"Correct, Herr Standartenf?hrer. We are officers of belligerent powers on neutral soil."
"While there is still time, it might be a good idea for you to cultivate him. Doing so would make your indignation at his passing more credible."
You slimy, amoral, miserable sonofabitch!
"I see your reasoning, Herr Standartenf?hrer," Peter said. "I don't know how-"
"If the situation comes up where you can, Hans," Goltz said, "don't be too obvious about it."
The waiter appeared with their drinks.
"I'm sorry now that I ordered this," Goltz said. "I would really like cham-pagne."
"Well, we can have champagne with our dinner, Herr Standartenf?hrer."
"Hans, about dinner..."
"Yes, Herr Standartenf?hrer?"
"The point is, we have actually covered all the matters I wanted to discuss with you over dinner. In point of fact, a good deal more. And Gradny-Sawz has promised a diversion, if you take my meaning, if I could conclude our business at an early hour. Could I renege on my offer of dinner? Save it for another time?"
"Of course, Herr Standartenf?hrer."
"Do I detect a tone of relief in your voice, Hans?"
"Perhaps regret, Herr Standartenf?hrer. I was looking forward to having dinner."
"What I meant was that I thought perhaps after how you spent yesterday af-ternoon and evening, you might wish to make a very early night of it. Our Inge can be exhausting."
"I don't think I will be up until the wee hours tonight, Herr Standarten-f?hrer."
"Can I drop you somewhere?"
"I can find a taxi, Herr Standartenf?hrer."
"You're sure?"
"I live in the opposite direction from Herr Gradny-Sawz's house, Herr Standartenf?hrer."
"Well, then. The least I can do is pay for the drinks," Goltz said. He laid money on the table and
put out his hand to Peter.
"Bon chasse, Herr Standartenf?hrer," Peter said.
"And the same to you, Hans. After you regain your strength, of course."
Goltz walked to the balcony stairs. Peter watched him descend and leave The Horse. He caught the waiter's eye and signaled that he wanted the check. When he had paid it, he left The Horse and walked up Avenida del Libertador past the polo field.
When he was satisfied that he wasn't being followed, he flagged down a taxi and gave the driver the address of Humberto Valdez Duarte's mansion on Avenida Alvear.
[THREE]
1420 Avenida Alvear
Buenos Aires, Argentina
2025 14 April 1943