The words made her legs go weak. She turned to face the man behind the voice. As she did so, a shot rang out.

Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

Charlie Jung was wearing his Chinese-silk dressing gown, eating a leisurely late breakfast of pork escalopes and fried potatoes in his splendid dining room overlooking an endless vista of lake and forest. Occasionally, he caught his young mistress’s eye and smiled at her. He was already tiring of the slut. His reverie was disturbed by the arrival of his butler.

‘The telephone, Herr Jung.’

‘I haven’t finished my breakfast.’

‘The call is from Führer headquarters, Herr Jung. Reichsleiter Bormann wishes to speak with you.’

Bormann. That was a name to spoil a man’s otherwise perfect morning. His butler had told him Bormann had been trying to get hold of him, but Jung had studiously avoided returning the calls. Their business together finished years ago. He was hoping their paths would never cross again.

‘What does he want?’

‘He didn’t say, sir. But he says if you don’t come to the phone, he will have you in Sachsenhausen by nightfall.’

Very funny.

‘Well, then, I’d better take the call, I suppose. Keep my food hot.’

Jung rose from the white-linen table, bowed to the full-breasted and underdressed Astrid, and said, ‘Forgive me, my dear, I’m sure this will only take a few moments.’

In his office, he paused, then steeled himself and picked up the phone.

‘Hello, Martin? Long time—’

‘Charlie, where the fuck have you been?’

‘Oh, here and there, Martin – or perhaps I should call you Herr Reichsleiter now that you have risen to Valhalla with the gods of war.’

‘Enough bullshit. Martin will do. We are old friends, after all.’

‘Then I feel very honoured.’

Jung felt nothing of the kind. Nor were they old friends. Bormann didn’t have friends.

‘Good . . . good. All is well with you, Charlie? What are you doing for the war effort these days? Skiing? Making love to beautiful women? Drinking fine wine?’

‘All those and more.’

‘Charlie, you just lounge around your ancient Schloss doing nothing. Well, I’m about to disturb your peace and quiet, I’m afraid. I have a matter of utmost urgency and secrecy.’

‘Then you had better tell me what it is.’

‘Not on the phone. A Heinkel transport will be arriving at your airstrip within the hour – and you will be flown straight here.’

‘Which is where exactly? One never knows where Führer headquarters is based these days.’

Bormann ignored the question. ‘We will meet, and you will be flown straight back. Understood?’

‘Of course. Do I at least have time to finish my breakfast and fuck my new mistress?’

‘Is she remarkably beautiful?’