A second bottle of wine appeared, and we exchanged pleasantries about the weather until he left.
“Both of these men are very enterprising. The first man you mentioned is known to local authorities, however hehas managed to elude capture or has provided substantial compensation for certain people to look the other way.”
He looked at Brodie now. “There is an underground economy in most cities that operates independently of the establishment, for a fee. This man is known to participate in the acquisition of certain items, artifacts, currency, and...perhaps documents, which he then makes available to clients.”
He made it sound like any vendor or typical businessman.
“He would be in a position to make certain things available to the second man you mentioned, who has no country he calls his own, no loyalty to anyone, and has been known to leave a potential customer without his purse and the item he attempted to purchase over some slight. A very dangerous man.”
“How does he go about contacting potential purchasers?” I asked.
“The first gentleman Mr. Brodie spoke of has a list of past clients that he might contact if a certain item of value came available. He would put out the word as any businessman might.
“He has been known to place an item of importance or historic value with the auction house. He then has the ‘house’ make it known that certain ‘rare’ items will be made available, and his clients respond by attending the auction. The othergentleman,” he did use the term with certain disdain, “he has been known to make ‘purchases’ through a proxy. It is all seen as quite normal. The first gentleman receives a small reward for making the item available, the item is then ‘offered’ by the other man you have inquired about, to other parties for the highest bidder.”
“It sounds as if the auctions occur quite regularly,” I commented.
“We live in precarious times, Lady Forsythe. Interesting but precarious. And then there are the private auctions by invitation only.”
There was no need to ask who potential purchasers might be for those documents. It could well include any foreign government, as well as someone in a high position within the German government.
“There is also the woman, Angeline Cotillard,” I reminded him.
“Yes, the actress. A convenient ‘profession.’” This was added with a certain sarcasm.
“It would certainly allow her to travel to most any large city, as well as provide access to others in positions of authority.”
“She travels with a small, but verra dangerous man,” Brodie added.
Wagner nodded. “There are those who know far more about these things.”
“Those who operate in the underground,” I presumed. It did seem that he knew quite a bit about that.
He nodded over another sip of wine.
“In my profession, I have crossed paths with many people. This other gentleman, Bruhl,” again there was that hint of cynicism. “You must understand, he gives a great deal of money to the poor, not only here but in other places. He is seen as much like your Robin Hood, and there are those who would protect him even though no one has ever seen him.”
I understood his meaning. “And he perhaps supports an element of unrest among certain groups as well?” I suggested.
“Perhaps,” he replied.
“I have traveled and seen such things, sir,” I explained. “Thegentleman, as you call him, has the blood of innocent people on his hands.”
He nodded. “Intelligent as well as beautiful. You participate in a dangerous business, Lady Forsythe.”
It was not a threat, and I didn’t take it as such.
“Then you will be able to assist us?”
“I will make contact with people I know,” he replied, then inquired, “Do you have accommodations for your stay in our city?”
Seventeen
It was arrangedfor him to contact us at the hotel. From there we could use their telegram services back to London as well.
“Do you trust him?” I asked Brodie after we reached our room.
“I trust Sir Laughton,” he replied of my great-aunt’s lawyer who had intervened on his behalf in the past, with no less than Sir Avery.
