The Munich Faction 2: Enforcer, page 1
part #2 of The Munich Faction Series
The Munich Faction - 2
Enforcer
A Parallel Nazi Novel
Ward Wagher
Copyright © 2023 Paris Mountain Press
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 9798393686543
This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.
Books by Ward Wagher
The Saga of Scott Baughman
Hannah Sorpat’s Eye – A Novel of Alien Abduction
Without Beginning of Days
Witnesses in the Cloud
The Chronicles of Montora
The Mountains of Montora
The Margrave of Montora
The Snows of Montora
Christmas in Montora
The Diamonds of Montora
Harcourt's World
The Wealth of the Worlds
The Parallel Nazi
1 - Accidental Nazi
2 - Improbable Nazi
3 - Impossible Nazi
4 - Inconsequential Nazi
5 - Resolute Nazi
6 - Threads of Despair
7 - This Throw of the Dice
8 – Things Never Known
9 – Yamamoto’s Gold
The Munich Faction – 1: Courier
The Munich Faction – 2: Enforcer
The Nazi Magician
Nazi Magician – Inventor
The Parallel-Multiverse
Rubracks, Nazis, the Death of the Universe and Everything
Gravity Rising
The Last Paladin
McNeel’s World
The Caledon Emergence
Dynastic Ambition
By Bob Anderson & Ward Wagher
The Final Hero
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
wACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to Bob and Walter who edited the text and offered suggestions which could only improve the book. Thanks to Ric for reading and commenting on the story. And again, thanks to the readers who make this all worthwhile.
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CHAPTER ONE
December 23, 1940, 8 PM
Hotel Kaiserhof
Berlin, Germany
The blazing chandeliers, the small chamber orchestra playing Strauss Waltzes, and the animated conversations belied the war with England and the nightly bombing raids over Germany’s capital city. The heavy blackout curtains covering the windows of the ballroom were the only apparent concession to the conflict that ravaged Europe.
Heinrich Schloss had arranged for the Nazi Party to reserve the ballroom at the Kaiserhof for this evening. He was hosting a reception for the party members in Berlin. It was “by invitation only” but included the people who worked directly for Schloss as well as those who had worked for Bormann.
Gerhard and Katlin Wicklein mingled with the group, and he introduced Katlin to those in the Berlin office who did not know her. Karl Rainer stood in one corner holding a flute of Sekt and observed. The people who knew Rainer from Munich were friendly, while the rest avoided him. Wicklein considered that understandable given the changes in the office mood after Schloss took over as Parteileiter.
The undercurrent that roiled through the reception was because Schloss had killed Borman less than three weeks previously. He had personally walked down the hall and shot the former Parteileiter to forestall the opposite from happening. Of course, a widely held opinion was that Schloss had murdered Bormann to advance in the Nazi hierarchy. Those holding that view were confused because Hitler had seemed to endorse the action by promoting Schloss.
“People don’t know what to think,” Katlin commented quietly to Gerhard as they moved across the room.
“Their world has certainly been shaken over the past month,” he replied.
“First, Herr Schloss moved from Munich to Berlin, and now he controls the Party.”
“Bormann’s people expected the Gestapo to cart Herr Schloss away; instead, he showed up with Hess to punctuate the promotion.”
She giggled. “There is no question that the Führer has unquestioned authority. Everybody knew what he intended when he sent the Deputy Führer over to announce Herr Schloss as the new Parteileiter.”
“I think they are confused because they expected Bormann to win. I think Bormann expected to win.”
“I’m sure he was surprised,” she added.
Gerhard chuckled. “And not in a good way. Herr Schloss takes his time deciding upon action, but no one mistakes his intent once he moves.”
“And the result is good for all of us.”
“Good for the whole country.”
“Nobody is speaking with him at the moment,” she commented. “Shall we greet him?”
“That’s a good idea,” he replied.
They made their way to the far wall away from the buffet, where Schloss was without hangers-on for the moment.
“Herr Parteileiter, a fine reception,” Gerhard said. “Thank you.”
Schloss nodded. “You are welcome. I am glad you are enjoying it.”
Gerhard grinned. “And I know you would rather be elsewhere.”
“I hope that it does not show,” Schloss smiled. “But you are correct, of course. I do not enjoy parties and receptions. I would rather be home with Hannelore.”
“We miss seeing Frau Schloss this evening,” Katlin commented.
“She was not feeling well today,” Schloss said. “She hated to miss this. To be honest, she enjoys these gatherings more than I.”
“We will keep your secret,” Gerhard said.
“It’s no great secret,” Schloss chuckled. “But one does what one must.”
“Of course.”
Schloss turned to Katlin. “I am delighted to have your husband working in the Berlin office. His trust during the recent turmoil was important to me. And seeing you again is added delight.”
Katlin blushed. “We are honored with your trust, Herr Parteileiter.”
Another couple had moved in close to take their turn at interacting with the Parteileiter, so Gerhard and Katlin moved over to the buffet.
“Herr Schloss did not stint on the refreshments,” Katlin commented. “This is very nice.”
“Karl used to accuse me of strafing the buffet at these meetings. Before we were married, this was how I got some of my better meals.”
“But your life is so much better now,” Katlin said, placing her hand on his arm.
“Oh, that is so very true,” he replied. “I never realized what I was missing until I met you.”
She nudged him. “Should we go over and annoy Karl?”
“You never annoy him,” Gerhard said. “I try not to do so often.”
She bumped her hip against him. “You.”
They walked over to the corner where an invisible barrier separated the crowd from Schloss’s assistant. He displayed his most intimidating look, which many interpreted as a suggestion they not approach.
“Always the party animal, Karl?” Gerhard asked.
“Can’t you tell?”
Katlin laughed and touched his arm. “I can tell you would rather be elsewhere.”
“I enjoy these more than Herr Schloss,” Rainer responded.
“Yes, but that covers a lot of territory,” Gerhard said.
“May I assume you are studying the attendees, Gerhard?” Rainer asked.
“Of course. Are you going to give me a quiz at the office tomorrow?”
Rainer snorted. “I am sure you are doing your homework. Have you spotted the security people in the room?”
Gerhard jumped. “You mean more than the guards at the door?”
Rainer nodded slowly.
“I stand corrected. How many people do you have in the room?”
“You can tell me tomorrow when we meet,” Rainer replied.
Gerhard bit his lower lip and grinned around it. He looked at Katrin. “I just missed the first question on the quiz.”
“You’ll figure it out,” Rainer said. “I rarely have to explain things to you a second time.”
“Are you expecting trouble tonight?”
“No, but I always prepare for it. There are still unhappy people in the party headquarters.”
Katlin gazed around the room. “I see what you mean, Karl. It is easy to spot the people
“Exactly. Their being here shows that they have accepted the new status quo. But they still bear watching.”
“Is the Parteileiter aware of this?” Gerhard asked.
“I’m sure he is,” Rainer replied. “But this reception is mainly to favor those loyal to him. Although, I suppose he is using it to drive home the lesson to those who supported Bormann.”
“I’m glad I don’t have his problems,” Katlin commented. “Keeping Gerhard under control is sufficiently challenging for me.”
“I understand completely,” Rainer said, his eyes twinkling. “Now, perhaps you should go enjoy yourselves.”
“Let’s go over and strafe the buffet again, Precious.”
Katlin pinched his waist. “I think you have had enough for tonight, mein Herr.”
“There’s Marco Vissing over there. He heads the communications section. He was really looking forward to tonight. He wanted to introduce his wife to us.”
“Is he that little man with the beard?”
“That’s the one. Let’s head in that direction.”
While Gerhard was not above average in height, it seemed to him that he towered over Vissing. The short, barrel-shaped, balding man was barely a meter and a half tall. He was unusual in that beards were uncommon in Berlin.
“Marco,” Gerhard cried, “so good to see you tonight,”
“Ah, thanks, Gerhard. I am glad to be here.”
Vissing turned to the thin woman standing next to him. Although short, she was as tall as her husband.
“Allow me to introduce Herr and Frau Wicklein. You have heard me talk about him. And this is my wife, Lina.”
“I am Gerhard and this is my wife Katlin. And we are delighted to meet you.”
“Pleased to meet,” Frau Vissing said. “Marco has spoken of you, and I am glad to finally put a face to the name. It was generous for the Parteileiter to arrange this reception.”
“I must say that I probably would not have learned the city so quickly had Marco not driven me all over,” Gerhard commented.
“It’s because you have no sense of direction,” Marco said.
“I have noticed,” Katlin commented. “I have to guide him when we take little Karl out in his carriage.”
Gerhard smiled indulgently. “It’s good that we found some use for Marco.”
Lina laughed and punched Marco on the shoulder. “That’s good. I have also found some uses for Marco.”
Katlin put her hand to her mouth and laughed at Lina’s unintended double entendre. Marco blushed. Lina grinned broadly, and Gerhard wondered if the woman’s statement was really unintentional. After a few minutes of conversation, Gerhard and Katlin moved along.
Schloss quietly stepped out the door and left the party. Gerhard looked at his wife.
“I guess Herr Schloss has fulfilled his duties for the evening. We probably should mingle more with the guests.”
“I keep forgetting that you are well-known in the party. I remember those days when you huddled at your little desk in the basement and slipped out for courier runs.”
“I didn’t go looking for it. Karl and Herr Schloss keep handing me these projects that increase my visibility.”
“And that means they trust you.”
“And I have tried hard not to betray that trust.”
It turned into a long evening for Gerhard and Katlin. The party wound down at 10 PM. The attendees hurried to get home before midnight in case the Englanders showed up over the city. The Wickleins arrived home at 10:30. Frau Fenstermacher from downstairs had babysat little Karl but was obviously glad to leave.
“The child was fussy tonight,” the severe-looking neighbor stated. “I was able to walk him to sleep, but you may have a rough night.”
“Oh, thank you, Frau Fenstermacher,” Katlin said. “I’m sorry you had so much trouble.”
“It was no trouble, Liebling. I raised six of my own and have no problems with little Karl. He is mostly a good baby.”
Gerhard showed her to the door and slipped her a twenty Reichsmark note. He probably paid her too much, but he wanted her enthusiastic assent when they needed a sitter. And she seemed competent.
Katlin was brushing out her hair when Gerhard walked into the bedroom. He leaned over and kissed her head as he moved toward the closet.
“A nice evening, but I’m glad it is over,” she said.
“You don’t like these parties much, either,” she replied.
“I do enjoy them. I don’t like having to greet and glad-hand everyone. That gets old.”
“You would rather graze at the buffet,” she commented.
“That and spend time with you. The food was wonderful tonight, but you are even better.”
She laid her brush down and turned to him. “I’m not sure I want to be compared to food, mein Herr.”
“Why not? I think you are delicious.”
“Ha! Always trying to get your way with me.”
“It seems to work,” he said.
“We may not get much sleep tonight between you and little Karl.”
“Sometimes the price must be paid,” he replied.
They were interrupted by the baby’s cry from the next room.
“We may have to postpone payment,” she murmured.
CHAPTER TWO
December 26, 1940, 9 AM
Karl Rainer’s Office
Nazi Party Headquarters
Berlin Germany
“Sorry to do this, Gerhard, but I need to send you out again.”
Gerhard looked across at Karl Rainer as they sipped their morning cup of coffee in Rainer’s office. Post-Yuletide snowflakes danced against the windows in the early morning light, and it was very cold outside.
“Somebody’s got to do it,” he replied, “and I know I’m better at this than most. Where am I going?”
“Munich,” Rainer replied. “Herr Schloss needs to send some explicit instructions to Herr Daumer.”
“What’s our friend Marcel done this time?”
“Just between these four walls, Gerhard, Daumer is trying to replace the key people in the Munich office with his cronies. Herr Schloss will instruct him to refer all hiring and firing decisions back to me.”
“Why do we have him there if we can’t trust him to make decisions?” Gerhard asked.
Karl raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. “The irony isn’t lost on me. It’s that Herr Daumer represented the best of several bad choices.”
Gerhard accepted the implied rebuke. “Very well. When do I need to leave?”
“Unfortunately, you need to leave this afternoon. Gottfried has your rail passes. I told him to get you a sleeper. You should be able to deliver the packet in the morning and get back tomorrow night.”
“I will need to run home and pack. I’ve gotten out of the habit of keeping an overnight bag in the office.”
Rainer smiled. “Is that whining I hear?”
“No, of course not.”
“Cheer up, Gerhard. I’ll even give you the weekend off.”
“Oh, how can I ever thank you, Herr Rainer?”
Rainer laughed. “Go on. Go get packed. And take the time for a cup of coffee with Katlin. I don’t want her to be unhappy.”
“What about me?” Gerhard reposted.
“You are serving the Reich. What could be more joyful?”
“Mein Gott,” Gerhard muttered as he left Rainer’s office.
Wicklein faced one more surprise when he returned to the office after a quick trip home. Lieutenant Strang was seated outside of Wicklein’s office.
“What brings you to Berlin, Erich?” Gerhard asked as he waved the other man into his office.
“You didn’t know? The Special Assistant asked Himmler to provide an escort for your trip to Munich. Since I happened to be in town and had worked with you, I seemed to be the square peg in the square hole.”
“Hah, more like a cross-threaded screw if you ask me.”
Gerhard looked at the funny look on Erich’s face. “What?”
“Heydrich short-stopped me from my trip to Warsaw and told me I was like a cross-threaded screw before he sent me over here.”
“He told you that?”
“He did.” Strang looked disgusted. “I worry that he thinks I don’t fit in well anywhere.”
“Cheer up, Erich. At least we won’t have to fly in a drafty old bomber.”
“Right. We get to spend the night sitting in a rail car. My Arsch hurts already.”
Gerhard held up a finger. “Ah, but Herr Brucks has gotten us a Wagon-lits for the trip. So, we’ll get a couple good meals and a night’s sleep.”
