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Chapter 7
7
Fleur lifted the telephone from the telephone box in the town the following morning. After three rings a voice replied.
‘Hello.’
‘Sir your meeting has been booked at the Nethybrig hotel in Elgin. Please report to reception at 10am tomorrow. Have I have I made myself clear to you?’ said Fleur.
‘You have indeed madam. I’ll be there tomorrow.’
Fleur smiled with satisfaction. She was playing her cards just as both masters would have wished.
The following morning Mr. Shadbolt arrived with Mr. Dynes. Once more they were led into a back room with Madge this time bringing in the tray.
‘I’m sure you are ready for a coffee. You will have come some way?’ she asked making her own enquiries.
‘No not far. And it’s such a pleasant day in Elgin isn’t it?’ asked Shadbolt.
‘Yes....it is indeed,’ she replied stymied by his lack of engagement. She withdrew closing the door behind her.
‘They have gone back to Aberdeen. They should be on the boat this morning to Hamburg’ said Fleur.
‘Yes, they are,’ confirmed Mr Shadbolt.
‘What had you picked up from them?’ asked Mr Dynes.
‘I have a feeling they won’t be back. That makes me their German spy. Are you happy, I mean.... satisfied with that?’ she asked.
‘As long as we know you are a double spy and can keep both sides content, then I think you will be very suitable,’ said Shadbolt.
Fleur handed over the code she had been given. Dynes studied the code in detail.
‘It presumes you have a head for figures. Not a simple code but at least we have the answers. Here, take a copy of this,’ said Dynes handing the code to his colleague.
‘They seem to have covered the north of Scotland rather well. Been to Orkney, seen Scapa Flow; they know the frequency of flights in and out of the new Lossiemouth Air Base and seen the Seaforth Highlanders presently based at Fort George by Inverness. Impressed by the musical standards of the pipe bands there apparently,’ said Fleur.
‘I tend to agree. There’s not much more they could have seen except one area you have not mentioned,’ said Shadbolt.
‘I think I’ve recalled all they knew. I can’t remember them mention another venue of significance,’ she said.
‘Well, there is but that’s all I’ll say,’ said Dynes.
‘We’ll have to give some thought about what you will tell the Germans. At this rate of aggressive expansionism we must not show our hand too clearly,’ said Shadbolt.
‘No I suppose not,’ said Fleur.
‘We will advise you what’s to be said once you have heard from their source. It will be interesting to see how long it will take them to write to you. It may show their priorities,’ said Dynes.
‘Tell me how much do your parents.... I ‘m sorry... your mother, how much does she know of your roles?’ asked Shadbolt.
‘Very little. My mother is somewhat aware of these meetings with strangers but does not talk about it....yet.’
‘Hmmm...,’ thought Dynes.
‘It will be Christmas in five weeks. I think we may have plans for you in the New Year. But I can’t give you any information at this stage,’ said Shadbolt.
‘Enjoy the seasonal break. I know it will be with only half your real family but make the most of it. We will both be in London next week for a couple of weeks. You have our telephone numbers. Ring if something comes up.’
‘I will sir,’ replied Fleur.’
That concluded the meeting and both men departed. Madge saw them leave.
‘They seem important men, dear,’ she commented.
‘They are mother,’ said Fleur.
‘Will they be back?’
‘I expect so, in the New Year.’
‘I know I should not pry but, well, they are not local.’
‘Mother, these are important men who wish to know about what’s happening in Germany. That’s why they come to see me.’
‘I see. Well, that’s fine,’ said Madge, ‘just fine.’
Christmas was a quiet affair in Scotland. In fact it was an ordinary working day except for the Church services. The hotel was busy serving Christmas meals to wealthy families in the area and Fleur was busy helping in the kitchen. She hardly thought of Karl and Otto and what they might be experiencing in Hamburg.
But by 29th December, Fleur had other matters on her mind.
The letter seemed innocuous. It bore no stamp. But she knew the feel of the envelope was German. It was a printed envelope and Fleur was quick to spot an error in the address. ‘Elgan,’ indeed.
When Dynes received Fleur’s message he immediately returned from London.
‘They say you should return in the first week of January. Is that significant?’
‘Probably not. I suppose they are making sure I am with them and have more plans for me in Scotland. I will not know till I get there.’
‘At least you will see Otto and your sister and brother-in –law.’
‘Yes, that’s the best part of it. I hope they won’t detain me. Do you think they might?’
‘I doubt it. They will make more of you. You are their golden goose. I’d not expect a report until you are back, whenever that will be. I’d be devastated if they kept you in Germany permanently. You still have a home to go to?’
‘Yes, I have a key to the home we had. But if necessary I am sure Renate would welcome me.’
‘Have you funds to get there?’
‘They have given me a ticket and promise of marks when I arrive.’
‘A single ticket?’
‘Yes ....a single....ticket.’
‘But it may be a happy visit too.’
‘Why do you say that, Mr Shadbolt?’ asked Fleur.
‘Because we had a meeting with Edwald von Kleist-Schmenzine in London recently.’
‘Who?’
‘It does not matter. It was of course a secret meeting with MI6. It was said that Admiral Canaris, the man who is head of German military intelligence had a plan to capture and eliminate Hitler and the entire Nazi party before the invasion of Czechoslovakia. That was why von Kleist visited Britain secretly and discussed the situation with British MI6 and some high-ranking politicians. Canaris has become widely known as the executive hand of von Kleist in the event of an anti-Nazi plot. So Hitler has not the full support of his forces perhaps. If he is overthrown either we will all live happily once more or there will be too much at stake for the party and a bloodbath might emerge.’
‘Hmmm.....so I should expect orders from Admiral Canaris?’
‘I hope so. I really do. His second in command is Reinhard Heydrich,’ said Shadbolt.
‘I think you will Fleur. I think you most certainly will.’
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Web Site:
The Solo Oboe Chapter 7
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