He paused and let that sink in. Nothing like firing a cannon across the bow of the ship, I thought. It would, of course, be quite easy for Herr Wagner to verify the reason we were there, which Brodie obviously intended that he would do.
When in Germany...I thought.
“It is in the matter of a theft and the murder of a high-ranking official,” Brodie continued. “We have been given complete authority to act on behalf of the Crown. My partner, Lady Forsythe, is representative of Her Majesty in this matter.”
That was a bit more of a stretch of the truth, however I could play my part. I nodded at the introduction.
As much as Brodie was inclined not to use either my title or my connection through my great-aunt, there were instances where it could be advantageous. I did wonder precisely how Herr Wagner would react.
“I see,” he replied, then added, “It is often necessary to assist in certain matters. Sir Laughton has proven himself to be not only a valued partner in certain legal entanglements, but a worthy partner whom I have counted upon on behalf of certain clients in the past.
“You understand that I cannot share their names or the circumstances. Let us simply say that we both work for justice and continued peace in very difficult situations, and have relied on each other and the other person’s integrity in the past. And it is not that I do not understand that certain matters are most critical.”
I was certain that was as much of an honest response that we could hope for. It appeared that Brodie was of the same opinion.
“We have followed certain information that has led us to Frankfurt,” he began. “And two names of persons who are involved.”
He then told Herr Wagner what we had learned about Szábo and a possible connection to a man by the name of Bruhl.
“Sebastian Bruhl,” he replied. “Both men are known in certain circles, although Bruhl has never been seen and there are those who doubt his existence.” He rose from behind his desk.
“Perhaps you would join me in refreshment after your long trip.”
I looked over at Brodie with some surprise.
“Of course,” he replied.
“Come then, I know of an excellent place.”
When the attendant in his office had suggested the driver for the firm, Herr Wagner had simply replied, “We will walk, it is a good weather.”
However, once beyond the entrance to his office building, Herr Wagner waived down a street-hired coachman.
I looked over at Brodie in question at the somewhat odd behavior.
When the driver pulled to the curb, we climbed aboard. Herr Wagner settled himself across from us.
“It is often best to be discreet in certain matters, would you not say, Herr Brodie?”
That excellent place was the Hotel Frankfurt, a well-known international hotel with its five-story wings in the classic style, a wide sidewalk where carriages queued in a line, bold arched entrance, and flowers at each balcony in spite of the changing season. We were greeted by the concierge in English as well as German.
The restaurant at the Hotel Frankfurt was filled with guests even at this time in the later afternoon. I overheard conversations in German, of course, along with French, English,and Italian. A reminder that Frankfurt was an international center for industry and commerce, as well as banking.
“It is often best to lose oneself in a crowd,” Herr Wagner commented as we arrived at a table in one of several alcoves with potted plants set about, and with a wall behind.
It very much reminded me of Brodie’s habit in public places, pubs, taverns, and other restaurants about London. Most interesting, I thought.
It was an insight that added to Sir Laughton’s recommendation of the man. He obviously chose to be discreet—losing ourselves in a crowd where no one would know us or pay any attention.
He ordered wine, instead of the beer I had expected. It was a white wine, with a hint of fruit as I lifted my glass that had been chilled.
“The wine, an investment on my part that has been most lucrative,” he explained. “And now, we may speak freely.”
Over the next two hours, Brodie explained as much as he chose to reveal about the stolen documents, the murder of Sir Collingwood, and the apparent involvement of Angeline Cotillard on behalf of the man who was rumored to be her lover. He included our encounter the day before at the museum in Brussels.
“We also have information that Szábo may be working with the man, Bruhl.”
Herr Wagner nodded, then waited until the waiter who had returned filled our wine glasses once more. There was a brief conversation in German, to which Herr Wagner replied, “Bitte.”
