Berlin, Das Brauhaus
July 20, 1944, 2000 hours
Heidi left the Brauhaus that evening as soon as she finished work. She had heard about the explosion in the Führer's compound and wondered if Hans was somehow involved. I can't imagine he could have anything to do with that, she thought as she walked quickly towards her flat.
After a few blocks, she was aware of someone following her. Without turning around, she started to run.
"Heidi, wait!" a familiar voice called out behind her.
She stopped and turned around to see Kurt Wagner running after her. "Kurt, was that you following me?" she asked. "I was afraid to turn around and look."
"It was me," he said. "Did you talk to Hans?"
She nodded. "He should be at my flat now," she replied.
"Good, I will walk with you," he said. "Has he said anything to you?"
"He did not tell me what this was all about, if that is what you mean," she replied. "He said he would tell me everything tonight after he talks to you."
Wagner nodded. "Then we must go," he said. "We do not have time to waste."
The pair remained silent as they walked the rest of the way to Heidi's flat. When they arrived, Wagner told Heidi to go into the building and wait. He then walked to the corner and looked the building over. He looked back the way they had come, and satisfied that they hadn't been followed, bounded up the steps into the building.
Heidi put her key into the lock and tried to open the door. It wouldn't open. "It is bolted from the inside," she said.
Wagner knocked on the door. "Hans. Open the door. It is Kurt and Heidi," he said quietly.
Immediately they heard the clock of the lock and the door opened. Heidi rushed in. "Oh Hans," she cried as he wrapped his arms around her.
- - - - -
"All right Kurt, what is going on?" Teppel asked once they had closed and bolted the door.
"That's what I would like to know," Heidi said. "Hans, what is all of this?"
Wagner shot an inquisitive look at Teppel. Teppel understood the meaning and shook his head. "Heidi, let me explain first," Wagner said. "I have a feeling Hans' explanation will take a lot longer."
"Explanation?" Heidi asked. "I just want to know what is going on!"
Teppel patted Heidi on the arm. "I promise, you will," he said softly. "What has happened, Kurt?" he asked his friend.
"Have you heard any news today?" Wagner asked. When Teppel shook his head, Wagner continued. "General Stauffen exploded a bomb in Hitler's briefing room before the midday meeting."
Heidi nodded her head. "I head some officers talking about it tonight," she said.
"Is Hitler dead?" Teppel asked.
"Unfortunately no," Wagner said, causing Heidi's head to swing around to him in surprise. He held up his hand to stop her question. "Stauffen left immediately for Berlin, thinking he had succeeded. He will be arrested soon – they know about him."
Teppel looked at his friend. "He will not be the only one," he commented.
Wagner shook his head. "No, they already had a list," he said. "Your name was on that list."
Teppel sat down hard. "How? Why?" he said.
"Friend and associate of Admiral Canaris," Wagner replied. "You need to leave, my friend. And you need to leave now."
"Are you sure about this?" Teppel asked.
"Before Stauffen left Rastenburg, he made a stop at a farm," Wagner explained. "While he was talking to his contact – one of our agents – they were surprised by an SS Major. The Major had a list of people who were to be arrested in the first wave. After they killed the Major, they radioed to let me know you were in danger."
Teppel was silent for a moment before speaking. "I suppose that does mean I am in danger," he commented.
Heidi had continued to stare dumbly at the two men as they talked. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Both of us," Wagner replied. "I am closely associated with you. Have you thought about how to leave?"
Teppel shook his head. "I have no definitive plan," he said.
"Hans, now is not the time to try and think of one!" Wagner admonished. He began pacing. "Luckily, Marya also received the message and is on her way to Hammelburg to recruit your friends. She has a plan that should be able to get you out of here."
"Who is Marya?" Heidi asked quietly. Both men turned to look at the woman as if they didn't realize she was still there.
"An associate of mine," Wagner replied. Then he smiled. "You know her better as my sister Greta."
Heidi nodded slowly. "Hans, are you …" she paused and swallowed hard, "Are you involved in the plot against the Führer?" she asked. Teppel held out his hands and motioned her to sit beside him. She shook her head quickly. "No, just please tell me … are you involved?"
Teppel looked at Wagner and let out a sigh. "I suppose it is now time for the truth," he said. Wagner nodded.
"Yes, I want the truth, Hans," she said. She stared at him blankly. Her face had paled and she looked as though she was about to be ill.
"Many years ago …" he started.
"I do not want many years ago!" she shouted, suddenly standing. "I want to know about now. Tell me the truth!"
"Heidi, it all started many years ago," Teppel said.
"Tell me!" Heidi said angrily.
"Heidi, Hans Teppel is an American spy," Wagner said suddenly.
Heidi's mouth opened wordlessly as she stared at the two men. Suddenly her eyes rolled back and she fainted.
"Well that went over well," Wagner commented.