Newborn Nazi

by Rhoda D'Ettore

  Hedwig's eyes got wide, “What about Alois? Did you think about our brother at all or was securing a job position your goal?”

  “Alois should be released tomorrow and will be headed back to Philadelphia. The investigation against you has been closed. Can I get a little appreciation?” Jacob's face lost all excitement. “But....We need to discuss Edmund. He cannot be trusted. He overheard us down here and reported us to Gustav. You must watch what you say around him. His mind is being twisted by these people.”

  Hedwig's face distorted, “He reported us? What did he say?”

  “It does not matter. Just be careful around him in the future.”

  “I'm actually glad you are advancing in Nazi Intelligence. Perhaps now you can find the information we need to destroy those death camps.”

  Jacob grabbed his sister by both elbows and began shaking her, “Would you forget about those damn camps? I'm satisfied we are all still alive. These past months have been nothing but sheer terror for me.” He pushed her against the wall and shook his head.

  Hedwig slapped her brother across the face.

  “Never, ever lay your hands on me. You are not immune to the edge of a blade, Jacob. And you know I can do it.”

  Jacob huffed and grabbed his head, “What the hell is happening here? Are you threatening me?”

  Hedwig gave him a cold, hard stare. “This is the world we live in now, Jacob. You can either learn to like it or you can fight to stop it. Which do you choose?”

  Jacob paused. He examined his sister closely. “I think I'm more afraid of you than any Gestapo officer.”

  “You need to choose.”

  Jacob realized the time and walked to the door. “Speaking of officers, Gustav is coming for dinner tonight. We thought it best we become better acquainted since we are going to be working together.” Just before he opened the door, he turned back to Hedwig. “Do you think you could try not killing him?”

  She shot back, “Do you think you can try to gather information on the death camps?”

  He finally surrendered. “Yes. I will try. But I am not sure how much I can get. Perhaps with some time I will learn enough to try to figure out what all these files and papers in this room mean.”

  She released her stare. “Good.”

  Jacob added, “But it is going to take time. I am not going to be able to get the information immediately.”

  “Then learn to use your time wisely, brother. The longer it takes, the more lives are at stake,” Hedwig advised.

  Jacob shook his head, “This family is amazing. A Nazi spy. A future SS officer with Edmund. A brother in America oblivious to everything. And a sister who would kill us all.”

  She retorted, “At least I never murdered the fish. When Papa took me fishing, I threw them back.” She wrinkled her nose, making fun of him.

  They both laughed.

  “Can we please try to live through the end of the week? Please? We can discuss camps next week.”

  “Fair enough, Jacob. But we will discuss those camps.”

  Hedwig headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner for their friend.

  Several hours later, Gustav arrived with a bottle of wine under one arm and a manila envelope full of papers under the other.

  Jacob greeted his new partner, “Welcome. And you come bearing gifts. I knew I liked you.”

  Gustav and Jacob shook hands, “The wine is for your sister, but the envelope is for you. It is full of our first official orders as a team.”

  Edmund bounced down the stairs, then snapped to attention at the sight of Gustav, “Heil Hitler.”

  Gustav responded in kind, and glanced at Jacob and Hedwig before ordering Edmund, “Step outside, Geiger. We need to discuss some things.”

  Hedwig wrung the dishcloth in her hands, fearing what might come next. Edmund left first and Gustav raised a hand of reassurance.

  Once outside, Gustav ordered the boy, “Geiger, you are to be commended on your earlier report to me of your suspicions regarding your siblings. I took this information straight to my captain who investigated it thoroughly. Any corrective action necessary will be left to him.”

  With shoulders back and head forward, Edmund replied, “Thank you, sir. But I did only what I was ordered to do, for the good of Germany.”

  “From this moment on, I demand you make all familial reports of infractions to me. My unique relationship with your family will make it easy for me to investigate the matter and determine proper course.”

  “Yes, of course, sir. As you wish.”

  Gustav inspected the boy, “Is there anything else you have to report? Any infractions you have not told me? Anything at all?” Gustav got closer to the boy and towered over him.

  Edmund raised his eyes to meet Gustav's, “Lieutenant Gottlieb, sir? Out of loyalty to my family, I did not tell you about the secret room.”

  “Geiger, someone is coming. I will make a mental note of it and ask you about it again later.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Secret rooms? Murder plots? Maybe this kid is better off in the SS than with his family, Gustav thought.

  Edmund and Gustav entered the house again, and Gustav nodded to Jacob when their eyes met. “Jacob, did you get a chance to review the documents in our orders?” Gustav inquired.

  Jacob opened the envelope and skimmed over the information. He did not understand the importance of such documents, but figured he was going to have to learn. “These are American companies. I do not understand. What is their significance?”

  “In due time, my friend. In due time. For now, I wish to enjoy the famous apple strudel this family boasts about so frequently.”

  The four of them sat and chatted as they enjoyed their meal. For the first time in over a year, the stress was lifted from the family. Hedwig even enjoyed Gustav's company and was no longer afraid of him. Gradually though, she grew concerned for Edmund.

  Chapter 50

  Jacob returned to the United States and quickly ran to the apartment he shared with Alois. He burst through the door, “Alois. Alois. Where are you?”

  Alois marched up to Jacob and punched him square in the jaw. Jacob's head flung back. “Wait. Wait. It's all over. Stop. I'm so happy to see you.” Jacob shouted, trying to reach for his brother.

  Alois had reached his limit of patience and threw another punch. “Oh, I'm happy to see you as well. Happy I get to hurt you.”

  Jacob fell to the floor.

  “Get up. Get up. Come on. Fight me.” Alois held his fists in a defensive position. “It's because of you that I was held prisoner for close to a month, not knowing if I was going to get killed.”

  Jacob staggered to his feet, “No, it wasn't my fault. I tried my best to get you released.”

  “I want you out of this apartment. I don't care where you go, I want you out. I am an American, and I don't want a Nazi spy living with me. If you attempt to contact me again, I shall report you to the FBI.”

  “Oh, no, not you too. I already have one brother who keeps telling the government what I am doing, can you just calm down, please?”

  Jacob tried to embrace Alois, but the brother pushed him back. “I'm not deviating from my statement. I want you gone.”

  “Alois, please. We are the only family we have here. Please calm down.”

  “Jacob, I do not know in what kind of world you have found yourself, but I want no part of it. I will not lose my home nor my life for you.”

  Jacob exploded, “And you think I did any of this willingly? I was ordered to kill a man for your safe return, and this is the thanks I get? What gratitude. You're welcome.”

  Alois laughed, “Oh, don't worry. I was informed of how you killed for me... or should I say how our sister manipulated an old lady to kill for me. I'll send Hedwig some flowers and a card with my thanks.”

  Jacob squinted, “So what is it that angers you? That we got into this mess, or that I wasn't the one who killed the guy?”

  “All of it. I'm furious and terrified, and I h
ad no involvement whatsoever.

  “I understand, Alois. Do you really think I wanted any of this? It was a crazy set of circumstances, and it is all behind us now.”

  The younger brother looked up, “Is it? What part is behind us? The part where you are a spy? The part where I can get kidnapped and killed? The part where you get arrested for murdering a foreign diplomat? Tell me, Jacob, which of these is it?”

  “Alois, I need to live day by day. Our sister refuses to leave Germany. Our brother is following every doctrine of the Nazi regime, including reporting violations of family members. I am being forced to work for Nazi Intelligence, and why? All because you, yes you brother answered the phone when Hedwig called to say Fritz died. You were the one who asked me to go and help her with my contacts. So there you have it. It's all your fault.”

  The two brothers laughed. Then Alois explained, “You remember what they did to Richard Hauptmann for the Lindbergh kidnapping? That man was tried and convicted in the press, then killed. This country is not fond of German born immigrants, regardless of what the Statue of Liberty says.”

  Jacob rolled his eyes, “The man kidnapped one of the most famous babies in the world. A rich baby, what did you expect?”

  “Maybe he did, maybe he didn't. You, my brother, did kill the leader of an allied country. What do you expect will happen to you?”

  Jacob knew he was right. “I'm going to get cleaned up, then I'm going to bed. If you want me to move, I will.”

  Alois mumbled, “I don't know what I want.”

  Jacob then left the room.

  Chapter 51

  After Jacob took Alois' feelings into consideration, he realized it would be wise to protect himself from the American government. He got off a bus in front of the Federal Building in Philadelphia.

  When Jacob approached the window of the FBI office, he stated, “I am Jacob Geiger and I work for Nazi Intelligence. I wish to negotiate my surrender and work for you.”

  A group of agents came to the waiting room and surrounded him. One stepped forward, “Herr Geiger, I am Special Agent Speichter of the Espionage Division.”

  Jacob's eyes widened, “You are German.”

  “So I am. So are you,” replied the agent.

  In their native German tongue, Special Agent Speichter told Jacob he would be fingerprinted, photographed and questioned. He was ordered to go with the other agents until Speichter returned.

  Jacob was held in the interrogation room for more than 36 hours. Eight different agents questioned him as he spewed out the entire story repeatedly. He admitted everything, including the assassination of the Prime Minister and the kidnapping of Alois. He spoke of Prescott Bush and the Bank of Manhattan as well as his role in translating documents.

  Finally, Special Agent Speichter entered the room. “Herr Geiger, you admit you killed the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “You admit you conspired to kill an SS colonel?”

  “Conspired, but he was killed before I had any involvement.”

  “Would you like to confess to sinking the Titanic as well?”

  Jacob squinted, “Pardon me?”

  “Herr Geiger, I believe you have wasted our time. You have spun an incredible tale but have produced no proof.”

  “I had proof of the colonel and Prime Minister's involvement, but the kidnappers took it.”

  The agent laughed, “Then you have no evidence.” The agent threw his files on the desk. “Why did you come here?”

  Jacob looked around, “Honestly? Because I do not want to be executed. I was forced into Nazi Intelligence, but I want to use the information I acquire for the good of America. There is nothing good in Germany anymore.”

  The agent nodded in agreement. “Tell me of these death camps your sister spoke of. Do you have names of cities? Do you have names of officers involved in organizing them?”

  “No, but if I can get that information, can you stop them?”

  The agent tapped his fingers on the table, “I can try. But I need more than what you are telling me.”

  Jacob nodded.

  “Tell me, what sort of assignment are you working on now?”

  Jacob explained, “They gave me a list of American companies that want permits and licenses to build in Germany. I am supposed to monitor their stocks and any newspaper articles about the companies. My reports are supposed to determine whether they will be permitted to build factories in Germany.”

  The agent then opened a file, “Is it possible these companies could be building more than just factories?”

  Puzzled, Jacob asked, “What do you mean?”

  The agent responded, “Well, it occurred to me the camps need to be built and funded. Is it possible any of these companies are offering to provide assistance in building of these camps in exchange for something else? Something like permits?”

  Jacob had not considered that. He never considered Americans would be involved in anything as devious as death camps. “What do you need?”

  “Documents, contracts or other definitive evidence that American companies or individuals are behind the construction.”

  Jacob moved to the edge of his seat. “You believe me about the camps?”

  “Yes, Jacob. I believe you. You are not the first to sit in that chair telling the FBI about them. However, no one has ever produced proof in any way.”

  “If I get the proof, what can be done about my situation of what I did in New York? The Prime Minister?”

  “I am not concerned with the death of foreign dignitaries. I am concerned with American companies that defraud the American government or make alliances with enemy countries. And you remember this, Germany will present itself as an enemy country soon enough.”

  “I believe she will.”

  The agent inquired, “Do you have a list of the companies involved?”

  Jacob felt more confident now, “Yes, I do. I wanted to do my research and eventually go back to Germany in a few months. I need time to sift through the files of my late brother-in-law.”

  “I am going to write down my phone number for you. When you receive any pertinent information, I want you to either call me or come here to the office. Keep me abreast of all of your comings and goings. And tell no one we have spoken.”

  The two men stood as the agent stretched out his hand, “Welcome to the FBI, Herr Geiger. You are now a double agent.”

  Great. Just what I always wanted, my mother would be so proud. Jacob thought to himself.

  Special Agent Speichter then added, “Tell Alois he can stop worrying now.”

  I didn't tell him Alois was worried, Jacob thought. How do I get away from all these people?

  Chapter 52

  A few months had passed since Jacob returned to Philadelphia, but Gustav continued to stop by and visit Hedwig and Edmund. Edmund received more and more leave from school to spend at home.

  Gustav knocked on the door of Hedwig's home, and she was pleasantly surprised to find him standing there. “How are you? Come in, please.”

  “No, I can't. But I need to speak with you. Come to my car.”

  Hedwig did not hesitate. She assumed it was some secret message, and they needed to speak at the train station.

  When they got to the car door, Gustav opened it to display a new radio on the front seat. “It's yours. I know Edmund has been annoying you to get one. I was able to find this one for a good price.”

  “Oh, no. I mustn't. It's too expensive.”

  Gustav picked up the radio from the front seat and headed toward the door of the house. “Your cooking is worth dozens of these radios.”

  Hedwig followed behind him, “But, still. Let me pay you for it.”

  When he reached the living room, he asked, “Where do you want me to place it? Where is there an electrical outlet?”

  “There, on that table.”

  Gustav placed it down and tuned in to a speech of the Fuehrer. They looked at each other, then shook t
heir heads. He quickly turned the dial and found a soothing, slow melody.

  The tall attractive man bowed, then asked, “May I have this dance, young lady?”

  “Why yes, sir, you may.” Hedwig smiled as the officer twirled her around. He brought her in close. “Edmund is going to be so excited. All he talks about is getting a radio.”

  “I know. Even at school, he is constantly asking the other boys about the programs and music in their homes.”

  Gustav brought Hedwig in close, holding one hand in his, with the other around her back. She rested her head on his chest and sighed, “Wouldn't it be wonderful if life was always like this? Just listening to music and laughing?”

  “It could be.”

  Hedwig laughed, “Yeah, if we were characters in a book. Life might turn out to be all happiness and flowers with music.”

  “You are so cynical.” He twirled her again and looked into her eyes.

  “I have come to enjoy our visits. You have become a good friend.”

  “Friend...” he said softly.

  Hedwig pulled back, “I'm sorry. You expected more?”

  Still holding her hand as she pulled away, he responded, “No, of course not. The word 'friend' made me think of a good friend who is long gone.”

  Hedwig twisted her mouth as she reached for him. “All this time you have never mentioned him. I have been thoughtless, I apologize. He was indeed your friend, regardless of my feelings for him.”

  “Come here,” he whispered as he pulled her closer. “There is something I never told you.”

  Hedwig looked into his eyes, and softly asked, “What is it?”

  Gustav's grip got tighter around her waist and looking into her eyes he said, “Edmund told me the truth. You planned on murdering my friend, and it was not self defense.” Panic filled Hedwig's eyes as she tried to squirm from Gustav's grip. “Stop. I have known for a long time. It doesn't matter. You had your reasons. But you and I have become so close that I did not want any secrets between us.”

  Gustav kept leading the two of them in a dance. Hedwig was unsure how to react. “Is there anything else you wish to tell me?” she asked.