Gustav noticed a newspaper on the desk. The headline read, “UK Prime Minister Gunned Down by Communists.” He did not understand it's meaning but had a quick thought that the United Kingdom would now go to war with the Soviet Union.
“Sir? Is there no way you can help Hedwig and Edmund? Especially the boy.”
The drunken colonel reached for his glass. “They are not my concern. What makes you so sure she did not kill my son?”
“Heidi and I spent a lot of time with her, sir. Plus, she is a woman. Women do not plot and kill like that.”
The colonel let out a roaring laugh. He pointed at Gustav with the hand that held the glass. “That philosophy may be what got my son killed.”
“Two lieutenants and a colonel never suspected her in all of our social gatherings. What makes the captain think he knows?” The colonel grumbled something incoherent.
“Sir, I should take you to bed now. It has been a long week, and you need some rest.”
“He's coming. I arranged for him to come.” The colonel pointed to the newspaper headline.
“The Prime Minister is not going anywhere, anymore.”
“I once knew a woman who could kill in cold blood,” the colonel muttered.
“Colonel, what are you talking about?” Gustav asked.
“Perhaps Johann's death is payback for all the wrong I have done in my life.”
Gustav carried the colonel up the stairs, “Come on old man, let's get you to bed.”
“Who... Who are you calling an old man? I am still a colonel in the greatest army the world has ever seen.”
“Yes, yes, I know.” Gustav laid him in a bed in a guest room, not wanting to wake Frau Reinhard.
“Gustav, you are a good boy. But you must learn that women are often more deadly than men.”
That's a scary thought since I have known some extremely deadly men. Including Johann. Gustav pondered, Perhaps this was payback for Johann's wrongs not yours, colonel.
Chapter 29
Over the next few days, Jacob traveled from ship to train and finally arrived in Landstuhl. He walked up the path of Hedwig's home, badly in need of some rest.
A sign on the door ordered all to stay away. The home was now under the authority of the Gestapo. Jacob tore the sign from the door and entered.
Unable to muster the energy to climb the stairs, Jacob plopped on the blood soaked couch and drifted to sleep. He awoke to a Luger pistol being shoved in his cheek. “Herr Geiger, I presume?” Two SS officers stood above him.
He sat up slowly, “Yes. I am Jacob Geiger.”
“You will come with us.”
“Excuse me? For what reason? I am here to visit my sister who is a guest of Colonel Reinhard. I needed some rest from my journey.”
The taller one bent forward, causing Jacob to focus on the skull and crossbones applique on his hat. “Come with us. We will not tell you again. This room is already bloody. A little more blood will cause no damage.”
“All right, all right.” Jacob tucked in his shirt. In the morning light Jacob could see the crimson stains around the room and shuttered.
The two men pushed him into the car and on the way, he asked, “Can you please tell me where we are going?”
Silence.
“Who sent for me?”
Silence.
“Do you have a single sister for me?”
The officer in the front passenger's seat turned around and pushed the Luger into Jacob's cheek. “This is not a time for jokes, Herr Geiger.”
The car stopped at a familiar building, The Office of Civilian Affairs. When Jacob stepped out, the car drove away, leaving him alone on the street.
He looked around, half expecting someone to shoot him dead. Once he composed himself, he entered the building.
Colonel Reinhard greeted him. “Herr Geiger, so good to see you. I see you made the trip safely.”
“Other than the assassination in New York, and the two scary guys who just dropped me off, the trip proved uneventful.”
“Not here. Get to my office.” The colonel pushed Jacob down the hall.
“I'm mad as hell. You promised I would only handle communication. Instead I am wanted for the murder of an international diplomat. My only other choice was the slaughter of my family. What delightful options you left me.”
“Silence. Herr Geiger, you are here because I have some information regarding your sister.”
Jacob sat and listened.
“First, she and Edmund are still being held. Although I discovered where they are, I cannot get them released. I have tried.”
Jacob shook his head. “What are they being held for?”
“The Gestapo questioned both of them repeatedly. As far as I can tell, they accused your sister of several things. One is my son's murder. Another is a conspiracy with my son to kill Herr Schultz.”
Jacob erupted, “This is ridiculous.”
“Is it?”
“I can tell you, there is no possibility Hedwig conspired with anyone to kill Fritz. It never happened.”
The colonel tilted his head and observed Jacob closely, “But? It's possible she killed my son?”
Outraged, “I did not say that.”
The colonel huffed, “No, but you did not deny it either.” The colonel poured himself a brandy.
“Sit back, Herr Geiger. I am going to tell you a tale of love and politics.”
“Colonel, do we have time for this? My broth--”
“I SAID SHUT YOUR MOUTH.”
The colonel regained his composure then began. “Even before The Great War, I commanded intelligence operations. I found it easier to partner male and female operatives. No one at the time suspected a married couple to be anything other than what they appeared. One couple marvelously out shined the rest.” His eyes twinkled with pride.
“Despite popular belief, the war did not begin with the assassination of the Archduke. No. The weaponry and military mobilization began long before the onset of the war.”
The colonel took a drink from his glass. “Would you like a drink?”
“No, thank you. Please continue.”
“It was about 1904, when I paired this one couple together. They traveled the whole of Europe and provided Germany with intelligence regarding troop and weapons movements. They discovered which countries built up their supplies and which planned to remain neutral. The woman provided me with the most intimate details of the principles involved in the missions. And yes, they eliminated targets when necessary. They were the best of the best.”
Jacob squirmed in his seat. He had more pressing matters on his mind than thirty year old spy stories.
“I always suspected a romantic relationship had formed between the two. However, the woman decided to leave the world of espionage to marry. And it was not her intelligence partner she married.”
“It was around 1907 the woman married another man, and the partner became enraged. Not only was his heart ripped from his chest, but he no longer had the means to acquire the same amount of intelligence.”
Jacob squinted at the colonel.
“Yes, the wheels are turning in your head now, aren't they? 1907 means something to you?”
“That was the year my parents married.”
“Shall I continue?” the colonel asked.
Jacob was intrigued, “Please do.”
“Around 1914, the married couple separated. The operative team went active once again.”
Jacob looked down, trying to remember.
“Do you remember when your mother went away during that time?”
Jacob hesitated, “I do. My mother said Alois and I must stay with Father. She nursed her ill mother and feared we would become ill also.”
“Yes, that is what she told you. In reality, she was in France, gathering intelligence for the impending battle.”
“No. This is crazy. You are implying my mother was a covert military operative? Impossible. She knitted shawls and baked cookies.”
T
he colonel sighed, “Unfortunately, the duo did not last long. She returned to your father, but with a gift. About six month later, your mother gave birth to Hedwig.”
Jacob's eyes got wide, “You are say... you are saying she is not my sister? That is a nicely spun tale, but I beg to differ.”
The colonel shook his head, “Are you listening? She is your sister. But your father is not her father. That would be your mother's German Intelligence partner.”
“No. I will not accept this. This is impossible.” Jacob trekked the room. Memories of his childhood flooded his mind.
“Why wouldn't you accept it? Your father did. He loved Hedwig as his own. Their marriage blossomed and Edmund was the result.”
Jacob responded, “No. This is crazy.” Then he asked, “So who is Hedwig's father? Where is he? Can he help her now?”
Something clicked in Jacob's mind and he gasped, “You? You are her father?”
The colonel laughed, “Oh no, sir. No. As much as I would love to claim that title, your mother would never have had me.” He sipped his drink again. “Hedwig's father was Fritz Schultz.”
Jacob threw a punch at the older colonel, knocking him onto the desk. “That is a lie.”
The colonel regained his balance. “I will dismiss your reaction. I understand how upsetting this must be. But I warn you to refrain from such outbursts again. Remember, I am a colonel of the Third Reich.”
Jacob breathed heavily and shook his head, “Take that back. You take that back. Only a deviant could even say such things.”
The colonel put up his hand in defense, “It isn't what you think. They never consummated the marriage.”
Jacob dropped his hands, “I think I will have that drink now.”
The colonel laughed, “Yes, I imagine you would need one.”
“I do not understand. My father and Fritz were friends.”
The colonel replied, “Yes, they were indeed. Your father did not feel threatened by Fritz. He understood the joys of fatherhood and allowed Fritz into your family. He gave Fritz the gift of watching his daughter grow into a young woman.”
“And after my parents died? Why did he marry her? It is revolting to think of a father marrying his daughter.”
“I think he married her to be close to her. To be able to take care of her and Edmund. He felt he owed your parents that. As a wife, she would be entitled to all he had. As a bastard child, the legal battles could result in nothing but bills and anguish.”
Jacob took a sip from his glass. “Still, the marriage prevented her from dating anyone else. Speaking of this disgusts me. What proof do you have the marriage was not consummated? And, if they did not consummate the marriage, was it because he told her the truth?”
“When my son first met your sister, she was quite ill. He called a doctor friend of my family. My son gave him the name of Frau Schultz, and so naturally the doctor examined her for pregnancy. He found her hymen intact.”
Jacob sighed with relief, “Intact hymen, that means no intercourse. Thank God.”
“As to whether or not he told her the truth, I can only guess. If she knew the truth, she chose to marry her own father and gave up any hope for a real marriage and motherhood. If she did not know, then she married your father's best friend and could have been frustrated at the lack of intimacy. Which was the case, I cannot tell you.”
Jacob took a deep breath, “Is there anything else you need to tell me?”
“Nazi Intelligence is disguised by this office. Officially, I do not have the same pull that your passport will provide. I made sure to mark your passport with a certain characteristic that will give you privileges. Use those privileges to help your sister. Your mother and Fritz were good people, and long ago I considered them my friends.”
Chapter 30
Jacob dropped his fist on the desk of Gestapo Headquarters. “I am looking for my brother and sister, Edmund Geiger and Frau Schultz.”
“You will watch your tone while in this office.” the officer at the desk spat. “Papers.'
Jacob handed the officer his German issued passport. The soldier snapped to attention, “Yes, sir. Right this way, please.”
Jacob shook his head in disbelief as he followed the soldier. They entered a small room with two doors.
The soldier explained, “Each of your siblings is behind one of the doors. You may not speak to them together. I will be waiting here when you finish.”
“That will not be necessary, you can return to your post.”
“I said, I will wait here.”
Jacob shrugged and opened the closest door to him. Edmund sat on a cot, tired but unharmed.
“Jacob. You came.”
“Yes, I told you I would. I need you to be brave just a little while longer. I'm trying to figure out a way to get you both out of here.”
Edmund sobbed, “They won't let me talk to her. It's been about a week since my arrest. Lieutenant Gottlieb left and never came back. I am scared.”
Jacob reached through the bars, holding his brother. “Shh. It's going to be all right. You weren't actually arrested, just held for questioning. I promised I would come, didn't I? And I will fix this.”
Edmund tried to stifle his tears, “I did what you said. I remembered what you said on the phone.”
“Good. That's a good boy.”
Edmund pulled Jacob as close to the bars as possible and whispered in his ear, “Tell Hedwig I understood about the goldfish.” Edmund leaned back and smiled.
Jacob thought to himself, Is everyone in this family involved in secret codes and espionage?
“Have they been feeding you? Are you hurt?” Jacob inquired.
Edmund smiled, “They fed me, but it wasn't good. I would love to have some of Hedwig's cakes. But they haven't hurt me.”
“Good. I need you to be brave. Keep your mouth shut and stay calm for just a little while longer. Can you do that?”
“Yes, sir.”
Jacob responded, “I'm going to speak with Hedwig now. I will come back as soon as I can, okay? Don't be frightened.”
Edmund sighed, “Jacob. Thank you for coming.”
Leaving that boy was the hardest thing he ever had to do. The assassination of the Prime Minister horrified him, but leaving Edmund broke his heart.
Hedwig lay face down on her cot behind a set of bars. When Jacob entered, she hollered without looking, “Go away. I refuse to talk to you brutes.”
Jacob smiled and said, “I would. But it took me an ocean liner, a train and a bus to get here.”
Hedwig rushed to the bars, “Jacob. Oh Jacob. They won't tell me anything. Please help me.”
“I'm going to try to get you out of here. I need you and Edmund to stay strong a little longer.”
He tilted her face up to him with his thumb and looked at her cut lip. “What happened?”
Hedwig chuckled, “They did not like my sense of humor.”
With a half smile, Jacob said, “Yeah, you get that from me. Sorry.”
Hedwig let out a deep sigh, “Thank God you are here. You always do the right thing. Always. Even when you took care of those papers, I noticed the date. It helped me, so thank you.”
Now she is speaking in code, he thought.
“That reminds me, Edmund says he understood about the goldfish. He wanted me to tell you.”
Hedwig released a desperate, forced kind of laugh. She pulled on the bars, “Get us out of here. I can't take it. Please.”
“Let me find who I need to talk to. Someone must be able to help us. I promise I will be back as soon as I can.”
He slowly walked toward the door when his sister called out to him, “Jacob, I love you. I never say it. But I do.”
When Jacob emerged from the door, he ordered the guard, “Now. Take me to someone who has some clout around here.”
The two men walked through a series of corridors, then into an office. “Captain Weinhoffer, may I present Herr Geiger. Here are his papers, sir.”
The captai
n took the papers and read them without looking up. “Dismissed.”
The guard left, closing the office door behind him. “Herr Geiger, I see you are a man of some importance. Why was this not brought to my attention prior to this moment?”
Jacob held his head high, “I was out of the country on business. However, I respect a man who admits his incompetence. Indeed, this is something your office should have been known.”
The captain sat in his chair and peered at Jacob, “Who is your commanding officer?”
“I apologize, that is classified.”
“I have ways of finding out.”
Jacob huffed, “I hope they are better than your previously used ways of not finding out.”
The captain stood, “You will watch your tone with me.”
Jacob was not sure how far he could push this persona of importance, but he pressed forward. Jacob blared, “The only tone I want to hear is the one on the phone when you lift the receiver and tell your subordinates I am taking my siblings home.”
The captain reached for the phone, “This is Captain Weinhoffer at Gestapo Headquarters, Landstuhl. I have someone in my office and need verification of his papers and status.”
The captain paused as he listened to the other party on the phone. “22152. G-E-I-G-E-R.” A long pause occurred. “He wants me to release two suspects into his custody.” Jacob strained his ears but could not hear the other party. “No, the suspects could be involved in the murder of an SS Lieutenant.” After another long pause, the captain lowered the telephone and looked at Jacob. “Your sister knows something about my officer's death. I will not stop until I know the truth.”
Jacob thought for a moment. “Sir, you know the division for which I work. Why do we not pool our resources together? Instead of fighting each other, why don't find the perpetrator together?”
The captain snickered, “Herr Geiger, I have found the perpetrator. She is sitting in one of my cells as we speak.”
Determination to free his siblings flowed through Jacob. “If I find evidence leading to the real murderer, will you repeal your investigation of my family?”
“Forgive me, Herr Geiger, I am a skeptical man by nature. It is what has allowed me to climb the ranks to captain. But yes, we have an accord.” He stretched out his hand, “If you find evidence vindicating your family of any wrong doing, then I will terminate my investigation.”
Newborn Nazi Page 12
