Colonel Berry

Chapter Eleven

David was pleased the topic of the tunnel was dropped, and that their conversation through the remainder of dinner headed in other directions, mainly on wine. When they rose from the table, Karl excused himself from Bethia, then motioning toward the hallway, he invited David to follow him. 

As they left the dining room, David remained silent, thinking, Could be a clever fishing exercise. The affinity between him and Bethia seems real. Maybe a smooth ruse. No, Bethia'd see through it if it were... 

David was pulled from his thoughts by Karl's voice. "I'm sorry about the surprise; I thought you had been informed."

"Informed about what?"

"My working with John Wallinger."

"And who is he?"

Karl nodded. "Yes, awkward situation I've placed you in. How do I prove my allegiance?"

"Begin by telling me about your operations, about what I should have been informed, about who this John Wall-whoever person is."

"We've been carrying explosives across the border, but with their guards and alarms now spreading to remote areas, it's become increasingly risky. We had to stop using the Rhein downstream from Rheinfelden when they began guarding the riverbank."

"And to whom do the explosives go in Germany?"

"A group in Elsass — Colmar. My contact is Marcel. John said your team had met with them in January about a bridge. We supplied them."

David nodded as he mulled the possibilities. Could have captured and interrogated Marcel. Or one of his team. Oh, God! Maybe Franz and Ernst. No, they'd rather die than talk. "John again? Who is John?"

"John Wallinger. My contact in Bern. He organises our explosives."

Marcel wouldn't know John's name. Nor Bern. "I meet so many people; describe John's appearance to refresh my memory."

"I've met him only twice. He's about your height, but far less muscular. Square jaw, brush moustache and... hmm." He paused and scratched his head. "Oh, and he loves his Armagnac with a Romeo y Julieta cigar. He warned me to smoke downwind or well away from you because of your lungs."

"Yes, we must be careful." David nodded as he blew out a deep breath, then he motioned toward the kitchen. "I enjoy watching your interaction with Bethia. Let's rejoin them."

"And I've enjoyed watching the clever way you've been careful with this. I placed you in a very awkward situation."

"The war has placed us all in awkward situations."

Clean-up was well underway when the two arrived in the kitchen, and Maria laid down her dish towel to take David aside. "There were two more letters in my satchel. I had been distracted by the article about Conrad, and I forgot all about them."

"I should go look at them. Maybe they answer some questions."

"That's what I had thought, so I went up the back stairs and brought them down." She pulled the envelopes from her apron pocket.

David opened the first one and quickly scanned the note from R which confirmed what he had interpreted in the letters to Georg. The note ended with, JW will be in touch with details on a new contact who needs access to chalk. God speed.

He nodded as he opened the second envelope and unfolded a brief note, smiling at the enclosed cigar band.

D:
One of your neighbours is friendly and aware. We've cooperated on projects, and we wish to expand. K will approach you.
Best J

Maria watched the relief wash over David's face as he read. She rubbed his shoulder and whispered. "Sorry. They completely slipped my mind."

"I should have asked if there was more. It's my fault as much as yours." He leaned in and kissed her forehead. "We need to be more careful with matters such as this."

She wrapped her arms around him. "Hmm. I love the way you do that."

He pulled the hug tighter. "Do what?"

"How you take responsibility rather than blaming."

"Seems normal."

"To you, maybe. But unusual for most." She tilted her head up, parting her lips to receive his.

They were interrupted by Rachel clearing her throat and calling across the room. "When you two are done, come join us in the lounge."

Maria broke the kiss and turned to smile at her mother. "As I thought; the letters explained it."

"That's a relief. Must be awkward with your being out of touch for four weeks, David. A lot to catch up on."

"This is the important one, Mama." He pulled Maria back into his chest and renewed the kiss.

A short while later, they joined the others, David accepting the offered Cognac from Georg. After they had settled, David turned to Karl and raised a finger wrapped in a cigar band, "Can we meet tomorrow? I'd prefer to keep conversation this evening on matters other than business."

"My day is mostly free. What time would suit you?"

"How would ten be?"

Karl nodded, then swirled his snifter. "Ten would work."

"You hesitated. Is there a better time?"

"Ten thirty would be easier."

"Good, let's do that."

There was a long, awkward silence, finally broken by Bethia. "How are your studies, Maria? It must be exciting for you. So much new to explore."

"Oh, it is." She snickered. "I resist the urge to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. I don't want it to end."

The six carried on a rambling conversation for over an hour, then David took Maria's hand and stood. "We bid you good night; we have matters which need attention."

As they ascended the stairs, David said, "Tante and Karl appear to share a mutual affection. They're very easy and relaxed with each other. I wonder if they're —"

"Oh, they are. Watching them through dinner, it became increasingly obvious. When you and Karl were away, I told her how pleased I was." Maria giggled. "You would have enjoyed her blush."

"She's like a young woman again."

"Growing old doesn't stop love, nor should it prevent enjoying sex."