“Gentlemen, there is much to discuss. We and the German people were betrayed by our own military, who bent their knee to the communists and the Western powers. My generals ignored specific orders and couldn’t wait to surrender. Even Hess betrayed me.”

Despite the fact he was in exile and had lost the war, Hitler was still able to conjure up feelings of fear and trepidation when he addressed the three former prominent Nazis.

“Martin and I have been working together for many years, developing a long-term plan to build a Fourth Reich. There is no question that America is emerging as the strongest nation in the world and we plan, in time, to take control of its political structures, just as we did with the Weimar regime. We believe the major pharma companies will become the most powerful institutions in the world, which is why we are pouring millions of dollars into creating our own vehicle. The Franklin Corporation will eventually migrate to America, as will Martin and my son, Richard. In time, it will grow to become one of the biggest and most formidable companies in the world. At the same time, it’s vital that my grandson is born a US citizen. He will be groomed from birth for the role of president and, when he achieves that goal, my lineage will be secured. The new Reich will enjoy political, financial and institutional power on an unparalleled level.”

Mengele was the first of the three to speak. He was as obsequious as ever.

“Führer, the work you and Martin have carried out is truly remarkable. How can we help to secure this new Reich? What can we offer?”

Hitler acknowledged the interruption and continued. “Josef, you are all great men and have always been loyal to me and our cause. Most of you have sons and, from this day forward, Martin will ensure that, when they reach the appropriate age, senior positions in the Franklin Corporation will be made available for them and then, in time, for their children. Our descendants will carry forward our master plan and bring it to fruition.”

Mengele glanced across at Bormann. “What about your sons, Martin?”

Bormann’s reply was instant. “The day I left the bunker with the Führer, my family became dead to me.”

Hitler totally ignored the brief exchange. “Gentlemen, the Franklin Corporation will be run by the Nazi Party and, when the time is right, it will spawn a future president of the United States.”

Chapter Twenty

13 January 2012

Buenos Aires

Early on Friday morning, Vargas and Torres stood in the hallway outside the interview room. The chief inspector was holding a thick blue file containing case notes and photos of García’s two dead accomplices.

“Okay, Juan, let’s see what García’s got to say for himself. Hopefully a night’s sleep courtesy of our five star facilities has oiled his brain cells.”