Newborn Nazi

by Rhoda D'Ettore

  The general lit a cigar. “What is this about the death of one of our operatives?”

  “General, my brother-in-law, Fritz Schultz, was an intelligence operative for decades. He worked for the colonel during the war. When the colonel discovered Herr Schultz had evidence against him, Lieutenant Reinhard came to the house and shot him. He did so under the guise of taking my little brother into the Hitler Youth. Lieutenant Reinhard had the house searched but found nothing.”

  The general looked at the captain. “Bring in Colonel Reinhard for questioning. I want to talk to him myself. And bring me the files on Herr Schultz.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Also send for that other Lieutenant, the one who was with Reinhard that day Schultz was killed.”

  “Gottlieb. You will not like him, sir. He is a disrespectful man who needs to be reconditioned.”

  The general scoffed, “If so, he will be dealt with. Bring them both here. Dismissed.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The captain left the room.

  “So, Herr Geiger. Tell me about the murder of Lieutenant Reinhard. Who did it?”

  Jacob sighed, as he was unsure what to say. “General, I honestly do not know. I am tempted to believe the colonel hired someone to kill his own son. I do not believe Lieutenant Reinhard knew of his father's dealings. But the colonel could have believed his son found the evidence. The Lieutenant obsessed over advancing his career, and reporting his father would have given him a promotion.”

  The general nodded.

  “General, I can tell you my sister did not kill Lieutenant Reinhard. She was far too upset, and her story of the two Jewish men breaking into her home has not wavered.”

  The general folded his hands, and leaned on the desk. “Is it possible Lieutenant Reinhard killed Herr Schultz, and as an act of revenge Frau Schultz killed him?”

  Yes, that is exactly what happened. But I can't tell you that, Jacob thought.

  Chapter 42

  Gustav dropped Hedwig back at her house and returned home. His read the newspaper in the study, as his mother made him lunch.

  As the family discussed the news in the paper, a knock banged on the door. Two guards stood on the other side of the door waiting. “Lieutenant Gottlieb? Come with us.”

  Gustav was accustomed to being summoned. It was part of the job. “On whose orders?”

  “On the orders of someone who outranks you, now get in the car.”

  Hmm, that was different. Sounds like trouble, Gustav thought to himself.

  Gustav was escorted to General Rothlander's office. This was the first time Gustav was ever summoned to visit someone of this rank. He was in awe of the building and the experience. He thought back in his mind as to whether he did or said anything Edmund's new instructor might have overheard.

  He was taken to an interrogation room and waited.

  The captain and the general entered the room.

  Gustav gulped. The captain reported me for my conduct at Hedwig's and Edmund's interrogation, he thought.

  Gustav jumped to attention, “General, sir.”

  “Have a seat, Lieutenant.” Gustav did as instructed.

  “It was brought to my attention you escorted Lieutenant Reinhard on the day he shot and killed a man by the name of Fritz Schultz. Is that correct?”

  “Yes, sir. I was there that day, but I was not present during the incident.”

  “Why did you arrive at the house?” the general inquired.

  “We had our orders to retrieve boys deemed suitable for the Hitler Youth organization. For the Specialty Division in particular.”

  The general shuffled some papers. “Who gave you the list of the homes to visit?”

  “Colonel Reinhard submitted the list to the school. Lieutenant Reinhard and I followed those orders to collect the children.”

  The captain and general glanced at each other.

  The general looked deep into Gustav's eyes. “Did Colonel Reinhard normally give such lists?”

  “Not directly, sir. The lists are indeed compiled by the Office of Civilian Affairs. But I do not remember seeing his name on the lists issued other than that day.”

  The general furrowed his brow, “Did this not concern you? Did you not think this odd?”

  Gustav replied, “Sir, when a colonel issues an order, it is not my place to question. Just as you ordered me here today. It is not my place to question.”

  Gustav thought, Why did I not question that before? Was Hedwig right? Did Johann kill that man on the orders of his father?

  “You claim not to have been present during the shooting. Where were you?”

  Gustav explained, “The Geiger boy and I headed to the bus together. By the time of the shooting, we had walked quite a distance away, General.”

  “Did the Lieutenant order the house to be searched?”

  “Yes, sir. He did. I was unaware of it until I read his report later.”

  “What was he searching for?” the general asked.

  “I do not know, sir. We often search houses where the owner resisted in some way. Or in a case in which an officer is attacked. Lieutenant Reinhard wrote in the report that Herr Schultz assaulted him. However, I was not there to witness this. Usually the search is conducted for weapons or any anti-Nazi propaganda.”

  The general shuffled more papers. “So while in the house, did you witness Herr Schultz to be belligerent in any way? Did the situation appear threatening?”

  “No, sir. He offered money for us to arrange to take the boy at a later date. Frau Schultz was extremely upset, and he was trying to calm his wife.”

  “Did you and Lieutenant Reinhard ever discuss Herr Schultz prior to this incident?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Did you and Colonel Reinhard ever discuss Herr Schultz prior to, or after, this incident?”

  Gustav thought for a moment. “Just once sir. At the colonel's house. Lieutenant Reinhold and Frau Schultz socialized romantically for six months. At that point, Colonel Reinhard mentioned he was surprised their relationship had lasted so long, considering the Lieutenant killed her husband.”

  “What was the result of this conversation?”

  “Lieutenant Reinhard pulled his fiancee from the party, and they arrived at her home.”

  “What was his demeanor?”

  Gustav replied, “He was shocked, sir. He was unaware he had killed her husband. First he choked on his drink. Then he informed his father he killed a lot of men. How was he supposed to remember all of their wives?”

  Gustav thought to himself, This inquiry has nothing to do with me. They are after the colonel.

  “Are you aware Colonel Reinhard issued orders to have the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom assassinated?”

  “No, sir. No such orders would have come through me.”

  “Did Lieutenant Reinhard ever mention to you anything about such orders?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Do you know any other positions or titles held by Colonel Reinhard?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Did you ever hear the colonel make any sort of reference regarding the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.”

  Gustav thought back, “Yes, sir. Only once. He was drunk and reading the newspaper. It was after I left Gestapo Headquarters. After the captain interrogated Frau Schultz and young Geiger.”

  “What did he say, Lieutenant?”

  “He pointed to the newspaper headline about the assassination. He made a reference that the Prime Minister was on his way, and the colonel did it. But I did not, nor do I now, understand what he meant. He was drunk, sir.”

  “How long had you known Lieutenant Reinhard?”

  Gustav's memories of their childhood flooded his mind, “Almost all my life, sir.”

  “Do you believe he would have killed Herr Schultz on orders of his father?” The general analyzed Gustav's face.

  “Yes, I do. He was quite enthusiastic about killing. It was one of his favorite parts of the job, sir
.”

  “How long have you known Frau Schultz?”

  “Less than a year, General. Neither Johann nor I realized this was the same woman from the day we took Geiger to the youth camp. We enter many homes, we take many children. There are incidents where we have killed many people. The faces often get swirled together, sir.”

  “What is your relationship with Frau Schultz?”

  “She is a friend, sir. My lady-friend and she are best friends,” Gustav still sat with his back straight and head forward.

  The general turned to the captain who nodded to him.

  “This is Fraulein Heidi Hapsburg? The same woman who reported the words overheard at the funeral?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Do you believe Frau Schultz killed your friend and partner?”

  Gustav thought. She did it. Can they prove it? Should I tell?

  “No, sir. I do not believe she was involved. They had a good relationship and planned to be married.”

  The general winced at him and asked, “So how do you account for Fraulein Hapsburg making the report?”

  “Sir, it is my personal opinion that both Frau Schultz and Fraulein Hapsburg are loyal members of the Nazi Party. Fraulein Hapsburg overheard something she did not understand, but to remain loyal to me and the party, she reported it. The captain here did his job well. The report was investigated and deemed a misunderstanding.”

  “Was it, Lieutenant? A misunderstanding?” the captain asked.

  “Yes, sir. It was.”

  The captain asked one last question, “You have known the Reinhards all your life, Lieutenant. Do you think Colonel Reinhard is the kind of man who would sell classified military documents to another country?”

  Chapter 43

  Jacob telephoned the Hacienda Hotel. “Mr. Geiger, please.”

  The hotel switchboard operator replied, “I'm sorry. We have no one here by the name Geiger.”

  Oh my God. They got Alois. They got my brother. What do I do? Who has him?

  “Sir? Could the room be listed under another name?”

  Jacob let out a sigh, “Oh, yes. The name is Jonathan Mitchell.”

  “I'll connect you, one moment please.”

  What a rotten spy you are, you can't even remember to use the fake names. Jacob thought.

  Someone answered the phone but said nothing.

  Jacob said, “Hello? Alois are you there?”

  “No, Herr Geiger. Alois is not here. You and I need to speak. Why did you go to Gestapo Headquarters to meet with the general?”

  “Who the hell is this, and where is my brother?” Jacob demanded.

  “That is of no concern to you. You deviated from the plan. The instructions you received specifically stated all the siblings should arrive in Argentina together. Because you have failed to complete your mission, you will be instructed to perform other tasks.”

  “Why do you need me? Do it yourself. I have done enough.”

  The voice grew impatient. “I don't think you understand, Herr Geiger. It was very easy to get your sibling. It will be just as easy to get the other two.”

  Jacob's fingers clenched the phone. “What do you want?”

  “We want you to kill Colonel Reinhard.”

  Jacob's eyes widened, “I can't. I won't be able to get near him. He is being questioned by the Gestapo.”

  The voice became angry, “He is being brought in because you failed in completing your instructions.” The line grew silent. “You can kill him, and you will. If you want to ever see your brother again, I suggest you devise a plan quickly.”

  Desperate, Jacob pleaded, “Please. Just let him go. He knows nothing. I know nothing for that matter. There is no way for me to get close to the colonel. What do you want me to do?”

  The voice started to laugh, and mocked him. “Perhaps I should give this assignment to your sister. She seems more capable than you. Anyone who kills her fiance is more than welcome into my employ.” More laughter filled Jacob's ear.

  “Hedwig did not kill her fiance,” Jacob protested.

  The raspy voice taunted, “Yes, Herr Geiger. Stick to your story. Now go kill the colonel.”

  “The Gestapo will do that. When they see the evidence, they will kill him.”

  The voice started laughing again, “Herr Geiger, I think you need to retire from the game. What evidence? You sent it to Argentina with Alois. Do you not remember the reason for your call? Your evidence is now in our possession, as is your brother.”

  Jacob's jaw dropped. If they refused to give him the evidence, the Gestapo would know he lied to them. And he himself could be arrested. How the hell did I get involved in any of this, Jacob thought.

  “Do you have a plan for me to kill the colonel?”

  The voice mocked him again. “What would be the point in that? You proved yourself unable to follow directions. Come up with your own plan. Kill the colonel by the end of the week, or open that family plot back up for a new addition.”

  Click. The voice was gone.

  Jacob shook his head, not knowing what to do. Finally he yelled into the air our of frustration.

  Chapter 44

  The general sat behind his desk, smoking a cigar.

  He asked the captain, “What do you think of Lieutenant Gottlieb? Did you find him truthful?”

  “We have had several men watching him for some time now. There have been no reports of infractions. He seems to be somewhat weak in the emotional area but appears to be loyal and competent.”

  The colonel laughed, “Ah, one of those sentimental soldiers. No matter how hard we try, a few just never learn to leave their sentiments behind.”

  “Yes, sir. But I have found that it is often the sentimental kind that can be most loyal to the party and to Germany. Men like you and I are bound by duty and honor to the Third Reich. Men such as Gottlieb are bound by emotions—but the result is the same, sir.”

  The general questioned, “Are you suggesting he is a homosexual? I cannot have one of those in my ranks.”

  “No, sir. He still has a heart. Regardless of how hard we push to remove emotions from the minds of the men, some are resilient to keep their hearts. It is almost respectable that he is able to be both a human and a soldier at the same time.”

  The general looked at the captain as he puffed his cigar. “I thought you did not care for this man. Are you becoming soft yourself?”

  “Sir, I do not like him at all. However, I can separate my personal dislike for someone from my objectivity of his work. He is a good teacher, and he follows orders.”

  The general nodded. “So leave him be. I have larger issues to occupy my time.”

  “Yes, general. I summoned Colonel Reinhard to arrive this afternoon. In order to prevent his detection of an interrogation, I simply gave an order without specifics.”

  Letting out another puff of the cigar, “You are always thinking, Weinhoffer. That is why I like you so. You are dependable. I believe there is going to be an opening for the rank of colonel soon. Would you be interested?”

  The captain snapped to attention, “Of course, sir. It would be a great honor. Thank you, sir.”

  “When the colonel arrives bring him to my office not the interrogation room. I do not want him alarmed. And be sure to get that evidence from Herr Geiger. Although I only want to question him today, I want the proof in my hands when I accuse Colonel Reinhard of treason.”

  “Yes, general.”

  “Dismissed.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Later that afternoon, Captain Weinhoffer and Colonel Reinhard entered the general's office. The general extended a hand to the colonel. “Hello, Colonel. It has been a very long time since we have seen each other. Do sit down.”

  “Thank you, sir. A long time, indeed. I was not told which reports to bring with me, so I apologize for being ill prepared.”

  “I wanted to do you the courtesy of updating you on the progress of your son's murder. Captain Weinhoffer worked diligently to find t
he culprits.”

  “Do you have any leads?”

  “We do. But first, we would like to go over a few things with you, Colonel.” The general cleared his throat, then continued, “We understand you have a rogue agent among your ranks. We want him.”

  “A rogue agent? Impossible. My men are trained very well.”

  The captain then handed the colonel a file, “Jacob Geiger. He has been in your employ for some time now. Was he following your orders when he assassinated the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?”

  The colonel grabbed the file and scanned it. “No, of course not. What proof do you have that he did such a thing?”

  The general ignored the question. “What can you tell us of Jacob Geiger?”

  “He has been under my command for about six or seven months. His sister dated my son. Herr Geiger was not in the country at the time of my son's death, he was in America. What does he have to do with my son's murder?”

  The general then asked, “As per protocol, all new agents must be followed and assessed for the first year. Deliver the manifests of his assignments and all surveillance photographs to me within the hour.”

  The colonel grew suspicious. What are they looking for? Why would they be looking into Geiger? He thought.

  “General, if I may, you are wasting your time investigating Geiger. He is a very low ranking operative. Thus far I have only given him documents to translate. He is unaware of how things work in my division.”

  “Colonel, I did not ask for your opinion. We intercepted a series of telephone calls and a telegram to New York. These messages originated from Nazi Intelligence Headquarters--your office, Colonel. We suspect Herr Geiger was using your office to communicate with enemy operatives. He may even have been planted in your office by the United States to gather intelligence from us.”

  Go after Geiger, what do I care? The colonel thought. But still, that does not answer the question of who killed Johann.

  “Colonel, how did Herr Geiger come to be under your command?”

  “He wanted to help his sister sell her business. I took the opportunity to convince him and his sister to join the party.”