Thule to the Fire

This is a fictional take on the Bella in the Wych-Elm mystery, that stands unsolved since 1943. 75 years on and we are inching closer to discovering a crime which is both haunting and sickening.

Who was Bella? Where did she come from? What was her purpose in this country? And, most importantly, why was she killed?

In my take, of which is purely fictional, Bella is a spy whom Van Ralt must get out of the country before Josef Jakobs, being tried as a spy in London, cracks and gives British Intelligence her name. Or does he?

Van Ralt knows there is more to Bella than even she does, and he must play his part in making sure she fulfills her destiny before it is too late.

Jack Mossop is a Nazi sympathiser whom sells van Ralt information, but discovers a fate worse than treason when he witnesses an act that, over time, will change the world.

Bella is a woman whom works for the Party but does not know her fate. Bella's purpose is higher than even Himmler imagined. Bella must die to bring the new order to an old world.

The story features names of people mentioned, over time, that are linked with the still open case, and one who's family live still resides in the Hagley Wood area. Theses are all used in a fictiscious manner and are not meant to be taken seriously.

Thank you for reading the story and please leave your comments, which will help me in future publications and will help encourage others to read my work. Also, as the story is available to read, free to a good home as such, would you Mind sponsoring me?

https://www.justgiving.com/Darren-Toney2 (10k run on behalf of B'ham Mind - mental health charity).

Thanks and I really hope you enjoy the story! Darren.