Secret Honor (Honor Bound 3)

“Now, where were we?” he asked.

“While you were gone, Manfred,” von Löwzer said, “I wondered about the reaction of the diplomatic community to the murders.”

“Generally speaking, of course, and vis-à-vis Oberst Frade, they thought that was a mistake,” von Lutzenberger said. “As did I, you will recall, Friedrich. I advised against that action. And vis-à-vis Grüner and Goltz, they feel we should not have been surprised that the Argentine military did not turn the other cheek.”

“I was opposed to the elimination of Frade myself,” von Deitzberg said. “And said so. That decision was made at the highest levels.”

You really are a stranger to the truth, aren’t you, my dear Generalmajor?

“Then time has proven you and me right, hasn’t it?” von Lutzenberger said.

“I confess to being a little surprised—if I understand you correctly—that the diplomatic community believes Germany was involved.”

“They take their lead from the Argentine military, and the military never had any doubt who was responsible.”

“Late yesterday afternoon, I went to see Oberst Perón,” von Deitzberg said. “I conveyed to him the regrets of his many friends in Germany, especially within the officer corps, that an out-of-control SS officer, acting without authority, caused the death of Oberst Frade.”

Von Lutzenberger looked at him with interest.

“Before you do anything like that again, Herr Generalmajor, please consult with me,” von Lutzenberger said.

“I made it quite plain to Perón, Mr. Ambassador, that my visit was unofficial.”

“And you said Goltz was the loose cannon on our deck?”

“No. Grüner,” von Deitzberg said.

“Grüner? Do you think he believed you?”

“Yes. I think so. Von Wachtstein was with me. He said he thought Perón believed me.”

“Von Wachtstein has become close to the Duarte family. The mother of Hauptmann Duarte, Frau Duarte, who is mentally unbalanced, is especially fond of him. When von Wachtstein came to me for guidance in the matter, I encouraged him—on the advice of both Goltz and Gradny-Sawz—to cultivate the relationship. Frau Duarte is the late Oberst Frade’s sister, and her husband is the managing director of the Anglo-Argentine Bank. That could very well be quite valuable in connection with Operation Phoenix.”

“How much does von Wachtstein know about Operation Phoenix?”

“Goltz was going to tell him what he thought he should know.”

“And how much do you think he did tell him?”

“I’m sure he told him about the Graf Spee officers’ repatriation. He was going to be involved in that.”

“And nothing else?”

“I don’t know what else he told him, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he at least alluded to Operation Phoenix. And I would be very surprised if von Wachtstein—he’s a very bright young man—hasn’t wondered why we went to all that trouble to smuggle shortwave radios and civilian clothing from a Spanish vessel into Argentina, when one can buy radios and civilian clothing in Buenos Aires.”

“He’s asked questions, has he?”

“Oh, no. He’s a soldier, General. He obeys orders and doesn’t ask questions.”

“Then you would say he’s not the source of the information that permitted Oberst Frade’s son to be waiting on the beach at Samborombón Bay?”

“For several reasons, I think that’s highly unlikely.”

“Would you tell me why?”

“First of all, I don’t think he knew. Secondly, if he knew, I don’t think he had a motive to tell anyone—or the opportunity. But even if he had both, I don’t think he would have betrayed his country.”

“Because you think he’s a reliable young soldier?”