Shinski nodded.
‘Colonel Konev and Comrade Bulganin will be informed of you mission. That will be all Comrade Shinski.’
Shinski turned and headed for the door.
Chapter 18
Psychic Warfare
St James Park – London – 1:02pm
Friday 19th November 1954
‘Professor Frederick, Hello.’ Vincent Rothschild greeted.
Frederick stood up and walked toward him. For a moment both men stood in silence. ‘I’m sorry we were unable to tell you Professor.’ Rothschild said. ‘Malcolm didn’t want you to know that he was a member of the Order of Galileo. He felt burdening you with that knowledge would have altered your relationship.’
Frederick nodded and couldn’t help but smiling at his friend’s game of misdirection.
‘The Order has many members who keep themselves hidden from sight. You’ve met Einstein and Rosen and in time you will meet more.’ Rothschild paused. ‘I take it you didn’t summon me here today to talk about Malcolm.’
‘No.’ Frederick replied. ‘I encountered a remarkable young girl yesterday with an amazing gift.’
‘Go on.’ Rothschild encouraged.
‘She had the ability to move objects with her mind.’
‘I see.’ Rothschild said thoughtfully, but with concern. ‘The Americans will want this girl if she is as gifted as you say.’
‘How is she able to do the things I witnessed?’ Frederick asked. ‘Has she been abducted and somehow altered?’
‘Tell me about her parents.’
‘She lives with her father.’
‘Do you know what happened to her mother?’
‘According to the neighbours she just got up and left when the girl was very young. I also encountered the spiral glyph.’
‘Where?’
‘On the door next to where the neighbour lives, Sir Ingles claim the glyph originally came from Jerusalem but given that we have encountered it in more than one place suggests otherwise.’
Rothschild nodded. We have had our top minds working on the meaning. The glyph appears all over the earth, but we are no closer to discover its meaning.’
‘Since the glyph also appeared on the Roswell device during Edith Jones’ so-called resurrection I can assume that it doesn’t originate from this planet. By the mystery remains as to how it came to be on a front door in Hackney.’
Rothschild thought for a moment. ‘We need to spirit this young girl away to safety before any harm comes to her.’
‘What will the Americans do to her?’
‘They will use her.’
‘How?’
‘At this moment Professor both America and Russia are locked in a new war. A war without weapons of mass destruction. A war that is fought through people’s minds.’
‘People’s minds?’ Frederick said.
‘The Russians are engaged in an ongoing project to harness the ability of the mind. There are a few individuals at the moment who have the ability to read people’s thoughts.’
‘Similar to what Janus is capable of.’
‘Rothschild nodded. ‘Although given that Janus is not of this world, his abilities are much greater. The Americans have their own research program, but from what my sources tell me they are not as interested in people with special abilities as the Russians are.’
‘So how does this benefit both sides?’
‘I thought that would have been obvious Professor. Imagine a person with the ability to read someone else’s thoughts. Nothing would be safe. Diplomats, scientists and politicians would give up secrets without even realising it. You could train someone to infiltrate society and target anyone. The Soviets have an interest in twins. Most sets of twins go about their lives as normal. Some have a mild psychic connection, knowing when the other is in pain and what they may be thinking from time to time. There are however sets of twins that have what we call a joined mind. The other sees what one is looking at and vice versa. They can also relay messages back and forth without speech.’ Rothschild paused for thought. ‘The Russians were first made aware of people with psychic abilities in the closing stages of the war. In 1945 they discovered a death camp in Poland. This was like no other camp because it housed only twins, approximately seven hundred if memory serves correct. It was a laboratory for the most depraved German doctors. It is a known fact that Joseph Mengele was the Angel of death at Auschwitz and that he escaped. But what few people know was a man called Martin Stienbaker.’ Again Rothschild paused wiping a tear away from his eye.
‘Are you ok?’ Frederick asked.
Rothschild nodded. ‘I was part of the expeditionary team who saw first hand what Stienbaker was capable of. The operations he performed on some of the prisoners were beyond what I thought humans were capable of. We found a set of female twins in their late teens. Stienbaker had removed the top part of one’s skull exposing the brain.’ Rothschild had to catch his breath. ‘Her sister had totally lost her voice, her vocal cords could no longer produce any sound, damaged by constant screaming.’
Frederick swallowed hard and closed his eyes for a moment.
Rothschild took a deep breath. ‘Out of 720 sets of identical twins 340 were executed.’
‘Executed.’
A mercy killing I can assure you. I saw Russian soldiers drop to their knees screaming because they had no choice but to kill these poor wretches. Some were just babies Professor, children, young adolescents as well as old men and women.’ Rothschild stared at the ground.
‘People called Mengele the Angel of death. But Stienbaker was death himself.’
‘What happened to this Stienbaker?’
Rothschild shook his head. ‘No one knows, when we liberated the camp there were a few doctors left. They told the Russians that Stienbaker had left at least two weeks before. Every guard, every doctor who worked at the camp was executed.’
‘And the rest of the prisoners?’
‘Shipped back to Russia.’ He answered. ‘I do not know what happened to them.’ Rothschild looked at Frederick. ‘When we first met Professor I told you I had no allegiance to the Stalin regime. I was part of the Russian team because the Order of Galileo wanted to know the full extent of what the Germans were capable of. What we discovered at that camp was beyond any hell we could have imagined. The Order’s role is for the protection and advancement of mankind and science not its destruction.’
‘So this girl I saw yesterday will be valuable to the Americans and the Soviets.’
Rothschild nodded. ‘You need to get her away Professor. The Order has an establishment in Switzerland. A school which houses gifted people like this girl. They are encouraged to explore their abilities in an environment which is safe. We have over two hundred pupils at the moment.’
‘That’s not going to be easy. Senator Barnes is flying in tomorrow. General Stacy informed me that he wants to see her demonstrate her ability.’
‘No doubt Barnes has something in mind for this girl.’
‘I wish I could act sooner but I have to get back to Cambridge today, it is imperative that I continue with my day to day duties.’
‘Understood.’ Rothschild thought for a moment. ‘The Order will monitor you for the rest of today and tomorrow. If an opportunity arises then we will shepherd the girl away.’ Frederick nodded.
‘Good luck Professor.’ Rothschild turned and walked away.
Chapter 19
The Exchange
Whitehall – London – 12:13pm
Saturday 20th November 1954
Senator Jacob Barnes stared at Frederick as he sat down. Frederick could never figure out why, but every time he encountered the American he had always seemed to keep a certain distance.
Barnes yawned, showing clear signs that jetlag was taking its toll. ‘Ok where are we at?’
‘CIA operatives have been keeping a close eye on the house. The father has come and gone over the last two nights, he likes to spend most evenings in a local bar.’ General
Stacy explained. ‘Last night he took the girl with him and our men followed them. Price likes to make his daughter perform her party trick for the locals.’
‘When we visited them the other night the father said that Jessica was his bread and butter. I’m guessing from that statement she his is sole source of income.’
‘Not for long.’ Barnes said.
Frederick looked at him. ‘What exactly are your plans regarding the girl senator?’
‘I’m afraid Professor Frederick you are not permitted to know that.’
‘This is a human being we’re talking about.’
‘What’s your point Professor?’ Barnes demanded to know.
‘I just want your promise that the girl will not be harmed.’
‘I’m not some kind of monster Professor.’ Barnes’ tone was defensive.
‘No but most of the men from paperclip are. How do I know you won’t just hand her over to those Nazi butchers at White Sands?’
‘Professor Frederick, count yourself lucky you are still part of this team. If I had my way you would have been side-lined.’
‘Gentlemen!’ Stacy interrupted. ‘I suggest we focus on the task in hand. He looked at Frederick. ‘You will accompany Senator Barnes tonight to meet with the girl and ask her to demonstrate her abilities.’
‘Barnes yawned. ‘Good it should give me a bit of time to catch up on some sleep.’
Hackney – London – 7:56pm
Frederick and Barnes sat in the back of a saloon car just across the street from where Jessica lived. Barnes was holding the Roswell device Vannevar Bush had demonstrated to the Angel Committee members over a year earlier.
‘Are you sure it’s wise bringing that thing along?’ Frederick asked. ‘We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves. Such a device would raise eyebrows.’
‘Relax will you Professor.’ Barnes replied. ‘I doubt anyone around here would be interested in this.’ He stared at the image on the screen. A red marker flashed ominously. ‘That’s odd.’
‘What?’ Frederick asked.
‘From what we learned of this device the markers that show up red are for individuals who are dead. When the marker flashes green it means they are alive.’
Dread started to rise from deep within Frederick. ‘Could it be malfunctioning?’
Barnes shook his head. ‘Dammed if I know professor.’ He slipped the device into an inside pocket. ‘Let’s see if the Price’s are home shall we.’
Further down the road Nikita Shinski watched from his own car. The man he had encountered in Paris and three other men walked across the street.
Barnes knocked loudly on the door. Frederick stood by his side with two of Barnes’ bodyguards behind. After a minute of waiting Barnes knocked loudly again, but still no one answered the door. He turned and nodded to one of the men who stepped forward.
‘What are you doing you can’t just break in.’ Frederick protested.
‘Do you want to find out if the girl is dead or still breathing Professor?’ Barnes replied.
The bodyguard skilfully picked the lock and all four men entered the house. As soon as the door was shut. Barnes took out the device and activated it. ‘This way.’ He directed.
The four men entered the kitchen and looked about. ‘I don’t get it.’ Barnes said. ‘We should be standing in the spot where the red marker is.
Frederick looked at a door and walked towards it. ‘These houses have cellars.’ He said opening the door staring into the darkness.
Barnes flicked a light switch at the top of the cellar stairs. Cautiously all four men made their way down the stairway. Barnes glanced at the Roswell device then stared in all directions. ‘This has never proven us wrong before. The girl should be right here with us in the room.’
Frederick noticed a large chest in a darkened corner of the cellar. He walked over and looked down at it. ‘Help me drag this into the light will you.’ He asked one of the bodyguards. The two of them heaved the chest directly under the light. Frederick lifted the lid on the chest, which at first glance seemed to contain a pile of old blankets and bed sheets. One by one Frederick lifted them out until the chest revealed its true horror. A skeleton was stuffed into the bottom of the chest.
‘Jesus!’ Barnes stepped back from the chest.
‘The late Mrs Price I presume.’ Frederick said.
‘How long has she been down here?’ Barnes asked.
‘God knows.’ Frederick replied.
Barnes glanced at the Roswell.
‘We have to call the police.’
‘No!’ Barnes stated. ‘We have to locate the father and daughter.’
‘Mr Barnes in case you haven’t noticed there is a dead body in the cellar of this house, this has now become a murder investigation.’
‘We will call the police, but not until we’ve located the girl.’ Barnes argued.
‘We’ve no idea where they are.’
‘Didn’t General Stacy say that Mr Price inhabits the local bar in the evenings?’ Frederick thought for a moment before nodding.
‘Then we’ll see if he’s there and if his daughter is in tow, we call the police and have Price arrested.’ Barnes said.
‘Ok Senator you win.’ Frederick conceded. ‘But we call the police as soon as we locate him.’
Nikita Shinski watched all four men exit the house. They started to walk down the street. Shinski got out of his car and followed them, maintaining a distance.
Chapter 20
The Queen Ann Arms – 8:29pm
The pub was packed and very noisy. In one corner a piano could be heard as people sang along to pack up your troubles. Frederick looked around and noticed a group of people gathered around a small table. Through the crowd Frederick picked out Jessica who was staring at a pint glass placed on the table in front of her. The glass moved on its own to the delight of onlookers who applauded the girl’s extraordinary talent. Frederick pointed her out and all four men walked over to where she was.
Nikita Shinski entered the bar and stared across at Frederick and the other three men.
‘Mr Price!’ Frederick called out loudly over the din of revellers. ‘Might we have a word in private?’
Price looked up and recognised Frederick. ‘You again!’ He scowled in a drunken manner. ‘Piss off we’re busy.’
Barnes nodded to his two bodyguards who stepped forward and hauled Price to his feet. Price struggled to get free. ‘Fuck off!’ he spat at one of the men.
Barnes stepped forward grabbing Price’s arm. ‘Mr Price, we’ve found your wife in the cellar of your house.’ He announced.
A look of terror flashed across Price’s face, before turning to rage. ‘You’ve been to my house!’ He shouted.
Barnes nodded.
Without warning a brown glass bottle crashed down on one the men holding Price. He let go of Price and dropped to the floor. Price swung a clenched fist catching the other man squarely on the jaw. The man was sent sprawling backwards into a group of men playing darts.
With lighting speed and precision Price struck out smashing his fist against Barnes’ upper cheekbone. Barnes was sent sprawling backwards into another group of people.
Several fist fights raged throughout the bar. Smashing glass and shouting reverberated off the walls. Frederick looked around frantically for Jess who was still sat at the table. He quickly made his way towards her. ‘Jess, come on let’s get you away from here.’ The girl looked up at Frederick, tears streaming down her face. ‘Jess come on, please I can take you somewhere safe!’ Frederick shouted above all the commotion.
She eventually nodded and followed Frederick through the mass of brawling bodies.
Jacob Barnes lay on his back staring up at the spinning ceiling. Price had hit him hard and now he began to drift in and out of consciousness. As he fought to stay conscious he became aware of someone rifling through his pockets.
Nikita Shinski grabbed the Roswell device from a struggling Jacob Barnes and headed for the exit.
Frederick and Jess flew out of the pub entrance. He looked up and down the street. ‘This way.’ He ordered. All of a sudden a man came running out of the pub entrance knocking Frederick off balance. Frederick swung around and locked eyes with the man. He suddenly found himself back in Paris staring at the Russian with the gun.
Shinski stared at the man he had wounded. For a fleeting moment the thought of killing the man danced in his mind. Shinski then returned to his mission priority and bounded off in the opposite direction.
Frederick watched for a brief moment as the Russian disappeared from sight. People started to pour out onto the street shouting. Frederick knew it would be a matter of time before Barnes and his men would appear. Grabbing Jess by the hand the two of them sprinted down the street. After a few minutes both Frederick and Jess stopped to catch their breath.
‘Are you hurt Jess?’ Frederick panted.
‘No I’m fine.’ She replied.
A black car suddenly drew up alongside the pavement. Rothschild appeared out of the back. ‘Professor we don’t have much time.’
Frederick nodded and looked at the girl. ‘Jessica listen to me very carefully, you are to go with these people they will keep you safe.’
Rothschild walked around the car and opened the door. ‘Please get in.’ He invited.
Jess hesitated for a moment before walking towards the car.
‘Jessica!’ A voice called out.
Frederick froze instantly recognising the voice. He turned slowly and looked in the direction it had come from.
Janus stood in the centre of the street, surrounded by a blue aura.
Frederick looked up into the night sky to see a craft hovering above.
The Angel Conspiracy (The Angel Cronicles Book 2) Page 5
