David looked at Levi and enquired, “I hate to seem dumb, but how are we supposed to find one person in a city as big as Geneva?”
“You’re not dumb at all and I’m glad you asked. One, you’ve got that photo and two, you should check in right away with Inspector Piet Servette of the Geneva Police. Piet and I are old fiends. I have already told him that you are on your way and he will give you all the assistance you need.” And with a sly smile, Levi said, “Oh, by the way, you have flight and hotel reservations under the name of Mr. and Mrs. David Cohen. That should be you starting point. Check in with an Inspector Servette of the Geneva Police as soon as you can and it would be a good idea to keep me informed also,” Levi remarked as he ushered the duo toward the door.
In the parking garage, just before they turned to their own cars Miriam commented, “Bossy and precise, isn’t he?”
David looked at Miriam and said, “We lucked out, Miriam. He leaves us our freedom to get the job done. Want to go to dinner tonight?” He said over his shoulder as he walked towards his Jeep.
“You’ve got to be kidding,” She laughed and responded. “I have fourteen suitcases to pack before we fly to Switzerland, in less than twenty-four hours.”
“Yeah, Right! And who is going to carry all those bags for you?”
“Aren’t you, my dear?”
“See you at the airport, Miriam,” David said sarcastically as he unlocked the door to the Jeep.
David had slept on and off for most of the long flight, but Miriam was too keyed-up to sleep and began to read Joseph Finder’s novel, The Moscow Club she had picked up in the Tel Aviv airport. Just before closing his eyes, David had commented that he wondered if after reading Finder’s book she might not need him at all, and she had poked him in the ribs. David smiled.
The El Al 747 dipped a wing over Lake Nuechatel and settled into its final approach to Geneva’s Cointrin Airport.
“I guess we’re here,” David said as he watched the city rise up to meet them, have you ever been here before?”
“No, I traveled to Europe with my father once but we didn’t get into Switzerland, only Germany and Italy, and that was several years ago. Let me read what this guidebook says about Geneva. Welcome to Geneva! Situated along the banks of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps, Geneva sparkles as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, Geneva has a long history of diversity and tolerance dating back to the Protestant Reformation. Today, the city of Geneva is a cultural center second to none featuring world class entertainment, top rated restaurants and unlimited opportunities for recreation.”
“Don’t think we’ll get much chance for that entertainment and recreation, and I’m sure the expense account Levi gave us probably won’t get us in to any top rated restaurants. Think you’d better put that fantasy book away and buckle up, we’re almost on the tarmac.”
“Ok, grumpy.”
After going through customs and collecting their bags they climbed into cab and watched Geneva whiz by on the drive to the Metropole Hotel.
David and Miriam asked the officer standing behind the front counter at the central Geneva police station to direct them to Inspector Servette. “Tell him his guests from “the Office” are here to see him,” David told him.
“Guests from the Office?”
“That’s right. He’ll understand,” Miriam added.
With a puzzled look, the officer told them to have a seat and then picked up the telephone. David couldn’t make out what he said on the phone, because his back was toward them. After a terse conversation, he turned back and said, “The Inspector says he’ll be right down.” Miriam took note of how much the young officer’s attitude had changed.
Suddenly a door burst open and a tall, dark-haired gentleman dressed in a fashionable business suit walked quickly down the stairs toward them, saying, “I am Inspector Servette. Follow me, if you please.”
He turned quickly and was halfway up the stairs before David and Miriam had even risen to follow. Miriam thought, does his human being always rushed around at this speed and expect everyone else to keep up? At the top of the stairs, they caught a glimpse of Servette as he disappeared into the office at the end of the corridor, and by the time they entered his office, he was ensconced behind a desk completely covered with file folders. What a contrast between the totally cluttered desk and the suave European police officer sitting behind the confusion, with a small carnation in the buttonhole of his expensive suit, Miriam thought.
“Close the door, and have a seat. Was your flight a pleasant one? Is your hotel satisfactory? Have you a good map of our city? How can I help my friends from the Office?” The Inspector’s speech pattern was like staccato bursts from a machine gun.
“Everything is fine, thank you very much,” David responded, trying not to talk in the same speech pattern. “Levi sends his greetings and wishes you the happiest of birthdays.”
“Oh”, he remembered. “A couple of years ago, he and I celebrated my birthday in a most pleasant and unexpected way. I shan’t go into those details with you. I don’t think Levi would be too pleased.”
David glanced over at Miriam and raised his eyebrows. Now that’s something we’ll have to find out about when we return home, David thought, and winked at Miriam.
“Now, let’s get down to business,” the inspector continued. “I have a copy of the most recent Interpol report here somewhere — ah, here it is.” He pulled a buff folder out of the middle of one of the piles on his desk.
“How did you…”
“How did I find that particular file in the midst of all this mess?”
“Well, I…”
“It’s all right. My desk has looked like this for over fifteen years now, and I have never lost a single file. A gift from God, I think.” Servette chuckled. “In fact my officers have had a standing bet for about ten years now that one of them will ask me for a file that I won’t be able to find, and I haven’t lost yet.” He laughed and then immediately continued.
“There were two ghastly murders committed in Switzerland near Lake Constance, in the north-west section of our country several days ago. It was one of the most gruesome, senseless acts I’ve ever seen. Done by some deranged — I hesitate to call him — human being. It would have been just a tragic double murder except for some of the details that I think should interest you. Most notably, the murderer left some weird cuts on the upper right arm of each victim.”
Miriam looked at David. “I know what you’re thinking Miriam, and I agree,” David responded. “It looks like the Dagger has been at it again. When did the murders take place, Inspector?”
“Four days ago, but the bodies weren’t discovered until yesterday morning. Forensics didn’t discover a thing that is helpful. Obvious this abominable act was committed by a deranged person, yet highly professional. Why don’t I give you the file and you two can go over what details we have at the moment, yourselves, then you can telephone me with any questions. Better still; come to my home for dinner tonight. We can discuss these murders and your other business in Geneva, but I still won’t tell you about that infamous birthday party. Still, I assure you it will be a dinner you won’t soon forget.”
“That would be wonderful, Inspector, and thank you for your help!” David said gratefully.
“Splendid. I’ll have my driver pick you up at your hotel at seven.”
David and Miriam rose and shook hands saying in unison, “until seven then, and thank you so much for your hospitality.”