Berlin, Gestapo Headquarters
July 22, 1944, 0200 hours
Major Freitag looked at his watch – it was time for him to meet Michael. They had planned the meeting so they could discuss how best to stage Wagner's 'death' and disappearance from Berlin. He left the Headquarters building and got in his car.
He drove through the deserted streets of Berlin, heading for the remote location that had been agreed upon earlier. When he arrived, he stopped the car and waited. In a few minutes, the passenger door of the car opened and Wagner slid in beside him. Freitag started the car and began driving.
"Have you talked with Gerhardt?" Freitag asked.
"I have," Wagner replied. "They will watch the woman's flat."
"Good," Freitag said. "When Marya arrives with Colonel Hogan, I will place them in charge of finding and arresting Major Teppel."
"Is there already a team looking for him?" Wagner asked.
"There is, but they will be sent to look for different targets," Freitag replied.
"And if Hogan's men have problems?" Wagner asked.
"I will tell them that they are to radio me directly," Freitag said. "General Schlesinger has placed me in charge of the efforts here in the city."
"It is nice to have friends in high places," Wagner replied with a smile.
Freitag laughed. "You mean still have friends in high places," he said. "Losing Major Kurt Wagner will hurt the organization." He turned to look at Wagner. "But losing you, Gregori Gregorovich, would be worse. We will get you out of Berlin safely."
"And we will get the American out safely as well," Wagner said.
The men were silent for a while as Freitag drove around the outskirts of the city. After a while, Wagner asked, "Have preparations been made for the accident?"
"I have a vehicle parked and waiting," Freitag replied. "I will need identification."
Wagner reached into his pocket and pulled out two identification booklets and hanged then to Freitag. "Major Kurt Wagner and Major Hans Teppel," he said.
"And the woman?" Freitag asked.
"Not necessary," Wagner replied. "She will either come with us – and simply disappear."
"Not die in the accident?" Freitag asked.
Wagner shook his head.
"That saves me from having to find a woman," Freitag commented.
"Do you have the bodies?" Wagner asked.
"Not yet," Freitag replied. "I will get them at the last minute."
"Two more people killed," Wagner commented.
"Two more Germans killed," Freitag corrected him. He gave a small shrug. "I am Smersh and I am SS. In either case, I will kill when I feel the need is there."
Wagner nodded his agreement. "We must do what we have to," he replied.
Freitag nodded and was silent as he turned a corner. "I will stage the accident in twenty four hours," he said. "You have until then to get out of the city. After that, it becomes more difficult to explain if you happen to be caught."
"I understand," Wagner said. "I will be leaving with them."
"Then you should wait near the woman's flat," Freitag advised. "You can join them there."
Wagner nodded. Freitag had been driving back to the spot where Wagner had entered the car. He now stopped and Wagner opened the door to get out.
Freitag extended his hand. "Good luck, Gregori Gregorovich," he said.
Wagner shook his hand. "Spasibo," he said before disappearing into the darkness.