Femme Fatale

By Jim Carr

Tania was known as one of the most beautiful woman in the world and was used by the Soviets to hunt down Western spies.

 

When she is brought to East Berlin to track down Karl Aberbach, who was sent there to create havoc and problems;for the East German Government, he reacts by bringing in a handsome CBC radio personality to distract her.

 

They fall for each other and escape to the West only to be find themselves hubted down by her husband and Soviet killers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: jim Carr
• Release date: Sep 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215829028

Jim Carr

Jim Carr's adventure with words began as a teacher of Latin grammar, followed by a lengthy career in print journalism as a reporter, columnist and editor. He left to become a communications specialist for a number of national and international corporations and institutions. He returned to journalism in retirement and acts as associate editor of Spa Canada magazine as well as freelancing for other publications. He writes a blog about Thai resorts and spas, which is featured on Spa Canada's website, as well as fiction.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

W e sent you to the War Crimes Tribunal for a reason, said Col. Stone, who headed Canadian Intelligence in Western Berlin. How did you feel about working with the war correspondents? They’re a rowdy bunch and not easy to please, but we’ve received a few calls and letters from some of them asking to work with you ongoing.

Canadian Intelligence’s offices were located at the other end of the building in West Berlin and Lieut. Karl Aberbach felt at home as soon as he saw a large picture of Canada’s Parliament buildings behind Stone’s desk. There were also pictures of the King and Churchill on the right wall.

As I said, you were sent there for a reason. You have every right to seek discharge and head back home. But we have an assignment that has your name on it," said Stone in a smooth voice.

Karl didn’t respond and knew by the way Stone approached him that it would have an element of danger attached to it.

We would like you to enter East Berlin while it’s still possible. The Russians are getting harder and harder to deal with each day. He paused to scan Karl’s face before continuing. We need a very savvy individual who doesn’t lose his head to set up stop there before the Russians make it impossible. Is it something you might be interested in?

Karl Liked Stone had well-groomed dark brown wavy hair, dark brown eyes and a warm smile, especially if he was asking people for their help. He was tall, had muscular arms, and emphasized key points with his hands. Stone tapped some tobacco in his pipe, lit it, and blew a blue ring in Karl’s direction.

What exactly would this assignment entail?

It was the same question his wife in Toronto asked when he was posted to London at the end of the war. He had a daughter he had not seen since her birth and it made him feel guilty.

You would produce a newspaper for East Berliners to read and provide us with timely information on the activities of the East German government, such as military build-ups, new laws, rationing, that sort of thing.

I’m not sure I have the skills to handle an assignment like this. I’ve learned a lot about reporters and how they think. But I’m not sure I could rise to that standard.

Stone was shaking his head. Perhaps not at the moment, but that can be remedied. Before you shake your head again, you would be trained to become a journalist, think and write the way they do. You’d even be taught how to set type.

A passing dark cloud darkened the room and made Karl think twice. Stone could sense the change and added, We fully understand the dangers involved and have conceived what we consider a way to welcome you to their midst. What Germany needs now are bricklayers. You will also be trained as a bricklayer in Canada and Berlin and apply that trade wherever you go in East Germany.

That’s a hell of a lot of training, he said, adding, how much time do I have to learn how to become a bricklayer, a reporter and someone who knows how to set type?

Six months.

I’ll think about it, said Karl, pushing himself from his chair.

While you do, you should be aware that we are creating a new wing to work on this, which carries the rank of Captain. If the Russians get wind of what we’re doing, they won’t associate an operation of this size with Canadians. Canada will handle the wing.

Stone’s pipe had gone out with all the talking. He lit another match and puffed on his pipe again before continuing, You won’t be alone there. Tell you what. We’re having a special party tomorrow night with some of the members who would be part of your team there.

KARL WASN’T SURE AND had a nagging feeling about it. Something he couldn’t put his finger on. He remembered his twin brother, Rhinehart, who was recovering from a bullet meant for him, saying, There will always be war and rumours of war as long as we live. There will always be people like me who love war and people with greed and anxious to prove themselves in battle. War is a place for losers.

He and his brother, Rhinehart, were identical twins. Both with the same curl at the part his dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. His voice was softer than Rhinehart’s but he shared Rhinehart’s way of looking at you. He knew his mother worried about him the the way she fussed over Rhinehart when he joined the German Army.

Karl needed to talk to Rhinehart now. His adventures in saving people from the Nazis in occupied France took more energy out of him that he didn’t realize until some time later, and he wasn’t sure if he could go through the anxiety-filled nights ever again.

He picked up his phone and called Canada to talk to his mother, father, and, above all, Rhinehart.

When will you be coming back home, Karl? Rhinehart is sickly, and should he die, we have only you to provide us with grandchildren.

They want me to go undercover into Soviet-held East Berlin and cause problems. I’m not sure I’m up for it.

You are, except you don’t know it yet. I would jump at the chance, but I am not you. I will say only one thing. It will be the making of you.

He spent the rest of the night emptying a bottle of Whiskey. When he finally drifted off to sleep, he was still unsure.

In the morning, he decided to tell Stone he wasn’t the man for the job. When he entered Stone’s office, he was stopped by Stone’s secretary. "He’s meeting with Sullivan and two other colonels. Stone spotted him and waved him to enter.

The Russians have charged our man in East Berlin with espionage, and we have no one else there.

THE PARTY WAS ON THE second floor of the hotel next to Stone’s office. Several people were already there, including some army brass from Britain and the U.S. Karl edged his way to Stone, who was talking to a British colonel. Stone acknowledged Karl with a smile and introduced him as Captain Aberbach.

There were six tables in the centre of the room, each with white linen covers and silver eating utensils. A large candle in the middle of each table gave it a special glow. A Canadian Army band was playing A nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, and the sound of raised voices grew louder as more people arrived.

Stone found him at one of the tables. Let me introduce you to some of your colleagues. They stopped at the next table, and he introduced him to two young men and a woman. You’ll be operating under the command of this officer. Get to know his face. In the field, you will each be given a code name. He will know all your code names. No one else will, except for the wireless operator in London. In fact, she should appear at any minute. He looked around and shook his head.

They went to the other tables, where Karl was introduced as their leader and the person they should contact in case of problems. He thought Stone was taking a lot for granted, but he had to admit it intrigued him.

Irene arrived on the arm of a U.S. Army Captain and sat at their table. She barely looked at Karl as she introduced herself to other team members. She paused at Karl’s chair. I hear you’re now a Captain. Congratulations. I understand we will be working together again soon. Karl nodded and watched the U.S. Army Captain slide his arm in hers. Irene noticed his reaction and smiled at him.

Col. Stone was about to step in, but the band started playing a waltz, and the U.S. Army Captain had Irene on the dance floor in seconds. Stone looked at Karl and immediately understood the connection between Irene and Aberbach.

When Irene returned to their table, Stone leaned forward, I need to talk to you before you leave.

I have an escort, Colonel Stone. Can’t it wait?

No.

They stood when they played O Canada at the end of the evening. The U.S. Army Captain lingered as Irene huddled with Stone to talk in whispers. Karl was also at the table and consulted from time to time. At one point, she rose and shouted to her friend to go and that she would find her own way home. When they broke up an hour later, Karl knew he would be going to East Berlin. So did Stone, who left them standing in the street.

They decided to walk to her hotel and passed couple after couple kissing in doorways. She grabbed his arm and suddenly kissed him. Let’s have lunch together. There’s a neat little place near my hotel where we can catch up, Irene said, kissing Karl again as she turned and disappeared behind the door.

KARL WAS WAITING FOR her the next day around noon. He came early, and when she did not appear, he went to the newsstand on the corner and picked up a copy of an English newspaper, returning to find her standing on the steps.

I thought you got cold feet, she said, laughing.

Fat chance of that happening.

They walked slowly down the street, holding hands and smiling at each other, stopping at a small restaurant halfway down the street, where Irene led the way inside.

I had a call from my Captain friend before I left, she said, looking at his face to see how he was taking it. He was angry, and I told him never to call me again.

She reached out and held his hand. A young woman approached them with menus, and Irene ordered for them both, along with two large mugs of beer. The restaurant did not attract many patrons. Its furnishings were bare and needed a good coat of paint. The seats were threatbare, and there was a draft from the front door every time someone entered.

I am leaving for Canada in the morning, said Karl.

I know. I made all the arrangements, she said, looking him in the eyes.

Karl summoned up the courage as he held her hand. I would like to spend the rest of the time until I do with you.

She rubbed his hands and smiled. So would I.

I’ll be gone for six months.

I know.

The U.S. Army Captain was waiting for them outside. He went after Karl, smashing him in the face with his fists. Karl reeled and fell on the cobblestone road. He then began to kick Karl, who tried to stand but got knocked down every time. He grabbed Irene and marched her down the street. She struggled to get free, but he just held her tighter.

Karl rose and ran after them. He saw Karl coming after him and raised his fists. Karl ran directly into him, knocking him to the street. He rose on one knee, and Karl kicked him down again.

A crowd had gathered, and two MPs arrived and parted them. Karl struggled to his feet.

Who started this?

He did, said the U.S. Army Captain. He stole my girl from me.

Irene stood in front of the MP. I am not his girl and never was. This is my boyfriend. She said, standing beside Karl. He tried to stop him from dragging me away but was knocked down and kicked by this man.

I will need both your names and rank and where to reach you.

Stone was watching from the corner and walked slowly to them. My name is Col. Stone of the Canadian Army. I will handle the Canadian Captain. He turned to the U. S. Army Captain. What is the name of your commanding officer?

He shook himself free. Col. Harry Pond. But I wish you wouldn’t call. I’m already in his bad books.

We can’t have you assaulting people either, said Stone.

He put his around Irene and Karl and walked them away from the crowd. You should know better than to fight with another Allied officer, he told Karl.

I just couldn’t just let him drag her away.

There are enough MPs around that you could have done that for you. I don’t want either of you to be the centre of attention, not when we have an important mission to undertake.

He saw them at her hotel and left them. Back at his office, Stone tracked down Pond. Col. Pond, my name is Col. Stone, Canadian Intelligence. I had to break up a fight over a woman between one of your men and one of my men, also a Captain.

Let me stop you right there. This is not the first call I’ve had about him. It’s usually over a woman. He received a Dear John letter from his wife two weeks ago, and ever since then, he’s been picking fights with other soldiers over women.

I would appreciate it if he would never meet my Captain again. He’s being trained for a very important mission for your people and ours. We can’t afford any hiccups now.

Leave it with me. He’s been an incredible soldier, and I hate to see him lose his commission. I appreciate what he’s going through.

Karl and Irene walked into the lobby and up the stairs to her room, overlooking a garden behind the hotel. I think we had better order supper than go out again, she said.

They spent the rest of the afternoon listening to the radio, dancing to the music and holding hands on the couch. Irene looked at the bed. It’s narrow, but just will have to do.

He liked the way she talked, the way she tossed her black hair and her dark brown eyes that spoke volumes. She was slim and was always on one diet or another. But she had a way of smiling that intrigued him. He didn’t know then she was also a cook who could get a job as chief chef at any London hotel. But most of all was her sincerity. There were no games, just honest feelings in everything she said.

Later, a dining room staff entered their room with a cart with two large plates on lace placemats. He dished out mashed potatoes, chicken and carrots covered in gravy and uncorked a bottle of Champagne.

The waiter looked at him and stared. He started talking to him in German, calling Karl Major Amberbach.

Karl shook his head, but the waiter persisted. I was in your company in our march from Russia.

I am  Rhinehart’s twin brother, he said in German. Please do not tell anyone that we met. Tell me your name, and I will tell Rhinehart I met you.

Who is Rhinehart? said Irene.

My twin brother. He left home when he was 16, against my parents’ wishes, and found his way to Germany. He admired Hitler in everything he did, joined the SS, and eventually rose to Major. I don’t think he ever knew about the bad side of Hitler’s Germany. He could be very naive about some things once he made up his mind. When Col. Stone suggested I call on him the day before the Germans surrendered, one of his soldiers tried to shoot me, and he took the bullet meant for me. Last I heard, Rhinehart made it back to Canada and married his high school sweetheart."

No wonder Stone has become your patron, said Irene with a laugh. You’re exactly the person he needs for the mission he has in mind for you.

The next morning, Irene checked out of the hotel, and they boarded a Canadian Army car and were driven to the Berlin airport. Irene helped him out of the car and followed him inside the RCAF hangar, where they met the Lancaster pilot who would take him to London and board another plane to St. John’s in Newfoundland and, from there, to Toronto.

The pilot smiled at Irene. Everything’s ready. She followed them aboard and sat down opposite him. Didn’t the colonel tell you? I‘m flying as far as London with you. I’ve also made a deal with the pilot to delay your flight to Newfoundland for a few hours.

They landed in London two hours later. If Col. Stone finds out about this, there will be hell to pay. He likes things to work like clockwork.

A Canadian Army car took them to an address on the back of an envelope she gave him. They walked up seven stairs into the lobby of an apartment building and used her key to open the door. Her flat was on the fifth floor, and they took the elevator up. She left the elevator with her hand in her purse to find the key to her door.

I wasn’t sure how you would react when we met at the party. I was ready to give up when I saw you with that U.S. Army captain.

I knew you would be there, and I wanted to see how you’d react. I was ready to give up on you if you weren't jealous. But you fought for me, and I knew you loved me. Irene went to her kitchen. I have no idea what you like to eat.

Just make me your favourite dish.

How does a big bowl of porridge sound to you with brown sugar and toast.

You take after my mother, who made us porridge almost every day we went to school. How about toast with it.

The clock rang at five o’clock, and Irene woke him. We need to be at the airport in an hour. Your plane leaves at six, with you or without. Irene washed and made herself ready before making toast and tea for them.

Irene called a taxi, and they were on their way 20 minutes later, arriving at the RCAF hangar ten minutes before take-off. An RCAF airman was pacing the floor when they arrived. "You took your damn good time getting here. Your pilot is already revving up the engine. So you’d best be in your way.

Karl grabbed and kissed her, turned and ran out to the plane. A crew member helped him up the ladder and closed the hatch door.

CHAPTER TWO

Karl could see St. John’s cathedral as they wove around the city to land at the airport. The salt air rushed into his face when they opened the hatch. We’ll be here for an hour while we prepare for our flight to Toronto. So if you want to stretch your legs, now’s our chance. There’s also a telephone in the airport manager where you can call your folks.

He entered the hangar again and walked up a flight of stairs to the second level to the airport manager’s office. He needed to stretch his legs more than he realized when he almost fell and managed to grab the railing of the staircase to keep his balance. Inside, he stopped at a small store behind the hangar and bought a couple of bottles of orange pop. The young woman behind the counter opened one of the bottles.

Karl approached her. I was told I could call my family here. She smiled at him. Here, take my seat.

Karl thanked her and took a big swallow of pop before sitting down.

Just dial 0 for a long distance, and she’ll connect you, Captain.

Kay answered the phone. It’s me, Karl, auntie Kay. I’m in Newfoundland, but they’ll be flying me to Toronto. We will likely land at the Toronto airport around two this afternoon.

We’ll be there, Karl. Here’s your mother.

You don’t need to come. The Army will be driving me home. He heard his mother shuffling to the phone and waiting for her voice.

Is it really you, Karl? I have been waiting to hear your voice since the war ended.

"Mutter, he said in a loud voice. I have also looked forward to hearing your voice for a long time and Fader. I’m landing in Toronto this afternoon. I am on leave for six months to undergo training for an assignment when I return to Europe. How are May and Rhinehart?"

May and her daughter are fine, but your brother died a few months ago.

There was a long silence before she began again, he talked about you when he was here, and he told me many times how much he wanted to see you again. We will visit his grave when you come. One other thing. Good news. May is pregnant with Rhinehart’s child. I hope it is a boy who looks like you and your brother.

THREE DAYS LATER, HIS driver dropped him off in front of the newspaper office. He opened the door and climbed the stairs to the second floor to the newsroom. A woman rose from her desk and came to the counter. I have an appointment with Mr. Nightingale. My name is Karl Aberbach.

She led him to the publisher’s office at the end of the corridor and through a door at her left and left him with the publisher’s secretary, a young woman with brown hair and a dimpled smile. We’ve been expecting you, Mr. Aberbach. Follow me into his office. Mr. Nightingale is in the newsroom and will be back presently. She left and returned with Nightingale a few minutes later with another man.

Nightingale had a grey mustache, a slim figure and carried the aura of old money. His light blond hair was cut short, and his blue eyes never left Karl. The man who came with him wore a tweed jacket, no tie and grey trousers.

We’ve been expecting you, Mr. Aberbach, said Nightingale. Let me introduce you to Archie Wilson, our managing editor.

Wilson extended his hand. Welcome to our newsroom.

"You will be working under Mr. Wilson, who will introduce you around. You will be with us for five months. I hope you enjoy your