BERLIN

by Paul Grant

  Klaus was upright now, his arms out in front of him touching the face, trying to get out. More than a metre above his outstretched arms, the bars meant he couldn’t go anywhere, even if he could climb. His mind returned to why he was in this frozen wasteland in the first place. It was hard to fathom the chain of events which had transported him here. He felt anger, frustration, many emotions which were impossible to cope with.

  Klaus Schultz closed his eyes and let out a deep cry of anguish.

  ***

  It was dark. Klaus had no idea of the time. He was doing his very best to ward off the cold. Every so often, he would stand, stretch his legs, back and arms. He knew he had to stay positive, but given the circumstances that wasn’t easy.

  It must have been on the tenth occasion he stood and stretched his neck upwards that he saw Hans Vogel’s friendly face peeping through the grilles.

  ‘What the hell happened, Doc?’ Klaus said desperately.

  Hans’ face disappeared for a moment, then returned, grave-looking. ‘Eight men died, Klaus.’

  ‘No…’ Klaus’ head dipped, not wanting to believe it. ‘Markus?’

  ‘He’s okay. There was a second collapse after you left the mine. He was half-buried, but he’s in the hospital. He will be fine.’

  Klaus heaved a sigh of relief, thankful for small mercies.

  ‘And Koegel?’

  There was no answer for a second. ‘I am sorry, Klaus. He was working on the face. He didn’t make it.’

  Klaus thumped the frozen face in front of him in frustration. His chest heaved.

  ‘They said you hit a guard. What happened?’

  Klaus could only think about what Stransky had done, how he’d prevented him organising help for the men.

  ‘That bastard Stransky grabbed me as soon as I came out of the mine to get help. He was shouting that I’d sabotaged the mine.’ Klaus shook his head bitterly. ‘He’s been waiting for his chance to get even.’

  ‘It doesn’t surprise me. The man is evil.’

  Klaus couldn’t think about it. He was doing his best to suppress his feelings. ‘How’s Dirk?’ he asked weakly.

  ‘Getting better. He’ll be back at work soon.’

  Klaus thought for a moment. ‘So, the mine has no engineer?’

  Hans laughed. ‘Yes, and the main conveyor to the slag heap is down. Burzin might have you out of here sooner than you think.’

  Klaus managed a laugh. ‘Maybe.’

  ‘Here. Some bread for you.’

  Klaus caught the small piece of black bread. ‘Thanks.’

  ‘I’ll come to see you tomorrow night, if you’re not out of here by then.’

  Klaus gnawed on the rock-hard bread, not even hungry. He found it impossible to comprehend what had happened. He only knew he was feeling desperate. It wasn’t the kind of desperation that made him want to give in, but the type that fortified a man, made him more determined than ever. He knew he would need to be.

  ***

  The sky was barely light when Klaus heard the padlock being removed above him. He scrambled to his feet because a ladder was being lowered down the face opposite him. In spite of the relief he felt, Klaus did wonder who, or what, was waiting for him at the top.

  When he got to ground level, he could see a guard walking away. He turned around to see Burzin standing, wrapped up well against the cold. Klaus was surprised but nonetheless grateful it wasn’t Stransky hovering over him.

  He staggered to his feet whilst Burzin cupped his hand, trying to light a cigarette in the wind. Klaus felt his knees shaking; he wasn’t sure if he was worried, cold or just weak from hunger.

  ‘You don’t come across as a stupid man, Schultz.’

  Burzin puffed on the cigarette. It was difficult to tell the smoke from the condensation as he breathed out. Klaus didn’t say anything, figuring silence was his best policy for now. He looked back down into his home for the last couple of days; he didn’t want to return there.

  ‘Assaulting two guards whilst an incident is going on in the mine. Not very smart.’

  Klaus didn’t say a word.

  ‘You know, Schultz, I have read your file and you are an interesting man.’

  ‘I am just a soldier like all the other men in here.’

  Burzin chuckled. ‘Yes and no.’

  Klaus felt like he was being toyed with. He was sure the cold had permeated his brain, but that wasn’t the only reason he couldn’t fathom what Burzin was talking about.

  ‘I don’t expect you to understand, Schultz, but you will one day.’ He let the words swirl around Klaus like the icy breeze. ‘In the meantime, we have a mine to run and one of the conveyors is knackered, among other things. It’s time for you to go back to work.’

  Klaus felt uncertain. ‘Work? In the maintenance shop?’

  ‘Under normal circumstances I would have you in the mine at the face working up a sweat, but you’re needed elsewhere.’ He flicked his butt end away.

  ‘Besides,’ he pointed, ‘I don’t believe you assaulted those guards without reason. There’s something behind all this.’

  He raised his eyebrows expecting a response.

  Klaus didn’t reply.

  ‘I don’t suppose you have something to say, perhaps a complaint about one of my guards?’

  Klaus stiffened. ‘No, Kommandant. I do not.’

  Burzin nodded. ‘Just as I thought. Back to work then, Schultz. Get on to that conveyor once you’ve washed and eaten.’

  CHAPTER 7

  MAY 1953, BERLIN

  The Wild Boar was lively, full of drinkers thirsty for a beer after a hard day’s work. Bernhard and Ulrich were leaning against the bar, half of their first one already drained. Games of skat were in progress, with Grund, one of the men from Hauser’s meeting, to the fore, notes and coins piled up on the table. There was a burr of deep-voiced chatter amid the grey-blue cloud of tobacco smoke.

  ‘Lange’s face was a treat,’ Bernhard chuckled, scratching on his beard.

  ‘He’s a man I can’t help winding up,’ Ulrich said.

  ‘I could think of more sensible people to wind up, Uli.’

  Ulrich shrugged. ‘I suppose so.’

  ‘I mean it. He’s a sop, but he’s somebody’s sop. The people he snitches to are the ones with the real power.’

  Ulrich downed the rest of the contents of his glass. ‘So be it.’

  Bernhard raised his eyebrows.

  ‘No, I mean it, Bernie. They need to hear how pissed off we are, otherwise nothing will change.’

  ‘They’ll not change anything anyway.’

  ‘So why do you walk out with me and the others every day when we reach the old target?’

  ‘Because Lange is a prick.’

  Ulrich laughed, slapping Bernhard on the back. ‘Another?’

  ‘One for the road. My stomach’s telling me it’s nearly time for dinner.’

  Ulrich nodded at the barman and Bauer had another two beers in front of them in no time. The beer pump was almost running constantly so busy was the place.

  ‘Don’t you see it, though? The more grief we give Lange, the more the reports of dissatisfaction will reach the bosses.’

  ‘It’s a dangerous game, Uli. That’s all I’m saying.’

  ‘But we’ve got to stand up for ourselves, otherwise they’ll walk all over us.’

  Bernhard shrugged. ‘Well, I agree. One thing’s for sure, something has to give sooner or later. They won’t stand for hundreds of us walking off site early every day.’

  One of the games of skat had broken up in recriminations. Grund had one of the other workers pinned against the wall.

  ‘You cheating bastard! Where did you pull that card from?’ The worker’s face was a picture of innocence, his hand stuffed with eastern marks.

  Nobody paid too much attention; it was par for the course.

  ‘Yes, and the more we push Lange, the more they are likely to give,’ Ulrich persisted.

  Bernhard reached for his n
ext Pilsner without replying.

  They both turned their heads as they heard the first blow strike. Grund sent the other man flying over a wooden table, cards and cash joining the airborne unfortunate. The men in the near vicinity of the altercation instinctively grabbed for their beer, interested to watch, but not to spill a drop. The crowd parted as Grund’s victim made a bolt for the door with his assailant in angry pursuit. The doors flew open and the disturbance spilled out on to the street.

  Bernhard drained the remainder of his glass.

  ‘Christ, are you on a promise?’

  ‘I told you, I’m starving. See you tomorrow.’ He knocked Ulrich on the shoulder and made for the door, pushing through the men gawping at the fight at the entrance. Ulrich wasn’t in a mood to go anywhere, his back leaning against the bar, watching the fun.

  Seconds later, the doors flung open and Grund re-entered the bar dusting himself down, his work seemingly done. He nodded at Ulrich as he swept past, returning to the skat corner.

  ‘Right, who’s in?’ he shouted, rubbing his hands together.

  ‘Yeah, deal me in,’ one man said, and another joined them to make up the obligatory three. Grund reset the table, collected the money and cards from the floor and the whole circus was ready to go again.

  Ulrich shook his head in wonderment and turned back to the bar. No sooner had he done that than he had company.

  ‘I thought I might find you in here.’ His oldest friend Günther was standing at his side dressed in a smart suit.

  ‘Jesus, do you look out of place in here?’ Ulrich laughed. ‘What are you having?’

  ‘It’s fine, I’ll get them.’ Günther pulled a wad of notes from his inside pocket.

  Ulrich immediately put his hand to the cash. ‘I wouldn’t go flashing that about in this place.’

  Günther looked around him. ‘Yeah, I was forgetting myself for a minute.’

  ‘I think you’ve spent too much time in the western sectors,’ Ulrich said, nodding at Bauer for a refill and pointing towards Günther. Bauer raised his eyebrows at Günther. ‘We don’t see many of those in here.’

  ‘All right, not you as well,’ Günther laughed, taking it in good spirits.

  Günther and Ulrich had grown up together. They’d explored the bomb sites of the war and narrowly avoided the bullets as the Russian forces closed in on the city. On one occasion in particular, Günther had nearly been rounded up with some so-called deserters by an SS summary execution squad. Since that day Günther had gone his own way, determined to live life to the full.

  ‘So what brings you to the worker’s paradise?’

  ‘I came to see what you were doing tomorrow night,’ Günther said, sipping at his beer.

  ‘I was going to take Ursula out. Why?’

  Günther tapped him excitedly on the shoulder. ‘Great. We can make up a foursome.’

  ‘A foursome?’

  ‘Yes, I’ll bring Karin along and we’ll go as a group.’

  ‘Go where?’

  ‘The Resi. I’ve got some tickets from a friend who works there.’

  ‘The Resi? Are you kidding? Do you think I’m made of money. The place is full of Yanks and spivs.’

  Günther feigned offence. ‘Hey, a lot of my business acquaintances go there.’

  ‘Exactly.’

  Günther laughed. ‘Well, it beats working for a living.’ Günther looked around him. ‘I heard the bastards have increased the norms.’

  Ulrich nodded forlornly.

  Günther shook his head. ‘I’m glad I’m out of the zone. The place depresses me every time I come back.’

  ‘Yeah, well, not everybody can afford to live in Charlottenburg.’

  Günther shrugged. ‘You know the way I think, Uli; we nearly bought it back then. Every day is a bonus, so you may as well enjoy it.’

  ‘That’s fair enough. You know I’m only joking. I don’t blame you one bit. In some ways, I feel like getting out myself, but there’s Mum and Eva, and…’

  ‘Ursula, yeah I know.’ Günther smiled. ‘How is she?’

  ‘As good as ever.’

  ‘You’re a lucky man, Uli. Hey, wait until you see Karin, she’s a real cracker.’

  ‘Karin? What happened to the other one? What was her name?’

  ‘Charlotte? Yeah, that didn’t work out. A bit too serious for me.’

  ‘Looking for a ring?’

  ‘Something like that.’ Günther changed the subject, ‘So, are we on for tomorrow night or what?’

  Ulrich pulled a face. ‘I don’t know, Günther. The Resi? I’m a working man. I’ll never live it down.’

  Günther tutted. ‘Ursula will be mad if you turn down the chance to go there.’

  ‘I don’t have a suit.’

  ‘Not a problem, I’ve got a wardrobe full.’

  Ulrich thought about it for a moment. The beer was starting to take effect. He wasn’t really one for all the bright lights of West Berlin, but he knew Ursula would love to go, so he didn’t feel he could turn it down.

  Ulrich smiled. ‘Go on then, you’ve twisted my arm.’

  ‘Good man.’ Günther slapped him on the back. ‘Let’s have another.’

  ***

  Ursula had been excited when he’d told her. She’d borrowed a dress from one of her friends and Ulrich a suit from Günther. As they walked down the Hasenheide towards the Bar Resi in the warmth of the late spring evening, Ulrich felt a distance from home, when actually Lichtenberg was less than two kilometres from here. He felt a touch apprehensive. He’d heard a lot about the largesse of places like the Resi; he was sure he wouldn’t feel comfortable in that type of environment. He much preferred the earthy rough edges of the Wild Boar, but he couldn’t say that for Ursula.

  The gaudy neon lights announced the place some distance away. A queue, shepherded by a red braid rope and brass stands, snaked around the corner. Men were in dinner jackets or uniforms, the women in their finery and lavish jewellery. The laughter was raucous.

  ‘Should we join the queue?’ Ursula asked him.

  ‘Günther said not.’ Ulrich sounded, and felt, uncertain.

  They walked on past the line to one or two disconcerted looks. Near the entrance, a rather intimidating doorman loomed across their path. ‘Can I help you, sir?’ It didn’t really sound like he wanted to help and Ulrich felt a momentary stab of concern, until he heard Günther’s welcome voice behind the man.

  ‘Uli, glad you could make it.’ He was waiting by the door sporting a wide, beaming smile and what the regulars at the Wild Boar would only describe as a spiv suit. The tall blonde woman with him didn’t look best pleased about being kept waiting.

  ‘They’re with me, big fella.’ Günther slid something into the man’s hand. He barely acknowledged the tip, expertly pocketing the note, before the braided rope was removed in a flash and they were quickly ushered past the waiting queue and into the foyer.

  Günther turned to the woman at his side. ‘This is Karin. Ulrich and Ursula, I told you about.’

  ‘Charmed,’ Karin managed. The smile was forced.

  Ulrich nodded and Ursula said hello. Karin seemed more interested in the other people milling around the foyer.

  ‘Well, come on, let’s go in. I heard the band tonight are really great. I’ve got a top table,’ Günther enthused.

  Ursula walked on ahead with Karin. Out of earshot of the women, Ulrich said, ‘Günther, I’m worried about this place. I can’t afford the prices…’

  ‘You don’t need to worry about a thing. It’s all taken care of.’

  ‘You sure?’

  ‘I don’t want to hear any more about it. My friend owes me one.’

  They entered a huge ballroom with hundreds of tables surrounding a rectangular central dance floor. The place was lit with chandeliers made up of thousands of glass tubes.

  ‘Wow, this place is amazing!’ Ursula exclaimed.

  Ulrich had to admit the place was impressive.

  ‘Wait until the b
and starts,’ Günther said. ‘You should see the water show.’

  They were whisked to a table close to the stage. There was already an ice bucket with a bottle of Sekt waiting. There was even a telephone on the table. The waiter poured the wine. Ulrich went to say something, but Günther already knew. ‘Two beers as well, please.’ Ulrich smiled. The waiter nodded and scuttled away balancing the empty tray on his hand, expertly weaving between people taking their seats.

  Günther shouted above the din, ‘So, what do you think?’

  Ulrich shrugged, but Ursula chipped in, ‘It’s great. What’s the telephone for?’

  Karin suddenly shrieked, ‘Oh my God, this is the first time you’ve been here.’

  Ulrich glanced at Ursula, who opened her eyes wide at him. He thought she might have kicked him if she’d been close enough.

  ‘We don’t get to this part of Berlin much,’ Ulrich managed.

  ‘Ah, yes, Günther said you were from Lichtenberg.’ Karin said it with a modicum of distaste. ‘Never could get used to the Russians,’ she said, her finger sticking out from the hand holding her glass, as she sipped. ‘Thank God for the Amis, that’s all I can say.’

  She swivelled her head away from them, again scouring the large ballroom.

  ‘And where does Karin live?’ Ulrich asked, which brought another sharp look from Ursula.

  ‘I have a place in Dahlem,’ she said, like she didn’t really care. ‘The family home is in the Grunewald.’

  Ulrich raised his eyebrows. Günther could only look at her adoringly. Ulrich looked at Ursula who was stifling giggles. Ulrich hadn’t known Karin long, but he did wonder if this was going to be another of Günther’s short-lived relationships. He was more successful in his business dealings than in his love life.