Scarecrow and Mrs King
"Even the Mighty Shall Fall"
Anne Riener
Author's note: This story is one of the episodes from Scarecrow and Mrs. King: Virtual Season Seven. More episodes can be found here.
"Even the Mighty Shall Fall"
Anne Riener
Author's note: This story is one of the episodes from Scarecrow and Mrs. King: Virtual Season Seven. More episodes can be found here.
Prologue
Englischer Garten Park Bench
Munich, West Germany
Monday, October 9, 1989
3:30 PM
The sun shone although the autumn air was cool and crisp. A tall man with dirty-blonde hair sat on a park bench overlooking the gardens, reading a newspaper. He glanced at his watch again, shaking his head. He could hear a man’s shoes clicking on the sidewalk beside him. The short stocky man stopped, standing behind the bench.
“Du bist spt,” said the taller man, not turning around.
“Traurig.”
“Do you have information I requested?”
“Yes. Do you have my payment?”
The taller man took the manila packet from the other man, and then handed over a small envelope. “Here’s the agreed payment. This better be worth it.”
The stocky short man opened the small envelope, and began to count the bills.
“Don’t do that here,” the tall man hissed.
“Yeah, right,” his companion apologized stuffing the envelope into his jacket pocket, then quickly walked away.
The tall man scanned the file. A smile formed on his lips. “Very interesting, so he does have an Achilles heel.” He raised his eyebrows. “I have found the match that will burn our dear Scarecrow.”
Act One
Georgetown Medical Center
Monday, October 9, 1989
4:30 PM
Amanda Stetson sat on the exam table thumbing through an old Reader’s Digest. Her husband Lee sat on a chair in the corner staring at the posters on the wall with titles like, "The Fetal Brain and Skull", "The RH Factor", "Risks of Smoking During Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery" and various other female anatomy posters that even he didn’t want to interpret or try to understand. Raking his hand through his hair, he shook his head in disbelief; he knew there were some things he just did not want to know the answers to. Glancing over to his wife, he blew out a shaky breath and then smiled.
“Good afternoon, Lee and Amanda,” Dr. Fred Adams said after entering the room. He shook Lee’s hand and then put a gentle squeeze on Amanda’s shoulder. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling great.” Amanda enthusiastically answered.
“Plenty of energy—good appetite?” He had Amanda lay down on the exam table.
“Yes.” She turned her head and smiled at her husband.
Lee rolled his eyes. “Sure, she’s gained a pound while I’ve gained ten, even though the thought of food makes me-”
“Toss your cookies,” Dr. Adams joked.
“Is that the medical term, Doc?” Lee was not in the mood to be teased.
“Lee, what you are experiencing is normal.”
Amanda couldn’t help laughing. “I finally succeeded into turning you into a normal person, Stetson.”
Lee shot her a warning glance.
Dr. Adams smiled in amusement, watching the exchange between Lee and Amanda. He then placed some cold gel on her belly and placed the Doppler microphone into the goop. Lee could hear the rapid tha-bump, tha-bump, tha-bump coming from the speakers. “There’s the baby’s heartbeat. Sounds good and strong.” Taking out a tape measure he measured the size and height of Amanda’s uterus, and wrote down some numbers in her chart. Then after checking her ankles, he smiled. “Lee, what you are experiencing is what we in the medical profession call sympathetic pregnancy, where men suffer pregnancy symptoms similar to their wives.”
Gulping, Lee asked, “So what stops the symptoms?”
“The only known cure is—childbirth.”
Lee buried his head in his hands. March couldn’t come soon enough for him.
Dr. Adams helped Amanda get off the exam table. “Amanda, everything looks good. We’ll see you in another four weeks. Take care, Lee.”
SMK SMK SMK SMK
Agency Q-Bureau
Tuesday, October 10, 1989
9:30 AM
Amanda walked into the Q-Bureau and saw Lee with his head on his desk. Amanda placed a white sandwich bag down on her desk, and then, sitting on the edge of his desk, she gently touched his shoulder. She leaned over to kiss him, but just before their lips met, Lee turned green. “Honey, are you okay?”
“Do I look okay?”
She chuckled then coughed to cover up her laugh.
“A-man-da, this isn’t funny,” he snapped.
“You’re right. It’s not funny. Francine would just say how the mighty have fallen. But I think it’s cute.”
“Amanda, I’m never cute,” he grumbled. “Life’s not fair. Which one of us is pregnant? I’m the one gaining weight and having morning sickness.”
“You’re the one who told me life wasn’t fair.”
“Sure, throw my words back in my face when I feel like hell. I’m glad you’re finding this so amusing. How do I tell everyone at work that I need to lie down because I have morning sickness?”
“Eat your crackers, Scarecrow. Now, would you like some 7-Up?” She opened the refrigerator and grabbed the can of soda. After popping open the can, she placed it on his desk. Then walking over to her desk, she opened the bag, took out a sandwich and took a bite.
“What are you doing?” Lee asked, wrinkling his nose.
“Eating.”
“Oh, Amanda, I can see that you eating. What are you eating? It smells awful.”
“Sausage, egg and cheese on an english muffin.”
“Ughhhh.” Lee bolted out the Q-Bureau door. Amanda sat down in her chair smiling, finishing her sandwich.
SMK SMK SMK SMK
Agency Bullpen
10:00 AM
Amanda entered the bullpen, and after acknowledging the MPs who opened the door for her, she walked over to the section chief’s office door and knocked.
Billy was on the phone. He waved Amanda inside. “Come on in, Amanda and shut the door.” He put his hand over the receiver. “I’ll be with you in a minute.”
Amanda sat in the office chair in front of Billy’s desk, waiting for him to finish. Billy hung up the phone and sat on the edge of his desk, taking a bite of his morning doughnut.
“Hello, Amanda. How are you feeling?”
“Fine, Sir. Thank you.”
“Where’s Scarecrow this morning?” Finishing his doughnut, he threw the napkin into the garbage.
“He’ll be down in a minute. He had to tie up some loose ends.”
Lee opened the door to Billy’s office and leaned in the doorway. Amanda noticed he still looked tired, but not as green.
“Have a seat, Lee.” Lee sat down, taking the chair next to Amanda. Billy took a deep breath, looking at both of his agents. “I guess there’s no sense in beating around the bush, so I’ll come right out and say it—Lee, you’re going to Germany.”
Lee stood up a little too quickly, losing his balance for a second. “What?” he exclaimed.
Amanda was just as surprised as Lee. “Sir, just last week you were telling us how dangerous Germany would be for an operative like Lee. The Stasi would love to get their hands on an American agent. I don’t understand.”
“This comes straight from the top.” He handed the letter to Lee. “You will be part of an International Task Force, working with agents from British and West German Intelligence.”
“Hold the phone! We agreed no more overseas assignments,” he grumbled. “What if I refuse?”
“Au contraire, Scarecrow,” Dr. Smyth interrupted entering the office, chewing on the end of a toothpick. “Notice who signed the request. That comes from President Bush himself—you know the man who signs both our paychecks.”
“Lee,” Billy said trying to defuse the situation. “Let me explain the circumstances before you jump down everyone’s throat. I believe once you know all the facts, you’ll want to be part of this operation. There are rumors about a coup ďétat against Premier Mikhail Gorbachev.”
“Why me?” he asked looking at Billy, then Dr. Smyth. “There are half a dozen agents who would love an assignment like this.”
“Scarecrow, use that brain of yours,” Dr. Smyth sneered, leaning against the glass window that overlooked the bullpen.
Lee’s face turned beet red. Amanda grabbed Lee’s hand, squeezing it gently, and shook her head. Francine breezed into the office, placing a stack of folders on Billy’s desk. Turning around to leave she noticed Dr. Smyth, looking at him questionably, her eyebrows raised.
"What’s it to you, Desmond? Cinnamon flavored; it tantalizes the taste buds."
“Uh-ha,” she said, leaving the office.
Billy grabbed a manila folder off his desk, handing it to Lee. Amanda looked over Lee’s shoulder. “The International Task Force will consist of your good friend Emily Farnsworth, MI-6, Johann Gehring, West German Intelligence, and the U.S. agent of record in charge of capturing Baron Klaus von Eiger.”
“Klaus von Eiger? Isn’t he still in prison for the attempted murder of Mathew Herns?” asked Lee.
“Yes, Eiger’s still in prison,” Billy told him.
Amanda opened her folder, scanning the information.
“Get down to brass tacks, Billy. We haven’t got all day,” Dr. Smyth said impatiently.
“We believe the Baron is trying to recruit Stasi officers, who remain loyal to the Communist party to kill Gorbachev. With the East German government in shambles, thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets, it’s a perfect time for political shenanigans. Chaos breeds terrorism and Eiger’s terrorist organization has access to the KGB, East German and Romanian secret police and a few others that have been losing their jobs lately. The newly rebuilt Riebaden Group is threatening widespread violence in Europe if German reunification moves forward.”
“How’s he doing that? I thought we put him out of business?” Amanda asked perplexed, tapping the dossier on her knee.
“Correct-a-mundo, Mrs. Scarecrow. You get a gold star for the day.”
Taking a deep breath, Billy answered Amanda’s question, “The Baron’s still holding the purse strings.”
Lee stood up, walking to the other end of Billy’s office. He turned around, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “I thought we froze his bank accounts when he was captured.”
“His money is most likely coming from behind the Berlin Wall. A reunified Germany would stop the cash flow from coming in. He’ll want to stop reunification; otherwise he’ll lose his funds to finance his terrorist activities.” Billy handed Lee a plane ticket. “I’ve got you booked on a flight to Munich, leaving Dulles, this evening at 5:00 p.m.”
Lee nodded, and then catching Amanda’s eyes, he grimaced. He remembered the last time they had dealt with these terrorists, and knew it was up to him to stop the Riebaden Group.
SMK SMK SMK SMK
4247 Maplewood Drive
12:30 PM
Lee took down a large black suitcase and garment bag from the top shelf of the closet. He opened the suitcase placing it on the king size bed. Taking his leather jacket off the hanger, he put it on. Inside the pocket of his jacket, he put in his wallet, passport, ISP, and an extra gun clip. He then holstered his 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
Amanda walked over to Lee’s dresser, opening the bottom drawer; she grabbed three pairs of pants and a couple of pairs of jeans, putting them in the suitcase.
“What are you doing?” Lee asked her.
“Packing.”
“I can see you’re packing. Why are you packing for me? I have been packing my own suitcases since I was five. A career military officer raised me; I can spit shine shoes and make my bed so a quarter bounces off it. I think I can pack my own suitcase.”
“Okay, fine,” she said, leaning against the wall. She crossed her arms in front of her.
He opened his sock drawer grabbing a couple pairs of socks.
“What are you doing with those?”
“Black socks? They go with everything.”
“Okay, Lee but you only have two pairs.”
“So?”
“That’s your idea of packing, Buster?”
“What’s wrong with the way I’m packing?”
“You’re going to be gone a week, right?”
“Right?”
“You need eight pairs.”
“Eight? Amanda, there’s only seven days in a week.”
“I know that—but you might get wet.”
“Why on earth would I get wet?”
“You never know—you might have to jump into a lake.”
“Oh, yeah. I forgot about that.”
Amanda got off the bed, and walked over to his dresser, opening the top drawer. “And you need eight of these,” she said grabbing eight pairs of blue boxers.
Lee gave her a sideways glance. “In case I get wet?”
“You never know.”
He shook his head, chuckling.
“Now, what else are you going to pack?” she asked.
“Clothes. You know the usual.”
“Uh-huh. Well, don’t forget to pack your pajamas, and four ties should do it and a couple of belts.” She hesitated for moment thinking. “Yes, it’s probably chilly in the evenings in Munich, you’ll want a couple of sweaters and another jacket.” She grabbed the items he needed, putting them in his suitcase.
Lee threw up his hands and rolled his eyes. Sitting at the end of the bed, folding his arms, he watched her pack.
She walked over to the closet, opening the bi-fold door; she grabbed two pairs of black dress shoes off the shoe rack. Then, she put two dress suits and four button-down shirts, still on their hangers, inside the garment bag, zipping it closed.
“Done?” he asked, with a mix of sarcasm and annoyance. Getting up, he walked over to the bathroom, grabbing his toiletry bag, throwing it on top of his clothes. Taking a second service revolver out of the gun locker, he placed it in a side compartment, closing the suitcase. He placed his bags next to the bedroom door.
Sitting back down on the edge of the bed, he patted the mattress next to him, inviting her to sit down. Lee stared at her for a moment; neither one said anything. He placed his hands into hers. “Do you have any idea how much I’m going to miss you?”
“Lee, I’m going to miss you, too.” Amanda rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m just glad Emily will be there to watch your back, but I wish it was me.”
He whispered, “I love you Amanda." Then he gently kissed her lips. Amanda sighed, melting into Lee's embrace.
“We have a couple of hours before my flight takes off. What would you like to do now?” he asked with a lopsided grin on his face.
“Actually,” she said, kissing him just below the earlobe. “There’s something I could go for.”
He smiled, raising one eyebrow. “And what would that be, Mrs. Stetson?”
“I could really go for some ice cream.”
“Amanda, that wasn’t the dessert I had in mind.” He cupped her face, trailing tiny kisses down her neck.
“Really Lee. I’m craving some tutti-frutti ice cream from T.P.’s favorite ice cream parlor,” she said pushing him back.
“Amanda.” Lee shook his head in disbelief. “We just had lunch. You can’t be hungry already. I know linebackers who eat less than you.”
Amanda pouted, sticking out her lower lip. “Please, Lee.”
“Okay, come on, we have a date with a bowl of tutti-frutti ice cream.” He took her hand, walking out the bedroom door. “But when we get back, I get the dessert I want.” He grinned mischievously, his eyes twinkling at her.
Act Two
German Intelligence Office
Munich, West Germany
Wednesday, October 11, 1989
7:29 AM
Lee watched the activity around him. The streets in Munich were mostly quiet, except for vendors sweeping the sidewalks in front of their shops, a few very late night partygoers finally heading home, and cabs lining the curbs, to pick up their first fares of the day. Lee waited patiently for Emily, nodding ‘Morgen,’ to a few people who walked past him. He noticed Emily coming down the uneven cobblestone pathway, swinging her cane. “Emily,” he called out, walking toward her.
“So lovely to see you, Lee.” She gave him a friendly hug. “Just like old times.”
Lee tucked his arm under hers, continuing down the path toward the granite steps that led to the Intelligence Office entrance.
“I understand congratulations are in order for you and Amanda?”
“Yeah,” Lee said, feeling he was standing a little taller.
“I’m so happy for you. For both of you.”
“Thank you, Emily.”
“Do you remember our first assignment together, Lee?” Emily asked, giving his arm a gentle squeeze.
Lee rolled his eyes. “How could I forget?” He chuckled. “I just couldn’t wait to get into the action. You saved my rear more than a few times on that assignment.”
“You’ve changed Lee and for the better.” She gave him a magnetic smile.
“I had a good teacher.” He smiled back.
“You’re right, you did have a good teacher.” Emily playfully swatted Lee on the arm. She then paused for a moment. “This will probably be my last assignment, Lee. There’s not much use for us old Cold War agents and I’m too old to change my ways.” There was a hint of regret in her voice.
“Emily, you’ve been a good friend. I’m going to miss you.”
“Me, too.” They both stepped off the last step and stopped. Emily sighed, “I haven’t been in Munich for years. How about you, Lee?”
Lee looked up for a second after hearing the familiar whirring sound coming from the security cameras by the front doors. The iris of the camera twisted and turned, opening and closing. He smiled. “Last time I was in Munich, I was helping Amanda out of a sticky situation she found herself in.”
“What situation, Lee?”
“Well, you know Amanda and her ability to find herself in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Emily smiled knowingly.
“She was arrested for passing a counterfeit $20 dollar bill.”
“Oh dear.”
“It’s kind of a long story, Emily, one I’ll save for another time.” He opened the large mahogany door, holding it open for her.
They walked down the corridor toward the reception desk.
“Guten Morgen. Herr Stetson und Frau Farnsworth, um zu schen Inspektor Boeden.”
The young, bleached-blond lady, sitting at the reception desk, smiled at Lee and Emily. “Yes. He’s expecting you.” She handed them their guest badges. “Down this hall and the third door on the right is the conference room.” Watching Lee pass her desk and walk down the corridor, she gave him the once over, licking her lips.
Lee sat in one of the wooden side-arm chairs that surrounded the glass-top conference table. Emily sat next to him. The door to the conference room opened and Inspector Boeden walked in, closing the door. “Herr Stetson. It’s good to see you again. What’s it been—five years?”
Lee stood up, shaking the inspector’s hand. “It’s Lee and yes, it’s been about five years.”
“Yes,” then turning his attention to Emily. “And this must be Frau Farnsworth. Inspector Keaton spoke highly of you.” He bowed.
Emily curtsied back. “Please drop the formalities and call me Emily.”
The young lady at the front desk came into the conference room with a tray, holding a large carafe of coffee, sugar, cream, paper cups, and stir sticks. She placed the tray at the center of the table. Leaning over, she smiled at Lee.
“Thank you, Katherina,” Inspector Boeden said turning to his guests. “Coffee? Please help yourself.”
Lee fixed two cups of coffee. He handed one over to Emily. Then after stirring some cream into his own cup, he leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of the bitter liquid.
“I’m sorry, Johann Gehring is running a few minutes late, this morning,” Inspector Boeden explained. “He’s still down in booking. I expect him in a moment or two,”
“Inspector,” Lee asked. “Have you talked with Baron Eiger?”
"Yes." The inspector nodded his head. "I personally went down to the prison to speak with him. Of course, he denies any knowledge about a plot to kill Gorbachev.”
They were interrupted by a knock on the door. “Ah, here’s our agent now.” The inspector waved the man inside. “Johann Gehring. I would like to introduce, Emily Farnsworth, MI-6, and Lee Stetson, Agency. Herr Stetson is the man responsible for putting the Baron behind bars.”
“Frau Farnsworth, the pleasure’s all mine.” Johann bowed over her hand. “And Lee Stetson,” he said shaking his hand with a firm grip. “It’s an honor to be working with the great Scarecrow.”
“Thank you,” both agents said together.
“Lady and gentlemen, if we all take a seat, and open the folder in front of you, so we can get started.” Inspector Boeden sat down at the head of the conference table. “We know the Riebaden Group is planning an assassination attempt on Gorbachev. Our intelligence suggests that the assassination is supposed to take place during Gorbachev’s extended visit in Berlin. He has stayed for talks with East German and Romanian leaders. Gorbachev is aware of the death threats, but refuses to cancel the talks. It is rumored that the Baron Eiger has put a price on Gorbachev’s head in the amount of a quarter of a million dollars. We believe Eiger’s money is being funneled from behind the Iron Curtain as the government of West Germany had closed down all his businesses and seized his money. It appears though he has retained just enough capital to recruit new members to his cause. Herr Stetson, what can you tell us about the Riebaden Group?” Inspector Boeden took a step back, leaning against the whiteboard, giving the floor to Lee.
Lee got up and walked to the front of the room. He grabbed the remote for the slide projector, bringing up pictures. “They’re a terrorist group who prefer to strike in small numbers. Five years ago, we rounded up about thirty members across Europe, but since no one knew how many members were in the group; it’s possible some were missed. They’re ruthless; in 1984 they blew up four churches killing innocent men, women and children. After the Baron’s arrest we discovered he was a major financier for terrorist activities around the world.” Lee leaned forward with his hands on the desk, putting down the remote.
The inspector stepped forward. “Gentlemen and lady, we have an attempted assassination to stop. We also must find out where the Baron’s money is coming from so we can plug that leak. We can’t have him financing terrorist activities here or abroad. Your next stop is Berlin. Fabrication has put together your scenarios.” He handed them their new ID’s. “Good luck.”
Lee leaned over and whispered into Emily’s ear, “Berlin. Talk about walking straight into the lion's den.”
Emily nodded in agreement.
Hotel Lobby
Berlin, East Germany
Thursday, October 12, 1989
7:35 AM
Lee walked into the hotel lobby. He then noticed Emily sitting at a small round table, eating breakfast. Several round tables with checked tablecloths surrounded the lobby windows. Other patrons sat at tables, eating breakfast. In the room there was a long countertop covered with canister jars of cereal, a pitcher of milk, a bowl of fruit cocktail, a bowl of boiled brown eggs, a large tray with cold meats and cheeses, a wicker basket with several varieties of bread, butter, jams, honey and a hot plate with a pot of coffee sitting on top. Large picture windows overlooked the narrow street and the Russian Embassy building. Outside, it was lightly raining.
“Guten Morgen, Lee.” Emily invited him to sit next to her.
“Guten Morgen, Emily.” Lee kissed her on the cheek. Then walking over to the counter he got himself a bowl of cereal and a couple of buffet plates that he filled with food. He took the bowl and plates to the table, and then got up again to grab himself a cup of coffee. He sat down at the table next to Emily.
“Hungry?” She asked, her eyebrows raised. “I thought you weren’t much of a breakfast eater? Have Amanda and Dotty changed your ways, Scarecrow?”
“Trust me they have tried to change my breakfast habits,” he replied with a sheepish grin. “I haven't had much of an appetite for a couple of weeks now, so it’s probably a good thing I’m hungry this morning.” He took a big bite of cereal. “Where’s Johann?”
“He said he would be back in a minute.” She cracked open her soft boiled egg. “Ah, here he is now.”
Johann came into the hotel front door, carrying a newspaper. He walked over to Emily and Lee, turning the chair backwards to sit.
“Guten Morgen, Lee.” Johann said, his eyes ever watching the street.
“Morgen,” Lee answered back. “Any activity outside?”
“Yes and no. Stasi agents are walking around, but they are doing nothing but walking. The streets are pretty quiet. There are a few protestors across the street, but most of the demonstrations are around the wall.”
Emily turned to Johann. “I understand Stasi agents were overrun by angry citizens a few days ago.”
“Yes, they were.” Johann clenched his jaw. “Honecker could bring in more police and guards, but believes military power will only increase the demonstrations.” His eyes flashed fiery red for a second.
Lee noticed the subtle change in Johann, but didn't say anything.
“I know the driver of Mr. Honecker’s limousine—he’s a klauen or what you Americans call a-” Johann hesitated, searching for the correct word. “The slang I think you use is snitch.”
“That’s the word.” Lee rolled his eyes.
“Is he reliable?” Emily inquired.
“Can be, but I wouldn’t trust him further then I could throw him,” Johann admitted. “ He should be here any moment. Ah, there he is now.”
Lee and Emily looked at the man who entered the door. Lee shook his head in disbelief, after noticing what the man was wearing. He had on blue jeans, a pink Izod shirt, a leather jacket, and Nikes. A Walkman was attached to his belt loop, with the headphones hanging off his neck.
“Johann, my man,” he said. Then noticing Lee and Emily, pointing to them, he asked, “Is it alright to talk?”
“They’re spies, too.”
“Spies, that’s heavy,” he laughed heartily.
“Lee, Emily, this is Augustus Schwanz.”
“Just call me Gus, information broker.”
Lee cocked his head and grimaced. “Gus, you wouldn’t happen to have a brother in the States or own a mud wrestling bar?” Lee asked sarcastically.
“Mud wrestling? So let me understand this, Dude. There are women who wrestle in the mud and people come and pay to watch. Is it a lucrative business?”
“Gus, not now. Do you have some information for us? What’s the word?” Johann asked him, annoyed.
“Don’t get bent out of shape, Johann. I’m always looking for a new business opportunity.”
“Gus!!!”
“Sheesh. Okay. Okay. This is what I have for you. Mr. Honecker has told me that Gorbachev feels German reunification is an internal German matter and middle ground should be found between the two groups. Talks are scheduled for tomorrow morning.”
“Great.” Johann handed Gus a couple of cassette tapes.
Lee watched the exchange, raising his eyebrow. Johann noticing Lee watching, replied, “American rock and roll tapes. They’re a hot item on the black market.”
Lee nodded his head in understanding. “Gus do you have any information on the assassination attempt? When or where?”
“No, but I’ll nose around." Gus put his headphones back on. "Later," he called out, before walking out the door.
Emily stood up. “Lee, I think you and I should go upstairs and see what I have in my bag for our disguises. Neither one of us wants to be recognized by Stasi agents. Do we?”
“Hell, no.” Lee was in complete agreement.
“I’ll meet you two at the CSN van in about 20 minutes,” Johann called after them as they walked toward the elevator.
SMK SMK SMK SMK
CSN News Van
8:15 AM
Johann and Lee grabbed a camera and other audio equipment from the van. Emily was doing a final touch-up on her make-up. She was dressed like a news reporter. Johann was dressed in a three-piece business suit, carrying a clipboard and press credentials. Lee had on jeans, a sweatshirt, and a baseball cap that he wore backwards, and was carrying a video camera.
“Let’s start across the street where the talks are going to be held and interview a few of the protesters, to maintain our cover,” Johann suggested.
“That sounds good to me,” Lee agreed. “Maybe we can poke around and pick up some information from the streets.”
“Then I think we should go to the Berlin Wall and interview some demonstrators from there, too,” Emily added.
“I’ll stay with the van and continue surveillance of the streets.” Johann stepped back into the van, pulling the door closed.
Emily and Lee walked across the street interviewing those who were not afraid to speak on camera.
“That was not very informative," Johann grumbled about an hour later, murmuring into Emily’s earpiece. “Maybe we’ll have better luck over by the wall. Hop in and we’ll drive over there.”
Emily and Lee climbed out of the van and stood before the Berlin wall. It was beginning to rain very hard, but no one seemed ready to head back home. Lee covered the camera with a plastic hood covering to protect it from the rain. They saw thousands of demonstrators lining the wall and several Stasi officers wandering the streets with guns and walkie-talkies.
Emily walked over to a young man leaning against a freshly graffitied section of the wall. “Hello, my name is Emily Barnsworth.” She showed him her press credentials. “I am a reporter for CSN. May I ask you a couple of questions for television?”
The young German man took his cigarette out of his mouth, dropping it to the ground; he stomped on it, snuffing it out, and then nodded yes.
Lee picked up the camera and counted backwards from 5-4-3-2-1, with the two and one being silent cues.
Emily nodded, putting the microphone to her mouth. “This is Emily Barnsworth, reporting live from the Berlin Wall. As you can tell, there are thousands of protesters standing both here on the East and West side of the wall. I am here with an East Berlin resident who only wants to go by his first name. Hyden, what is it that you hope to accomplish here?”
“We want to freely cross between East and West Germany. We want families who have been separated for 40-years to be reunited. We want a reunified Germany. It’s like Mr. Gorbachev said ‘Nothing is eternal in this world.’ And we believe it is time for the wall to come down.”
“Thank you, Hyden. This is Emily Barnsworth, CSN, reporting from the Berlin Wall. Back to you Stewart.”
“And cut.” Lee turned off the camera.
Emily shook Hyden’s hand. “Well done and thank you for your time.” He nodded and walked off with a group of young men.
Lee grinned at Emily. “And who’s Stewart?”
“I improvised. I thought it gave the interview some realism.” She good-naturedly slapped Lee on the shoulder.
“Nice touch.” Lee laughed.
Two Stasi agents walked in front of Emily and Lee. One of the officers stopped suddenly. Turning around, he glanced at Lee, and then suddenly grabbed him, throwing him against the wall, pinning him there. Lee pulled the camera protectively to his chest. Clutching her cane Emily tried to trip one of the agents. Johann dashed out of the van, seizing Emily’s arm, stopping her; shaking his head no.
“Ich verlange zu wissen, was vor sich geht?” he demanded to the East German agents. “My name is John Greenling. I’m a producer for CSN News and that man you just grabbed is Lee Stedman, my photographer. We have permission from your government to be here. Here are our papers. I can assure you they are all in order.” He handed the papers to the second Stasi agent.
The agent read the papers. “Ah yes, Sir. Sorry. Release that man,” the agent told the other operative. “Your cameraman just looks like an American agent we know. Sorry for the misunderstanding,” he apologized, giving the papers back to Johann. “We must be mistaken.” He turned to Lee, apologetically.
“I get that all the time,” Lee chuckled, nervously, handing Johann the camera. “I guess I just have one of those faces.” He briskly rubbed his right shoulder.
The two Stasi agents walked away.
“That was close,” Emily said, climbing into the passenger seat of the van.
Lee climbed in behind her. “Yes, a little too close.”
“Let’s get back to the hotel,” Johann suggested, putting the key into the ignition and starting the van. “You and Emily are soaked.” Putting the van into gear and pulling away from the curb, he drove down the street.
Hotel Room Later That Night
Berlin, East Germany
Lee and Johann sat at a small table in Lee’s hotel room, drinking coffee and playing gin. Emily sat at the desk, taking a sip of Earl Grey.”
Looking at his watch, Lee replied, “I’m better give Billy and my wife a call before it gets any later.”
“Give Amanda my love,” Emily winked, heading out the door. “See both of you in the morning.”
“Good night,” Lee and Johann answered together.
“I’ll give you some privacy.” Johann stood up. “I need to go find Gus anyway—see if he has anything new for us. Night, Lee. See you in the morning.”
“Good night, Johann.” After Johann left, Lee picked up the phone.
Agency Q-Bureau
Amanda stepped out of the vault when she heard the phone ring. She picked it up and answered, “Hello.”
“Hey, Toots. Do you miss me?”
“Yeah, I miss you,” she sighed. “We all miss you, Lee.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling fine, just miss you terribly. How are you feeling, Honey?”
“Actually, would you believe I didn’t feel sick at all today and I actually ate breakfast?”
“You? ‘Mister stale roll and day old coffee?’ Okay, who are you, and what have you done with my husband?” She replied with a quick and silvery laugh. “Am I rubbing off on you? Are you changing your breakfast habits?”
He shook his head. “Emily asked me the same thing. She sends her love.”
“Tell her I’m sorry I can’t join you two on your latest adventure, and that I miss her and hope to see her soon.”
“I will. Listen Amanda, I’m sorry to cut this short, but I need to talk to Billy, and then I think I’m going to take a hot shower and go to bed early tonight.”
“Okay. Be careful. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” he said, hanging up the phone.
Street Corner
Berlin, East Germany
The tall dirty-blond haired man stood under the streetlamp. Taking out a pack of gum from his coat pocket, he unwrapped the gum; sticking the piece in his mouth, he tightened his coat around his body, bringing the collar up over his neck. A young man walked slowly toward him, stopping. He then saluted.
“What you did earlier today was stupid,” snapped the tall man.
“Sorry.”
“Sorry? Sorry doesn’t cut it. Damn it! You almost ruined everything?” His frustration was evident. “Leave Stetson alone, he’s mine.”
“Yes, Sir.” The young man clicked his heels and saluting again, he walked away.
Smiling, the tall man said, “Yes, leave Stetson alone. I’m the one who’s going to rip the stuffing out of Scarecrow.”
Englischer Garten Park Bench
Munich, West Germany
Monday, October 9, 1989
3:30 PM
The sun shone although the autumn air was cool and crisp. A tall man with dirty-blonde hair sat on a park bench overlooking the gardens, reading a newspaper. He glanced at his watch again, shaking his head. He could hear a man’s shoes clicking on the sidewalk beside him. The short stocky man stopped, standing behind the bench.
“Du bist spt,” said the taller man, not turning around.
“Traurig.”
“Do you have information I requested?”
“Yes. Do you have my payment?”
The taller man took the manila packet from the other man, and then handed over a small envelope. “Here’s the agreed payment. This better be worth it.”
The stocky short man opened the small envelope, and began to count the bills.
“Don’t do that here,” the tall man hissed.
“Yeah, right,” his companion apologized stuffing the envelope into his jacket pocket, then quickly walked away.
The tall man scanned the file. A smile formed on his lips. “Very interesting, so he does have an Achilles heel.” He raised his eyebrows. “I have found the match that will burn our dear Scarecrow.”
Act One
Georgetown Medical Center
Monday, October 9, 1989
4:30 PM
Amanda Stetson sat on the exam table thumbing through an old Reader’s Digest. Her husband Lee sat on a chair in the corner staring at the posters on the wall with titles like, "The Fetal Brain and Skull", "The RH Factor", "Risks of Smoking During Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery" and various other female anatomy posters that even he didn’t want to interpret or try to understand. Raking his hand through his hair, he shook his head in disbelief; he knew there were some things he just did not want to know the answers to. Glancing over to his wife, he blew out a shaky breath and then smiled.
“Good afternoon, Lee and Amanda,” Dr. Fred Adams said after entering the room. He shook Lee’s hand and then put a gentle squeeze on Amanda’s shoulder. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling great.” Amanda enthusiastically answered.
“Plenty of energy—good appetite?” He had Amanda lay down on the exam table.
“Yes.” She turned her head and smiled at her husband.
Lee rolled his eyes. “Sure, she’s gained a pound while I’ve gained ten, even though the thought of food makes me-”
“Toss your cookies,” Dr. Adams joked.
“Is that the medical term, Doc?” Lee was not in the mood to be teased.
“Lee, what you are experiencing is normal.”
Amanda couldn’t help laughing. “I finally succeeded into turning you into a normal person, Stetson.”
Lee shot her a warning glance.
Dr. Adams smiled in amusement, watching the exchange between Lee and Amanda. He then placed some cold gel on her belly and placed the Doppler microphone into the goop. Lee could hear the rapid tha-bump, tha-bump, tha-bump coming from the speakers. “There’s the baby’s heartbeat. Sounds good and strong.” Taking out a tape measure he measured the size and height of Amanda’s uterus, and wrote down some numbers in her chart. Then after checking her ankles, he smiled. “Lee, what you are experiencing is what we in the medical profession call sympathetic pregnancy, where men suffer pregnancy symptoms similar to their wives.”
Gulping, Lee asked, “So what stops the symptoms?”
“The only known cure is—childbirth.”
Lee buried his head in his hands. March couldn’t come soon enough for him.
Dr. Adams helped Amanda get off the exam table. “Amanda, everything looks good. We’ll see you in another four weeks. Take care, Lee.”
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Agency Q-Bureau
Tuesday, October 10, 1989
9:30 AM
Amanda walked into the Q-Bureau and saw Lee with his head on his desk. Amanda placed a white sandwich bag down on her desk, and then, sitting on the edge of his desk, she gently touched his shoulder. She leaned over to kiss him, but just before their lips met, Lee turned green. “Honey, are you okay?”
“Do I look okay?”
She chuckled then coughed to cover up her laugh.
“A-man-da, this isn’t funny,” he snapped.
“You’re right. It’s not funny. Francine would just say how the mighty have fallen. But I think it’s cute.”
“Amanda, I’m never cute,” he grumbled. “Life’s not fair. Which one of us is pregnant? I’m the one gaining weight and having morning sickness.”
“You’re the one who told me life wasn’t fair.”
“Sure, throw my words back in my face when I feel like hell. I’m glad you’re finding this so amusing. How do I tell everyone at work that I need to lie down because I have morning sickness?”
“Eat your crackers, Scarecrow. Now, would you like some 7-Up?” She opened the refrigerator and grabbed the can of soda. After popping open the can, she placed it on his desk. Then walking over to her desk, she opened the bag, took out a sandwich and took a bite.
“What are you doing?” Lee asked, wrinkling his nose.
“Eating.”
“Oh, Amanda, I can see that you eating. What are you eating? It smells awful.”
“Sausage, egg and cheese on an english muffin.”
“Ughhhh.” Lee bolted out the Q-Bureau door. Amanda sat down in her chair smiling, finishing her sandwich.
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Agency Bullpen
10:00 AM
Amanda entered the bullpen, and after acknowledging the MPs who opened the door for her, she walked over to the section chief’s office door and knocked.
Billy was on the phone. He waved Amanda inside. “Come on in, Amanda and shut the door.” He put his hand over the receiver. “I’ll be with you in a minute.”
Amanda sat in the office chair in front of Billy’s desk, waiting for him to finish. Billy hung up the phone and sat on the edge of his desk, taking a bite of his morning doughnut.
“Hello, Amanda. How are you feeling?”
“Fine, Sir. Thank you.”
“Where’s Scarecrow this morning?” Finishing his doughnut, he threw the napkin into the garbage.
“He’ll be down in a minute. He had to tie up some loose ends.”
Lee opened the door to Billy’s office and leaned in the doorway. Amanda noticed he still looked tired, but not as green.
“Have a seat, Lee.” Lee sat down, taking the chair next to Amanda. Billy took a deep breath, looking at both of his agents. “I guess there’s no sense in beating around the bush, so I’ll come right out and say it—Lee, you’re going to Germany.”
Lee stood up a little too quickly, losing his balance for a second. “What?” he exclaimed.
Amanda was just as surprised as Lee. “Sir, just last week you were telling us how dangerous Germany would be for an operative like Lee. The Stasi would love to get their hands on an American agent. I don’t understand.”
“This comes straight from the top.” He handed the letter to Lee. “You will be part of an International Task Force, working with agents from British and West German Intelligence.”
“Hold the phone! We agreed no more overseas assignments,” he grumbled. “What if I refuse?”
“Au contraire, Scarecrow,” Dr. Smyth interrupted entering the office, chewing on the end of a toothpick. “Notice who signed the request. That comes from President Bush himself—you know the man who signs both our paychecks.”
“Lee,” Billy said trying to defuse the situation. “Let me explain the circumstances before you jump down everyone’s throat. I believe once you know all the facts, you’ll want to be part of this operation. There are rumors about a coup ďétat against Premier Mikhail Gorbachev.”
“Why me?” he asked looking at Billy, then Dr. Smyth. “There are half a dozen agents who would love an assignment like this.”
“Scarecrow, use that brain of yours,” Dr. Smyth sneered, leaning against the glass window that overlooked the bullpen.
Lee’s face turned beet red. Amanda grabbed Lee’s hand, squeezing it gently, and shook her head. Francine breezed into the office, placing a stack of folders on Billy’s desk. Turning around to leave she noticed Dr. Smyth, looking at him questionably, her eyebrows raised.
"What’s it to you, Desmond? Cinnamon flavored; it tantalizes the taste buds."
“Uh-ha,” she said, leaving the office.
Billy grabbed a manila folder off his desk, handing it to Lee. Amanda looked over Lee’s shoulder. “The International Task Force will consist of your good friend Emily Farnsworth, MI-6, Johann Gehring, West German Intelligence, and the U.S. agent of record in charge of capturing Baron Klaus von Eiger.”
“Klaus von Eiger? Isn’t he still in prison for the attempted murder of Mathew Herns?” asked Lee.
“Yes, Eiger’s still in prison,” Billy told him.
Amanda opened her folder, scanning the information.
“Get down to brass tacks, Billy. We haven’t got all day,” Dr. Smyth said impatiently.
“We believe the Baron is trying to recruit Stasi officers, who remain loyal to the Communist party to kill Gorbachev. With the East German government in shambles, thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets, it’s a perfect time for political shenanigans. Chaos breeds terrorism and Eiger’s terrorist organization has access to the KGB, East German and Romanian secret police and a few others that have been losing their jobs lately. The newly rebuilt Riebaden Group is threatening widespread violence in Europe if German reunification moves forward.”
“How’s he doing that? I thought we put him out of business?” Amanda asked perplexed, tapping the dossier on her knee.
“Correct-a-mundo, Mrs. Scarecrow. You get a gold star for the day.”
Taking a deep breath, Billy answered Amanda’s question, “The Baron’s still holding the purse strings.”
Lee stood up, walking to the other end of Billy’s office. He turned around, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “I thought we froze his bank accounts when he was captured.”
“His money is most likely coming from behind the Berlin Wall. A reunified Germany would stop the cash flow from coming in. He’ll want to stop reunification; otherwise he’ll lose his funds to finance his terrorist activities.” Billy handed Lee a plane ticket. “I’ve got you booked on a flight to Munich, leaving Dulles, this evening at 5:00 p.m.”
Lee nodded, and then catching Amanda’s eyes, he grimaced. He remembered the last time they had dealt with these terrorists, and knew it was up to him to stop the Riebaden Group.
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4247 Maplewood Drive
12:30 PM
Lee took down a large black suitcase and garment bag from the top shelf of the closet. He opened the suitcase placing it on the king size bed. Taking his leather jacket off the hanger, he put it on. Inside the pocket of his jacket, he put in his wallet, passport, ISP, and an extra gun clip. He then holstered his 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
Amanda walked over to Lee’s dresser, opening the bottom drawer; she grabbed three pairs of pants and a couple of pairs of jeans, putting them in the suitcase.
“What are you doing?” Lee asked her.
“Packing.”
“I can see you’re packing. Why are you packing for me? I have been packing my own suitcases since I was five. A career military officer raised me; I can spit shine shoes and make my bed so a quarter bounces off it. I think I can pack my own suitcase.”
“Okay, fine,” she said, leaning against the wall. She crossed her arms in front of her.
He opened his sock drawer grabbing a couple pairs of socks.
“What are you doing with those?”
“Black socks? They go with everything.”
“Okay, Lee but you only have two pairs.”
“So?”
“That’s your idea of packing, Buster?”
“What’s wrong with the way I’m packing?”
“You’re going to be gone a week, right?”
“Right?”
“You need eight pairs.”
“Eight? Amanda, there’s only seven days in a week.”
“I know that—but you might get wet.”
“Why on earth would I get wet?”
“You never know—you might have to jump into a lake.”
“Oh, yeah. I forgot about that.”
Amanda got off the bed, and walked over to his dresser, opening the top drawer. “And you need eight of these,” she said grabbing eight pairs of blue boxers.
Lee gave her a sideways glance. “In case I get wet?”
“You never know.”
He shook his head, chuckling.
“Now, what else are you going to pack?” she asked.
“Clothes. You know the usual.”
“Uh-huh. Well, don’t forget to pack your pajamas, and four ties should do it and a couple of belts.” She hesitated for moment thinking. “Yes, it’s probably chilly in the evenings in Munich, you’ll want a couple of sweaters and another jacket.” She grabbed the items he needed, putting them in his suitcase.
Lee threw up his hands and rolled his eyes. Sitting at the end of the bed, folding his arms, he watched her pack.
She walked over to the closet, opening the bi-fold door; she grabbed two pairs of black dress shoes off the shoe rack. Then, she put two dress suits and four button-down shirts, still on their hangers, inside the garment bag, zipping it closed.
“Done?” he asked, with a mix of sarcasm and annoyance. Getting up, he walked over to the bathroom, grabbing his toiletry bag, throwing it on top of his clothes. Taking a second service revolver out of the gun locker, he placed it in a side compartment, closing the suitcase. He placed his bags next to the bedroom door.
Sitting back down on the edge of the bed, he patted the mattress next to him, inviting her to sit down. Lee stared at her for a moment; neither one said anything. He placed his hands into hers. “Do you have any idea how much I’m going to miss you?”
“Lee, I’m going to miss you, too.” Amanda rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m just glad Emily will be there to watch your back, but I wish it was me.”
He whispered, “I love you Amanda." Then he gently kissed her lips. Amanda sighed, melting into Lee's embrace.
“We have a couple of hours before my flight takes off. What would you like to do now?” he asked with a lopsided grin on his face.
“Actually,” she said, kissing him just below the earlobe. “There’s something I could go for.”
He smiled, raising one eyebrow. “And what would that be, Mrs. Stetson?”
“I could really go for some ice cream.”
“Amanda, that wasn’t the dessert I had in mind.” He cupped her face, trailing tiny kisses down her neck.
“Really Lee. I’m craving some tutti-frutti ice cream from T.P.’s favorite ice cream parlor,” she said pushing him back.
“Amanda.” Lee shook his head in disbelief. “We just had lunch. You can’t be hungry already. I know linebackers who eat less than you.”
Amanda pouted, sticking out her lower lip. “Please, Lee.”
“Okay, come on, we have a date with a bowl of tutti-frutti ice cream.” He took her hand, walking out the bedroom door. “But when we get back, I get the dessert I want.” He grinned mischievously, his eyes twinkling at her.
Act Two
German Intelligence Office
Munich, West Germany
Wednesday, October 11, 1989
7:29 AM
Lee watched the activity around him. The streets in Munich were mostly quiet, except for vendors sweeping the sidewalks in front of their shops, a few very late night partygoers finally heading home, and cabs lining the curbs, to pick up their first fares of the day. Lee waited patiently for Emily, nodding ‘Morgen,’ to a few people who walked past him. He noticed Emily coming down the uneven cobblestone pathway, swinging her cane. “Emily,” he called out, walking toward her.
“So lovely to see you, Lee.” She gave him a friendly hug. “Just like old times.”
Lee tucked his arm under hers, continuing down the path toward the granite steps that led to the Intelligence Office entrance.
“I understand congratulations are in order for you and Amanda?”
“Yeah,” Lee said, feeling he was standing a little taller.
“I’m so happy for you. For both of you.”
“Thank you, Emily.”
“Do you remember our first assignment together, Lee?” Emily asked, giving his arm a gentle squeeze.
Lee rolled his eyes. “How could I forget?” He chuckled. “I just couldn’t wait to get into the action. You saved my rear more than a few times on that assignment.”
“You’ve changed Lee and for the better.” She gave him a magnetic smile.
“I had a good teacher.” He smiled back.
“You’re right, you did have a good teacher.” Emily playfully swatted Lee on the arm. She then paused for a moment. “This will probably be my last assignment, Lee. There’s not much use for us old Cold War agents and I’m too old to change my ways.” There was a hint of regret in her voice.
“Emily, you’ve been a good friend. I’m going to miss you.”
“Me, too.” They both stepped off the last step and stopped. Emily sighed, “I haven’t been in Munich for years. How about you, Lee?”
Lee looked up for a second after hearing the familiar whirring sound coming from the security cameras by the front doors. The iris of the camera twisted and turned, opening and closing. He smiled. “Last time I was in Munich, I was helping Amanda out of a sticky situation she found herself in.”
“What situation, Lee?”
“Well, you know Amanda and her ability to find herself in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Emily smiled knowingly.
“She was arrested for passing a counterfeit $20 dollar bill.”
“Oh dear.”
“It’s kind of a long story, Emily, one I’ll save for another time.” He opened the large mahogany door, holding it open for her.
They walked down the corridor toward the reception desk.
“Guten Morgen. Herr Stetson und Frau Farnsworth, um zu schen Inspektor Boeden.”
The young, bleached-blond lady, sitting at the reception desk, smiled at Lee and Emily. “Yes. He’s expecting you.” She handed them their guest badges. “Down this hall and the third door on the right is the conference room.” Watching Lee pass her desk and walk down the corridor, she gave him the once over, licking her lips.
Lee sat in one of the wooden side-arm chairs that surrounded the glass-top conference table. Emily sat next to him. The door to the conference room opened and Inspector Boeden walked in, closing the door. “Herr Stetson. It’s good to see you again. What’s it been—five years?”
Lee stood up, shaking the inspector’s hand. “It’s Lee and yes, it’s been about five years.”
“Yes,” then turning his attention to Emily. “And this must be Frau Farnsworth. Inspector Keaton spoke highly of you.” He bowed.
Emily curtsied back. “Please drop the formalities and call me Emily.”
The young lady at the front desk came into the conference room with a tray, holding a large carafe of coffee, sugar, cream, paper cups, and stir sticks. She placed the tray at the center of the table. Leaning over, she smiled at Lee.
“Thank you, Katherina,” Inspector Boeden said turning to his guests. “Coffee? Please help yourself.”
Lee fixed two cups of coffee. He handed one over to Emily. Then after stirring some cream into his own cup, he leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of the bitter liquid.
“I’m sorry, Johann Gehring is running a few minutes late, this morning,” Inspector Boeden explained. “He’s still down in booking. I expect him in a moment or two,”
“Inspector,” Lee asked. “Have you talked with Baron Eiger?”
"Yes." The inspector nodded his head. "I personally went down to the prison to speak with him. Of course, he denies any knowledge about a plot to kill Gorbachev.”
They were interrupted by a knock on the door. “Ah, here’s our agent now.” The inspector waved the man inside. “Johann Gehring. I would like to introduce, Emily Farnsworth, MI-6, and Lee Stetson, Agency. Herr Stetson is the man responsible for putting the Baron behind bars.”
“Frau Farnsworth, the pleasure’s all mine.” Johann bowed over her hand. “And Lee Stetson,” he said shaking his hand with a firm grip. “It’s an honor to be working with the great Scarecrow.”
“Thank you,” both agents said together.
“Lady and gentlemen, if we all take a seat, and open the folder in front of you, so we can get started.” Inspector Boeden sat down at the head of the conference table. “We know the Riebaden Group is planning an assassination attempt on Gorbachev. Our intelligence suggests that the assassination is supposed to take place during Gorbachev’s extended visit in Berlin. He has stayed for talks with East German and Romanian leaders. Gorbachev is aware of the death threats, but refuses to cancel the talks. It is rumored that the Baron Eiger has put a price on Gorbachev’s head in the amount of a quarter of a million dollars. We believe Eiger’s money is being funneled from behind the Iron Curtain as the government of West Germany had closed down all his businesses and seized his money. It appears though he has retained just enough capital to recruit new members to his cause. Herr Stetson, what can you tell us about the Riebaden Group?” Inspector Boeden took a step back, leaning against the whiteboard, giving the floor to Lee.
Lee got up and walked to the front of the room. He grabbed the remote for the slide projector, bringing up pictures. “They’re a terrorist group who prefer to strike in small numbers. Five years ago, we rounded up about thirty members across Europe, but since no one knew how many members were in the group; it’s possible some were missed. They’re ruthless; in 1984 they blew up four churches killing innocent men, women and children. After the Baron’s arrest we discovered he was a major financier for terrorist activities around the world.” Lee leaned forward with his hands on the desk, putting down the remote.
The inspector stepped forward. “Gentlemen and lady, we have an attempted assassination to stop. We also must find out where the Baron’s money is coming from so we can plug that leak. We can’t have him financing terrorist activities here or abroad. Your next stop is Berlin. Fabrication has put together your scenarios.” He handed them their new ID’s. “Good luck.”
Lee leaned over and whispered into Emily’s ear, “Berlin. Talk about walking straight into the lion's den.”
Emily nodded in agreement.
Hotel Lobby
Berlin, East Germany
Thursday, October 12, 1989
7:35 AM
Lee walked into the hotel lobby. He then noticed Emily sitting at a small round table, eating breakfast. Several round tables with checked tablecloths surrounded the lobby windows. Other patrons sat at tables, eating breakfast. In the room there was a long countertop covered with canister jars of cereal, a pitcher of milk, a bowl of fruit cocktail, a bowl of boiled brown eggs, a large tray with cold meats and cheeses, a wicker basket with several varieties of bread, butter, jams, honey and a hot plate with a pot of coffee sitting on top. Large picture windows overlooked the narrow street and the Russian Embassy building. Outside, it was lightly raining.
“Guten Morgen, Lee.” Emily invited him to sit next to her.
“Guten Morgen, Emily.” Lee kissed her on the cheek. Then walking over to the counter he got himself a bowl of cereal and a couple of buffet plates that he filled with food. He took the bowl and plates to the table, and then got up again to grab himself a cup of coffee. He sat down at the table next to Emily.
“Hungry?” She asked, her eyebrows raised. “I thought you weren’t much of a breakfast eater? Have Amanda and Dotty changed your ways, Scarecrow?”
“Trust me they have tried to change my breakfast habits,” he replied with a sheepish grin. “I haven't had much of an appetite for a couple of weeks now, so it’s probably a good thing I’m hungry this morning.” He took a big bite of cereal. “Where’s Johann?”
“He said he would be back in a minute.” She cracked open her soft boiled egg. “Ah, here he is now.”
Johann came into the hotel front door, carrying a newspaper. He walked over to Emily and Lee, turning the chair backwards to sit.
“Guten Morgen, Lee.” Johann said, his eyes ever watching the street.
“Morgen,” Lee answered back. “Any activity outside?”
“Yes and no. Stasi agents are walking around, but they are doing nothing but walking. The streets are pretty quiet. There are a few protestors across the street, but most of the demonstrations are around the wall.”
Emily turned to Johann. “I understand Stasi agents were overrun by angry citizens a few days ago.”
“Yes, they were.” Johann clenched his jaw. “Honecker could bring in more police and guards, but believes military power will only increase the demonstrations.” His eyes flashed fiery red for a second.
Lee noticed the subtle change in Johann, but didn't say anything.
“I know the driver of Mr. Honecker’s limousine—he’s a klauen or what you Americans call a-” Johann hesitated, searching for the correct word. “The slang I think you use is snitch.”
“That’s the word.” Lee rolled his eyes.
“Is he reliable?” Emily inquired.
“Can be, but I wouldn’t trust him further then I could throw him,” Johann admitted. “ He should be here any moment. Ah, there he is now.”
Lee and Emily looked at the man who entered the door. Lee shook his head in disbelief, after noticing what the man was wearing. He had on blue jeans, a pink Izod shirt, a leather jacket, and Nikes. A Walkman was attached to his belt loop, with the headphones hanging off his neck.
“Johann, my man,” he said. Then noticing Lee and Emily, pointing to them, he asked, “Is it alright to talk?”
“They’re spies, too.”
“Spies, that’s heavy,” he laughed heartily.
“Lee, Emily, this is Augustus Schwanz.”
“Just call me Gus, information broker.”
Lee cocked his head and grimaced. “Gus, you wouldn’t happen to have a brother in the States or own a mud wrestling bar?” Lee asked sarcastically.
“Mud wrestling? So let me understand this, Dude. There are women who wrestle in the mud and people come and pay to watch. Is it a lucrative business?”
“Gus, not now. Do you have some information for us? What’s the word?” Johann asked him, annoyed.
“Don’t get bent out of shape, Johann. I’m always looking for a new business opportunity.”
“Gus!!!”
“Sheesh. Okay. Okay. This is what I have for you. Mr. Honecker has told me that Gorbachev feels German reunification is an internal German matter and middle ground should be found between the two groups. Talks are scheduled for tomorrow morning.”
“Great.” Johann handed Gus a couple of cassette tapes.
Lee watched the exchange, raising his eyebrow. Johann noticing Lee watching, replied, “American rock and roll tapes. They’re a hot item on the black market.”
Lee nodded his head in understanding. “Gus do you have any information on the assassination attempt? When or where?”
“No, but I’ll nose around." Gus put his headphones back on. "Later," he called out, before walking out the door.
Emily stood up. “Lee, I think you and I should go upstairs and see what I have in my bag for our disguises. Neither one of us wants to be recognized by Stasi agents. Do we?”
“Hell, no.” Lee was in complete agreement.
“I’ll meet you two at the CSN van in about 20 minutes,” Johann called after them as they walked toward the elevator.
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CSN News Van
8:15 AM
Johann and Lee grabbed a camera and other audio equipment from the van. Emily was doing a final touch-up on her make-up. She was dressed like a news reporter. Johann was dressed in a three-piece business suit, carrying a clipboard and press credentials. Lee had on jeans, a sweatshirt, and a baseball cap that he wore backwards, and was carrying a video camera.
“Let’s start across the street where the talks are going to be held and interview a few of the protesters, to maintain our cover,” Johann suggested.
“That sounds good to me,” Lee agreed. “Maybe we can poke around and pick up some information from the streets.”
“Then I think we should go to the Berlin Wall and interview some demonstrators from there, too,” Emily added.
“I’ll stay with the van and continue surveillance of the streets.” Johann stepped back into the van, pulling the door closed.
Emily and Lee walked across the street interviewing those who were not afraid to speak on camera.
“That was not very informative," Johann grumbled about an hour later, murmuring into Emily’s earpiece. “Maybe we’ll have better luck over by the wall. Hop in and we’ll drive over there.”
Emily and Lee climbed out of the van and stood before the Berlin wall. It was beginning to rain very hard, but no one seemed ready to head back home. Lee covered the camera with a plastic hood covering to protect it from the rain. They saw thousands of demonstrators lining the wall and several Stasi officers wandering the streets with guns and walkie-talkies.
Emily walked over to a young man leaning against a freshly graffitied section of the wall. “Hello, my name is Emily Barnsworth.” She showed him her press credentials. “I am a reporter for CSN. May I ask you a couple of questions for television?”
The young German man took his cigarette out of his mouth, dropping it to the ground; he stomped on it, snuffing it out, and then nodded yes.
Lee picked up the camera and counted backwards from 5-4-3-2-1, with the two and one being silent cues.
Emily nodded, putting the microphone to her mouth. “This is Emily Barnsworth, reporting live from the Berlin Wall. As you can tell, there are thousands of protesters standing both here on the East and West side of the wall. I am here with an East Berlin resident who only wants to go by his first name. Hyden, what is it that you hope to accomplish here?”
“We want to freely cross between East and West Germany. We want families who have been separated for 40-years to be reunited. We want a reunified Germany. It’s like Mr. Gorbachev said ‘Nothing is eternal in this world.’ And we believe it is time for the wall to come down.”
“Thank you, Hyden. This is Emily Barnsworth, CSN, reporting from the Berlin Wall. Back to you Stewart.”
“And cut.” Lee turned off the camera.
Emily shook Hyden’s hand. “Well done and thank you for your time.” He nodded and walked off with a group of young men.
Lee grinned at Emily. “And who’s Stewart?”
“I improvised. I thought it gave the interview some realism.” She good-naturedly slapped Lee on the shoulder.
“Nice touch.” Lee laughed.
Two Stasi agents walked in front of Emily and Lee. One of the officers stopped suddenly. Turning around, he glanced at Lee, and then suddenly grabbed him, throwing him against the wall, pinning him there. Lee pulled the camera protectively to his chest. Clutching her cane Emily tried to trip one of the agents. Johann dashed out of the van, seizing Emily’s arm, stopping her; shaking his head no.
“Ich verlange zu wissen, was vor sich geht?” he demanded to the East German agents. “My name is John Greenling. I’m a producer for CSN News and that man you just grabbed is Lee Stedman, my photographer. We have permission from your government to be here. Here are our papers. I can assure you they are all in order.” He handed the papers to the second Stasi agent.
The agent read the papers. “Ah yes, Sir. Sorry. Release that man,” the agent told the other operative. “Your cameraman just looks like an American agent we know. Sorry for the misunderstanding,” he apologized, giving the papers back to Johann. “We must be mistaken.” He turned to Lee, apologetically.
“I get that all the time,” Lee chuckled, nervously, handing Johann the camera. “I guess I just have one of those faces.” He briskly rubbed his right shoulder.
The two Stasi agents walked away.
“That was close,” Emily said, climbing into the passenger seat of the van.
Lee climbed in behind her. “Yes, a little too close.”
“Let’s get back to the hotel,” Johann suggested, putting the key into the ignition and starting the van. “You and Emily are soaked.” Putting the van into gear and pulling away from the curb, he drove down the street.
Hotel Room Later That Night
Berlin, East Germany
Lee and Johann sat at a small table in Lee’s hotel room, drinking coffee and playing gin. Emily sat at the desk, taking a sip of Earl Grey.”
Looking at his watch, Lee replied, “I’m better give Billy and my wife a call before it gets any later.”
“Give Amanda my love,” Emily winked, heading out the door. “See both of you in the morning.”
“Good night,” Lee and Johann answered together.
“I’ll give you some privacy.” Johann stood up. “I need to go find Gus anyway—see if he has anything new for us. Night, Lee. See you in the morning.”
“Good night, Johann.” After Johann left, Lee picked up the phone.
Agency Q-Bureau
Amanda stepped out of the vault when she heard the phone ring. She picked it up and answered, “Hello.”
“Hey, Toots. Do you miss me?”
“Yeah, I miss you,” she sighed. “We all miss you, Lee.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling fine, just miss you terribly. How are you feeling, Honey?”
“Actually, would you believe I didn’t feel sick at all today and I actually ate breakfast?”
“You? ‘Mister stale roll and day old coffee?’ Okay, who are you, and what have you done with my husband?” She replied with a quick and silvery laugh. “Am I rubbing off on you? Are you changing your breakfast habits?”
He shook his head. “Emily asked me the same thing. She sends her love.”
“Tell her I’m sorry I can’t join you two on your latest adventure, and that I miss her and hope to see her soon.”
“I will. Listen Amanda, I’m sorry to cut this short, but I need to talk to Billy, and then I think I’m going to take a hot shower and go to bed early tonight.”
“Okay. Be careful. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” he said, hanging up the phone.
Street Corner
Berlin, East Germany
The tall dirty-blond haired man stood under the streetlamp. Taking out a pack of gum from his coat pocket, he unwrapped the gum; sticking the piece in his mouth, he tightened his coat around his body, bringing the collar up over his neck. A young man walked slowly toward him, stopping. He then saluted.
“What you did earlier today was stupid,” snapped the tall man.
“Sorry.”
“Sorry? Sorry doesn’t cut it. Damn it! You almost ruined everything?” His frustration was evident. “Leave Stetson alone, he’s mine.”
“Yes, Sir.” The young man clicked his heels and saluting again, he walked away.
Smiling, the tall man said, “Yes, leave Stetson alone. I’m the one who’s going to rip the stuffing out of Scarecrow.”
Act Three
Hotel Lobby
Berlin, East Germany
Friday, October 13, 1989
7:32 AM
Lee rested his elbows on the table, his head in his hands. He silently wondered if he looked as bad as he felt. Emily came over to the table sitting down. “Guten Morgen, Lee.”
“Morgen, Emily,” he mumbled, sniffling.
“Are you feeling alright?” Emily asked concerned.
“Yeah. I’m just really tired this morning.” He stretched and yawned. “I think I might be coming down with a cold. My throat’s a little scratchy.” He touched his throat with the back of his hand. “And I feel all stuffed up.”
“Are you going to be able to do this assignment?”
“Emily, I not going to let a little thing like a cold, keep me from doing my job,” he grumbled. “I’ll take some cold medicine later and I’ll be fine.”
“As right as rain,” Emily laughed softly.
Lee groaned.
Johann walked into the room, coming over to Lee and Emily; he put his hands on the back of Emily’s chair. “Morgen, Emily. Morgen, Lee.”
“Guten Morgen, Johann,” Emily answered back.
Lee nodded, not even looking up.
“Lee, you look awful,” Johann teased.
“Thanks,” Lee grimaced, taking a sip of juice. Lee put the glass down on the table and then sneezed.
“Gesundheit.” Emily opened her purse and handed him a tissue.
“Danke.”
“We should be going,” Johann suggested. “ It would be best if we maintained surveillance at the embassy building. That way we can keep an eye on Gorbachev.”
Emily nodded her head in agreement. “If something’s going to happen it will most likely be when he’s entering or exiting the embassy.”
After Lee and Emily stood up, the three of them exited the hotel lobby. Taking their time to cross the street, they scanned the area carefully.
Emily stopped. “Lee, there’s a man standing in the rooftop restaurant above the hotel.”
Lee quickly glanced over his shoulder toward the café. Chairs were stacked on the table and umbrellas closed, leaning against the windows. “I see him. The café obviously is not open for business,” Lee observed, taking his service revolver out of its holster. “We might have a shooter on the roof. Okay, Johann let’s see what he’s up to.”
Up on the rooftop, the man took the AK-47 out of the case and then attached the scope. Sitting on his knees, the man leaned forward against the façade of the restaurant. He checked his watch and waited.
Taking the stairs two at a time, Lee and Johann reached the café entrance. Their guns drawn, they stood hidden just outside the doorway. Lee nodded to Johann motioning for him to go around to the other side of the café.
Lee saw the man raise the rifle. The sniper looked through the scope, and placed his finger on the trigger. Lee came up quietly behind the man and then cupping the butt of his gun with both hands, he shouted, “Drop it or I’ll drop you."
The sniper looked over at Lee, his eyes impassive.
From this vantage point, they both witnessed the limousine pull in front of the embassy. The man hesitated for a moment; he looked down at the street below and then back toward Lee. He began to slowly lower the rifle.
“Lee, look out!” Johann shouted, firing his gun.
Dropping the rifle, the man clutched his chest, falling to the ground.
Lee bent over, checking the man’s pulse; finding none, he shook his head. “What the hell?” Lee snapped, frustrated and angry. “What were you thinking? He was complying. Now we won’t know who hired him.”
“Lee, you’re sick. You’re not seeing things correctly,” Johann explained. “I clearly saw him take aim.”
Lee absently ran his hand through his hair. Maybe he was imaging things? He shook his head, bewildered. Looking over the side of the building again he saw Gorbachev button up his jacket as he exited his limousine. His bodyguards surrounding him hurried him up the steps and into the building. He noticed Emily looking up, her hand shielding the sun from her eyes. He gave her the thumbs up signal and saw her acknowledge him. Then Lee observed several Stasi agents running toward the hotel entrance.
“Damn!”
“Get out of here, now,” Johann hollered. “You don’t want to be caught by East German agents. I’ll handle this.” He waved Lee back into the building.
SMK SMK SMK SMK
Johann jimmied the hotel room door open. Glancing around the room, he could hear the water from the shower running. Walking over to the nightstand, he picked up a bottle of cold medicine. Unscrewing the cap, he poured the contents of a small vial he carried into the cold medicine. Replacing the cap, he shook the bottle, mixing the contents. He heard the water being turned off and quickly placed the bottle back on the nightstand. He quickly left the room, closing the door behind him.
Smiling, he thought, 'I’m sending you back to Oz, Scarecrow.'
Hotel Room Later That Night
“Lee?” Emily knocked on the door. She entered into the room, carrying a tray with a bowl of soup and a cup of tea. “How are you feeling?”
“Terrible,” he admitted, lying in bed, his head propped up with pillows.
“I brought you a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a cup of tea with honey and lemon—it should help you with your sore throat.” She placed the tray on his bed.
“Yes, Mom.” He gave her a weak smile.
“I’d best be off so you can get some rest.” She gently patted his leg. “I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight, Lee.”
“Goodnight, Emily,” Lee said, suppressing a yawn.
After finishing his soup and tea, Lee placed the tray on the table. Then he walked over to the door and checked the lock. Walking back to the bed, he reached over to the nightstand, grabbing the bottle of Nyquil; and opening the cap, he poured some cold medicine into the little dosage cup. Swallowing, he mumbled to himself, “Man, this stuff is nasty.” Lee then turned off the lights and lay down in bed. Turning on the TV, he flipped through the channels. Not finding anything to watch, he turned off the television set. His eyelids grew heavy and the room began to spin. 'Sleep. Yes, maybe sleep will help,' he thought. Laying his head down, he did not even bother to get undressed.
Emily knocked on the door. Hearing no answer, she knocked again. She shrugged her shoulders, and using her lock pick, she opened the door. “Sorry, Lee. I forgot my press credentials.” Observing Lee asleep on the bed, she tiptoed into the room as not to disturb him. Grabbing her I.D. that was sitting on the desk, Emily went back out the door and then suddenly stopped. Something was not right. She walked back over to Lee, hearing him moan, she turned on the lamp next to his bed. She touched Lee’s skin. He felt clammy. Feeling for a pulse, she found it to be weak and thready.
“Lee.” Emily shook him hard. She did not get an answer and shook him even harder. “Lee!”
“Emily? Where am I?” Lee asked, puzzled.
“It’s okay, Lee. Help is on the way.” She reached across the bed and picked up the phone, calling for an ambulance.
“Thirsty,” Lee said, his lips dry and cracked.
Minutes later, Emily could hear the sounds of sirens getting closer. The sirens stopped, and she knew they were in front of the hotel.
“Everything’s okay, Lee,” she whispered, squeezing his hand. “Paramedics are going to take you to the hospital. They’re going to take good care of you.”
“No, no doctors. I hate hospitals,” Lee said, dazed and confused.
The paramedics knocked on the door and Emily opened the door for them. The first paramedic put an oxygen mask over Lee’s mouth, as he checked Lee’s vitals. The second paramedic started an I.V. He opened the drug box, and pushed antihistamines directly into the central line, then gave Lee a shot of epinephrine. Turning to Emily, he asked, “Your friend’s going into anaphylactic shock. Did he eat anything he might be allergic to?”
Emily shook her head. “I don’t even know if he has any allergies.” She suddenly realized all the years she had know Lee it had never brought up in conversation.
While the paramedics continued to work on Lee, Emily made a call to Arlington, Virginia.
“Amanda,” Emily quickly said, after hearing her voice.
“Emily, it’s good to hear from you.”
“Yes, Amanda. I’m good to hear from you, too. But I’m afraid-”
“Lee?” Amanda interrupted.
“Amanda, I’ll explain more in a second, but first I need to know what allergies Lee may have. He’s gone into anaphylactic shock.”
“Oh, my gosh!” Amanda gasped. “Penicillin. He’s allergic to penicillin.”
“Penicillin,” Emily whispered to the paramedics, putting her hand on the receiver. The first paramedic nodded his head and made a note on his chart.
“Emily stay with him. I’ll be there as soon as I can catch a flight. Tell him I love him,” she choked out, before hanging up the phone.
Emily hung up the phone and absently picked up the bottle of Nyquil. She stared at the bottle and then at the little dosage cup sitting on the nightstand.
The paramedics rolled Lee onto the gurney. “There’s room for you in the ambulance if you would like to go with him,” the second paramedic said to Emily, after gently placing the drug box and oxygen tank on the gurney.
Emily nodded her head. She looked at the cold medicine bottle once more, and back at the nightstand, before placing the bottle in her jacket pocket. Closing the door behind her, she followed them down the corridor.
Berlin Memorial Hospital
Berlin, East Germany
Saturday, October 14, 1989
1:59 PM
Amada walked out of the elevator. She saw Emily sitting in the waiting room. “Emily.”
“My daring niece, Amanda.” Emily stood up, giving her a hug. She stepped back to admire her. “You look radiant.”
Amanda was wearing an oversize pink Georgetown sweatshirt, jeans, and white tennis shoes. She giggled. “Emily, you tease. I’ve been on a eight-hour fight. I don’t feel very beautiful. So how is he?”
“Actually, he’s doing okay. He’s already driving the nurses crazy.”
She shook her head. “Yes, that sounds like my husband.”
“He’s sleeping right now. But I think he’s more worn out from the cold he has been fighting.” They both sat down in the waiting room chairs.
“Emily what happened? You said he went into anaphylactic shock.”
“I’m sorry, Amanda. I don’t know exactly what happened. I don’t mean to scare you, but they told me he was only minutes away from respiratory distress. But the paramedics were able to give him a shot of epinephrine in time.”
“Oh, my lord.” Amanda gave Emily a second hug. “Emily, I’m so glad you were there for him.”
“So am I—so am I.” Emily patted Amanda’s knee. “Now, let’s go see that husband of yours.” They both got up and walked down the corridor toward Lee’s room.
Amanda opened the door. “Lee?”
Lee opened his eyes. Turning toward her, he smiled. “I knew you couldn’t stay at home.”
Amanda sat on the edge of Lee’s hospital bed.
He looked at her in confusion and asked, “How did you get past the Berlin Wall?”
“I have my ways, “ she grinned mischievously, brushing back his hair.
He laughed and then grabbing her, he pulled her down for a kiss.
Emily cleared her throat. Amanda’s face turned a slight shade of pink. “Sorry, Emily.”
“Don’t be,” Emily grinned, sitting down on the chair beside Lee’s hospital bed.
Doctor Seibert lightly tapped on the door and entered the room. “Mr. Steadman, your vitals look good. How would you feel about getting released?”
“The sooner the better.”
“Doctor,” Amanda asked. “What happened to Lee?”
“Mrs. Steadman. Your husband had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin.”
“But?” Lee shook his head, silencing her.
“Thanks, Doctor.” He shook the doctor’s hand.
“I’ll fill out those discharge papers and get you out of here. You should inform your family physician of your allergy. It was good meeting you all.” He then left the room.
“Lee. I don’t understand. You know about your allergy to penicillin.”
“Amanda, Dear,” Emily explained. “We don’t quite understand either.”
“I did not purposely take penicillin.”
“Mm-huh,” Amanda said, perplexed. Then realization dawned. “Then someone-”
“Yes,” Both Lee and Emily answered.
“I took the bottle of cold medicine to be analyzed and we found out someone had mixed liquid penicillin in it.” Emily stood up, coming up behind Amanda.
“It would have been the perfect way to kill me—if Emily had not found me when she did-” he trailed off, grabbing hold of Emily’s hand.
“Emily,” Amanda choked out, giving her a side hug. “I know I said this before, but I’m so glad you were there for him.”
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get out of here,” Lee said, trying to lighten the mood. “Emily. Would you mind?”
“Of course.” She then left the room.
“Amanda. Could you get me my clothes? They’re in the closet.” He asked, before standing up.
Amanda walked over to the closet, grabbing his clothes. “Lee?” she asked, biting her lip. “Any ideas who did this to you?”
“No.” Lee pulled on his jeans. He had just finished zipping up his pants when Gus entered the room.
“Lee. What’s happening?” Gus then noticed Amanda, “Hello, Beautiful. Ever considered doing any mud wrestling?”
“Knock it off, Gus. This is my wife, Amanda.” Lee finished buttoning on his shirt. “Amanda, Gus Schwanz.”
Amanda laughed, bringing her hand up to her mouth.
Lee raised his hand, mouthing, “I know. I know.”
“Here, take my card,” he said slipping Amanda a business card and a second piece of paper underneath.
Lee took Amanda’s hand, pulling her close to him and gave Gus a ‘don’t even think about it’ look.
“I have not seen Johann this morning and I knew you were waiting for that information,” Gus explained.
“Sorry, I don’t have any cassette tapes.” Lee opened his wallet and took out two $20 dollar bills.
Gus rubbed his fingers together looking at Lee’s wallet.
Lee sighed and pulled out another $20. “Here.” He placed the bills into Gus’s hand.
“If you ever change your mind, give me a call.” Gus winked at Amanda. Leaving the room, he glanced over to her again. “Um-hum,” he said under his breath.
“You know, Lee. I never thought in a million years there would be two of them.”
“I know.” He shook his head in amazement. “Let’s get out of here and go back to our hotel room. Shall we, Mrs. Stetson?”
“Oh, yes, Mr. Stetson.” She put her arm around his waist, heading out of the hospital room.
Johann came around the corner of the hallway. He watched Lee, Amanda, and Emily head out the hospital doors. “Damn,” he said under his breath, shaking his head. “He lives.” He stood there for a moment. 'Time for plan B,' he thought. He then turned around, heading back down the corridor.
Act Four
Hotel Room
Berlin, East Germany
Saturday, October 14, 1989
5:00 PM
Amanda and Emily were sitting around the table in Lee’s hotel room. Lee was lying on the bed on his stomach. His hands propped up his head while looking over at Amanda and Emily. Amanda looked at the slip of paper Gus had given her. She shook her head. “It looks like the names of German companies, but I don’t recognize any of them. Do any of these names mean anything to you, Emily?” She handed Emily the slip of paper.
“No, I’ve never heard of any of these companies.” Emily admitted. “Lee is there a phone book in the nightstand?”
Lee reached over to the nightstand, opening the drawer. “Yes, here’s one,” he said handing the phone book over to Emily. He sat up on the edge of the bed.
“What’s the first company, Amanda?”
“Berlin Financial Group.”
Emily thumbed through the phone book. “Nothing here. Next one.”
“Deutschland Investments and Securities.”
“D’s. Same. Nothing.”
“Okay. Global Solutions.”
“G’s. Also does not exist.”
“Muller International World Bank.”
“No. None of these companies are listed in the phone book,” Emily closed the book.
“So what do we have here?” Lee sighed, staring at the paper.
“It’s a front!” Amanda stood up suddenly.
“Huh?” Lee asked, perplexed.
“I think these companies are fictional corporations. This must be the way Baron Klaus Von Eiger’s money is being funneled through to the Riebaden Group.”
“Yes, that makes sense and how it’s getting past the Iron Curtain,” Emily added.
“You never cease to amaze me, Amanda.” Lee shook his head. He then put his arms around her and kissed her on the forehead.
“And don’t you ever forget that, Scarecrow.” She leaned into him.
“No, Ma’am,” he laughed.
They were interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Maybe that’s room service?” Lee walked toward the door and after opening it, Johann walked in.
“Hello, Johann.”
“Lee—I heard what happened to you. I’m glad to see you’re okay.” Johann noticed Amanda standing in the middle of the room. “Oh, I’m sorry. I see you have company.” He walked over to her.
“Johann, my wife Amanda Stetson. Amanda, Johann Gehring, German Intelligence.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Amanda shook his hand.
“No, the pleasure’s all mine.” He bowed. Johann then perched himself on the desk. “I was out talking with some of my contacts. No news. Nothing. I did run into Gus though, but he didn’t have anything for us either.”
“So we still have nothing.” Lee put the slip of paper into his pants pocket. Amanda looked over at Lee and then to Emily. She then sat back down in the chair. All four agents looked over at the door after hearing a knock.
“That must be room service. We ordered some sandwiches. I didn’t know when you were going to be back, so I didn’t order for you. Sorry,” Lee explained.
“That’s okay. I think I’ll go downstairs and order something from the bar,” Johann said, opening the door.
Lee finished signing for their meal and closed the door. He turned to the other two occupants in the room. Leaning against the door, he folded his arms across his broad chest. “I think we may have a problem.”
“It would appear our friend Johann is not who he appears to be,” Emily confirmed.
“I want to know why he lied to us. Come on Emily let’s go check out our friend’s room,” he suggested. “See what secrets he’s hiding.”
“I’m going with you.” Amanda stood up.
“No, you’re not.”
“Yes, I am.”
“No, you’re not. I have Emily to watch my back, so please stay here, for me,” he pleaded.
“Okay, but I’m not going to like it.” Amanda sat back down, dejected.
Lee opened the door, and glanced down the corridor looking for Johann. After Emily stepped through, he pulled the door closed. They walked down the hallway toward Johann’s room. The corridor was empty and Lee motioned for Emily to open the door. Lee and Emily silently slipped into Johann’s room. Emily opened Johann’s suitcase, rifling through the contents. Then looking under the bed, she pulled out a large file box.
Lee walked over to the bathroom and began to rifle through the items on the counter top and in his toiletry bag. Picking up the waste paper basket, he rummaged through it finding an empty vial.
“Find anything?” he asked, walking back into the room. “Look what I found.” He stopped suddenly when he saw Johann pointing a gun at Emily.
“So what tipped you off?” Johann asked, motioning to Emily to come over toward Lee. Johann walked over to Lee removing his gun for its holster. “Where’s Mrs. Stetson? Doesn’t matter, I’ll soon take care of her, too. But first I’ll tie you two up, and then I’ll get her, so she can join our little party. An added bonus, I might add, I was supposed to take only you out, but looks like I will be taking out three Western spies or should I say three and a half spies?”
Emily gasped, the color draining from her face. “Leave her out of this.”
“You seem surprised. You didn’t think I was going to notice. Even with the oversized sweatshirt she had on, I noticed. I’m a spy. I’m trained to notice details. She’s not very far along, is she?”
Lee knew he had to stay one step ahead of Johann, so he kept him talking. “So I take it you are really a Stasi agent and you purposely killed the assassin on the roof yesterday morning?”
“Oh, yeah. I couldn’t let him get caught—and let him tell you all my little secrets. You see, Stasi agents have infiltrated West German spy agencies as well as those of the NATO countries.” He pushed Emily down in the chair. “Lee, if you would be so kind as to tie up Frau Emily and don’t try anything funny.” He kept the gun pointed at Emily, while Lee tied her up. “Right now my comrades are shredding documents that link us to secretly aiding terrorist groups like the Riebaden Group. We were willing to start a little coup to keep us in power and soon you three will be dead and no one will be any wiser to our plans to bring down NATO.”
Lee stood up, his eyes fixed on the East German agent before him.
“I have been studying you for a while, Scarecrow. I know all about you, even obtained a copy of your medical records.”
Lee’s jaw clenched.
“Wow, you are the perfect spy, “ Johann grinned ruefully. “No cries of mercy. Please don’t hurt my wife and unborn child.”
Lee then noticed the door was ajar and saw movement out in the hallway. He saw Amanda on the other side of the doorway. Their eyes met for a moment. Lee smiled, smugly. “She can take care of herself.”
Out in the hallway, Amanda looked around for something to distract Johann. Her eyes then rested on the housekeeping cart. She grabbed a fitted sheet off the cart, unfolding it.
Grabbing another chair, Johann motioned for Lee to sit down, and then bent over to tie him up. Lee tensed knowing what was about to happen. Then Amanda burst through the door throwing the sheet over Johann’s head.
Lee jumped up from the chair knocking Johann over, the gun sliding across the floor. Amanda bent down to pick it up and then ran over to Emily to untie her. Johann pulled away, throwing the sheet off him. He slammed his foot into Lee’s chest. Lee was momentarily winded. Johann threw a punch, but Lee ducked, just missing contact with Johann’s fist. Lee’s right hook made contact with Johann’s jaw, and he stumbled backwards. Lee grabbed a hold of Johann’s neck and squeezed until he could feel the life draining from him.
“Lee, please stop. He’s not worth it,” Amanda yelled.
Lee let go of Johann as he fell to the floor, unconscious. Turning him over he placed handcuffs on Johann. Amanda ran up to Lee giving him a hug.
“Good show, Amanda,” Emily beamed.
Lee pushed her back, so he could look her into her eyes. “Didn’t I tell you to stay in the room?”
Amanda nodded her head.
“Thank God, you never listen to me,” he laughed, pulling her back in for a warm embrace.
Tag
Berlin Wall
Berlin, West Germany
Monday, October 16, 1989
12:00 PM
Lee, Amanda and Emily stood outside the checkpoint of the Berlin Wall on the West German side. They observed protesters on both sides of the wall, shouting, “No more violence.”
“Wow. There must be over 100,000 thousand protesters here, today.” Lee was in awe.
“We’re witnessing history, Lee,” Emily simply stated.
“I heard a rumor that Erich Honecker plans on stepping down in a couple of days as Chancellor of East Germany,” Amanda said. “I honestly never thought I would see a unified Germany in my lifetime.”
“The times they are a changin',” Emily lamented. Looking over at Lee, she noticed him deep in thought. “It’s okay, Lee. I have no regrets.”
“No Emily. It’s not that. It was just a lot easier when we knew exactly who our friends and enemies were."
“Speaking of enemies—what did you do with Johann?” Amanda asked.
“Actually, we didn’t do anything with him,” Lee grinned mischievously.
Amanda looked at him in confusion.
“You see, Amanda, Dear,” Emily began. “Even if the Stasi are shredding the documents to hide their activities over the last forty-years, our friend Johann left some important files in his room. It’s the names of double agents working at various spy agencies, throughout the western world. I’m interested in what the Russians, Romanians, or East German agents will do with him, when they find out he sold out his countryman by ‘giving’ American agents those files.”
“Ohhhh,” Amanda said, understanding.
“How about I take my two favorite ladies to lunch before our flight? I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.” Lee put his arms around both of them.
“That sounds great.”
“No morning sickness, Lee?” Amanda teased.
“Morning sickness?” Emily looked sideways at Lee.
Lee looked back at Emily and smiled, as color slowly crept up his neck.
“Why don’t you ladies order, while I go make a call to Billy,” he said, walking off. “I’ll meet you at the pizzeria in a few minutes.”
Pizzeria Several Minutes Later
“I'm happy to report that Gorbachev made it safely back to the Kremlin. So what did you two order?” Lee said as he slid into the booth.
“It’s the newest pizza, Lee. They call it a Cheeseburger pizza. It comes with cheese, hamburger, bacon and pickles,” Amanda explained.
Lee clapped his hand together. “Mmmm. Sounds good.”
A few minutes later, a waitress placed the pizza down on the table in front of them. Lee took one look at it and his stomach began to churn. 'Why are those pickles smiling at me?' he thought. Trying to push the feeling he was about to be sick out of his mind.
“Lee?” Amanda asked. “You look a little green.”
Lee shook his head. 'I can do this,' he thought, grabbing a slice of pizza and placed it on his plate. He then took a sniff. “It smells—ahhh—I think I’m going to be sick. Excuse me,” he said, quickly heading toward the bathroom.
Amanda and Emily shrugged their shoulders. “Leaves more for us.” Emily took a slice of pizza, smiling.
THE END
Note: Two days later Erich Honecker resigned and on November 9, 1989 the Berlin Wall opened; lifting travel restrictions between East and West Germany. On Oct 3, 1990 Germany was reunited.
Hotel Lobby
Berlin, East Germany
Friday, October 13, 1989
7:32 AM
Lee rested his elbows on the table, his head in his hands. He silently wondered if he looked as bad as he felt. Emily came over to the table sitting down. “Guten Morgen, Lee.”
“Morgen, Emily,” he mumbled, sniffling.
“Are you feeling alright?” Emily asked concerned.
“Yeah. I’m just really tired this morning.” He stretched and yawned. “I think I might be coming down with a cold. My throat’s a little scratchy.” He touched his throat with the back of his hand. “And I feel all stuffed up.”
“Are you going to be able to do this assignment?”
“Emily, I not going to let a little thing like a cold, keep me from doing my job,” he grumbled. “I’ll take some cold medicine later and I’ll be fine.”
“As right as rain,” Emily laughed softly.
Lee groaned.
Johann walked into the room, coming over to Lee and Emily; he put his hands on the back of Emily’s chair. “Morgen, Emily. Morgen, Lee.”
“Guten Morgen, Johann,” Emily answered back.
Lee nodded, not even looking up.
“Lee, you look awful,” Johann teased.
“Thanks,” Lee grimaced, taking a sip of juice. Lee put the glass down on the table and then sneezed.
“Gesundheit.” Emily opened her purse and handed him a tissue.
“Danke.”
“We should be going,” Johann suggested. “ It would be best if we maintained surveillance at the embassy building. That way we can keep an eye on Gorbachev.”
Emily nodded her head in agreement. “If something’s going to happen it will most likely be when he’s entering or exiting the embassy.”
After Lee and Emily stood up, the three of them exited the hotel lobby. Taking their time to cross the street, they scanned the area carefully.
Emily stopped. “Lee, there’s a man standing in the rooftop restaurant above the hotel.”
Lee quickly glanced over his shoulder toward the café. Chairs were stacked on the table and umbrellas closed, leaning against the windows. “I see him. The café obviously is not open for business,” Lee observed, taking his service revolver out of its holster. “We might have a shooter on the roof. Okay, Johann let’s see what he’s up to.”
Up on the rooftop, the man took the AK-47 out of the case and then attached the scope. Sitting on his knees, the man leaned forward against the façade of the restaurant. He checked his watch and waited.
Taking the stairs two at a time, Lee and Johann reached the café entrance. Their guns drawn, they stood hidden just outside the doorway. Lee nodded to Johann motioning for him to go around to the other side of the café.
Lee saw the man raise the rifle. The sniper looked through the scope, and placed his finger on the trigger. Lee came up quietly behind the man and then cupping the butt of his gun with both hands, he shouted, “Drop it or I’ll drop you."
The sniper looked over at Lee, his eyes impassive.
From this vantage point, they both witnessed the limousine pull in front of the embassy. The man hesitated for a moment; he looked down at the street below and then back toward Lee. He began to slowly lower the rifle.
“Lee, look out!” Johann shouted, firing his gun.
Dropping the rifle, the man clutched his chest, falling to the ground.
Lee bent over, checking the man’s pulse; finding none, he shook his head. “What the hell?” Lee snapped, frustrated and angry. “What were you thinking? He was complying. Now we won’t know who hired him.”
“Lee, you’re sick. You’re not seeing things correctly,” Johann explained. “I clearly saw him take aim.”
Lee absently ran his hand through his hair. Maybe he was imaging things? He shook his head, bewildered. Looking over the side of the building again he saw Gorbachev button up his jacket as he exited his limousine. His bodyguards surrounding him hurried him up the steps and into the building. He noticed Emily looking up, her hand shielding the sun from her eyes. He gave her the thumbs up signal and saw her acknowledge him. Then Lee observed several Stasi agents running toward the hotel entrance.
“Damn!”
“Get out of here, now,” Johann hollered. “You don’t want to be caught by East German agents. I’ll handle this.” He waved Lee back into the building.
SMK SMK SMK SMK
Johann jimmied the hotel room door open. Glancing around the room, he could hear the water from the shower running. Walking over to the nightstand, he picked up a bottle of cold medicine. Unscrewing the cap, he poured the contents of a small vial he carried into the cold medicine. Replacing the cap, he shook the bottle, mixing the contents. He heard the water being turned off and quickly placed the bottle back on the nightstand. He quickly left the room, closing the door behind him.
Smiling, he thought, 'I’m sending you back to Oz, Scarecrow.'
Hotel Room Later That Night
“Lee?” Emily knocked on the door. She entered into the room, carrying a tray with a bowl of soup and a cup of tea. “How are you feeling?”
“Terrible,” he admitted, lying in bed, his head propped up with pillows.
“I brought you a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a cup of tea with honey and lemon—it should help you with your sore throat.” She placed the tray on his bed.
“Yes, Mom.” He gave her a weak smile.
“I’d best be off so you can get some rest.” She gently patted his leg. “I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight, Lee.”
“Goodnight, Emily,” Lee said, suppressing a yawn.
After finishing his soup and tea, Lee placed the tray on the table. Then he walked over to the door and checked the lock. Walking back to the bed, he reached over to the nightstand, grabbing the bottle of Nyquil; and opening the cap, he poured some cold medicine into the little dosage cup. Swallowing, he mumbled to himself, “Man, this stuff is nasty.” Lee then turned off the lights and lay down in bed. Turning on the TV, he flipped through the channels. Not finding anything to watch, he turned off the television set. His eyelids grew heavy and the room began to spin. 'Sleep. Yes, maybe sleep will help,' he thought. Laying his head down, he did not even bother to get undressed.
Emily knocked on the door. Hearing no answer, she knocked again. She shrugged her shoulders, and using her lock pick, she opened the door. “Sorry, Lee. I forgot my press credentials.” Observing Lee asleep on the bed, she tiptoed into the room as not to disturb him. Grabbing her I.D. that was sitting on the desk, Emily went back out the door and then suddenly stopped. Something was not right. She walked back over to Lee, hearing him moan, she turned on the lamp next to his bed. She touched Lee’s skin. He felt clammy. Feeling for a pulse, she found it to be weak and thready.
“Lee.” Emily shook him hard. She did not get an answer and shook him even harder. “Lee!”
“Emily? Where am I?” Lee asked, puzzled.
“It’s okay, Lee. Help is on the way.” She reached across the bed and picked up the phone, calling for an ambulance.
“Thirsty,” Lee said, his lips dry and cracked.
Minutes later, Emily could hear the sounds of sirens getting closer. The sirens stopped, and she knew they were in front of the hotel.
“Everything’s okay, Lee,” she whispered, squeezing his hand. “Paramedics are going to take you to the hospital. They’re going to take good care of you.”
“No, no doctors. I hate hospitals,” Lee said, dazed and confused.
The paramedics knocked on the door and Emily opened the door for them. The first paramedic put an oxygen mask over Lee’s mouth, as he checked Lee’s vitals. The second paramedic started an I.V. He opened the drug box, and pushed antihistamines directly into the central line, then gave Lee a shot of epinephrine. Turning to Emily, he asked, “Your friend’s going into anaphylactic shock. Did he eat anything he might be allergic to?”
Emily shook her head. “I don’t even know if he has any allergies.” She suddenly realized all the years she had know Lee it had never brought up in conversation.
While the paramedics continued to work on Lee, Emily made a call to Arlington, Virginia.
“Amanda,” Emily quickly said, after hearing her voice.
“Emily, it’s good to hear from you.”
“Yes, Amanda. I’m good to hear from you, too. But I’m afraid-”
“Lee?” Amanda interrupted.
“Amanda, I’ll explain more in a second, but first I need to know what allergies Lee may have. He’s gone into anaphylactic shock.”
“Oh, my gosh!” Amanda gasped. “Penicillin. He’s allergic to penicillin.”
“Penicillin,” Emily whispered to the paramedics, putting her hand on the receiver. The first paramedic nodded his head and made a note on his chart.
“Emily stay with him. I’ll be there as soon as I can catch a flight. Tell him I love him,” she choked out, before hanging up the phone.
Emily hung up the phone and absently picked up the bottle of Nyquil. She stared at the bottle and then at the little dosage cup sitting on the nightstand.
The paramedics rolled Lee onto the gurney. “There’s room for you in the ambulance if you would like to go with him,” the second paramedic said to Emily, after gently placing the drug box and oxygen tank on the gurney.
Emily nodded her head. She looked at the cold medicine bottle once more, and back at the nightstand, before placing the bottle in her jacket pocket. Closing the door behind her, she followed them down the corridor.
Berlin Memorial Hospital
Berlin, East Germany
Saturday, October 14, 1989
1:59 PM
Amada walked out of the elevator. She saw Emily sitting in the waiting room. “Emily.”
“My daring niece, Amanda.” Emily stood up, giving her a hug. She stepped back to admire her. “You look radiant.”
Amanda was wearing an oversize pink Georgetown sweatshirt, jeans, and white tennis shoes. She giggled. “Emily, you tease. I’ve been on a eight-hour fight. I don’t feel very beautiful. So how is he?”
“Actually, he’s doing okay. He’s already driving the nurses crazy.”
She shook her head. “Yes, that sounds like my husband.”
“He’s sleeping right now. But I think he’s more worn out from the cold he has been fighting.” They both sat down in the waiting room chairs.
“Emily what happened? You said he went into anaphylactic shock.”
“I’m sorry, Amanda. I don’t know exactly what happened. I don’t mean to scare you, but they told me he was only minutes away from respiratory distress. But the paramedics were able to give him a shot of epinephrine in time.”
“Oh, my lord.” Amanda gave Emily a second hug. “Emily, I’m so glad you were there for him.”
“So am I—so am I.” Emily patted Amanda’s knee. “Now, let’s go see that husband of yours.” They both got up and walked down the corridor toward Lee’s room.
Amanda opened the door. “Lee?”
Lee opened his eyes. Turning toward her, he smiled. “I knew you couldn’t stay at home.”
Amanda sat on the edge of Lee’s hospital bed.
He looked at her in confusion and asked, “How did you get past the Berlin Wall?”
“I have my ways, “ she grinned mischievously, brushing back his hair.
He laughed and then grabbing her, he pulled her down for a kiss.
Emily cleared her throat. Amanda’s face turned a slight shade of pink. “Sorry, Emily.”
“Don’t be,” Emily grinned, sitting down on the chair beside Lee’s hospital bed.
Doctor Seibert lightly tapped on the door and entered the room. “Mr. Steadman, your vitals look good. How would you feel about getting released?”
“The sooner the better.”
“Doctor,” Amanda asked. “What happened to Lee?”
“Mrs. Steadman. Your husband had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin.”
“But?” Lee shook his head, silencing her.
“Thanks, Doctor.” He shook the doctor’s hand.
“I’ll fill out those discharge papers and get you out of here. You should inform your family physician of your allergy. It was good meeting you all.” He then left the room.
“Lee. I don’t understand. You know about your allergy to penicillin.”
“Amanda, Dear,” Emily explained. “We don’t quite understand either.”
“I did not purposely take penicillin.”
“Mm-huh,” Amanda said, perplexed. Then realization dawned. “Then someone-”
“Yes,” Both Lee and Emily answered.
“I took the bottle of cold medicine to be analyzed and we found out someone had mixed liquid penicillin in it.” Emily stood up, coming up behind Amanda.
“It would have been the perfect way to kill me—if Emily had not found me when she did-” he trailed off, grabbing hold of Emily’s hand.
“Emily,” Amanda choked out, giving her a side hug. “I know I said this before, but I’m so glad you were there for him.”
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get out of here,” Lee said, trying to lighten the mood. “Emily. Would you mind?”
“Of course.” She then left the room.
“Amanda. Could you get me my clothes? They’re in the closet.” He asked, before standing up.
Amanda walked over to the closet, grabbing his clothes. “Lee?” she asked, biting her lip. “Any ideas who did this to you?”
“No.” Lee pulled on his jeans. He had just finished zipping up his pants when Gus entered the room.
“Lee. What’s happening?” Gus then noticed Amanda, “Hello, Beautiful. Ever considered doing any mud wrestling?”
“Knock it off, Gus. This is my wife, Amanda.” Lee finished buttoning on his shirt. “Amanda, Gus Schwanz.”
Amanda laughed, bringing her hand up to her mouth.
Lee raised his hand, mouthing, “I know. I know.”
“Here, take my card,” he said slipping Amanda a business card and a second piece of paper underneath.
Lee took Amanda’s hand, pulling her close to him and gave Gus a ‘don’t even think about it’ look.
“I have not seen Johann this morning and I knew you were waiting for that information,” Gus explained.
“Sorry, I don’t have any cassette tapes.” Lee opened his wallet and took out two $20 dollar bills.
Gus rubbed his fingers together looking at Lee’s wallet.
Lee sighed and pulled out another $20. “Here.” He placed the bills into Gus’s hand.
“If you ever change your mind, give me a call.” Gus winked at Amanda. Leaving the room, he glanced over to her again. “Um-hum,” he said under his breath.
“You know, Lee. I never thought in a million years there would be two of them.”
“I know.” He shook his head in amazement. “Let’s get out of here and go back to our hotel room. Shall we, Mrs. Stetson?”
“Oh, yes, Mr. Stetson.” She put her arm around his waist, heading out of the hospital room.
Johann came around the corner of the hallway. He watched Lee, Amanda, and Emily head out the hospital doors. “Damn,” he said under his breath, shaking his head. “He lives.” He stood there for a moment. 'Time for plan B,' he thought. He then turned around, heading back down the corridor.
Act Four
Hotel Room
Berlin, East Germany
Saturday, October 14, 1989
5:00 PM
Amanda and Emily were sitting around the table in Lee’s hotel room. Lee was lying on the bed on his stomach. His hands propped up his head while looking over at Amanda and Emily. Amanda looked at the slip of paper Gus had given her. She shook her head. “It looks like the names of German companies, but I don’t recognize any of them. Do any of these names mean anything to you, Emily?” She handed Emily the slip of paper.
“No, I’ve never heard of any of these companies.” Emily admitted. “Lee is there a phone book in the nightstand?”
Lee reached over to the nightstand, opening the drawer. “Yes, here’s one,” he said handing the phone book over to Emily. He sat up on the edge of the bed.
“What’s the first company, Amanda?”
“Berlin Financial Group.”
Emily thumbed through the phone book. “Nothing here. Next one.”
“Deutschland Investments and Securities.”
“D’s. Same. Nothing.”
“Okay. Global Solutions.”
“G’s. Also does not exist.”
“Muller International World Bank.”
“No. None of these companies are listed in the phone book,” Emily closed the book.
“So what do we have here?” Lee sighed, staring at the paper.
“It’s a front!” Amanda stood up suddenly.
“Huh?” Lee asked, perplexed.
“I think these companies are fictional corporations. This must be the way Baron Klaus Von Eiger’s money is being funneled through to the Riebaden Group.”
“Yes, that makes sense and how it’s getting past the Iron Curtain,” Emily added.
“You never cease to amaze me, Amanda.” Lee shook his head. He then put his arms around her and kissed her on the forehead.
“And don’t you ever forget that, Scarecrow.” She leaned into him.
“No, Ma’am,” he laughed.
They were interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Maybe that’s room service?” Lee walked toward the door and after opening it, Johann walked in.
“Hello, Johann.”
“Lee—I heard what happened to you. I’m glad to see you’re okay.” Johann noticed Amanda standing in the middle of the room. “Oh, I’m sorry. I see you have company.” He walked over to her.
“Johann, my wife Amanda Stetson. Amanda, Johann Gehring, German Intelligence.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Amanda shook his hand.
“No, the pleasure’s all mine.” He bowed. Johann then perched himself on the desk. “I was out talking with some of my contacts. No news. Nothing. I did run into Gus though, but he didn’t have anything for us either.”
“So we still have nothing.” Lee put the slip of paper into his pants pocket. Amanda looked over at Lee and then to Emily. She then sat back down in the chair. All four agents looked over at the door after hearing a knock.
“That must be room service. We ordered some sandwiches. I didn’t know when you were going to be back, so I didn’t order for you. Sorry,” Lee explained.
“That’s okay. I think I’ll go downstairs and order something from the bar,” Johann said, opening the door.
Lee finished signing for their meal and closed the door. He turned to the other two occupants in the room. Leaning against the door, he folded his arms across his broad chest. “I think we may have a problem.”
“It would appear our friend Johann is not who he appears to be,” Emily confirmed.
“I want to know why he lied to us. Come on Emily let’s go check out our friend’s room,” he suggested. “See what secrets he’s hiding.”
“I’m going with you.” Amanda stood up.
“No, you’re not.”
“Yes, I am.”
“No, you’re not. I have Emily to watch my back, so please stay here, for me,” he pleaded.
“Okay, but I’m not going to like it.” Amanda sat back down, dejected.
Lee opened the door, and glanced down the corridor looking for Johann. After Emily stepped through, he pulled the door closed. They walked down the hallway toward Johann’s room. The corridor was empty and Lee motioned for Emily to open the door. Lee and Emily silently slipped into Johann’s room. Emily opened Johann’s suitcase, rifling through the contents. Then looking under the bed, she pulled out a large file box.
Lee walked over to the bathroom and began to rifle through the items on the counter top and in his toiletry bag. Picking up the waste paper basket, he rummaged through it finding an empty vial.
“Find anything?” he asked, walking back into the room. “Look what I found.” He stopped suddenly when he saw Johann pointing a gun at Emily.
“So what tipped you off?” Johann asked, motioning to Emily to come over toward Lee. Johann walked over to Lee removing his gun for its holster. “Where’s Mrs. Stetson? Doesn’t matter, I’ll soon take care of her, too. But first I’ll tie you two up, and then I’ll get her, so she can join our little party. An added bonus, I might add, I was supposed to take only you out, but looks like I will be taking out three Western spies or should I say three and a half spies?”
Emily gasped, the color draining from her face. “Leave her out of this.”
“You seem surprised. You didn’t think I was going to notice. Even with the oversized sweatshirt she had on, I noticed. I’m a spy. I’m trained to notice details. She’s not very far along, is she?”
Lee knew he had to stay one step ahead of Johann, so he kept him talking. “So I take it you are really a Stasi agent and you purposely killed the assassin on the roof yesterday morning?”
“Oh, yeah. I couldn’t let him get caught—and let him tell you all my little secrets. You see, Stasi agents have infiltrated West German spy agencies as well as those of the NATO countries.” He pushed Emily down in the chair. “Lee, if you would be so kind as to tie up Frau Emily and don’t try anything funny.” He kept the gun pointed at Emily, while Lee tied her up. “Right now my comrades are shredding documents that link us to secretly aiding terrorist groups like the Riebaden Group. We were willing to start a little coup to keep us in power and soon you three will be dead and no one will be any wiser to our plans to bring down NATO.”
Lee stood up, his eyes fixed on the East German agent before him.
“I have been studying you for a while, Scarecrow. I know all about you, even obtained a copy of your medical records.”
Lee’s jaw clenched.
“Wow, you are the perfect spy, “ Johann grinned ruefully. “No cries of mercy. Please don’t hurt my wife and unborn child.”
Lee then noticed the door was ajar and saw movement out in the hallway. He saw Amanda on the other side of the doorway. Their eyes met for a moment. Lee smiled, smugly. “She can take care of herself.”
Out in the hallway, Amanda looked around for something to distract Johann. Her eyes then rested on the housekeeping cart. She grabbed a fitted sheet off the cart, unfolding it.
Grabbing another chair, Johann motioned for Lee to sit down, and then bent over to tie him up. Lee tensed knowing what was about to happen. Then Amanda burst through the door throwing the sheet over Johann’s head.
Lee jumped up from the chair knocking Johann over, the gun sliding across the floor. Amanda bent down to pick it up and then ran over to Emily to untie her. Johann pulled away, throwing the sheet off him. He slammed his foot into Lee’s chest. Lee was momentarily winded. Johann threw a punch, but Lee ducked, just missing contact with Johann’s fist. Lee’s right hook made contact with Johann’s jaw, and he stumbled backwards. Lee grabbed a hold of Johann’s neck and squeezed until he could feel the life draining from him.
“Lee, please stop. He’s not worth it,” Amanda yelled.
Lee let go of Johann as he fell to the floor, unconscious. Turning him over he placed handcuffs on Johann. Amanda ran up to Lee giving him a hug.
“Good show, Amanda,” Emily beamed.
Lee pushed her back, so he could look her into her eyes. “Didn’t I tell you to stay in the room?”
Amanda nodded her head.
“Thank God, you never listen to me,” he laughed, pulling her back in for a warm embrace.
Tag
Berlin Wall
Berlin, West Germany
Monday, October 16, 1989
12:00 PM
Lee, Amanda and Emily stood outside the checkpoint of the Berlin Wall on the West German side. They observed protesters on both sides of the wall, shouting, “No more violence.”
“Wow. There must be over 100,000 thousand protesters here, today.” Lee was in awe.
“We’re witnessing history, Lee,” Emily simply stated.
“I heard a rumor that Erich Honecker plans on stepping down in a couple of days as Chancellor of East Germany,” Amanda said. “I honestly never thought I would see a unified Germany in my lifetime.”
“The times they are a changin',” Emily lamented. Looking over at Lee, she noticed him deep in thought. “It’s okay, Lee. I have no regrets.”
“No Emily. It’s not that. It was just a lot easier when we knew exactly who our friends and enemies were."
“Speaking of enemies—what did you do with Johann?” Amanda asked.
“Actually, we didn’t do anything with him,” Lee grinned mischievously.
Amanda looked at him in confusion.
“You see, Amanda, Dear,” Emily began. “Even if the Stasi are shredding the documents to hide their activities over the last forty-years, our friend Johann left some important files in his room. It’s the names of double agents working at various spy agencies, throughout the western world. I’m interested in what the Russians, Romanians, or East German agents will do with him, when they find out he sold out his countryman by ‘giving’ American agents those files.”
“Ohhhh,” Amanda said, understanding.
“How about I take my two favorite ladies to lunch before our flight? I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.” Lee put his arms around both of them.
“That sounds great.”
“No morning sickness, Lee?” Amanda teased.
“Morning sickness?” Emily looked sideways at Lee.
Lee looked back at Emily and smiled, as color slowly crept up his neck.
“Why don’t you ladies order, while I go make a call to Billy,” he said, walking off. “I’ll meet you at the pizzeria in a few minutes.”
Pizzeria Several Minutes Later
“I'm happy to report that Gorbachev made it safely back to the Kremlin. So what did you two order?” Lee said as he slid into the booth.
“It’s the newest pizza, Lee. They call it a Cheeseburger pizza. It comes with cheese, hamburger, bacon and pickles,” Amanda explained.
Lee clapped his hand together. “Mmmm. Sounds good.”
A few minutes later, a waitress placed the pizza down on the table in front of them. Lee took one look at it and his stomach began to churn. 'Why are those pickles smiling at me?' he thought. Trying to push the feeling he was about to be sick out of his mind.
“Lee?” Amanda asked. “You look a little green.”
Lee shook his head. 'I can do this,' he thought, grabbing a slice of pizza and placed it on his plate. He then took a sniff. “It smells—ahhh—I think I’m going to be sick. Excuse me,” he said, quickly heading toward the bathroom.
Amanda and Emily shrugged their shoulders. “Leaves more for us.” Emily took a slice of pizza, smiling.
THE END
Note: Two days later Erich Honecker resigned and on November 9, 1989 the Berlin Wall opened; lifting travel restrictions between East and West Germany. On Oct 3, 1990 Germany was reunited.