The Romanov Ransom (Fargo Adventures 9)

“The Roman numerals on the one tin tell us which three of five rotors were used and in what order. The second tin—assuming we can clean up the digital image to read what’s on the bottom—would be the ring settings.”

“And the third?” Remi said. “The one we’re missing?”

Lazlo answered, “That would have the order of the wiring, the plugs. But with the third tin still missing, we have no way of knowing what’s stamped on the bottom. And, I’m afraid, the key to the other two—or, rather, what we’d need to decipher the letters—would be on that third tin.”

“Which is why I’m calling,” Sam said. “We found an Enigma machine—possibly the one they used—in the tunnels in Poland.”

“But it was destroyed,” Remi added.

“Mystery solved,” Lazlo said. “That’s got to be why Lambrecht was on his way to Häussler. Trying to figure out how to decipher the code without it. Unfortunately, that doesn’t help us much now.”

“Can’t we use a different machine?” Remi asked Lazlo. “There has to be a number of them in private collections and museums. If we can get one, you can decipher the letters.”

“Not that easy,” Sam said.

“Quite right,” Lazlo replied. “Assuming your theory is correct, even though we know which variant of the machine—three rotors versus four—and in which order—the start positions, et cetera, et cetera—we’re still missing one important variable—the order of the plugs wired into the machine, no doubt stamped on the bottom of that third tin.”

“The wiring?” Remi looked over at Sam. “The machine was smashed, but I distinctly remember seeing the wiring still plugged in.”

“You’re sure?” Lazlo asked.

“Positive. But I didn’t pay attention to the order. Did you, Sam?”

“I was paying more attention to the smashed rotors, but I definitely noticed exposed wires. The good news is, we know someone who can get some photos. If we’re lucky, it’ll narrow down the options.”

“Brilliant,” Lazlo said. “Any chance I can speak to him first? Might make things a lot easier.”

“Not a problem,” Sam replied, slipping his phone from his pocket. “I’ll give him a call while we still have you on video.”

A moment later, he had Gustaw on the line, and introduced Selma and Lazlo. Lazlo explained what they needed, finishing with, “Pay particular attention to the front of the machine, where the plugs and wiring are. If you can get photos before it’s moved, and from multiple angles, that should help. In case any of the plugs were dislodged when they tried to destroy it, it’s possible we can re-create the position.”

“Anything else?” Gustaw asked.

“I think that should do it,” Lazlo said.

“What about the Guard?” Sam added. “Any chance you can get in there without being followed?”

“I saw a few in town yesterday, so they’re still here,” Gustaw replied. “But no alerts on the cameras.”

“I’d rather be safe than sorry,” Sam said as Remi nodded her agreement. “We’re just outside Münster. We can fly into Wroclaw.”

“What about the Russians?” Selma asked. “Wouldn’t that be quicker?”

Remi added. “Good idea. They’re still in Wroclaw, waiting for Viktor to get out of the hospital.”

“Russians?” Gustaw said. “Did I miss something?”

Sam gave a quick explanation, ending with, “I’ll call Tatiana now and have her get in touch with you. I’m sure she’ll be happy to help.”

62

Tatiana knocked on the doorframe of Viktor’s hospital room. “You’re awake.”

“Come in,” he said.

“How are you?”

“About this close to making a break for it. They say one more day.”