I flipped open the folder to find carbon copies of wire transfers, each one documenting a paymentfrom a numbered Swiss account to accounts in their names. The amounts were substantial. The dates went back eighteen months.
“Thomas,” I hissed. “Over here.”
He appeared at my shoulder. After a quick look at what I was holding, he let out a low whistle.
“That’s actual, concrete proof of bribery.”
“It’s a start.” I set the folder aside and kept searching. “There has to be more. Look for correspondence or instructions, something that shows who’s giving the orders.”
Twenty minutes later, Thomas found the correspondence files.
They were in a locked drawer at the back of the room, a drawer that took him another five minutes to crack while cursing steadily under his breath. Inside was a leather portfolio, and inside the portfolio were letters.
Dozens of them. The letters were careful, coded, but not careful enough.
I spread them out on the nearest table. We read them together by flashlight.
13 November 1951
Our mutual friend in Munich reports satisfactory progress. The young woman continues her studies. We trust this arrangement remains agreeable to all parties.
In consideration of this ongoing courtesy, we expect continued cooperation regarding the Swissmatter. Our banker has proven most helpful in facilitating introductions, and we anticipate his assistance with travel schedules and meeting arrangements as the project advances.
As the deadline approaches, precision will be essential.
“The young woman,” Thomas said quietly. “That has to be Engel’s daughter.”
“That makes ‘our banker’ Herr Engel,” I replied.
Thomas whispered the next letter aloud.
27 January 1952
Phase One proceeds on schedule. Our Eastern friends confirm that financial transfers have been received and acknowledged. L and B remain committed to the arrangement, though L has requested additional assurances regarding his role in the new structure.
Personnel placement continues across all target sectors. Transportation and communications assets are now at eighty percent readiness.
The mountain is fully operational.
Our banker reports the woman has begun asking questions. She visited him last week seeking information about property acquisitions. He provided what was requested—nothing more, nothing less. She suspects nothing.
The Chamber Session remains fixed for 15 February. All elements must be in position by midnight on the 14th.
“L and B,” I said. “Lüthi and Brenner. And the mountain—”
“Adlerhorst.” Thomas’s voice was grim. “‘Useful for managing complications.’ That’s one way to describe a torture chamber.”
“Our ‘Eastern friends’?”
Thomas let out a breath. “The Soviets. Who else?”
“Damn it. We need to report to Manakin.”
Thomas nodded. “We don’t have time to read all these here. Pack them up and—”
“Wait.” I held up a hand. “Look at this one. Goddamn it.”
I held the letter I was scanning as he spoke up to the light for Thomas to read.
