Read Online To Catch a King by Jack Higgins - Free Book Online

command.”
    “I did not ask you for a reference. I asked whether in your opinion he has formed an attachment for this Winter girl.”
    “Very well, Reichsführer. I regret to say that I think he has.”
    “I thought so. I have a nose for these things. Under the circumstances, he must, of course, take no further part in this affair. I would suggest that you handle it personally, Reinhard.”
    “With the greatest of pleasure, Reichsführer.”
    Heydrich hesitated. Cold and calculating by nature, his most marked characteristic a total inhumanity, he seldom cared about anybody—yet Schellenberg was different. Irritating, but true.
    “Reichsführer, I trust this doesn't indicate any change in your attitude toward Schellenberg. His loyalty is unquestioned, believe me, and he has been of great service to the Reich.”
    “Undoubtedly.” Himmler leaned back. “General Schellenberg has all the qualities. A brilliant intellect, gallant soldier, cultured, witty. Humane by nature. In the field of counterespionage, one of the most able minds in Europe. He is also a romantic fool.”
    “But his record, Reichsführer, is impeccable. A good party member.”
    “Which means nothing. Anyone can pay that kind of lip service. Frankly, I doubt his devotion to National Socialism considerably.” He raised a hand. “Don't worry, Reinhard. He's too good a man to discard—yet,” he added. “Now let's have him back in.”
    A moment later, Schellenberg was once again in front of the desk. “I've decided you will start for Spain tomorrow,” Himmler said. “Under the circumstances, you will hand all relevant information concerning the Winter affair to Obergruppenführer Heydrich.”
    “As you say, Reichsführer.”
    “Good. You may go.”
    Back in his office, Schellenberg stood at the window, smoking a cigarette, trying to control his anger. But the truth was, however unpalatable it might be, that he could not do anything for Hannah Winter now.
    He turned and noticed a box on his desk. When he opened it he found it contained the Mauser he had asked the armorer for, plus the additional ammunition. There was also a requisition slip for him to sign. As he slipped a round into the magazine, the door opened and Heydrich came in.
    He paused on seeing the Mauser. “I suppose you'd like to use that on me?”
    “She's clean,” Schellenberg said. “I'm certain of it.”
    “Then she's got nothing to worry about. Good God, man, I've done you a favor, don't you see that? I knew we were in trouble when I heard you actually left her at the door of her apartment last night. Walks through the streets in the rain in the early morning. Like something out of one of those absurd films UFA are always churning out. What were you trying to do—commit suicide?”
    Schellenberg put the Mauser back in the box. “All right. What now?”
    “You'll fly to Spain tomorrow by special courier plane. Paris, San Sebastian, Madrid. All fixed up. Your Gestapo bully boys will be provided later today.”
    “Thanks very much.”
    “And now I must interrogate Irene Neumann. Only don't interfere, Walter, promise me that?” He sounded almost plaintive. “It really would be something of an improvement if you started doing as you were told for a change.”
    Irene Neumann sat on a chair in front of Heydrich's desk, her hands folded firmly in her lap, her face expressionless. Two SS men guarded the door.
    She was not afraid. The shock effect of her sudden arrest had had a numbing effect so that she was not really capable of taking anything in. This was a moment she had always known might come—and yet, now that it was here …
    Heydrich entered. He sat down behind the desk, opened her file, and sat there reading it, totally ignoring her.
    “So—Fräulein Irene Neumann?”
    “Yes, Obergruppenführer.”
    “You know why you are here?”
    “I have no idea. If there has been some mistake in my work …”
    He pushed the surveillance photos across the desk. “You,