They both watched as Jim and Nora pulled out and onto the main street and sped off.
The officer handed them a pamphlet with a picture of a sleeping dog, a cat resting within its paws. “No, no, you did nothing wrong,” the officer replied in English with a minor French accent. “Your friends that just left,” he pointed to Jim and Nora’s car, now almost out of sight, “said that you would like to donate to our station charity. The woman gave us a 50-franc note. Most generous of her. The woman said that you are big animal shelter supporters.” He pointed to the pamphlet. “We have adopted the shelter as our stations charity. We all give what we can.”
Lana saw that Jim and Nora’s car was now out of sight, long gone. “Give the officer a 50 franc note, Yuri,” she said in a frustrated voice.
Yuri dug through his pockets, finding only 100’s. “I only have 100’s,” he said in desperation to Lana.
“Just give him the hundred,” she said slowly and deliberately.
After the officer took his money and departed, Lana once again banged her hands on the steering wheel. “They won the first round,” she said, “Well played.”
Yuri pulled out a small iPad. “Should I activate the GPS Tracker on their car?”
Lana smiled at him. “I didn’t think we would have a need for it. But yes, turn it on.”
CHAPTER 40
“Do you think we lost them?” asked Nora, looking back at the rapidly receding police station.
Jim laughed aloud. “That was a classic move. You mean to tell me you just walked in and were able to spot the pet charity poster?”
Nora turned back around in her seat, facing forward. “I walked in with the full intention of asking which way to the Bern Art Museum. However, when I saw the poster of the two pets and a collection jar beneath it, I quickly put two and two together. I walked up to the officer on duty and handed him a 50-franc note and said I wanted to donate to the pet charity listed on the poster. He told me I was most generous. That’s when I told him our two friends were outside and would also like to donate. But they had disabilities and, if it would not be too much of an imposition, could he walk out and accept the donation himself? He was most helpful and soon followed me out the door. You saw what happened after that.”
“That was a genius move,” he said.
“Like I said earlier, so few of us.”
Jim leaned over and offered her a peck on the cheek. “So true.” He noticed a restaurant. “Let’s get something to eat while our two friends drive around town searching for us. Then you can drive me to the airport for my flight to Salzburg.”
ONLY A BLOCK AWAY sat Lana and Yuri in their car, a GPS receiver in Yuri’s hand. They eyed Jim and Nora sitting at a table by the window in the restaurant.
“Looks like the bribe we paid the valet turned out to be money well spent,” said Yuri.
Twenty-four hours ago, the Valet had informed Yuri and Lana where he had parked Jim and Nora’s car. Yuri wasted no time in discreetly placing a GPS transmitter under the rear bumper.
“Next we have to bug the interior of their car,” said Yuri.
“And bring our service weapons,” replied Lana. “This is the last time they treat this as a joke.”
CHAPTER 41
Salzburg, Austria
Evening was approaching as Jim sat down in the Hotel Schloss Mönchstein’s well-appointed lobby. After his short flight from Bern he was intent on catching up on some e-mail’s on his iPhone.
A well-dressed gentleman strode up unannounced and sat down in a chair that backed up to Jims.
“You keep some strange company, Jim Dieter,” said Benny in a low voice from behind. He placed his cell phone to his ear as if speaking to someone. “Have you encountered the Russians I warned you about?”
Jim half turned in his chair. He picked up on Benny’s deception and did the same, placing his phone to his ear. “Still the master at arriving unannounced.”
“The Russians want you dead. Well, dead after they find out what you are doing in regards to the paintings. My guess is that they have connected the hit we performed in Tehran to the paintings.”
“So they are aware Mossad might be assisting us?”
Benny dropped the charade as he placed his phone on the chair beside him. A cryptic smile suddenly appeared on his face. “I knew I shouldn’t have called you,” he said jokingly but tinged with a hint of seriousness. He then picked up his phone and walked around to sit beside Jim. He extended his hand in greeting. “What am I getting the Mossad involved in? Hell, what am I getting involved in?”
Jim shook his friends hand enthusiastically. “It’s good to see you too,” he replied sarcastically.
“Yes, yes. Of course it’s good to see you.”
“My apologies for dragging you up to Salzburg but I needed to speak with you in person. It’s definitely something we could not discuss on the phone.” Jim casually surveyed the area about them before continuing. “When my wife Nora and I helped you with the Bormann gold, you had mentioned that I have one chit I could call-in for a favor. If I remember correctly, you had said anytime, anywhere.”
Benny looked to the ornate ceiling, admiring the hand-stamped tin panels. He then nodded. “For a Friend of Israel, anytime, anywhere.”
Jim looked directly at Benny. “Well today I am calling in that chit.”
“I presume it must be something big?”
“No, not really,” said Jim, before pausing for a few seconds. “Well, maybe. I may need some help from you and someone from our past.”
“So my elimination of your enemies in Iran was not the favor you hoped for?”
Jim stopped him for a second. “Wait a minute. I think they were enemies to both of us. You have to provide me a pass on that one.”
Benny smiled. “Okay, you are given a free pass on that one. So let me get this straight. Not only do you require my assistance, but you also need a friend’s assistance?” He paused dramatically for several seconds, scanning the hotel’s lobby before answering. “For the friend part, whom did you have in mind?”
“Do you think Solomon Nubelman would be willing to assist us in a little deception?”
“Solomon Nubelman? You are the one who helped him fulfill a promise he made to himself as a nine year old in a concentration camp after watching his father die in his arms. Moreover, that promise was to extract revenge on his enemies from the war. I don’t think Solomon would have an issue at all. You have to remember that he is getting up there in the years, but then again, who is not? Yes, I think for you, he would be willing to do anything.”
“Can you arrange a meeting between the three of us?”
“That is a simple request.” Benny held up his index finger, indicating for Jim to wait a second. He then searched his phone for a number before placing the phone to his ear. He obviously had Solomon’s private number. After several rings, the phone connected. “Solomon. Benny here. Shalom my old friend. I hope your family is doing well. Listen, this is a business call so I am cutting short on the formalities just this once. Now the reason I am calling you concerns an associate of ours. I happen to be sitting beside James Dieter. You remember him?” Several seconds passed as Solomon spoke to Benny. “I know your memory is still sharp as a tack and I knew you would never forget our friend. I just had to ask. He is the reason why I am calling. We are sitting in Salzburg at this very moment and would like to pay you a visit. I will tell you the reason in-person, not over the phone.”
Obviously Solomon had concurred.
“Thirty minutes would be fine. Shalom.”
Jim searched Benny’s face. “Well, are we good?”
Benny nodded. “He is sending a car for us. He said he would go to his grave for you.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t have to come to that.”
CHAPTER 42
Philadelphia International Airport
Atlantic Aviation Services ramp
Eian sat in the cockpit, conducting a final pre-flight of his Gulfstream 550 rental aircraft fo
r their journey back to Bern. He didn’t expect to be flying so soon but since Jims call to Summer, telling them to finish and get to Europe, it had been a whirlwind. They rushed to finish the last painting, only taking it out of the curing oven less than an hour ago. After which they loaded the van and headed straight for the airport.
Eian scanned the cockpits instruments for any indication of fault before re-setting a few circuit breakers, testing the fuel indicators. Satisfied, he called back to Summer. “I’m good-to-go,” he said. He then tapped his watch. “Times a ticking.”
Summer was busy helping Chuck and Zhang load the reproductions into the aircraft. “Alright,” she replied. “We are moving as fast as we can. We should be ready in five minutes.”
That’s all Eian wanted to hear. “I’m holding you to that.” He quickly turned his attention to the weather, contacting the control tower asking for the latest weather report.
Summer rolled her eyes. She turned to Chuck and Zhang. “Give somebody a little power…”
AT THE EDGE of the airport fence line, a woman aimed her parabolic listening device at Eian’s aircraft. She was getting her monies worth out of the device, using it for the second time in two weeks. Some of the audible was broken up but she was able to acquire enough information to make an informed decision. She pulled out her cell phone, typing a short message to her boss. They are leaving now. Loading complete.
She watched as their plane departed. She then drove her rental car to the return lot.
She had a plane to catch to Europe.
CHAPTER 43
Salzburg, Austria
Solomon was waiting at the top of his manor house stone steps as the Rolls Royce Phantom VI pulled into the portico. The car’s driver quickly jumped out of the car and raced around to open the door for Jim and Benny.
Jim was amused. “Some class, wouldn’t you say?”
“That’s Solomon,” Benny replied, he’s like the President of Austria. Only they like Solomon.”
“Gentlemen,” said Solomon, holding out his hands in greeting, a bear like hug first for Benny, then for Jim. For someone in his late eighties they were surprised at his strength. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person, Mr. Dieter.”
“Please, call me Jim.”
“And you shall call me Solomon. I had the chef prepare us a light dinner by the pool. There we can discuss how I may of service to you both.”
The manor house consisted of a main four-story building in historical Tudor style that, according to the carving above the stone arch, dated to 1710. Anchoring both ends were faux castle keeps.
As they walked through the double doors, two servants dressed in 17th century period costume held the doors ajar for them.
Jim looked around the marbled entry room and had to ask. “Excuse me Solomon, but how big is this place? Its absolutely massive!”
Solomon halted the procession for a moment, speaking in German to the younger of the two servants. After several seconds, he seemed satisfied. “You’ll have to excuse me, I’m not aware of all the particulars of the house, even after living here for five years. To answer your question Jim, just under 10,000 square feet. But if you include the ten-car garage and the riding stables, about 14,000 square feet. This house is so enormous there are certain parts I haven’t visited in months.” He turned and indicated for the servants to lead the way. “Please, this way. We don’t want the food to get cold and possibly alienate the chef.” He smiled before he said in a low voice, “He’s French and has a bad attitude, but the man can cook!”
Jim and Benny both laughed aloud at his candor.
The lite dinner was more of a buffet; a six-foot table covered in assorted hot and cold dishes, cheeses, and vegetables. A second table held an assortment of decadent desserts. On one side stood the chef, impeccably dressed in his whites topped with a toque blanche, or white hat, complete with his carving knife at the ready.
Benny turned to Jim, “I hope today is not the day you chose to start your diet.”
Jim stood in amazement. “I feel like royalty,” he said.
Benny nodded. “As a friend of Solomon’s, you are royalty.”
DINNER COMPLETE. It was time for business. Solomon, Benny, and Jim strolled the grounds smoking Cuban cigars and drinking an Austrian Cabernet out of hand-carved crystal goblets. Benny was first to speak. “Solomon, on our way over to your beautiful home, Jim and I discussed a roll we hoped you could play for us? This roll could help in returning artwork stolen during the war to its rightful owners. Very similar to your own situation.”
Without so much as a second elapsing, Solomon agreed. “What can I do to assist?” He replied anxiously.
“But it could be dangerous,” said Jim.
Benny nodded in agreement.
Solomon took a long pull on his cigar, waited several seconds before exhaling. He had a look of seriousness upon his face as he spoke. “Gentlemen, are you saying it’s potentially more dangerous than the German concentration camp I was literally raised in? The one where my parents died? Hell, my own father died in my arms. If I can, at my age, still possess a way to strike back at those bastards, then count me in.”
Benny patted Solomon on the back in thanks.
Jim raised his glass in appreciation.
Solomon turned to Benny and Jim, with a hint of seriousness he said, “Do I get to shoot anybody?”
CHAPTER 44
Salzburg, Austria
A sudden chill in the nighttime air forced them to move indoors. They now sat in the manor houses library, occupying three plush leather chairs that faced a roaring fire.
“Tell me how I can help?” queried Solomon. “I have many friends scattered throughout Europe, many in high places who owe me considerably. That is, if the job you have is indeed in Europe?”
Benny grinned as he turned to Jim. “I think the man is opening the proverbial vault to you.”
“Very kind of you, Solomon,” said Jim. He was already prepared to respond. “Do you have any contacts in the Swiss or Russian governments?”
“Many,” he responded. “How high up do you want to go?”
Jim took a sip of his wine before replying. “The top floor.”
Solomon pulled out his cell phone, then a pair of reading glasses. “I can’t read a damn thing without these. I not only feel old, I am old.”
Benny and Jim laughed aloud as they each pulled out their own reading glasses for his benefit, showing Solomon he was not alone.
“Okay. In Switzerland I have the President of the Swiss Confederation, which is effectively the leader of the country, Lisanetta Tuttleson, on speed dial. And as for Russia, the Defense Minister, Sergey Mastacov, also on speed dial. Unfortunately, the President of Russia chooses not to deal with people such as myself.”
“His loss, our gain” said Benny. He then turned to Jim, a smile creeping across his face. “I told you his friends were some very powerful people.”
Jim again held up his glass. “Solomon, when Benny first told me you were an influential man I thought he might have been laying it on a bit thick in regards to the people you were acquainted with,” replied Jim.
Solomon nodded. “Jim, it’s amazing what money and high-end parties will do. Especially when you donate to their favorite causes; usually themselves.”
Solomon suddenly stood and walked to the fire, grabbing a brass poker from its stand. He half-turned to Jim and Benny as he kneeled on the wood floor in front of the flames. “So, what can an old man like Solomon Nubelman do to help his friends screw some Nazi bastards in their graves?”
Jim turned to Benny, then Solomon. “Well, in order for our job to work, this is the service we will require of you…”
CHAPTER 45
Salzburg, Austria
Benny and Jim had departed over an hour ago. Solomon had his limo driver take Benny to the airport and Jim back to his hotel.
Now it was time to contemplate in silence. Solomon was still sitting in front of his fireplace. He stared at
its embers as he nursed his wine, considering what they had discussed.
Not many people can say they had the privilege to have entertained the head of Mossad in their home, let alone him asking for help on a certain project.
He was briefly interrupted by his butler, Damir, with him pouring the last of the wine into his glass.
“Danke schon, Damir,” said Solomon or Thank-you. “You can be on your way. I’m just going to rest here for the time being.”
“Very well, sir,” he replied. “Your wife is in bed reading. All of the staff have left for the night. The chief will be back in the morning to make breakfast. Before I leave, I will set the manor alarm. I bid you goodnight, sir.”
Solomon watched as Damir departed the room. He then rose to place a small log on the embers. In a matter of minutes the flames were decent enough to place a second log diagonally across the first. Sitting back in his chair, he allowed his mind to wander. He was in a state of melancholy as he thought of his father. He would be proud of him and how he had hunted down their enemies, his ridding the earth of Nazis one-by-one. And his accomplishments from living in squalor to one of the richest men in Europe. Wish he could have lived to see it all, he thought. He took another sip of wine.
“Enough,” he said aloud. “Time to get to work.” He pulled out his cell phone from his shirt pocket and looked at the time. Nine pm. He searched for the personal cell number of the President of the Swiss Confederation and dialed. Within seconds, she picked up.
“Solomon,” Lisanetta Tuttleson said, “I am so happy to hear from you. I was just thinking of you.”
SOLOMON HAD JUST bid goodnight to President Tuttleson, and then he called Jim at his hotel.
“I have news on the first art shipment,” he said excitedly. “It will be shipped in a non-descript, white Transit van to not attract attention. Two guards, one driving, the other a passenger. Before shipment, the paintings will all be taken out of their frames and rolled up for storage in telescoping tubes and then placed in travel bins. The first shipment is departing at 9am Tuesday, five days from now.”
Long Buried Secrets: James Dieter Book 4 Page 14