The Valhalla Exchange - Jack Higgins [88]
Ritter and Sorsa stood beside one of the two remaining half-tracks, drinking coffee and examining the ground plan of Schloss Arlberg which the German had brought from the inn.
'Once we're in they'll fall back to the north tower,' Ritter said. 'Nowhere else to go.'
'And what's that going to be like?'
'According to Strasser, a heavy, oaken door opening in two sections. That shouldn't take long. Inside, a hall then a broad stairway that diminishes in size, becoming a spiral at the higher levels. The dining hall, then a maze of passages and rooms right on up to the top.'
'If they take it room by room it could be nasty.'
'Not if we keep after them right from the word go. No hesitation, no let-up.'
The Finns were ready and waiting in the half-tracks, half a dozen with the Panzerfausts.
Ritter moved closer to examine the ugly-looking anti-tank projectiles. 'Are they good with these things?'
'We've had our successes. On target, one of these can open a T34 like a can of meat.'
'How many have we got?'
'Ten.'
'Then we can't afford to take chances. I'm putting Hoffer in charge. Make that clear to your men. He's the finest gunner I know.'
At that moment Hoffer called from the field car. 'Herr Strasser on the radio for you, Sturmbannfuhrer.'
Ritter leaned into the car. There was no static and Strasser's voice sounded clear and distinct. 'You've not started the assault?'
'Any minute now. Why?'
Strasser told him. When he was finished, Ritter said, 'So we don't have too much time, that's what you're trying to say? You needn't have bothered, Reichsleiter. We've been a little short on that commodity from the beginning. Over and out.'
He replaced the phone and turned to Sorsa. 'Trouble?' the Finn asked.
'Gaillard's managed to escape. He's taken to the mountain on skis. Strasser's sent Gestrin and his boys after him.'
'No problem,' Sorsa said. 'The best in the business. They'll lay him by the heels soon enough.'
'I wouldn't count on it. He was an Olympic gold medallist at Chamonix in 1924. If he runs across a British or American column before Gestrin and his men get to him ...'
Sorsa looked grave. 'I see what you mean. So what do we do?'
'Get this little affair over with as quickly as possible. We move out now.'
He started towards one of the half-tracks and Sorsa caught his arm. 'A moment, Sturmbannfuhrer. The first half-track through that tunnel is likely to have a hard time. I'd like to be in it.'
'I command here,' Ritter said. 'I thought I made that clear.'
'But these are my boys,' Sorsa persisted. 'We've been together a long time.'
Ritter stared at him, a slight frown on his face, and then nodded. 'I take the point. Very well, for this occasion only, you lead and I follow. Now let's get moving.'
He turned and scrambled up into the second half-track.
15
Claudine Chevalier was sitting at the piano in the dining hall playing 'The Girl with the Flaxen Hair' by Debussy. It was one of her favourite pieces, mainly because the composer himself had tutored her in how to play it when she was twelve years of age.
There was a knock at the door and Finebaum entered. His M1 was slung from his left shoulder, a Schmeisser from his right, and there were three stick grenades in his belt.
She kept on playing. 'Trouble, Mr Finebaum?'
'Well, I'll tell you, ma'am. General Canning, he thought it would be a good idea to have someone look out for you personally. You know what I mean?'
'You?' she said.
'I'm afraid so, ma'am. Mind if I smoke?'
'Not at all - and I couldn't be in better hands. What do we do?'
'I'll take you up to the top of the tower when the time comes - out of the way of things.'
'But not now?'
'No need. They haven't even knocked at the gate yet. Say, my old lady used to play piano. Nothing like that though. I learned the clarinet when she got one cheap, from my Uncle Paul. He was a pawnbroker in Brooklyn.'
'Did you enjoy it?'
'Well, I ain't Benny Goodman but I made front row with Glenn Miller.'
'But that's wonderful. Do you like this piece that I'm playing now?'
'No, ma'am. It makes