Mac wingate 5, p.18
Mac Wingate 5, page 18
“That Bomber Command destroy Treblinka?”
“Yes.”
Erikson took out a handkerchief and wiped his narrow brow. His clear blue eyes did not wish to meet Wingate’s. “That is under advisement.”
“You’re lying. They’re not going to do anything about Treblinka—or any of the other death camps.”
“It has gone all the way to the top, I assure you. Roosevelt himself has been contacted.”
Wingate felt a small stirring of hope. He leaned forward. “Well?”
“Like Churchill and other officials of the Polish government-in-exile, they feel all this talk of death camps is simple hysteria. There may be some killing going on within the camps, but those camps are primarily slave labor camps.”
“Do you believe that, Erikson?”
“No. But what does it matter what I believe? You must see their point, Wingate. To them, it makes sense that these are just work camps. The Germans need supplies, munitions. So why should they kill their workers? I believe Roosevelt is reported to have ended the discussion by saying he would prefer to liberate the camps, not bomb them. He is confident the war will not go on much longer.”
“For every day that it does go on, Erikson, another trainload of men, women, and children arrive at Treblinka—and Auschwitz—and ...”
“Stop it, Wingate,” Erikson said.
Wingate sat back. Erikson’s warm beer arrived. The man sipped at it unhappily. “I came with some good news, Wingate. I wish you’d let me tell it.”
“Go on.”
“A very high American government official and a certain former naval person have asked me to extend to you their personal congratulations. Especially in view of that trick the Russians tried to pull. Though the Soviets have denied any knowledge of what Gimolka attempted, we know they were behind it. We, of course, have sent a stiff note of protest, and it seems to have cleared the air considerably. At any rate, Dr. Stern is now safely at work in a secret American installation in New Mexico, and from what I hear is settling in well.”
“Erikson?”
“Yes?”
“Get me an assignment. I want to get out of London. Soon.”
“I won’t hear of it, Wingate. You deserve a rest—after what you’ve been through.”
“No. I deserve to be allowed to escape this mountain of bullshit that is threatening to bury me—and that has already buried you completely.”
“I resent that, Captain.”
“Good. Then get me an assignment.”
Colonel Erikson finished his drink and got to his feet. “I will see what I can do, Captain.”
As Erikson started to leave, Wingate called his name softly. Erikson turned.
“Nothing personal, Colonel. It’s the war.”
Erikson smiled wanly. “I understand, Captain,” he said.
Wingate finished his drink as the colonel left. The drink hadn’t done him any good. And he knew the next one would do him even less good. But he raised his empty glass at the thick-waisted barmaid and waited for her to bring him another one.
About the Author
Bryan Swift was a composite of Arthur Wise, Richard Meyers and Will C. Knott, who between them penned the entire series, which itself was created by Ejan Productions.
The series comprises:
Mission Code: Symbol (1981–Arthur Wise)
Mission Code: King’s Pawn (1981–Will C. Knott)
Mission Code: Minotaur (1981–Will C. Knott)
Mission Code: Granite Island (1981–Ric Meyers)
Mission Code: Springboard (1981–Will C. Knott)
Mission Code: Snow Queen (1982–Richard Meyers)
Mission Code: Acropolis (1982–Arthur Wise)
Mission Code: Volcano (1982–Richard Meyers)
Mission Code: Track and Destroy (1982–Will C. Knott)
Mission Code: Survival (1982–Richard Meyers)
Mission Code: Scorpion (1982–Richard Meyers)
Arthur Wise (1923-1983) was a UK drama consultant and author, most of whose works were thrillers; he also wrote as by John McArthur.
Richard Meyers (born 1953) is an American author, ghostwriter, screenwriter, consultant, actor, editor, and teacher, who may be best known for his contributions to the martial arts film industry (Rim Films having called him “one of the men most responsible for the acceptance of Asian action movies and stars in America”).
Will C.(Cecil) Knott (1927-2008) He was best known as a Western writer and contributed to three long-running series – Longarm, the Trailsman, and Slocum – as well as working on other series and writing stand-alone traditional Western novels under his own name. He also wrote several mystery novels, some house-name men’s adventure yarns, and a number of mystery and sports books for the young adult market.
The Mac Wingate Series by Bryan Swift
Mission Code: Symbol
Mission Code: King’s Pawn
Mission Code: Minotaur
Mission Code: Granite Island
Mission Code: Springboard
… And more to come every month!
Bryan Swift, Mac Wingate 5
