The Brightest Day

by Christopher Nicole

  Roess took the phone. “Herr Reichsfuehrer!”

  “Roess? Roess?” Himmler shouted down the line. “Where are you? I have been trying to get you all day.”

  “I am in Grenoble, Herr Reichsfuehrer, where I have been for the past month. However, I am at last able to report a complete victory. Thanks to the efforts of General Kirschner and the Waffen SS, the guerillas have been entirely destroyed.”

  Bittner and Joanna exchanged glances. They could still hear Himmler’s voice, as he was still speaking very loudly. “I can’t be bothered with that now, Roess. Tell me when you see me. I want you back in Berlin now. This very minute. Bring Jonsson with you.”

  “Sir? But—”

  “The most terrible thing has happened, Roess. There has been an attempt on the life of the Fuehrer!”

  Nine

  The Flight

  Roess stared at the receiver for some seconds, as did Joanna, who had overheard what was being said. Her mind was whirling. But Himmler had said “attempt”. She couldn’t believe that it had gone wrong again. And this time it had been discovered! Roess had also picked up on the word “attempt”. “Is he all right, Herr Reichsfuehrer? The Fuehrer?”

  “He is better than can be expected in a man who has just been blown up.”

  “Blown up?”

  “Oh, yes. Some treacherous dog carried a bomb into the council chamber at Rastenberg. We think it is Stauffenberg. But he is clearly only the delivery boy.”

  “But you say this bomb went off?”

  “The briefcase containing it was placed on the floor within a few feet of the Fuehrer. However, someone moved it to the other side of a thick wooden upright, and this made the main force of the blast go the other way, while protecting the Fuehrer from any worse effects than concussion and some cuts and bruises.”

  “What an amazing thing.”

  “Oh, yes, the hand of God. He is convinced of it.”

  “And the conspirators have been arrested?”

  “Not all of them. It is apparently a vast plot, stretching throughout the Wehrmacht.”

  “But then—”

  “Oh, the immediate conspiracy is under control. Stauffenberg returned to Berlin, apparently believing that Hitler was dead, and issued a call to arms. Fortunately the garrison commander telephoned Rastenberg for confirmation and actually spoke with the Fuehrer himself. He then contacted Dr Goebbels and myself. Stauffenberg was arrested and the city put under martial law. But, as I say, the conspiracy is clearly widespread. It must be rooted out, down to the last man or woman. This is your immediate task.”

  “Yes, sir. I assume Stauffenberg will be able to name his associates?”

  “Unfortunately, the cretin who arrested him had him shot before interrogation.”

  “Ah… is that not suspicious?”

  “It is very suspicious. It will be your job to discover who these people are.”

  “I am on my way. sir. But the situation here—”

  “I said tell me about it when you get here. And don’t forget to bring Joanna with you.”

  “Of course, sir.” He replaced the receiver and grinned at Joanna. “So it is back to our travels. You will have to put this business on hold, Herr General, until I have spoken with the Reichsfuehrer and obtained his decision on how to handle it.”

  Bittner was gasping for breath. “Can it be true? An attempt on the life of the Fuehrer? Who would do such a thing?”

  “That,” Roess said, “is what I am going to find out.”

  *

  “You understand,” Roess said, as the train sped north, “that we can leave no stone unturned. There is no one who can be considered above suspicion.”

  “I understand that,” Joanna said. She wished he would shut up; she needed to think. Because this was now a matter of life and death. Himmler had said that Stauffenberg had been shot before he could be interrogated but that there had been other arrests. Finding out who those others were was her first priority, because she had no idea how many people knew of her part in it, how many people Helsingen might have felt it necessary to tell, to urge them into action.

  Or had he told anyone? It was getting on for a year since she had promised the conspirators British support, and in all that time they had done nothing. Undoubtedly it was the invasion – that it was the invasion and not just a raid could no longer be argued – that had sparked this latest attempt. But that did not mean that at some stage someone under interrogation was not going to bring up her name. She should get out now, while she could. And she could, even if Himmler would not let her go. With her contacts and the fact that she was well known in the Baltic seaports, she could be in Sweden before she was even missed in Berlin. Of course she would never be able to return, at least before the War ended… but surely she had done her bit now?

  But that would mean abandoning Franz. If she were to be implicated, he certainly would be too. It would also mean abandoning Madeleine, who was most certainly implicated. It was easy to say that Madeleine had willingly involved herself in the looming tragedy that was the Third Reich when she had married Helsingen back in 1940. She had done her best to redress matters since, mainly because of her arm-twisting. To abandon her… that was what a true agent, cold-blooded, ruthless and amoral, would do. Joanna was prepared to accept that she was amoral, and that she had, too often, been utterly ruthless and cold-blooded… but she had never abandoned a friend, or even a fellow agent like Rachel Cartwright – when they had been no more than acquaintances – no matter what the risk involved. Madeleine would at least have to be warned, as would Franz. And then… she would make up her mind when those two essentials had been dealt with.

  *

  Berlin was totally quiet, certainly as quiet as a city could be, both under constant bombardment and aware that Germany was now fighting for its very existence; that there were soldiers on virtually every street corner would indicate only to those in the know that an incipient coup had just been put down.

  They were driven straight to Gestapo Headquarters and shown to Himmler’s office. The Reichsfuehrer was clearly agitated. “You will get to work immediately,” he told them. “The Fuehrer wants blood. A great deal of blood.”

  “He will have it,” Roess said. “May I ask what have we got so far?”

  Himmler handed him a sheet of paper containing a list of names. “The ones that are ticked have already been arrested and await interrogation. The others were supplied by various agents, but I awaited your return before acting on them.”

  Roess scanned the list while Joanna held her breath. Then she asked, “May I see it, sir?”

  “Certainly,” Himmler said.

  Roess gave her the list and she felt an almost sick sense of relief as she could find neither the name Helsingen nor Hoeppner. But her relief was premature. Roess said, “There are some names that should be added.”

  “Then add them. Who did you have in mind?”

  “Colonel and Frau von Helsingen, for a start.”

  Himmler frowned. “I hope you’re not serious. Frederick von Helsingen is the son of one of the Fuehrer’s closest friends, as well as being a decorated war hero.”

  “I am aware of that, sir. But my department has had its suspicions of Frau von Helsingen for some considerable time.”

  “Because she is French? And a de Gruchy?”

  “Because of her activities in the past. I may say, sir, that Colonel Weber also had his doubts about her from an early stage in the War, but was prevented from doing anything about it by General Heydrich for the same reasons you have just given. But he kept a file on her, which is now in my possession.” Himmler took off his glasses and polished them. “You did say, Herr Reichsfuehrer,” Roess pressed, “that our investigations should include everyone of whom there could be the slightest suspicion, regardless of rank or position.”

  Himmler looked at Joanna. “Frau von Helsingen is a friend of yours, is she not?”

  “She is Liane de Gruchy’s sister,” Roess said.


  “I knew her before the War,” Joanna said. “And I visit her from time to time. My husband was her husband’s best man.”

  “Your husband,” Himmler said, half to himself, and Joanna’s heart constricted; could Franz already have been arrested? “Yes,” he went on. “Perhaps you are right, Roess. Frau von Helsingen should be investigated. But it must be done with the greatest tact. I put this in your care, Joanna.”

  “Sir?” Roess was outraged.

  “We want none of your bull in the china shop methods until we have proof of her guilt. Joanna will handle it, will you not, Joanna?”

  “If you wish me to, sir.” Joanna could hardly dare believe the reprieve – for both of them.

  “With respect, sir,” Roess said. “In view of Frau Hoeppner’s long and close friendship with Frau von Helsingen I feel that this investigation should be handled by someone else.”

  “Are you suggesting that Frau Hoeppner would suppress or conceal evidence that might convict Frau von Helsingen of treason?” Himmler looked at Joanna as he spoke, but she was well practised in keeping her features immobile.

  “Yes, sir,” Roess said. “I do think that is possible.”

  “Oh, go to work, Roess. Just tell me first, what went wrong in the Vercours?”

  “The guerillas were in much greater strength than we were told, Herr Reichsfuehrer. There were perhaps as many as 5,000, with artillery.” Joanna stared at him with her mouth open, but he did not look at her. “They were also commanded by British officers, and there were very probably British soldiers serving with them. They also possessed an airstrip, which enabled them to receive a constant stream of reinforcements and supplies. However, General Kirschner attacked with the utmost determination, and they were utterly defeated. I was in the middle of co-ordinating the mopping-up operation when you summoned me back here.”

  “I am sure Bittner can complete the job. I congratulate you.”

  “We have not yet found Liane de Gruchy’s body.”

  “But she is dead?”

  “Oh, undoubtedly. However—”

  “Even Liane de Gruchy must be put aside until this investigation has been completed. We will discuss the situation when that is done. Probably by then Bittner will have found her, or what is left of her. Heil Hitler!”

  Roess stood to attention. “Heil Hitler.”

  Joanna also got up.

  “I would like you to remain for a few minutes, Joanna,” Himmler said.

  “Yes, Herr Reichsfuehrer.” She sat down again.

  Roess gave her a suspicious glance and left the room. “He hates you,” Himmler remarked. “Because he wants you. Has he ever made advances?”

  “Repeatedly.”

  “And you have always refused him?”

  “Always.”

  “You are very strong minded. Now it will be necessary for you to be even stronger minded. When last did you hear from your husband?”

  Oh, my God! Joanna thought. Here it comes. “I have not heard from him since the invasion, Herr Reichsfuehrer. Before then, before you summoned me here to go down to Grenoble, I was able to be with him.”

  “Yes, of course. War is a dreadful business, is it not? Joanna… Colonel Franz Hoeppner has been reported missing, believed killed.” Joanna stared at him. “He died most gallantly, if recklessly,” Himmler said. “As a staff officer he should not have been engaged in combat. But he was present, as an observer, when a counter-attack was launched on a British position outside Caen. As the attack was about to begin, the commanding officer was hit by shrapnel from an exploding shell and killed. His men were wavering. So Franz went forward and himself led them into action. Sadly the attack failed; the British position was too strong. Colonel Hoeppner was seen to fall while trying to rally his men. He did not return with them.” He paused. Joanna continued to stare at him. “I am most terribly sorry,” he added.

  Joanna drew a deep breath. “Wheren did this happen, Herr Reichsfuehrer?”

  “Three days ago. I did not send the news to Grenoble because I had already instructed you to return here, and I preferred to tell you myself.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Would you like to take a few days off? There is no rush about this Helsingen investigation. I am quite sure that Roess is barking up the wrong tree there.”

  Joanna was collecting her thoughts. If Franz was indeed dead, one of the links binding her to Germany was broken. Only Madeleine remained. Once she was warned, her duty would be done. It might even be possible for them to escape Germany together. “I would rather proceed with the investigation now, sir.”

  “Do you know, I had no doubt you would say that? Duty above everything, eh? Very good, Joanna. You will make your report, supposing you find anything to report, direct to me.”

  “Yes, sir.” She stood up. “Heil Hitler.”

  “Is there anything you need?”

  “Ah…” She appeared to think. “I think I may need a carte blanche, signed by you, authorizing me to do whatever is necessary, for the good of the Reich. The Helsingens have many powerful friends.”

  He considered for a moment, then nodded. “You are probably right.” He drew a block of his headed notepaper to him and began to write.

  *

  Joanna went first of all to the Albert, where she received her usual warm welcome from the staff. She went up to her suite, poured herself a cognac, and then a hot bath, in which she soaked while sipping her drink. She reminded herself that she should be grief-stricken. But she wasn’t. She had never known Franz well enough.

  They had begun by sharing a secret; his knowledge that she had lied about Liane’s death, her knowledge that for all his apparently enthusiastic pursuit of Liane, he did not wish her to be caught and executed because he loved her too much, without ever having known her at all, and certainly not in the biblical sense.

  Sharing such a secret, they had inevitably gravitated into a biblical relationship. She had found him such a relief after Oskar Weber, with whom she had had to sleep to maintain her position in the heart of the Gestapo. Franz, unable to obtain Liane, had found in her voluptuous beauty, in such strong contrast to Liane’s delicacy, a satisfying substitute. But had they ever loved each other? He undoubtedly had regarded her as a prize; she supposed love could well follow; it had been showing signs of appearing during their honeymoon. She had always told herself that she was going to love him, as soon as she could stop betraying him… or, at least, the regime that he so reluctantly served. Now she would never have the opportunity. And there was a great deal to be done. She got out of the bath and towelled herself dry.

  *

  “Frau Hoeppner!” Hilda said. “You see, Frau, I remembered.”

  “That is very good of you, Hilda,” Joanna said, not for the first time wondering at the transformation that had overtaken this previously dour little woman. But perhaps she was just happy to have her employer back, however shattered; her change of demeanour had first been observable after Frederick’s return. “Is Frau von Helsingen in?”

  “Oh, yes, Frau. She will be pleased to see you.”

  She stepped back, and Joanna entered the lobby, then went into the lounge. Hilda hurried down the corridor to the bedrooms, and a moment later, Madeleine appeared. She was as elegantly handsome as ever, her long brown hair tied back in a loose ribbon, but there were stress lines at her eyes and she found it difficult to smile. “Joanna,” she said and was in her arms. “Oh, Joanna. It was in the Gazette.”

  Joanna kissed her. “Himmler has just told me.” She led her to the settee and sat beside her.

  “Are you…?”

  “I will mourn him. When I have the time.” She lowered her voice. “You know what happened?”

  “Of course I do. Stauffenberg telephoned Freddie.”

  “He did what?”

  Madeleine licked her lips and glanced at the open door. “He was so confident. He even told us to contact you so that you could inform your people.”

  Joanna stared at her in
horrified consternation, then turned her head sharply, as there was a noise from the lobby. “What was that?”

  “I imagine Hilda going out. She often does about this time.”

  “This does not bother you?”

  “Well, it’s a free country. Well…” She flushed.

  “Madeleine,” Joanna said as earnestly as she could. “You do realize that you are in extreme danger?”

  “Stauffenberg would never betray Freddie. Anyway, he is dead.”

  “Madeleine, he betrayed you the moment he telephoned you. And me.”

  “But he telephoned several people. To tell them we had succeeded. He was so confident of it. He heard the bang before he left Rastenberg… we still don’t know how Hitler survived.”

  “Just about all of those people he telephoned have already been arrested or are about to be arrested. I have seen the list.” Madeleine’s face paled. “You are just fortunate that, because of your connections, Himmler has given me the job of investigating you, rather than Roess.” She gave a quick smile. “He feels I will handle you more sympathetically.”

  Breath rushed through Madeleine’s nostrils. “Then we are safe. You will protect us.”

  “I cannot protect you here in Berlin. I believe you that Stauffenberg would never have betrayed you. But one of the others now under arrest will certainly do so. How many people know of my involvement?”

  “I don’t think any, really. Freddie merely told them that he had been contacted by a British agent who had promised London’s support in the event of a successful coup.”

  “Well, that is something.”

  “You mean you are just going to abandon us?”

  “Not if you do as I say. But you cannot remain here. Now listen, I can get you out of Berlin, out of Germany, if you act promptly enough. Where is Helen?”

  “I sent her to stay with her grandparents until this is over.”

  “Shit!”

  “I can get her back.”

  “You have no time for that. You will have to leave her.”

  “But—”

  “Surely the senior Helsingens are not involved?”

  “I don’t think so.”