Vengeance 10

Von Braun’s evident frustration brought a rare smile to Bethwig’s face. ‘Go on and laugh,’ von Braun muttered. ‘You’ll be getting the same pressures soon enough. And to make matters worse, Doktor Theil tried to resign. Walter refused to accept the resignation, but I am afraid the old man is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. If that happens, your project will be in jeopardy also.’

Both had declined Dornberger’s invitation to go shooting, although Bethwig had been sorely tempted. The general was spending so much time in Berlin these days that when in residence, he grabbed every opportunity to tramp the island’s thick pinewoods in search of deer or grouse. Then that afternoon a cable arrived that closed off the final avenue in Bethwig’s search for Inge. The Prague hospital reported that she had been moved to an unknown treatment centre in May of that year. Himmler had lied to him again; he spent the afternoon trying to decide what to do next.

A note had been slipped under his door inviting him to dine with Hanna Reitsch that evening. Surprised, he checked the date; he hadn’t known she was at Peenemunde. Normally he looked forward to dinners with his old friend, an attractive and sophisticated woman who was considered one of Germany’s top test pilots, but tonight he wasn’t in the mood. He telephoned the visitors’ quarters to leave a message declining, but found one waiting for him which stated that Hanna would be very much put out if he did not attend.

Strangely enough, he felt a great deal better then, and whistling he went to bathe.

Bethwig enjoyed himself more than he would have expected. The dinner at the officers’ club was superb, and the head waiter presented several bottles of Chateau Latour 1924, remarking that they had just arrived, having been ‘purchased’ recently from the chateau itself. As always, Hanna’s presence put everyone on his best behaviour, and Dornberger’s dinner was pronounced a success.

Towards midnight Hanna drew Bethwig aside, and they went on to the terrace. The evening was soft and quite warm; a full moon glowed above the island and coated the buildings with silver. Dance music filtered softly through the half-open french doors, and the only reminder that they were at a military research and development centre was the muted roar of an engine being tested somewhere to the north. Bethwig lit a cigarette and leaned against the balcony.

‘Hanna, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you brought me out here for immoral purposes.’

She laughed and placed a hand on his shoulder. ‘Perhaps another time, Franz, I might. But — ‘ she grew serious — ‘I need to talk to you.’

Below, there was a flurry of laughter and goodbyes as Dornberger, leaving early, walked across the square towards the guest quarters. Bethwig drew on the cigarette and let the smoke escape slowly.

‘What about, Hanna?’

‘You. And your attitude.’

Franz pushed himself upright. ‘Oh?’

‘Now look here, Franz. None of that “You are meddling in my business again, Hanna,” silliness. We’ve known each other too long for that. The stories about you circulating in Berlin are verging on the ridiculous. When that happens these days, it’s time for a friend to take a hand. The rumours are that you’ve been quarrelling with Himmler. Is it true?’

When he didn’t answer, she shook her head impatiently. ‘Franz, stop acting like a little boy. If it is, you are a fool. You cannot possibly win. ‘I’m told you refused to allow the SS to arrest a scientist. That you actually threatened to strike an officer. Is that true?’

Bethwig stared at her a moment, then flicked his cigarette away and watched it spiral down to the lawn where it disappeared in a miniature explosion of sparks. ‘Certainly it’s true. The SS had no jurisdiction and no reason to arrest him.’

‘Now wait a moment, Franz.’ She laid a hand on his arm. ‘Are you the best judge….’

‘I tell you, Hanna,’ Bethwig interrupted, knowing what she was going to say, ‘we must stand up to these thugs before they take over all of Germany.’

‘Franz, you are a fool!’ Hanna blazed. ‘You don’t realise it, but if your father had not heard in time, you would have been arrested and shot. Himmler ordered your arrest within hours, but your father went directly to the Führer who was not only furious over your actions but even more furious with your father for forcing him to oppose Himmler. You may not know it, Franz, but the Führer detests Himmler and tries to have as little to do with him as possible. Now he is indebted to the Reichsführer. I do not believe your father can ever call upon the Führer for assistance again.’ Franz listened to her with mounting shock. It could not be; how else could Himmler’s pet project move forward…. The man would not dare… His thoughts were a jumble.