The Kammersee Affair

by John Holt

  “I’ve had enough of this nonsense. Go away. Now,” Hartman suddenly announced, pulling away once more. “If you don’t leave me alone, I shall have no choice but to call the police.”

  “The police! Do you really mean that, sir? I don’t really think so somehow,” Behr responded, a smirk on his face. “But if you really feel you must. Then just go ahead. Be my guest.”

  Hartman began to panic. He shoved Behr to one side, and tried to break away. Behr quickly recovered, and within a few moments the two men had hurriedly caught up with him. Behr moved close to his right hand side, and beckoned Steiner to move in on the left side.

  “Now, now, sir, that wasn’t very friendly was it? I mean, that’s no way to treat an old colleague, dare I say, a friend.” Behr stopped for a moment. He then moved quite close to Hartman, and placed his hand on Hartman’s shoulder. “You know Major, I’m sure that the authorities would be very interested in you. Oh yes, very interested indeed. A high ranking officer in the SS. The Security Officer at a secret weapons testing facility. The facility itself being constructed by forced prison labour, in contravention of the Geneva Convention. Oh yes, they would love to get their hands on you, I’m sure. What a catch that would be. Quite a prize I would have said. What do you think Walter?”

  Walter said nothing. Hartman kept quite still. He was beginning to get impatient, and wished that they would just get to the point.

  “So what about the insurance scheme that I mentioned, I hear you ask. How does that work you are wondering,” Behr said. “Well now, here’s the deal. We are able to offer you a nice little package. Tailor made to suit your present situation. For a small monthly premium, you could be insured, and your secrets kept completely safe, free from harm, and fully protected. No questions asked. And there’s absolutely no risk, guaranteed. How does that sound to you, sir?” Behr, becoming more and more confident, sounded more and more threatening. “For a small financial outlay, you would have absolute security. What do you say?”

  So that was it, blackmail. These petty little individuals were going to blackmail me. To be more correct, they were going to try to blackmail me. Hartman said nothing.

  “We thought that perhaps two hundred American dollars might be a reasonably agreeable figure,” Behr continued. “Oh, by the way, that’s two hundred dollars per month. What do you say Walter?”

  “Sounds reasonable to me, quite reasonable indeed,” Steiner replied. And then drawing courage from Behr, he continued. “Just think a small regular payment and you will be completely free from worry. The plan offers extremely good value for money. Well worth it for that peace of mind.”

  “It’s been terrific seeing you again, Major. Regrettably, though, we have to go soon, I’m afraid,” said Behr. “I wonder if we can proceed with our little arrangement. What do you think? I do need an answer, you know, today. I’m sorry but this can’t wait. We’ll need to deal with the paperwork in the next day or two. A short document addressed to the Austrian Interior Ministry should be sufficient, perhaps a second copy for the US Military authorities. Naturally, we will keep the two documents safe, as long as the Insurance policy is valid. Naturally you will receive a copy. Nice and legal then, isn’t it? What do you think Walter?”

  Walter said that he was not a lawyer, but the proposal seemed fair enough to him.

  “So, what do you say then, Major? Should we go ahead and draw up the paperwork?”

  Hartman looked at Behr, and agreed.

  “Fine,” said Behr, who was feeling pleased with himself. He had handled the whole matter brilliantly. Hartman had been left in no doubt as to who was in control. Now he was on the last lap, and almost home. “Now to the last item of business, collecting the premiums,” he continued. “You’ll have no worries on that score, sir. I suggest that we meet up again, here, in, say two days, at about this time.” He checked his watch. “Yes, that should be all right. We’ll meet once a month thereafter.” Behr was pleased with his legalistic phrasing. “The first Monday of every month should be all right. That way there’ll be no mistake. No chance of forgetting, keeps the administration nice and easy. I trust that my proposal will be convenient for you, sir?” Behr somehow knew that it would be convenient. “We really must go now, right Walter. Don’t want to outstay our welcome do we. Well, goodbye, Major. It was so nice meeting with you again, sir, reminiscing about the good old times. Yes, very nice indeed. Look forward to seeing you again, real soon.”

  The two men walked away. Hartman stood quite still, visibly shaken. Surprisingly, he had found the whole encounter un-nerving. It had been totally unexpected, and he had been taken completely by surprise. This had been a wake-up call. He had been careless, complacent. That would change. He walked back along the pathway to the seat. He sat down, slowly recovering. His breathing gradually becoming less laboured. His pulse slowly returning to a regular beat. He soon began to feel like his old self again.

  Fully composed again, he began to assess the situation, and what action he could take. Why did this have to happen now? In a week’s time he was planning a trip to Munich, and then later he would be going back to Austria, to finalise some details relating to the hidden gold. No, this was not a good time to have those two around. He would have to stop them, and quick. He wondered if he had any information about them. Was there any useful information that he could have used against them? He thought of the files that he had back at the house. He shook his head. They really hadn’t been that important. He knew then that the only sure way to stop them talking was to kill them. Better yet, to have somebody else kill them. He got up from the seat, and started walking along the pathway, a plan already beginning to form in his mind.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Hartman Has A Plan

  Two days later Hartman returned to the central fountain in the Park. He was deliberately early. He had an idea to regain the upper hand, and exert some authority over the two men, unlike on the previous occasion. Then they had completely taken him by surprise. He would be ready for them this time. Over the past day or two he had devised a plan to be rid of them once and for all. The start of that plan would be put into action today.

  To one side of the central fountain there was a curved colonnade, a covered walkway, lined with ionic columns. Hartman stood behind one of the columns, and waited. His vantage point overlooked the fountain. It also afforded him a good view of the main pathway leading from the park gates. This was the pathway that his visitors were expected to take.

  * * *

  A short while after the two men entered the park, and commenced walking down the main pathway, toward the pre-arranged meeting place. As they approached the fountain they could see that there was no sign of Hartman.

  “Walter, get over to the lake and see if he is anywhere around.”

  Steiner did as he was told. A minute or two later he returned. There was no sign of Hartman. Five minutes passed. Then ten minutes. There was still no sign of Hartman.

  Behr started to become agitated, and lashed out at Steiner. “Don’t just stand there!” he yelled. “Go and see if you can see him anywhere.”

  Several minutes later Steiner returned, only to report that there was no sign of Hartman. Another ten minutes passed by, without any sign of Hartman. Behr became more and more concerned. Perhaps he isn’t coming. Perhaps he had other plans for him and Steiner. After all, he was an SS officer, and probably still had many influential friends in Germany. He may even have friends in the police force.

  Perhaps he has told them that we threatened him, and they are, even now looking for us. Perhaps they are here, in the park, now. Behr nervously looked around to see if there was anyone who may have posed a threat to them.

  Behr was now beginning to get worried. What had they done? What had he done? Had he really been so stupid as to threaten an SS officer? What had he been thinking of? Had he been thinking at all? “I think we better get out of here, quick, and plan our next move.”

  Hartman could see everything from his hiding
place. He could see the agitation building, the worried look on Behr’s face. His plan was working very well, in fact even better than he had imagined. Now was the time to put phase two into operation, he decided.

  He walked the length of the colonnade, being extremely careful not to be seen. When he reached the end he walked around the opposite side of the fountain, and joined the main pathway, as though he had just entered from the main gate. He was casually walking along the pathway, when Steiner turned around and saw him.

  “There he is, Wolfgang.”

  Behr quickly turned and breathed a sigh of relief. At last, there was Hartman. He had been worrying for nothing. “You’re late. Where have you been?” Behr demanded, trying to sound assertive, but not succeeding.

  “Gentlemen, I’m so sorry I’m late. What can I say? Firstly I overslept, then the tram broke down, and I had to wait for another. The traffic was dreadful. It’s just getting worse all the time,” Hartman apologised. “Anyway, I’m here now. Have you been waiting long?” He looked at his watch. “Is that really the time? Oh I hadn’t realised I was that late. I am so sorry.”

  “All right, all right, enough.” Behr was becoming annoyed and angry. “What about our money? Do you have it?”

  “Well of course I have the money. Didn’t we arrange today so that I could make the necessary payment?” Hartman replied with mock indignation. He handed an envelope to Behr. “Here you are two hundred American dollars.”

  Hartman had originally intended to hand over two hundred of the counterfeit dollars he possessed. However he had decided that if it had been discovered, unlikely as that seemed, it could put Behr on his guard, thereby putting the rest of his plan at risk. It would have to be two hundred genuine dollars, he decided. It was, after all, a small price to pay considering the high stakes.

  “I think that’s the sum we agreed upon. And now, have you got the... er, paperwork you mentioned.”

  “All in good time”, said Behr taking the envelope. He opened it and began slowly counting the dollar bills.

  “What’s the matter, don’t you trust me?” Hartman asked. Behr did not answer, but continued counting. When he had finished, he took out an envelope from his inside pocket, and handed it to Hartman.

  Hartman took hold of the envelope. He carefully opened it, took out the document, and began reading. “This is really very good. An excellent piece of work if I may say so. You are to be congratulated,” he said. “Naturally, you have copies.”

  Behr did not need this praise from Hartman. “Of course I have copies,” he replied angrily. “Do you think I’m stupid?” Hartman was sorely tempted to respond, but did not.

  Hartman finished reading the document, folded it and replaced inside the envelope. He then placed the envelope into his jacket pocket. “Very good indeed,” he said. “It’s very thorough. You seem to have covered everything.”

  “I’m so pleased that you like it,” Behr said sarcastically. “Now, I think our business for today is about finished.” He looked toward Steiner. “So we will meet here again in one month’s time. Unless of course you would prefer some other arrangement, Major?”

  “Oh no, not at all,” Hartman replied. “The present procedure is perfectly acceptable to me. Most convenient I would say.” It wasn’t going to last that long anyway.

  “Fine Major, I’m so glad that it meets with your approval,” said Behr smugly. “Come on Walter, let’s get out of here.” He turned and started heading toward the entrance, Steiner trailing a step or two behind.

  “Oh, just before you go,” Hartman beckoned, stopping them for a moment. “Could you spare a moment or two? I have a proposition you might be interested in.” The two stopped and walked back toward him.

  “Go on. I’m listening,” said Behr apprehensively. “What’s on your mind?”

  Steiner stood just a little behind, nervously flexing, and unflexing his hands. He didn’t like this delay. He wanted very much just to get away.

  “I’ve just given you two hundred American dollars,” said Hartman, his voice barely above a whisper. “That really is small time. Peanuts, as the Americans would say.” He paused for a moment waiting for a response. None came. “Look, you are both intelligent men, and you know you could do a whole lot better,” he continued. “I’m talking big time. And I really do mean big.”

  Behr moved closer to Hartman, straining to hear. “All right, we’re listening,” he said. He turned to face Steiner, and beckoned him to move closer. He then turned back. “Let’s hear what you have to say.”

  “How would you like to make some real money, not this small change?” Hartman replied. He started to open his briefcase, but then hesitated. “Let’s go over to the colonnade shall we, so that we won’t be observed, or overheard.”

  Behr was becoming a little suspicious, but he was still intrigued, and went with Hartman, Steiner following on a few steps behind. Securely behind the columns, Hartman opened his briefcase, and lifted out a small package. He handed it to Behr. “Open it,” he said. Behr started to unwrap the package. “That is a solid gold bar, which was cast in 1943 by the Reichsbank, in Berlin,” Hartman started to explain. “Actually the original gold was bracelets, rings, jewellery, all of it taken from the Jews in the camps. The items were melted down, and cast into solid bars, just like that one.”

  Hartman could see that he had his audience’s undivided attention. The trap had now been set. All he had to do was to spring it. “I know where there are several hundred more, just like that one.”

  Behr looked at the bar in utter amazement. Hundreds, he thought, his mind racing. His hands were shaking. Sweat was streaming down his face, and he was breathing rapidly.

  “The gold is hidden in a lake in Austria,” Hartman continued. “Oh no, not Toplitzsee, but close by, at Kammersee.”

  “Kammersee,” repeated Behr.

  “I shall be going to Austria shortly, to finalise a few things in connection with my plan to raise that gold,” Hartman continued. “I want you to meet with me there in about three weeks time.”

  He could see that Behr was unsure. Was he getting suspicious? “Come on. What have you got to lose?” he asked. “If I’m lying, you will have something else to add to my dossier. You still have the current Insurance Policy on me. And finally, you may keep that bar as a lump sum payment on the insurance premium. It’s worth about five thousand dollars. Sadly, on the black market it would be considerably less, but even so you should get two thousand, perhaps more. I can actually put you in touch with a buyer if you need one. What do you say?”

  Behr could not believe it. Two thousand dollars, and the possibility of much much more. “How do you know that you can trust me?” he asked

  “Trust you,” said Hartman, and he started to laugh. “You must be mad. In fact the exact opposite is the case. I certainly do not trust you, but you see it doesn’t matter. As the saying goes, I would not trust you as far as I could throw you. But then you don’t trust me either. So you see we are the same, identical. We are both ruthless, and both driven by power, and greed. I remember you from the centre, very well. You reminded me of myself when I was younger. It was uncanny, frightening almost. You were ambitious. You didn’t let anything or anyone, stand in your way. Nothing was going to stop you from getting what you wanted. Just like me.”

  Behr said nothing, but silently acknowledged that everything Hartman said was one hundred per cent correct. The reason he reminded Hartman of a younger version of himself was no accident, and no mere co-incidence. Behr had deliberately modeled himself on the Major. Every mannerism was echoed, his style meticulously studied and copied.

  “You see, I don’t actually need to trust you. You already have an insurance policy on me. However, I believe that with your ambition and greed you would not be able to turn this opportunity down. Once you accept that opportunity, then I have my insurance policy on you. Understand?” He stopped, and looked at Behr. “In other words should you report me to the authorities, they will receive a simila
r report about you. If I go down, then you go down. Do I make myself clear?”

  Behr understood very well. The Major knew him very well, and he knew the Major. Everything that Hartman was saying made perfect sense. If they accepted Hartman’s offer they would be inextricably locked together.

  “Why are you offering us this opportunity?” Behr wanted to know. “We were never friends, as you might say. Never comrades were we. In fact I felt that you actually disliked me.”

  “As I said, Behr, you and I are alike,” Hartman replied. “We are leaders. We are not led. We know what we want. We know how to get it. We set our targets and we go for it. I need help in this venture. No, not physical help, I can get all the labour I need. No, I need people who think like me, with my kind of vision. I need someone who can take over some of the responsibility. This is a big project. With an operation like this there is so much to arrange, there are so many people involved, and security is a major issue. Then there is the practical side. Actually locating the gold and controlling the labour force. Transportation will be a major problem. It will take a lot of planning to move upwards of fifty crates of gold bars, without rousing suspicion. There will be tough negotiations with the dealers, to dispose of the gold.”

  “There will be a thousand and one things to be done. There are many people to see, and many aspects to be finalised. I cannot possibly be everywhere at the same time.” He stopped once again. Behr was interested, he was sure of that, but he was still hesitant. “Whether I like you or not is of no importance. It is not relevant. No. What is important is I need someone to act as a deputy, my right hand man if you like. I need someone that I can rely upon. Someone who thinks and acts exactly like me. You could certainly fulfil that role, Wolfgang.”

  Behr was overwhelmed. He hadn’t realised that the Major had taken such as interest in him. But certainly his description was accurate. I am ambitious, and I am ruthless. Nothing gets in my way. There’s big money to be made here, and the Major always thought big. If anyone can do it, he can. I’d be a fool to turn away from this one.