Target Churchill

Chapter 28

Wearing a paint-stained blue siren suit, a cigar stuck in his mouth, Churchill put a layer of cement on a brick he was holding, set it carefully on the garden wall he was building at Chartwell, and pressured it skillfully into place. He was so absorbed in his work that he did not see Thompson come up the path until he was almost in front of him on the other side of the wall.

“Well, sir, I’m afraid I must be off. Just came to say good-bye,” Thompson said. “I’ve paid my respects to Mrs. Churchill.”

Churchill continued his work. His cigar, which he held in his mouth, had gone out and Thompson leaned over to light it.

“Whatever will I do without you, Thompson?” Churchill said, sucking in the smoke.

“I’m sure you’ll find someone else to light your cigars, Prime Minister. It’s time I stayed put in my other life.”

Churchill took another deep puff, and after assuring himself that the brick was plumb, straightened and contemplated his old comrade. Their eyes met and held. It was, Churchill knew, an emotional moment for both of them. Over the years, they had bonded and enjoyed an intimacy that few men ever experienced.

“La commedia è finita,” Churchill said, “Now why did I quote that language?”

“Because it is quite true. For me, the play is over. I must say, sir, I enjoyed every minute of our association.”

“And here I am, Thompson, still vertical. I suppose that can be attributed to your service as my keeper and shadow.”

“And hoverer, sir.”

“I must say, Thompson, that with you around, my intrepid hovering shadow, I felt always safe from harm. Our recent American foray, I owe to Clementine, who harbored visions of the Wild West and dangers from vicious outlaws and hostile Indians. Thankfully, we have come through the trek all wagons intact and all personnel accounted for.”

“We can be thankful for that, sir.”

Thompson paused and turned his eyes away. Churchill knew Thompson’s usually repressed emotions had risen to the surface. He was having similar difficulties. His eyes welled with tears. Then both men seemed to recover simultaneously. Churchill cleared his throat.

“I wonder, Thompson, if the trip was worth the candle.”

“You said what had to be said, sir. They will understand soon enough.”

“Do you think so, Thompson? I am being pilloried by friends and enemies alike.” He lowered his voice. “Mr. Attlee, I’m afraid received a bit of a shock preview of what I was trying to say. I informed him about Maclean. I must confess that I enjoyed his reaction.”

“Did he have his doubts about the information?”

“I must tell you, Thompson,” Churchill chuckled. “He did not. And it didn’t surprise me. He has come to believe that the upper classes are the ruination of our country, forgetting that despite his Labour credentials he is one of its members.”

“Do you think he will shut Maclean down?”

Churchill smiled.

“He did understand the benefits of keeping the man in our sights for the time being. I did not have to suggest it. He may be dull, but he is not stupid.”

“So Maclean will stay at his post?”

“I believe so. As long as he is useful to us.”

“I’m sure Miss Stewart will be relieved.”

“Ah, yes, Thompson,” Churchill remembered. “I did receive a letter from her a few days ago. She sends her regards to you, Thompson, and calls her experience one of the most memorable in her life. Poor child. She wrote she had not a shadow of doubt about the first secretary’s devotion to Great Britain.”

“Poor child, indeed,” Thompson said. “I’m afraid she will one day learn the truth the hard way.”

“They will all have to learn the truth the hard way.”

Churchill reached across the garden wall and grasped Thompson’s hand. The wall separating them foreclosed on the possibility of an embrace, which would have been out of character for both men.

“Good-bye, old friend,” Churchill said, eyes moistening, his voice cracking.

Thompson nodded and swallowed hard.

“Do you remember, sir, what President Roosevelt said to me when you introduced me to him at your first meeting at sea?”

“I do.”

“With respect, sir, it bears repeating at this moment. I shall always cherish the words until the end of my days. He said: ‘Take care of the prime minister. He is the greatest man in the world.’”

Churchill’s eyes could not contain his tears, which trickled down his pink cheeks. For the first time in his life, he felt unable to find words. All he could do was nod.

“God keep you….” Thompson paused and cleared his throat, “…Prime Minister.”

Through blurred vision, Churchill watched him turn and disappear down the garden path.