Wallace - The Guest of Honor

W earing their light raincoats against the evening drizzle, the two of them, the colonel and the major, left their car and driver between the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Church of Immaculate Conception, and proceeded on foot along the concrete path toward Chainadin Palace. When they reached the wrought-iron gate set in the ten foot-high spiked wall surrounding the Spanish Colonial palace and the presidential compound, the taller of the two, the colonel, pushed the bell without a moments hesitation.

They had rehearsed the operation so many times that no detail escaped them. They knew what to expect and were certain they would not fail.

In response to the bell, a captain of the presidential security command and three enlisted men, each fully armed, emerged from the protective guardhouse and came forward to meet the pair.

The colonel passed their identification papers through the gate.

The captain of the security command glanced at the papers and looked up.

From his side of the gate, the colonel spoke.

The major and I are messengers from General Nakorn, and we have instructions to deliver a confidential document by hand to President Prem Sang. You need not announce us. As our papers indicate, the president is expecting us.

The captain of the guards shook his head. Sorry, sir. We must announce your arrival. He unlocked the gate and opened it. Step inside while I inform the presidents secretary.

The colonel showed no concern; he had been prepared for this. He went into the courtyard, closely followed by the major, and they stood beside the sleepy enlisted men while the captain of the guards ducked into the guardhouse to use the telephone.

The pair could overhear him on the telephone.

Miss Kraisri, the colonel and the major have arrived with a confidential message for the president from General Nakorn. Are you expecting them?

There was a silence as the captain of the guards listened.

You say the generals office called?

He listened again and nodded in assent. Very well, Miss Kraisri, I will so inform them and admit them.

He hung up the receiver and emerged into the drizzle.

Yes, Colonel, the presidents appointments secretary has been told to expect you. She regrets to tell you the president has no time to see you, but requests that you bring the documents to her.

Thank you, the colonel replied.

Proceed across the court to the palace entrance. Show your papers to one of the guards inside the entrance. He will direct you to Miss Kraisris office.

Both the colonel and the major bobbed their heads in acknowledgment, accepted the return of their papers, and headed for the palace entrance.

One of the palace doors opened as they reached it and they went inside. A guard studied their papers and, once satisfied, pointed to the two flights of marble staircase ahead of them that were interrupted by a broad landing.

Up those stairs, sirs. Then to your right you will see guards in front of the door to the presidents office. His secretary will be expecting you.

Thank you, Sergeant.

The colonel preceded the major along the marble entry to the glistening staircase, paused to let his companion catch up, and then in step they began to ascend the staircase.

Both men found the going awkward, aware of what they were carrying beneath their raincoats.

Reaching the gilt console atop the landing, they turned and ascended the second flight more rapidly.

At the head of the flight they saw a lieutenant in full uniform, a rifle slung over one shoulder, awaiting them outside the reception room.

They went directly to him.

Weve been instructed to hand Mademoiselle Kraisri a personal document from General Nakorn for President Sang, the colonel said.

Yes, the lieutenant replied. Let me take you in to her.

He opened the door and led the colonel and the major into Miss Kraisris reception room. A green metal desk and word processor dominated the room, but there was no one at the desk.

Miss Kraisri must be inside working with the president, the lieutenant said. If you will turn the document over to me, I will see that President Sang or his secretary gets it.

Let me give it to you, the colonel said, beginning to unbutton his raincoat. He moved to the guards left, and dug inside for the document.