by Hall, Ian
“Enough!” he roared, launching himself out of his seat, across the desk. “Why are you here?”
We’d had so many mock interrogations in the camps, this was amateur hour stuff. I remained impassive; not flinching at the spittle flung my way. It was time to up the ante, and provide myself with the opportunity to get out of town. First I had to antagonize Bariman some more. “I am here to collect silk.”
I could see the tendons on his neck constrict. His breath came in rapid gasps. I saw a flicker of a smile on his lips, readied myself for whatever was coming my way.
His slap never had a chance. Given away by his nervous tick, I caught his wrist before his palm reached my cheek, holding it firm. I almost laughed at the look of disbelief on his face. “The information I am about to impart is just for you, Herr Bariman.” I gripped him tighter. “Do you understand?”
“Yes,”
The man was beaten, totally in my power. “Only for you, no one else. Do you understand?”
He nodded, his lips were dry, his body trembling. To emphasize the point I pulled him closer, forcing him further over the desk. “I am on orders from the Deputy Führer himself; from the heart of the Reichstag. Do you realize how high that is? Do you realize how many levels I am above this lowly crap-hole of a Consulate?”
Bariman nodded, shaking in fear.
“Yes, the silk gathering is a ruse. I am here on official business, and will not tolerate interference from you or your minions. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Herr Volland.”
I gritted my teeth, and for the first time showed just an inkling of the emotion I felt. “If I find you have spoken about this to anyone, thus endangering my mission here, I will crush you like a fly. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Herr Volland.”
I let him go, and he fell, deflated, back onto his chair. I rose slowly to my feet, keeping eye contact. He flinched when I gave him a crisp Nazi salute. “Heil Hitler!”
I turned before he could reply, leaving his office.
Now I could have some fun.
Note from the Author
Readers, there ends book 5 in the saga.
My thanks…
Firstly I would like to thank you all for remaining readers in the series. They are a blast to write, and hopefully you have enjoyed the adventure.
The series is particularly close to my heart. Edinburgh is both my birthplace and my native home; I know it intimately. The home of James Baird at 9 Barclay Terrace is actually my grandparent’s home, and just writing it into the series gave me great moments of nostalgia. I played golf on Bruntsfield Links, bought sausages from Saundersons, shopped for records and jewelry in the second-hand shops.
My grandfather, James Dyer actually served in Palestine (Scots Greys) throughout the war, I have seen his postcards home to my grandma.
Comments…
If you would like to tell me your thoughts of the books, I’d love to hear them, both good, and not-so-good. You can reach me at; [email protected]
I’m not above making changes if enough think it necessary, and I like a good natter.
Reviews…
An author lives and dies by reviews on his work; just a few bad reviews can sink a book like a holed submarine, condemning it to a life of obscurity on the ocean floor.
Good reviews are difficult to find.
It is not considered ‘fair’ to ‘buy’ reviews, i.e. to offer free books (like the new up-and-coming Avenging Steel) in exchange for a good 5-Star review.
However, if you were to leave a favorable 5-Star review where you bought this book, and email me with your details, I would be pleased to show my gratitude.
I’m quite certain the offer of a free book of your choice would be my first response.
My email address is [email protected]
Thanking you in advance.
Ian Hall
Other Books…
Just for your information, I have a few books that may interest you.
In no particular order.
Avenging Steel; Alternate WW2 History, set in 1940’s German-controlled Edinburgh.
Caledonii: Birth of a Nation; Adventure in Scotland during the Roman invasion of 79AD.
Churchill’s Secret Armies: A look at the Special Forces birthed by Churchill when Britain’s back was to the wall in WW2.
WW2 Spy School. The Complete 1943 S. O. E. Counter Espionage Manual: It does exactly what it says on the tin.
Connecticut Vampire; Historical time traveling vampire series, going back to Tudor England.
Vampire Cheerleader; Present day teen vampire series, set in Arizona.
Zombie Bible; An irreverent look at surviving the apocalypse… as a zombie!
Star-Eater Chronicles; Ray-guns and space-ship Sci-Fi adventure. Explore the galaxy.
Penny Dreadful Adventures: Horror series set in Dickensian London.
The Ridiculously Comprehensive Dictionary of British Slang: Speaks for itself.