Jenkins nodded, then said, “Ironic that your success in finding this woman seems to be the cause of you and Taylor being booted.”
“One of many causes.”
Jenkins nodded again. “Personally, I think your mandate was too narrow, and any display of initiative would get you in trouble.”
“Everyone knew that. Especially me.”
“Well, this was a very politically charged and sensitive case.” He added, “It’s not easy working in a foreign country. You really have to be a team player and not step outside the chalk lines.”
“The Germans move the lines. And we let them.”
“It’s their country, Scott.”
“I’ll bet it was easier for the American military when we were an occupying force here.”
Jenkins smiled. “Right. We won the war. But that’s history. Now we are guests here, and the Germans are our allies and our equals. So we play by their rules.”
“An American Army officer was murdered here. Your partner and friend.”
“You don’t need to remind me.”
“Are you satisfied with the preliminary findings that indicate Harry Vance was murdered by Islamic terrorists?”
“I haven’t been fully brought up to date.” He added, “It’s not my case.”
“When you get back to Kaiserslautern, go tell Harry’s wife that.”
“Should I also tell her about his fräulein?”
“Someone will. Might as well be you.”
Jenkins glanced at his watch, obviously hoping the two CID guys showed up soon so he could say hello and good-bye. He said to Brodie, “You’re welcome to brief your replacements.”
“I have no instructions regarding briefing my replacements.” He added, “It’s not in the script.”
“Okay. But it would be useful if you do that.”
“Ms. Taylor has filed a full report of what we did here. The report is with Sharon Whitmore, the embassy legal attaché. Your colleagues should request a copy.”
“Okay. I’ll let them know.” He added, “This case seems to be all but solved anyway.” He looked at Brodie.
Brodie was tempted to say, “The fat lady ain’t sung yet,” but he said, “It would seem that way.”
“Right. So…?”
“So, I have a few questions for you, formyfinal report.”
“Okay.”
Brodie looked at him. “In May of last year, you and Harry were handed an assault case in Stuttgart.”
Jenkins thought a moment. “The racist German colonel. That was a PR nightmare, which is someone else’s problem. We were in and out in three hours. What about it?”
“Can you tell me anything about NordFaust?”
“What’s that?”
“The neo-Nazi group that this colonel claimed membership in.” He added, “It was mentioned in your report.”
