Newborn Nazi

by Rhoda D'Ettore

  They are going to kill Colonel Reinhard, Gustav thought. But how did they, and why the wife?

  Jacob let out a deep breath, realizing Alois would now be safe. “We need to call the police. Such a nice old lady.”

  Gustav projected his rage at Jacob, “What did you do? Why? Why did you kill her, too?” He grabbed Jacob's jacket collar and pushed him against the door, lifting him off the ground.

  “I didn't do anything. I was with you. How do you think I could do this?” Jacob rebutted.

  As the doctor gained his composure, he looked around the room. On the desk was an empty pill bottle and a letter signed by Frau Reinhard. The doctor read it aloud.

  Dear Gustav,

  Remember I will always love you. My son loved you, too. I can no longer live without my son, and I refuse to allow his murderer to live either. Yes, my husband killed our son. There is no way I can forgive him. He robbed me of the most precious thing in my life. Please do not think less of me. Johann and I will be looking down on you. My husband placed you in the will long ago, so everything we have will pass to you. Please remember me fondly.

  Love, Katherine

  Gustav fell to the floor in anguish. “Oh dear God, WHY?” Then he crawled to the old woman on the bed. She was already getting cold.

  The butler notified the police and officers soon flooded the house. The guests, servants and doctor all suffered through intensive questioning for hours.

  None of them had any warning the woman would kill her husband and then herself. The police confirmed the letter was written in the wife's handwriting.

  Gustav world shattered as he now grieved for three of the most important people in his life.

  Chapter 48

  Before Edmund awoke, Jacob alerted Hedwig he wanted to talk in the basement. They slowly and quietly descending the steps to enter the secret room.

  “What the hell happened last night?” Jacob demanded. “That old lady chatted with you about recipes and crocheting needles, and the next minute she slashed her husband's throat and swallowed pills?”

  “Shh. Lower your voice, please. I do not appreciate you talking to me in that tone,” Hedwig protested.

  “Oh? Pardon me.” Jacob spat sarcastically. “What did you say to that old woman for her to do that?”

  Hedwig rolled her eyes, “I told her the truth. I told her Colonel Reinhard ordered Fritz to be killed. I sort of insinuated the colonel killed Johann for not finding certain materials in my house.”

  “You insinuated? You insinu--” Jacob was at a loss for words. He threw his hands up in frustration.

  Hedwig raised her brows, “What? I thought the old woman might kill him. I never expected her to kill herself. She was so domineering at times. I thought she would be stronger than that.”

  Jacob pounded a fist against the wall, “You speak so flatly, as if you do not even care.”

  “Of course I care, Jacob. But the woman made her choice. She did not want to live without her only child. That was her decision, not mine.”

  “Could you give me a warning if you ever get mad at me, please? I would like to prevent myself from having my throat slashed,” Jacob gnashed his teeth.

  Hedwig walked to within inches of his face, looking him straight in the eye. “It's done. The man is dead. Now get our brother back.”

  Jacob snarled as Hedwig left him in the room alone. She prepared breakfast for the three of them.

  That afternoon, Jacob called the Hacienda Hotel in Argentina. He asked for the room registered in Alois' fake name. The phone rang, then an unknown voice said, “Do you have something to report, Herr Geiger?”

  “Yes, I do. It is done. Release my brother,” Jacob demanded.

  “When I see it in the newspaper, I will release him. What method did you choose to complete your task?” the voice questioned.

  “What difference does that make?”

  “The difference of whether you are a man or a coward. How was he killed?”

  Jacob groaned. “A straight blade to the throat.”

  “Bravo.” said the raspy voice. “A very honorable way to kill someone. You must have gotten your hands dirty.”

  Jacob rolled his eyes. “I want to speak with Alois.”

  The voice then mocked, “It's a little too late to ask that. You should have asked for that before you completed the mission. That is the first rule of negotiations.”

  Jacob's throat closed. “Are you saying my brother is dead?”

  “No, fool. I'm saying that if you want to play these games, then you need to learn the rules.”

  Jacob clenched his teeth. “I never wanted to play these games. I want out. Give me back my brother and let my family be.”

  “I told you. Once we confirm the colonel's death, we will release your brother. Where do you want him? Argentina, Philadelphia or Germany?”

  Jacob gave a wry laugh, “Does it matter? Is there anywhere you won't be able to find him?”

  A hearty bellow came from the line, “No, Herr Geiger. We are everywhere. Call back in two days for instructions to collect your brother. He will be unharmed.”

  Click.

  The line went dead.

  Jacob thought to himself, I am packing up my things and going back to America. I never want to hear from any of these people again.

  Edmund studied in his bedroom as Hedwig returned from the market. Jacob wrote her a note, “Alois should be released in a couple days.”

  Hedwig nodded. “I bought the ingredients to make my apple strudel you so love.”

  “Gee, thanks,” he was able to get out. He was still quite upset with his sister.

  Two guards pounded on the door. When Jacob answered, he was ordered, “Herr Geiger, you must come with us.”

  Jacob turned to Hedwig, “Doesn't anyone use the telephone in this country? Instead, they just send guards constantly?”

  “Silence. Follow us.” shouted one of the guards.

  Jacob did as he was told. He entered the car, bound for an unknown destination.

  They soon arrived at Gestapo Headquarters, and the guards escorted him inside. The guard at the desk looked at him, “Papers.”

  Jacob shrugged, “I did not bring them with me.”

  “You must have your papers on you at all times.” the guard shouted.

  “You took me from my home without notice. I have been here several times in the past. You obviously know who I am. You brought me here.”

  Before the guard could say another word, the captain came down the hall. “I need to speak with you.” The other guards stood back to allow the two men to continue to the captain's office.

  The captain closed the door behind them. “Where is the evidence you promised us with regard to the colonel?”

  “I told you. I do not have it in this country. It is somewhere safe.”

  The captain sat at the desk. “Herr Geiger, I have suspected a double agent amongst the high ranks for quite some time. I need proof the traitor is indeed Colonel Reinhard so that I may end my investigation.”

  “Sir, I do not know what to tell you. I have it in a safe location outside of this country. I have been unable to make contact with the person who is in possession of it. When I am able to make contact, I will gladly forward it to you.”

  “Herr Geiger, I admit, I did not like you when we first met. I found you pompous and arrogant. However, since that time, I have found you to be a truthful and honorable man.”

  “Thank you, Captain. I can say the same of you.”

  “Colonel Reinhard sent over a file on you and your missions before he was killed. After reviewing it, it appears you told the truth regarding your translations.”

  Jacob nodded. “Yes, that is all I did for months. Then I was told to go to the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.”

  “Colonel Reinhard made no mention of any activities for you in New York at that time.” The captain took a deep breath. “However, I believe what you say. It is well within his character to give you such orders to elim
inate his loose ends.”

  “Does this mean you will stop investigating my family? I assure you, my sister did not kill Lieutenant Reinhard.”

  “That investigation is now closed. With the suicide note of Frau Reinhard, we now believe Colonel Reinhard orchestrated the death of his own son.”

  Jacob let out a deep sigh. A weight had been lifted. “So, captain, please forgive me. Why am I here?”

  The captain offered Jacob a drink, he declined.

  “Herr Geiger, I will be promoted to the rank of colonel and will head the Office of Civilian Affairs. As well as Nazi Intelligence. I want someone like you in my corner. I considered removing Lieutenant Gottlieb from his duties at the school and to bring him under my command.”

  Jacob's eyes widened and his head jerked back.

  “This office has investigated you both extensively. Other than a few sarcastic remarks made by you both, there are no blemishes in your histories. Nothing that could be deemed questionable or dishonorable.”

  Jacob responded, “Captain, I appreciate the offer, but I am not properly trained for such a job. I was asked to translate. That is the extent of my abilities. And I reside in America, what use could I be?”

  The captain laughed, “Oh, you will be properly trained.” He poured himself another glass of whiskey. “And your sarcastic tone will be removed.”

  “Sir, please. This is not for me. Perhaps you could give me some sort of office job. One in which I can translate messages. The Friends of New Germany director in New York offered me a leadership position in Philadelphia. Should I accept, I can use that assignment to report any American Nazi Party activities to you. Things that might be working there to increase party membership, or working with a counterpart here to spread the pro-German initiative.”

  The captain gave a stern look. “Perhaps you misunderstood me? I was not making you an offer. You will become a great asset to the Third Reich.” The captain took a sip from his glass. “Besides, The Friends of New Germany has been abolished. The group failed to meet their objectives. Another America Nazi group will be created with more specific goals.”

  Jacob huffed. He realized he was beaten. He could be trapped in the country, or worse. He rose from his seat, “Is there anything else?”

  “Yes, there is. How is your brother? Alois, is it?”

  Jacob squinted. Why would he ask such a thing? Jacob thought.

  “I will make some calls to get him released. He will be on a ship bound for Philadelphia by tomorrow morning.”

  Jacob's throat tensed. “You?” He cleared his throat. “You held my brother captive?”

  “I had to test you. I needed to see if you would follow orders. You might not have completed the task, but you intended to do so.”

  Jacob stood and clenched his fists, “I am not interested in being involved in such intrigues.”

  The captain laughed, then slammed his fist on the desk. Through gnashed teeth he declared, “And I am not interested in your lack of interest. Now sit down.”

  Jacob plopped into his chair. “So tell me. How long did you manipulate this game?”

  “My old friend used to work with Fritz. He suspected Colonel Reinhard was involved in Fritz's death. My friend was the contact who was supposed to meet you at the Hacienda Hotel. He asked permission to have Colonel Reinhard executed. I could not do so myself. However, I would not stand in the way of anyone willing to complete the task. My friend took the proof from your brother, so I knew you were telling the truth about the Prime Minister's relationship with the colonel.”

  Jacob shook his head, “But why me? Why did you choose me to do it?”

  The captain shrugged. “Why not you? I knew Fritz had the proof against Colonel Reinhard. We needed you to give it to us.” The captain walked around the room, enjoying his power. “We had the ability to coerce you. Plus, you had already proven you could kill on command. You did so with the Prime Minister.”

  “So you did know I killed the Prime Minister.” Jacob shifted in his chair. All his hopes and dreams of a bright future for Germany and the world in general, shattered. “Now what?”

  “Of course I knew. We at the Gestapo know everything. Now you return to Philadelphia. You retain your dual citizenship, and you continue to translate. On occasion your counterpart here may contact you to perform some assignments. Some may be a solitary effort, while others may be a joint venture with your counterpart.”

  “May I ask, who is this counterpart?”

  The captain picked up the telephone, “Send him in.”

  In walked Gustav. “Sir, you wanted to see me?”

  “I have something to discuss with you both.”

  Gustav stared daggers into Jacob as his blood boiled. “Does this have anything to do with Herr Geiger's plan to assassinate Colonel Reinhard, sir? I still believe he was involved in the incident.”

  “Ah. So you knew of this? When did you find out?”

  Gustav stood at attention, facing forward. “Only last night, sir. I wanted to wait to report it until I had investigated the matter, sir.”

  The captain clapped and shouted with excitement, “At ease Lieutenant, at ease. Both of you, come. Share a drink with me.”

  Gustav and Jacob both looked at each other, nervously.

  “I said come. You two are going to forge an alliance that will bolster the Third Reich into a reign of one thousand years.”

  Jacob questioned, “Sir, I do not understand. He just made a serious accusation against me to you, and now you want us to be partners?”

  The captain laughed, “He just proved to me that he can be trusted. He will inform me of any wrinkles. And you sir, you proved you can be trusted. You can be coerced to perform missions. Together, you can be a great resource for the Fatherland.”

  Gustav interjected, “Sir, I have come into information that Herr Geiger conspired to murder an SS Colonel. Does that not concern you?”

  “Not any longer.” The captain walked to Gustav and rested a hand on his shoulder. “I tested you both. You both passed. That is all you need to know.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The captain poured them all drinks. “We shall drink to the health of the Fuehrer and the prosperity of the Third Reich.” They all raised their classes in unison then gulped their drinks.

  Once the meeting was concluded, Jacob and Gustav left Gestapo Headquarters. “Come, I will give you a ride back to Hedwig's home,” Gustav said as he climbed into his car.

  Jacob nervously nodded. After a brief silence, he asked, “Gustav, I thought we were becoming friends. How could you think I could possibly be involved with murdering the colonel? And especially his wife?”

  Gustav parked the car and turned to him. “These are strange times, my friend. The Reinhards were like family to me and finding them dead like that truly affected me. Being an SS officer, blood and death is common place, but not of one's family.” He looked down, almost as if in shame. “Please forgive me. For a moment, I became something I never thought I would be. Perhaps there is some of Johann in me after all.”

  Jacob observed true sincerity in Gustav's eyes. “What made you think I was involved with the death of the colonel?”

  “Your brother, Edmund. He overheard you and Hedwig speaking of the colonel. Although fifteen, he is still a child. He wants to please me as his instructor and wants to prove himself loyal to the Fatherland. He and his classmates do not understand the world around them yet.” Gustav let out a sigh.

  Jacob placed a hand on Gustav's shoulder, “I do not understand the world around us either.”

  Gustav gave a weak smile to his friend, “Edmund heard wrong. And he will be instructed to report all family infractions to me. In the event he hears something the wrong way again, it can be investigated properly.”

  The SS officer then shifted in his seat and started the car once again. “This is not the Germany I once loved. This is not the Germany I wanted to die for,” he mumbled.

  Jacob's eyes scrolled over the man. Co
uld he be trusted, or was this an attempt to ruse him into wrong doing? Jacob remained quiet the rest of the drive home.

  The car stopped in front of Hedwig's house, but Gustav grabbed Jacob's arm before he could get out. “We need to be able to work together and trust each other.”

  Jacob apprehensively nodded, then asked, “Why don't you come by for dinner tonight? Hedwig usually makes me apple strudel when I visit. It is the best thing you will ever taste.”

  Gustav agreed, then drove off.

  Chapter 49

  Jacob crashed through the front door of Hedwig's home. “Hedwig. Edmund. Where are you? It's over.”

  Hedwig came from the kitchen as Edmund came flying down the stairs. Hedwig inquired, “What are you so excited about?”

  Jacob picked her up and spun her around, “It's over. The investigations are over. Our lives can return again.” He kissed his sister on the cheek.

  Edmund smiled, “Does this mean I do not have to go back to the youth camp?”

  Jacob tousled Edmund's hair. “No, you still have to go to school. But, even though I will be returning to Philadelphia, I will be visiting from time to time. That means we will be able to go fishing more often.”

  “I'd like that.” Edmund asked, “Can you two please stop talking about killing people?”

  Hedwig and Jacob looked at each other with wide eyes. Hedwig then said, “Edmund, you must learn to understand the difference between an expression and a literal meaning. I have often said that I wanted to kill Jacob, but he is still standing here, isn't he?”

  Jacob kissed her on the cheek, “Thanks, sis. I love you, too.”

  Hedwig winked then turned to Edmund, “Go wash up and get changed before dinner.” Edmund climbed the stairs.

  Jacob pointed to the basement door, and the two siblings headed for the secret room. Hedwig closed the door behind them, “What happened?”

  “The colonel has been replaced by Captain Weinhoffer, the one who interrogated you and Edmund. He is basically forcing Gustav and I to become partners in Nazi Intelligence.”