Bormann cleared his throat before continuing. “Richard, there is one thing on my mind that I need to discuss with you first and you will need to make a judgement on what you do with this knowledge. I have kept some mementos from the past which, perhaps in hindsight, should have been destroyed. For me, they carry huge sentimental and personal value but I also believe their historical authenticity could, at some point in the future, be crucial, when the time comes for John to declare his true lineage to the world. Right now, their sheer existence is a massive threat to our plan, and by the time you see them for yourself I will be gone. That’s why you will need to make the decision as to whether to destroy them or hide them safely for the future.”

Richard smiled at Bormann. Even though he was so close to death, the old man never failed to amaze him with his vast store of secret revelations.

“After my funeral, you will need to go to Buenos Aires and visit my apartment in Recoleta. In the master bedroom, there are fitted wardrobes that run the length of one of the walls. Open the one furthest from the window and look carefully at the back panel. You’ll see that it has fake screw heads and can be easily removed. Behind it, you’ll find a large safe embedded in the wall. The combination is the Führer’s date of birth and, inside, you’ll find a black leather case, embossed with my initials. Once you have examined its contents, you’ll need to make a decision. I trust you to make the right one.”

Richard squeezed Bormann’s hands as a signal that he understood the importance of the request.

“Richard, right now we have plenty more to discuss.”

Bormann only survived for three more days. During that time, Richard hardly left his bedside and slept next door so he was always on hand whenever the old man was awake and lucid. The funeral took place ten days later and Richard ensured it reflected the gravitas and status of the man known to his contemporaries in San Francisco as Ronald Franklin; formerly known to the world as Martin Bormann.

Forest Lawn Memorial Park was set in the Hollywood Hills and offered stunning vistas of the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles skyline. It was the final resting place for some of the most iconic names in America, including Walt Disney, Buster Keaton, Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart. The cost of a custom-built mausoleum was north of one hundred thousand dollars, affordable only for the rich and famous. Franklin thought it a fitting venue for a man of Bormann’s stature, who had made such a huge impact on world events. Richard hoped, one day in the future, the engraved headstone would be able to be altered to reveal his true identity.