Games of State - Tom Clancy [159]
The phone rang again and then again. Rolf looked up into the beams. "What should I do?" he asked.
Footsteps crunched toward him. "Answer it," Felix Richter said.
"Yes, sir," Rolf said. He was numb from the loss of his leaders, his heroes, as he reached into Manfred's jacket. He removed the phone. After a moment of feeling invasive, then ghoulish, he flipped open the unit and answered.
"Ja?" he said tentatively.
"This is Hauptmann Karl Rosenlocher," said the caller. "I want to speak with whoever is in command of you animals."
Rolf looked up at the light. "Herr Richter? He wants to speak with the commander."
"Who does?" Richter asked.
Rolf said, "Hauptmann Karl Rosenlocher."
Even in the dark Rolf saw Richter stiffen. More and more of the neo-Nazis were gathering as word spread of the deaths. Groups formed around Karin and Manfred as Richter stood there.
Jean-Michel arrived as Richter took the phone. Slowly, the German brought it to his mouth.
"This is Felix Richter."
"You know my voice," said Rosenlocher. "I want you to hear this voice."
A moment later a young woman said in English, "I told you you didn't beat me. You'll never win, any of you."
Richter said, "Child, we will come after you."
Rosenlocher came back on. "No you won't, Herr Richter. She's safe with me, along with the American who got her out. He called for me to collect them. As for you, this is one fire you won't be escaping."
Richter's eyes peered through the dark woods as he motioned several men over. He covered the mouthpiece. "Guns," he said. "Get ready with your guns!"
The men raised their weapons.
Richter said, "I'll meet force with force of my own."
"It won't do you any good," Rosenlocher said slowly, confidently. "This fire is from within."
"What are you talking about?"
"How do you think the American got to your camp tonight?" Rosenlocher asked. "He's one man in a wheelchair. Or is he?"
Richter peered into the dark.
"You were infiltrated, Herr Richter," said Rosenlocher. "My people are with you now. They helped him.
"You're lying," Richter said tensely.
"They've been with you all day," said Rosenlocher: "Watching. Preparing. Helping the American. You've lost key personnel tonight, haven't you, Herr Richter?"
Richter wasn't able to see very far in the thick night. "I don't believe this, and I don't believe you."
"Come after me. Perhaps a firelight will ensue. People will be firing into the dark. Who knows who will fall, Herr Richter? From which site will the bullet come?"
"You wouldn't dare murder me," said the neo-Nazi. "The truth will be discovered. You'll be ruined. There are laws."
Rosenlocher said, "Karin ignored them when she attacked the movie set. Do you think the public will care, Herr Richter? Will they really care when they learn that coldblooded murderers were slain?"
Richer said, "You won't win, Hauptmann. If I terminate this chase or leave now, you can do nothing!"
"It's out of my hands," said Rosenlocher. "I'm only calling to say good-bye. That, and to let you know I will not be among those who mourn."
The Hauptmann hung up. Richter threw down the telephone. "Damn his blood!"
"What is it?" someone asked.
Richter shook a fist and glared at his accomplices. "Hauptmann Rosenlocher says that we have been infiltrated by members of the Hamburg Landespolizei."
Rolf said, "Here?"
"Here," Richter said. He looked around. "Of course he's lying. It's idiotic, insane!" He thought aloud, "But why lie? He has the girl and the American. What does he gain?"
"Maybe he wasn't lying," one man said nervously.
Richter looked at him. "Do you want me to call off the pursuit? Maybe you are one of his men!"
"Herr Richter!" shouted another. "I have known Jorgen for years. He is true to the cause."
"Maybe the policeman is lying," said another man.
"Why?" Richter asked. "What does he gain? Fear? Dissent? Indecision? Panic?" He roared gutturally, "What does he gain?"
Jean-Michel said from behind him, "Time."
Richter spun on him. "What are you talking about?"
"The Hauptmann gains time," Jean-Michel said smoothly.