Found and Lost Forever

By Bruce Weiss

Found and Lost Forever is a tale about an actual summit meeting between then President Reagan and Soviet Party Chairman, Mikhail Gorbachev held in Reykjavik, Iceland. The main agenda, the eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons. The world received transcripts of their two day meetings but never released was their private discussion on a walk in the woods with only their translators, Nelson and Zenga present. 12 years later both the Russians and Americans desperately want to discover what the two leaders said in private. Murder, mayhem and unimaginable twists and turns makes for a spellbinding read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665566933

Bruce Weiss

Bruce Weiss has published 10 novels, a text book, and short stories. Historical fiction is the genre with surprising and unanticipated twists and turns. Undergraduate degree from BU, graduate degree at Wesleyan, 20 years teaching social studies at the high school level, 3 years after retirement teaching in Cuzco Peru. Married to Ivy, father of daughter Sasha who did not fall far from the tree, and granddaughter Harper, a world class equestrian at Skidmore. My email address is [e-mail]

Book preview

FOUND, AND LOST FOREVER

In Reykjavik, Iceland, an historic meeting took place over the course of two days between then President Ronald Reagan and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev. The month October, the year1986, the second meeting between two leaders not intended to be a summit, but a session in which the leaders might explore the possibility of limiting each country’s strategic nuclear weapons. They hoped to create momentum in the ongoing arms-control negotiations. Officially no agreement was reached but historians later considered the Reykjavik meeting a turning point in the cold war.

President Reagan was under tremendous pressure to oppose the Soviet Union at every opportunity. Is advisors insisted an accelerated arms race would cause irreparable harm to a faltering Soviet economy. Reagan an extremist hard-liner bent on destruction of the Soviet Union, promised to heed their sound advice.

Gorbachev came to the meeting with his own agenda; to facilitate more openness between the two super-powers knowing all too well, the Soviet economy would need drastic change. His nation was unable to continue down the road to reform or arms control without assurances of national security. An arms-limitation treaty was needed in order to accomplish that.

During their meetings the two exchanged proposals, agreeing nuclear weapons must be eliminated on both sides by the year 2000. There were many sticking points, the most significant Reagan’s refusal to limit SDI research and ongoing technology in US labs.

Both sides issued statements at the conclusion of the talks, announcing to the world the meetings were successful, opening the way for further progress.

Despite sounding promising many issues went unresolved. When the US and the USSR signed a mutual treaty banning intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Europe, the world celebrated. Despite good intentions on both sides however, it was obvious the Soviets were attempting to make the US the bad guy for not doing more.

Gorbachev said his country supported full disarmament, knowing the United State would never agree to the proposal. It was a tactic meant to gain concessions. No one in the Reagan administration wanted nuclear abolition and when word got out it was discussed, the Soviets retaliated saying future progress in arms talks had come to a standstill. The world’s hope for global zero nuclear weapons, something un-precedented in Soviet American relations was quashed.

Both leaders agreed to meet again the following year, continuing their negotiations on nuclear arms. They told their respective nations, nuclear disarmament was within reach if political leaders had the courage to make hard decisions. There needed to break through bureaucratic politics and the countless arcane nuclear balance theories. Their vision grabbed the world’s attention, only words sadly with little action. The American English-Russian interpreter in Reykjavik was Nelson’s twin and best friend, Nicky. Nicky was not allowed talk about the work. The leaders made quite curious bed fellows he admitted, able to forge mutual respect and friendship, temporarily slowing the Cold war.

Nicky was the Russian interpreter for President Reagan, an opportunity to witness and hear things only four people in the world would learn. Gorbachev had an English-speaking interpreter, a woman by the name of Zenga, a sly smirk on Nicky’s face recounting his lusty feelings for her. Early on the second afternoon in Reykjavik the two leaders accompanied only by Nicky and Zenga stepped out. They took a long unscheduled walk in the woods, the discussion kept to themselves, and not shared with the Russian or American public, nor their respective travel teams. Zenga and Nicky were warned never to reveal any of the conversations, a solemn vow taken.

President Reagan died on June 4th, 2004. Mr. Gorbachev stepped down earlier, disappearing from public view on Christmas Day, 1991. For Nicky it was an experience of a lifetime, being in the sole company of two powerful people literally holding the future of the world in the palms of their hands. What the two leaders discussed on that walk was not to be revealed until the world was ready for a great change in diplomacy he was told. During their annual birthday celebration months later, Nelson hoped Nicky might talk about the secret talks, but even with much coaxing there was no discussion.

CHAPTER ONE

Nelson Graves had no idea one day he would be caught up in a twisted international plot meant to kill him. The roots were mere twigs on a foggy evening in Georgetown in early 1988 after Nicky and Nelson celebrated their birthday dinner together. A life changing tragedy occurred an hour later, Nelson’s life changed forever. The city was ghostly quiet when saying their goodbyes, walking in opposite directions toward their apartments. On the way to his place Nelson could not have known the sound of sirens was an omen preceding bad things. The next morning, he was unexpectedly called into the UN to his part time interpreters’ job because mysteriously, Nicky had not shown up for his daily assignment. Near ten that morning Nelson was sadly informed brother Nicky had been run down and sadly, left for dead in a roadway, likely by a drunk driver. The words stung, seeing himself lying on the roadway next to him, always inseparable. During the ensuing days he phoned the NYC police often, hoping an arrest had been made. The answer was always the same; nothing new to report. Before the incident, Nicky supervised the American translation team at the UN, the point man assigning translators when countries debated issues. Nicky’s untimely death unexpectedly thrust Nelson into that role, returning to work full time, salaried nicely, with bittersweet feelings of abandonment and sorrow replacing his twin brother.

Russian delegates and aides often took time to tell Nelson how perfect his grasp of the Russian language was, as well as endless condolences. A few of the Russians he’d become quite fond of, although he’d been ordered to keep his distance. One unsuspecting day he was called into the American ambassador’s office, something rarely occurring. He no idea why he’d been summoned. He soon found himself dangling at the end of a rope. Ordered never to fraternize with any member of the Russian delegation no matter title or position was the sharp rebuke. Secretaries were off limits too, admitting to himself he’d flirted with a few.

I’m ordering you to keep you mind on your work and stop the little chitchats and commiserating reported to this office. Many Russians are not here in the name of world peace, but for devious purposes. I’m ordering you to stay clear of them and if you’re approached, I want to know immediately who it was and what was said in your presence. Are we clear?

Nelson replied, crystal clear, feeling as if his hand had been caught in the cookie jar. Why was it a problem being friendly or courteous when someone complimented his language skills he wondered, the talk down bothering him? Wasn’t that what the UN was all about he wanted to say, to create a bit of trust and friendship in a dangerous world? He’d figure out ways to avoid future contacts, a pity though. One of the Russian secretaries openly flirted with him and truthfully, he’d flirted right back.

CHAPTER TWO

On August 25th 2001, Nelson felt burned out at the UN. There were too many days of sitting around, nothing happening. Those days brought up mournful memories of Nicky. There were fewer and fewer productive days, especially when budgets were slashed. Often wishing the world body would just go out of business, he came to believe nothing good could ever be accomplished there. His translation team was considered the best, outclassing more than four hundred other interpreters, most coming and going quickly. August 25th was their annual birthday celebration, knowing if Nicky were still alive, they’d celebrate at their favorite restaurant. There was a hole in his heart and because he’d replaced Nicky, it created uncomfortable feelings at work.

On the evening of August 25th something unusual happened inside Nelson’s secure apartment building. Someone unannounced came knocking at his door. Surprised then alarmed, an unannounced visitor was never granted admittance, always buzzed in. Who was it he shouted? A man’s voice said his name was FBI Agent Alex Wilson, wishing to speak to Nelson about an urgent matter.

The urgent matter was not the issue for Nelson. How did someone get into the secure building. I’m an FBI agent said loudly, prepared to give you the Bureau phone number in Washington to speak Bureau Chief verifying. She’ll verify I am, indeed, an agent. Dr. Linda Wallace is expecting my call proving my authenticity. I believe you know her. In fact, you met her some months ago when she visited the UN to participate in discussions with the Russian delegation. I understand you were her interpreter." Curiosity finally got the best of Nelson, writing down the number and reluctantly dialing. He suspected he was opening a can of bad worms.

Once convinced he was speaking with the director of the FBI, Dr. Wallace got to right to the point. Wilson needs to speak with you about something that would help the Bureau.

Nelson eyeballed a short man, neatly dressed, buzz haircut and dressed to the nines. He was certainly not the rough and tumble FBI agents Nelson had seen in films while growing up. The mystery man politely asked if he might enter the apartment to discuss something that might possibly aid a Bureau investigation. Nelson remembered the same request in an old black and white detective film that went awry. Wilson then got right down to business, still cooling his heels in the hallway. Would someone with Nelson’s extraordinary background and knowledge in Russian affairs and language skills be interested in working for the Bureau on a temporary troubling case?

The man spoke in rudimentary Russian, asking again if he might come in. Did Nelson speak the language, he asked, his pronunciation poor? Nelson responded in perfect Russian, asking why the FBI was interested in him.

What I’m about to tell you, first in Russian, then repeated in English, is just between you and me and since this is official business, would you be so kind to let me enter your apartment so we’re not overheard?

An unsettling feeling ratcheted up Nelson’s anxiety level wondering why he’d answered the damn door, allowing an FBI agent to approach him? Sensing he was getting into something truly regrettable, reluctantly he still uttered the words, come in. You work as an interpreter at the United Nations Mr. Graves. Is that not so?

Nodding cautiously, Nelson responded to something he suspected the agent already knew. I do full-time especially when the UN is in session so why do you ask? Why would the FBI be interested in him he wondered, to taken aback to ask?

I’m in the middle of something quite important and I need to get back to my work, not certain if the agent believed him.

He sees me fidgeting and an uncomfortable look he sensed, repeating there was much work to tend to. Perhaps another time. The man nodded, placing a business card on the table by the door and apologizing for the interruption. He then walked out. A few seconds later there was another knock at the door.

I would very much like to speak with you as soon as possible, and perhaps knowing you’re not in trouble might make you say yes. The Bureau believes you’d be a great help in a case right up your alley. Call my number on that card at your convenience. I must tell you time is critical. I’ll leave saying the Bureau could certainly use someone who speaks Russian as perfectly as you. We pay very well and by the way, you’d be doing your nation a great service. Mr. Graves, have a pleasant evening.

CHAPTER THREE

There is a fascinating tradition when outgoing presidents leave the Oval Office at the end of their term. It’s played out when a personal letter is left behind to be opened by the incoming president. The note is ceremoniously left in the top draw of the oval office desk, usually sharing a common theme. It offers encouragement and advice when the successor begins the enormous task as commander in chief. One classic stated he hoped the same sense of wonder and respect he’d felt eight years earlier comes to be. ‘I wish you great happiness knowing there will be tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think fair. Don’t let the critics get you down. I’m rooting hard for you. Good luck and God Bless, D. Eisenhower.’

Ronald Reagan followed the tradition, leaving a letter for his successor, George H. W. Bush, representing the country’s peaceful transition of power throughout history.

The notes often contained critical information requiring immediate attention and regardless of political party, the letters generally emphasized the monumental role the office represented in democracy. The envelope left by President Reagan surprisingly turned out to be empty, creating a mystery as to who had it and why.

When Reagan left office, nationalist sentiment in the Soviet Union threatened to break up the Union. In August 1991, Marxist-Leninist hardliners launched an unsuccessful coup against Gorbachev. Day by day, the union dissolved much against Gorbachev’s wishes until he was forced to resign. Most Russians held him responsible for the collapse of the Soviet Union, never letting up. The Cold war he and Reagan hoped to end rekindled during those unsettling days. The two principles meeting secretly in the woods in Iceland became a forgotten footnote in history.

CHAPTER FOUR

Nelson’s Brother Nicky was chosen by the State department to interpret at the summit meeting with Communist Party chief Gorbachev in Reykjavik. His expertise and understanding of language and gestures made him a critical member of the team. Returning to the States after the summit, he and his brother had a grand reunion. Nelson hoped to hear the juicy details, but they were not forth coming. Nicky had been sworn never to reveal anything said during the private conversation. The two interpreters, one Russian and one American heard substance not meant for anyone else’s ears.

Nicky maintained he’d erased everything from his mind from that private discussion, dwelling on correctly interpreting the words. I was aways fearful I might interpret a word incorrectly he said, creating an international calamity. Translating Gorbachev’s exact words to the President was the game plan and successfully implemented I should emphasize.

Without offering substance, Nicky talked about the curious turn of events when the two men decided to continue their discussions on a walk in the nearby woods without their respective teams. "During their silences I had a chance to glance over at the Russian interpreter, a young woman about my age named Zenga. Our eyes connected for a few seconds from time to time, an obvious lustful look on my face. I forced myself to turn away, good timing because at that very moment the men picked up their conversation The words were so extraordinary it seemed as if they were revealing secrets of the Universe.

"Late that night Nelson, I received a phone call from the President, asking me to come to the airport where he was spending the night on his aircraft, Air Force One. I assumed he needed an interpreter, so I was not too surprised by the call. The President looked relaxed, greeting me in a royal blue robe with the Great Seal of the President near his heart. He didn’t mince words, saying how appreciative he was for my assistance and how the world would be a better place because of the incredibly difficult task I’d worked to perfection. The words brought tears to my eyes. President Reagan had that effect on you.

"In a most serious tone he reiterated anything I heard could never be revealed to any living soul. Having me present was a necessary risk due to the language barrier. Nelson, I know I can trust you, but I can’t reveal one word communicated between the leaders. The President told me the Oval Office had done a thorough background check on me. The conclusion was I’d be a good soldier who’d keep his word. The President winked saying goodnight, placing a bag with the presidential seal in my hand containing jellybeans. Nelson, I would love to tell you what was said between the leaders, but you know, I simply can’t.

What about the Russian interpreter, the woman Zenga Nelson asked? Do you think she’ll keep the discussion to herself?

I assumed Zenga would simply disappear somewhere inside mysterious Russia, most likely never seen or heard from again. That was the nature of Soviet Union at the time. I heard Mr. Gorbachev tell her there was an opening at the UN with the Russian translation team, and he would get her that position one day. My reaction was too bad, because there was no fraternization with Russians at the UN. We were unable to communicate even if we bumped into each other. My last contact with the President was through a note I’d sent the day he left office. It said it was an honor to serve our country, assuring him I’d never reveal any Reykjavik discussion.

CHAPTER FIVE

The day Nelson was set to begin his full-time assignment as Nicky’s replacement at the UN, his stomach was in knots. How could he