Berlin blood

August will probably want to erase today from his memory forever. His greatest fear is that he will be summoned to Himmler in connection with the mass murder in the camp. August walked along the Reichstag corridor more and more slowly, his heart pounding in his ears insistently, almost to the point of nausea. He imagined Himmler’s cold tone, his heavy gaze, and everything inside was twisted at the mere thought of it. Fantasy threw up terrible pictures of either torture or ordinary prison abuse, and Augustus clenched his jaw from all-encompassing anxiety. Under sympathetic glances, he walked to the reception area and it seemed to him that everyone already knew, absolutely everything. This makes him feel uncomfortable. — Hello! — He greeted Joanna, who stood up to greet him. She frowned sympathetically. “Hello,” they shook hands. “He…” Augustus pointed questioningly towards the office. — Already waiting for you. Good luck, August, I hope you prove your innocence. Joanna was sure that Augustus had nothing to do with it, so she pitied him with all her heart. Everything indicated that Scholz was indiscriminately accused of something he did not do, since only the last idiot would expose himself in such a way. It was not clear why the investigation was still weighing on his candidacy. Joanna sighed, but faced with Hedwig’s stern gaze, she buried her face in her papers again. Himmler watched as this young boy came in to him. Yes, his mass murder case caused quite a stir. Himmler did not want to look into this too much, but decided that Walter Sachs, who was responsible for this matter, would join them. He didn’t want to believe that August was involved, but if the evidence was against the guy, he would have no choice. “August Scholz,” he was the first to turn to his subordinate, as he noticed clear signs of excitement. — Yes, Reichsfuehrer. “You understand why I called you,” he moved closer to the table. “Yes, I understand,” Augustus could not cope with his trembling voice; he was literally shaking all over. — And what do you think about this? — Himmler was calm. “I’m not involved in the murders, why would I expose myself like that?” Someone needs to eliminate me, if you allow me to express my opinion,” Augustus now looked like a man who would dig graves for dead friends, glassy eyes looked through the floor, his face hardened. “I accept your point of view, but I have to make sure of your innocence, so I invited the person responsible for the proceedings. Let’s listen to him,” Himmler pressed the button and turned to the secretary. — Let him come in. This drove Augustus into despair. It’s his word against the stranger’s, given that both sides have no evidence. Yes, this is a mockery! The door opened and August turned to see the man. Walter Sachs opened the door, and August froze in shock. He’s screwed. Sachs does not disdain the most base methods just to denigrate Scholz. What can I say, he probably set it all up! But Augustus was not used to giving up without a fight. It is still his word against Walter’s, and Himmler trusts him. — Please, Walter Sachs, sit down. August, meet Walter Sachs, the person in charge of your case. — Hello! — They didn’t shake hands, there was no point. They locked eyes and it seemed that even in an incandescent light bulb there was less electricity than there was now between them. “So, Walter, what information do you have on this case?” — Mr. Reichsfuehrer, we carefully examined the crime scene and the bodies of the victims. We found out that the people were first poisoned and then shot, probably to confuse investigators. We also examined the testimony of Charlotte Brown, August Scholz’s personal secretary, and demanded a psychiatrist’s opinion on his mental characteristics. In connection with all the factors, we came to the conclusion… — he was clearly stalling, Augustus wanted to just punch him or shoot him with a bullet from a pistol right now. “We have come to the conclusion that the workers were poisoned by Oberscharführer August Scholz himself. August turned to him, barely able to keep his mouth closed. But how?! The impudence is unheard of — to lie to the eyes of a senior in rank. — I? Do you realize what you are saying? “August literally glared at Walter. “I’m thinking about it and will ask you to express yourself more formally.” — Is it true? What are my motives then? — August was at its limit. “Well, for example…” Walter pretended to think. — For example? — Scholz almost hissed. — After the death of your sister, you sought medical help and are now taking pills. “So what does my sister’s death have to do with this murder?” — You showed a lot of signs of mental illness, even incapacity. The workers were unhappy with your absence; your secretary, Charlotte Brown, decided everything for you. Perhaps under the influence of a mental disorder, or perhaps due to gossip, you killed everyone in the camp. You killed the administration so as not to leave witnesses. You hoped that the case would be challenging and your paranoid ideas about a setup would avert suspicion from you. For the same reason — to divert suspicion from yourself — you named poison. However, you miscalculated, better admit it. Walter turned everything upside down… He makes him a madman, the only defense turned into another proof. Crap! What to say? August began to choose his words: “The death of my sister really knocked me down and I didn’t show myself to the workers… However, it’s stupid to kill because of gossip.” I am not the crazy person you want to make me out to be, many will confirm this, first of all, my psychiatrist. I know the name of the poison because I encountered it in my father’s factories, this is not proof. Yes, in the end, what an idiotic method: first an easily recognizable poison, then bullets. The investigation did not consider any options other than me. Are you covering for someone? “What are you talking about?” Walter looked at him impudently. — Yes, imagine. Maybe you yourself are involved in this, so you come up with absurd theories. Or maybe they’re just incompetent. — What?! — Walter was finally able to get emotional. August’s words are a serious accusation, if Himmler believes him… “So, gentlemen,” Himmler, who had been watching the booth all this time, decided to stop it, “You apparently forgot that I’m still here and you’re in my office!” — he shouted. “Sorry,” both felt guilty, but this did not pacify the hatred in their souls. “So, I will allow you to conduct a search in August Scholz’s office.” If you find anything, he will go to prison for five years. Judging by Himmler’s words, he did not believe either of them and made a concession to both. August gritted his teeth. Five years is not execution, but… “Okay,” Walter rubbed his hands contentedly, if Eva did everything correctly, then August should have more than one poison in his table. — Now get out. The search can be carried out in the next two days. — Yes! Both left the office. Neither wanted to give in to the other, they exchanged angry glances and went their separate ways. *** Charlotte met him on the street; she had just arrived. She did not go with him, although she wanted to, but Augustus dissuaded her. She was worried. She knew that this was the work of Walter and his like-minded people. Will August be able to justify himself? The girl noticed him from afar and got out of the car. He walked widely and it was obvious how furious he was. However, noticing Charlotte, Augustus slowed down and approached more relaxed than when he jumped out of the Reichstag. — How did everything go? “Disgusting,” August sat in the driver’s seat. He was literally shaking with anger and injustice. “They want to accuse me of killing workers!” — He hit the steering wheel angrily. — What? Wait, what arguments do they give? “Charlotte was in complete shock how it happened that he was accused if he was a victim. “You see, I’m crazy and I killed an entire camp because of gossip.” Moreover, I reported about the murders and poison in order to cover my tracks so that they wouldn’t think about me! What nonsense! Walter completely discredited me in the eyes of Himmler. Yes, one mention of pills can shake my position. “He even brought pills here.” August,” she touched his shoulder. — I’ll be there no matter what. “The thing that pisses me off the most is injustice. I couldn’t stand it since childhood. They will throw me in prison, and you will probably become his secretary again. Lord, why? — This is life, it never gives a break. “A little more, a couple more merits, and they would have given me a bonus.” I would buy a small house and we could live there together… Fucking hell! — August hit the steering wheel. — Let’s leave the “if only”, August. Look at me. I won’t leave you for anything. Even if you are afraid of yourself, I will be there. “I will become a monster just to save you, so that no one can separate us.” Charlotte nodded in understanding. Both understood that anything could happen. Charlotte could not allow Augustus to appear in such a state in front of his subordinates, so they stopped at his house to come to their senses and take a breath. They drove fast, Augustus drove unevenly, and all Charlotte wanted was for him not to hit anyone. Fury washed over him in waves and he lost his sanity. Still, they arrived safely. Augustus’s hatred required a way out, so upon arrival he flew into the apartment, ordering Charlotte to stand in one place and began to destroy everything that came to hand. The girl restrained herself from joining him or screaming. His terribly distorted face, his cold fury, not directed at her, the force with which he smashed furniture — all this made her feel his pain as if it were her own. He’s not angry, he’s broken. When everything that could be broken and torn was broken and torn, August hit the wall several times, calming down. The physical pain in his broken arms began to penetrate the adrenaline fog and August sat down on the floor, exhausted. How dare this Walter?! Something like this… do something like this, disgrace him in front of Himmler. Not only him, his last name! Augustus was breathing heavily, still barely able to discern reality. A soft female hand touched his tense shoulders, Charlotte sat down next to him and hugged the man as tightly as her strength allowed. It worked, the darkness receded, and August turned to her to hug her back. *** Walter took his time to look around Scholz’s office. The room is sealed and no one can get there, not even its owner. Everything went perfect. All that remains is to get rid of the rat, Friedrich, he knows too much and is therefore dangerous. Besides, he probably thinks the same thing about Walter, which means he can’t hesitate. It is also worth getting rid of Lina — when the girl completes the task, she will become a burden. Why not shoot her somewhere in an alley? There was a knock on the door. “Yes, come in,” Walter put out his cigarette. — This is what you asked for. You also received a letter in the mail, I don’t know from whom. — You can be free. — Yes. Walter put the papers aside and tore the envelope. He was extremely interested in who wrote the letter. “Dear Walter Sachs, I know of your intention to get rid of August Scholz in one way or another. I suggest you unite, as I pursue the same goals. We will communicate through letters, it is not necessary for you to know me and it is even harmful. I think you are interested in my assistance; you cannot cope on your own.” Walter was very surprised, it turns out there is a fourth player. These are not the ones behind Frederick, they appeared more openly. There are too many variables in the equation, and now the problem will be even more difficult to solve. Are all their intrigues really so transparent? — that’s what worried Walter. How does this mysterious benefactor know about his accounts with Augustus? *** Augustus watched the search in his office with detachment. He was not allowed to take away his personal belongings, he was not even allowed to enter, but Scholz could no longer be angry or experience any other feelings. Walter walked around the office with such a victorious look that August understood that everything was going the way this scoundrel needed. Whatever they look for in his office, it will be found, and Zaks draws out the execution. He even allowed himself to gut Charlotte’s bag, which was certainly unnecessary. The girl was furious, but did not show it. It is impossible for Walter to see even a trace of fear on her face. Charlotte caught Walter’s patronizing gaze and squinted her eyes furiously. The search went on and on, so August and Charlotte went outside. They completely lost track of time when Walter came out towards them, grinning victoriously, and gave the order to detain August. They found something, but what? — What’s happening? “August didn’t understand anything. — Oberscharführer August Scholz, you are accused of murdering one and a half thousand workers. — On what basis? — Charlotte intervened in the conversation. “We found poison in the Oberscharführer’s desk,” Walter pointedly turned to Charlotte and waved the bag. “I think you’ll go to prison now, August Scholz.” The protocol was sent personally to Himmler. “You have no right,” Augustus tried to break free. “Take me away,” Walter drawled imposingly. Charlotte glared at him and, when he took a step towards her, she jumped back a meter. “Don’t even think about it,” she said warningly and then spat out: “With all my heart I wish for your death.” The girl turned her back to him and walked away, straightening her back proudly. Walter just chuckled. She won’t last long when she decides that Augustus has betrayed her. Not all the cards have been played yet, stubborn girl. Augustus was led through gloomy corridors, disarmed, without shoulder straps, which were torn from his jacket with particular frenzy. Only his sister was lower in the Scholz surname, and August could not believe what was happening. Five years in isolation. If he survives these years in solitary confinement and does not go crazy, nothing awaits him in freedom; the SS will not even take him back as a private, let alone return all his privileges. He was brought to the cell. Cold and empty, like his heart. Wooden bunks without a hint of a mattress or blanket, a hole in the floor instead of a toilet. He will rot here in much less than five years! However, we must survive, at least for the sake of meeting Charlotte again. What will happen to her now, where will the poor girl be redistributed? As long as she doesn’t go back to Walter, she can’t bear it. Crap! He hit the wall with his already broken fist. The bruises and wounds on his knuckles howled. He will come out and Walter Sachs will pay for everything, he will pay for everything, with everything he has. August felt a black, gloomy feeling spreading through his body. He doesn’t want to fight his demons anymore. There is no one here to harm, which means he can indulge in despair and hatred. *** Walter walked bravely into Himmler’s office. The mood was great. The man didn’t even look up from the papers that littered his entire desk. — Mr. Reichsführer. “Yes, I’m listening to you,” Himmler said indifferently. — Accept the report. Oberscharführer August Scholz was taken into custody on charges of murder, poison was discovered in his office, apparently he did not have time to get rid of the evidence. Himmler finally looked up from the papers he was reading. He frowned, holding out his hand for the protocol. Walter placed the documents in his wide, dry palm. Himmler opened the folder, and Sachs decided to strike while the iron was hot. — I think that… since he doesn’t need his secretary now, I’ll take her to my place? For the same position? — Why do you need it? I thought you were indifferent to her future fate. “She is an invaluable employee,” Walter lied, but it was important to him that Charlotte not disappear from sight. “So be it,” unfortunately, Himmler did not remember how Charlotte complained about Walter’s leadership. “Go ahead, we’ll deal with the translation later.” Walter left. Himmler — essentially a rather attentive person to his subordinates, despite his total busyness and the rationality inherent in all good bosses — could not understand what was wrong in this story. Even if we put aside personal affection for Scholz, the question remained: what could have prompted the boy to take such cruel actions? Neither at first nor at second glance did Augustus have any reason to commit the crime. Himmler did not believe in his madness. If we take into account all the factors, the picture emerges unflattering; Walter’s interest in blaming Scholz, as well as the strange request for the transfer of his secretary, looks especially suspicious. He has neither the time nor the desire to deal with this personally. Himmler picked up the phone and dialed the number. After a couple of minutes, the beeps were replaced by a rough, cold male voice: — Yes? — Reinhard Heydrich. I have an interesting case for you, will you take it? “Spread it out, Mr. Reichsführer,” the voice answered with great disposition. *** Charlotte stood in his disgustingly musty gray office and desperately wished for this to be a dream. A nightmare. Walter’s greasy gaze ran over her like a huge hairy spider, causing disgust and fear. — So, Mrs. Brown, here we are. Again,” Zaks grinned unpleasantly. — Really? You still haven’t figured it out if you think you got me back. You are a moral monster, Walter,” Charlotte looked him straight in the eyes and hated it all more and more. — You know that you are now my personal secretary, right? — Zaks did not hide his satisfaction. — I know. And you know that there will now be another corpse on your hands,” with these words Charlotte left. Walter looked at the place where she stood for about five minutes. She won’t do this. No. Charlotte is a weakling, he reassured himself, feeling that he still believed her cheap game. The phone rang. It was Friedrich. — Well, we can congratulate us, Augustus has been neutralized! Walter threw all his worries out of his head. — Oh yes, it’s just some kind of holiday. Come to my office, let’s drink cognac. At the other end of the line, Friedrich laughed joyfully. It’s their day! Walter thought that he was an idiot, and this was the perfect moment to destroy such a dangerous witness as Lehmann.