Chapter 20 Heinrich Appears

2310 Zulu, Friday, July 1, 1983, The Montfort’s Apartment in Arlington

“Maria, you’ll never guess who came to the Embassy today to see me.”

“The Premier of France?”

“No, but someone even more unlikely. It was Heinrich Klein, my old contact from Dresden. He has been transferred to the East German Embassy. He knew I would be in Washington and he knew Jean is in the network. So he came to the Embassy, asked for Jean and asked Jean if he knew a Frenchman named Claude. Jean brought him to me, not knowing Heinrich was my old contact and shouldn’t contact me anymore.”

“If Heinrich shouldn't contact you why did he?”

“Well, it was obvious from our expressions when Jean got us together that we were old friends so he left us alone to talk. When he was sure we were alone Heinrich told me because of your successes in supplying the network with important intelligence word had spread there is finally a source in the American Government. Since he had arranged for my identity change so you could become a source he guessed it was you supplying the intell. He said he had to put his job on the line to get the network to agree to my demands. It all worked so he was rewarded with promotions and last week a transfer to Washington to replace a network person who was recalled home. He wanted to see me to thank me for making my plan work and saving his career. Oh, and he wants to meet you. He says you must be very special that I would take such risks to be with you.”

“Claude, I can’t meet Heinrich. It would be too risky if I was seen with someone from the East German Embassy. It could jeopardize everything.”

“Yes, but actually there is a way you can meet Heinrich without causing any suspicion. Next Thursday, the 14th, is Bastille Day. The French Embassy is having a big open house celebration as usual. Important people in the Government and other Embassies are invited as you know. We will be there of course so it won’t be suspicious if Heinrich attends and is introduced to us. He knows he must treat it as a casual meeting at a party. I arranged for Jean to introduce him. We will just say hello and welcome to Washington. That’s all Heinrich wants and we owe him that much.”

“Ok, but no one must see you are old friends except Jean.”

“I know Maria”

2230 Zulu, Thursday, July 14, 1983, The Montfort’s Apartment

“Are you almost ready Maria? It’s time to leave for the Embassy.”

“Just about. I can’t decide on what jewelry to wear.”

“While you are deciding; do you have any new intel? I can feed it to Jean at the party without drawing any attention.”

“Yes, sorry I forgot to mention it earlier. My mind was on what to wear tonight. I don’t have a complete story yet but I learned today the President will attend the UN on September 26 to announce a new proposal for limiting nuclear weapons. The final details are still being worked out by the Security Council. I should know the details as soon as decisions are made.”

“That’s great Maria; I’ll let Jean know tonight. That makes four pieces of good intel you have gathered this year. Too bad we don’t get paid for each one.”

“Claude, you know I do this for you. I would never do it for money and I know you wouldn’t either.  I’ve decided on the pearls and will be right out.  Ok, I’m ready, what do you think?”

“Stunning! You are going to make a lot of wives jealous and their husbands jealous of me. Watch Heinrich’s eyes pop when he meets you tonight. He has always had an eye for beautiful women.”

2420 Zulu, Thursday, July 14, 1983, The French Embassy

As they go to get another glass of wine Maria says to Claude: “I love these Bastille Day parties. Everyone is having a good time and forgetting all the Washington and world politics for a few hours. I am also relieved my “introduction” to Heinrich went well; no different than being introduced to any of the other guests. Look, here comes Jean again. This time with a pretty blond and it looks like he is going to introduce her to us.”

“Mary Sue, this is Claude and Maria Montfort. Claude works in our Office of Science and Technology. Claude, Maria, let me introduce Mary Sue Lee. She is on the staff of Senator Morris, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Isn’t the senator lucky to have such a beautiful woman on his staff?

“Oh Jean, Ah declare you Frenchman! You embarrass me every year at these parties. Claude, Maria, Ah am pleased to meet you. Ah think Ah remember seeing you at last year’s party but didn’t get a chance to meet you. Maria, what a pretty name, are you French as well?”

“Pleased to meet you Mary Sue and no, I’m not French, I’m from Indiana. I met Claude while I was working in Europe and we married after he came here.”

“Do you have a career, Maria?”

“Yes, I work for the government, but my job is not as interesting as yours Mary Sue.”

“What part of the government do you work for?”

“An agency I can’t name.”

“Oh, understand. Claude, what do you do for the Office of Science and Technology?”

“The office has a fancy title but it mostly promotes the sale of French products in America. I try to get every American to drink French wines and drive French cars.”

“Well, you don’t have to convince me about the French wines but Ah have to admit

Ah’m partial to German cars. Ah drive a BMW.”

“Have you driven a Peugeot or Citroen?”

“No, but if you can find a Citroen DS Super 5 from the late 50’s or early 60’s Ah would love to drive one. Ah might even give up my BMW for a sky blue one.”

“That may be a difficult one to find but I would be happy to try Mary Sue.”

Jean interrupts: “Come, Mary Sue, I want to introduce you to Heinrich Klein. He came to work at the East German Embassy a couple of weeks ago.”

“Ok Jean, It was a pleasure meeting you Maria, Claude.”

“And you Mary Sue, I’ll keep my eye out for a Super 5,” Claude answers as Jean leads Mary Sue toward Heinrich, who is standing alone by the bar.