The Oslo Affair

by CW Browning

  Daniel blinked and ran a hand through his hair.

  “Yes, of course.” He shook his head and leaned forward to pull a pad of paper towards him. “I can send a message, but it may be some time before we receive an answer.”

  “Then the sooner you send it, the better,” Evelyn said briskly.

  “Who is this person in Stockholm?”

  “I believe he’s another Soviet agent.”

  Daniel looked up sharply. “NKVD?”

  “I think so.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “I wasn’t given one,” Evelyn lied smoothly.

  “Then how are you to know who he is?”

  Evelyn shrugged. “I’ve no idea. I presume Shustov will let me know somehow.”

  Daniel paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully with the end of the pen.

  “If you make contact with a second Soviet agent and make a favorable impression, that will give us two sources of information out of Russia. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get just one?”

  “Yes, which is why I think it best that I go to Stockholm without delay.” She pursed her lips thoughtfully. “I don’t speak a word of Swedish. Perhaps I should take a translator. Do they speak English at all?”

  “Many do, actually,” he said, lowering his pen to his pad once more. “However, I think it would be advisable for you take someone along. Not as much for the language barrier, but more to avoid undue interest. Were you thinking of Miss Salvesen?”

  “I was, yes.”

  “I think that would be a perfect choice. She is familiar with Scandinavian customs and there would be nothing unusual about two women taking a holiday together.” Daniel looked up. “Not that you draw suspicion,” he added with a faint smile.

  “Well, someone is following me, so I must draw some.”

  “And that I still don’t understand,” he said, tearing the paper off the pad and pushing his chair back. “No one aside from myself was even aware of your arrival here.”

  “Not to put too fine a point on it, but obviously someone was.”

  He walked around the desk and headed for the door to his office.

  “I’ll go send this message off to London. Won’t be a moment. Can I get you anything? I think I could probably scrounge some tea.”

  “No thank you.”

  Evelyn waited until he’d left the office, closing the door behind him, then got up quickly and went around the desk. She had no idea how much time she had, but she was sure it wasn’t going to be long. It was best to move quickly.

  Starting with the top drawer, she swiftly and methodically went through Carew’s desk, searching for anything that would shed some light on the fact that she had a Russian agent watching her every move. While she wanted to believe that the leak of her presence and identity hadn’t come from this embassy, Evelyn knew that nothing was certain. If she wanted to survive for more than a few weeks, she couldn’t fully trust anyone. That much was clear. She may be new to this whole cloak and dagger business, but even she knew that there was no way anyone could have known enough to follow her unless they had been told. It was the very fact that she was so new to this world that convinced her that someone had betrayed her. Who and where was another question, but there was no doubt in her mind that someone was feeding information to the Russians.

  Once she had gone through all the desk drawers without finding anything, Evelyn turned to the tall filing cabinet along the wall. Vladimir hadn’t asked her to keep Risto Niva’s name secret, but she saw no reason to extend the risk to him as well. If no one knew his name, real or not, then there could be no leak. And she would do everything she could to keep a potential contact safe.

  The filing cabinet was locked, but a few seconds with a hairpin overcame that difficulty. Opening the top drawer, she felt a rush of satisfaction at the sight of rows of neatly labeled files. Her heart was beating a steady, rapid tattoo against her chest and she glanced at the closed office door, listening. There was no sound and she turned her attention back to the files. Flipping through them quickly, she paused when she came to a name she recognized. Raising an eyebrow, she pulled it out and opened the file, scanning through the documents inside quickly.

  Anna Salvesen not only spoke English, Swedish and German, but also some French. She had been to university, where she completed a secretarial course before coming to work in Oslo. Her family was originally from an area near Trollheimen, but she had come to live in Oslo two years before. Her family was still near Trollheimen, with the exception of her brother. He was a lieutenant in the army, stationed in the north. Anna was considered a class B asset, whatever that meant.

  Evelyn tucked the file back into the drawer, moving on. She went through the rest quickly, looking for any that would indicate a traitor in their midst. Finding nothing, she moved on to the next drawer. She checked at her watch and her heart pounded faster. She had to be running out of time. Daniel had been gone for over ten minutes. While she had no idea how long it would take to make contact with London, Evelyn had to assume it wouldn’t be long.

  It was towards the back of the drawer that her fingers paused. They had landed on a file marked EISENJAGER. Her lips tightened and she pulled the file out, glancing towards the door. All the files were labeled in English, except for this one. Eisenjager translated as Iron Hunter. It was obviously a codename, but for whom? She flipped the folder open and found herself looking at a single sheet of paper. Scanning it quickly, her frown grew. It seemed that Daniel Carew didn’t know much at all about Eisenjager. There was no known description or location. All they had were a handful of references within other communications, and one verbal confirmation by an agent in Munich named Spider. That was it.

  Yet at the top was a red stamp that read High Priority.

  Looking at her watch once more, Evelyn slid the file back into its spot and closed the drawer, going back to her seat across from the desk. She dared not search any longer in case Daniel came back. She pulled out a cigarette and lit it with shaking fingers, crossing her legs as she sat back in her chair, her mind spinning.

  Who was Eisenjager? And why was he a high priority when they knew so little about him?

  She was still considering the question a moment later when the door behind her opened and Daniel strode in.

  “You’re in luck, Miss Richardson,” he announced, closing the door. “I made contact immediately. The radio operator was on when I transmitted. He hopes to have a response shortly.”

  He went around his desk and glanced at his watch.

  “When is your deadline?”

  “Midnight. Will we hear in time?”

  He frowned thoughtfully and sat down.

  “I honestly don’t know,” he confessed.

  They were silent for a long moment, then Evelyn got up and put her cigarette out in the ashtray on his desk.

  “I’ll tell Shustov that I’ll go,” she decided. “Regardless of what the response it, I think it’s the only option at this point, don’t you?”

  He nodded slowly, his lips pressed together.

  “Yes. I think it’s an opportunity that can’t be missed. Furthermore, I think London will give the all clear to go ahead. As you say, it’s really the only option. And it may lead to greater things in the future.”

  “It’s settled then.” She turned and picked up her purse and gloves from the chair. “I suppose I’m off to Stockholm.”

  “Come by first thing in the morning,” he said, standing as she began to pull on her gloves. “I’ll make the travel arrangements. I should definitely have a response by morning, as well as any further instructions.”

  “Thank you.”

  Daniel nodded and held out his hand.

  “It’s my pleasure. I’ll summon my car and have it take you home.”

  “That’s really not necessary,” she protested, but he shook his head.

  “I insist,” he said firmly. “It’s late and we don’t know if your constant companion is out and about.”


  Evelyn hesitated, then nodded. He was right. If he was offering the safety of a diplomatic car to take her home, she’d be a fool not to accept. At her nod, he smiled.

  “Good. After all, we don’t want to lose you on the eve of a new mission, do we?”

  Josef came in through the kitchen door just as dawn was lighting the sky. The smell of coffee greeted him and he breathed deeply.

  “That smells good,” he said, setting the milk bottles on the counter and walking over to get a cup from the shelf.

  Else turned from where she was slicing a loaf of bread on the kitchen island. She set her knife down, wiping her hands on her apron.

  “You went out early,” she said.

  “I went to check on Alistair,” he said, pouring strong black coffee into his mug. “I didn’t like the look of his hoof yesterday.”

  “And?”

  “It’s much better today. I was afraid I’d have to have Karl come and look at him, but I think he’ll be all right.”

  “Maybe that will teach him not to try to climb through the fence to the pasture.”

  Josef grunted and sipped his coffee, falling silent as he watched her go back to slicing the bread.

  “Our visitor is back again this morning,” he said after a moment.

  She glanced at him sharply. “Where?”

  “Across the street, down by the Nikols old place.” He frowned thoughtfully. “He’s changed sides. Yesterday he was up the other end.”

  “I suppose he thinks he’s being clever. Who is he watching? Is it the gypsy in room 4?”

  “I think it’s the Englishwoman. She came through the back fence yesterday when I was out there.”

  “She’s just arrived!”

  “I know.”

  Else shook her head and clucked her tongue. “She’s a sweet girl. I don’t like the idea of her being followed by a strange man.”

  “She’ll take care of herself,” he said with a surprising amount of compassion in his voice. “She has a good head on her shoulders. He stood out there all day yesterday and she’d already gone. She knows he’s there, and how to avoid him.”

  Else was quiet as she finished cutting her loaf and turned to wipe off the knife. Once she’d placed it back in the block on the counter, she looked at her husband.

  “Do you think Anna is also being watched?”

  He shrugged. “He seems to be only interested in Miss Richardson.”

  “She came home last night in a black car. It dropped her right out front.”

  “You see? There’s nothing for you worry over. Carew is obviously taking additional precautions with her.”

  “I suppose so,” she said grudgingly. “Will you carry the dishes through to the dining room? The guests will be down soon.”

  Josef gulped down the rest his coffee and set the mug down. He looked at her and gave a rare smile, laying a hand on her shoulder.

  “You care too much, Else,” he said gruffly. “Don’t ever change.”

  She laughed and patted his hand. “I’m not likely to this late in my life.”

  He turned away and was just lifting a tray piled with plates and cups when there was a light knock on the door from the hallway.

  “Miss Richardson!” Else exclaimed as the object of their conversation poked her head into the kitchen. “God morgen! Good morning!”

  “God morgen!” Evelyn repeated, stepping into the kitchen. “Am I disturbing you?”

  “Not in the least. Josef was just taking the dishes through to the dining room,” Else said cheerfully. “Come in. Would you like some coffee?”

  “That would be lovely, if you don’t mind.”

  “Sit down over there, then.” Else took a mug from the shelf as Josef disappeared through the door with the tray. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Yes, thank you. I’m sorry to be down so early. I thought I’d try to get out before...well, it doesn’t matter.”

  Else shot her a look under her lashes as she poured coffee into the mug.

  “Sugar?”

  “Please.”

  “I suppose you’re referring to the man lurking across the street,” Else said a moment later, handing her the mug of coffee.

  Evelyn started, almost sloshing hot liquid out of the mug. “You know?”

  Else nodded and turned to get blocks of cheese from the sideboard, carrying them over to the island and beginning to prepare a second tray with the chunks of yellow and brown cheeses.

  “Josef noticed him the first day. He thought he was watching you. Who is he?”

  “I...I’m not sure,” Evelyn said, sipping her coffee. “I was hoping to make it out today before he came. How long has he been there?”

  “You’d have to ask Josef.” The older woman looked at her. “He’s the one who saw him. I don’t think he’s been there long. He must be determined to be out there this early.”

  “Yes.”

  “If you leave through the back, he won’t see you. I understand you came in that way the other day.”

  Evelyn nodded sheepishly. “Yes. I got the impression Josef didn’t approve.”

  Else snorted a short laugh. “Josef approves more than you realize,” she said with a flash of a grin. “When will you be back?”

  “This afternoon or early evening.”

  “Good. I will be in here preparing dinner or clearing up from it. Come back the same way if he is still there. The door will be open.”

  Evelyn nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate that, Mrs. Kolstad.”

  “No need to thank me. Just take care of yourself. You’re too nice a girl to be doing what you’re doing, but I know you have your reasons. One day soon, we might all have reasons to do the same. Until then, we just have to go on as we always have and hope the world rights itself.” Else finished arranging her cheese tray and looked at her with a smile. “And now I’ve got to take this into the other room. Sit and drink your coffee, my dear. Take as long as you need.”

  She picked up the tray and turned to disappear through the door into the hallway. Evelyn watched her go and felt a wave of warmth go through her. Despite everything occurring around her and all the uncertainty of who she could trust, Evelyn felt instinctively that Else Kolstad was a true ally.

  Sipping her coffee, she just hoped that one day she could return the kindness.

  Evelyn looked up as a shadow fell across her small corner table in the cafe.

  “Good morning,” Daniel greeted her, unbuttoning his coat. “You look well, all things considered.”

  She smiled and watched as he seated himself across from her. “Thank you.”

  “Any sign of your shadow today?”

  “Yes. He was outside the house this morning. As far as I know, he’s still there. Have we heard anything from London?”

  “Yes. You’ve been given the all clear to pursue all possible avenues.” Daniel reached into the inside pocket of his coat and pulled out an envelope, sliding it across the table. “In here are two train tickets to Stockholm and two thousand kronor. That should cover any expenses while you’re in Sweden. The train leaves tonight, and the tickets are for a sleeper car.”

  She looked at the envelope for a moment, then raised bemused eyes to his face.

  “Tickets and money? Just like that?”

  He chuckled. “Just like that. This is how it works, my dear. They want to make sure there is nothing to prevent you from doing what you need to do.”

  Evelyn shook her head and picked up the envelope, placing it in her purse.

  “I have an additional message from William Buckley for you,” Daniel continued, making a motion with his hand to indicate to the waitress heading their way that he didn’t want any coffee. She nodded and turned away to go to another table. “He wants to know when you arrive in Stockholm. He said to send a telegram to your newspaper.”

  She nodded. “Very well. Anything else?”

  “Yes. When you arrive at the Strand Hotel, send a message to Horace Manchester at the embassy. Tell him that I send m
y regards. That will alert him to your presence in Stockholm and instruct him to provide any assistance you may require while you’re there. He is very limited in his resources, but he will be able to assist in travel arrangements, among other things, if needed.”

  “Thank you.”

  Daniel looked at her for a moment, then leaned forward.

  “Where is the package from Shustov?” he asked, lowering his voice.

  “It is safe.”

  “Perhaps you should leave it with me until you return,” he said slowly. “It might not be the safest thing to carry with you when you are being followed by a Soviet agent.”

  “Don’t worry. It won’t be found,” Evelyn assured him with a faint smile.

  He studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Have you spoken with Anna yet?”

  “No. I’ll speak with her this afternoon.”

  “If she cannot accompany you, what will you do?”

  “I’ll go on my own,” she said promptly. “While I agree that two women traveling together will garner less attention, I must go regardless.”

  “Agreed. If she seems on the fence about it, tell her that I can arrange the time with her employer. She need only call me.”

  “I’ll pass the message on.”

  Daniel nodded, picked up his hat, and got up.

  “Very well. I’ll see you when you return.” He held out his hand and Evelyn stood to grasp it. “Take very good care of yourself, Miss Richardson.”

  “I will.”

  He nodded once more and turned to leave the cafe, buttoning his coat as he went towards the door. Evelyn watched him go, then sank back into her seat and reached for her cup of coffee.

  She felt rather dazed with the speed at which everything was happening. Yesterday morning, she was concerned about meeting with Lyakhov, and today she was preparing to depart for Stockholm with the equivalent of over two hundred pounds in Swedish currency in her purse. Her lips curved faintly. Bill had tried to warn her that things would move quickly once her training was over. He hadn’t been exaggerating. Although, she supposed she should have been prepared for this after her maiden mission in Strasbourg last summer. That also had not gone as planned.