“Blank Paper”

Chapter One of Six

Location: New York City, United States – November 3, 1938.

The European Continent had plunged into another war. Just days after British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, came home in triumph from Germany with a signed treaty and spoke his famous “I believe it is peace for our time.” It was a worthless promise from Adolf Hitler.

It was a war that had already begun to spread towards Greece and Turkey and had already spilled into Africa. The United Kingdom and France stand-alone against the forces of Nazi Germany. The United States steadfastly remained neutral. Germany’s military and industrial might grew ever stronger as it’s political power spread, and so did the effectiveness of its intelligence services.

The engines of the great German Airship, the K. H. Scheer, were just a muffled noise within its first class compartments. While in the main room, the combination observation deck, dinning room and lounge, which stretched across the entire width of the airship, the soft whisper of the powerful engines was hardly heard and was usually lost to the sounds of the small band when it was playing near the forward wall.

Justin Heywood, dressed in a well cut, dark blue, three piece suit, was a slim man of medium height about five foot eight with the beginning of some gray at his temples and a thin black mustache. He was sitting at one of the best tables along the outer wall, which were all windows. He looked down at the great city of New York and saw the very unmistakable spire of the world’s tallest structure, the Empire State Building rising up above all the other, lesser buildings of the cluttered skyline.

Heywood knew that there might be other buildings that had more grandeur and more style, but for Justin Heywood, born and bred in the Bronx, there was nothing better than the Empire State. For him it was a symbol of home.

A place he was again leaving for duty and country. There was, he knew from long experience, no honor in what he did. But he readily admitted it; the adventure had an appeal, at least to him. Besides as his father, who wore New York Blue, would say, ‘Some one has to get the bad guys.’

Justin pulled out his cigarette case and thought briefly about the dangers of smoking aboard the earlier airships with their giant canisters of hydrogen gas. They were little more than flying bombs waiting to explode. He remembered that just last year in May, the German Zeppelin Hindenburg had exploded at Lakehurst in New Jersey.

He sighed as he opened the case and selected a cigarette.

Then the Germans had developed the technology of helium production, from design plans stolen from the United States, they had then built bigger and larger airships. He snapped the case shut with a bit more vigor than he had wanted to. He had been charged to find the plans. He had failed.

A waiter paused at his table and offered him a light from the lighter he was holding. Justin accepted and drew in the first bit of smoke. He thanked the waiter who then moved away leaving the lighter on the table. He spun the lighter on the tablecloth looking at the words etched into the case. And in a very short span of time, reflected Justin, the Germans displayed their superiority in the field when their zeppelins began making regular runs across the Atlantic and else where around the globe.

Their military superiority was also being displayed in Europe as the German Army was slowly marching across the continent. With little opposition, thought Justin. And Chamberlin gave them half of it. ‘Peace in our time,’ thought Justin in disgust.

He reflected on that time as he puffed on his cigarette. He had been very lucky that time. Escaping as he had in the dark of night from Berlin.

There had been no accommodations available aboard the Hindenburg as he tried to return home from that disastrous assignment in Germany. Instead, he had to make his way to Italy and there he was able to book an empty cabin aboard a western bound Turkish cargo ship. The long slow passage had done him well. And the ship’s doctor, with no questions asked, with some large pile of bills left on his desk, was willing to tend to his needs.

His back still ached with remembered pain.

Now they had stolen from the United States again. Thus he and his partner were aboard to retrieve what had been taken.

Holding his cigarette in the European Aristocratic fashion, between his forefinger and thumb, he took a long leisurely drag and slowly blew smoke out towards the ceiling where it would be drawn away by the hidden air system. There was no haze of stale cigar or cigarette smoke within the dining room or anywhere on the great airship K. H. Scheer.

It was another touch of elegance, which the Germans had brought to its first class airships and to its growing international travel and cargo industry. The Germans maybe stuffy and highbrow and thieves, but they knew how to design things and build them.

Looking out the window again, he saw that the city was quickly fading into the darkness of the descending night and was transforming into a glittering array of long strings of sparkling lights. While from the great airship’s observation deck, he could still see the glowing sun resting upon the distant horizon as it rapidly faded towards sunset.

The K. H. Scheer was making a leisurely climb up away from its New York Terminal by circling the city until it reached a cruising altitude of 7,000 feet. It would then turn eastward and begin its long leisurely Trans-Atlantic flight towards Europe and Germany.

Puffing on his German made cigarette, Heywood would have much preferred a good Havana Cigar, hand rolled of course, but he knew that men of his supposed position did not indulge in such things. He knew he could have gotten away with it. But, as always, when he played a part, he played it well and he always played to win. Especially when the stakes were as high as they were this time. So he took another puff from the German cigarette and stubbed it firmly out in the ashtray. He would savor a fine Cuban Cigar another day. Once he finished this business.

From the corner of his eye he spotted his partner enter the observation deck. Heywood turned to watch his partner make a minor entrance then stage the long walk across the great room to where he was sitting, all to garner the attention of their fellow passengers. Or more aptly, to allow Heywood to watch the other passengers in the room and their reactions as they turned to watch his partner follow the Maitre’D across the distance to him. Their reactions, as always, was interesting as he observed both that of the men and of many of the women.

It was then that Justin spotted the man in a black uniform entering the dining room. Herr Gustav Striner, thought Justin, as he took in the handsome German SS Officer splendid in his full formal uniform with a dagger at his hip. Striner and Justin had never clashed in the field, before now. He then noted that Striner was focused on the moving figure of his partner.

She was, to all appearances, the typical European, slender and tall with long, dark auburn hair that cascaded down across her shoulders and framed the elegant features of her face. Her long dark red dress hung well upon her, clinging in strategic places, which accented her tight curves. The hem of her skirt swung in a leisurely rhythm in time to her slow pace. She walked with a grace and a surety of position born of high breeding. Just as her physical demeanor and the way she carried herself spoke of old wealth and of much older power and her glancing gaze stated that she was not one to trifle with.

Candace Brooks was none of that which she portrayed, just as he himself was a walking lie.

Then Candace was at the table and Justin rose as the Maitre’D held her chair and she sat down. Justin allowed himself to drop into his.

The Maitre’D moved to the side of the table and made a slight gesture and a young man came in their direction. Speaking German, he said, “Mr., and Mrs., Beer, Hans, will take your order.”

Justin, who spoke German with a Bavarian accent, understood the Maitre’D. Candace had a more northern accent to her German. It was one of the reasons why they were on this mission. They traveled under the guise of husband and wife returning to Luxembourg via Germany after touring the American West, which was currently a bit of a rage on the continent.

The blond German Hans stepped forward and began to recite the evening’s offerings.

This gave Justin the chance to appear to be looking at Hans as he watched the SS Officer be escorted to a table on the far side of the room. When he sat down he was lost in the crowd.

First Candace then he quickly stated their preferences and the efficient Hans walked away with their order.

Candace looked at him and smiled warmly.

“What have you learned?” asked Justin, of his not so German wife..

End Chapter One

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“Blank Paper”

By

Rugrat60

Chapter Two of Six

Candace looked at him and smiled warmly.

“What have you learned?” asked Justin, of his not so German wife..

“First Herr Krupp is not. It is his wife, Fraulein Krupp, returning from a tour. She has the Augsburg Suite with her sister and a small entourage,” replied Candace.

“Accurate intelligence!” muttered Justin. “Still she will need to be checked out.”

Candace said, “Agreed. Mrs. Spfie Beer has been invited to join her this evening for an early tea. She wishes to show me some of the antique treasures she is bringing home.”

Justin smiled and shook his head. “Enjoy, Mrs. Beer.”

“Vielen Dank, Mr. Beer.”

Sipping at his coffee, he asked, “The others?”

“Frauline Berta Hillgarde is in cabin 202. And she is quite alone.”

“No one with any sense would want to be with her,” stated Justin flatly, thinking of the regal and dangerous German Lady, whom he had encountered in the past. His back gave off a twinge.

“Have I met her?” asked Candace.

“You would not like her,” replied Justin, thinking of the beautiful Berta and her long flowing golden hair. And of the several long scars he wore across his back from their last meeting. “And number three?”

Candace allowed herself a slight smile. “Gustav is where you expected him to be. Cabin 340. His cabin is … quite busy. And he has several large trunks in storage.”

Justin’s eyebrows rose. “He is here at dinner.

“I know.” Candace gently placed her hand on the table.

He glanced down and for a brief moment Candace lifted her hand and exposed a small block of wax. He saw the impression of a key in the wax. Then her hand was down and gone and the table was again empty before her.

“Herr Striner,” stated Justin. “Shall we?”

Candace smiled. “Dinner first.”

Justin nodded his acceptance. Besides, Hans the waiter had arrived with their first course. He looked upon the food and smiled. The Germans were excellent chefs.

Later Candace and Justin were sipping their after dessert coffee.

“We will need access to the passenger cargo,” stated Justin.

Candace smiled at him across her cup of coffee. “Be outside the Purser’s cabin at 9:10 sharp. And bring your toys.”

“One of these days…” started Justin.

Candace stopped smiling. “We have been over this. So don’t be such a prude.” She set her cup down and with her napkin she dabbed her lips carefully.

Justin stood and moved behind her chair and pulled it out as Candace rose. She allowed Justin to take her hand to assist. Once standing, she dropped her hand and she was walking away.

Justin stuffed his hand, with the small block of wax, into his jacket pocket and followed close behind. He did not have to work hard at giving the appearance of a frustrated husband who knew his place, as was typical for many men who married into wealthy European families.

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Justin walked down the passageway through the First Class Section, where their two-room compartment was located. His direct superior at the agency had been reluctant to spend the funds necessary for the high price accommodations, but did grant approval due to orders from above, but only so they could complete their cover story.

Justin glanced at his pocket watch. It was 9:08 PM. The Purser’s office and quarters was directly ahead at the next intersection. Conveniently located for the richer passengers so they would not be forced to lower themselves to another deck if they required his services. It would also mean that Candice would keep him ‘occupied’ while he went searching.

Justin had almost reached the door when it opened halfway.

Candice stood there. She looked elegant as usual, thought Justin.

She barely glanced at him.

From within the cabin, he heard a male voice. “Frauline Beer. Spfie. Komm her, bitte. Verbringen Sie Zeit mit mir.”

Justin easily translated. “Mrs., Beer. Sophie. Come here, please. Spend time with me.”

His partner had placed her free hand on the door frame and slowly slid it past. She paused then looked back into the room. She spoke softly in German. “Aber mein Mann? Er wird verdächtig.”

“But my husband? He will suspect.” translated Justin as he lightly touched her hand.

“Komm her. Er hatte viel getrunken,” said the Purser. “Zu viel, um Sie zufrieden in dieser Nacht.”

Justin heard: “Come here. He had much to drink. Too much to satisfy you this night.”

Candice turned to look at Justin. There was a sad look in her eyes. She briefly touched his hand as she placed an object in it. She then smiled.

Justin knew that the smile was not for him.

He watched her slip back into the cabin and softly closed the door behind her. As he stepped away, he heard the click of the lock sliding into place.

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It was late, the passageway was quiet and empty as Justin looked at the key he had made from another wax block Candace had handed him at the door of the Purser’s cabin, under the cover of allowing the Purser to convince her to come back inside.

He slipped the key in to the lock for the Purser’s Office and turned it. He smiled. He wished it were always this easy.

Then he thought of Candace’s sad eyes at the door to the Purser’s Office. “This can not be easy for her,” thought Justin. “Focus. Stay focused.”

He quickly entered the office then closed and locked the door behind him. He used a small flashlight to cast some illumination into the darkness. He found the light switch and flicked it on. He stood in a small office with a single desk and two file cabinets. The flashlight was returned to his pocket as he moved to the file cabinets.

“Now, if I was a file for Herr Striner I would be in this drawer,” stated Justin, pulling open a drawer labeled “R to T.”

Germans were quite regular and logical in all they did.

Justin quickly scanned the files and discovered there was no file for Striner. “Interesting,” muttered Justin. He closed the drawer and pulled open the drawer labeled “F to L.” After a scan of the files he discovered there was no file for Berta Hillgarde. “Very interesting,” he said, as he slowly closed the drawer.

He stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out the first key he had made. It was then that he noticed the double lightening bolt on the key.

“You’re slipping, Heywood,” he muttered to himself. He looked at the key. “Nazi Major Gustav Striner of the SS, you will be under special cargo.” Smiling to himself he remembered the intelligence reports of the movement of many agents from the German State Internal Security department to the SS.

“Frauline Berta are you now with the SS?”

Heywood opened the top drawer of the file cabinet next to the desk. He found a large, thick, red folder at the front of the drawer. He pulled it out and went to the desk and opened it. There were two bundles of documents. One labeled “Hillgarde” the other “Striner.” Both had a letterhead from the SS Headquarters in Berlin. They were the standard document requiring cooperation with the bearer of the letter. Major Hillgarde of the SS. Heywood spoke and read fluent German. Not the German taught in the States but the German of Bavaria, where his parents and grandparents had come from.

He quickly read through the paperwork and noted the storage areas assigned to the two SS agents. Heywood replaced the file and left the office as he had found it. As he walked away he wondered, and not for the first time, if the two German Agents knew of each other or if they had separate assignments.

End Chapter Two

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“Blank Paper”

By

Rugrat60

Chapter Three of Six

The tops of the scattered clouds were bright in the mid-morning sunlight and the Atlantic was a dark green blue far below. Justin casually watched a small image of a cargo ship with an even smaller thin wake trailing behind it, as it made its way westward towards North America.

Justin wondered if the crew of that ship knew the zeppelin was even here. His thoughts then wondered to the many advantages that a fleet of long range and high-flying zeppelins would give to the government in Germany. He could imagine the intelligence gathering they could do.

Across the table from him he heard the light sound of china on china.

He turned again to look at his partner as they waited for their late breakfast. Candace appeared as fresh as a daisy, yet he could see how tired she actually was. She had not returned to their cabin until well past two in the morning. He too was tired, as he had waited up for her to return. Then, after a few hours of sleep, he had risen early so he had time to manufacture the additional keys from the wax impressions

Candace had acquired from the Purser.

“So how was your tea last night?” asked Justin, trying to stay away from her other activities of the previous evening.

Candace looked up from her second cup of coffee and smiled. Her eyes took on a sparkle, which he had not seen for some time. “It was quite fun, actually.”

“Really! Tell me about it, Sophie.”

“Frauline Krupp, Anna,” said Candace, “as she asked me to call her. And her sister Katrina, had both spent nearly two months traveling across the United States.”

“I take they are not who we are looking for?”

Candace smiled again at him and shook her head. “No. They are not.” Her smile suddenly faded.

“What’s wrong?”

She sighed before replying. “Its just that they had invited me to visit them in Augsburg this summer. I can’t go of course. Not with what the Germans are planning. But it was nice. A few moments to … to forget what we are here for.”

Hans arrived with their breakfast.

As Hans set their breakfast before them, Justin looked across the table at her. “Es tut mir leid. Spfie.” (I am so sorry, Sophie.)

Candace looked at him and a soft warm smile came to her lips and eyes. “Ich weiß, Karl. Ich weiß.” (I know, Karl. I know.)

Justin smiled too. He knew that Candace could not afford to become involved with him. Not if she had to walk away from him, if circumstances required it of her. And with them traveling into German territory aboard a German ship, he could think of many things that could very badly for them. As Justin watched Candace, he knew he would want her to turn and walk away.

Candace turned to Hans. “Danke, Hans.”

Justin nodded to Hans and added. “Danke.”

“Sie sind welcom, Frauline, Herr Beer.” returned Hans. He then walked away.

Candace glanced back at him, gave Justin a brief smile then returned her attention to her breakfast.

Justin looked down at his breakfast of eggs and sausage.. Picking up his napkin, he draped it upon his lap. He softly sighed, knowing that he would not be able to walk away and leave her behind, if she were still alive.

He picked up his knife and fork and proceeded to cut up his sausage. So, he thought, I better make sure she gets home alive. He looked over at Candace as he popped a piece of sausage in his mouth.

“Spfie,” said Justin. “Nach dem Frühstück. Lassen Sie uns zu unserer Kabine Gegenleistung für ein Nickerchen.” (Sophie, after breakfast. Let us return to our cabin for a nap.)

Candice looked up at him. There was a slight smile upon her lips. Her eyes were soft. “Danke, Karl”

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Justin glanced up and down the passage. Empty! It was lunchtime and most of the passengers would be eating. Candace was meeting with Major Gustav Striner for a private lunch, while her husband had an early afternoon nap.

He quickly moved to the door with 340 on it. Using another of the keys he had manufactured from the blocks of wax, which Candace had provided, Justin had several new keys. He tried one of two keys, which looked similar to his own cabin key. No luck. He quickly fitted the second key into the lock and it turned.

He opened the door and quickly slipped inside closing the door behind him and then locked it. He reached for the light switch and in the sudden brilliance he found himself looking down at a blood soaked corpse.

He backed up against the door. He had his gun drawn and pointed towards the far door, which he knew led to a bedroom and bath. “Crap!” he muttered, taking a deep breath.

He listened carefully. Yet he heard nothing. He carefully stepped around the body and checked first the bedroom then the bath. The bed was neatly made and the bathroom was perfectly set with clean towels.

He tucked the gun away. Then moved back to the front room.

After a few moments he took another look at the body. The bare chested man was sprawled on the floor in the middle of a very large bloodstain. Justin carefully moved to stand by the body, staying away from the bloodstain. He knelt down on one knee.

Even with the several cuts to the face and neck Justin recognized Striner. The silver handled SS Dagger was stuck prominently into his lower chest. “Some jealous husband, Gustav?” questioned Justin. “Huh?”

Yet from the angle and the placement of the dagger, Justin doubted that it was a jealous husband. The wound was too precise. It had been a killing strike.

He touched the man’s neck. The skin was cold. “Hum. Herr SS Officer. Seems you’ve been dead for some time. Who would want you dead?” wondered Justin. He snorted. “A lot of people.”

The sound of the lock being turned caught his ear. He reached for his weapon.

He turned as the door opened. All he saw was the outline of a large man framed by the doorway. “Vat ist dis?”

Justin never had time to get up before the man knocked him to the floor. He began to get up when he was kicked in the ribs and he was flipped onto his back. As the man advanced on him, Justin pulled out the handgun.

A well-aimed kick numbed his wrist and the gun flew across the room.

With a hard kick of his own, Justin caught the advancing man straight on to the man’s right knee. It gave with a resounding crunching sound and the man collapsed to the floor half on him. The German grabbed Justin by the neck in a powerful grip and squeezed.

Justin could not breath and grabbed at the other man’s hands. He could not break free. The German was too strong. He struggled and thrashed about looking for his gun. It was out of reach.

He could feel a darkness beginning to creep upon him.

In desperation Justin looked the other way.

There! he thought.

The cabin door opened behind them.

The big German turned his head to see who had entered.

It was enough for Justin who threw out his arm and grabbed the silver handled dagger. It slid out easily.

The big German looked back in time to see the flash of steel as Justin plunged the dagger deeply into the side of the German’s neck. The long blade went through the neck. It’s bloody point sticking out the far side.

The hands released Justin and he drew in a ragged breath as he rolled and pushed his opponent off of him to the floor as the wide-eyed German fumbled at the knife and his neck. Justin moved and got to his feet, watching the German.

The German stared up at him. In moments there was a long rattle exhale of breath. The German’s eyes rolled into the back of his head and his struggles ceased.

“Damn it, Haywood!” came an angry female voice.

Justin tensed as he looked over and saw Candace glaring at him.

“I can’t leave you alone for a moment.” She planted her fists on her hips and tapped her foot. “Do you have to kill everyone?”

The End

Chapter Three

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“Blank Paper”

By

Rugrat60

Chapter Four of Six

“Blank Paper”

“Damn it, Haywood,” came an angry female voice.

Justin tensed as he looked over and saw Candace glaring at him.

“I can’t leave you alone for a moment.” She planted her fists on her hips and tapped her foot. “Do you have to kill everyone?”

Justin slowly relaxed and sat down at the small desk and looked down at the two dead Germans. Breathing heavy, he sighed. “Candace.”

With her purse Candace angrily gestured at the bodies. “I never had a chance to talk with him.” She crossed her arms in front of her. “Gustav was late and his Aide went looking for him. I followed.” She looked back at Justin. “So why kill him?”

“He was trying to kill me,” muttered Justin, rubbing his throat.

“Not his Aide. Striner!”

“He was dead when I got here,” explained Justin.

Candace tilted her head and just looked at him.

“He was dead,” insisted Justin.

Candace moved over and sat beside him on the edge of the desk. “Really? He was at breakfast.”

“He’s been dead for some time,” stated Justin.

“How long?” asked Candace.

“He is cold,” replied Justin. “And very dead.”

Candace nodded. “More than three hours then.” She turned to him. “So who do you think killed him?”

“Someone who is good with a knife,” replied Justin as he rubbed a hand across his face. “Someone whom he would not be dressed for.”

Candace suggested, “Caught in the act. Perhaps a jealous husband.”

Justin sighed, shaking his head. “He never had a chance. And he was stabbed with his own dagger.” He could feel his strength returning as he pointed at the dead SS officer. “Look at him. He was carved up before he was stabbed.”

“Someone well skilled with a knife,” offered Candace.

Justin nodded. “Yes.”

“Who then?” demanded Candace.

“Berta,” muttered Justin, thinking of his last rendezvous with the lovely German Agent. “She’s very good with the blade.”

Candace looked at Stiener then at Justin and scowled. “Hillgarde! She hardly seems the type.”

“You’ve seen her?”

“She was at the tea yesterday. A perfect lady.”

“A perfect bitch,” muttered Justin.

Candace slapped his arm.

“Well she is.”

Candace slapped his arm again.

Justin sighed heavily, blocking out past memories. He looked up at her. “She’s more than capable.”

“With a knife?” asked Candace.

Still looking at her, Justin said, “She is quite skilled with a blade. And very fast.”

Candace looked at him questionably.

“Trust me,” said Justin. “I know.” He looked at her for a long moment. “She’s the one who gave me the scars on my back.”

Nodding slowly, “Oh!” Candace stated, “I will not underestimate her. At Tea she appeared to be a Lady of High Class.”

“I thought so at first.”

Candace again looked at him questionably.

Justin asked, “What?”

“When and where?”

“Last year in Berlin,” explained Justin. “I was looking for the stolen helium plans. Somehow she tracked me down. Then she introduced me to her blade.”

Candace asked softly, “How did you get away?”

Justin snorted. “I kicked her … in the crotch.”

Candace stood up and stared down at him. “Justin! Ouch!”

Justin smirked. “Caught her by surprise.

“Then you got away,” prompted Candace.

“Then I belted her a good one,” stated Justin. “Then I got away.”

“Justin! You punched her?”

“I wanted to get away. Besides, the bitch deserved it.” Justin then added, “That was when I missed the Hindenburg.”

“The Hindenburg.”

“Their last flight,” explained Justin. “They were booked. No cabins.”

Candace repeated herself. “The Hindenburg!”

“So I spent two days in hiding while trying to get out of Berlin,” stated Justin. “Then another three days getting to Italy and on to a Turkish cargo ship. Then home.”

Looking at him, Candace shook her head. “Let’s search the room.”

Justin turned to the desk and began to go through the drawers as Candace moved to the bedroom.

He opened the bottom drawer and came upon a small box. He smiled and was taking it out when Candace called from the other room.

“It’s not here.”

“What?”

She joined him. “A large briefcase. Heavy and double locked. Black in color. With heavy metal trim. It was here … earlier.”

“Sounds like a courier pouch,” suggested Justin. “Or a security box.”

“It did have the single cuff attached near the handle,” supplied Candace.

Justin moved to stand near the two bodies. He examined the wrists on both men. “Chaffing on both of them.” He looked up at her.

Candace nodded. “They must have taken turns watching it.”

“I bet that’s what we are looking for.” suggested Justin.

Candace nodded her agreement. “So what now?”

“We get out of here and mingle with the rest of the passengers.”

Candace glanced at her watch. “There is still time for us to make an appearance at lunch.”

“Good,” stated Justin.

Pointing at the bodies with her purse, Candace asked, “What about them?”

Justin looked at the two bodies. Frowning he suggested, “It does look like they killed each other.” He looked at her.

“How long do you think it will be before they are discovered?” questioned Candace.

“They don’t turn down the rooms until mid morning,” stated Justin.

“The bed is made and the bath set up,” supplied Candace.

Justin closed the desk drawer. “So this room is already done.”

Candace nodded as she went to the door. “So some time tomorrow.”

“Both will be very cold and stiff by then,” stated Justin, as he moved to the desk and picked up the small box he found.

“You’re taking them?”

Justin snorted. “Why not?” He gestured with the box towards Striner. “He won’t miss them.”

“Thief!”

Justin smiled at her as he tucked the box under his arm.

Candace exited the room and in a moment she waved for him.

Justin followed and locked the door behind them. He noted that the passageway was empty. Then Candace slipped her left arm in his right and they walked towards the main lounge.

Another couple turned into the passageway ahead of them, also heading towards the main lounge.

“Also, Karl”, said Candace, “wie kommt es, dass Sie Frauline Berta Hillgarde wissen?” (“So, Karl, just how is it that you know Frauline Berta Hillgarde?”)

Justin reached up with his left hand and gently touched Candace’s left hand. “Es war während meiner Reise nach Berlin im letzten Jahr kurz nach Deutschland Spanien angegriffen.” (It was during my trip to Berlin last year just after Germany attacked Spain.)

“Ja, Berlin,” stated Candace softly as she squeezed his hand. “Berlin. Eine harte Zeit.” (Yes, Berlin. Berlin. A hard time.)

The End

Chapter Four

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“Blank Paper”

By

Rugrat60

Chapter Five

“Ja, Berlin,” stated Candace softly as she squeezed his hand. “Berlin. Eine harte Zeit.” (Yes, Berlin. Berlin. A hard time.)

Justin remembered the warmth of Candace’s hand in his as they walked to the dinning room for a light lunch. The dinning room was crowded and they could have been easily be overheard, so they made small talk about their trip to the United States. After lunch they both returned to their cabin. And they both slept for several hours

Candace fell asleep fairly quickly. It took Justin a long time to fall asleep with Candace lying beside him. Eventually she had curled up against him. Which made it even more difficult for him to find sleep. So he relaxed his body and let his thoughts drift where they may.

Eventually he admitted to himself that he had fallen for Candace. He was unsure what it was he felt or if it was even indeed love that he felt. But he was sure that it was not lust for her beautiful body. Or was it that of a lover or that of a brother looking out for a danger bound sister. All he knew is that he would remain her partner.

He knew that another agent would walk away if required, leaving her to fend for herself or to whatever fate would hand her.

Justin knew that he would not be able to just walk away from her.

Eventually he rolled on his side away from Candace and slipped his free hand beneath the pillow and rested it upon the gun. Just in case they had some unwanted visitors while they slept.

Then, just as he was falling asleep, he felt Candace snuggle up behind him and then drape an arm around him, holding him.

Her body was so very warm. And for the moment, he was content.

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A ringing woke Justin. His hand gripped the gun beneath his pillow. It was then he recognized that it was the room phone He rolled over to answer the phone.

But Candace answered the phone first. “Hallo” (Hello.)

Justin enjoyed watching Candace standing there in her long silk nightgown.

“Bitte. … Wir werden dort in einer Stunde. … Danke.” (Please. We will be there in one hour. Thank you.)

“Our wake up call,” stated Candace, hanging up the phone. She turned to him. “I said we would be there in an hour.”

Justin yawned. “Good. Enough time for us to shower.”

“I’m first,” stated Candace, moving towards the bath.

Justin looked up at her. “Want me to wash your back?”

Candace stopped in the doorway to the bathroom. She slowly turned to look at him. Slowly she stepped back to her side of the bed. She bent over toward him. Then she picked up her pillow and threw it at his face.

Justin laughed and by the time he got the pillow off his face he caught a fleeting glance of Candace closing the bathroom door.

Hours later, Justin was again sitting alone at their table with a glass of brandy. He was staring out at the dark sky, which was just showing the hint of the approaching dawn.

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Earlier, after dinner, Frau Krupp had stopped at their table and had requested Spfie’s presence for a light tea in an hour’s time. Candace had gracefully accepted. Thus the two of them had lingered over dessert Staying out in the public eye. Then Justin had escorted her to the Tea with a promise to collect her afterwards, for a late night snack.

After some wonderful pastries, ha had escorted Candace back to their cabin and there he gave her the small pistol he was carrying.

“Sleep with it,” he had directed. “I’ll get the Purser to take me to our luggage to get my other one.” I will see if I can find out where Striner’s stuff is stowed.”

Candace has agreed. She would get him up at about 5:00 am so they could search his belongings. Candace closed their cabin door behind him and he waited to hear the lock click into place.

Then he made his way back to the main lounge, which always seemed to be staffed.

There he settled in for a long and hopefully quiet night of strong coffee and reading the latest magazines from Germany.

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Sometime about his fourth cup of coffee the Maitre’D approached the table and placed a small tray down. There was an envelope resting on it. “Excuse me, Sir. Your wife had this sent from your cabin.”

“Danke,” said Justin, picking up the envelope and turning it over. It was still sealed, a bit of dark auburn hair was stuck across the flap he noted opening it. He quickly read the note, which was in German.

“Come to the cabin, this is twice I have been sick with a migraine today. Spfie.” He dropped the small paper on the tray and he rose. He mumbled to the Maitre’D, “My wife is sick, I must go.”

The Maitre’D displayed the proper amount of concern. “Do you wish to have the Doctor summoned?”

Justin rose. “That should not be necessary. The Countess is ensuring I am were I should be.”

The Maitre’D showed his understanding.

He glanced at his watch. It was 4:33 AM. “We will have breakfast in our cabin.”

“What time would be convent?”

“Nine o’clock would be fine,” replied Justin. “A light breakfast. Coffee, pastries and some fruit. And perhaps a bit of cheese.”

“As you wish, Sir.”

“Danke,” muttered Justin.

Justin walked across the nearly empty dinning room and down the main passage towards the stairs that would take him to the lower sections of the airship. He was thinking of the note. Cabin meant Candace was heading towards the cargo area. And twice was for their second suspect. Berta Hillgarde. And Migraine meant she had found what they were looking for. He reached the stairway and noted that he was not being followed and then descended quickly. At this time of day he doubted that any of the passengers would be up, nor many of the crew. He descended down past the passenger area and entered the areas reserved for the crew. At the bottom he turned aft towards the cargo hold.

He trotted down the empty passage. Today, the message had said. That meant Candace was already heading there. He knew Candace could handle herself. But he also knew from hard painful experience their primary adversary: Berta Hillgarde.

Justin picked up his pace.

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Heywood pulled out his small Italian automatic, which he had retrieved earlier, and stepped through the open hatchway, which according the German sign; was the “Loading Dock.” He had only taken one step and froze when he saw the flowing mass of golden blond curls on the statuesque Valkerie figure, which he knew was the unmistakable SS Officer, Berta Hillgarde. Under the harsh glare of the flood lamps she was still beautiful. He would recognize her anywhere.

She was on a railed catwalk, which extended across the wide expanse of the loading dock. It was cold and the wind blew up through the open doors below. Her evening gown swirled in the wind making her look even more like the Valkerie she wished to be.

Justin then spotted the figure kneeling at her feet. A figure dressed in a red silk gown. Berta had a hand full of the woman’s hair. The kneeling figure had a hand on a dark briefcase. Berta leaned over and spoke too softly for Justin to hear. The German jerked the head up and the long auburn hair fell from the face.

It was Candace!

Suddenly, Berta threw Candace forward, face first to the deck.

Justin watched as Candace’s head bounced on the matting of the catwalk. Her slim figure, still in the red silk gown, lay limp. A long splash of auburn hair flowed across the decking. She still held on to the briefcase.

Justin began to quickly descend the stairway.

Berta moved and was then standing over Candace. The left-handed German brought her hand into view. There was a flash of light. Light glinting off polished steel.

The End

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“Blank Paper”

By

Rugrat60

Chapter Six of Six

Justin began to descend the stairway.

Berta moved and was then standing over her. The left-handed German brought her hand into view. There was a flash of light. Light glinting off polished steel.

Heywood had aimed and fired before he had a chance to think about what he saw. He already knew. For he had felt the terrible pain of Berta’s favorite weapon, the slender bladed stiletto.