Beacon of Vengeance
Page 32
The agents and their French counterparts rose, raising their arms in salute. Dannecker, walking toward the rear with his lieutenant in tow, stopped to whisper something in his ear. The subordinate turned and called back two teams leaving through the far doors. Surprised at the unexpected summons, the four men came over, curiosity written on their faces.
“Gentlemen, we’ve a special assignment for the four of you this evening.” The men waited for Dannecker to continue. “An influential friend of ours here in Paris has encountered momentary difficulties and can’t personally handle an important piece of business. We, however, are in a position to help him while he’s indisposed, and he’s shared with me some information well-suited to our assignment.”
The agents, honored to have the captain single them out from their colleagues, nodded enthusiastically.
“Obersturmführer Rothe here has the address in Montmartre, a night club named…” Dannecker looked to the lieutenant who already consulted his clipboard.
“La Chatte bottée, sir.”
“Yes, indeed, ‘pussy in boots,’ it is.” Arched brows and ribald laughter. “I’ve learned from our friend that the proprietress is a half-Jew, which on its own is not enough cause to arrest her.” He gave his men a conspiratorial grin. “At least not yet. But here’s the important part—at closing time you will find in her office a wireless transmitter hidden in a closet.” The agents traded knowing glances. “Yes, gentlemen, this Jewess is a spy for the English. Bring her in, and arrest anyone you find in the office with her. But hands off her clientele—she caters to some of our most influential military officers.” Dannecker smiled benevolently. “And keep your hands off the rest of the girls, no matter how tempting—”
The agents came to attention. “Zu Befehl!”
Dannecker couldn’t resist adding a final word. “—unless those lovely ladies look Jewish. In which case, an in-depth inspection might well be in order.” And with a chuckle and a wink he left the room.
One agent questioned the lieutenant. “What about these other assignments for tonight?”
“Let them wait—this takes priority. And gentlemen—”
“Yes, sir?”
“— do have fun tonight!”
The Florentine Ring
AFTERWORD
Even in the best of times, life is uncertain. But in times of war one finds few happy endings. Brief interludes of relief give way to the shifting winds of conflict, to new obstacles and horrors. That was especially true in Europe of the 1930s and ‘40’s. It is still true today.
Post-war published accounts of the German Occupation of France often disagree. National pride and sometimes personal guilt encouraged some writers to exaggerate participation in the resistance movement, particularly in the early years of the war. Only in recent decades have historians attempted a more accurate portrayal of those difficult times.
The fascist mindset that corrupted Germany found its reflection west of the Rhine, and once French adherents took charge, all of France suffered the consequences. Daily life in the two zones differed in many ways, but overall the authoritarian repression was the same. Many brave people on both sides of the Demarcation Line took courageous actions to thwart their occupiers and protect innocents. Others kept their heads low to remain invisible. In the first years of the Occupation, partisan activity was sporadic and poorly organized. Agents from both the Allied Powers and the Reich operated underground. Secret police and snitches lurked everywhere. Corruption was rampant and reached to the highest levels.
I have tried to put the reader into that time and place in Beacon of Vengeance. For those seeking greater insight, please visit www.beaconofvengeance.com for a bibliography of books I found most helpful in portraying the complexities of the period.
As always, I am indebted to those who give immeasurable help and encouragement in bringing these novels to life. Foremost among them is my wife Dani, whose sharp intellect and keen eye keep me on target. I am grateful to Roy Leighton Malone III, Gerda Tüchsen Brown, and Alexander Mackey for their thoughtful contributions as readers of the finished manuscript. Admired British writer Frank Kusy helped make an authentic-sounding Englishman out of Devon Whitaker. And as always, I give thanks to my late father, Leonard L. O’Bryon, Sr. His spirit reaches out to me as I craft these stories inspired by his adventures in espionage.
Finally, I sincerely thank all who have expressed enthusiasm for Corridor of Darkness. Your thoughtful reviews of the novel on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Goodreads, blogs and other sites have encouraged many others to experience Ryan Lemmon’s Europe. I look forward to hearing what you think of Ryan’s latest challenges. Should you have a question or comment for me, please visit my blog site www.patrickwobryon.com.
Fans of Ryan’s journey will understand that his story takes numerous twists and turns which sometimes leave the reader hanging, so please do stick around for Fulcrum of Malice.
But, just as in real life, I hope you find pleasure in those fleeting moments along the path when love overcomes obstacles, someone demonstrates true humanity, and life hints at hope for these characters and their troubled world.
Patrick W. O’Bryon
Cameron Park, California
Don’t miss the final volume in
the Corridor of Darkness trilogy
Fulcrum of Malice
A Novel of Nazi Germany
Patrick W. O’Bryon has been a Fulbright Scholar,
a Princeton Ph.D., a college professor, a command
military interpreter, a log cabin builder, a natural health counselor, an investment property broker, an ad man, and a rescuer of animals—both wild and domesticated.
For now, he brokers real estate and writes novels,
travels as frequently as possible to Europe,
and shares life’s adventures with his wife
and some very demanding cats.
Table of Contents
Le Prélude · 1938-1940
La Collaboration · 1941
La Résistance · 1941
Le Dénouement · 1941
Afterword
About the Author