Otto continued to listen, trusting the man’s assumed air of naivete no further than Korsch expected he would. That the location of the gathering was a coincidence he believed not for a second.

“A certain Count von Schmundt and his wife have graciously agreed to host the event,” he went on. “Perhaps you know them?”

“The count’s estate borders our family’s holdings,” said Otto, masking his irritation at being treated like a child.

“That is astonishing!” exclaimed Korsch, pretending surprise. “So you are neighbors!”

“Yes… that is, the count and I knew one another when we were boys.”

“Then you will no doubt be receiving an invitation yourself.”

“Perhaps.”

In truth, Otto had already received his invitation, a fact which Korsch well knew and in fact had arranged himself.

“And your brother will no doubt receive one as well.”

“That is likely.”

“I would like to meet your brother, Herr von Dortmann.”

“I seriously doubt he will attend,” said Otto. “He is not given to much socializing.”

“I want to meet your brother, Herr von Dortmann.”

“And you want… what do you want me to do?”

“I want you to make certain he is there, mein lieber Otto,” said Korsch with sarcasm, “and to introduce me to him.”

“But what… what do you intend to… to do to him?”

“I intend your brother no harm, Otto, believe me.”

“I tell you, I have nothing to do with my brother’s activities,” stammered Otto. “He always was the odd one of the family.”

“Tut, tut, Otto. I know that. You can trust me.”

“But why do you want to meet Heinrich?”

“Relax, neither you nor he has anything to worry about.”

42 Another Invitation

42

Another Invitation

“Well, Matt, what do you think?” said Thaddeus McCallum, looking across the table at his son. “Shall we go?”

Matthew set down the invitation his father had handed him a few moments earlier.

“Sounds like just another stuffy diplomatic reception, Dad,” he replied. “If you don’t mind, I think I’d just as soon pass.”

“Didn’t you see where the party’s going to be held?”

“Yeah, some German count’s place.”

“Look closer.”

Matthew picked up the piece of paper again and scanned it.

“Schmundt—should I recognize the name?” he said.

“Probably not. An aristocratic Nazi, from what I understand. Actually, I’m not sure why they’re having such an event so far from the city, but it’s the location I wanted you to notice.”

“Why?”

“The Schmundt villa is just across the way from Baron von Dortmann’s. It would give us another chance to visit the baron… and his daughter.”

Matthew’s face brightened. “Why didn’t you just say so, Dad? That changes everything. Sure I’ll go!”

His father laughed. “I thought you might see it differently in that light!”

“When’s the last time you heard from Sabina?”

“I haven’t had a letter all summer—I think it was May.”