French Betrayal (Reich Triumphant Book 1) by Dugan Vincent & Clouatre Douglas

Author:Dugan, Vincent & Clouatre, Douglas [Dugan, Vincent]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2017-02-14T16:00:00+00:00

16

April 11, 1940

An assignment. Over a month in Sofia, spent mainly in his hotel suite, Exner Updegrove, future ninth lord of Braxtonshire had been assigned a duty. It was delivered by his friend Kingsley Abbott, who invited him to his embassy office. Coffee, a Turkish brand, was served, which made Exner blanch the moment it touched his lips. Setting it aside, he wiggled in the chintz chair that was reserved for Kingsley’s visitors.

“The minister requires your special abilities.” His thin lips curled. “Your aristocratic bearings and connections.”

Exner knew he was being taunted, his friend enjoying as much “aristocratic tendencies.” “I am here,” he said.

Kingsley lit a cigarette.” Countess Baronyi, part of the old Hungarian royal family has regular soirrees with other exiles. Sofia is filled with them.” He set down his cigarette, face reddening at his misstep. “That is not what I meant.”

“It doesn’t-,” Exner waved his hand. “My exile is more planned than punitive. I shall return to England. It is a temporary situation.” He sank deeper in his chair with every word.

“The minister has sought British participation but the baroness has a high sensitivity to title.” He grimaced. “Nobility cannot dirty their hands with mere work.”

“My hands are clean.”

“The countess agreed.” Kingsley retrieved his cigarette. “She has issued an invitation because of her familiarity with the family.”

“My father?” The eighth lord had his share of European connections.

“Maria.”

“Maria?”

“Sh.e speaks highly of Maria.”

Exner did not ask, Maria’s many contacts giving him a headache.

“It would be wise to talk of Maria.”

“Maria.” Many an evening had been consumed on the subject of the Russian princess.

“Avoid politics at all cost.”

It was an easy request.

“Especially Hungarian politics.”

Exner nodded.

“The countess blames Bela Kun for the demise of the royal family.”

“Bela Kun?”

“The communist who seized power in Budapest and was defeated by Admiral Horthy.”

Exner’s face crinkled. Balkan politics was beyond his understanding. He nodded, hoping Kingsley would ignore his friend’s confusion.

“The regent, the current ruler in Budapest.”

“Horthy,” Exner said. “Of course.” Exner eyed his friend’s cigarette, nerves demanding one.

“The minister would like you to be an unofficial plenipotentiary, representing the empire at these gatherings. The baroness is key.”

“I will only talk of the estate, of Sofia, of Maria,” Exner promised. “How did they meet?”

“You would have to ask Maria or the baroness.” His friend held out a thick envelope, wax seal protecting the papers inside. “Not until you are in your suite.”

Exner slid the package into his coat pocket and prepared to leave. A motion from his friend stopped him, Kingsley coming from around his desk and easing into the seat beside Exner. “There is another reason for your attendance.” He glanced toward the closed door, head cocked as he continued. “We have a contact in the Hungarian embassy, a Major Koszorus, an adjutant who opposes the regime.”

“A spy?”

“A patriot. The major opposes the alliance with Germany. “

“A communist? In the Hungarian military?”

“A patriot,” Kingsley repeated. “He wants Hungarian guns turned against the Rumanians, a return of the Transylvania lands and a revival of the Hungarian empire.

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