Ten Thirty In Berlin

By Morris Maram

A chance meeting in London sets into motion a gripping story when Julian recognises the two Nazi’s he saw commit a horrific crime sixty years ago. They now live in London using false identities and spend their wealth financing terrorist activities. The hunter and the hunted now start the search for each other. They must find him to stop the truth coming out. He must find them to see that justice is done. As the story unfolds agents from the Mossad and Nazi sympathisers from Buenos Aires and Germany join in the hunt for each other. The exciting story expands to include the scam of the century as Julian’s team develops their plan to destroy the Nazi’s and see that justice is done.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483533339

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Chapter One

It was instant recognition the moment their eyes met. They stared at each other in horror as the memory of that night flashed through their minds. This chance meeting would set into motion a deadly chain of uncontrollable events. They must find him to stop the truth coming out and he needs to identify them so that justice can be done. The hunter and the hunted would soon start the search for each other.

Julian was in Oxford Street taking pictures of the new Selfridges window displays. He liked to discuss the new fashions with his grandchildren before he bought the new season’s teenage clothes for his stores. He was standing near the entrance in Oxford Street when he saw them leaving the store. As soon as they saw him they turned and raced towards the line of taxis. The pair moved so swiftly and nimbly that it belied their age. Julian noticed her slight limp; the characteristic remained in his mind whenever he thought of her.

They were both shocked and horrified to see each other. Julian instinctively raised his camera and snapped a picture of the couple as they hastily scrambled into a waiting taxi that then headed off down Oxford Street.

Julian stood at the curb still stunned, recognizing the couple from his early childhood. His mind spun into survival mode. He knew his life was in danger because he had witnessed the pair killing a family outside Prague years ago. What am I going to do? I’m sure the woman recognized me. He realised that his life was now in danger as he was the only one to witness their crime. They had tried to kill him in the forest that night and they would try again now that they knew he was still alive.

Without hesitation Julian flagged down a cruising taxi. He was moving in auto mode and did not realise that he had started the chase to find them until he was already in the taxi.

Follow that taxi please, the second taxi in front of the bus.

He pointed to the taxi only a few yards ahead.

There are some old friends that I have not seen in years in that taxi. I want to see where they are going so I can surprise them later. You can add an extra twenty to the meter if they don’t see me following them.

The driver had heard it all before. The extra money Julian promised him would pay for lunch. He would keep the sandwiches he had brought from home for afternoon tea.

Don’t worry, I’ve done this before, you just keep your head down. The blue turbaned Indian man concentrated on the taxi three cars ahead. Julian slumped down on the back seat, his mind racing toward his next move. Excitement and fear engulfed his very being.

The traffic was filled with taxis and the driver had no problem following them. The front taxi reached the intersection and turned left into Tottenham Court Road. The traffic started to thin out and Julian reminded his driver to slow down.

Julian anxiously waited for the taxi carrying the couple to pull over. The taxi finally stopped and Julian peaked over the front seat to see where the couple were going. He watched as the old couple paid their fare and then slowly walked over to a gate leading down to a basement flat.

The couple gave off the impression of being retired, well to do, and were well dressed. At first glance the man looked the epitome of an English gentleman, wearing grey slacks, and a well cut navy blazer with a cravat and a small handkerchief that peeked out of his top jacket pocket. His thick white hair, unusual for a man of his age, was combed back without a path. He was tall and lanky and stood with a slight stoop, his shoulders bent forward. His pock marked face bore the scars of a prior illness. The scar across his left cheek was still clearly visible after all these years.

She was just as well dressed wearing a black slack suit with a designer blouse. Her short cashmere coat with a black and a stunning white handbag matched her shoes. The woman’s grey hair was severely pulled back into a simple bun, making her large, round, age lined face more prominent. Thick black rimmed glasses covered bird-like beady eyes and on her neck was a birthmark that was clearly visible. His recognition of them sent shivers through Julian’s body.

Pull over in front of that pub across the street, Julian instructed.

After paying the driver an extra 20 pounds for his effort, he entered the pub and selected a window seat so that he could see the front door to the couple’s apartment.

He ordered a cheese sandwich and diet coke to buy some time to gather his thoughts. I need to be discrete. This looks is a safe place to watch their flat without attracting attention.

Julian did not know that the flat he was watching was not the usual home of the old couple. It was their hideaway flat, a safe house away from their home in Mount Street where they lived. They had always feared being recognised years ago and they had leased this non-descript flat for just such an eventuality. It was an ideal place to hide in case they were ever identified. Their small decrepit Fiat 500 was parked in the tiny driveway as nothing bigger would fit.

It took a while for Frans and Kara to calm down. Both looked like they had aged 20 years during the taxi ride from Oxford Street. They had not forgotten the events of that night so many years ago. Over time it had faded into the past with all the other incidents of that time. It was an era in their lives that they had pushed aside. For the first time in their lives they both experienced real fear.

They had come to live in London years ago after the war and to them the past was the past. Kara never considered that they were guilty of anything. The stark reality of seeing him again opened up an era that they had put behind them. Clearly he had to be found and silenced so that he could never reveal who they really were and what they had done.

They entered the flat and almost collapsed into the lounge chairs. Frans was the first to speak, in short gasps, breaking the silence since the chance sighting of Julian in Oxford Street.

Kara, do you think it was an accidental meeting or do you think he was stalking us and got careless? Frans whispered sinking deeper into the arm chair.

I don’t know. He looked as startled as we were when we saw him. I never imagined I would ever see that face again. He looked at me with those piercing blue eyes the same way he did that night in the forest. After pausing for a moment Kara continued I think it might have been an accidental meeting.

She took a few deep breaths, composed herself and then continued. We can’t take chances with this Frans, there is too much at stake, especially our freedom. He might report us to the authorities or choose to go into hiding because he knows what we are capable of. We can’t leave it and take a chance that he will go away.

Kara sat silently thinking of their next move and then finally she turned to look at Frans.

We need to get one of our special friends to help us find out who he is and where he lives. Whoever we get needs to be able to do away with him when the time comes. We can’t afford to let him get away now and then perhaps he might surface later. She glared at Frans, almost daring him to disagree.

That might be bit drastic! Isn’t there any other way Kara? Frans inwardly cringed waiting for the expected rebuff from Kara.

You think it might be a bit drastic? Are you insane? Have you forgotten all the things we did to those people? We need him to disappear permanently! We missed him the first time, we need to make sure this time he is shut up for good.

Frans hesitated for a moment then said, We must be very careful when we tell our story why we need him found and silenced. We had better get the story right. If the truth comes so will the story about the diamonds.

Chapter Two

When he regained his composure, Julian called his wife. Hannah it’s happened. I saw them in Oxford Street and I followed them, it’s definitely them.

He almost whispered, scared in case someone overheard him although there was no one around. Hannah knew from his voice that what he saw was the cause of his constant nightmares.

I was taking pictures outside Selfridges and I saw them leaving the store. Our eyes locked for a brief moment. I don’t know who was more shocked. I know they recognized me.

Hannah knew who Julian had seen without being told. After explaining in greater detail their chance meeting, he convinced her that he needed to find out more about them.

Julian glanced around furtively; afraid they might come into the pub. I need to find out their names so that I can expose them before they find me.

Be very careful Julian. You have seen what they are capable of. If you go to the police and you are the only witness it’s your word against theirs. They will have you killed. You know they can and they will. They tried to kill you before.

Julian paused for a moment and then whispered into the phone. I can’t ignore that we met, Hannah. They certainly will not leave it like this. I could see by the look on her face that she will look for me even if I don’t do anything and it will only be a matter of time before I am found. You know what will happen then.

Hannah was beside herself with fear. She knew that Julian was right and that their lives were in danger until this was resolved. She knew about their first meeting from the constant nightmares Julian had over the years. His terrible dream of that night had never left him.

Julian half turned to watch the pub door and then looked back at the flat entrance before he continued. I am in a pub on the corner of the street where they live. It’s only a few houses away and I can see their flat entrance while sitting at the bar. The pub is also a small bed and breakfast and has a few rooms to rent upstairs. I will see if I can get a room with a view of their flat where I can watch them safely from the room. I’ll call you back a bit later after I have booked in.

Julian returned to the bar and sat down pretending to browse through the menu even though he had not finished the cheese sandwich. I see you have a few rooms to rent. I need a place to stay for about a week. Do you have any vacancies?

The barman laughed and replied, Sure we do. We have four rooms and all are available. It’s fifty quid a night and that includes a great breakfast.

Can you show me the rooms so I can choose one please? Julian said as he stood up to follow the barman upstairs.

Julian looked at all the rooms and chose the corner room where he could see their flat front door and both streets. He closed the door and then called Hannah. I have taken a corner room where I can see their flat through the lace curtains but they can’t see me watching even if they walk past the pub. Please pack a bag with clothes for a few days and bring it to me.

Reluctantly Hannah agreed. Julian, make sure you are not seen. Be very careful, you know how dangerous they are and they now know what you look like. They will start looking for you.

Julian stared through the lace curtains and said Don’t worry; I won’t let them see me.

She was half hoping he would leave and come home, but in her heart she knew he could not. He had to follow it through and find out their names and where they were living before they found him.

Julian sat on the bed peering through the window wondering what they will do next. If they find me it will not be long before I am killed. They tried to kill me that night and will do so again if they get a chance. Will they leave my family alone or will we all suffer? He started to shake uncontrollably and continued to stare at the flat front door, not really knowing what he would do if they came out.

Chapter Three

Herman Silverman and his wife Hilda ran a small haberdashery store in Berlin. Herman’s great grandfather, Aaron, moved to Berlin from eastern Prussia in 1870 with his new bride Naomi, to join her family in Berlin. A year later Samuel the first of three boys, was born followed by Benjamin and Baruch in the next two years. By 1890 Aaron had managed to save enough to open a small haberdashery store which thrived with the support of Naomi’s extended family.

The family lived a tranquil middle class life that revolved around the synagogue and their extended family. Samuel, the eldest son, married Rivka in 1895. The marriage was arranged by their Rabbi and they had only met a few times before the wedding. Herman, their only child, was born a year later into a loving caring home environment.

The First World War tore the family apart. His uncles Benjamin and Baruch proudly enlisted to fight for Germany. Their extended family in England fought with the British troops. In some families it was brother fighting brother or cousin fighting cousin. A 100,000 Jews fought in the German army and over 12,000 died for their country. This included his uncles Benjamin and Baruch. The family’s idyllic life came to a sudden end with their passing.

Life in Berlin during and after the war was one of constant hardship. How could it be possible that Germany could change so drastically? There was a severe depression and German money became close to worthless. In these extreme conditions Herman found love and married his childhood sweetheart Hilda in 1924. Sarah was born in 1925 and was the center of their universe. Her childhood years were spent mostly in their store or at home.

By 1933, there were a hundred and sixty thousand Jews living in Berlin. Most German Jews thought of themselves as Germans first and then as Jews. Many families had fathers, sons and uncles who fought for Germany in the First World War and many had relatives who had died fighting for Germany.

Anti-Semitism was flourishing and attacks on Jews were constantly increasing. Simple chores such as going to the grocer or baker had become hazardous for Jews and it was not uncommon to get sworn at or spat on in the street.

1938 was a turning point for Jews in Germany. On the 9th and 10th of November, now known as Kristallnacht, Jewish synagogues and shops were vandalized and gutted throughout Berlin. In one night over a thousand synagogues were burnt or destroyed throughout Germany. Jewish businesses were destroyed; thousands of Jewish homes were plundered, many by their neighbours who were their friends. Those few Jews who could flee left Germany. It was almost impossible for most to do so.

The Silverman family’s haberdashery store was destroyed that night. Herman Silverman and his wife Hilda retrieved whatever goods that had not been stolen from their store the next day. The family business that was established in 1890 finally closed in November 1938. That morning Herman decided it was time for his family to try and leave Germany if they could. Although he told his family it was time to go he knew from his friends and neighbours that it was almost impossible to leave Germany. The decision to leave should have been made years ago. Many had fled to neighboring countries such as France. They unfortunately found out later that their fate was only delayed.

By 1939 Jews had had their German citizenship rights withdrawn. Those who foresaw the dangers of the future were called rumour mongers. It can’t get worse than this. What more can they do to us? said those who tried to reassure themselves as they had nowhere else to go nor funds nor family abroad to help them leave. Some were morally captive looking after elderly parents or grandparents. Others were too scared to uproot and leave their homes and businesses and emigrate. The majority could not leave as most countries would not allow them freedom of passage to pass through their countries or to live there permanently.

The first opportunity that finally arose was nearly a year later. It was not to save the family but perhaps to make a new life for his daughter Sarah.

Sarah Silverman was fourteen when her parents put her on one of the last Kindertransport trains to leave Berlin in August 1939. She was part of ten thousand Jewish children allowed to be sent to England before the war started in earnest yet there were only a few children on the train with her that night.

Sarah was an only child and had never been away from her family before. She did not know why she was on the train alone, without her parents, and was only told she was going to visit a cousin in London because it would be safer for her to be in England. He father promised that he and her mother would join her as soon as they could get travel documents.

Although her childhood had been a sheltered experience she had seen the violence against Jews that had engulfed their neighbourhood. She was not oblivious to the dangers of being Jewish in Germany. She had lived in fear almost all her life. Her parents would take and fetch her from school and her afternoons would be spent at home or in the store. Occasionally a school friend would spend the night with her when it was her birthday or during school holidays. Her only contact with people outside of school was at the synagogue. She loved the Sabbath. Their extended family would get together every week. This included her uncles, aunts and cousins and they would share a meal on Friday night and be together most of Saturday. It was a day to look forward to every week.

As the violence increased the synagogue trips became less frequent and the family visits on Friday night became almost non-existent after her uncle Ephraim was attacked and hurt while walking to her parents’ house. She was forced to change schools and she was old enough to know it was no longer safe being a Jew in Germany.

Sarah knew being Jewish meant being outwardly submissive to the insults and violence that they endured every day. Each day someone they knew was insulted or beaten up. The last few weeks had become intolerable. They were forced to remain indoors as much as they could. Only the previous week one of their neighbors was beaten up, raped and robbed. They had lived side by side as neighbours all their lives but then suddenly the terror had started and friends became enemies.

She still had nightmares remembering her neighbour Hirsch Lieberman, who had been attacked in the street by a group of youngsters the previous November. He was ruthlessly beaten by young German boys until he lay motionless. One of the boys turned and saw her peering from her bedroom window. He pointed at her and made a throat cutting gesture with his finger and laughed as he took Hirsch’s wallet, kicked him again and walked off. The grin on his face looking at her would remain imbedded in her mind for the rest of her life.

Outside the train station they paused and hugged each other. The tears flowed uncontrollably as her parents told her again and again that they would follow her as soon as they could get their papers to travel. Her tearful parents tried to put on a brave face but her father could not stop crying. She finally left her parents and walked slowly towards the train, travel papers in one hand and her small suitcase in the other.

Although she was fourteen she had not yet developed fully and her parents had decided that she would be better off if she was not instantly recognized as a girl. Her short cropped hair was neatly combed underneath the cap she wore that was pulled partially to cover her face. What could not be hidden were her strikingly beautiful facial features that usually turned heads, both men and women, wherever she went. Her long winter coat disguised the rest of her body. Her parents stood stoically straight faced back away from the train almost afraid of being identified as her family and watched her walk towards the train.

Herman and Hilda were trying to put on a