Newborn Nazi

by Rhoda D'Ettore

“So you recruited him yourself?”

  “Yes, General. I found him to be an honorable man and wanted to use his bilingual abilities for translations. Having lived in America for a few years, he is well versed in English.”

  The general and captain looked at each other.

  “Also, Colonel. I want any information you have about Lieutenant Gustav Gottlieb compiled in a report by the end of the day.”

  The colonel wrinkled his brow, “Lieutenant Gustav Gottlieb? Now he is a suspect in my son's murder as well?”

  “This shocks you, Colonel?” the captain asked.

  “Yes it does. He attended my party the night of Johann's murder. He and his girlfriend were both at my house at the time it occurred. And my report of everything I know about Gottlieb would be more like a book. I have known the man the whole of his life. What makes you suspect him?”

  The captain displayed pictures of Hedwig and Gustav holding each other at the train station. “It appears as though your son was involved in a love triangle. Perhaps Lieutenant Gottlieb was enraged at your son's engagement and killed your son out of passion.”

  The colonel looked at the pictures with disgust and pushed them away. After a few seconds, he reconsidered, “He consoled her. The woman was distraught.”

  The captain laughed, “Do you really believe that colonel? After all, it was you who turned Frau Schultz into the Gestapo. You reported what Fraulein Heidi Hapsburg claimed to have overheard.”

  “I was in mourning and not rational. Just as this dear girl is in mourning. She and Gottlieb are friends, nothing more.”

  “Say what you like. Colonel. But we have many pictures such as these. They appear to be more than friends. Within the hour, I want the files on Herr Geiger. By the end of the day, I want a written report on Lieutenant Gottlieb.”

  “Yes, General.” The colonel stood.

  “One more question, Colonel. Why did you personally submit a list of names for the Hitler Youth Specialty Division about a year ago?”

  “General, I would have to check my notes, sir.”

  Why are they asking this? How would they know? He then realized, Gustav. Gustav told them.

  “Dismissed.”

  The colonel left the room, and the general turned back to the captain. “Let them all suspect each other. They will either kill each other or report the truth. Either way, it is less work for us.”

  The captain poured drinks for both of them. “Why don't we just shoot them all and get it over with?”

  The general broke out into a deep laughter. “My good friend, no one could accuse you of being a sentimental fool.”

  Chapter 45

  Jacob pulled Hedwig into the secret room.

  “I made a huge mistake. I do not know what to do,” Jacob said while pacing.

  “Tell me,” Hedwig waited for a reply.

  Jacob stopped. One hand rested on his hip, one massaging his temples. “They have Alois. They have the evidence. And they want me to kill the colonel.”

  Hedwig's eyes went narrow, unsure whether to hit her brother or hug him. “Who has Alois? Who is 'they'?”

  “I don't know. I do not understand any of this.” Jacob exclaimed with frustration.

  After a moment, Hedwig replied, “Killing the colonel crossed my mind several times. It isn't a bad idea.”

  How did my sister become the person before me? Killing people at will? Jacob thought, She should be an SS Officer.

  “They have our brother. Did you hear me?” Jacob shouted.

  “Yes, I heard you. Any louder and the Gestapo will hear you, too.” Hedwig took a deep breath. “If you kill the colonel, they will release Alois?”

  Jacob raised an eyebrow, “So they say. Whoever 'they' are.”

  Hedwig flatly responded, “Then kill the colonel.” After a long silence she added, “Or I could.”

  Jacob erupted, “Haven't we as a family committed enough murders as of late?”

  As Hedwig and Jacob conversed, Edmund entered the home. He noticed the basement door open as he walked to the kitchen for a snack. Curious, he followed the steps down.

  He searched the room and saw nothing. As he turned to ascend the steps once more, he noticed a light coming from under the wall. He approached it suspiciously.

  The door was not completely closed and he could hear the muffled words of his brother and sister arguing. One line he understood clearly, “Colonel Reinhard must die.”

  Edmund's eyes grew wide. He sneaked back up the steps, hoping his presence was not revealed. He grabbed an apple from the table then darted to his room. “They are conspiring to kill the colonel. How do I not report that as an infraction?” Edmund grumbled.

  Jacob and Hedwig soon emerged from the basement. After a few moments, the telephone rang. Hedwig answered to find Colonel Reinhard on the other end. “Yes, Colonel? What can I do for you?”

  Jacob's eyes widened at the mention of the colonel's name.

  “I am not sure what Jacob has planned for tonight. Can I return your call, please?” After a pause, she replied, “I understand. Thank you, sir. We will be there.”

  “We will be there? Where? What did you just agree to?” Jacob demanded.

  “The colonel arranged a dinner party tonight. Johann's birthday is drawing near, and he thought it would lighten his wife's spirits to have friends around her.”

  Friends, Jacob thought. What a joke.

  Jacob wrote on a notepad the words, “Something is amiss.”

  Hedwig spoke the words, “No need now for me to prepare dinner tonight.” She wrote the words “We're going” on the notepad.

  Edmund descended the stairs as his siblings continued talking.

  Hedwig tilted her head, “When did you get home? I didn't hear you come in? How was your week?”

  “You and Jacob were talking in the basement when I got home,” Edmund informed them.

  Hedwig and Jacob nervously looked at each other.

  Edmund then stated, “I was instructed to attend a dinner party at Colonel Reinhard's home tonight. Are we going?”

  Hedwig responded, “I'm sorry, but the invitation did not include you. I do not want to be rude and bring you with us if they are not expecting you.”

  Edmund nodded his head. “I did not make myself clear. I was given an order to attend, not an invitation. Please let me know when you are ready.” Edmund climbed the stairs again. “I will be in my room studying.”

  Hedwig wrote on her notepad, “Do you think he heard us in the basement?”

  Jacob shrugged.

  Hedwig wrote, “How do we not take him?”

  Jacob shrugged again.

  Shaking her head, she then wrote, “You are a big help. Thanks.”

  “Why don't you find something to wear to dinner. Let me iron it for you.”

  Jacob shook his head, and spoke, “Thank you.'” On the notepad he wrote, “I don't like this.”

  Then Jacob stormed away.

  Chapter 46

  The three siblings arrived at the Reinhard home as requested. The butler opened the door and escorted them to the living room.

  Frau Reinhard embraced Hedwig. “Hello, dear. It is so good to see you. We have not seen much of each other in the past few weeks. Do sit down.” The older woman pulled Hedwig to the sofa.

  After the women sat, Edmund and Jacob sat as well. The butler then made another announcement. “Lieutenant Gottlieb and Fraulein Hapsburg.”

  Hedwig's neck craned toward the door. She could not believe her eyes. Heidi and Gustav had reunited.

  Heidi rushed to Hedwig, kissing her on each cheek. “How are you, Schatzi? You are looking very well.”

  Bewildered, Hedwig replied, “As well as can be expected.”

  The colonel entered the room. “I see you have all arrived. Thank you so much for attending.”

  Gustav thought, It's not like I had a choice. You even ordered me to bring Heidi.

  The men all gathered in the smoking room while the women remained in the living
room.

  Frau Reinhard questioned Heidi, “Where have you been, child? Gustav has visited here a few times without you. Is all well with you?”

  Heidi blushed, “Gustav and I had a little disagreement. We have made amends, however.”

  Frau Reinhard patted her on the hand, “Young love is sometimes tumultuous. But when it is right, it always works out. Do not fret, my dear.”

  Hedwig glared at Heidi with contempt. Then she batted her eyes and said, “With any luck, Gustav will propose to you as Johann did me.” She extended her hand for all to admire the engagement ring she placed on her finger before the dinner party. “I just can't bear the thought of taking it off. This is my last connection to Johann.”

  Frau Reinhard wrapped her arms around Hedwig. “My dear, we all miss him so. With his birthday drawing near, it is difficult to not think of him more.” Hedwig buried her head into the older woman's shoulder.

  Heidi lost interest when she realized she was no longer the center of attention. She headed into the smoking room toward the group of men who pretended to enjoy each other.

  Once Heidi was away, Hedwig looked into Frau Reinhard's eyes. “There is something I must tell you. I know who killed your son—and why.”

  The older woman's eyes grew wide with anticipation.

  Heidi approached the men and linked arms with Gustav. “How are my favorite men doing this evening?”

  The colonel looked her over, “My dear, you look more lovely each time I see you. No wonder this young officer fell so deeply in love with you.”

  Heidi giggled, but Gustav was stiff. The colonel wanted to observe Gustav's reaction. He was trying to gauge whether there was any truth to the allegations that Gustav was also seeing Hedwig.

  The colonel prodded further, “Perhaps this home can once again be filled with joy. When the wedding bells toll for the two of you, I insist the festivities be held in this house.”

  Heidi was elated, “Oh thank you, Colonel. This is such an honor.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

  Gustav shook the colonel's hand. “Thank you, sir. Although we have not yet discussed such things, I greatly appreciate your offer.”

  Edmund grimaced. He had a crush on Heidi for as long as he could remember. At least he is a decent man, Edmund thought.

  Edmund interrupted the conversation. “Lieutenant Gottlieb, may we speak privately, please?” Jacob raised an eyebrow.

  Gustav was relieved to deviate from the conversation of marriage. “Of course, Geiger. We can take a walk in the garden. With the colonel's permission, of course.”

  “Permission granted. It allows me to be captivated by this lovely woman for a bit longer.”

  Jacob asked, “Heidi, how is your family? I have not seen them in quite some time.”

  Heidi went on endlessly, but Jacob was not listening. His eyes followed Edmund and Gustav.

  Once in the garden, Edmund stated, “Lieutenant, I have something to report. However, I am conflicted as it involves my family.”

  I don't want to hear this, I have had enough with reporting loved ones, Gustav thought.

  “Edmund, when you make a report, I want you to carefully consider what evidence you have found or observed. Often things are a big misunderstanding, and it wastes the time of the investigating officers. The misunderstandings often detract necessary time away from valid infractions.”

  Edmund nodded. “I understand, sir. I know of a plan, and I would feel guilty if it actually happened. Other things happened I could not stop. But this I can. Sir, you are a good man, and a good officer. I am confident you will know what to do.”

  Gustav examined the boy's face. He does look upset and confused, Gustav thought.

  “What is it that you have to report? And what evidence do you have?”

  Edmund hesitated. “Hedwig and Jacob discussed plans to murder Colonel Reinhard, sir.”

  Gustav took a deep breath. This was not the report he was expecting. “Have you told anyone else of this?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Geiger, do you have any physical evidence? Any messages or anything of that nature?”

  “No, sir.”

  “What exactly did you overhear?”

  “It was muffled, sir. From another room, I was able to hear they wanted to kill the colonel. That is all I could understand.”

  “Which one said it?”

  “Sir, they both did at different points of the conversation. The voices got further and then closer as if they paced. That is why I did not hear all of it.”

  Gustav thought, he is doing what he was taught, I should be proud. He placed his hand on Edmund's shoulder, “Tell no one what we have discussed. I will take care of this matter.”

  Edmund smiled. “Thank you, sir. I still feel guilty for not reporting other things in the past. Bad things resulted. I could not let this go without a report, sir.”

  “Explain yourself,” Gustav ordered.

  Edmund shifted nervously, “Hedwig told me she was going to kill Lieutenant Reinhard. She said since you were a good man, she wouldn't kill you.”

  Gustav's heart sank. Thinking Hedwig killed him to protect herself when he was in a rage was more bearable than premeditated murder.

  “I didn't stop her, and now he is dead. I did not want to be responsible for another death, sir.”

  Gustav put a hand on the boy's shoulder, “You did well, Geiger. Tell no one until I investigate.” And get used to people dying, kid.

  Edmund and Gustav returned to the smoking room. The colonel, Jacob, and Heidi still chatted. Some time later, the butler entered the room and announced dinner was served. Frau Reinhard entered the room, visibly shaken.

  The colonel shouted, “Darling, you do not look well. Do you need a doctor?”

  Half supported by Hedwig's arm, the older woman stumbled to the table. “It is not a doctor I need. It is my son I need back. I want my son back.” The woman broke down crying.

  The colonel ordered, “Gustav, ring for your father at once.” Gustav complied.

  The colonel approached his wife, “Darling, you must accept his death. I'm sorry we must endure this pain, but you must remember Johann would not want you upset. He died a hero, protecting the woman he loved.” The colonel glanced at Hedwig and Gustav to observe their reactions.

  “Frau Reinhard, with your permission, may I carry you to your bedchamber? I think it best for you to rest. We can gather on another night when you are feeling better.”

  The woman touched Gustav's face, “My dear boy, you have always been like a second son to me. Know that no matter what the future brings, I will love you always.” Gustav kissed the older woman's face and swept her up into his arms.

  “Goodnight my friends. I am sorry I am unable to continue tonight.”

  Heidi followed behind Gustav, “I shall help you dress into proper lounging attire.”

  Jacob worried his sister was responsible. They all liked the old lady. “I wonder what that was about? Has she been ill lately, colonel?”

  Forgetting all suspicion and plotting, the colonel responded, “Johann was our only child. She is not taking his death well. She cannot sleep and when she does, she has nightmares.”

  Hedwig replied, “It is understandable. I could not imagine losing a child. Poor, dear.”

  Gustav emerged, “Heidi is assisting Frau Reinhard into her lounging attire. I think she just needs some rest.”

  “Perhaps we should return on another night. Frau Reinhard is a lovely woman, and we all wish her the best,” Jacob suggested. Heidi skipped down the stairs, wanting to hear the conversation.

  The colonel responded, “Nonsense. The meal is already prepared. The servers are ready. I will adjourn for the night with my wife, but you all must stay and enjoy dinner. It would be a pity to let the food spoil. I insist.”

  Heidi then blurted out, “Thank you, colonel. That is very generous of you. It does indeed appear to be a delicious looking spread.”

  The colonel r
equested, “Gustav, dear boy. When your father arrives, please send him to our bedchamber.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  They all said their good nights to the older man before he climbed the stairs.

  Gustav encouraged the group to dine, “Well, shall we eat?” Hedwig took notice of Gustav's lack of interest in Heidi. However, Heidi did not seem to notice. She draped on him every chance she got.

  They all sat and indulged in the meal. They had no idea what the night would bring.

  Chapter 47

  During the third dinner course, Doctor Gottlieb arrived. He entered the dining room, “I apologize for being late. Frau Strotbek delivered twins. Good strong children they are, too.”

  “Thank you for coming as quickly as possible, Father. Both Colonel and Frau Reinhard have retired to their bedchamber. I was instructed to ask you to go straight up, please,” Gustav stated.

  The doctor climbed the stairs as the guests chatted, speculating on the health of Frau Reinhard.

  Edmund's words kept repeating through Gustav's mind. They are going to kill Colonel Reinhard. Heidi carried on endlessly about the new decor of the dining room, but Gustav's mind was preoccupied.

  He offered nothing toward a conversation, but Heidi was oblivious to that fact. Then a shout came from upstairs, “Gustav. Come quick. Hurry.”

  Gustav raced up the stairs, followed by the rest of the guests. Gustav and Jacob entered the room to a ghastly sight. Jacob closed the door before the others could enter, “This is not something you want to see.”

  On the bed lay both Colonel Reinhard and his wife—dead.

  The colonel's throat was sliced with a straight razor which lay on the floor, covered with blood. Still donning his full dress uniform, his hands lay folded on his stomach. Next to him lay his wife with no obvious wounds. Her hands were also neatly folded on her stomach.

  Jacob and Gustav looked at the doctor and asked in unison, “What happened?”

  The doctor staggered to a chair in anguish. “He was one of my oldest friends. How could this happen?”

  Gustav paced the floor, “This is not possible. No one else ascended the stairs. The dining room is in full view of the staircase. How could this be?”