an inflamed skin rash the size of a demitasse saucer appeared, directing whoever performed an autopsy to investigate the unusual manifestation. Contrary to general belief, the data stored in an ROM for a solitary purpose and environs could be extracted by equipment foreign to its original controls.
In the wrong hands, the Brotherhood of the Watch could be destroyed, its secrets exposed, its global objecttives all too clear. Mein Gott! reflected Kroeger. We are the victims of our own progress! Then he thought of the proliferation of nuclear weapons and realized the truth of his unoriginal conclusion.
There was Moreau! The broad-shouldered chief of the [email protected] walked out of the building's entrance and turned to his right, hastening his steps on the pavement. He was in a hurry, which meant Kroeger had to practically run to catch up, for the Frenchman was heading in the opposite direction. Parting the bodies in front of him, his apologies half in German, half in French, he closed the distance between himself and Moreau, leaving angry strollers in his wake. Finally, he was within arm's reach.
"I was sure it was you," continued the surgeon in French.
"A
billfold or a notebook. A man picked it up and ran!"
Moreau quickly felt his pockets, his face changing from concern to relief.
"You are mistaken," he said, "I'm missing nothing, but I'm grateful nevertheless. Pickpockets are numerous in Paris."
"As they are in Munich, monsieur. I apologize, but the brotherhood I belong to insists we follow the Christian precepts of helping others."
"I see, a Christian brotherhood, how admirable." Moreau stared at the man as pedestrians rushed by on both sides.
"The Pont Neuf at nine o'clock tonight," he added, lowering his voice.
"The north trespass."
The Paris mist diffused the moon's reflection on the waters of the Seine; a summer rain was imminent. In contrast to the majority of strollers on the bridge who were hurrying to escape the inclement weather, the two figures walked slowly toward each other on the north pedestrian walk. They met at midpoint; Moreau spoke first.
"You made reference to something that might be familiar to me.
Would you care to clarify?"
"There's no time for games, monsieur. We both know who we are and what we are. Terrible things have happened
"So I understand-things I knew nothing about until this morning. The alarming aspect is that my office was not kept up-to-date. I can't help but wonder why. Have any of your couriers been indiscreet?"
"Certainly not! Our mission now, our paramount mission, is to find the American Harry Latham. It's more vital than you can imagine. We know that the embassy, with the aid of the Antinayous, is hiding him somewhere here in Paris. We must find him! Surely American intelligence keeps you informed. Where is he?"
"You've just made several leaps beyond my knowledge, monsieur .. . what is your name? I do not talk to unidentified men."
"Kroeger, Dr. -Gerhardt Kroeger, and a call to Bonn will confirm my high station!"
"How impressive. And what 'high station' do you occupy, Doctor?"
"I was the surgeon who .. . who saved Harry Latham's life. And now I must find him."
"Yes, you said that. You're aware, are you not, that his brother Drew was killed by your idiot K Unit?"
"It was the wrong brother."
"Again, I see. It was the K Unit, killers barely out of school, if they ever went to one."
"I will not tolerate your insults!" cried a frustrated Kroeger.
"Frankly, you're not considered entirely reliable, so I advise you to be direct with me. You know the consequences if you're not."
"If what you say is true, I'm a rich man for it."
"Find us Harry Latham!"
"I'll certainly try-"
"Stay up all night, reach every source you have French American, British, everyone. Find out where they've hidden Harry Latham! I'm at the Lutetia, room eight hundred."
"The top floor. You must be important"
"I will not sleep until I hear from you."
"That's foolish, Doctor. As a physician, you should know that a lack of sleep makes for unstable thinking. But since you're so persuasive, your threats also, be assured I'll do my best to satisfy you."
"Sehr gut!" said Kroeger, reverting to German.
"I will leave now.
Do not disappoint me; do not disappoint the Briiderschaft, for you know what will happen."
"I understand."
Kroeger walked rapidly away, his figure quickly obscured by the settling mists. And Claude Moreau strolled slowly to find a taxi on the Rive Gauche. He had some thinking