The Angel Conspiracy (The Angel Cronicles Book 2)

by Jason Chapman

  Frederick stared at Himmler. ‘They have the substance that caused this?’ He pointed at the anomaly.

  Himmler nodded.

  ‘Do you know what they plan to do with it?’

  Himmler took a deep breath. ‘It was to be transported to our North Pole base to power the Leviathan.’

  ‘Leviathan?’

  ‘A prototype submarine equipped with several experimental missiles which are also powered by red matter.’

  ‘Do you know what they plan to do after the have installed the red matter?’

  Himmler nodded slowly. ‘Eradicate the last country which has yet to yield to Germany.’

  Himmler paused. ‘The United States of America.’

  Frederick spun on his heels and headed back down the corridor.

  Chapter 130

  Friday 9th March 1956 – 10:22am

  Dr Vannevar Bush stared at the anomaly. ‘Astounding!’

  ‘Not for the poor souls trapped in there.’ Frederick remarked.

  ‘We had no idea the bell device was capable of this.’

  ‘The device you took from Germany at the end of the war was powered by helium 3. This red matter Himmler mentioned is much more exotic.’ Frederick said. ‘What about the paperclip scientists, surely they must of mentioned something.’

  Bush shook his head slowly. ‘Since the incident with Brack and Klaus along with other scientists Jacob Barnes has rounded up all the scientists under Operation Paperclip and kept them in isolation. He has let a few remain where they are. Von Braun continues to head up the development for rocket research. Jacob Barnes believes the Paperclip scientists have not been entirely cooperative with supplying information regarding Nazi Germany’s secret projects.’

  Frederick stared at the anomaly. ‘Do you suppose Klaus was telling the truth when he said that time could be manipulated?’

  ‘A week ago I would have laughed at such an idea, but now, I suppose anything is possible. A device capable of travelling in time, in the wrong hands it could be devastating for humankind. Events changed to suit whoever is capable of travelling in time.’

  ‘How do we know that time hasn’t already been altered?’

  Bush looked at Frederick. ‘The fact that we are standing here is proof enough for me Professor.’

  General Stacy and Agent Cones walked up to Frederick. ‘The base is now fully secure, if any Russians turn up we’ll be ready for them.’

  Frederick stared back at Cones suddenly remembering what Janus had said to him during their first encounter at Stoke Lacy. ‘Agent Frank Cones, hero to kings of old, history’s protector.’

  ‘You ok Professor?’ Cones asked noting Frederick’s expression.

  Frederick returned to the present and nodded. ‘So what now General? Something tells me that you’re not about to send us home.’

  ‘We’ve questioned Doctor Himmler and his colleagues and they have given up substantial information on the whereabouts of Kammler and Schroder.’

  ‘Doctor Himmler revealed information about their plans regarding America. What happens if the substance has already been refined as an explosive or other kind of weapon which could cause events like this?’ Frederick pointed at the Anomaly. ‘Even Majestic would be hard pressed to cover up something like this if it happened in populated area. He also mentioned a submarine armed with missiles.’

  ‘We hope it won’t come to that Professor.’ Stacy replied. ‘Besides if Kammler and Schroder are part of the Fourth Reich then they will want to conceal themselves. It is very important that General Kammler is apprehended.’ Stacy glanced at Bush. ‘As for the submarine, we will contact Majestic. They’ll send a special forces unit to look for it.’

  ‘You’re familiar with this man?’ Frederick asked.

  Stacy looked at Bush again who hesitated before nodding.

  ‘General Hans Kammler was in charge of Germany’s secret weapons program during the closing stages of the war. It is rumoured that he was captured by the Soviets trying to leave Berlin when they surrounded the city. His wife listed him as dead. However because she could not reveal the location of Kammler’s grave allied forces put him on the most wanted list. There have been sightings of him over the years which have been investigated but nothing has been proved until now.’ Stacy looked at the anomaly. ‘We believe that there are dozens of installations around the world which remain undiscovered and that Kammler is the key to finding out what the Nazis plan to do. We want you and Agent Cones to head to Berlin.’

  ‘But Kammler and Schroder are in Vienna why send us in the opposite direction?’

  ‘We want to give them the impression that they may have escaped. Any attempt to go after them at this moment in time may spook them. Kammler’s wife is still in Berlin you are to interview her and find out what she knows. Then you will go to Vienna and apprehend both men.’

  Chapter 131

  Berlin – 1:23pm

  Monday 11th March 1956

  Frederick knocked loudly on the door of the apartment. Inside he could hear movement, a chair scraped along the floor and eventually footsteps approached the door.

  ‘Mrs Kammler?’ Frederick said politely.

  The woman who had just opened the door looked as if she had been crying. She blew her nose on a handkerchief nodding. ‘Yes.’ She said.

  ‘My name is Ralph Frederick this is my colleague Frank Cones. I was wondering if we might have a few words with you concerning your husband.’

  ‘My husband is dead!’ The woman snapped.

  ‘We know this.’ Frederick said trying to sound calm. ‘We just want to talk to you about his work during the war.’

  ‘His work.’ The woman shook his head. ‘I know nothing about what he did.’

  Cones stepped forward. ‘Ma’am, please if you would just give us a few minutes I promise that’s all it will take.’

  The woman looked back into her apartment.

  Cones also looked noting the expression on her face. ‘Is there a problem ma’am?’

  She shook her head. ‘No, please come in.’

  Both Frederick and Cones stepped through the door and were led through to the living room. Kammler’s wife sat at a table. She looked towards a door which was closed. Cones could sense that she was hiding something.

  Frederick sat opposite her. ‘When was the last time you saw your husband alive Mrs Kammler?’

  ‘During the battle for Berlin.’ She replied.

  Frederick thought that her answer sounded as if it had been prepared. ‘Do you know what happened to him?’ Cones asked.

  The woman glanced towards the door again causing Cones to turn and also look. ‘I was told that he was captured by Russian soldiers and executed.’

  ‘Who told you this?’

  ‘His driver.’

  ‘I see, is his driver still alive.’

  The woman glanced at the door again.

  Cones stood. ‘Ma’am is it ok if I use your bathroom.’ He pointed towards the door that she kept glancing at.

  ‘Actually I would like you to leave now.’ She said.

  Cones ignored her and marched over towards the door. He gripped the handle and opened the door which led to a spacious bedroom.’

  The woman stood. ‘Please you must leave now!’ The woman ordered.

  At first glance the bedroom appeared empty. Cones walked towards another door but stopped on hearing a noise behind him. Instinctively he slipped his hand inside his jacket.

  ‘I wouldn’t do that Agent Cones.’ A voice said.

  Cones withdrew his hand and slowly turned around. Nikita Shinski stared back at the American.

  ‘You plan to shoot me like Jack Baker?’ Cones seethed.

  ‘Your partner killed my brother Agent Cones.’

  At that moment Frederick marched into the room. He immediately backed away, spotting the Russian. ‘May I ask what you’re doing here?’ Frederick said with a trembling voice.

  Shinski grinned at Frederick. ‘The same reason you are Professor.’


  For a moment Shinski considered killing both the Professor and the CIA agent along with the woman. He took a deep breath and backed through the doorway before turning and sprinting towards the apartment door.

  Cones went for his gun and fired off a round narrowly missing Shinski and hitting the doorframe. Splinters flew in all directions, Frederick shielded his face. Cones gave chase and ran out of the apartment.

  Kammler’s wife was sat on the sofa crying.

  Frederick walked over to her. ‘Mrs Kammler you must tell me if your husband is still alive.’

  The woman buried her head in her hands sobbing.

  Frederick crouched in front of her gently pulling her hands away from her face. ‘Please Mrs Kammler it’s important.’

  The woman eventually nodded.

  ‘When was the last time you saw your husband?’

  ‘Two weeks ago.’ She sobbed.

  ‘Did he say anything?’

  ‘He promised us passage out of Berlin.’

  ‘Where to?’

  ‘South America.’

  ‘South America? I see.’ Frederick said.

  Kammler’s wife nodded. ‘It’s where many people went after the war. When the war ended my husband was ordered to stay behind and oversee German’s secret projects.’

  ‘Mrs Kammler, your husband has been seen on the Austrian border, it is imperative that we locate him. He is carrying a very dangerous substance which could cost many lives. You must tell me everything you know.’

  The woman nodded blowing her nose.

  Chapter 132

  Cones sprinted down the corridor after Shinski. Images of Jack Baker played in his mind. Cones stretched out his arms gripping his gun tightly. He fired off a round hitting the wall which exploded.

  Shinski stumbled but remained upright. He spun around returning fire.

  Cones dropped to the floor as a bullet streaked over his head.

  Shinski rounded a corner and spotted the door to the stairs. He crashed through the door leaping off the first step.

  Cones gave chase, peering over the stairwell he saw Shinski bounding down the stairs. He fired off two rounds. The bullets ricocheted off the steel framework causing sparks. Cones then launched himself off the first step clearing the flight of stairs.

  Shinski looked up and fired off a volley of shots.

  Cones flung himself against the wall as the hail of bullets rebounded off the stairwell.

  Shinski kicked open a door which led on to a back street. A young woman was pushing a pram along the deserted street.

  Cones reached the bottom of the stairwell and sprinted through the open door. A woman was screaming staring at Cones.

  Shinski gripped her arm and pointed his gun at the woman’s head. ‘What now Agent Cones!’ He shouted.

  Cones moved out into the narrow street pointing his gun. ‘Let her go!’ He demanded.

  Shinski shook his head slowly. ‘Not going to happen I’m afraid.’ The young child in the pram screamed out for her mother.

  ‘I said let her go!’ Cones ordered.

  ‘I think we both know how this is going to play out.’

  Cones shook his head slowly. ‘You’re not going to do this Shinski, drop your weapon and step away from her.’

  Shinski thought for a moment before pushing the woman away. He stuck his foot out causing the woman to stumble. He then fired off a round which drove into the woman’s back. She screamed in agony and was sent sprawling to the floor.

  Cones froze as the incident in Paris became crystal clear in his mind.

  Frederick heard the gunshot and rushed out onto the street. He caught sight of the KGB operative sprinting away. Cones looked as if he was in a trance.

  ‘Agent Cones!’ Frederick said loudly.

  Cones snapped out of his trance and looked around. ‘What just happened?’

  Frederick approached the woman on the street who lay face down. The baby in the pram continued to cry.

  Cones walked over to where Frederick was knelt.

  ‘She’s dead.’ Frederick announced.

  Cones looked in the direction which Shinski had fled but he was nowhere to be seen. ‘Bastard!’ He swore.

  Frederick stood. ‘We’ll call the authorities and wait until they arrive.’

  ‘Did Kammler’s wife say anything else?’

  ‘Plenty.’ Frederick replied. ‘Lucky for us she didn’t tell that Russian fellow.’

  ‘What now?’ Cones said.

  ‘Now we head for Vienna.’ Frederick pulled out a piece of paper.

  Chapter 133

  Vienna – Austria – 8:08am

  Tuesday 12th March 1956

  ‘Are you sure this is the place?’ Cones asked looking up at the impressive 13th Century manor house.

  ‘It’s the address Kammler’s wife provided us with.’

  ‘Pretty swanky.’ Cones replied. ‘Surely this would draw attention.’

  ‘I don’t think we’ll find Kammler here.’ Frederick said. ‘But we might find someone as equally important.’

  ‘Who?’

  ‘I do not know.’ Frederick stared at Cones. ‘Do you remember what Janus said to you during your first encounter?’

  Cones thought for a moment. ‘I remember his making me relive my experiences in Omaha beach.’

  Frederick nodded. ‘He called you hero to kings of old and history’s protector. What do you suppose he meant by that?’

  Cones shrugged. ‘I have already said that’s the first time I met him.’

  ‘Yet he claimed to know you very well.’

  Cones processed what Frederick was telling him. ‘Every time we’ve encountered Janus I get a strange sense of familiarity. Its almost like meeting an old friend.’

  Frederick nodded.

  Cones glanced at the door. ‘If Kammler isn’t her then who is?’

  ‘Lets find out shall we.’ Frederick said pulling on a cord. which caused a series of chimes.

  Frederick turned and faced Cones. ‘Why do you think Shinski was at Mrs Kammler’s apartment Agent Cones?’

  ‘The same reason as us, to extract information.’

  ‘And how do you suppose he knew about her?’

  Cones thought for a moment. ‘Jesus, you think there is a mole.’

  Frederick nodded. ‘Until I prove otherwise any information must be kept a minimum.’

  Cones felt offended by what Frederick suggested. ‘I’m not a traitor!’ He stated.

  ‘Of that I am sure Agent Cones, but what about the men who run operations. Both of us answer to Majestic. They know everything we do.’ Frederick took a deep breath. ‘We’ve been through a lot Agent Cones, our first encounter wasn’t exactly a friendly one. I know you’re not the mole, but you must limit the information you supply Majestic. Even your President has suspicions about Majestic otherwise Eisenhower wouldn’t have met up with us in Geneva a few months ago. And what about the incident involving Doctor Vilenko. When we were taken we were told that the Fourth Reich has eyes everywhere.’

  ‘What about the Order of Galileo?’ Cones said. ‘Is there any chance they could know who the mole is?’

  ‘We cannot risk contacting the Order, I’m pretty sure we are being watched.’

  A tall thin man answered the door dressed in what appeared to be butler’s attire. ‘Can I help you?’

  ‘We are looking for Gabriel.’

  The man seemed to glare back for a long time before stepping aside. ‘Come in.’

  Both Frederick and Cones were led up a staircase to the first floor of the luxury apartment. Impressive art lined the walls of the manor house.

  ‘I wonder how many of these paintings actually belong to this guy.’ Cones said in a low voice.

  Eventually they stopped in front of a large door. The butler knocked four times in succession before opening the door and inviting Frederick and Cones to step through.

  The door closed behind them and Cones and Frederick found themselves in what appeared to be a larg
e circular room. Bookcases packed with dusty volumes lined the walls. Frederick stared towards the ceiling at the impressive dome structure which was made of glass and steel allowing light to flood the centre of the room.

  ‘Gentlemen welcome.’ A voice greeted.

  Frederick looked towards the centre of the room at four elegant armchairs. A man was sat in one of the armchairs holding a large Brandy glass. ‘Would you care for a drink?’ He said getting up and walking over to a large round table. Before Frederick and Cones answered he had already poured out two glasses.

  Frederick walked cautiously towards the man who held out one of the glasses. Searching his memory Frederick recalled where he had seen the man before. ‘I know you.’

  The Man nodded. ‘Our last encounter wasn’t exactly pleasurable I’ll grant that.’ The man looked at Cones. ‘Agent Cones, always a pleasure to see you.’

  Cones glared back at the man. ‘’I don’t believe we have met..’

  ‘Please.’ The man offered the glasses.

  Frederick stared at the glasses he held.

  ‘Come now Professor Frederick, if I wanted to kill you with poison I would have done so years ago, when you were first assigned to The Angel Committee.’

  Cones instinctively drew his weapon pointing it at the stranger.

  ‘Agent Frank Cones.’ The man said. ‘Always diligent.’

  ‘Who the hell are you?’ Cones said.

  ‘I am the man you came to see.’ The man gestured for Frederick to take the glass.

  Frederick hesitated and then took the glass. ‘Gabriel?’

  The man nodded and then looked at Cones who still had his gun in his hand. ‘Please Agent Cones there is no need to point that thing at me I am not your enemy. Despite us having our differences in the past.’

  ‘The past.’ Frederick stated indicating to Cones. ‘Have you met this man before?’

  Gabriel smiled. ‘Sorry Professor but I cannot divulge any information regarding Agent Cones.’

  Cones eventually withdrew his gun and put it back in its holster.

  The man offered him the other glass. ‘Please, it’s five hundred year old brandy.’