by James Somers
Karlheinz had ordered the doors shut at the Reich Chancellery bunker, also known as the Fuhrerbunker. He turned to his new wife, Eva. They had married only days ago. However, since he had long before assumed the role and life of his leader, Adolf Hitler, she would be known as having married him. Karlheinz had ceased to exist long ago.
He kissed his wife and poured wine for them. She was talking, asking him what they would do now. How long would the Allies be kept at bay here in the bunker? Did he have a means of escape planned?
Karl could only smile and nod, handing her the glass of wine he had prepared for her. She took the glass, looking into his eyes. The noise of battle in Berlin was kept at bay down here.
“Are you sure we shouldn’t leave Germany?” she asked.
Karl sat beside her with a glass of wine in his hand also. “Do you trust me, my love?”
“Of course, darling,” she said.
He closed his eyes, sighing, then opened them again to look at her. “Then do not worry. I have planned our escape.”
Eva nodded, sitting back on the couch. She brought the glass to her lips and drew the wine into her mouth and swallowed. Karl closed his eyes again.
Within seconds, he heard the glass drop from her hands. There was a slight gurgling deep within her throat. Karl did not open his eyes until she became still.
Even then, he did not look at her face. He wanted the final memory of his wife to be of her alive. The poison had twisted her expression. He did not want to see her this way.
He stood and crossed the room. Bombs thumped down upon buildings far across Berlin. The Allies were coming. His Fuhrer’s command had been specific. It was time to obey his master.
He opened his center desk drawer and withdrew his Walther PPK 7.65. He walked back to the sofa, deferring from looking directly at Eva’s drawn figure. He sat upon the couch on her right. Placing the gun to his temple, he fired a single shot.
