‘I heard a whisper that his service in the east wasn’t quite all it seemed. There is word from the Soviets about some enormous atrocity inflicted on the Jews in Kiev. His name came up although there is a bit of confusion because Das Reich wasn’t mentioned in that connection. Our problem in investigating such matters is that officers can be posted on a temporary basis between regiments, and verifying atrocities committed in the east can be difficult at the best of times. It’s certainly something I’d like to ask him about. If you find him, do bring him back because I’d rather like to see him hang.’

‘Where was he arrested?’ Heck asked.

‘Zell am See in Austria, along with a few other notables. He had become detached from Das Reich.’

That, thought Wilde, might well be because he was no longer with his regiment, but engaged on special business – the business of relocating his Führer from a bunker in Berlin to a sanctuary in the Alps. ‘Has he received any other visitors or letters since being brought to Dachau?’

‘No visitors that I know of, but I could check the records. I’ll ask in the post room about letters. I’ll also get more details about his arrest, plus papers relating to his service record as we have it. Can you stay a while or would you like me to phone you?’

Wilde turned to Heck. ‘What do you think, Lieutenant?’

‘We could wait an hour. I’d like to visit his quarters. Will his neighbours be there?’

Clausen checked his watch. ‘They’re parading. One of my men will help you find those who were in the bunks in his vicinity. No rough play, though, is that understood?’

‘Of course,’ Heck said.

Wilde raised an eyebrow. This might not end well. Clausen left them to finish their coffee while he went to find them an escort. When they were alone, Wilde gave a direct order. ‘I’ll look after your pistol, Lieutenant Heck.’

‘Come on, Professor. Don’t you trust me yet?’

‘Not in this case, no. You out there with your pistol among a lot of unarmed SS men would be a bit like letting a lion loose in a closed compound full of gazelles.’

Reluctantly, the Dutchman took out his weapon, gripped it by the barrel and proffered it to Wilde.

‘Thank you. You’ll have it back as soon as we’re out of this hellhole.’

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Colonel John Appache waved the request through with barely a murmur. ‘You want a hundred troops to raid some village? Sure. Make it two hundred. You think Adolf’s there?’

‘Probably not. But we have reason to believe there could be a man who knows his whereabouts,’ Wilde said.

‘Well that’s what we need. Who is this guy?’

‘A man named Boden. Standartenführer Julius Boden.’

Appache looked surprised. ‘You’re looking for Boden? Why exactly?’