"Your lab has nearly finished this marvelous wonder weapon Kyle? A weapon that will bring glory to our Fuhrer?" she exploded with perfect acting excitement.
Kyle shook his fuzzy head up and down with a huge grin, proud as a Nazi peacock.
"Well then, tonight will be a night for special rewards," Connie flattered him.
"Ah, you will be nice to me at last and finally share in my passion," he jested back
She bit the bullet. What the female undercover agent skilfully evaded before could not be avoided anymore. Gaining the man's complete trust and unwitting cooperation is all that mattered. Connie approached him amorously and began kissing and caressing his neck. The Mata Hari lured her mesmerized captive into a delirious trance. Everything heated up quickly. The mismatched lovers went at it all night and finally crashed just before the encroaching dawn.
***
The clock stroked twelve noon. Connie showered and then went into the kitchen to make some coffee. A tear trickled down her cheek. 'What else could I do?... Nothing!' she questioned and answered herself mentally. This was becoming difficult for her, but once more she cast her feelings to the wind.
Kyle yawned and collected his thoughts. He smiled with delight, so happy that he wasn't needed at the lab today.
Connie brought him a cup of fresh java. "Sleep well my love?"
He sipped the coffee, then nodded yes with a smile.
"I was wondering Kyle, could you get me a pass into your facility?"
He kind of looked at her a little perplexed. 'Why would she need for me to get her a pass? She is with Goebbels and his exalted propaganda ministry. They pretty much have access to everything.' Connie read his consternation.
"You must understand my sweet," she gently rubbed his thigh, "I have access to your facility, but it will be with other propagandist colleagues of mine at the same time in a couple of weeks. But if I could get in ahead of schedule, get the jump on the others, and do some fascinating write ups with pictures etc.. it could mean everything for my career."
Kyle relaxed. 'oh,' he thought, 'ordinary human ambition.'
"I don't know my love. This project is well guarded. If I introduce you and show you around the lab, the Gestapo is going to start investigating and probably split us up and wreck the neat thing we have going. Now that wouldn't be good would it?
Connie leaned over and whispered, "No that would not be good." Of course she meant it quite differently than he did. "But there may be a way so that you don't have to introduce me to everyone. Something a little fun and daring. There must be a back way into the facility, or some plan we can put together. Once I'm inside, if I have a badge like yours, facility personnel and security, will assume that I'm just another one of the five thousand persons working on the GLORIOUS project," she finished pitching her idea waving her arms skyward.
"You're crazy! you know that."
"Oh come on Kyle! What is life if one cannot take an occasional risk? If we get caught who cares. Our Fuhrer and his Generals will be so drunk with victory celebrations after the conquest over the Allies that they won't even pay us any mind. And I assure you my connections with the propaganda ministry will come to our rescue if there is a bad turn of events for us. I'll merely be scolded, and you, yes you, will be rewarded for your part in the Reich's great victory."
Kyle thought for a moment. He only had one thing on his mind. "OK, you win. But first come back to bed and we'll work on a plan this afternoon."
***
Flipping through the old newspaper provided for him, the very one Galin was reading a few days back, and sitting at the same table where Galin and his contact sat, the icy killer found an article that caught his eye.
'Auch so, this is it.' He studied the propaganda article on the mountain pass demolition. After making careful inquiry with the informant, the one who called the authorities and told everything he witnessed, Blitz Morder put two and two together. He understood by a quick phone call to the S.S., the real mountain pass story. One underground agent was killed after demo-ing the pass, and one escaped. The man he was tracking is obviously the one who escaped. Too bad for him that he let his guard down, becoming upset with the false story about his friend. The assassin now knew what he was up against - an explosives expert, probably given a high profile target for his assignment. All he needed to do now is make another phone call and every complex in the country would initiate an immediate lock down. But he chose not to make that call. Human pride and ambition steered his thinking. His raison d' etre would ever be espionage and assassination. This is what he lived for. It would not only be too easy alerting the military, it could very well rob him of the glorious hunt, and may even wind up giving the glory to some unworthy patronizing desk wimp. He had his own scheme in mind. This is going to be his game.
***
"How are you doing back there my love?"
Connie cramped herself inside the trunk of Kyle's sedan, as the vehicle traveled on the main road toward the maximum security facility.
"I'm fine sweets," she yelled back. "Just get me safely through the check points."
"Don't worry. These guards are so used to waving me through that they probably won't give me a second look. Oh, by the way. I hope you don't mind, I did go through your pocket book before we left this morning."
"Find anything interesting?" Connie played along with what she already anticipated, i.e., Kyle checking her out by sorting through her personal ID papers.
"No. The Kyle Brandt investigative team has given you a clean pass. You are Connie Burkholder: Propagandist Specialists."
"You're not going to call the Gestapo to see if my papers are authentic? Shame on you Kyle."
"Shame on me if I did. I not letting those gorillas mess up my happiness, or that of the future Mrs. Kyle Brandt."
"Well, I'm so glad I came through OK," She screamed louder, as the car hit some bumps causing some difficulty in their conversation.
"We're coming to the first check point. You lay still."
'Don't worry, I will,' the somewhat apprehensive agent thought.
The German guard casually stretched out his hand toward the approaching vehicle. It was a preliminary check point, manned by a dozen regulars, before the tougher S.S. barrier. The car came to a stop. Connie lay quiet as she listened to Kyle jest with the sentry.
Kyle wondered why Wilhelm was stopping him. He usually didn't. "Hey you want to look in my trunk Wilhelm? I may have a spy in there. You never know."
Connie froze with fear. 'What is he doing.' her mind screamed.
"Nein Kyle," the guard jested back. "We're supposed to stop everybody now. But don't ever say that to the new S.S. sentries at the compound. They will tear your car apart, no matter how good your papers are.
"What ever happened to good old fashion humor?" Kyle punned.
"I don't know, but just behave yourself." Wilhelm motioned to his fellow soldier to raise the bar.
"Thanks for the warning Wilhelm," Kyle shot back as he sped off.
'Yeah, thanks for the warning Wilhelm.' Connie thought and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Don't ever do that again Kyle!" Connie angrily shouted when they drove on a little. "If you do, and I get caught, I will tell the authorities that you were making mocking statements about the Fuhrer."
"Your wish is my command love. But you better shut it down, we're coming to the high security gate now."
Her heart beat rapidly, hoping and praying that Kyle does not do something that will cause the S.S. to look inside the trunk. Kyle slowed the car to a stop. A straight looking S.S. soldier asked for his papers.
"You are new," Kyle said, handing the sentry his papers. He did not respond.
"Are you bringing anything into the complex with you?" the S.S. guard asked Kyle in a no nonsense way.
'Please, please, do not jest with him,' Connie mentally projected.
"Nein."
"One moment." The S.S. corporal went to the phone and took Kyle's papers with him. After calling the internal security office he discovered that Kyle's high classified clearance was such that he must not be detained or delayed without over riding orders.
"Proceed forward," the guard directed Kyle, handing back his ID papers. He waved for the other sentries to open the massive steel gate. It rolled on huge wheels and sounded almost like a locomotive.
They drove a little further on. German Shepherd patrols could be seen roving around the outside of the complex. The entry way into the fortified citadel was at the mouth of a huge cave which started to go down deep inside the mountain. Electric lights and air circulation machines filled the huge underground structure. Kyle went over the plan again with Connie. After parking, he would go inside and settle into his office, grab a personnel badge from the desk of the internal security officer, who always leaves for coffee at exactly 8:45. Kyle would then make an excuse to his lab colleagues that he forgot something in the car. Returning to the car he would leave the badge on the rear bumper. A little rap on the trunk will let her know the coast is clear; no roaming guards were nearby. She would unlatch the hood by an internal catch, get the badge, and enter the facility after her accomplice already hastened back inside. After that she was on her own.
Slowly lifting the hood, the female agent lifted herself out. Everything seemed quiet. She found the badge and quickly pinned it to her blouse. Connie made her way to the revolving entry door and freshened her skirt with a swift brushing. Her hair was pulled back like a typical office employee, and she held a pad and pen to lend some authenticity of a busy appearance. Once inside, the sounds of intercom speakers, German conversations, and a very active hustle bustle atmosphere pervaded the complex. It became clear to the insurgent that the atomic project was moving at full speed. An internal security guard pacing the halls, armed with a machine gun, took a quick glance at her badge. Her first task was to find out where the fuel cells and other high explosive storage containers were located and make a mental map. She would also write down numbers on her pad, signifying paces and turns leading to these areas. These would be crucial directions for Galin to utilize when he penetrated the facility. He would need to move quickly, and this information was extremely important for his operational speed.
All went fairly well, Connie was able to mark out the high explosive zones by reason of the signs and no smoking warnings on the doors. She also sought for a back way out of the compound which Galin might be able to use for his escape. If at all possible that he can escape. There was nothing. His chances of fulfilling this mission and getting out alive were almost nil. 'I wouldn't mind just dying with him right here. I've already killed my self respect for this cause,' the protesting femme fetal pondered.
Returning back to the car, she slipped inside the trunk again. Kyle was going to try to get away early so the poor girl wouldn't be stuck in the cramped darkness all day. The love infatuated technician deliberately left some highly critical stat sheets home so as to give him an excuse for leaving the complex.
***
The assassin looked through his binoculars, out through the dirty window, observing someone on the street below. In his view was a man dressed in a German officer uniform. After getting a clear description from his original informant, Blitz Morder knew what Galin looked like. He was also able to track Galin down by a process of elimination of all non-targets. This kept him from spinning his wheels and wasting precious time searching all over the country. Germany's deadly agent calculated that the Nuclear research and production facility near Peendemune was the objective. Consequently, he set up a series of his own hand picked civilian surveillance teams around the nearby towns of the facility. Teams who discreetly reported to him only. It paid off. He finally marked his prey. A trap to ensnare and capture was now in place.
***
"Well, did you get the information you needed?"
Kyle was in good spirits as he picked Connie up out of the trunk. It was about mid afternoon when they arrived at his place.
"Yes, I got so much information. It will be a great help in boosting my career. Thank you so much love. I am so beat. That place is big. I must have walked at least ten miles today. A hot bath sounds good right about now." Connie kept up her academy award performance and gave Kyle a long hug.
"I sure wish I could stay awhile," Kyle stated rather regretfully. "But I need to return back to the complex with the stat sheets. I won't be back till late tonight. Damn! that was so daring what we just pulled. Your right, people need to to do something a little risky once in a while. It gives life such a surge of adrenalin. We ought to be a couple of secret agents or something."
'Yeah, or something,' Connie thought as she pulled away from her hug.
"We must do that again Connie," Kyle continued in an excitable way.
"Oh, we will," she responded nonchalantly. "I could use one more stealthy tour of the facility, then everything will be complete for my files." Rubbing her neck in the back, she walked away, gave a faint smile and said, "I'll be waiting for you my love. Please hurry home."
The poor love smitten stooge was in a daze, not even close to reading her. He was looking forward to doing it again. A lab technician's loneliness and boredom had been replaced with the intrigue of a beautiful young woman, and the new exhilaration she brought into his life. She waved goodbye after he retrieved his stat sheets and pulled away. Inside, the tired agent listened to some music and sipped a little wine. A tentative rendezvous was planned with the assistant field operatives later in the day. It all depended on her progress. Everything panned out like clock work. Connie decided to keep the scheduled meeting now that she was free and had information to pass on for Galin. It would be good for him to meet with her secretively as soon as possible, and come prepared to penetrate the facility - via the trunk of Kyle's car together with her. She decided on the way back that he is not doing this without her. Connie also reminisced about the way Galin looked at her when they first met. She kind of liked it. There was definitely something in her heart for him. 'What would he want with me though.' her mind pondered. 'Used agent for sale. Get a free ride in the bedchamber.' Her tears trickled profusely now. 'All for the good of the free world,' she continued her private lament, listening to the music. Her thoughts couldn't stop thinking of Galin. "Oh God, please keep him safe," she burst out loud with a sob. The sad eyes gradually closed and fell into a slumber.
***
Galin inconspicuously noticed a man watching him. He did not turn to look or make eye contact with the watcher. He felt very strongly, however, that something was wrong. He remembered the warning of Guten Junge concerning this 'Blitz Morder,' who was assigned to kill him. This guy is probably not him, but perhaps worked with the assassin. The underground agent's mind raced. He recalled his blunder at the cafe pub. He now felt it. He was marked. That slip up not only put him in danger, it jeopardized the entire mission.
"Froulein! Please join me in a celebration toast. I have been promoted, I'm on leave, and I need someone to share my joy with me. Please say yes." Galin could do his own acting. He grabbed a young German maiden walking pass him on the sidewalk. She complied, and they walked hand in hand into the nearest pub. He began rattling off the battles he has seen, how well the war is going for the Reich, etc.. Inside he made sure they were seated in such a way that she could be seen by any observers, but he would be hid from their view. Quickly excusing himself, "Froulein, bear with me I have this stomach problem. I must visit the rest room. Please be patient I'll be right back." He grabbed another fellow by the arm who was sitting at the bar by himself, and dragged him over to his new found date. "Here, keep my date company for a moment until I return. We'll celebrate together. All the drinks will be on me." Galin then took his colonel's cap off and placed it on the man's head. "Hold this for me. Hey it looks good on you. You should be in the army. Don't take it off now, I'll be right back." Walking toward the rest rooms, he turned and shouted, "I can tell you marvelous stories that you will remember for the rest of your life time."
Not a moment too late. Galin's would be tail came into the cafe. He sat on the far side of the bar and could see the young lady but not the man she was conversing with. Only his colonel's cap showed from behind the booth partition. Blitz Morder also entered the bar. He saw the whole street scene from the window and made haste to keep an eye on his prey personally. He sat down next to the assistant who pointed out where the underground spy sat with the date he picked up. Seeing the girl and her animated conversation with the man wearing the officer's cap, Blitz Morder was taken in for several minutes. His instinct began to stir. He then noticed something peculiar. When the gentleman stretched out his legs for a quick relief, the man was not wearing boots. Sure enough, as the assassin got up and approached the table it turned out to be someone else. Blitz Morder quickly raced toward the rest rooms. Too late, the underground sleuth gave him the slip. He began cursing and banging his fist against the wall. After questioning the bewildered and frightened couple he went racing out the door. The stakes were raised. 'England's agent now knew he was marked,' the assassin thought, but the German killer still would not contact his superiors with this updated information. He was stubbornly determined to catch the saboteur on his own. (End: Part 1)
