The Checkpoint, Berlin Detective Series Box Set

by Michele E. Gwynn

  “I suppose you’re right. I have everything in my report. If he has any questions, he knows where to find me. Goodnight, Herring.”

  “Yeah, you too, Herman.”

  Faust punched out on the clock and left the station house. Outside, the morning was crisp and cold. The ground was covered in wet snow, and at least six inches of it covered his police cruiser. He sighed. He didn’t feel like cleaning off a windshield, but it was necessary if he wanted to get home. He pulled on his coat, yanked his hat down over his head, and resigned himself to the task. By the time he was finished, the inside of the car had heated up. He was grateful once he slid in behind the wheel and closed the door. His fingers felt numb, and his body ached in unusual places. His neck and shoulders screamed for rest, most likely from giving CPR for half an hour. He was tired and looking forward to getting home. More so, he was looking forward to his mother-in-law’s arrival because then he could crawl into his warm bed and sleep off this hellish night.

  HELGA WAS IN THE KITCHEN when he arrived. She stood by the stove cooking eggs. He noticed she was already dressed for work, looking very professional in her dress suit. His wife was a legal secretary and knew about as much of the law as her employer. She was an intelligent woman with a sparkling wit. It didn’t hurt that she was also beautiful with flowing red hair and crystal blue eyes. How she chose him over all the men vying for her attention that day still stymied him, but he was grateful. He would have fought them all to win her, but as luck would have it, she was the one who threw the winning punch. He knew it was that act which won his heart.

  It all went down after he’d graduated the police academy. He and his best friend, Joseph Heinz, had gone out to celebrate, dragging along their friend, Karl Keller. Keller and Faust often argued, always on the opposite side of every issue, while Joseph seemed to be the linchpin that held their trio together. Even so, they were never far from each other’s company. That evening, they made the rounds of the local pubs, feeling jovial and optimistic about their futures. Around about the third establishment, they stumbled upon a spot with a good band playing lively music. It was there that they spotted her, a gorgeous girl with flaming hair sitting with her friends. Herman smiled at her, unable to help himself, and she smiled back. Joseph whistled, saying, “Now there’s a looker, Herman!”

  “That she is, my friend, and I do believe she’s looking at me so roll your tongue back up into your mouth.” Faust was laughing as he patted Joseph on the shoulder.

  Karl smirked. “That wasn’t you she was smiling at, Faust, it was me! That one there is all mine.”

  Herman’s eyebrows lowered. “Want to bet on it?”

  Joseph noticed the serious turn his friend’s mood had taken and tried to smother his own grin even as his own brow rose in surprise. “Gentlemen, I do believe we have a wager. May the best man win?”

  “You stay out of it, Joseph!” Faust grunted, unaware that his best friend was already backing off from participating in the bet even as he kept closed mouth about it, silently laughing. But Karl Keller did not back off. Before Joseph could reel the man in, Keller had boldly walked up to the red-haired beauty and asked her to dance. She’d glanced over in Herman and Joseph’s direction before politely agreeing. As the band played, Keller spun the lovely girl around the dance floor while Herman fumed.

  When the song ended, Keller tried to pull her along for another dance. Joseph appeared behind them. “May I cut in?”

  The girl gave Joseph the eye, and seeing her chance to escape, accepted. “Of course.” Keller had no choice but to relinquish her hand. He wandered over to the edge of the floor, and watched, waiting.

  Joseph looked down at her as he led her through the polka. “I hope I wasn’t intruding...” He left the statement hanging.

  “Not at all.”

  “I’m Joseph,” he said. Heinz glanced over at Herman who stood, hands in pockets, glaring at him. Heinz chuckled. “And that one over there is Herman, my best friend.”

  “He looks quite put out,” she said.

  “Yes, well, he wanted to dance with you, but Karl beat him to it.”

  “He did?” She turned her large, lovely blue eyes on him.

  “Oh, yes. That’s why he’s glaring at me now. Thinks I’m stepping on his toes.” The grin spread across his face.

  “And are you?” She offered an inquiring look.

  Joseph noticed the laughter in her eyes, caught off guard by both her boldness and her beauty, and stumbled. He righted them both immediately. “No, but it does seem I’m stepping on yours. Sorry!”

  She laughed. “I’m Helga, by the way.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Helga. There’s not a boyfriend somewhere around here, is there?”

  “You sure do ask a lot of questions.”

  “I’m practicing.”

  “For what?” she said.

  “Well, we’ve just graduated from the police academy. We’re officially police officers. One day, I hope to be a detective. Herman, too. He’s very smart, that one. Don’t let his silly hair fool you.”

  She looked at the man in question. His blond hair fell in a wave over his eyes, refusing to stay slicked back. “I don’t think his hair is silly. In fact, it’s quite nice.”

  The song ended, and Joseph offered his arm, intending to lead Helga to Herman, and let them take it from there. Karl reappeared, grabbing Helga’s hand.

  “Another go-round, sweets?” He leaned in, trying to kiss her.

  Helga recoiled in horror, balled up her fist, and smacked Karl hard across the jaw. The young man flew back, stumbling, and landed on his ass. Joseph stood with his mouth hanging open in shock. From twenty feet away, Faust came running.

  “Are you alright?” he asked her, concern in his voice. “You didn’t hurt your hand, did you? Christ, let me see your knuckles?” He took her hand, holding it gently, examining each finger.

  “It’s fine. I’m fine. Thank you.” Helga blushed, trying to appear calm, but she stood there, allowing Faust to continue holding her hand.

  As they stared at each other, Joseph backed away. Karl tried to rise, anger in his eyes as he looked at Herman holding the girl’s hand. Joseph stepped in quickly, pulling Karl away and outside. A waltz struck up, and Herman and Helga drew closer, slowly melding together as they began to dance, unaware that a roomful of people watched them, their attention drawn to the feisty redhead who’d just clobbered one man, and now seemed to be calmly enjoying the company of another. They’d been together ever since. It was on the day of his wedding when Faust finally thought to ask Joseph exactly what he’d said to Helga that first night. Discovering the truth, he felt bad for thinking his best friend had tried to horn in on his love. It had, in fact, been the opposite. Joseph helped set them up. For that, he was eternally grateful.

  Now, Helga stood before him, a welcome sight, especially after last night. She turned, smiling, as she flipped the eggs over in the pan.

  “Good morning, dearest. How was your night?”

  Faust slipped off his coat, hung it on the back of the kitchen chair, and walked to her. Without a word, he took her in his arms, and held her, burying his face in her hair. Silently, Helga slipped her arms around his waist, and allowed herself to be held. They stood that way for a long minute, just the two of them, in the silence.

  Finally, he spoke. “Smart lady,” he kissed the top of her head, “you always know exactly what I need.”

  Helga smiled softly into his shoulder. “Well, of course.” She turned her face up to him, kissing his lips briefly. “Bad shift?”

  “The worst. A lady died.” He told her what he knew.

  “That’s terrible, Herman. And no word from your Captain?”

  “None. I left him a detailed report. I suppose I’ll know more tonight. Right now, I’m just exhausted.”

  “Well, mother should be here in a few minutes, and Therese will be taken care of so just go to bed. Get some sleep. It will all be okay, love.”

  At that moment, The
rese toddled into the kitchen. “Papa!” She flung herself at his legs, holding them tight.

  Faust looked down at her long red curls and felt love swell in his heart. “Yes, munchkin, it’s your papa. I’m home.” He released his wife to bend down and pick up his daughter. “Guten morgen, Liebling. Did you sleep well?”

  Therese placed her hands on either side of her father’s face, and leaned in, touching her nose to his. “Yes!”

  “That’s good. Did you remember to sleep a little for your dear papa too?”

  “I can’t sleep for you too.” The girl giggled.

  “Well no wonder I’m so tired then, greedy girl.”

  “Go, sit,” Helga directed them. “Breakfast is ready.”

  Faust carried his daughter to the kitchen table where he set her down in her highchair, and then took his own seat. Helga plated their eggs and ham slices, taking the time to cut Therese’s ham into small bite sizes. Together, they sat eating, enjoying the peaceful moment.

  Hearing a car pulling into the driveway, Helga announced, “Mom is here, and it’s time for me to leave.” She rose, kissing Therese on her head, and pausing to look at Herman.

  “I’m okay,” he said. “Go. I’ll get some sleep and see you before I leave for shift.” He stood, carrying his plate to the sink.

  “You’re sure?”

  He turned. “Yes. I’m sure. But I love that you asked.”

  “Well, I love you, you fool.” Helga embraced her husband, resting her chin on his chest as she stared up into his eyes.”

  Faust smiled. “So that’s why you married me?” He chuckled, kissing her lips softly.

  “That, and you’re very cute.” With one last kiss, Helga pulled away just as her mother came in the side door of their small home.

  “It’s bad out there. Herman, you put the chains on Helga’s tires?” Margaret shook off her coat, stomping the snow off her feet in the mudroom.

  He looked at his mother-in-law. “Yes, Mutti.”

  “For once I didn’t need to remind you,” she said, walking into the kitchen. Her eyes lit upon her granddaughter. “Hello, sunshine!”

  “Oma!” Therese grinned, holding her arms out to her grandmother.

  Faust shook his head and bounced a glance off Helga who shrugged. “Thank you, mother. There’s soup in the refrigerator for lunch, and rolls in the breadbox.”

  “Go. I got this. You think I don’t know how to take care of a child? How do you think you grew up?” Margaret shooed her daughter out the door. “And you,” she addressed Herman, “can go to bed. You look like you’re going to fall asleep on your feet.”

  “I feel like it.” Faust ruffled his daughter’s hair, passing by. “Don’t let her drive you crazy.”

  “She won’t. Old Herr Duncan is out shoveling the sidewalk. Maybe we can play outside a little later. It should warm up enough to let her burn off some energy.”

  “Shout if you need anything.” He walked around the corner and headed to bed, hoping sleep would wipe the image of the dead woman from his mind, and that when he awoke, he would get some kind of answer from his captain.

  SLEEP DID NOT COME easy. First, it was a nightmare revolving on a loop inside his head. Gunter Meyer and his sister, Edith Meyer Hoffmann were both stuffed inside the hidden space beneath the man’s backseat, which didn’t make sense. Then a phone would ring, and Captain Rheinhardt would remind him that the LKA wanted to brief the scientist and her brother immediately. He shouted at Faust to quickly remove the two from the car and bring them in. When he tried to comply, Meyer was missing, and Edith was dead. Her blood covered the car, and behind him, a unit of men wearing HazMat suits told him to back away with his hands up. Faust awoke around three in the afternoon, covered in a cold sweat. His mouth was dry, and his head ached. He needed water and some aspirin, so Herman rose to make his way to the kitchen. That’s where he found his mother-in-law packing ice into a towel, and his daughter sat on the edge of the table crying.

  “What happened? He moved quickly to Therese’s side.

  “She fell off her tricycle. She’s okay. It’s just a small bump, but I’m putting some ice on it anyway.” She came back with the cold compress.

  “Give it to me!” Faust barked as he grabbed it from her, placing it on the bump growing red and angry on his daughter’s forehead near her temple. “How did this happen?” He scooped the small child up, cradling her as he held the ice pack in place with his free hand, all the while whispering assurances to her. “It’s okay, darling. Daddy has you. No worries, okay?”

  “It hurts,” she cried.

  “I know. I know, but it will stop in a minute. Be calm.” He paced, gently rocking her, and looked at Margaret. “Well?”

  His mother-in-law’s face clearly showed her pain. She did not like seeing her granddaughter in tears. “We were going up and down the sidewalk on her bike. There was a patch of ice, I think, and her foot slipped off the pedal. She toppled right over and banged her head. Not too hard, but enough to give her a good bump. For a moment, she just lay there unmoving.” A shadow passed over Margaret’s blue eyes. “Then she cried out, and I knew she’d only hurt herself. I picked her up and brought her in, and that’s when you came in.”

  Herman noted her pained expression. He felt instantly guilty for barking at her. She loved Therese every bit as much as he did, and he knew she hadn’t done anything wrong. It was an accident. That was all. “Okay.” He looked down at his child whose cries had already subsided into sniffles. She seemed alright. She was a tough little munchkin, and God knows he’d survived far worse scrapes as a child than this one. His heartbeat was returning to normal, and the ice pack seemed to be doing its job. The bump appeared less angry, less red. In a little while, it would be nothing more than a small bruise, which they both would still have to explain to Helga when she came home.

  “Do you think we should take her to the clinic and let them check it out?” Margaret asked, still worried.

  “No. Not unless anything else develops. Let’s just keep her calm and awake for the next hour and see how she’s doing then. If she gets a headache or nausea, I’ll take her in, but otherwise, I think she’ll be okay.”

  “Alright then. Can I help? You were up. Did you need something?”

  “I was after a glass of water and some aspirin.”

  “I’ll get that for you.” She went to the counter, grabbing a glass and filling it before finding some aspirin in the medicine cabinet. “Here. There are two.” She handed over two small, white pills.

  Herman sat down, holding Therese with one arm, balancing the makeshift ice pack on her head while he popped the pills and swallowed them down with a swig of water.

  “You’re sick, Papa?” Therese asked.

  He smiled. “You’ve given me your headache, which means your head should be feeling pretty good now. Does it?”

  She grinned. “You can’t take my headaches.”

  “What? Of course I can. I’m your papa, and I have magical powers.” He waved his free hand over her face like a magician. “Alacazam!” He snapped his fingers. “See? I bet your head doesn’t hurt, does it?”

  “You’re silly, papa!” She laughed.

  “Silly and magical. Ha!”

  Herman sat entertaining Therese while Margaret set about preparing dinner. It wasn’t part of her usual babysitting duties, but guilt drove her to it. She hoped it would help Helga not be quite so distraught once she learned that Therese had been injured on her watch, not that she would blame her, but that didn’t matter, because Margaret blamed herself. By the time Helga arrived, a little more than an hour had passed, and Therese was feeling better. In light of her recovery, Helga wasn’t quite as upset as everyone thought she would be. Faust, on the other hand, was dog-tired after very little sleep. He ate dinner, and then went to get ready for another long, cold night, hopefully one that at least provided some answers if nothing else. He prayed that his shift would be uneventful otherwise, a prayer that, as the evening progressed, prov
ed to be unanswered.

  Chapter Four

  THE STATION HOUSE WAS in a state of chaos. Captain Rheinhardt was missing. No one had seen or heard from him, least of all, the dayshift Captain, Maximilian Schneider, who remained to cover the night shift while launching an investigation into Rheinhardt’s whereabouts. Worse, Sgt. Herring called in sick. A junior officer was pulled off foot patrol to man the desk in his absence, leaving them short.

  “Faust!” Schneider bellowed from his office as Herman passed his door to clock in. “Come in here.”

  Herman hesitated, knowing he’d catch hell if he failed to clock in on time. “Sir,” he stepped inside the doorway, a questioning look on his face. “I need to punch in.”

  “It can wait.” Schneider insisted, pointing at the chair opposite his desk.

  Faust took a seat, waiting.

  The captain held a stack of papers in his hand. Herman recognized them as the report he’d written up and put on Rheinhardt’s desk the night before. “I’ve read your report.” He sighed, clearly tired and more than a little aggravated. “Start from the beginning. I want to know who this woman was.”

  Faust fidgeted, clasping his hands before him. “I can only tell you what Rheinhardt told me, sir. Her name was Edith Meyer Hoffmann. She was smuggled outside of the wall somehow with the help of her brother, Gunter Meyer. It was a routine traffic stop for me until I discovered he was harboring someone inside his vehicle. I brought them in to give a statement, and Herring took them in for processing. Per our protocol, I informed the captain, and when he learned her name, he was the one who told me she was the wife of an East German scientist who works for the Soviets, in some place called Obolensk.”

  “It’s not a place, Faust, it’s the scientific arm of the Russian government for biological warfare.”

  “He said something similar. Anyhow, next thing I knew, the woman was dead in her holding cell, and both Rheinhardt and Meyer were gone. Herring said they’d left earlier, that the captain was taking him home.”