. Churchill and his activities to be absolutely fascinating, said Eleanor Roosevelt, claiming a seat next to the hearth.

The man is amazing. Everyone adores him. He is a one man government. He controls everything — the politicos, the generals, the admirals, the big business men, everyone. If you and he agree on a strategy, you will have all of England behind you.

What about meeting with me face to face, asked Roosevelt.

He wants to meet with you, and I quote, the sooner the better," said Hopkins, effecting a clipped British accent.

Is he as excitable as the press reports, asked the First Lady.

"Far from it. I was with him at 2:00 a.m. when he received word of the loss of the Southampton and the damage done to Illustrious. He took it all in stride, and never let up for a minute. He wakes up spouting strategy, and never ceases," said Hopkins.

And what else did you do while over in merry old England, asked Roosevelt.

"I accompanied Winston up to Scapa Flow to visit the fleet and to see Lord Halifax off on the new battleship H.M.S. King George V, bound for his new post in the United States," said Hopkins making reference to Britain's new ambassador to the United States.

"I know. When the KGV made Annapolis, we sailed out to meet him. A marvelous ship. Marvelous. Oh, what I would do to have command of her instead of the desk I sit behind. And what did you think of the fleet," asked Roosevelt, still as enamored with the Navy as when he had been the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for nearly all of the eight years of the Wilson administration.

Winston is almost as much a little boy around his fleet as you are around yours, harrumphed Hopkins. He had his wife and I scrambling from destroyer to destroyer. I nearly ended up in the water twice, said Hopkins, his voice rising at the mere recollection.

Ha ha ha, laughed the President. I trust that you did not dishonor our fair country, by making a larger splash than you normally do Harry.

No, I didn't fall in. From Scapa Flow we ventured back to Glasgow, and I watched Winston play the crowds, and visit local authorities as well as factories and war plants. We did this for a few days, and then right before I left, we went over to Dover and he showed me the heavy shore batteries there. It was a very moving experience to realize that all that separates Britain from Germany is the Channel, said Hopkins, draining his coffee cup.

I am sure it was, nodded the President. So what is your final thought about Winston?

He feels that my coming over has finally established a 'definite, heart to heart contact with you, Mr. President, said Harry.

Well I am glad that he feels that way. I certainly hope that you have expressed to Harry just how much he was missed Franklin, said Eleanor.

I was going to do that Babs, said her husband.

You are a very valuable member of this household Harry Hopkins, said Eleanor Roosevelt.

Well thank you Mrs. R, said Hopkins.

Don't swell his head too much, said FDR.

What now Chief, asked Hopkins.

As you may or may not know, I've sent Wendell Wilkie over there as an envoy, ostensibly representing the Republican party.

For what purpose, asked Hopkins, his body immediately tense.

Just to shore up relations, and because I think that we can use Wilkie to take the politics out of our Lend-Lease policies, and to blunt the damage that those fools Lindbergh and Wheeler, are doing with that blasted America First Committee, said Roosevelt, referring to Colonel Charles Lindbergh, and Senator Burton Wheeler, the two most prominent spokesman for the opposition to America becoming embroiled in yet another European conflict.

What is Lindbergh saying, asked Hopkins.

He is maintaining that our defense efforts should be restricted to the Western Hemisphere, and that we should not impose our way of life on Europe and Asia, said Roosevelt.

And Brother Wheeler, asked Hopkins thoughtfully.

He thinks that I should be thrown out of office for having resorted to duplicity in the conduct of our foreign affairs, said the President with a smile.

Have you been naughty while I have been gone, asked Hopkins.

Of course not, said Roosevelt with a smirk. And when I mentioned to the Congressional delegation that came to visit me three days ago that I would be willing to hand over to Congress the final authority over Lend-Lease supplies, I was assured that the bill would pass both houses. Naturally you will in fact be in charge of the program.

Excellent. We really do need to do all that we can to aid Britain. They really are up against that tyrant alone. London is a mess. The area around St. Paul Cathedral that was fire bombed the night of December 29-30 is a virtual shambles. It is a miracle that they have survived as long as they have, said Hopkins passionately.

Help them we shall my friend, help them we shall, said the President.

2   

March 1990.

Donaldson & McHale Chartered, Schaumburg, Illinois.

All right boys and girls, settle down, said Colt Donaldson, managing partner of Donaldson & McHale, Chartered, to fourteen of the firm's fifteen partners and associates gathered for the twice weekly staff meeting.

Yeah, lets get on with it, the Bulls are playing tonight, said Ira Sinclair, one of the newer associates at the firm.

What's the difference, it's not like you have a date or something, said Bob Gates, a classmate from DePaul University Law School, hired at the same time.

But I do, said James Augustus McHale, the other principal in the firm, as everyone settled into their deep burgundy leather chairs that surrounded the large heavy mahogany table in the firm's library.

All of Rush Street anxiously awaits the return of its King, joked Dan Taylor, an older attorney and long time friend of Jim McHale, making reference to bachelor McHale's propensity for spending the vast majority of his evenings in Chicago's Rush Street restaurants and watering holes before retiring to his loft apartment and collections of vintage automobiles and fabulous art pieces.

What do you have today Colt, asked Jim.

Well in addition to the litany of cases that we all have hanging fire, I wanted to review the cases that we have settled or closed in the past three weeks, and to get updates on their final dispositions. But first, said Colt with a flair, looking up from the folder he had, with a twinkle in his eyes, a summary of what is going on in the legal world around us.

This ought to be good, said Sarah Guthrie, a third year associate also new to the firm.

Dateline, from around the globe, started Colt with a flourish of his hand, as all those present around the table began doing imitations of their favorite broadcast news program.

I live for this part of the meeting, said Sam Perkins sarcasm tingeing his voice.

In the interest of time, and in deference to the many states represented around the table in this august group of legal minds, and a desire not to appear to be hammering any one jurisdiction, I have but three modest examples of our legal system at its best, began Colt.

And those jurisdictions would be…, asked Rosanne Walker, the third lady attorney of the firm.

We will start in the heartland of the country, down Houston ways, and then move to the Big Apple, and finish up in California, said Colt.

Land of fruits, nuts, and Rose Bird, said Jim McHale, making reference to the Chief Justice of California's State Supreme Court.

Seems that the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has indicated that they will hear a motion from two female employees of Houston's Oo La La Cabaret, and allow them to present their federal age discrimination suits against the night club, said Colt.

What is the big deal? Another couple of old broads who think that they got a raw deal, asked Gates.

The big deal is that for years and years, women have been subject to discrimination either because they are viewed as the baby machines of the world, or because when they get older and go gray, and carry a few extra pounds, they are treated as if they are ugly and can be thrown on the scrap heap, whereas when a man gets gray it is considered 'distinguished' and his gut becomes a mark of maturity, snapped Roseanne.

Uh oh, sounds like someone is suffering from PMS, said Brad Wagner, the resident male chauvinist.

Shut up Brad, said Rosanne.

"What is the basis of their discrimination claim, asked Roger Goldstein, playing the role of peacemaker to the ongoing mock war between Roseanne and Brad.

"Seems that both of these ladies are, or were, employed as topless waitresses and occasional dancers by the establishment, and that management expressed the thought that perhaps they no longer met the establishment's criteria of being 'aristocratic, beautiful, and congenial' in their appearance