A Prince and a Spy by Rory Clements

Author:Rory Clements [Clements, Rory]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

Heinrich Müller found Prince Philipp von Hessen in his immaculate quarters at the Wolfsschanze – the Wolf’s Lair – in East Prussia from where Hitler directed the war. He knew he would not have long with him alone, because the Führer had demanded the presence of both of them at lunch.

‘Herr Prince,’ he said, not quite sure of the proper way to address a prince, ‘it is very good of you to see me at such short notice.’ Müller smiled, laughing inside – as if anyone but Hitler himself would refuse to meet the generalleutnant of the Gestapo at any moment of day or night.

‘It is my pleasure as always, Herr Gruppenführer. How can I help you?’

‘Well, I was hoping I could ask you a few questions. We have a problem, you understand . . .’

‘This is about Rudi Coburg, I take it?’

‘Indeed, sir. Indeed it is. As you know, he went missing whilst a member of your mission to Stockholm. It is my task to find him. I’m sure you will think this a foolish question, but I have to ask it anyway: do you perchance have any idea where he might be?’

The prince shook his head. His face was almost handsome, but not quite: vaguely Teutonic, but lacking strength, the moustache too insubstantial to add authority or gravitas, the features too pinched. ‘No, Herr Müller, it was an unpleasant shock to me when he disappeared. Indeed, I initially feared he had been abducted by enemy agents.’

‘Well, yes, of course that could have been a possibility given the nature of your meeting, but I am quite sure that that is not the case, for I have certain confidential information from agents of my own. The truth is, he is in the process of trying to defect. But I intend to stop him, if only I could find him.’

‘If I knew where he was, of course I would tell you.’

‘At first it seemed he might have died in the plane crash that killed your cousin, but now I know that was not so. It is my belief he is still in Sweden.’

‘Then you should talk to Axel Anton, Herr Gruppenführer.’

As if he hadn’t already set the ball rolling in that direction. ‘Of course,’ he said. ‘But that is not so easily done. Perhaps you could help me.’

‘There are always ways.’

‘Indeed.’ Müller reminded himself that this so-called prince was still close to Hitler, so he affected a smile and refrained from telling him what he thought of him. ‘I am glad we are as one on this. But to get back to your own relationship with Herr Coburg. I have to tell you that he is in possession of secrets which he intends to impart to our enemies, so I am keen to get his movements in Berlin absolutely clear. It is my belief that you requested his transfer from the Reich Main Security Office to your own staff, as chief aide. Is that correct?’

Prince Philipp looked confused by the question. ‘Yes, broadly speaking that is so.

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