"We have computers too" Kippmann said with some satisfaction. "The processed data narrowed the choice down to four.
Major Pitt helpfully narrowed it down to two."
"You've lost me," Pitt said. "How could I-"
"The models you dredged from the sea, Kippmann cut in quickly. "One is the exact repleca of the capitol building of the Dominican Republic. The other is the government legislative chambers of French Guiana."
"A fifty-fifty chance at best," Sandecker said slowly.
"Not really," Kippmann said. "It's the honored opinion of the N.I.A. that Kelly and his little troop will try for a double-header."
"Both countries at once?" Sandecker looked at Kippmann inquiringly. "You can't be serious?"
"Yes, we're serious, and if you'll pardon the expression', we're deadly serious."
"What can Kelly hope to gain by splitting his efforts?" Pitt asked.
"Trying for the Dominican Republic and French Guiana at the same time isn't the gamble it seems."
Kippmann pulled a map from the folder and smoothed it on Sandecker's desk. "On the northern coast of South America you have Venezuela, and British, Dutch and French Guiana. Further north, a day's passage by boat, a few hours' flight by plane, the island that contains Haiti and the Domini'can Republic. Strategically it's a beautiful situation."
"In what way?"
"Suppose," Kippmann said thoughtfully, "just suppose a dictator who ruled Cuba also ruled Florida as well."
Sandecker looked at Kippmann, his face set and intense. "By God, it is a beautiful situation. It would only be a matter of time before Hermit Limited, operating on the same island, strangled Haiti's economy and took over."
"Yes, then using the island as a base, they could slowly spread into the central Latin countries and absorb them one by one."
Pitts voice was impassive. "History recalls that Fidel Castro tried to infiltrate the mainland countries and failed on every occasion."
"Yes," Kippmann repeated. "But Kelly and Hermit Limited have the one thing Castro lacked-a foothold. Kelly will have French Guiana." He paused in reflection a moment. "A foothold as sure and as firm as the Allies had in 1944 when they invaded France at Normandy."
Pitt shook his head slowly. "And I thought Kelly was insane. The bastard just might do it. He just might pull his fantastic scheme off."
Kippmann nodded. "Let us say, considering all facts, at the present time the odd makers would probably lay their bets in favor of Kelly and Hermit Limited."
"Maybe we should let him do it," Sandecker said.
"Maybe, he was somehow meant to have his utopia."
"No, it is not meant to be," Kippmann said calmly.
"It can never happen."
"You seem pretty certain," Pitt said.
Kippmann stared at him and grinned thinly.
"Didn't I tell you? One of the birds that tried to kill you in that doctor's office decided to cooperate. He told us quite a story."
"It seems there are a number of things you forgot to tell us." Sandecker grunted acidly.
Kippmann went on. "Kelly's glorious enterprise is doomed to failure; I have it on the best authority." He paused, his grin broadening. "As soon as Hermit Limited is entrenched in the Dominican Republic and French Guiana, there will be a proxy fight among the board of directors. Major Pitts passing acquaintance, Mr. Oskar Rondheim, intends to emate Kelly, Marks, Von Hummel and the rest and take over as chairman of the board. Sad to say, Mr. Rondheim's future intentions will hardly be classed as honorable and benevolent."
90
Tidi was sitting prettily in a wheelchair beside Lillie's bed when Pitt entered the hospital room, followed by Sandecker and Kippmann.