The Honor of Spies

Martin considered that for a moment before asking, "And the other?"

"The other reason is quite selfish," von Gradny-Sawz said. "The possibility exists that I might find it necessary at some time in the future to . . . how do I say this? . . . seek asylum in this beautiful country of yours, and I would like a highly placed friend should that become necessary."

Martin looked at him intently. Von Gradny-Sawz met his eyes for a very long moment, then picked up his wineglass again.

"Anton," Martin said carefully, "if you are serious about seeking asylum, it will take me a couple of days to . . ."

"I don't think--operative word think--that such action will be immediately necessary. I would like to think of myself as a loyal German, a loyal diplomat, who would not take such action unless it was absolutely necessary. I am not a traitor. What I would like to do is have the asylum ready should I need it. In the meantime, I will carry out my duties at the embassy and, while doing so, make what might be considered deposits in my account with you."

"For example?" Martin asked.

"What I just gave you, for example. A violation of the generally accepted standards of decency, which I don't consider are covered by questions of lo yalty."

Martin nodded his understanding or agreement, or maybe both.

I've got him, von Gradny-Sawz decided.

El Coronel Martin not only took the bait but swallowed it whole.

Kidnapping Don Cletus Frade's mother-in-law and brother-in-law to exchange them for the Froggers would be a clever thing to do, the sort of thing Cranz--if he were considerably more intelligent than he believes himself to be--would dream up.

"Do you have any idea when this kidnapping is supposed to take place?"

Since it exists only in my imagination, Alejandro, I know it will never be attempted.

Von Gradny-Sawz shook his head.

"If I am able to learn more, Alejandro, I'll let you know."

I have just given him several problems.

What is he to do?

Put guards on Senora de Mallin and the boy, which would carry with it the risk that questions would be asked that he wouldn't want to answer? Such as who told him?

Tell Don Cletus Frade, which could pose all sorts of problems?

Tell his superiors, who might decide to have a quiet word with von Lutzenberger, pointing out the risks of kidnapping a very prominent Argentine woman?

Would von Lutzenberger decide that Cranz, who was capable of such a scheme, was again acting behind his back?

Would any of these scenarios raise questions about Anton von Gradny-Sawz in von Lutzenberger's mind? Or in Cranz's or Boltitz's?

I think not.

This is the second time I have crossed the Rubicon. It becomes easier if one has done it before.

Von Gradny-Sawz raised his hand over his shoulder, snapped his fingers, and called, "Herr Ober!"

The waiter appeared and von Gradny-Sawz mimed for him to open the second bottle of Don Guillermo Cabernet Sauvignon.

VIII

[ONE]

Office of the Managing Director

Banco de Inglaterra y Argentina

Bartolome Mitre 300

Buenos Aires, Argentina

1430 19 September 1943

"You have an international call, Senor Duarte," Humberto Duarte's secretary announced at his office door. "It is Senor Frade calling from Brazil."

"Put it through, put it through," Duarte said impatiently.

He had the handset of his ornate, French-style telephone to his ear before his secretary had moved from the door.

It took ninety seconds before Frade came on the line.

"What did I do, Humberto? Interrupt your lunch?"

"Where the hell are you?" Humberto began, and then before Frade could possibly reply, went on, "No one knew where you were."

"And you thought I had crashed? I'm touched by your concern."