Sins of the Past by Ron Finch

Author:Ron Finch [Finch, Ron]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ron Finch
Published: 2023-02-22T00:00:00+00:00

Thursday, April 20th

Heinrich had been very quiet since he and Marie had returned to the island yesterday afternoon. Alfred hoped that Heinrich was just tired and not brooding about what he would have to do to solve his problem. Alfred would have to be extremely careful if he was going to talk to Heinrich.

The three of them were sitting at the breakfast table. Heinrich was slicing sausages into precisely measured chunks on his plate.

“We have fresh eggs today,” said Marie, making an attempt at conversation with the doctor as she poured him more coffee. “We were at the general store when the farm lady came in with the eggs.”

“Don’t be such a chatterbox,” snapped Heinrich, slamming his knife against the plate.

Marie, who had momentarily brightened, flinched and looked down at her plate. “Sorry, Heinrich,” she said.

“Thank you very much for letting me get some fresh air yesterday,” said Alfred, attempting to dispel the charged atmosphere. “I appreciated that; you have such a wonderful view here, Heinrich. And I heard some wonderful music on the radio.” He spread some jam on his toast. “And I appreciate you letting me read a little before bed last night. I like a good mystery. I have become quite a fan of Agatha Christie. As usual, Hercule Poirot was brilliant in Appointment with Death.”

Heinrich ceased sawing his sausages. There was silence for a moment, and Alfred had sudden misgivings. Had he slipped up when he’d used the word ‘death’ in the title he’d mentioned?

“I’m glad you’re enjoying the book,” said Heinrich, rousing himself. He looked like a man who’d emerged from a deep, dark pit. “My wife bought it. I haven’t read much lately. I’ve had so much on my mind ... well, you know. Perhaps we can talk this afternoon, Alfred.”

“I would enjoy that,” said Alfred, forcing a smile.

I had been thinking about the rescue operation nonstop since the meeting. As I washed and dressed myself for work, I went over in my mind every possible complication. One thing, in particular, had been nagging at me.

I wanted the hostages, above all, to be aware of when their rescuers might arrive. That piece of information could be critical to the success of our mission. If Heinrich Smith suddenly decided to move them, which would involve removing them from the island, we might lose track of them for days or even weeks. But if they knew when we were coming, perhaps the hostages could use delaying tactics to ensure they were still on the island when we arrived.

So, before I went down to breakfast, I contacted Dora. Once we were connected, I asked Dora to send a message to Walter, and from there to Ilse, saying, “Help will arrive late Friday afternoon.”

Dora told me not to worry. It would be sent.

Following the merry sound of Annie’s chatter and the delicious aroma of bacon and eggs, I made my way downstairs. The moment I seated myself, Annie scrambled up into my lap.

Annie was still very pleased with herself.

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