The Checkpoint, Berlin Detective Series Box Set

by Michele E. Gwynn

  “And what has brought you to my home so early with coffee and crullers?” She sat down at the table and began eating one of the treats.

  Heinz pulled out a chair and reached for his own coffee. He still had a hard time looking at her. He pushed the stack of files toward her. “I was called in last night on a case.”

  “Why didn’t you call me?” She immediately reached for the top file.

  “I didn’t want to wake you until I knew all the details. It’s not our borough. Faust called. It’s a series of three cases. Two missing, abducted girls, and one murdered.”

  “Why would he call you for this? He knows you don’t do these anymore.”

  Straight to the point and completely unfazed. This was what he appreciated about his partner. Rubbing the back of his neck, he leaned onto the table and explained.

  “He knows, but things aren’t adding up and time is running out. These were just delivered this morning, and I’ve brought them here so you can help me go through them. I need your keen sense of things.”

  His admission that he needed her made Mahler want to smile. Over the last few years, they had indeed grown to depend upon one another. The first few years were rocky, and she’d considered asking to be reassigned, but the more she got to know Joseph, the more she saw the man beneath the layers of cynicism. His grouchy exterior was his way of keeping people at bay, a way to mask his pain. To her, he’d become the wounded lion with a thorn in his paw. His roar scared everyone, but no one saw the reason for his aggression. No one but her. She saw it, and she’d grown to hope that one day, he might let her close enough to pluck the pain away.

  “It’s about time you admit you need me.” She said this as she stuffed a big bite of donut into her mouth and flipped open the file.

  “I’ve always needed you,” he whispered. Then louder, “Now let’s go through these and see if we can’t make some sense of it all. Faust is floundering.” He pulled out an éclair and together they began reading through all the paperwork.

  Birgitta made notes in her notebook, a habit that Heinz had grown to depend upon. She was thorough and logical, something he didn’t often find in most people let alone a woman. He glanced over at her, watching her chew as she read. Her hair was still wet and up in its usual style. His memory flashed remembering it down and curling only moments before. He hadn’t realized how long it was. She shifted in her seat, pulling her leg up under her body. Her legs...toned, her breasts, alabaster, perfect. Stop it! Focus, Joseph.

  Heinz shook himself and returned to reading his file. He shrugged off his jacket and tossed it onto the back of the chair next to him.

  “So, all three of these girls were taken in the last month.” Mahler spoke startling Heinz out of his reverie.

  “What? Yes. The first two are still unaccounted for, and the third, Anna Popovich, was found partially submerged in the river yesterday evening.”

  “They all look alike. Same hair color, eye color, and approximate height and weight. Our killer has a thing for blondes. He’s trying to replace someone.” Mahler, as usual, got right to the heart of the situation.

  “Ja, but who? The coroner is supposed to call me as soon as the test results come back on the evidence he collected from the body.”

  “I don’t see any similarities in the interviews with family on someone they knew in common. Perhaps we should go conduct a secondary interview. Somehow, these girls were targeted, and all within the same community. Our killer is either Russian or he has a thing for Russian girls.” Mahler stood.

  “That’s a good idea,” Joseph readily agreed. Anything to get them out of being in close quarters with each other right now would be good. He needed to distract himself because the picture in his mind of Mahler naked was doing very funny things to him, things he hadn’t felt in a very long time. Fresh air and a murder investigation were just what he needed.

  She walked to her bedroom. “I’ll be right out.”

  “Where are you going? You’re already dressed.” The moment the word ‘dressed’ left his lips, he wanted to smack himself.

  “To put on some makeup.” He could hear her talking from her room.

  “What for?” He hadn’t even noticed she wasn’t wearing any. To him, she looked fine.

  “Honestly, Joseph, do you notice nothing? What kind of detective are you? You just saw me naked and I’d swear you didn’t even notice. We women must do all we can to look beautiful.”

  Heinz turned red again for the second time that morning. He tried not to smile but failed. He seemed to be doing a lot more of that particular facial contortion lately. “I noticed, Mahler. Believe me.”

  Inside her bedroom, Birgitta grinned. Reminding her partner that he’d seen more than he should have was a wicked ploy, but if it made him think of her as a woman for once, a nude woman and sexual being, then all was fair.

  Out in the living room, Heinz blew out a breath and stared in the direction of her bedroom. To himself, he added, “and you’re already beautiful.” That epiphany surprised him.

  ELSA ARRIVED AT THE station house ready to tackle the day. Beimer was already there standing next to a vase of one dozen long-stem red roses.

  “Hugo, you shouldn’t have,” she joked as she walked over to grab a coffee from the vending machine.

  “I didn’t. But they’re for you.” He raised his eyebrow and gave her a look that said, “and who did you sleep with last night?”

  “You’re kidding! Who would be sending me roses?” Elsa carried her coffee over and set it down. She searched for the card. A tiny pink envelope was hidden among the greenery on a plastic pick.

  “Well? Who sent them? Come on, Kreiss. Let’s hear the damning evidence.” Beimer leaned over onto his elbows while Elsa opened the card.

  Officer ELSA Kreiss, Looking forward to seeing you tonight. LT. Her first name was underlined and in all caps.

  Elsa laughed out loud. “Well, looks like he found out my name.” She stuffed the card into her pocket and sniffed the roses.

  “Who? That douche from yesterday? You’re not going to let your head be turned by roses, are you?” Beimer continued to hound her all the way out the door as they made their way to their assigned patrol for that day.

  “I did tell him he’d have to discover my name on his own, and he did. And Beimer, for your information, women like getting flowers. Maybe you should try it. You might get laid.” She watched Hugo begin to sputter.

  “I get laid plenty.” He puffed out his chest and looked at Elsa from the corner of his eye.

  “Sure you do, Hugo.” She patted him on the arm.

  “Women like me.” His expression was indignant.

  “Yes, they like you. But do they want to fuck you? That, my partner, is the question. I mean it. Try sending flowers next time after you meet someone you like. You’d be surprised what a bouquet will get you.”

  He looked dubious but remained quiet. Elsa knew he was thinking about what she’d said. She also knew he liked a certain clerical assistant to their captain. He’d been eyeing Sigrid for a couple of months now, but other than saying hello, he hadn’t let his regard be known. Beimer needed help, but he was too stubborn to ask for it. So instead of outright telling him what he should do, she planted seeds. If he thought it was his own idea, he’d act. Men were easy that way. The same technique worked on her own brother. Untold numbers of times, Anno had come to her proudly showing off an accomplishment. It was always something Elsa had subtly suggested in the middle of idle conversation. Plant the seed and reap the rewards. She’d already done it to Heinz yesterday. She couldn’t wait to see that one flower.

  “Sometimes you’re crass, Kreiss.” Beimer turned right, patrolling on the north side of the Tiergarten.

  “Why? Because I said ‘fuck’?”

  “A lady doesn’t use words like that.” He swung his night stick in his hand.

  “Sure she does. A lady not only uses it, she knows when to say it, and when to do it.” Elsa tried not to laugh. If Hugo kne
w what she used to do for a living, he’d probably piss himself. “And when your lady whispers in your ear,” she leaned in close, “and says ‘Fuck me, Hugo!’ you’ll be so turned on, you won’t even notice she just said ‘fuck’.”

  Hugo felt her hot breath on his cold ear and something tightened. He tried to ignore it. He didn’t want to have those kinds of thoughts about Elsa. But Sigrid, he suddenly imagined her saying this to him in a moment when they could be alone, a private moment where he could show her how he felt about her. That thought did not help him. He was glad his jacket was zipped and covering his instant semi-erection. He thanked God for the cold wind. It would soon shrink back to normal. He half-heartedly pushed Elsa away from him. “Stop saying it or I’ll begin to think you want me.”

  Hugo’s attempt at a joke had Elsa cracking up. She shoved her hand inside her jacket pocket to keep it warm while her coffee cup warmed the other. “Dream on, Beimer!”

  They passed the gallery on their rounds. Lukas wasn’t outside like yesterday, but a large black limousine was parked in front of the entry doors. As they approached, the door opened, and Paul Christiansen stepped out. He was still every bit as good-looking as Elsa remembered. He wore dark blue jeans, black boots, and an expensive black leather jacket. His hair was a little longer than she recalled, but in all, he still looked like a male model with his crystal blue eyes, perfect cheekbones, and strong jawline.

  “I’m sorry, sir, but you’ll have to place your hands on the vehicle.” She handed Hugo her coffee and approached with her cap down over her eyes.

  “What? What is the meaning of this, officer?” He turned in her direction, instantly annoyed.

  “Hands on the roof of the car, please, and spread your legs.” Elsa walked behind him, forcefully turned his face to the car, and kicked out his feet putting him in a spread-eagle position.

  Paul did as bid but repeatedly tried to see the officer over his shoulder and speak to her. “I’ve broken no laws, officer. What is this about? Do I need to call my attorney? I’m an artist, for God’s sake. What am I charged with?” He was getting angry.

  Elsa leaned in and patted him down getting a little personal when she slid her hands over his legs and backside which she squeezed.

  “Hey! You Shupos mind? When did the polizei start molesting innocent men?” He turned around and looked at the red-haired officer. He couldn’t see her eyes, but she was laughing. Finally, she lifted her head and looked at him.

  “Elsa! Elsa Kreiss! You crazy woman.” He wrapped her in his arms and hugged her tight.

  “The look on your face, Paul! I almost lost it.” She hugged him back, suddenly realizing she wasn’t swamped with bad memories, only the good ones.

  “And when did all this happen?” He gestured toward her uniform.

  “In the last couple of years. I felt it was time to make a change.”

  He gave her an assessing look. “It suits you. But then, you were always good with the costumes.”

  Elsa gave him a slap on his arm and glanced sideways at her partner.

  Paul understood. He turned to Hugo. “And who is this, Elsa?” He reached out a hand to shake Hugo’s.

  “This is my partner, Hugo Beimer. Hugo, this is Paul Christiansen.”

  “The artist? The one who’s having the exhibit tonight?” Hugo felt like he was meeting royalty.

  “Yes, Beimer. That Paul Christiansen.” She rolled her eyes noting the look on Beimer’s face.

  “It’s good to meet you, Hugo.” He turned back to Elsa. “How did you know I’d be here?”

  “I actually only found out yesterday on our rounds,” she began to explain.

  “But then she tried to give me a ticket and ended up being my date tonight.” Lukas Trommler came up behind her and placed an arm around her shoulders. “Herr Christiansen. Welcome.” Lukas shook Paul’s hand.

  Paul looked at Elsa, then at Lukas. His eyebrow quirked and he grinned. “Is that right? Well, she always did have a way with men. The meaner she is, the more they come back.” Elsa stuck out her tongue at him.

  Lukas watched the byplay between them with interest. “That’s pretty close to what captured my heart. But I’d say it was more her refusal to take any sh—crap from me.” He censored himself.

  “It’s okay. You can say it. Kreiss isn’t a lady,” Beimer interjected. He waited for her to explode at him.

  “Fuck off, Hugo.” Green eyes glared at her partner.

  “See?” Beimer withstood her scowl as long as he could, all of five seconds, before apologizing.

  “That’s the girl I asked out yesterday.” Lukas looked at her proudly. Paul laughed.

  “Well, this is wonderful. I’m so happy you’re here and coming tonight, too.”

  “Yes. Hopefully we’ll have a little time to catch up.” She tried not to notice how good Lukas smelled. His body heat was comforting, and the way he walked right into this little reunion and staked his claim was kind of sexy.

  “It’s a gallery exhibit, not a lecture. There will be drinks, and oer d’oeuvres, and great company, it seems. Hell, Elsa, I was thinking I’d have no fun at all, but now it’s looking up. No offense, Trommler.” Paul patted the man on the shoulder.

  “None taken. These things can be a bore. I’m happy my date puts you in good spirits. Looks like she’s a good luck charm for us both.” Lukas gazed into Elsa’s eyes and sent her a very warm vibe.

  Paul looked at Hugo who appeared a little left out. “And what about you, Hugo? Will you be attending tonight?”

  Hugo looked at a complete loss for words. Probably for the first time, too, Elsa thought. Lukas gave Beimer a dirty look. Hugo noticed and gave back stare for stare. “No, Herr Christiansen. It seems we’re not all fortunate enough to be Trommler’s date.” He turned to Paul and stuck out his hand again in a gesture of courtesy. “But it was a real pleasure to meet you.”

  “Nonsense. You must come as my personal guest. And bring a date, too.” Paul noticed the sour looks between the two men, and feeling like a pot-stirrer, decided to invite Elsa’s partner if for no other reason than to see what will happen if these two are around each other longer than a moment. He was desperate for some distraction and having an old friend present tonight with her two men facing off would be just the thing.

  Hugo was caught off guard. “I’d be honored, sir.”

  “Hugo, call me Paul, please. Now, you should make a call to your lady friend and give her enough time to prepare. You know how women are, eh?” He clapped Hugo on the back.

  Not wanting to look like a fool, Beimer agreed.

  “Ja, Beimer, give Sigrid a call.” Elsa, also a dyed-in-the-wool pot stirrer egged her partner on.

  He sent her a quelling look. She smothered the laugh bubbling up inside.

  “Well, let’s have a look at what you’ve got set up, Lukas, and then I can head back to my hotel for a bit.” Paul pulled Elsa into another hug. “I’ll see you tonight, Red.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “Oh, Heinz wanted me to tell you hello, and if you had a chance, to stop by his office.” She pulled out her wallet and found the detective’s card. “This is his number. He can give you directions.”

  “And how is Joseph?” Paul looked at the card, smiling as he remembered the Kommissar.

  “He’s well. I’ll tell you more tonight. Go. Do what must be done. I have rounds to make.”

  “All right then. Tonight!” He winked at her and waved at Beimer before heading inside.

  Lukas caught Elsa’s arm and pulled her close, kissing her cheek. “I, too, cannot wait for tonight,” he said, his lips close to her ear.

  Heat traveled into her cheeks causing her to blush. Lukas didn’t wait for a reply but followed Paul inside. She turned to catch Beimer laughing at her.

  “Cripes, Kreiss. You have them falling all over you.” He resumed patrol.

  She caught up. “So now you have no excuse. Call Sigrid.”

  “What? I can’t. What would I say?” He looked panicked.
Like a cow about to be slaughtered, all wild-eyed.

  “Calm down, Hugo. It’s very easy. Call her. Say hello. Tell her you’ve been invited to a gallery exhibit, by the artist himself, no less, and then say, ‘I could think of no one else but you that I’d rather share this night with. Will you honor me by accompanying me tonight?”

  “That doesn’t sound easy. That sounds like a speech.” He pulled out his notepad. “Now, say that again, and slowly this time.”

  Elsa chuckled. “And after she accepts, we’re stopping at the first florist and you’re sending her roses.”

  “Roses, too?” He shook his head. “This is getting to be too much, Kreiss. Roses are expensive!” He jotted down his lines.

  “Is she worth it, Hugo?” The question was simple.

  Hugo thought about it, then a small smile sprouted on his lips. “Yeah, she’s worth it.”

  “Then stop all your bitching. You’ve been handed a golden opportunity. Take it.”

  Beimer walked two more blocks before pulling out his mobile and dialing the station. Elsa knew better than to say anymore. She’d already said enough. Now she waited patiently as her partner stumbled his way through a very awkward proposal. It was actually painful to overhear, but in a way, quite charming. Any woman would recognize the outright fear in his voice, so she punched him in the arm hard to get him back on track.

  He gave her a dirty look, but the instant pain brought out a little more confidence and a touch of aggression in his tone. “So, Sigrid, I could think of no one else but you to share such a grand night with. Would you honor me with your company?” He paraphrased Elsa’s words.

  Elsa waited, only hearing one side of the conversation. “Ja. Sure, I understand. Ja. Okay, then. I’ll pick you up at the station house at half seven. See you then.”

  Once Elsa heard the last two sentences, she jumped on Hugo’s back nearly knocking him over. “You did it! I can’t believe that worked!”

  “What do you mean? I said what you told me to say?” He tried to remain upright while gently shaking her off.

  “I know, but I still can’t believe it worked.” She was back on her own two feet again.