by Unknown
“I hope I’m not in any trouble,” said Obrect as he sat down.
Betz laughed. Walter Obrect was not what he imagined when he called. From their brief conversation, Betz had imagined he was an old, fat retiree with a red nose from too much drinking. On the phone he had sounded like some sort of Santa Claus. Instead he found a thin man, well muscled, with some color still in his hair. Only the crinkles around his eyes which curled upward gave hint to the jolliness inside. “On the contrary, I was hoping you might be able to help us out with something,” he said cordially.
That got a surprised look from Obrect. “Ahhh. Well, I’m afraid I’m too old to go out chasing criminals. But what can I do to help?”
“We are looking into a case which dates back to the end of the war. I understand you delivered concrete for just about every order the company received, is that correct?” asked Betz with a smile.
Obrect sat back. “My, you really are going back! Yes, I delivered parts of nearly every order, especially during the war. You see, I was too old to serve in the army, so I was allowed to work in one of the vital industries. You might say I drove my own tank. She was a beast,” said Obrect, obviously proud of his work. “What happened? Did you find a body in a concrete slab?” he asked with a grin.
Betz liked this man. He sat back and laughed. “I wish it was so simple. Actually we are looking into where the Germans built some secret facilities near here. It would have required a lot of concrete. We were hoping you might remember where some were.”
Obrect nodded. “Yes, I remember those days. Most of the concrete we made went to the army or some other government operation. Starting in ‘44 or ‘45 you say?”
Betz nodded.
“We were pretty spread out. We poured the barracks floors for a facility just outside the city and the foundations for some gun emplacements. There’s a fortified bunker down near Rum. Then there was the airport work and the foundations there,” he said as he rattled off some of the various jobs they had done.
“The job would be very secret. There might have been some extra security measures taken when you delivered the concrete,” Betz interrupted.
Obect chuckled. “Just about everything was secret to the Germans,” he said, not knowing Betz used to be in the German Army. “Most places had extra security. I wore my travel permit out twice in those years alone just showing it to guards.”
Betz began to think this was a wrong trail. He knew Dresner would be disappointed if this didn’t come through. Everything was pointing in this direction. His thoughts were interrupted by Obrect.
“Of course there was this one place. It began about mid 1944. It was up in the mountains. The other drivers and I must have delivered over 200 loads apiece over six months. The security was so strict they brought in drivers and blindfolded us at the bottom of a hill and drove us blindfolded until we reached the construction site.”
Betz sat up and began taking notes.
“First were two shafts through the mountain we worked on for about a month. Then a lot of underground work. We made our pours through metal tubes down to forms far below. I got the chance to see some of the materials. There were miles of steel piping, wiring, heavy steel supports for something. Unfortunately they were using that ersatz rebar. I said something to one of the men about it, but was told to mind my own business. So I wouldn’t worry about that place. By now it’s probably crumbled in.”
“Why is that?”
“Toward the end of the war steel was hard to get. Someone changed the metals in the rebar we received. It was awful. It broke easily and corroded like you wouldn’t believe. Under any pressure it just gives way. In this place the walls weren’t too thick anyway. I don’t know what it was for, but there were four huge chimneys coming up from the main chamber. Must have been about 5 meters across. We even poured concrete caps for the tops. I could see lights deep inside the holes so there must be a much larger chamber there. But they wouldn’t let us get near it.”
“How could you not see it?” asked Betz.
“They made us deliver the materials at night, you see. I don’t know why. It’s not like we were getting bombed or anything,” said Obrect.
“Do you remember anything else? How far was it from town?”
“I figure it was around 20 miles from Innsbruck. They blindfolded us, but I could tell from the odometer. We traveled on both paved and gravel roads. I almost got pneumonia there because of the mist.”
“The mist?”
“Yes, there was some sort of waterfall nearby and everything stayed damp. Besides, the SS always made me feel ill. There was a general there who was cracking the whip. I heard some of the soldiers say he was hand picked by Hitler for the job. He must have liked it there.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because he was building what looked like a castle for himself right next to the place.”
Chapter 11
Actions
The funeral was held the next day and was attended by over 500 people from their church, neighbors, the community, company and business associates. Anna and Eric had to endure all the hugs, tears and short conversations expressing sympathy or providing some comfort. Anna knew none of the people while Eric seemed to know them all. She wasn’t sure if she would ever be able to remember names like that.
With the funeral over and the parents laid to rest, Anna hoped there would be time for the two of them. Eric had some plans of his own. After making arrangements for two first class tickets back to Innsbruck, Eric drove Anna to a special place just a few miles down the road.
Monticello was Eric’s favorite place when he wanted to be alone. Jefferson’s home was located on the crest of a hill surrounded by gardens and trees. Although tourists seemed to be everywhere this was a place where Eric could think. He would often spend hours looking at Jefferson’s inventions, his writings, and in general, every aspect of the statesman-farmer.
Anna had heard of Thomas Jefferson, but to actually see his things and walk through his home brought the second President closer to her. Like Eric, she marveled at the things he had devised for his everyday life, from his writing table to the automatically opening doors.
After walking in the gardens, Eric had sat her down under a large oak tree. It was the spot he had chosen long ago where he would sit and simply watch people go back and forth around the old house. It was here that Eric found the most peace. And it was here that he produced a beautiful diamond engagement ring and placed it on Anna’s finger. The words he used hadn’t been eloquent, but they had come directly from his heart. Of course she said yes. Then the two sat back, hand-in-hand, and watched the tourists go back and forth.
As the plane’s wheels touched the tarmac at Innsbruck, Anna looked once more at the ring on her finger. Soon she would be Frau Anna Anderson. Although there was much to do for the wedding, she couldn’t wait to start their life together.
After retrieving their luggage Eric decided to hire a taxi to take them home. There was no use in disturbing Helga. Besides, it would be a nice surprise for her. Maybe he would drive Anna home in the Rolls. A classy fiancé in a very fancy car - it fit so well.
The BMW pulled up to the front of the police station. Wagner and Dresner got out and went inside. The duty sergeant told Dresner that Betz wanted to see him immediately when they arrived. When the men entered Betz’s office he was on the phone but quickly ended the conversation.
“Herr Major, gather your things. I know where it is.”
“Where, Michael? Tell me!”
“The old man I interviewed from the concrete plant didn’t know exactly where because they blindfolded him. But he described the place. In his description he mentioned a tunnel, a mist from a waterfall nearby and some sort of large castle like building almost on top of it,” Betz said hurriedly.
Dresner liked as if he had been hit by a truck. He steadied himself on the chair. “The Anderson house. It’s the only answer,” he said in astonishment. “All this time and we had no cl
ue!”
“There is more. One of the men on the list drives a large fuel truck. He works at the fuel storage facility. With two identified, I decided to see if I could contact any of the local people in the list. None of them are home, Herr Major. None of them! For those who are married, their wives said they were going on a business trip for several days. But when I called their employers, I was told the men were on vacation. Something is happening and happening now Herr Major!”
“Where are the men?” Dresner asked.
“I had them go to the Katzung. They should all be there,” Betz said.
“Let me get my weapon,” Dresner said as he rushed out the door. Going to his office, he unlocked his desk and pulled out a Walther PPK pistol, then digging deeper, his old Luger from the war. He placed these in his briefcase along with several magazines of ammunition. He also grabbed a cap and placed it into the briefcase as well. Just before leaving, he grabbed the phone and placed a call. In just two rings Eric Anderson answered the phone.
“Eric! What are you doing home?” Dresner asked, very alarmed.
“We decided to come home early. Anna and I just got in. We are sitting here talking to Helga,” Eric said.
Dresner interrupted him. “Eric, listen to me. Take Anna and Helga and get away from there. Get in a car and drive to Innsbruck. Go to Anna’s house or get a room for all of you. But you must leave at once!”
“Why, Herr Dresner? We just….”
“Eric, do not ask questions. Get the hell out of that house!” Dresner nearly screamed. “I will call Herr Dietz later on and explain. You are in danger. Get out now!”
“We’ll leave now. I’ll find Hans…” he heard Eric say on the line.
“Never mind about Hans. Don’t mention anything to him. If you see him just say you are going into town on an errand. It is very important, Eric!”
“Okay, Herr Dresner. We’ll leave right now.”
“Good. I’ll get back to you soon,” Dresner said as he quickly hung up the phone. At least that would not be a problem, Dresner thought as he left his office.
Rejoining Betz and Mahler, the three men rushed down to Dresner’s Mercedes, started the engine, and pulled away rapidly from the station. It only took six minutes before the car came to a halt in front of the Katzung, a local coffee house. The men went in and headed straight for the back room where Dresner knew the men would be waiting.
As the door opened, a group of twenty two men came rapidly to attention and clicked their heels as they had been taught long ago. Despite the urgency, Dresner had to admire these men. Despite years of leading separate lives when duty called, they came. Each man stood straight and tall. Even though the hair on their heads may have grayed, each man still showed the youthful enthusiasm he remembered in the war. They were ready. The pride Dresner felt in his men was unbridled. He proceeded to the front of the group.
“Setzen Sie sich,” he said. The men sat in their chairs as Dresner continued. “My friends, it seems we still have a duty to perform. Despite all our efforts at the end of the war, we missed one – a very dangerous one. Sergeant Betz and I have discovered what we believe to be an SS plot from the end of the war. We don’t know the extent of it, but it seems it involves launching rockets at the United States and the Soviet Union.”
That got gasps from the men in the room. The men began looking in wonder at each other. Either the Major had lost his mind or there was real trouble.
“I have just come from a face-to-face meeting with Reichminister Albert Speer. The man leading this plot is a General Kammler who was placed in charge of Germany’s rocket and atomic weapons production and research by Hitler at the end of the war. His second in command is Colonel Heinrich Müller. I am sure you all remember him,” he said. Several of the men blanched at the mention of Müller’s name. Known as “Gestapo Müller,” he was Chief of the Gestapo and had led the purge of Army officers and others after the attempted assassination of Hitler in 1944. His goon squads went through every unit in the army, including theirs. Almost everyone in the room had hoped that Müller had died a painful death.
“Recently there have been major thefts in the area. These include thousands of gallons of kerosene and nitric acid. This combination of liquids is the basis of rocket fuel. Along the way they have killed several people, including Major Al Anderson, our American friend from the end of the war.”
There were more gasps from the group as men recalled only recently sitting with Anderson at the Theresienbrau just a few months earlier.
“Sergeant Betz has found where the bunker for these rockets is. So tonight I am asking you to help me finish the job we started so long ago. I am asking because it is important we do so. You know what is happening now between the US and the Soviets. If they were to launch rockets, it could mean the end of the world as we know it. Germany does not need to step back in time. Germany does not need to be blamed for what these men might do. If I go in with the Army or with the police force, it will get all the wrong attention. We must do this quickly, without anyone knowing. If we are successful, we shall go home without thanks and without recognition. But you will have made a lasting mark on the history of our world,” said Dresner finishing his short speech. “Of course, I cannot order you to come. If anyone feels he cannot, I will think no less of you. I am asking your help,” he said solemnly.
Dresner reached into his briefcase and pulled out the cap from his desk. It was his old army field cap from the war. The outline of the German eagle with the swastika still showed where he had removed it long ago, but the cap still fit well as he pulled it tight over his head.
Across the room, the men stood and pulled out their own caps to put them on. No one spoke. They were beyond that. Their Major had called and they would follow his orders. Despite the years, the order and discipline were still there. Each man had a look of determination on his face. This was a noble and just cause – something worthy of their service. Each man came to attention once again.
Sergeant Betz faced Dresner and saluted. “The men are ready, Herr Major.”
Dresner smiled at his men. “Then get in your vehicles and follow me,” he said. Without a word the men filed out of the room and out of the pub. The hunt was on.
Eric hung up the phone and turned to the others. “Something is wrong. Herr Dresner says we must leave this house now. He is very insistent. Gather your things,” he said firmly. Dresner had that edge to his voice which got Eric’s attention. He sounded slightly frightened. If that was the case, something must be very wrong indeed.
“But we just got here,” said Anna, not knowing what was going on.
Helga was already on her feet. She knew Rolf Dresner and if he said go they must go. “Never mind that,” she said. “Let me get my coat and we can go in my car.”
“I don’t think anyone is going anywhere,” came a voice from across the hall. Hans Kemper was standing there with two other men. All had on black pants, a white shirt with a black tie and a red arm band with the symbol of Nazi Germany. Each man held a pistol pointed at Eric and the others. Eric and Anna stood awestruck. Helga began to back away. All of the horrible memories of those times came flooding back and fear gripped her tightly. Yet something within her wanted to lash out. Helga suddenly stood tall and glared at Hans.
“How dare you wear something like that in this house! I had enough of you and your kind. You dragged all of Europe into the dirt and now you want to show your face again? Get out. Never let me see that face of yours again. Get out!” she screamed.
Hans calmly walked to Helga and struck her across the face, sending her reeling onto the floor. “Gag and bind her,” he hissed. “Make sure she cannot get away. I will deal with her later,” he said.
After watching his two assistants tie Helga securely to a chair and force a gag in her mouth, Kemper turned back to Eric and Anna, who were still in shock. “It seems you picked a poor time to come home,” said Hans. “But it is good that you are here to see the start of a new world. Both of you
, come with me,” he said, gesturing with his pistol for the two to move toward the hallway. The other two in uniformed moved to either side of the couple and urged them on. Reaching a side door to the basement, the group entered and descended the steps to the wine cellar. Although several of the racks now held bottles of wine the rest remained empty. Kemper led the group to the left large cask. Reaching along the back edge of the cask against the wall, he tripped a lever and the cask pulled away revealing an open door.
“That way,” said Kemper, again motioning with his pistol. The group was escorted down a passageway with smooth white walls and a stone floor. After thirty feet the passage turned left and descended a set of stairs to another level. Along this passage were several metal doors on either side. There were numbers by each door. One of the doors on the right side was open revealing a bunkroom with clothing draped along the beds. A little farther down the passage they passed through a large, thick metal door which was recessed into the wall. It looked almost alike a bank vault door and appeared to be able to seal off the entire corridor.
The passageway ended in a “T.” They turned right to another stairway which doubled back to a third level. The passage nearly doubled in size. One of the first doors on the left had a window with bars. Eric caught a glimpse of weapons and other gear. Next to it was a wooden door which Hans opened. The group went inside.
Seated behind a desk was SS General Kammler. He had been on the phone and placed the handset into the cradle. After a brief moment a smile crossed his face. “Ahh, Herr Anderson, it is good to finally meet you at long last. We have been keeping a close eye on you and your family.” He motioned to two chairs and Eric and Ann were pushed into them. Hans and the two men stood behind them. “Quite a place I have here is it not?” he asked.
Eric stared at the man a moment before answering. “Yes, general, it is impressive. My family and I had no idea there were Nazi’s burrowed into our mountain. Since you obviously plan to kill us, I’d like to know what you are doing here,” he said.