Across the Channel by Chris Glatte

Author:Chris Glatte [Chris Glatte]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

18

SS Major Faust paced beside the burned out Kubelwagen, watching two Wehrmacht soldiers pull what was left of the burned corpses onto the ground. The vehicle’s front end was smashed into a stout tree. The heavy hood was bent nearly in half and the attached spare tire was still smoldering. The gray paint was peeled and blackened. It wasn’t clear where the fire started, but it was plain the cool wetness of the season had stopped it from consuming the entire thing. The two bodies still had shreds of clothing clinging to them, but most of their skin was blackened and red splotches of flesh shone through in spots.

The Wehrmacht soldiers had their shirts pulled up over their noses, but the disgust on their faces was obvious. Once the bodies were lined up, Faust stood at their feet. The nearest soldier pulled his shirt off his nose and snapped to attention. “I can’t be sure, but it looks like Captain Horst and Grunwald. Private Grunwald, his driver, Sir.”

Faust nodded. “Yes, I agree. Even burned I can tell by the Captain’s excessive gut. Why isn’t he in uniform?”

The soldier looked to the other soldier then spoke. “He was taking a day off, Sir. Fishing.” He gestured toward the creek.

Major Faust shook his head and sneered. “Yes, fishing. But instead, they lost control and smashed into a tree. They were knocked out and consumed by the ensuing fire.” The soldiers stared blankly at the major. “The Kubelwagen is a stout and reliable vehicle. It’s quite unusual for them to burst into flame upon impact. Indeed, they rarely do even if they take a direct hit to the gas tanks, yet for some reason this one did when it hit a tree.” The soldiers didn't understand what the major was getting at but they knew not to venture any guesses. Faust, and indeed all SS officers were not known for their sunny outlooks.

Corporal Miner stepped from behind the tree the Kubelwagen was wrapped around holding a long rod. He strode up to Major Faust and handed him the fishing rod. “It seems your suspicions are correct, Sir. I found this near the creek along with footprints. It seems the captain was fishing before this tragic accident and not all the boot prints match up with Army issue boots.”

Major Faust examined the fly rod and nodded. “These men were murdered. I have no doubt our little French maid and her three commandos were involved.” He scanned the area. “Any word from our search parties?”

Corporal Miner pointed as a soldier ran out of the tall grass coming from the nearby hill. He pulled up short and saluted the major who gave him a quick heil Hitler salute back. “Sir,” he pointed up the hill. Between gasping breaths, he said, “There’s a cave up the hill. Seems recently used. There're supplies and lots of recent footprints, Sir.”

Major Faust looked to the corporal then back to the soldier. “Take me to it.”

“Yes Sir. It’s a bit of a hike, but not far.

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