Todd's Guardians

By C. Edgar North

The story is set in Thailand in the late 1970s. Todd Harris is a genius and one of America's leading scientists in electronic miniaturization and nuclear bomb design. He is considered a national asset.

However, he feels his life is over as he has been fighting cancer and his fiance' has left him. June, his twin sister convinces him to take a lectureship in Thailand seeking to broaden his interests and experiences. It works. Todd falls in love with exotic Thailand, makes some good friends and gets immersed in gemology and scuba diving.

His presence in Thailand comes to the attention of the Pakistan intelligence service and a plot develops to kidnap him in pursuit of nuclear weapon development secrets. The CIA uncovers this plan and uses the unwitting Todd as bait in as scheme to set back Pakistan's bomb development.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C. Edgar North
• Release date: Sep 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005780982

C. Edgar North

C. Edgar North is a pen name for Glen Witter. He is retired from an eclectic career as a "workforce development" consultant on projects in over 30 countries for development banks, NGOs, aid agencies and private sector clients. He is writing fiction under the C. Edgar North pen name to maintain a separation from his many non-fiction publications. Inspiration for his books evolve from his many experiences in 30+ countries citing geography and enlarging some already larger-than-life characters encountered in his travels. His experiences as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic, in marine and mountain search and rescue and as a deckhand/diver with a fishing fleet also contribute. Favorite sport is scuba diving (wreck diving) with underwater photography. Second favorite sport is fishing. He is also a golfer (frustrated) and was a downhill skier until his knees blew out. So far, his fiction works are: Nighthawk Crossing; Blood, Fire and Ice; Nighthawk: African Ice; Nighthawk: Chief Hazel; and Nighthawk: The Deacon and The Art Flogger Although the plots are fictitious, technologies inserted tends to be accurate.

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Copyright December 2, 2021

All Rights Reserved

TODD’S GUARDIANS

Copyright by Glen Witter writing as C. Edgar North

December 2, 2021

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Todd’s Guardians is a work of fiction. Names, characters and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.

Special thanks to Ryan Hiebert for editing

Cover design by Bookbaby

Distribution by Bookbaby

Contact: [e-mail]

Or

Website: cedgarnorth.com

ISBN 978-1-66784-121-2

eBook ISBN 978-1-66784-122-9

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

About the Author

Introduction

That which you are about to read takes place in exotic Thailand in the late 1970s. Nearby, the Viet Nam war had ended with people fleeing the new regime and Thailand’s neighbors of Laos and Cambodia were in turmoil. By the end of 1975, Communism had claimed not only Viet Nam but also Laos and Cambodia.

Unlike its neighbors, Thailand benefited greatly – profited may be a better word – from allowing the U.S. to establish military bases on its soil during the Viet Nam war. As a mecca for R&R, Thailand established itself as a major tourist destination – especially for single males.

It also drew adventurers – many who had discovered its delights during the war and were too restless and/or disillusioned to live back in America where the populace had turned against the war effort and veterans were disparaged. The government of the Kingdom of Thailand and its people provided an accepting atmosphere for the adventurers. The region was in turmoil. Money could be made and Thailand was a great base for operations. Living was inexpensive and entertainment could be exotic.

Chapter 1

Richmond, California

It was a quiet late afternoon on a Friday. The classroom block was basically empty as was the office block, save for some younger professors struggling with ‘publish or perish’ deadlines. At this time of day, especially on a Friday, the staff had departed and the profs were more likely to be found in their labs or homes, or meeting off campus with venture capitalists or tossing a few back at the faculty club.

Two younger South Asian men exited the elevator into an empty hallway leading to an office area with ten desks for secretaries, then on to offices for professors and staff. Mohammed, a little taller and heavier, was two years older than and Ahmed, and both were graduate students working on their PhDs in electrical engineering. Both had some legitimacy for being on that floor as they were doing their graduate thesis under the aegis of Dr. Todd Harris, third office down past the secretarial pool. Mohammed turned to Ahmed, I’ll stand at the corner of the hall where I can see anyone coming out of the elevator or from the classroom block. OK?

Yeah, I’ve got the office key, Ahmed replied. I’ll close the door when I get in. Come and knock on the door like a student looking for a prof if you see anyone coming this way. I’ll hide inside if you knock. Knock a second time when the hall is clear and I’ll come out. I’ve got a stack of student papers I’ve marked for him and the grading sheet that I’ll leave on his desk as an excuse for being there.

OK.

Ahmed used the key to open the door and entered carrying a briefcase. He first took the student papers and grading sheet out of the briefcase and placed them squarely in the center of the desk. He then searched through the IN and OUT mail baskets and proceeded to open the desk drawers after he jimmied the cheap lock with a paper clip. A couple of letters caught Ahmed’s interest and he placed them in his opened briefcase before proceeding to the filing cabinets. Two of the cabinets were unlocked and he rummaged through their drawers, coming up with a couple of files he thought may indicate something. However, beside those cabinets he encountered a more secure bank of cabinets with a serious lock. He shook his head after noting the brand and the fact that it was fireproof. The cabinet obviously held more important stuff but he wasn’t equipped for picking the lock. He took a look around the room to see if there was anything else of interest, then exited and locked the office door.

He met up with Mohammed. They took the elevator down to the ground floor and walked over to the library where they fed coins into one of the Xerox machines and copied everything that had been ‘borrowed’ from the office. Once the duplication was complete, they walked back to the office and Ahmed returned the ‘borrowed’ documents while Mohammed stood guard.

They went to their apartment which was a short walk off campus. Once settled in, Ahmed pulled out the Xerox copies and placed them on the kitchen table. They took seats and reviewed the bounty. After half an hour, Mohammed looked up and said, Not too much here.

No, I agree. However, there are a couple of small things. We know he is working with the Navy and Air Force and there’s a letter postmarked from Hanford, the nuclear research center in Washington State.

Yeah, I guess we just pass this on to our embassy and let them decide what it may mean.

We’ll have to figure out how to get into that secure file cabinet.

I assume his secretary will have a key for it, Amhed said. She probably keeps that key in her desk, and the lock on it does not look substantial. Maybe we could divert her attention sometime and borrow her keys.

That’s an idea. But we should check with our superiors. Dr. Harris is in hospital with cancer and his secretary said it was quite serious. Maybe he is no longer valuable.

Chapter 2

CIA Office, San Francisco

Special Agent Brett Kelly had been called into Phil Marshal’s office at CIA-SFO. Phil looked up when Brett entered and took a seat. You’ve got something happening in Todd’s office at the university?

Yeah. We’ve had it and his home bugged with CCTV. Last afternoon we picked up a Pakistani PhD student of his going through his mail, files and desk while another one stood watch outside. They later broke into Todd’s apartment and went through his papers. They were neat about it though – left no trace.

Presume you’ve checked them out. What do we know about them?

Both are very bright PhD candidates. But they’ve not been cleared to work on anything sensitive.

And, of course Todd has a few sensitive projects going.

Call that present and past. Remember, he was seconded to one of the nuclear weapons development programs a couple of years ago. That was pretty high-level secret.

I doubt if he’d have anything in his files that would indicate that, though. Mind you, no telling what our so-called Pakistani allies could have dug up.

I’ll relay this to Langley and see what they may want to do.

Chapter 3

San Francisco – 1978

The curtains toned down the bright sunlight as the hospital room was currently facing the sun. Located on the University’s downtown campus, the hospital was renowned as one of the most advanced medical research centers in the world. The nurse had raised the bed to a comfortable sitting position after she checked the IV drip, pulse monitor, catheter and oxygen flow. Although still a little groggy, Todd was nibbling on a biscuit with his free hand while the nurse refilled a paper cup of water for him.

You’re doing fine by the looks of it, she said.

Todd nodded. Uh huh.

Any pain?

He shook his head a little. No, not really.

OK, the buzzer button is just by your right hand there. Just buzz if you feel you need something for the pain or if you need anything else. She put a note on the chart at the foot of the bed and left.

Todd was just falling back to sleep when Doctor Levezt knocked and entered the room. He said hello to Todd and took a quick look at the chart, then came over to the bedside.

Todd managed to turn his head a little toward him. So what’s the story?

Doctor Levetz put his hand lightly on Todd’s shoulder. Good news! The surgery was a success. It looks as if we’ve cut out all the cancer. It was testicular – in your testicles and lymph nodes in your groin. We don’t think it has metastasised – that is, travelled elsewhere. Everything looks good.

Todd fell asleep.

Next day, when Doctor Levetz visited, Todd was wide awake. After exchanging greetings, Todd was eager for more details. I think you told me yesterday that the operation was a success. That you removed cancer from my testicles.

Knowing what was likely coming next, Doctor Levetz said, Yes, as well as from the lymph nodes in the groin.

Hesitating a bit when he said it, Todd dropped his voice to a near whisper. Does, does this mean I’m going to be sterile? Will I ever be able to enjoy sex again?

Doctor Levetz looked him squarely in the eyes. Sterile, yes. However, many patients who have had similar operations report an ability to have an erection and climax.

Todd turned his head away and began to sob. I was going to get married, he blurted out between sobs. I can’t now.

Doctor Levetz put a hand on Todd’s shoulder, trying to comfort him before replying. I understand. You’re not the first to encounter this. We’re going to do a little chemotherapy over the next while and I’ll arrange for some counselling. Look on the bright side. It looks as if we got all the cancer and you should stay in remission. Sterility isn’t the end of the world. You can still have a long and productive life.

After he left, Todd had a good cry.

He was sitting up in the hospital bed reading a Scientific American journal when his twin sister, June Harris, bustled in. She was wearing a white mid-length lab coat over her blue jeans, western boots and pink blouse with a stethoscope hung around her neck. Like Todd, June was thirty-three years old, slim, natural blonde and blue-eyed. At five foot six, she was four inches shorter than Todd. June was quite pretty and minimized the use of cosmetics. She came over to his bedside and planted a kiss on his cheek. Hi Bro, I’ve felt your pain.

Todd smiled. That’s a neat thing about being twins. We have a telepathic connection.

Remember when I fell off the swing and broke my wrist? she replied with a grin. You were in the kitchen getting a glass of milk when you felt it and ran to mom telling her I had hurt myself.

Yeah, I remember. Mom couldn’t believe it.

I feel you’re getting better. I talked with Mark Levetz and he’s sure he got all the cancer.

Yeah, but at what cost? I’m a vegetable now.

You are not! Get that out of your head!

I’m sterile for god’s sake!

You’re not dead or dying, you asshole! You’ve got a long life ahead of you. It hasn’t affected your brainpower either. Life doesn’t end if you can’t have children.

Todd began to cry.

June held his hand and caressed his forehead. You need some tough love. Smarten up! It’s not the end of the world.

I can’t ask Christine to marry me like this. It’s unfair to her. The cancer might come back. He was quiet for a moment. I can’t have children…she really wants children.

You can always adopt.

It’s not the same!

June was silent as she walked over to the window and looked out. She spent a minute or two while Todd sobbed before speaking. Look, you’ve been hit pretty hard with the cancer and all. You’ve got to take life one step at a time for now. You’re beating cancer. You’re first steps are to get your health back. She silently thought, and get your attitude straightened out.

I guess, Sis, you’re right but my plans for my future have been thrown out the window. I don’t want to see Christine. Not now – not ever.

Chapter 4

San Francisco

A pretty, raven-haired woman of medium build, about twenty-eight years old, wearing tight jeans and a white short-sleeved blouse approached the ward desk and asked directions to Todd’s room.

Todd was half asleep when he heard a light knock on his hospital room’s open door. He stirred slightly and heard the knock again. Todd? Todd darling, are you awake?

He raised a hand and waved.

Christine entered and came to Todd’s bedside while he fiddled with the button to raise his bed to a higher sitting position. Hi, Chris, nice to see you.

She kissed him lightly on a cheek and squeezed his hand. How are you doing?

They figure they got most or all of the cancer but I have some chemotherapy scheduled for the next few weeks.

How are you feeling now?

Weak but OK. They’ve already had me up and walking a bit. But, as you can see, I’m still plugged into drips and things.

I just saw your surgeon, Dr. Levetz, out in the hall. He said the surgery went well. She paused, bit her lower lip, turned away from him, went over to the window, and looked out for a couple of minutes without speaking. Tears began to form. She swallowed, dabbed her eyes with a tissue, and took a deep breath before speaking. Your surgeon said you’ve lost your ability to reproduce.

Todd began to cry and nodded his head. That’s what he said.

Still facing out toward the window, Christine said, Darling, you know how much I want children.

Todd sobbed. I know, I know. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.

It hurts me to say this but I want someone whole. I’m sorry. I don’t want to see you anymore. She rushed out of the room in tears.

Todd lay in bed sobbing.

A day later, still attached to a drain and an IV, Todd was up and walking the halls to get some exercise. He worked his way up to the nursing station desk and asked the clerk if he could have a safety razor and some shaving cream as he wanted to spruce up a bit. An orderly fetched them for him. Todd made his way back to his room and went into the bathroom where he tried to slash his wrists with the safety razor.

Fortunately, a cleaner entered his room and saw what he was doing through the open bathroom door and called for help.

Todd wound up under sedation and had each wrist stitched up.

Dr. Levetz ordered a psychological assessment.

June met Christine for coffee at a café on Fishermen’s Wharf three days later. June waved Christine over to her table. Hi Chris, glad you could make it.

I’m sorry June. I almost didn’t come. I’ve been so upset! Todd cut his wrists because I told him I wanted to marry someone I could have children with.

June looked her in the eyes. At first I thought you were pretty heartless telling him that so soon after his operation but now I feel getting that news anytime would have been devastating.

Christine began to cry.

June put a comforting hand on the back of Christine’s and went on. I think it’s best it came out now. Todd was very upset when Doctor Levetz gave him the news about being sterile. He wanted children too.

She paused to let that sink in.

I can’t help it June, I’m being honest when I say I want someone whole who’s not sterile.

I can see your point. I think it best to leave things like this.

I’m glad you think so. I feel the best thing for me is to get away from the situation. I’ve put in for a transfer at work, to Boston.

Seeking a new lease in life, June replied. Good for you!

That evening, June came to Todd’s hospital room and found him sitting up in bed watching TV. After the usual greetings, June broached the subject. Darling, I had coffee with Christine today.

Uh huh.

She’s taken a job transfer and is moving to Boston.

Todd was silent for a while then said, Moving on.

It tells me something, June said while looking Todd squarely in his eyes. It tells me she’s pretty selfish and wasn’t really in love with you – true love, that is. She’s not standing by you. She’s only thinking of herself and her goals.

Todd had tears in his eyes. I was half thinking the same today. Selfish.

I know how upset you were when she confronted you but I think it’s for the best that she was up front about her wants and needs. If you had married, her unfulfillment would probably have led to a divorce pretty quickly. She wasn’t worth cutting your wrists over.

Todd sat silent for a while mulling that over then spoke. You’re right, Sis – as always. Thank you.

She leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. You know, I think when you’re healthier, maybe we could take a trip to some place exotic. You know, try something different. Seek some new adventures. Would you like that?

Todd sat for a while thinking before replying. That may be something to look forward to.

Chapter 5

CIA Branch Office, San Francisco, California

Three people were informally seated around the coffee table in Special Agent Brett Kelly’s office: Dr. Chet Montrose, psychiatrist; Phil Marshal, Supervising Special Agent, and Brett. They had helped themselves to coffee and sweet buns from the credenza. Dr. Montrose sat back in his chair and took a sip of his coffee while Agent Kelly leaned over the table, stirred his coffee and nibbled on a Danish.

Phil Marshal looked at his watch before speaking. Well Brett, since our genius, Todd Harris, is your responsibility, you can start.

Brett swallowed, looked at Phil and nodded. OK. It’s been three months now since Todd had his cancer operation. I’ve been assured by Dr. Mark Levitz, his oncologist, that the surgery was successful and his cancer is in remission. Dr. Levitz took note of Todd’s behavior since the surgery and has been worried about his mental health. That’s why I called in Chet, who’s seen Todd a number of times now. Actually, Chet is the one who instigated this meeting.

Phil interrupted. Chet, is Todd aware you’re on our payroll?

The psychiatrist shook his head. No. As far as he’s concerned, I’m simply on faculty – another professor like him – and I’m part of the services provided by the university’s medical plan.

Phil spoke. So, as far as he knows, he has complete doctor-patient confidentiality?

That’s right. We’ve developed a good bond. He’s been forthright with his feelings. Chet paused and opened a file folder in front of him. I’m quite worried about him.

Why’s that? asked Phil

Well, simply put he’s suicidal. He had that wrist slashing attempt soon after his surgery and he’s fairly stable now with the aid of drugs and I’m trying to wean him off that. Chet paused to let that fully sink in. He may have a fantastic I.Q. and is responsible for some of the major developments in electronics miniaturization, but he feels his world has come to an end because he’s now sterile. His girlfriend walked away from him because of his sterility, which really set it off.

With therapy, can you talk him out of this? asked Brett.

I’ve been working with him on it, of course, said Chet. "And I’ll continue to do so. However, his underlying personality, which helped him become a leader in his field, actually may make it difficult. He may harbor a latent death wish that could surface from time to time with certain stresses – such as the cancer developing again.

Another problem – his only close family is his twin sister, June. And she’s single. His parents are dead and he has no other close relatives. So, the only one who can influence him is his sister. He seems to listen to reason from her. They’re very close as twins tend to be.

Doctor, this man is and has been important to us – that is to the nation’s technological advancement, Brett said. Why, he’s so far ahead of others in electronics miniaturization that we’ve been working with our other federal security agencies to ensure any of his advanced research isn’t poached by our enemies. He and your university have major technology development funding from military budgets for many aspects of his work – some from top-secret areas.

Chet weighed in. I reviewed his previous assessment and aptitude tests he had taken when being screened for some of the top secret projects he’s worked on. His personality is very self-centered. No doubt this has helped his work and driven some achievements but he lacks empathy.

What do you mean by that? Phil asked.

Under some circumstances, he could be a danger to others as he’s very selfish. If he ever gets to a stage of self-destruction, he wouldn’t care if he took others with him.

Phil frowned. I guess with your help, we’re going to have to keep an eye on him.

I suggested to him that he book off on sabbatical for a year or so, Chet said. I feel he needs a change of pace.

Do you think that’s wise? Brett asked.

I feel he needs to find himself again, possibly by developing new interests. I spoke with his sister about it and she’s in agreement. She’ll help. In fact, she suggested they take a vacation together to see some of the world.

OK. I’ll report this to the powers that be back in Langley.

Brett Kelley and Phil Marshal were on a conference call with Don Walker, a senior officer at CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia. After Brett had filled him in, Don gave them an overview. As you know, we’ve been keeping a close eye on many of our valuable scientists – especially those who have contributed to the advancement of our nuclear weapons and technology programs. Right now, not only do we worry about the Soviets but China, India, Pakistan, Israel and even South Africa and Brazil are also actively seeking nuclear intelligence. China has their weapons and so does India – at least India claims so. This has upset the Pakistanis who regard India as a mortal enemy and are pulling out all stops to speed up their program. Oh, add in the Israelis who already have a sizable arsenal. Of course, we have most of the Arab countries beginning nuclear research and thirsting for intelligence. We’ve got to keep our guard up.

What do you think about Dr. Montrose’s suggestion that Todd should book off on a sabbatical? Phil asked.

Well, no doubt we can and will keep an eye on him. Agent Walker paused and thought for a moment before continuing. However, looking at the situation from another point of view, because he’s single, suicidal and with only one close relative, this gives me an idea. We can do a little fishing.

Fishing? asked Brett.

Phil answered. You know, bait the hook, dangle it in front of the fish and see if it takes the bait.

Chapter 6

Four months into his convalescence Todd’s chemotherapy had gone well and the doctors concluded his cancer had been erased. At his latest weekly session with his psychiatrist, Todd mentioned to Dr. Montrose that he’d been invited to put on a two-week class/workshop for graduate engineers at AIT in Bangkok.

Dr. Montrose asked what his thoughts on the class were.

Well, I know that their Asian Institute of Technology is one of Thailand’s premier institutions and one of the best in Asia. June and I have been talking about exploring the world a little – you know, discovering some of the exotic places as a way of getting my mind off my troubles. I’m inclined to accept the invitation. June and I can tour the country when I finish the workshop. From what I’ve heard, Thailand is an fascinating country well worth visiting.

Dr. Montrose called Brett Kelly and passed on the news that Todd had accepted the invitation to lecture at AIT. In turn, Brett relayed the information to Don