by Tom Newton
So you were in effect working for the Nazi Government.
Just about every film production company is now government-controlled. That doesn’t make me a spy. I was just doing my job.
And what did that entail?
Property. You know, dressing sets, handling vehicles, animals and so on. The artistic areas of film.
Making propaganda?
I couldn’t say.
Purvis had walked over to the desk. He turned towards Franz with a small object between thumb and index finger.
What is this?
Franz looked. It was a small black rectangle with four metal pins extending from two sides.
I don’t know. I’ve never seen it before.
Oh you haven’t? And yet you were carrying it in your underwear.
Franz explained that he had been taken on as a courier in exchange for passage to America, and that he had received it already wrapped and had been expressly told not to open it.
Where were you to take it?
To the German zone on this island.
So, you don’t know where you are, but you are aware of a German zone. Interesting.
I’d never heard of the German zone until he told me.
Who told you?
The man I was to act as courier for. I didn’t know him. It was the first time we had met.
His name?
Strange.
Is that an adjective or a proper noun?
A person. An Englishman I think.
A member of the armed forces?
No. I believe he is an archaeologist. An older man.
Did he tell you he was English.
No. I just assumed he was. He seemed that way.
Did you converse in English?
I’m not sure. I don’t know what language I’m speaking any more.
Did he tell you what you were carrying?
I asked him that and he said it was a fragment of Thor’s hammer.
Purvis sat down. He was either completely lost at sea or homing in on a spy ring with damaging ramifications. He just did not know what to make of it. He needed time to mull it over and therefore decided to halt the interrogation for the time being. He would resume later. He led Franz up the stairs and locked him back up in the attic.
Upon his return he asked Noyes his opinion.
Not much useful gen but this...
He held up the object.
...is an entirely different story.
What do you think it is?
Without making an extensive scientific examination it’s hard to know but at a rough guess I would say it’s a very advanced piece of electronics that may render our current technology obsolete. We’ve got to get it to London as soon as possible and you have to haul that chap over the coals. He must know more than he’s letting on.
Purvis agreed, though he thought a softer approach might yield better results. They would take him for a night out on the town, give him dinner and get him drunk. They would speak English together as old friends. Afterwards they would let him spend the night with a woman. A little pillow talk might do the trick. It had worked before and he knew a girl who would fit the bill very nicely. Noyes did not doubt him.
39
He had no intention of trying to escape. He was much better off with the British than with the partisans. If he could make it back to the hotel he would be safe but the risks of getting there seemed too great and he did not feel physically capable of the undertaking. He would stay put. The British officers seemed decent enough and here he had food and light and people who spoke to him.
Franz was sitting on his narrow bed with his face in his hands. He had been sitting in that position since the interrogator Purvis had brought him back upstairs. What could he say to convince them of his innocence? He could not expect them to believe his story, he found it hard to believe himself. He wasn’t even able to understand what had happened to him. He had told the truth, with some omissions. He did not think it would be advisable to talk about his personal meetings with the Führer, Himmler and Goebbels. That might create the wrong impression, which could only lead him into deeper water. He also did not want to mention the hotel as he might want to return there sometime and they probably would not believe him anyway. He thought about playing the madman, since he suspected that it was something they were considering, but if he laid it on too thick Purvis would see through it. He was no fool and Franz knew he had to be careful if he did not wish to be hanged as a spy.
The word ’fool’ took him back up the mountain, standing naked in front of that strange woman. Yes, he was a fool, for more reasons than he could imagine. Perhaps it was his fate. He thought of how Nine had described fate almost as a prison one created for oneself. Nine always took on the role of teacher in their relationship. It was annoying, especially as Franz had saved his life. There was something smug about Nine, who looked down on him as if he was an idiot - a fool. The woman had seemed to suggest that there was some kind of honourable quality to being a fool. He had to find it.
He had obviously been betrayed. There were only three people who came to mind – Strange, Ariadne and the sailor, either working alone or in cahoots. Their possible motivation was not clear to him. Why would Strange take him on as a courier only to have him killed a few hours later? That damned object he was carrying would condemn him if nothing else did. And why would Ariadne want him dead when she seemed so fond of him? That left the sailor. The man obviously wanted to kill him, he had not tried to rob him. Was he paid or could it have been just a psychopathic urge? Perhaps he did not like Germans. Not many people did around here.
Franz had a lot to think about and all of it was nebulous. He could not bring himself to a clear understanding, his brain was still foggy. He ran his fingers across his wound, which was still painful but healing. He was lucky.
Across from his bed there was an old wood stove against the wall that he gazed at through his hands. It did not look as if it had been used for a long time. As he stared at it he imagined that he was hearing music coming from within. He listened for a while and then went over to it and opened the door. He was not dreaming. Music was definitely emanating from the wood stove. The music of bagpipes.
40
Purvis had been asked to conduct an interrogation by Major Randel, who would be arriving in town that afternoon and bringing a deserter with him for that purpose. He had sent a message to Dimitra, via a street urchin and was going to meet her first. He left Mrs Zombanakis’ house and immediately crossed the street to avoid a gaggle of bagpipers who had materialised on the corner. He hated the sound of bagpipes. Their infernal caterwauling was a pernicious reminder of the fragile nature of civilization. He wondered how the King was able to tolerate pipers outside his window at Balmoral when he took luncheon. Perhaps he did so for the sake of tradition, as an act of kindness to Scotsmen. The thought amused him and brought forth two quick bursts of laughter. He was in an optimistic mood. It was a fine day and he had a concrete problem to solve. He was going to enlist the services of Dimitra. He would break that Hun if it took her all night.
They met in one of their usual spots, a barren taverna close to the docks. He explained the gist of the situation and what was required of her. Ariadne was quietly ambivalent although she had done worse, and agreed to do as he asked. She looked drawn.
Are you not well?
Just tired.
Purvis needed to get her to probe for information regarding the component without revealing its importance. Noyes had nicknamed it ’The Arachnid’ because it had eight legs. Noyes was absolutely beside himself and in a curious state of frustrated elation. He considered it the most important find of the war. He wanted to cut into the thing and examine it but he knew he shouldn’t. He did not have the right equipment and would only bugger it up. At one point he was all for dashing off and looting a municipal science building or hospital to acquire a microscope but Purvis had talked him down. Noyes had a predilection for top notch scientific instruments and had gathe
red quite a few in Italy, none of which were with him at present except for his typewriter. He had always wanted a typewriter but had never been able to afford one before the war. It was a necessity, so one day while driving through a town he had suddenly pulled over and entered an office building. Moments later he had emerged with a very high-quality machine, right past two Italians arguing about something in the foyer. Since then he would not be parted from it and used it for all his reports.
We found a tiny object on him. Can’t think for the blazes what it might be. See if you can find out.
I’ll do what I can.
That’s my girl.
He patted her knee and she flinched inwardly. He pulled a small pistol from his pocket and gave it to her.
If he tries to run, shoot him. Just please don’t kill him. Do you know how to use this thing?
I think I can manage.
Splendid.
They let Franz stew alone in his room with no food for the rest of the afternoon, to soften him up for the night’s business. Several hours after sundown Purvis climbed the stairs and banged on the door.
You decent?
Without waiting for a response, he unlocked it and let himself in. Franz was lying on the bed.
Hands off your John Thomas, old man, spruce yourself up. We’re going out for a little R and R. Should be wizard.
He had brought up a fresh pair of trousers, this time with un-doctored button holes, and he helped Franz by straightening his uniform and making him look as a British officer should when he goes out on the town. As soon as Franz was presentable they went down to meet Noyes who was waiting by the front door.
41
Despite the privations of war, the Jazz Bar looked quite cheerful when they entered. The candles on every table and the blackout in the windows made for a cosy atmosphere. The orchestra was in full swing, playing what they imagined were the latest tunes from America. This was just the kind of place Purvis liked. He found it exciting and intimate, full of promise. Noyes considered it brash. He preferred classical music. This was just one of their differences. Franz could not understand why they were taking him, their prisoner and a potential spy, out to a night club. What would it be tomorrow – a trip to the cinema? The British were definitely a very strange race. They were seated at a table in the corner. Purvis ordered cheese and olives.
What’s your poison Henry? Spirits or wine?
Wine I think.
Good show. I see you can pace yourself. We’ll tipple some of the hard stuff later.
No sooner had their drinks arrived than a British military man sauntered up. He had a moustache and clean chin. His poise bespoke control. They all rose from their chairs.
Ah Major Randel, we meet again. You know Noyes of course. Allow me to introduce Flight Lieutenant Henry Rawlins R.A.F. just with us for a few days. Would you care to partake?
No thanks, old boy. Just on my way out actually. Duty calls.
He glanced briefly at Franz.
It was a pleasure.
When the major had left, suspecting nothing, Franz knew he had passed his first test. It was quite exhilarating. They sat down again and started to drink. Purvis was attentive and kept his glass full.
Soon Franz began to feel a pleasant warmth in his stomach. This was the best he had felt in days. These British really weren’t bad at all. They treated him with respect. It was the best captivity he could imagine. Purvis talked a great deal about sports cars and the rugger games he had refereed at the school where he was teaching. Noyes told them of his ascent of Mount Vesuvius and the boys he had found boxing on his way down in the middle of the night, the significance of which he had never been able to fathom. He was more reserved than Purvis and did not seem completely at ease with himself. Franz started to recount some of his more salacious adventures during the filming of Triumph of the Will when Purvis gently admonished him by tapping him on the elbow and telling him to keep it English. Another carafe of wine arrived on the table and glasses were refilled. The place was full of smoke and inebriated servicemen with their young Greek consorts. The music was loud and incessant. All the male civilians present looked like criminals. Noyes looked around him in distaste.
Look at all these mumpkins.
Excuse me?
These people who have been spread across the world as a result of the war. They don’t bring any form of culture with them, their minds know only pleasure, selfish idle pleasure, invariably associated with the consumption of large quantities of alcohol. It’s a terrible thing to realise that in England many times more money is spent on beer than on scientific research. If a portion had been set aside for research on the defeat of the submarine and defence against the bomber, our own country and several others might not be in the pitiful condition they are today. People still prefer to cross their bridges when they come to them instead of planning ahead. The result is one continuous muddle. Shall we ever learn?
Noyes’ outburst put a damper on things and there was a lull in the conversation. Franz looked up to see Ariadne making her way across the room towards them. They were all quickly on their feet and Purvis again made the introductions.
Dimitra. What an unexpected pleasure. May I present Squadron Leader Daniel Noyes R.A.F. and Flight Lieutenant Henry Rawlins R.A.F. He’s had a bit of a prang but I think he’ll live. What? Please join us.
He pulled out a chair for her. Franz could not tell if she was surprised to see him for she showed no sign of ever having met him and politely shook his hand before she sat down. He understood and raised his hand to his wound to cover any expression that might have betrayed him. He had no cause to worry, as both Purvis and Noyes had their eyes on Ariadne and he had been forgotten for the moment. Purvis chatted away amiably.
What say you we move on from the vino?
He turned to Franz,
They have this local liquor here. Made from old grape skins I believe. Quite powerful stuff.
He ordered four rakis. The conversation did not flow easily. Franz had nothing to say, he felt a tightening of the chest and a burst of adrenalin. There were too many questions he could not ask. Noyes was silently smouldering over the deplorable state of humanity and Ariadne was waiting to see what would happen. That left Purvis holding the ball. He was rescued by the arrival of the rakis and they passed a few minutes on initial sips.
Good stuff don’t you think? I say, Rawlins, why don’t you ask Dimitra here for a dance? Don’t be frightened. She won’t bite.
It seemed like a good opportunity for privacy so Franz smiled.
Dimitra, would you do me the honour?
She accepted and they moved away from the table. He clasped her chastely and directed her close to the orchestra, where they would not be overheard. She felt good in his arms.
I thought you were dead.
I did too. Did you try to have me killed?
Oh I love to climb a mountain
And to reach the highest peak
Though it doesn’t thrill me half as much
As dancing cheek to cheek.
Of course not.
Their ears brushed each other’s lips. Franz’s suspicions were not completely allayed.
Someone did. But why? How are you?
Happier now that I know you’re alive.
And how is the baby doing?
There is no baby, Franz. I’m not pregnant.
What do you mean? Why did you lie?
I didn’t lie. I was late, that’s all. A female concern. I would have thought you’d understand.
He tried to believe her.
So who wanted to kill me? Was it Strange?
She confessed to him that Strange had instructed her which boat to look for but she could not see why he would want to kill Franz. He had just given him a valuable object. What would be the point?
So maybe it was the boatman, acting on his own.
He didn’t feel completely satisfied with her explanation. Things just did not fit. He was not sure if he could trust her.
<
br /> Why should I believe you? How do I know you’re not lying?
What can I say? No one can be certain of the truth. You just have to trust your intuition I suppose. But listen, we don’t have much time. The British think I am working for them. This whole night out is a set-up. They are going to let you spend the night with me so I can extract information from you, using my feminine charms. They are particularly interested in that object you were transporting.
Yes, that thing will put a rope around my neck. I wish I’d never touched it.
Being sorry for yourself is not going to solve the problem. We’ve got to tell them something.
I don’t know anything.
We’ll go up to Strange’s house tonight and you can force him to give you some answers. One more thing. Don’t run off on me or I’ll have to shoot you.
She smiled and ruffled his hair.
Heaven... I’m in heaven
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak.
And I seem to find the happiness I seek.
When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek.
42
When they returned to the table, Noyes had already left and Purvis, in a drunken stupor, had his head upon it. He lifted it as soon as they had made their exit. Outside in the cool air, Franz felt a little shaky on his feet. Ariadne put her arm through his.
What’s this ’Dimitra’ stuff about? I suppose ’Ariadne’ is a false name too.
I’ll just call you ’Henry’. It suits you.
Ariadne was guiding them towards her lodging. Not somewhere she usually took anyone. In fact, she had no intention of reaching it. She was merely checking to see if they were being followed and when it became obvious that they were not, she changed course. They found their way to the base of the hill in the moonlight. Franz was sobering up. As they made their ascent he felt becalmed, foreboding hung on the horizon. The cypress trees appeared first and then the gateway, sinister in the darkness. Ariadne said she would wait outside and he should go in alone. She told him to be careful, Strange might be more dangerous than they had assumed.