PARADOX - Chapter 39

Chapter 39

May 7, 2012 – Near Mount Fitz Roy – Argentina



The large table in the main dining area was set for a formal occasion. Occupying seats around the table were seven people. Hans, as host, sat at the head of the massive table with Daria to his left and Señor d’Amador to his right. Next to Daria, Colonel Dorbec seemingly appeared to be out of place and uncomfortable. Others at the privileged setting were Szekler, Schäfer, and a new man who had yet to be introduced to the others. Dorbec instantly knew the man was military or ex-military. His ramrod posture, precise bearing and sharp penetrating eyes gave him away.

The wine steward brought a bottle of wine and presented it to Hans who nodded in approval. After the ritual of opening and tasting it, the steward poured a measured amount in each person’s glass.

“A toast to a most beautiful and charming lady,” Hans raised his glass. “To the granddaughter of our beloved leader.” Everyone replied to the toast except Daria, who defiantly refused to lift her glass until the toast was finished. Glancing around the table she noted the fanatical eagerness displayed on each face as they raised their glasses, all except Colonel Dorbec, who remained somewhat taciturn.

“Before we continue I would like to introduce my special guest.” Hans lifted his glass in salute to the man sitting across from Dorbec. “This is Herr Wilhelm von Liegntz. Wilhelm descends from Prussian royalty, but don’t tell him that, he’s a very devout Party member.”

“And what Party are you referring too?” Daria addressed the handsome young man. He was almost as perfect as Hans, somewhat shorter with a large scar on his left cheek that enhanced rather than detracted from his good looks.

“The National Socialist Party, Fraulein,” Wilhelm smiled eagerly. “The Party of your beloved grandfather.”

Daria rolled her eyes and glanced sideways at Colonel Dorbec. “Can you believe it, these fruitcakes think the Nazi Party is still going strong?”

Uncomfortable with the trend, Dorbec changed the subject. “Does Monsieur Liegntz also reside in this charming country?”

“Wilhelm works for me,” Hans injected. “One might say you and he are in the same security business. Although I must admit he does not have your extensive background as a commander nor your indepth experience and training.”

Just as I figured, Dorbec surmised. There’s more to him than meets the eye. He was starting to second-guess the situation he had placed his Team in. The mission he had originally contracted for, under the hire of Herr Szekler,  was successfully completed. Now, he was the guest of what appeared to be a group of Neo-Nazis. He also knew enough about Szekler’s background and financial capability to know that they were serious, deadly serious.

“The reason I asked Wilhelm to join us is to brief you on a mission of extreme importance,” Hans continued. “However, I never mix work with pleasure and I am sure everyone is anticipating the pleasure of a good meal.”

Dorbec started to remind him that his contract had been fulfilled, but decided to wait for further developments. If he didn’t like the new proposal, he could always take his men and leave. The money they had already made from this mission would take care of each man for life.

Hans signaled for the Chef to serve the entrées.

“Ja Herr UnterFuhrer,” the man nervously blurted. Hans glanced at him with a scathing stare.

Daria watched the short exchange with curiosity. She could see murder in Hans’ eyes, cold ruthless anger, barely kept under control. She knew what unterFuhrer meant, but it was seldom used in today’s modern world. There was no doubt that she had been abducted by a powerful group of Neo-Nazis. What their ultimate intentions were, she could only guess.

The meal was not ruined by Hans’ sudden flair of temper. As fast as it developed, it disappeared. He was a very charming and polite host and supervised the meal as if he was a sea captain at the helm of his ship. As stipulated, conversation during the meal was relegated to a plethora of subjects from the cinema to the arts with no mention of business or future planning. Had Daria not been consciously aware of her situation, it would have been a most pleasurable evening. Her host and the men around the table were some of the most intelligent people she had ever met. That they were involved in some crazy scheme or ridiculous dream of reviving the Third Reich was unfortunate.

After the meal Hans directed the men to the drawing room where they could smoke, have a drink of their choosing, and discuss business. He insisted that Daria retire to the library or other entertainment areas within the house, too which she reluctantly acquiesced. She selected to take a dip in the Olympic size swimming pool to cool off.

As he entered, Dorbec was surprised to see Mueller and Fleischer in the drawing room. Why two criminals would be included in a special meeting eluded him. Mueller was reclining on a large leather couch and Fleischer was helping himself to a snifter of whiskey. He could almost feel the heat of hatred pouring from Mueller’s eyes as he casually walked over and poured himself a cognac from the well stocked bar.

Hans offered cigars to his guests and poured himself a snifter of cognac, waving his hand at the wide selection of liqueurs and wines, indicating to Wilhelm that he should help himself. He waited for everyone to settle down before discussing business.

“The American commandos of Herr Stiehl’s Team have uncovered another jewel,” Hans casually informed the group. “My resources indicate that it was hidden in a grave near a little village named Villa La Angostura. Securing this jewel will finally end our long search and allow us to move on to, shall we say, better things. I need you and your men to obtain this item, Colonel Dorbec.”

Dorbec looked at Hans then glanced at Mueller, who was helping himself to a cigar at the bar. “My men?”

Hans followed his gaze and immediately understood Dorbec’s train of thought. “Herr Mueller and Herr Fleischer will go with you, but they have a separate mission. I would be honored if you would allow Wilhelm to accompany you. He needs to learn from someone who has mastered the art of war. He will, of course, be at your disposal.”

“What compensation shall I tell my men they can expect?”

“Since this is at most a two day operation, with me supplying the transportation and other resources, would you agree that one hundred thousand Euros per man is sufficient? Half a million Euros for yourself of course.”

The offer was more than generous. In fact, it was far too generous. If he has the resources and manpower he claims to have, why does he need my team? Dobec mused. But, money is money and I wouldn’t be leading my outfit for long if I didn’t get them the pay they deserved.

“Time is of the essence.” Hans puffed his cigar. “You need to be on the ground by tomorrow evening and have possession of the jewel by the following morning. Can you do it?”

Dorbec took a sip of his cognac then swirled the golden liquid around in his snifter. “If I can get maps of the area and solid information on Stiehl’s Team; their capabilities, armament, numbers, location and so forth, I can do it.”

“And Wilhelm?”

“There’s no reason he shouldn’t tag along, providing he doesn’t get in the way.”

Hans grinned at Dorbec then at Wilhelm and proposed another toast. “Salut.”  Wilhelm has a dossier on the information you need. Good luck on your mission Colonel. I will be flying out early in the morning for a meeting and will not be here to see you off. While you and Wilhelm discuss the details, I will inform Herr Mueller and Herr Fleischer of their mission, then I will join Frauelin Wolff in the pool.” He signaled for Mueller and Fleischer to follow him from the room.

“The Americans are staying at a large villa near Lago Trafull, northeast of a small village named Villa Los Angostura.” Wilhelm spread several maps out on the coffee table. “The villa is heavily forested on three sides and open to the east. There is one small farm road, which connects to highway 65 several miles away. The nearest police are a good fifty miles south at San Carlos de Beriloche. We can fly in by helicopter, accomplish our mission, and be out before the locals even know anyone was there.”

“How many men are we expecting to engage?” Doebec spread a folded section of the map so he could read the names of the villages in the area.

“Eleven as of last count, but only eight of them are trained commandos. The Italian, Doctor Prestano, Heinreich von Schwerin of the Bundeswehr and a third man, who has something to do with the Church, are civilians.”

“Never count Henri as a civilian,” Dorbec smiled. “He’s got more special operations training than just about anyone I know, except me perhaps. He may not be in the best physical shape but his mind is sharp as a knife.”

“The layout of the villa is common for the area.” Wilhelm gave Dorbec a diagram of the floor plans. “There is a flat saddle about a kilometer northeast of the villa with a tree covered draw running to within a hundred meters of the house. I recommend we land there and make our move using this draw as cover.”

“They will have that draw covered with anti-intrusion devices and at least one man on overwatch,” Doebec replied. “You must think like a commando to beat commando’s my friend. Always do the unexpected. Diversions work well and your target never knows when they are really diversions or the main assault point. Divide and conquer has always been one of my favorite scenarios.”

“I can arrange for any diversions you need,” Wilhelm smiled. “You know we have other assets available.”

“That’s one reason I was curious as to why my Team is needed?” Dorbec picked up his snifter and drained the remaining cognac in one gulp, making a face as the burning liquid hit his throat. “Why waste money on expensive mercenaries if you have men of your own?”

Wilhelm hesitated as if trying to think of a reasonable answer. “The greatest part of our assets are elsewhere,” he finally replied. “But there are enough men available to act as a small diversionary force or more if needed.”

For the next several hours Dorbec described his plan of action and the assets he would need to fulfill his part of the mission. By the time he and Wilhelm finished their planning it was nearing midnight. He was still uncomfortable working with Nazi wanna-be’s, but, as they say in the mercenary trade…the money’s good!