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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:16:46 GMT
Chapter 31
Friday , July 24th1936, Berlin Germany
Gestapo Headquarters was a large imposing building that inspired fear in Berliners for no one wanted to be forcibly escorted and detained there. Not even the babbling Gestapo agent who had tried to force the owners of Cuisine International sell their restaurant to his son. He was dragged the back service entrance as the night custodial staff entered the building to start their work. The crew looked at each other with trepidation because they knew they would be hearing that man's shrieks of pain throughout the night and one of them would have to clean up the interrogation room in the morning.
All but one of them involuntarily shuddered when they saw the badly beaten agent shoved harshly inside. The other cleaning woman did pretend to to be as scared as the others even as she thought of how these miserable hyenas will even gleefully attack each other on their master orders when she saw Albert von Kliess was leading the group of agents into the building. Thismeant she would have to be extra careful tonight because she was an American spy working in Gestapo Headquarters.
The woman looked like a forty to fifty year old unattractive blond with gray roots, thirty pounds over weight wearing a tad too much make up. She spoke German with a Hanoverian accent. She started working at Gestapo Berlin headquarters three weeks ago. She came with excellent references from from the Hanover Nazi Party office. She said she moved to Berlin after a bitter divorce.
In reality the woman was a gorgeous thirty-five year old brunette whose native language was English with a slight Boston accent. She was a divorcee, but that was all Sandra Moore, nee McLane had in common with real Freida Stumph who at the moment was living the high life in Paris. Sandra had found he real Freida in Hanover by hanging around the city's divorce court. She search for a woman whose identity she could swap.
Another agent helped Sandra by romancing Freida. He took her to Paris. Freida didn't have a passport, so her cohort sneaked them over the border. He called a various payphone throughout Berlin at specific times so Sandra would know that Freida was still in Paris having a good time on the American taxpayer's dime.
Sandra looked at herself in the mirror by her locker and thought If only I could have fun time in Paris on the American dime. She then smiled to herself when she remembered in 1933 she had. She then went to work as Freida, cleaning the offices of the Gestapo Headquarters. Sandra was working as a cleaning woman here instead of German army headquarters because she had met her possible defector, the German general and Baron Wandale Wilden. Sandra considered her disguise to be excellent, but was still alive because she did not take unwarranted risks. There was always the slightest chance that Wilden would recognize her if she cleaned the army's offices.
Besides the tension between the army and the Nazi party was palatable. Sandra new the party police – the Gestapo would be watching the army and probably have copies of their records as well. Sandra had found out all the Gestapo had on the good Baron.
He was the grandson of a Prussian officer who had help the chancellor Otto von Bismark unite Germany under the kaiser. The Baron's father was an adviser to Kaiser Wilhelm during the War. His linage and aristocratic of these things made the Gestapo leery of Baron Wandale Wilden but they were down right suspicious of him because he was stationed in China from 1920 through 1933. Out of the country until after the fuhrer came to power.
This almost made Sandra believe the baron except there was no mention of a Jewish wife o mistress. In fact the man had no female or male romantic encounters as far as the Gestapo knew. The Baron could possibly be just extremely cautious and had not been found out. That was why her her coded message told Regan and Norris that the mission was still on, but there were cautioned that it it still could be a trap
Hence her not to Regan and Norris. It was truly a stroke of luck that Sandra had been passing by the hotel were her old school mate was staying. Sandra knew June was an agent of the FBI. Her name was in all the papers when she caught an infamous gangster last year. Sandra knew from her snooping around Gestapo headquarters that only one American FBI agent was being allowed in Berlin during the games. The Gestapo had a file on all known American espionage and counter espionage agents which Sandra carefully edited during evening between her cleaning chores. She was also gathering all sorts of other interesting pieces of information. That was why she had not yet stopped her pretense at being Freida. Tomorrow extra Gestapo agents were arriving from all over Germany and Sandra's risk rose exponentially because the chance of meeting some who knew Freida rose as well.
Sandra was cleaning the office of the headquarters main phone exchange. She observed and listened to every call while being totally unobtrusive. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard a voice on the other line say he was calling from Paris.
“Ya” said the bored operator in the Berlin offices.
Sandra could hear the man say “A German was killed tonight.”
“So' said the operator.
“She was run over by a Drunken Jew” said the man from Paris.
The operator now sat up “What happened.”
The voice spoke on the other end told of how a poor middle-aged woman from Hanover Germany on vacation had be killed by a Jew. The operator listened intently to all the details. He wrote down the woman's name, Freida Stumph. As the man hung up the phone he remembered that he knew that name. If he could just remember from where. Then suddenly a garrote was around his throat and he remembered even as he died.
Sandra quickly made it look like the man was sleeping his desk – something he had done almost nightly. The then took his pad. And put in her purse. She then went to see her supervisor Helmut Schmidt and told him she was sick and would have to leave. Schmidt had trouble finding help to clean this terrible building especially with all the screams of pain that came from the sub cellars. The Gestapo liked the sound but it gave a chill to him and his cleaning crew. Freida was a good worker and so he gave her permission to leave.
That night after Sandra had put away the Frieda Stumph identity for good and was in a new safe place she let herself had a good long cry for her innocent coworkers on the cleaning crew because in all likelihood, they would be tomorrow's inhabitants of the Gestapo headquarters's basement.
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:17:12 GMT
Chapter 32 The Dying Hero
Saturday , July 25th1936, Kiel Germany
Bob Merritt was tired, but then he was always tired ever since he had been shot earlier in the year (See More Fun Comics #30). He was a rich, a world famous aircraft designer and, aviator. Bob's most famous design was the Rocket Plane. It was the fastest plane in the world but Bob had been unable to make durable enough for multiple prolonged flights which had made it an impracticable aircraft which would not make his company profitable.
Bob was also a record shattering pilot he who had been in the news reels many,many times. Then there were his adventures, the last one had taken him to Alaska where he fought the flying gangster known as Monk Morton and his gang. (a story serialized s in New Fun Comics #5-6, and More Fun Comic s#7 -30). There they had also fought Asian aviators from a foreign land, Bob suspected, but could never prove that they were Japanese, hence his distrust of the International Police Detective Mr Mata.. Everyone thought Bob had fully recovered from a seemingly gun shot minor wound he received in Alaska but Bob discovered that the bullet contained a slow acting poison with no known cure when he went in for tests about his continue lethargy. This was the reason he was not on the plane when his Flying Pals were killed. He was dying an his condition had already deteriorated enough to have the doctor ground one of the world's most celebrated pilots.
His mortality and his strong desire to see to his famous “Flying Pals” be set for life financially had led him to pursuing the designs of the robot plane which Terry Sloane had sent him. Terry also sent plans to make the rocket plane more durable but the young man had not considered the increases in cost which would have made the plane unaffordable.
Bob knew Terry Sloane was a first class genius whose knowledge on aviation engineering surpassed his own, but Bob knew that Terry's nativity (he was barely seventeen) kept him from designing affordable and practicable aircraft. The drone concept though – with the radio equipment put into existing planes would be highly profitable. If all the kinks were worked out.
Bob believed they could be if they had a contract to continue Terry's innovation. It would be profitable enough to make certain that his Flying Pals were financially set for the rest of their lives. But they were dead now. Murdered by foreign spies. Bob was determined to live long enough to avenge them. Harry Wan, the navy, and Mr Mata wanted them brought to justice. Unbeknownst to them, Bob wanted them dead. Dead before he died. Therefore Bob was determined that the murderers would never get trial and a legal execution. As their judge and jury Bob had already found them guilty and he planned on being the executioner.
He and his fellow pursuers, Honolulu Police Detective Harry Wan, the Japanese International Criminal Police Commission Officer Mr Mata, Bob's electrical and sole surviving Flying Pal Herb Cartwright, US Navy Lieutenant Commander Don Kerry and Lieutenant Red Murphy of the US Navy intelligence team code named Anchors Aweigh had flown across the Pacific from Honolulu Hawaii to to Los Angeles California in in Bob's Rocket Plane. It was piloted by the Anchors Aweigh team, The craft once again had problems with structural integrity towards the end of the flight. Don Kerry was a marvelous pilot and landed the plane in one piece. Bob knew she would never fly again.
Bob found it was quicker if he bought a large civilian passenger plane than to wait for the Anchors Aweigh team to book a military plane to take them to the East coast, much more comfortable as well. Still they were too late to catch up with the spies. Therefore they bought passage on the next dirigible that was flying out from New Jersey to Kiel.
Once in Germany Bob, Herbert, and the Anchors Aweigh team cooled their heels in a luxurious hotel while detectives Mata and Wan spoke with the local police. Bob had smuggled in a revolver with which he was going to have justice for his men once Wan had found the spy ring's employer.
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:17:37 GMT
Chapter 33 The German Police Captain
Saturday , July 24th1936, Kiel Germany
Captain Otto Strasser of the German National Police was an older man with a with a close cropped van dyke that partially covered a scar he had received during the war. He was a tall obese man who spoke English with a very heavy accent. Strasser was going through the motions as he was due to retire at the end of the year. He didn't care for the new government and had signed up for Nazi party membership so he could keep his job and enjoy his retirement. The party knew how the captain felt and gave him only the worst assignments for the past three years.
Yet, this assignment was not a bad one. He was to be liaison with two of the most famous detectives in the world, Harry Wan and Mr Mata. He knew his supervisor well enough to know that while Strasser was told to cooperate in every way with these American and Japanese official; their investigation would be stifled by the party's police- the Gestapo.
Captain Strasser hated the Nazis and the Gestapo because so many of them were harden criminals; many of whom he had put in jail. Now he was in their sights. As soon as he received his retirement he was moving to Switzerland. He felt sorry for the men under his command. They too were competent career police officers in danger of losing their jobs because various party members wanted revenge for some action the officer took in the performance of his duties. The men his his command were good police men and Strasser decided they would whatever they could do to assist Mr Mata and Harry Wan for as long as they were assigned to the case. His superiors wouldn't like it but he could retire with a clean conscious. Strasser looked at the clock above his door and sat it was 07:25. his famed guest were due to arrive in the five minutes. His secretary was off on the weekends so he took one final inspection of his desk and office before exiting his office to greet his world famous detective guests.
Strasser greeted the four individuals and escorted them personally into his office. It was the least he could do for two of the most famous and successful men in his profession. He found both of the detectives to be overly polite. The American Naval officers accompanying them were the exact opposite as they were overbearing. He offered them coffee and they sat around his desk explaining the case they were working one when Strasser's superior, Hans Gref opened the door. Another younger and taller man was standing behind him. Gref explained that the man accompanying his was an American FBI Agent Named Steve Carson. Carson, Gref said was here to make certain about arrangements for the security of America's Olympic athletes.
Carson evidently knew both Harry Wan and Mr Mata very well as they warmly greeted one another before being introduced to Strasser and the navy officers. Strasser saw the infinitesimally brief look of dismay when Harry Wan began to reexplain their case to Agent Carson. Their obvious relief shown clear when he said he had already been briefed.
The Bremen was due to arrive in port at noon. Carson wanted to arrest the known spies when she docked but Harry wanted to follow them instead saying that they were not the leaders of these despicable murders, only the agents who carried out these horrible acts.
Strasser agreed with Carson. As these actions did not occur on German soil his country had no obligation to find out who ordered the murders. Carson was winning the argument saying “we can hand them over to the Germans Harry. They can interrogate them with us watching and we will find out that way.
Then Mr Mata spoke: “I am afraid I disagree Mr Carson. These are professional free lance spies. The threat of both torture and death hangs over them with every assignment. They might not even know who they are supposed to deliver the devices they now have. It is probable they will have to wait for further instructions. I say this a member of the International Police Commission. I would add as the representative of his Majesty, Japanese Emperor Hirohito, my government want to know who ordered the death of Prince Matsui and why.
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:18:09 GMT
Chapter 34 The Motorcyclists
Saturday , July 24th1936, Kiel Germany
US Navy Lieutenant Commander Don Kerry and his partner, Lieutenant Red Murphy sat on on a pair of German BMW R12 motorcycles which Captain Strasser provided. The Japanese International Police Commission Officer known the world over as Mr Mata was on a BMW R17, a smaller bike given his height and weight. Don and Red were a pair of big and brawny men who were offensive linesmen at Annapolis, while Mr Mata was a small slight individual. Although the navy men didn't know it; Mr Mata was also an expert in Judo as well as other martial arts and could have rather beat either man in fair fight fight so long as the naval officer didn't connect with one of his hammer-like fists.
Right now though they were working on a case together, though Red was highly suspicious of Mata and did not like the fact that they were working together. Don was a bit leery as well, but wasn't as obvious in his distrust of Mata. He had to pull rank and give Red a direct order in front of Harry Wan (something Don dislike doing) to keep his opinion of Mata to himself. Their distrust came from the fact that they were with naval intelligence and were based with the Pacific Fleet and based on their knowledge they had gained doing their job they both believed that the United States and Japan would be at war with one another within the next ten years
Don started his motorcycle up as soon as he saw the non US Olympians disembarking. They knew for a fact that Yvonne de la Rosa was aboard the Bremen. Mr Mata was going to follow her. She had two people she normally worked with, Carlos Despirita and Boris Makoff. They didn't know if they were on board or if the were meeting the ship but Don and Red would keep a tail on them if they separated. If the three free-lance spies stayed together they would still follow them with Mr Mata.
Captain Strasser's men were also going to keep a close eye on the three. Strasser was going on board the Bremen with Harry Wan and Steve Carson as Harry was going to interview the boy Olympian who had invented the robot plane while Steve did his job as liaison officer to the Other German Police officers shepherding the Olympians to the train going to Berlin and their new quarters during the games.
Red was irritable and itching to have some action happen. He was a man of action, not cerebral, that was Don (At least when compared to Red). He was quick to start a fight either verbally or via his preferred method – his fists. He noticed that Don had started his motorcycle and proceeded to do the same.
Mr Mata then spoke even as he started his BMW 17: “ I believe that is Miss de la Rosa.”
It was. Mata started heading towards the the way de la Rosa went. As Don and Red watched. Don nudged Red's shoulder as they saw Despirita and Makoff. The pair of spies had spotted Mata. Makoff was a huge man, he even made Red and Don look small. Makoff stood directly in the way of Mr Mata who was going at a crawl because of the large crowd While Despirta turned an left, getting into another waiting cab.
Don said “I'll tail Despirita.
Red smiles as he said “I guess I'll have tail the dame. That little Jap's gonna get a whupping . He'll have to pick himself up and follow Makoff without his glasses.”
It was then that Red saw Mata flip Makoff on to his back when the bigger man tried to hit him. Mata then took off in pursuit of de la Rosa. Don too was already gone. Red frowned as he realized he was the one who would have to tail the big lumbering Makoff.
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:18:51 GMT
Chapter 35 Mr Mata's Quarry
Saturday , July 24th1936, Kiel Germany
After Mr Mata threw the gigantic Boris Makoff over his shoulder from his motorcycle he began his discreet tail of de la Rosa. Her taxi went to a the luxurious Straussberg Hotel. Mata drove past the hotel, parked his motorcycle. He spotted the two police detectives who were assigned to him before he entered the Straussberg. He saw de la Rosa checking in before sitting down in the lobby. He was close enough to overhear what room she was assigned to, which was on the fifteenth floor. Mata grabbed a newspapers and watched as a bellhop took her bags over to the elevator. She went in with the bellhop and told the elevator operator what floor she wanted.
Mr Mata watched as the arrow went up to the fifteenth floor. It momentarily stopped at the third floor before continuing on to the fifteenth even as his police escorts, Detective Sergeant Schultz an older , obese man with white hair and a large mustache that was much in fashion twenty years ago, and Detective Dietrich, who was much younger man with brown curly hair and thick eye glasses entered the lobby . Both men ignored Mr Mata and instead went to the front desk asking for de la Rosa room number. They then went to the elevator and took it to the fifteenth floor while Mr Mata, waited in the lobby as planned.
Half an hour later Dietrich came down to the lobby, going directly to Mr Mata. “Did she go come out this way?” he young detective asked.
“No, why?” queried Mr Mata
“Her bags are unopened in her room, but she is not there. Schultz is looking through her bags but we've lost track of her.” replied Dietrich.
“Let us go back to her room please” said Mr Mata.
One of the three elevators opened and Mr Mata said “Please, you go on back to your partner. I am going to talk to the bellhop and elevator operator who took her up to her room. Mr Mata waited until the middle elevator opened and went in telling the operator to take him to the fifteenth floor. Once the door shut and they were alone he took out his badge and introduced himself before saying “Please, about a half an hour ago did you take an attractive woman up to the fifteenth floor.”
“No sir. It is a very strange thing, I took the bellhop and her bags to the fifteen floor, but she stepped off on the third floor which is supposed to be closed to the public as we are renovating it” said the elevator operator.
Mr Mata nodded “I see. Then please tell me why you let her off there.”
“She handed me a thousand Reich-mark note and another thousand to Fredrick, the bellhop” said the man who was suddenly sweating.
“Please,it is all right. Did you see which direction she went when she left the elevator?”
“Yes sir, she went right to the stairs” said the elevator operator. “I am not in any trouble, am I?”
When the elevator reached the fifteenth floor Mr Mata started to reassure the man when he went into a violent convulsion with foam coming out of his mouth. Mr Mata cried out for assistance from the two police detective, Dietrich came running out with the older overweight Schultz hurrying behind him.
“What's the matter Herr Mata” said Dietrich.
This man has been poisoned' exclaimed Mr Mata.
“What?” said Dietrich.
“How?” asked Schultz.
Mr Mata was bent down by the dead elevator operator. “By a contact poison planted on the thousand Reich-mark note. Dietrich – there is a bellhop name Fredrick. He too was given a thousand Riech-mark note. Find him quickly but do not let anyone touch that note with their bare skin.”
Dietrich found the Bellhop too late he was dead as well. Schultz reported that nothing was found in de la Rosa bags. “They had lost her” he later complained to Mr Mata “and now we know nothing.”
Mr Mata nodded as said “Yes, we lost her and two innocent men lost their lives, but we do now know that Miss de la Rosa in a murderer.”
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:19:12 GMT
Chapter 36 Don Kerri's Quarry
Saturday , July 24th1936, Kiel Germany
Don Kerry followed Carlos Despirita. He found it strange that the man brought no luggage with him. It would be discovered later found that de la Rosa's luggage contained all three spies' abandoned clothes. Despirita went directly to Kiel's downtown district and went into a restaurant specializing in Spanish cuisine. Don parked his motorcycle.
Don saw the two detectives assigned to him getting out of their car. They gave Don far less leeway than the two assigned to Mr Mata. The senior detective named Burkhalter, he was overweight with a perpetual scowl on his ugly face. The younger detective named Klink was a thin with a bald head a nervous disposition.
Don entered the restaurant, searching for his quarry. They spotted one another immediately. Carlos Despirita was sitting with another man wearing a black leather trench coat with matching hat. Despirita quickly rose before exiting towards the to the kitchen. Don started following when a waiter walked directly into him spilling the full content of his lunch tray on to Don.
Don cursed as he proceeded to follow Despirita. The two detectives came in at the same time. Don turned to see the waiter point a pistol toward him when he heard the older detective yell “Stop! Police!” at the waiter. The waiter turned back to the detectives. Don then continued his run towards the kitchen even as he heard the sound of multiple gun shots. Don began running to the kitchen. He fell flat on his face as he ran by the table where Despirita had been sitting because the man with him had stuck his leg out into Don's path.
The fall knocked the wind out of Don. He knew Despirita was long gone when he recovered. The restaurant was empty now, t except for the police detectives and the waiter, who was lying dead on the floor. The gunfire had caused a stampede out of all of the restaurant's patrons and staff. Burkhalter was kneeling by the dead man while Klink was off to the side vomiting. Don noted that Klink still had his pistol in his hand.
The scowling Burkhalter looked down at the dead man. “Franz Johann, a known Spanish spy. He rose and said to Klink “Call this in and stay with the body. You shot the man, you can do the paperwork.”
Don said “I'm sorry, but I lost Despirita.”
“I know American. But I saw who tripped you. His name is Gamberro Barbaro. He is a long suspected spy. He left in the stampede and I was unable to detain him. It looks like your precious device was stolen at the behest of the Spanish.”
“Yes' Agreed Don. “But is it the Spanish government or the military rebels I wonder.”
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:19:36 GMT
Chapter 37 Murphy's Quest
Saturday , July 24th1936, Kiel Germany
Red Murphy waited impatiently for the big Russian, Boris Makoff to get up from the ground after Mr. Mata used a judo hold to flip the huge man on to his back. It took Makoff some time because the fall had knocked the wind out of him. The crowd around him stayed away from him because he had a menacing presence. He had pushed everyone out of his path to get to Mr Mata the way before he wound up on his back.
Makoff was up in a flash once he regained his breath. He stood, towering over everyone else. He spotted Red, turned and went off in the opposite direction. Red started his motorcycle and chased after the man.
Makoff did not call for a cab. He started to run away from the pier and towards the old warehouses nearby. Red followed. Since he knew that Makoff had already spotted him he did not bother to try to hide the fact that he was following the Makoff. Red did turn to look for the detectives that were assigned to follow him. They were still slowly getting away from the crowd.
Red swore, damned incompetent Huns he thought. He believed that Don Kerry and he should have ditched Harry Wan and Mr Mata back in Honolulu. The Anchors Aweigh team was good enough to deal with a couple of stumble-bum spies. He saw Makoff enter an alleyway.
Red followed along but as soon as he went around the corner he saw the large man was standing against the wall but he held his arm out and would have clothesline Red's head if he had not ducked down as he passed Makoff, the big man was quick enough to still give Red a glancing blow to the head.
The speed which Red's motorcycle was going and the strength in Makoff's arm made the blow sufficient enough to cause Red to crash his motorcycle. He was thrown away from the bike and landed on a stack of wooden pallets. They and several of Red's bones broke in the crash.
Red groaned and was trying to shake off the dulled stupor that the crashed caused when Makoff leapt on top of him. He was choking Red . The fear Red felt chased away his stupor. His eyes darted back and forth for a weapon. He spotted a broken slat from on of the pallets that had a pointed end. Desperately red reached for it even as he felt his strength waning. Red grabbed firmly and smashed into Makoff just below his rib cage at an upward angle. Red felt the large man's grip loosen even as the Russian's eyes rolled back before he fell over to the side.
It took Red several moments to recover. He turned over to his side and saw that Boris Makoff was still breathing, but Red surmised the vicious killer was in his last moments. Red knew he couldn't stand from the pain in his leg. He knew it was broken, the pain he felt whenever he inhaled told him his ribs were at least cracked, but probably broken. Still he forced himself crawl the short distance over to Makoff.
“Whose your boss, Makoff” said Red. His words were almost unintelligible for he had broken his jaw as well. Still he continued taking the time to say each word slowly and as clearly as he could. “You are dying Makoff. No on can save you. Who is your boss? Who is buying the robot plane?”
Makoff coughed up blood. He struggled to breathe. He did not have the strength to lift his arms and kill the Yankee. He knew he was dying. In his own way Boris Makoff had a code of honor. This capitalist pig had somehow defeated him and now deserved answers to his questions. After all neither the NKDV or Bapbap Mamoet could hurt him now. “I... do not know... who the buyer is... Our ...our.. boss is... Bapbap Mamoet.” Boris Makoff then died and Red Murphy fell unconscious.
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:20:07 GMT
Chapter 38 What's in a Name
Saturday , July 24th1936, On Board a Train in Germany
Honolulu Homicide Detective Harry Wan sat at one of the tables in the dining car ,which was entirely empty except for Harry, Mr Mata of the International Criminal Police Commission,, and US Navy Lieutenant Commander Don Kerry.
Captain Strasser of the German Police and his men were aboard the train but they were currently assisting FBI Agent Steve Carson in checking the security arrangements the German's had provided the Olympians and would be going to joining them later.
Harry had made it very clear to Steve that he didn't want his oldest son involved in this investigation. He wanted Kim to enjoy the experience of being an Olympian without the shadow of murder and espionage. Harry did not yet know of Kim's experiences in Cleveland or aboard the Bremen.
Bob Merritt was also in the dining car as Harry's guest. The tall thin man was looking even more sickly now than he did as they crossed the Atlantic. Don Kerry objected to his presence but Mr Mata, the only one in the dining car with any kind jurisdiction in Germany agreed with Harry. Bob's iend and electrical engineer Herb Cartwright was not there. He was still in his assigned sleeping compartment with two of Captain Strasser's men guarding him since the spies they were chasing were now proven to be cold blooded killers.
Harry would have preferred to wait until Steve and Captain Strasser returned but Mr. Mata continue to question Don Kerry about his pursuit of Carlos Despirita as well as his partner's ill fated chase of Boris Makoff. “So the man who tripped you was identified by the police?”
“Yeah, a guy named Gamberro Barbaro” said Don.
Bob Merritt, who had not heard the name before said “That's an odd Spanish name/”
“How So?” Asked Harry
Bob Merritt replied “well neither one is a really a name Gamberro means despoiler, desarator, saboteur, vandal while Barbaro can mean barbarian, vicious, uncivilized, savage and the like.” Who would go by a name like that?”
Harry looked at Bob and Don before saying “Who indeed.”
Mr. Mata lit a cigarette as he said “That is very strange but not coincidental I think because the Russian name Makoff gave Lieutenant Murphy before he died has the exact same meaning.”
Don frowned at the though of his partner lying in a hospital bed in Kiel with multiple broken bones as he reflected about this case and remember one he had only partially solved several years ago in Panama. He snapped his fingers as he said “You know I had a case a few years ago were the headman was never caught. He was Portuguese and according to the brass his name meant those things as well.”
Mr Mata nodded “I too dealt with someone with a similar name in the Dutch East Indies. His dutch name was similar.
Harry inhaled the smoke from his cigarette deeply as he said “I too dealt with a man in Palestine with an odd name in Arabic.”
“It doesn't make any sense” said Don. “No one man could be all these people -be able to speak that many totally diverse languages.
“I don't know” said Bob, “Terry Sloanespeaks seven or more and he's only seventeen.”
“I think there is another explanation other than there being one man in charge of all these crimes we have previously dealt with lieutenant commander” said Mr Mata. De la Rosa, Despirita, and Makoff are known free-lance spies...”
Cutting off the Japanese detective Don Kerry continued his thought. “But suppose that instead of being merely free-lancers their part of a bigger international groups of spies. And the boss of what ever cell is in operation always uses these oddball names as a cover.”
“Precisely” said Mr Mata. “We'd better write a cable off to our superiors right away as we have found a secret major international spy ring” Don and Mr Mata both left the dining car immediately.”
Bob coughed and Harry put out his cigarette. “Why aren't you notifying anyone Harry? “ Bob asked.
Steve Carson and Captain Strasser will be coming back here. I will tell them of our deductions.”
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:20:40 GMT
Chapter 39 Telegrams to Be Sent
Saturday , July 24th1936, On Board a Train in Germany
Captain Strasser and Steve Carson returned tot the dining car shortly; Charlie and Clara Nicholas as well as Bart Regan and Sally Norris. Harry told them what was discussed earlier about the spies they were pursuing. Bart and Sally gave each other almost an imperceptible brief glance to one another. Charlie inhaled his cigarette even as he pulled out his flask and said “You know I had dealing with a French Canuck with the same strange moniker in Montreal.” He took a drink from his flask. He wore a frown when the flask left his lips. “Empty” he said. He looked at his wife and said “well we need to go back to our car, toodles” he added as he stood and exited with his wife. Captain Strasser excused himself immediately after the Nicholas's because he wanted to notify his superiors at once. The others knew that there would be an unscheduled stop at the next depot.
Bob asked Steve if he why he wasn't immediately writing a note to send to the FBI. Steve glanced at his wristwatch before saying its after business hours back home. “Besides I can have Don send a copy of his report to the bureau.”
Bart then asked his cousin to have one sent to the treasury department as well.
“Certainly” said Steve, “If you tell me what that look between you and Sally was about when you heard the news about our spies.”
“I too would be highly interested” said Harry. “obviously you two know more about our spies than you have told us.”
Bart glanced over to Sally who in returned quickly looked at the civilian Bob Merritt before nodding.
Bart inhaled deeply as he reached into his jacket and pulled out a small tin that contained his cigarettes. Steve lit his cigarette as Bart said “Sally and I don't know for sure if this is related, but we know of a German with the same kind of name.”
“It involves another agent's assignment” added Sally, so we can't tell Strasser.
Harry nodded as he said “I understand, but if you can give me a hint, I can pass that on to the captain.”
“He's got the same type of name, is a high ranking military man and lives in Berlin. That's all we can say” said Bart.”
Steve frowned and shook his head saying “Hoover was right. Your boss wouldn't have agreed to your babysitting the Olympians unless you had another assignment in Germany.”
“What do you mean?” asked Bob. They said this fellow in involved in another agents case.”
Harry Wan smiled as he said “Unlike the police Mr Merritt, spies do not know the assigment' of other spies in their agency unless they too a going to be apart of the assignment.”
Bob looked at Bart and Sally before saying “I thought you two were secret service agents”
Steve sighed as he said They're the same thing Bob.”
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:21:02 GMT
Chapter 40 The Black Dragon
Saturday , July 24th1936, Japanese Embassy, Berlin Germany
It was late, after midnight, when Mr Mata arrived at the Japanese Embassy. He took his leave of Harry Wan and the others, explaining that he had to contact the International Police Commission about the multiple spy rings which leaders had coded names. That process took several hours as he had to type a full report as well as give a verbal account to the German station chief. Mr Mata then ate a late dinner before proceeding to the embassy as he knew it would be several hours before he could reasonably phone Tokyo. The ambassador wished to meet him as soon as he announced himself at the front gate.
Mr Mata was a humble man, but he knew that his name, like Harry Wan, had world-wide recognition, and he was somewhat of a celebrity. The burdens of being famous he thought as he was escorted into the ambassador's office. He was surprised when he saw the office had only one other person besides the Japan's chief diplomat on station. He expected that there would be several more people there waiting to meet him because that was what happened to him. It was also another reason why he tarried in coming to the embassy.
The diplomat was a thin white haired man dressed in the typical black suit, tie, and shoes with a white shirt. The other man had on the dress white uniform of a captain in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Both men greeted Mr Mata in Japanese fashion by bowing, which Mr Mata reciprocated. The ambassador introduced himself and the captain. He was then offered a chair and sat behind his desk while the captain remained standing. The diplomat asked why Mr Mata “had honored” his embassy with his presence.
“I need to place a phone call to Tokyo on a secure line” he explained. “I am working on a case which is of high importance to the government.”
“I see” said the ambassador,“most government offices will not open for another two hours. Will you need a room for the night”
Mr Mata thought it over. He had already checked into his hotel. His luggage were there, but he thought it would be nice to get some rest after he made his phone call. “I would be very grateful ambassador. I also need privacy when I make this call” he added as he took out a cigarette. The navy captain lit the cigarette for Mr Mata as he said “Shall I shall escort him to the guest bedroom ambassador?” Although it was phrased as a question Mr Mata could tell by the body language between the two men that the naval captain was actually telling the diplomat what he was going to do.
They spoke some more pleasantries before Mr Mata glance at the clock on the wall and said he had to place his phone call. Once the left the ambassador's office the naval officer asked Mr Mata if his case involved parts of a secret American robot plane.
“Yes, although I am on the case for a different reason.” said Mr Mata.
“We want that equipment Mr Mata” said the captain. “W need you to steal it.”
Mr Mata remained silent until they reached his room. “I cannot help you captain. I am a police officer. I catch thieves, whatever their nationality.”
The captain frowned and said “As a representative of the government, I am ordering you to do this.”
“Let me make this phone call captain then we shall continue this conversion” said Mr Mata
“There is nothing to discuss. You will do this, or be arrested”threatened the captain.
Mr Mata raised an eyebrow at this threat and asked the captain to come in. he then placed his call. The captain was oblivious to the address of the number Mr Mata gave operator. It took some time but eventually Mr Mata was connected to the individual he needed to speak to. When he gave the proper honorifics to the man he was speaking to Mr Mata saw the captain blanch. “Sire, before I report where we are with this case I need to say that I am experiencing some difficulty with a member of your embassy here in Berlin. He wants betray my fellow police officers and steal an American device in their possession...yes sir that is the device...yes sir I will put him on the phone.”
A very pale and stunned naval captain left Mr Mata. He stood in front the international Police Commission's detective for several minutes as he thought about what he was going to say to his superiors, not the ones in the navy, but rather those in the Black Dragon Society. They where the ones who ordered him to coerce the incorruptible Mr Mata.
Later he called Tokyo himself and spoke to the actual Black Dragon. An hour later the captain performed ritual seppuku. The Black Dragon did not want Mr Mata, or more importantly the emperor to discover the Black Dragon Society involvement in the murder of Prince Matsui
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:21:29 GMT
Chapter 41 The Irish Lass
Sunday , July 25th1936, Berlin Germany
Lieutenant Colonel Hans Oberman was smiling at the beautiful red headed Irish lass whom he had met on Saturday night at the cabaret because she once again beamed her infectious smile on to him. Oberman was not truly taken with the red headed siren. In fact, he knew her to be an American spy and was acting as bait. His superiors were planning on arresting her in the early morning hours.
The Irish colleen was well aware that her charms had failed to enchant the lieutenant colonel but she did not let on. He had needed information about a German officer as he was the man's aide. She glanced at her watch and noted that it was already after nine. They were drinking champagne in the hotel's bar along with several officials from the Olympics. She would have not been able to get a room in Berlin if her suite was not reserved her a month ago. Her agency always reserved at least one room at a posh hotel (as well as several others in lesser one) wherever and whenever a city was hosting an international events like the Olympic Games because that was often used as a backdrop for espionage.
She needed to interrogate Oberman privately so she suggested that they go to her suite. He cocked an eyebrow. She knew he had not expected this. He stood and smiled lustily.
Oberman could not believe his luck. The general told him to get close to this woman - not this close - and keep her busy so she would be tired when they arrested in seven hours. He was looking forward to tiring out this American spy in a way the general had not dreamed. Still he knew he would have to wary of this vixen. She could be very well planning some kind of trap.
Once she opened her door she turned and passionately kissed Oberman. He kissed her back. She ripped off his jacket and shirt. He started to do the same to her evening gown when she put her hand to his and said “Let me put on something more comfortable. Make us some drinks, love.” she noted his frown and added the gown is French, silk and worth more than you make in a year Hans. I'll be right back.”
Oberman reluctantly went to the bar. His immediate lustful needs went unsated and he started to become suspicious. He was beginning to think that this was a bad idea when the faux Irish beauty stepped out of her bedroom. She was completely naked. The Lieutenant Colonel audibly swallowed air and went to her. She wrapped her arms around him and he felt a sharp pain at the base of his neck. His legs went limp before he could react.
Sandra caught him and helped his fall gently to the floor. She turned him so he laid on his back. “I've given you a drug Hans” as she showed him the hypodermic needle she had deftly hidden from him when she entered the room. His eyes were not on her hands when she came into the room naked. “You won't be able to move tour arms or legs but you can talk.”
Oberman saw that she left him lying there on the floor he desperately tried to move, but could not. Then she said he could talk. He tried to scream for help but all he could manage was a whisper. Tears went down his cheek in both terror and frustration.
Sandra was in her bedroom. She quickly put the clothes for her new identity. When she came out Hans was still on the floor. Sandra made certain that she stayed out of his eyesight as she opened her portable mirror and set up her make up kit before changing her identity. She noticed that Oberman was crying “I haven't poisoned you Hans ” she lied as she glanced at the clock on the wall. You'll live.” The drug she gave Oberman had other affects besides paralysis, but they would take effect for another hour. Just time enough for her to change her appearance.
Hans laid there silently. His mind raced for ways to escape this fate. Then is slowed as the drugged calmed him. Then his mind became muddled.
“Hans!” she said. “Hans, wake up” she said calmly.
Oberman's eyes opened as he heard the voice of the siren who had captured him. “Tell me Hans, when are they coming to arrest me” he heard her say.
Sandra was looking at the clock when Hans told her that she had noted that she a little under two hours left. She then asked his if this was planned by his immediate superior. Hans told her it was. She then asked what else was the general planning. His answered startled her. “Is the German government aware of these operations?”
“No” said Hans, “the general is an independent agent. He has a plan for a coup against Hitler. Stalin too.” Hans knew he was a dead man now, no matter what happened the American spy now knew where the general's true loyalties were.
“Who is the general really?” Sandra asked. Hans didn't know. She then asked him why the general planned this elaborate ruse of wanting to leave Germany. Hans did know about the plan to capture her and other the American agents. He went into detail about it.
Sandra cut him off since there would no longer be any attempt to take the general to America. Instead she asked what was the purpose of this operation. The elaborate plan was designed to embarrass the United States government and hopefully affect the presidential elections. If not it would in the very least strengthen the American isolationist movement. The general wanted America militarily weak so that the general's second phase would work all the better. It was the second phase of the plan that Sandra found surprising. The general was trying to arrange a war between the United States and Japan.
Hans could not stop talking. Telling the American spy everything he knew about the general's plans. His embryonic planned coups against both Hitler and Stalin as well as the western democracies, China and Japan.
Sandra had a interest in these plans and listened. Unfortunately Hand spoke slowly as well as softly in his drugged state. It was getting close to time for her to leave. She now looked like an entirely knew person: a small thin mousey looking middle-aged man with brown hair and a mustache that was fashionable in the days of the kaiser. She threw a towel over her captive's head before dragging him into the bedroom
Hans kept talking as she had not commanded to stop as she dragged him on to the bed. He spoke of the general's plans as she handcuffed him to what he supposed was the bedposts. As he felt his pants and shorts come off. But not his boots. His trousers were around his ankles. He felt embarrassed despite the drug.
Sandra had done her best to absorb all the sordid plans the general was making to disrupt the world's governments. There was not much she could do about most of them because the general had to have had multiple operatives in everyone of these nations. A subversive world wide shadow government hidden throughout the nations of the world. The very thought of it sent shivers down her spine.
Hans heard his voice getting stronger and he was talking more rapidly. The drug was entering its last stages. He was become aware he had to divert her attention. He was desperately wondering what he could say to divert her attention from the time. Hours must have gone by. Hopefully it was close to the time when the noose would close in on this American whore. Then he thought of a plan currently in operation that had nothing to do with her or coups.
Sandra was preparing to stick a sock in her captive's mouth when he told her how the general was planning on kidnapping an American athlete in the games. An inventor of a robot plane. Sandra wanted to know more but the time was too late. She stuck the gag in his mouth in the middle on a word. Sandra sighed as she exited the suite She had to contact June and get out of Germany. Hans Oberman went into a fatal convulsion soon after she closed the door.
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:21:51 GMT
Chapter 42 Poison
Monday , July 26th1936, Berlin Germany
Charlie Nicholas woke up at ten o'clock. His wife had already left as the woman's dressage team was having their first practice in Germany this morning. The Olympian athletes were given yesterday, a Sunday off. Charlie spent the day watching over his charges on the male dressage team as well as Terry Sloane.
Charlie liked the fresh faced earnest young genius. It was his turn to watch over him this afternoon. Charlie rose, dressed, grabbed his ever present flask and went downstairs to get some breakfast. Unlike the two spies of the pair of FBI Agents Charlie never put anything in place that could tell him that someone had been in his room. Ten minutes after Charlie left someone entered the Nicholas suite and dispensed poison into every one of the liquor bottles in their well stocked bar.
The poisoner was long gone when Charlie returned to his room to refill his flask. After his breakfast. He went to the bar and was deciding what he was going to drink this afternoon when he noticed that the bottles were not placed in the exact same way they were when he left. He frowned, instantly knowing that they had tampered with. He went over to the desk and grabbed a sheet of paper. He wrote a note to his wife, Clara, instructing her not to drink the booze in the room's bar because it was probably poisoned.
Charlie neatly folded that paper as he rose from the desk and went into the closet. He took out one of his ties before slipping the folded paper into the bottom folds. Next he opened his trunk. Then he opened its false bottom. He removed the pug nosed .38 pistol, made certain it was loaded, and opened the bottle of scotch he had hidden in there for just such emergency as this. Charlie a took long, deep drink before filling the flask with tap water.
Charlie put the tie over the bar bottles as he knew that he would probably not see Clara this afternoon because the dressage team was practicing on the other side of the city. He was supposed to relieve Bart and look over Terry this afternoon. He frowned until he remembered Sally was not going with the swim team until this afternoon.
He made certain he was not followed as he went to her room. She was not there. He cursed, and then went to Bart's room, but she was not there either. Then he went to Harry Wan's suite. Sally was there. So were the others involved in Harry's investigation, excluding Captain Strassser. Charlie told the others what had happened. The navy lieutenant commander volunteered to wait for Clara in the lobby and warn her.
Charlie thanked her and went on his way. Harry called Captain Strasser, informing his of the probable kidnap attempt that was going to be made this afternoon. Mr Mata decided to go to the track and watch as the events played out. Although Sally wanted to joined Mr Mata instead of going to the pool to watch over the woman's swim team.
Harry Wan decided that he would stay in his suite, guarding the transmitting device they brought all the way from Hawaii. The sickly Bob Merritt was still asleep in his room. He was becoming to weak to get up even this early. Herb Cartwright had called Harry by phone, saying he wasn't feeling well this morning and had staying in bed. Harry Wan suspected Cartwright but called Harry warned the man to keep his door locked.
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:22:13 GMT
Chapter 43 Meeting
Monday , July 26th1936, Berlin Germany
June Justis was bored as she sat in the hotel restaurant have an early lunch. This assignment had run its course and became quite dull. The American Olympians security arrangements were all set. Her case against the American diplomat who was spying for the Soviets was also complete; she would have him brought back to the States when she returned and arrest him personally. But now, all she and Steve Carson had to do now was watch the games next week. Steve was involved on the periphery of an murder investigation, but she did not have even that much involvement because of her cover identity as Steve's secretary.
Her cover worked because unlike Steve, the Germans had no one following her. She would write the director about this when she was back in Washington. America had excellent female spies like her old friend Sandra McLane. That note Sandra had mysteriously dropped off at her apartment was the only interesting part of this whole case.
A short, thin mousey brown haired man with a handlebar mustache came up to her table and sat down. He spoke with a British accent as he said “Good day madam, I hope you don't mind my joining you.”
June did mind. She was about to tell this Brit where to go when she recognized her. “My God” she said softly. “Those acting classes you took at Holiday College really did pay off Sandra.”
Sandra smiled as she continued to look around at the other people in the room. “You know you have a tail on your three o'clock?”The waiter came by and Sandra quickly ordered tea.
June frowned as her eyes quickly darted over to the bald headed man reading his paper. She missed him. “I missed him. I'm used to being the one follows the spies.”
Sandra nodded, then frowned as she saw the bald headed bespectacled man head for the phone booths. “I've been made” she said. “I haven't much time, are you free this afternoon?”
June nodded yes.
“Good, go to the pool, the Americans are using it. Tell Sally Norris – you know Sally right?”
June nodded again.
“Tell her you met me and I said A.X. Abort the mission and I am exiting the country.” She then rose and left.
June watched her friend leave before rising, keeping an eye at the telephone booth. She the bald headed man get out. He was a short man as well as bald and needing glasses. He did not look at all like a police man. She thought to herself this is why I missed him. She followed him as he tailed Sandra into the hotel lobby. A smile came to June's lips when she saw the two German army officers entering.
June picked up her pace. She set her path so that she would cross the bald headed man before the exit. She purposefully bumped into him and screamed as loud as she could. She jumped back, punching the man square in the face, breaking his nose and glasses exclaiming “You beast! Help! This man grabbed me.” The military officers, bell hops and other gathered around the bleeding man who was quickly pulling out his credentials. June did not stay to watch. Hopefully she had given Sandra enough time to escape. June headed for the Olympic pool.
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:22:31 GMT
Chapter 44 The Aviator's Abduction
Monday , July 26th1936, Berlin Germany
It was late in the morning when Bob Merritt woke from a fretful nightmare. He started coughing so hard that his sides hurt when the spell subsided ten minute later. He sat in bed during that time as well as several minutes later. He was getting worse. He called room service and ordered breakfast before going to the bathroom. He noticed how shallow his face had become with deep dark circles under his eyes as he shaved.
He kept remembering his nightmare. He dreamed that hid four murdered visited him. They were ghastly with missing eyes and covered with seaweed. Each in turn asked him why he had not brought their murderer to justice.
Bob plead why them, saying he didn't know who killed them. They replied that they were betrayed. “Not by me” he had said. “No” they replied. “Think Bob” they cried. “Think, the police have brought you to Germany. Why would they do that unless they suspected you?”
Bob's breakfast was waiting for him when he exited the bathroom showered, shaved and dressed. It was a light fare of coffee and toast. The poison had long ago took Bob's appetite. He noticed his waiter wasn't the one he had had Sunday and inquired to the new man, Hans, who said it was Fritz's day off.
Bob took a bite of toast and had a sip of coffee before picking up the phone. “Operator...could you please ring room 298...thank you. Hello Herb, can you please come to my suite...yes that's it. Thank you.” He finished his meal, dismissed the waiter and went over to the wall safe. He opened the safe and took out a revolver. Bob then went out into the suite and waited for Herb.
Bob sat in a plush chair, the gun resting unseen between the arm rest and his thin boney leg. As Bob waited he became increasingly tired. His thoughts became sluggish. He was half asleep when the door opened. Bob was surprised to see Herb entered with the waiter Hans. Hans was still pushing the dining cart.
“You wanted to see me Bob?” asked Herb. Bob tried to said something but found himself unable.
Herb turned to Hans and said “The drug's taken full affect. He's conscious, but unable to move.
“Good,” said Hans as he bent down and lifted the whit linen that draped the cart. He pulled something out. It was a man, a man named Fritz, Bob's waiter.
“Did you have to kill him?” asked Herb.
“Ya, the master said no witnesses and he only provided enough of the drug for Herr Merritt.
“Yeah” said a disgusted Herb Cartwright as he took off his coat jacket. He turned inside out and it became a waiter's frock coat. “Come on I'll help you with Bob. As the lifted Bob they discovered his pistol.
Herb smiled. “So you finally figured out that the only reason Harry Wan has both of us here. He isn't sure which one of us was the inside man back in Honolulu and not because your a hot shot celebrity aviator.” Herb pocketed the gun.
Bob was unceremoniously crammed into he lower part of the dining cart. It was specially made for this task. Bob didn't know where he was. He was unable to move. The put a gag on him to muffle any cries he made. He felt the cart being pushed. Next he felt the movement of an elevator, probably the service one. He worried because they did speak to the operator. Next thing he knew he was taken out of the cart and placed into a car trunk. He felt the car drive away
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Post by DocQuantum on Aug 28, 2021 22:22:56 GMT
Chapter 45 The Kidnapping
Monday , July 26th1936, Berlin Germany
June Justis arrived at the Olympic pool several minutes after the Americans had finished their practice. The Japanese were now beginning to warm up. June look for Sally Norris among the spectators but she was not there. Frowning June decided to go to the woman's dressing room to see if Sally was there. She showed her credentials to the big hulking matrons ho guarded the entrance. June smiled pleasantly at the woman who were efficiently doing their jobs, which in turn made her official assignment here in Germany easier.
Sally was not there either. One of the competitors, Elizabeth Lawrence, June believed to her that Sally had not been there all morning. Lawrence and another athlete, another Elizabeth, Elizabeth Adams left with June. It was then that June's assignment in Germany finally became truly interesting and exciting.
The two younger woman said they were waiting for Kim Wan, Harry Wan's oldest son. June had frustratingly been unable to meet either Harry or Mr Mata. Both men were world famous detectives, something June aspired to be. Elizabeth Adams, who preferred to be called Betty spotted Kim he was exiting by the back do with a tall bulky guy dressed in an overcoat.
Alarm bells started going off in Junes mind. Its sirens flared when the other Elizabeth, who wanted to be called Libby said “His face is all bruised up.” the two women started to head for Kim when June stopped them by grabbing their shoulders.
“Listen,” She said firmly. “I'm an agent with the FBI, not a secretary. I'll handle this. I need you two to find Steve Carson and Sally Norris. Tell them what's going on here. Also tell Sally her contact says A. X., repeat A. X. Got that” When both women shook their heads yes June turned and ran towards Kim.
A large man, obviously a gestapo agent. stepped out of the crowd he raised his hand and said “Stop right their Fraulein, this is none of your concern.”
“Kidnapping is a crime where I come from” She said
The man sinisterly smiled and said “We are not where you come from.”
June grabbed the man's outstretched arm and flipped him over her shoulder and into the pool. She restarted her pursuit of Kim Wan when she saw that the gestapo agent could not swim. Damn, she thought before spotting Libby Lawrence dive into the pool to rescue the drowning man.
June turned and chased after Kim. She ran out the door and saw Kim being shoved into the backseat of a car. June reached into her purse and took out her service pistol even as she memorized the sedan's make, model, and license plate number. She took careful aim at the rear tires as the cars started to move away from her. She was about the fire when she felt to cold barrel of a gun at the back of her head.
“You didn't think we wouldn't have backup for an operation as important as this senorita? Did you? Drop you gun and turn around please.”
June did so the owner of the gun stepped back as she did so. The gun's owner was Carlos Despirita. Besides him was Yvonne de la Rosa who said “I think the master would like to talk to his one.”
The three entered a waiting car and took off. Unseen by June, Despitita, de la Rosa, or their drive was Betty Adams watching from the pool exit's door, which she kept open by an inch.
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