Gustaf's File #6

By Alojz Horvat

Gustaf, a soldier/commander of the German Army is looking back at his role in the war. To him, WWI was a disaster in every way, so he begins to think of what can be done to prevent such a disaster from ever occurring again.
While pondering this, a very good friend happens to come along. This man joins Gustaf, and the two begin to talk about his thoughts and ideas. They soon realize that this discussion needs more time, and they agree to meet at the friend's lodge at a later date.
They agree to keep their meeting quiet. Unfortunately, their words at the lodge were heard.
These words were then passed on to those that do not agree with their proposal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jul 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645756521

Alojz Horvat

Alojz Horvat was born in Slovenia. He came to Canada with his parents at the age of seven, eventually settling in Edmonton, Alberta. After graduation, he worked at a department store, tried for the military, and earned a B.Sc. (specializing in Math) and a PDAD. Gustaf's File #6 is his first novel.

Book preview

June

About the Author

Alojz Horvat was born in Slovenia. He came to Canada with his parents at the age of seven, eventually settling in Edmonton, Alberta. After graduation, he worked at a department store, tried for the military, and earned a B.Sc. (specializing in Math) and a PDAD. Gustaf’s File #6 is his first novel.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my wife, Marianne, and my children; Melanie, Mark, and Amanda. Thank you for all your help and patience.

Copyright Information ©

Alojz Horvat (2020)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of creative nonfiction. The events are portrayed to the best of author’s memory. While all the stories in this book are true, some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of the people involved.

Ordering Information:

Quantity sales: special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Horvat, Alojz

Gustaf’s File #6

ISBN 9781645756507 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781645756514 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781645756521 (ePub e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020908934

www.austinmacauley.com/us

First Published (2020)

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 28th Floor

New York, NY 10005

USA

[e-mail]

[phone]

Part I

Jhon

1929 – 1930

Chapter 1

Elsa

Elsa and Jhon sat huddled together against the cold November mountain air. It was the winter of 1929. The frost, cold and snow had a firm grip in the Black Forest very early this year, very unusual for this time of year and this area of Germany. December was just around the corner and the new year awaited Jhon.

They sat on the veranda swing of her father’s house keeping warm under a blanket. Jhon was unusually quiet this night. Usually he had much to talk about and much to laugh and joke, but not tonight. A typical topic of discussion was what lay in store for them for their future. A future in their homeland seemed a possibility for times were getting better. Germany had paid a price for its part in the First War and now, at last recovery for the country was becoming a reality. Now there was a new leader and a party full of vision for its people. There appeared to be a sense of stability. There was hope. The people began to see life again.

Together, the times they had together, they usually talked about school and holidays and the times they had spent together and the times they would yet to have. They talked about what they could do, would do and what their life would be like. She wanted to see the world and he just wanted to be with her and see it with her. They were young and alive and full of dreams.

On most nights, he wrapped his arms around her tightly and she held him. Tonight, he did not have his arms around her shoulders holding her close to him. Tonight was different. Why? He was quiet and ‘far away.’ Why?

Elsa sensed his quiet. He was aloof. What is troubling you, my love? You are so quiet, not like yourself at all.

It’s nothing, he answered, I just don’t feel like talking. He did not fool her. She knew he was troubled. His mind was far away.

Tonight you have something on your mind but you won’t tell me. Do you not trust me or love me as much as I thought you did? Tell me. It will be better for both of us. Let it out.

He let go of her and got up from the veranda swing. He did not look at her. He walked down into the yard and stood gazing at the stars. He saw a shooting star and thought, ‘this is an omen.’ He dropped his chin to his chest and thought, ’how do I tell her? She will be very hurt when I tell her and if I don’t tell her, she will again be hurt thinking that I do not trust her.’

She came down from the veranda and stood in front of him. She wanted to look in his eyes but he would not let her. He stood tall, his eyes far off, his mind searching in the universe for a way to tell her. Please tell me what’s on your mind. I do not like to see you in this state. It is not like you.

He decided that the only way to deal with this was to come right out and tell her. He lowered his head and met her eyes. I have to leave for a while. I don’t know for how long. He said looking at her then quickly up at the stars again. Quietly he whispered to himself, ‘You tell her. You have all the answers.’

He could no longer look at her. To do so would bring so much pain for both.

His words hit her hard. What? Why? Where are you going, for how long? She was beside herself, on the verge of tears. He had never mentioned this before. She had sensed something was up some time ago but she was not prepared for this. She was fond of him, no, she loved him and she did not want to lose him now. When, Why? She continued, fists clichéd wanting to beat it out of him.

Very soon. I have not been told when. A messenger will come and get me at the last minute. I will need to be ready to go and go now, he said somewhat coldly. I am only told what I need to know and the rest will follow.

You are not told when? She stepped back, shocked. By whom? How long have you been making plans for this? Why have you not told me before? Am I included in this plan? She wanted to shake the answers out of him. She continued peppering him with questions, until…

Please stop with the questions. He was getting annoyed, he could feel an anger building up inside. It was bad enough that he had to do this, but this badgering was getting to him. There is so much I would like to tell you but I cannot. It is forbidden for me to speak even these words with you or anyone.

Forbidden? What kind of talk is this? What is forbidden? she demanded. She turned away wanting to scream then faced him again. What is there in your life that I should know? I thought I knew you but now I see that I know very little of you.

Please don’t… he pleaded. He had his secret that he never told her and he was not about to now, he could not.

She stepped away from him, What of me? What of our future, our future that we had talked about many times? Was there ever one in all the talking we did? Was there any truth in what you said to me all these weeks? Now she was hurt and getting angry. Where do I fit in?

There is something I need to do. I am going to Canada. I will write to you and send for you when it is possible, but for now this is all I can tell you. Jhon could do no more than spill out a few words that he knew he should not, but he was trying to appease her, words that she might try to understand and accept. She did not.

Canada? What for?

He could not look at her anymore. He was tempted to tell her as much as he knew, all that he knew. He could not hurt her any more. He stuck his neck out further and said, I am to be sort of a messenger. I need to deliver an item to my Uncle Lou in Canada. As soon as he uttered these words he knew he should not have. He realized what danger he could bring to himself and maybe to Elsa and possibly her family. He thought to himself, ‘what have I done? I was told there are ears and eyes everywhere. Why did I say this?’

She stood there in total disbelief. Deliver an item? What, is there no mail service? Is there no one else?

She was angry, her mind reeling from what he just told her.’ Where had this come from? Why was he doing this?’ She stepped forward to confront him once more, but realized that it was over.

He did not look at her. She wanted to shake him, to hit him. It was no use. She knew him well enough. In the time together she got to know him, once his mind was set, there was no changing him.

She backed away to look into his eyes. He did not meet her look.

So, this is it. This is what our time together has come to. She walked away from him, leaving him standing there in the yard. Tears and anger filled her body and soul. She quickened her pace and ran into the house. He could hear her crying. He heard a door slam. The light in the kitchen went off. Then there was silence.

He stood there for a few moments longer, then he left. Sadness filled him but he had little choice. A letter telling that the time for his departure was near arrived just the day before. He needed to prepare, he needed to break away from his relationship with Elsa, he needed to clear his head and focus on the task at hand that Gustaf had prepared him for.

Jhon left Elsa’s yard and headed home. He would contact her the next day he told himself…he never did.

In the next few days, he tried several times to speak to her, but her parents simply said that she was not home and that he should not come around again. He knew better and did not push. It was better to leave things as they were. He had no choice in the matter. He had to go. He would write though and keep his promise.

Chapter 2

Jhon

Jhon spent the next days starting to make preparations for his departure. He kept busy with odds and ends; looking over his small apartment making sure that he did not leave any clue, no matter how small, that might give away his destination. He organized what he was going to take with him then went over that again, he spent time writing notes to his Uncle Gustaf, Analeise and his adopted siblings, and last but not least, he had to keep fit…this he did taking long grueling hikes and keeping up his survival skills in the wilderness.

But the day of departure never seemed to come. He began to wonder what was going on. Was he really going or was this some nonsense? Whoa. Stop this thinking, He chastised himself. Gustaf knows what he is doing. I must keep that thought clear in my mind.

All of this seemed redundant at times. He had to pass the time and be ready to leave at any time. What he was really doing was whiling away the time to try and forget Elsa. He regretted how they parted. He felt sorry for how he broke the news to her. He knew from the start that the only way was to make a clean break, tell it like it is but give no details. At times he wanted to correct the wrong but in doing so, he would say more to her than he had already said. Deep down inside, he had that little pang of guilt knowing that what he had said was too much.

Often, no matter what he was doing or where he was, he paused and went over the little bit of information that was afforded to him. Little by little his immediate life plan was coming clear, his head was clearing, with Elsa’s memory slowly ebbing to a corner of his brain. At one point, he really thought that he was safe finally with her out of mind, but that was not to be. Her presence was everywhere in his apartment as she and Jhon spent much time there…secretly. ‘The sooner I get out of here the better,’ he thought to himself. ’I must be clear of mind for my task. Where is that damned person that is to take me away?’

Today, nearly four weeks since he broke with Elsa, he woke refreshed after a quiet sleep. He looked about his bedroom then out the window, it was snowing. He paused and as if he had had a revelation, he knew that this was the day he would be on his way.

He dressed quickly and went out for his morning meal. He ate slowly, enjoying the meal and the snowy day. While at the restaurant, he reviewed, again, what he had been told. His mind was clear for the task ahead and the instructions given to him quite a while ago seemed very simple – not that he did not understand them before but today was different. He felt good both physically and mentally. Jhon spent the better part of three hours slowly having his meal and having a few words here and there with people that he had gotten acquainted with. One regret that he had was that he would not see these people again.

Back home at his apartment, he continued his task at hand. His plan as was given to him was simple…pack only what you absolutely need. The rest will be provided. As for your apartment, do not trouble yourself with cleaning and getting rid of items in the apartment. All of that will be taken care of.

He pulled out his belongings again and began to sort, and resort. The difference this time was that it was very clear to him what to take. Soon he had what he needed strewn about his bed. Satisfied, he packed his bags. The rest he put away again for someone to take away later.

Jhon went into his kitchen and looked into his cupboard for a beer. Thankfully, there were two left. Her opened one and sat down at his table. He sat there quietly looking around at his quarters. His apartment was quite a change from the home that he left from his adopted family. This whole apartment would fit into their kitchen, he mused and chuckled.

He closed his eyes and took a few minutes, maybe it was an hour to look back at his life since the war. He thought about where he had come from, where he had been and what he has grown up to be. ’Funny how much I have come through in my few short years. I will never be able to repay Gustaf’s guidance and Analeise’s motherly love.’

He took a long sip and afforded himself the time to think. No, not think but reflect and relive the last eight maybe ten years of his life. He afforded this time for he knew this was it, this was the time he would leave.

He continued his thoughts about his life. His early life often faded but thanks to his father’s family book, he was able to travel back. Travel back to the times with his family. From there he recalled the terrible times during the war. He was able to recall that awful night and the days following.

He paused, hung his head for a few moments and remembered his family.

He then took another drink and thought about the years after he fled his home, the years following the war, after that dreadful night. What was to remember? Pain, hunger, friendship, hardship, Marie, his one real friend. Then there was Sch-wartz – his protector and friend until his last day. Sch-wartz had been through thick and thin with him. Jhon closed his eyes and remembered those good days that erased the sad days having Sch-wartz with him.

Then there was Gustaf. I might have died that night if not for the kindness that he showed me that cold morning so long ago. Since then Gustaf had provided Jhon with everything that he would ever need; money, education, a home and now a position, a purpose in life in Gustaf’s grand plan.

He lifted his bottle to take another drink and again looked out at his mountains…it was dark. Before he could take that drink, he was interrupted by a knock on the door. ’Hmmm, I am not expecting company,’ he thought and then suddenly he knew it was time.

Immediately, he rose from the table, put his bottle down and went to the door. He opened the door and there stood a man holding a letter which he immediately handed to Jhon. Jhon took a quick look at it and knew from the mark on the note that this was from Gustaf.

The man looked at Jhon and simply said, Do you have your things ready?

Yes. I am all set to go.

Good. Let’s go.

Jhon looked out at the snow falling and felt the cold. We are going tonight? he asked.

Yes. Is there a problem? Shall I summon a fairy to change the weather? he answered back. Jhon, it’s time to go, declared the man. Now, he added.

Jhon did not know the man. The document he produced, verified by Gustaf, was all that Jhon needed. He was not from the same town as Jhon. No name was given and no formalities were exchanged, but Jhon knew this was the time he was waiting for

All is ready, the man said very business-like, expressionless. He handed Jhon an envelope. Here are your travel papers, letters of credit, money and other information. Keep these safe. Here is a body belt for safekeeping of your papers. Keep this on at all times. The visitor looked at him, looking hard into his eyes. Satisfied, he then handed Jhon a small leather satchel and added, In the satchel is the most important part and the reason for your journey. This, you guard with your life. Destroy it if absolutely necessary, but otherwise do not let anyone near it. We are sending it with you, hopefully, in an inconspicuous way. It matches your other bags.

Jhon took all that was given to him. He attached the body belt to himself and slung the satchel around and over his shoulder. He looked at the man and said, I am ready, let’s go.

The man took out a pack of cigarettes, lit one with his last match and took a hard look at Jhon. Be very careful of the people around you. Trust no one until you get to your final destination, understand?

Jhon nodded, said nothing.

Good then. I’m told you are a good man. I can see that you will accomplish what has been assigned to you. Good luck. He offered a faint smile. As he turned to leave, he flicked his empty match-box into the fire. I’ll be waiting outside for you.

In his final preparations, Elsa was far from his mind. He had been instructed to take only that which he absolutely needs or wants, the rest would be provided. What is left does not matter. You did make sure that you ‘swept’ your apartment not to leave any clues of where you are going? the man added.

Yes. I have gone over and over this place many times. I am sure there is nothing here for anyone to find.

Good, was all that the man said. He turned and walked out.

Jhon picked up his two leather suitcases, one small the other larger, took a final look around and was out the door.

The man called back, Don’t bother locking up.

Jhon was puzzled but decided not to question this. He shrugged his shoulders and said to himself, Oh well. What the heck. There is nothing there that I need anyway. I guess I am as ready as I will ever be. He stepped out into the cold snowy night and in the dim light, he followed the man to the waiting truck.

They stole away in the moonless night. There was no trace of their going, no sound was made.

Jhon turned one more time to look at his home. He paused and peered into the snow. He said, I think someone just went into my home.

It’s the maid, was all the man said.

Jhon was out of Germany in a matter of hours. Transportation had been arranged via many modes and routes. It would take him longer to get to Canada than normal. He had been instructed to enjoy the trip, take in the sights, wander and lose himself – but keep a sharp eye.

Gustaf and his trusted friends had planned and re-planned his departure, his trip to Canada. His small organization was spread out. They were instructed to stay one step ahead of Jhon.

He had to keep a low profile. His only contacts with other people were those who made an effort to communicate with him, and they got little. He was not naturally a loner but for now, he chose to play the role. He would not risk talking openly to strangers just yet.

On his journey, he was in contact with only a couple of people in short clandestine meetings. They served only to direct and provide for immediate needs. It was not at all what he expected, for the people that he’d worked with up to this time had been very pleasant and friendly, almost. Now, all that changed. Jhon soon figured out that Gustaf was much more than he knew. He had suspected long ago that Gustaf had an organization of people that were important to him, loyal to him besides The Keepers. It now appeared that his suspicions had come true.

Jhon was always in awe of his adopted uncle and what he was and could do. He was dually impressed.

During the month of January, 1930, Jhon left Germany.

Chapter 3

Irma

Elsa’s mother belonged to a social club where she went twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays. To while away the time she enjoyed visiting, playing cards and gossiping. There was also food and much wine.

On one such February day, she was chatting with her special group of friends over their card game. The wine was good, the game for her and her partner was going well and the conversation was lively.

How is Elsa? Anna Pakes asked, I heard she broke up with her boyfriend, poor girl. Such an ugly thing to happen to such a lovely girl. And on she went, as she was wont to do. She made for a very good gossip, a real yenta, never short of a word or two to spread. A word from her spread very quickly in the town. She knew everything about everyone.

She’ll be alright, Irma said quietly. I have assured her that it was for the best. After all, she is just seventeen and he is twenty-three…too old for her anyway. I think she has her eye on another boy already at school.

Another woman piped up and said, Rumor has it that he left suddenly. Seems to me Elsa is better off for sure. What a bastard!

Their game continued as did the conversation. It was Elsa’s mother’s turn to be the center of the conversation. Someone in the group always provided the topic, whether she liked it or not. They accepted that. It was life at the club.

Anna and Irma were old school chums, went to the same hair dresser, same synagogue, same functions. Anna married wisely into a Jewish family. Irma did not. She went her own way and married a Lutheran man, but did not change her religion. It was unacceptable in many ways but she and her husband survived in their marriage and associated with the right people, making many friends in the process. Her marriage was the topic of conversation over bridge more than once, but when it was over, it was over. She was accepted by the group, for her husband was a good man and a respectable business man.

It was just this same topic of conversation that Anna took home. At home, she told her husband quietly but her children overheard. From there the word spread as children will talk when amongst friends.

Unfortunately for Jhon, his departure was very good news to some, and the fact that he was to visit and live with Uncle Lou was most interesting in certain circles. A break long sought for by a certain group, the XLFI, had come. Their patience and people in the right places had paid off. The hunt for the sixth file now took on new life.

Chapter 4

The Body

A group of people cross-country skiing late one afternoon came upon the body of a young girl. She had been murdered, dumped in the snow and left for others to deal with. The authorities deduced that she had been strangled. There was no sign of a struggle. The murderer’s footprints were quickly obliterated by those that came to see and those that came to investigate.

She died quickly, said the doctor and added, The marks on her throat show evidence of a powerful grip that ended her life. She felt very little before she died. No other marks were on her and she was clothed. She had not been raped. She was identified as Elsa.

No evidence of any kind turned up as to who had killed her or why. No one saw anything, knew anything. It was summed up as a senseless act by a lunatic drifter. The authorities closed the book on the case very quickly. The report was written with the right words and filed.

The family asked questions, demanded action. Each question was answered expertly, but they were not satisfied. Action was promised, the murderer would be brought to justice, neither happened. The family was not satisfied.

Irma, her husband and their other three children would live with this nightmare for a long time. For them, the memory of the murder, the very idea, would never go away.

Elsa’s adopted uncle stood by her grave, tears rolling down his cheeks. He could not move. He just stood there grief-stricken. The thought that someone had done this to his favorite niece was overwhelming.

A ray of sunshine broke through the clouds and shone on her headstone. ‘It was fitting,’ he thought, for she had been his ray of sunshine. He had no children of his own but of the people in her family, Elsa had been his favorite. Her death was a shock and unnecessary.

I promise you this, my beloved child, your death will not go unanswered. As he stood by her grave, he recalled what Irma had said at her club. This bothered him. He realized just then that Elsa’s mother caused her death. He would never tell her that but he was sure of it.

‘I need to send a note to M. He needs to know what has taken place. Maybe he can provide a why.’

He stood a little longer, then walked away, with heavy heart, to join her family. He would visit with them for a day or two before taking the train home. He was needed at his home to help his friend and protégé.

Elsa was gone but he, for one, would not forget. He would find her killer, through his employer’s friend, he would succeed. He would also contact his friend, Abrihm, and let him know what has taken place. Abrihm would be devastated at this senseless act.

Chapter 5

Stefano

On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, a message was received.

In a bar on the south side of Chicago along the waterfront, the bartender went over to a table in the corner of his less than reputable establishment. He carried a message for the man sitting at the table in the far corner. The man appeared to be on the way to a good drunk. On the contrary, he was quite sober and always alert.

Hey you, Stefano, the bartender growled as he shook him. Sober up. You’re wanted. Here’s a message for you. Get going. He handed him a filthy crumpled-up piece of paper.

Stefano looked at the man with half-closed eyes then at the piece of paper. He picked it up, opened it and scanned the message. Hhmmm. Interesting, he mumbled. He stood up, took another look at it again and he knew what it was. He smiled. Stefano was quite awake, alert and certainly not drunk.

Thanks, he grumbled. He stepped into the bartender almost knocking him off his feet. The man reeled, turned and managed to grab hold of a pillar to steady himself. He would not attempt a reprisal. He was well aware of the powerhouse of a man that this five-foot man was. He had no wish to anger him.

Stefano had a reputation amongst those of his kind and those that had the miss-pleasure to work with him. His reputation; he was very fast, a tough fighter, a killer, a lowlife of society.

He unfolded the paper one more time and read the message again. This time he read it carefully, Item six is on the way. See me now. There was no signature, nothing. It did not matter, for Stefano knew what it was all about and what he had to do.

He looked back at the bartender, uttered a weal apology, ‘sorry’, and left the table. He stopped short and turned. He looked at the bartender, reached into his filthy pants pocket and pulled out some money. This he dropped on the next table without counting it. A nearby waitress waited for him to move away before she ventured to pick it up. She looked at it and thought best to wash it before it was to be used.

At the door, Stefano put on a wide-brimmed hat and long overcoat before he left.

Stefano was a small, stocky man of 41 years. He apparently had no use for cleanliness or order. One thing on which he did pride himself was his ability and strong need to do the job: he was a hired killer, a job that he took pride and a great deal of pleasure in. He lived this life as chosen for him by his father and of this he was very proud.

As he walked to his meeting thinking about his new job, his spirits grew. He enjoyed what he did when there was work…and now it was time to work. At last it was time to once again take up the chase. He knew that his people had waited a long time for this. Heimi had done well and kept his promise.

He got to his rendezvous with his contact without incident. Any other person would have long been attacked, beaten or murdered and robbed, but not him. Those who knew him or had occasion to tangle with him, steered away from him. Once there, he was given instructions and money. No small talk was necessary. No hello, no goodbye, just it’s time for you to go to work. He smiled at his contact and was gone.

He went to his room at the rooming house frequented by transients and others like him. He collected his clothing and personal belongings and was on his way. He was alone to make whatever plans were necessary as long as the job required was done. He would plan as he went.

His mission was to find and intercept Jhon Farnland. He was not to make contact, just follow and report to Mayori in Edmonton, Canada. In his mind, he knew that these were his orders but he also knew, deep inside him, that he would make ‘a slight adjustment’ to his orders.

He was provided with as much detail as his organization was able to gather, sketchy it was though. It didn’t matter, Stefano would find the trail. The last place where Jhon had been spotted was Montreal, two days earlier. A few calculations and some assumptions and Stefano decided that Winnipeg might be his best guess. The train was slow. No matter, he would get there.

On March 14, Stefano got onto the train for Winnipeg.

His time, waiting in Chicago, had been well spent doing what he did best. He hired out as an enforcer, among other jobs, to those who needed his experience. There was plenty of work. Also during downtime, since leaving Heimi, Stefano had the opportunity to visit New York. There he acquired some very useful information. One such piece was a letter with the words that he could not quite understand.

Stefano studied the message but could not come up with anything. He was stumpted. ‘What did it mean and why are the letters underlined? Then there were the letters GG that obviously referred to a person. Whose initials, if that is what they were, are they?’

He was also given a picture of a well in a well-groomed yard and a huge house back and to the right. This too he did not know what it was and why he got it.

His visit to the estate of Marvin Gouldi’s nephew, a supporter of the XLFI, had been very useful. He just had to figure out what the two items meant. ’No matter, in time I will have the answer,’ he thought to himself. As for the nephew, he would not speak to anyone again.

Chapter 6

The Train

Lou watched the approaching train from his farm-house kitchen window. The tracks ran along the east side of his land. The farm-house, which was but a mile and a half distance from the tracks, made for a great vantage point from which to see the coming trains. He had become accustomed to watching the trains, for he knew that one day a special passenger would be on it. News from the old country was that Jhon was on his way and should be arriving soon. More details would follow.

The latest message, a telegram from Jhon, confirmed his coming.

Years ago, Lou had arranged to buy just this piece of land. Not necessarily for its value, but for such a day as this. The yard site was beautiful with huge trees around most of the grassed yard. The trees did double duty, affording a great deal of privacy and providing a noise buffer against the trains, which ran frequently. The rest of the 80 acres yielded a reasonably good crop. This did not matter, for farming was not his goal or his forte. He was actually a poor farmer but learned quickly as the need warranted.

He had been told and rumor had it that some people at first made fun of him saying that the land was worthless, not good for anything, that he had been cheated by the previous owner who had depleted that land of its value. He had paid too high a price.

Not a good business man that Lou, some had said, Paid way too much for the pile of prairie dirt, said others. Lou was aware of the gossip and problems, but he didn’t care, for his mission was not to farm, but look to the future, to this day.

Nonetheless, he was a proud man just the same and just a little annoyed at the locals, his friends and neighbors. He tried not to let his frustration and maybe a little anger show. He decided that his first priority would be to make the land work for him. He and Marya, his wife and partner in every way for the last 23 years, would see to it that the snide and rude comments would stop. They could not afford, after this many years, to get angry at their friends and neighbors nor alienate anyone. Therefore, their only choice was to work hard and do something with the land. This they did after a few short months. They made the land pay and turn a nice profit too. The rumors and comments stopped and life went on nicely from then on. Lou and Marya were in a much better position with the community after this; they had done much to improve their status with the people. They could not have planned it better if they had tried.

Do you think he’s on the train? Marya asked as she brought them each a cup of coffee and sat down beside her husband. They watched as the train headed north to Kalmheim.

Mmmm, good coffee this morning, especially good today, he said looking out. He’s on it. I can feel it. Besides, the letters and telegrams confirmed his coming on this day. He has to be on this train. Lou added, Unless there’s been a problem that we’ve not been informed about, he should be on it. As he watched, he had a good feeling that Jhon Farnland was on the train, but what if…what then?

His arrival meant that the documents he carried had made it and would finally be safe. Plans had been made a long time ago, gone over, were worked over again until they were perfect. They must be perfect, the papers must be protected at all cost and no one, except for the chosen few, must know of their whereabouts. The length of time for these papers to reach Canada and how they got there was kept a secret as long as possible. Every effort had been made to keep things quiet.

But the secrecy was for naught. There were eyes and ears that discovered much, knew too much. Jhon had in fact been targeted very early on his way to Canada. Stefano was one of those appointed to get to him and watch him.

Chapter 7

The Keepers

Lou and his wife had left Germany nine years earlier. He and Marya had a very good life in the ‘old’ country. Lou had been a meat cutter serving his customers with the finest cuts. He also made a variety of sausage, some of the best for many miles around. He was quickly known throughout the area for his fine and very tasty meats. Business was always good, in the good years and even the bad. They never lacked a good meal.

Marya was a seamstress. She too had been very good at her craft and still was. Her specialty was outerwear, coats, heavy and light jackets and vests. She had a profession that would be very suitable to their new life in Canada.

Both of them found it easy to become employed, self-employed, in Canada where others could not find suitable work. They were not, as some immigrants, a burden on an already stretched economy at this time. If anything, they had made a great contribution to the local economy. Both continued their crafts in their new home and had become quite successful and well-known…a trait that had come to serve them well.

They survived the turmoil of the First War and were on their way to making a good if not a better life for themselves once again. The country began to re-build slowly and all citizens who had something to offer to the re-building were called to do so. They were willing and able to do their part. But for them, fate had other plans and their lives were to change.

It had been an evening out at a local Gasthaus when he and Marya had decided to accept an invitation with a distant cousin, Gustaf Gherling. It was to be that Gustaf had plans for them. He was not alone at the Gasthaus this evening as it turned out.

He had, in the course of the evening, introduced them to a few of his friends. After much socializing and talk about the present state of national affairs, religion, and whatever good friends get together to talk about, Lou and Marya found themselves in and amongst new friends and associates who shared a lot of the same ideals and beliefs as themselves.

It was shortly thereafter that this select group came to know some delicate information. Gustaf explained the situation and what has taken place to date. Would they act as guardians of a certain set of secret documents that he had? He went on to talk about the documents, their origin and the need for them and, lastly, the dangers involved.

Gustaf was the key holder and he needed help. He had a plan. He needed an organization.

After more discussion and more meetings, everyone agreed for the need to keep the documents safe and secret. Thus was the origin of a secret group under Gustaf’s careful supervision.

Gustaf took care to ensure that each member was trustworthy and after much scrutiny of his friends, he used his connections to find out whatever he needed to know about each one, he organized them into a group, a select group. Presently this select group, including Gustaf, numbered thirteen.

They would be called ‘The Keepers’.

There would be little record of their existence. Only the members, themselves, knew who they were. A signal, a word told each that the next person was a ‘Keeper’. They would take an oath. Their thoughts and actions would be good enough for security. They would be secret, they would be few, recruiting only as time passed, replacing older members when it was necessary or adding younger members as needed. There was to be absolute dedication to the cause. Each member understood and was prepared to accept his/her part as spelled out. All would be prepared and trained in life’s survival, no matter where they went for their task might take them anywhere. For this Gustaf had resources and now the people.

‘The Keepers’ were born. To Gustaf’s surprise, a pleasant one at that as it turned out, the little group grew steadily with more members in various part of Europe. As the documents were a prize for a particular group, the XLFI, Gustaf had previously sent out three other couples to other parts of the world. Intentional gossip was spread quietly that the documents were sent along with these other couples. The intent here was to stretch the resources of the XLFI and keep them off-balance.

Many more meetings with food and drink, as these were important always among friends, took place amongst the original group. It was one of these meetings that decided Lou and Marya’s future. Their future lay in Canada and a short time later, Lou and Marya were on their way to a new life in Canada, more specifically the prairies of western Canada. Events had come about that necessitated their departure and, because of their strong belief in their friends, they agreed to go. They would set up a new locale to hide the papers as would be necessary. And necessary it was as the situation in Germany showed signs of change.

Lou and Marya were the youngest of the group and had skills and ambitions to see them through. Life would be good, they were promised, and it was. They were to be short of nothing even in those tough times on the Canadian west.

That was then and now, nine years later a phase of their plan began to fall into place. We’ve waited a long time, Marya said.

Yes, he said, It’s time. Things are changing in our homeland; some say for the better, others are not so sure. The newspapers tell of ‘events of change’ that are taking place.

Why don’t we get dressed and go to town. Marya suggested. We’ll watch for our man there.

Both of them were still in night clothes and robes. They had gotten up late and were in no hurry today. Chores were done by a couple of hired hands. Both of these events were not normal, a famer not being dressed at this time of the day was unusual. But this was a special day, a day for inner celebration – just for Lou and Marya.

We’ll have lunch in town today. We’ll wait and watch for our Jhon and when it’s time, we will meet him.

Good idea. Let’s get a move on, dress and go. It is definitely time. I’ve looked forward to this day.

Bill has agreed to meet us at the restaurant after he has spotted and observed Jhon.

Chapter 8

Kalmheim

The train rolled to a stop, hissing and steel wheels squealing. The conductor announced that they have arrived in Kalmheim.

This prairie town was chosen as it was close to Edmonton. Edmonton, being a large city, served Gustaf and his ‘Keepers’ in western Canada. Kalmheim located forty miles south and west of the city was also chosen because Gustaf had family very near to the town, very convenient.

A stranger, young, tall and muscular, stepped off the 11a.m. Canada Continental train. It was Friday, March 19, 1930 to be exact. The day was bright and sunny. It was very warm for the time of the year, the snow had gone early and signs of life returned to the land, a good sign.

His name was Jhon Farnland, a strange name yet appropriate. He had little luggage, one large and one small suitcase, both of deep brown leather with brass corners, each secured around with a wide leather belt. He also carried a satchel, also made of leather and matching his other two bags. This he had slung over his shoulder and tied around his waist with a long leather narrow strap.

He appeared as a man of means, most definitely not one of the migrant visitors to this area. He was neat but not overly dressed, not a pauper nor a rich man, just a fine man who took pride in his appearance as he’d been trained to do. He was dressed as a westerner not as an immigrant, fitting easily into the small crowd. His stature made him stand out a little but no one paid any special attention to him. His boots were new and polished and when he walked, he revealed a little of his life, not that anyone was going to notice or ask anyway.

Here was a young man very fit and sure of himself. Here was a man with a mission.

Jhon was trained in military style but was never a soldier. His trainer, his mentor, his friend, had taken him under his wing and taught him. He taught him the ways of ‘the fight’ and the ways of social behavior. Also, in his short life, Jhon was introduced to a man that would become very special to him. This man was Afried, butler to the Vineart’s. He also added to Jhon’s education in the academics and as a carpenter – a skill in which he, Jhon excelled as his father was a carpenter and this additional skill would serve him well in Canada. He had all the necessities to begin a new life in Western Canada, or anywhere else for that matter.

He is 23 years old on the first day of the true beginning of his mission.

He was alone for he had no family. He had been the right choice.

He had been traveling for nearly three months. His destination was known to him and hopefully no one else. He had been provided a number of different modes of travel to throw off any followers. His trip to Canada was not a holiday, but the nature of his travel was part of a long-range plan. Secrecy was of the upmost importance. He was never to remain at one place for more than a few days. But even in this he had been instructed to enjoy the trip as best that he could and see things.

He was tired of travel, of the noise of the train across this vast land, the food on the train and the lack of a good sleep. He was glad to have reached his destination.

Kalmheim was the chosen place, a new town, a new homeland, a place far from his homeland, a place near Uncle Lou. A place where no-one knew him or would find him. His instructions were clear, Go to this place, Kalmheim, and make a life for yourself and be ready to carry out your assignment.

The place, Kalmheim, was chosen because of its ties to Germany. Many of the inhabitants were descendants from the old country, his country. Strange, though, that he heard little of his mother’s tongue in and amongst the small crowd and it certainly didn’t look like a German town.

Kalmheim was a town in the Canadian west. It was small with about 1500 inhabitants. Its location was right in the middle of flat grassland, miles from anywhere. The nearest large city is Edmonton. The climate was suitable. Cool, very cool, in the winter, average temperature -15C, and fairly warm in the summer with temperatures reaching into the high 20’s.

This will be a good place for you, Jhon, so his friends had said when preparations were being made. Alfried in particular had done his homework very well and had prepared Jhon.

Long ago German immigrants had settled the area. They became part of Canada and as the years passed they were less and less Germanic. They and their children had married with other nationalities that had migrated from many parts of the globe. They joined with the aboriginals also. They and their children knew less and less about the land from which they and their fathers had come not so many years ago. Their children began to lose some of their ‘old’ country heritage and built new identities. A few traditions still stood with some but these were far and few lately. Yet, as Jhon would find out, there were those who were still close to Germany.

Jhon was alone on the platform even with the crowd milling about. Some getting off were met by friends. Jhon was not. Some boarded for points further west and north and still others were just there to see who had arrived or who had come to visit.

He gathered his bags and began to make his way off the platform. He was bumped, rather rudely, by a stranger. When he turned he recognized the face of one of the passengers. He looked at the man and the man at Jhon. There was no intent in the man’s eyes to cause trouble, only a somewhat bored, blank look. The man muttered some words and lost himself in the crowd. Jhon, having had the training he had, would remember the man. He had been instructed and told to be aware of any instances that may lead to a problem – now or later and make note of these incidences. The man was shorter than Jhon, wore a long overcoat with a wide brim hat. He had long unkempt hair and a scar behind his right ear. ‘He would be easy to remember,’ Jhon thought.

No one else paid any special attention to Jhon. A few people made it their business to see who was new in town. He was briefly noticed by some, but was not given a second thought.

But there was a friendly face watching him. Bill, a baker of the town’s finest breads and pastries, had taken the day off work from his bakery. He sat on a nearby bench in the park across the street. He had a good vantage point. He could see most of the goings on, on the platform and the people who had gotten out of the passenger cars. His name actually is Wilhelm but he had changed it to Bill as an English version might be more suited. He is a member of ‘The Keepers’. He had also seen the man that ‘accidentally’ bumped into Jhon. Was this important, he did not know for sure but he would remember him. He would investigate further, discuss this incident with Lou.

Bill watched and waited until a figure who had been described to him appeared, or as in Jhon’s case, stood out amongst the crowd. This was Jhon, no mistaking. He swept the area with his eyes for anything else that may be unusual. There, to the far right, away from the platform, he saw the same short man looking in the direction of the where Jhon was. The ‘accidental’ bump was no accident.

What the heck! Bill was jolted to the realization that Jhon had indeed been followed. The man that bumped into Jhon was well known. That’s Stefano, no mistaking that. How the hell did he get here? Lou and Arnold will want to know this.

Eliza stepped onto the first step of the exit out of her coach near the rear of the train. It was good to be getting off the train and smell some fresh air out of the train. She sucked in the cool crisp spring air. It smelled good even though the smoke stack was still spewing out its foul odor.

She stopped and looked around down the track from where the train had come. She then slowly turned her head toward the front of the train. There in the midst of the crowd was her boy, Jhon. ’My, you are a striking figure. If only you were…’ She quickly closed her eyes, gave her head a shake and quickly dismissed any further thoughts that might lead her astray.

She was about to continue getting off the train when she saw ‘the incident’. She saw the man that had bumped Jhon. ‘Well, well, what do you know? Stefano, you low life, how did you get here and why?’ …as if she did not know.’This meeting that you just orchestrated with Jhon must be an accident…No, I think not.’

She then stepped off the train and walked to the nearest bench next to the station. She put her bag down on the bench. She then took a small cigarette box out of her hand bag, took out a cigarette and lit it, all the while her eyes on Jhon and Stefano. ’So Jhon has indeed been followed and the XLFI’s prayers had been answered. All of our efforts to keep things quiet were for naught. Gustaf will need to be informed.’

She watched for a few more minutes then went off to find accommodation.

Her mission, as she had been instructed by her superior of the AXU, was to see that Jhon had arrived at Kalheim. After that her time was hers, ‘maybe you could see some of the country, take a Canada holiday. Stay as long as you like and occasionally look in on Jhon.’

Before she would take the holiday she had planned to visit Marya and Lou. This she would do later today. She would surprise her friends, spend an evening with them then go off the next day.

Bill’s job was only to observe, and make no contact whatsoever. He watched for a while longer and when he was satisfied, left the bench and headed for his favorite Kafe. ‘A job well done deserved a reward,’ he thought to himself. At the Kafe he sat down with his best friends Lou and Marya and said, He is here. He has been followed though and has had a minor rude reception.

He’s made it this far. That is good. The reception is not good. What happened? Lou asked.

A short stocky dirty looking louse of a man bumped into him. He replied. Once the crowd began to disperse I spotted him again, watching Jhon.

Lou looked at Marya who appeared to be on the same train of thought as himself. That man you describe is Stefano. Is it not? He asked. If it is, then this is not good.

Yes it is Stefano. I’ll bet on that and no it is not good.

Marya continued, So, he’s been followed and that means that the XLFI has more friends than we thought.

Lou looking at his wife and friend said, Yes, he’s been followed. I wonder since when? Bill can you snoop around town for a bit see what you can find out and if he has friends that came to greet him?

Can do. I’ll get on it right away after our Jhon gets here for a bite. I imagine he’s hungry. As for Stefano, he shouldn’t be too hard to spot. A stranger like him in this town would be easy to spot. From the looks of him, a bar or tavern will be a good place to look.

Good then. While you do that I will get a message off to Arnold. He will contact Gustaf, Lou said.

Chapter 9

The Westerner

Jhon left the station. It was not at all like at home where trains come and go often and stations are very busy. This one was small and quiet. Once the passengers got off, the station cleared quickly as people dispersed and went on their way. The train too pulled out of the station with a blast of its shrill whistle. The next train wasn’t due until next Monday, he noted.

As he headed into town he heard the train rumbling off for other points west and north. He decided that he should first find a hotel, drop his luggage then look around town. He had time. For now nothing of great importance had to be done immediately. It was a great day for a walk and a chance to stretch his legs, a time to briefly review and collect his thoughts. He was also hungry and thirsty.

He walked the town and recognized a few of the places that he’d been told about and seen in photographs. He had been briefed about his destination. Here was this place and that place, just as he had been taught. It felt like a familiar place already. He was almost home.

At a small store he asked where there was a hotel. There are three in town. You will want to stay at the best, The Westerner, said the owner. Jhon was given the name and was assured that it was the best. He was told it was on the 5th block, A couple of blocks west, turn right and the hotel is about a half a block from the corner.

The hotel, The Westerner, was on a street overlooking the central park. Though it appeared that the hotel was on a busy street, its location on this side of the park afforded it some quiet for its guests. The building that housed the hotel was a three-story wood structure, white with black trim and a red roof. It also appeared to Jhon that it was close to whatever he might need for his ‘brief’ stay in Kalmheim. Jhon had no interest in living in this town or any other in Canada, contrary to his uncle’s plan for him. His stay in Kalmheim was to be brief. His plan was to go home, find a country place and begin a life of his own. Little did he know that his life plan was not written in stone.

The town, Kalmheim,