Max broke in, “SO — Hans got away?”
“Yes, dammit,” David almost shouted, “He got fucking away!”
Servette responded, “Well he hasn’t gotten away yet. We have an all points bulletin out for his capture, and I suspect we will have him within 24 hours. After all, he’s wanted by the Munich Police, The Mossad, The GSG 9, as well as my own Police Department, and even Interpol is finally after him as well. David shot Hans at least two times, and he undoubtedly will need medical attention of some sort.
David mumbled, “Some marksman I was. He was supposed to die.”
The Inspector continued, “All of our hospitals, clinics and physicians have been contacted to be most careful and to notify us if they should see anything suspicious. And remember, he may not survive David’s shots after all.”
“Let’s hope he doesn’t,” Miriam interjected, looking at David.
“If he does,” Levi spoke up, “We’ll just have to go after him again.”
The conference room door flew open and a young police-woman ran in waving a paper and handed it to Servette. He read it quickly and then looked at those around the table, and smiled.
“My friends, it seems the GSG 9 has just captured three men wearing Franciscan, monk’s robes, driving a rented Mercedes near Oberhochsteg, German just before the border into Austria.
The fake monks aren’t talking, but GSG 9 believes they are better known to us as “The Three Stingers.”
Another round of clapping broke out.
Crumpling the communiqué, Servette continued, “Max, what has your intelligence turned up about the suicide of that Doctor at Munich University Hospital and his strange connection with our emerald?
All eyes were on Max. “It’s a rather complicated story, but as far as I have been able to piece it together, it started with an envoy from a Chinese Tong in Hong Kong sent to bid on the emerald at Christies then sell it to Dr. Chen Yang, the Doctor who committed suicide, so he could use it as a centerpiece for some weird healing con game in a new clinic he was going to build. I won’t go into details about that supposed healing using emeralds, other than to say there has been much speculation about the healing properties of various gem stones, including emeralds throughout history. Anyway, to make a long story short, when this Doctor realized that he was not going to get his hands on the Wittelsbach Emerald, his dreams for his new clinic collapsed and evidently he committed suicide by overdosing on a powerful sedative in his research lab. There are lot’s more there, but I think that’s enough for now.
Josef was busy writing a note that began circulating around the table. The note said: Strange that such a beautiful work of nature has been the cause of so much death.
Each of those around the table nodded thoughtfully as they read Josef’s note.
Simon asked, “So where do we go from here? It this the end?
David remarked angrily, “Well it’s not the end for me!” I’m going after that bastard, and believe me; I’ll finish him this time.”
Servette looked at Levi and said, “Levi, option is up to you, but I’m sure we all empathize with David, but I wouldn’t know where to start looking for him now. I’m sure he won’t be sticking around Geneva with my whole department on the look out for him. He can’t go back into Germany or the GSG 9 will grab him. My gut tells me that he may, somehow, find his way back near the Klement compound in Buenos Aires, and morph back into his myriad business interests there.”
“Servette’s right David. You, Miriam and I need to return to Tel Aviv, take a short rest and then plot some strategy.”
David eyes flashed and he started to stand up when Miriam put her hand on his shoulder. “Levi’s right David. I know you want Hans dead, but we’re both tired and if we keep going this way we’ll make mistakes we’ll be sorry for. We can get Ringo to keep watch on the compound for us, and when and if Hans crawls back into his lair, we can fly south and get him. Remember we still have those bugs on our side.”
David slowly nodded his head, sank back into his chair, and mumbled, “I guess your right.”
Josef had been writing another note while this conversation was going on and he got up and walked around to Servette and handed him the note.
Servette read the note, smiled and looked at his friends sitting at the table.
Josef says that he would like to prepare a special dinner for all of you before you return to your homes. Would tonight at 7 for cocktails and 8 for dinner fit into your plans?”
Miriam said excitedly, “That would be wonderful! I have already been privileged to be blessed with one of Josef’s gastronomical delights and I would postpone my flight home several days, no matter what David and Levi say, to sit again at your table, Inspector.”
Servette looked at the others, “What do you say?”
They all spoke up in the affirmative or nodded enthusiastically.
“Well, I guess that’s it. This gives you time to make your travel arrangements before you come to my home and stuff yourself with wonderful, mysterious delights. If you need any help with flights or your hotels, just let my secretary know. Again I want you all to know how grateful I am for both your friendship and your help. I think we made a great team, but I sincerely hope I don’t have to call on your services again. If there’s nothing else, I’ll see you tonight.”
The El Al 747–200 left the tarmac of Geneva Cointrin airport at 11:15, ten minutes behind schedule and began its steep climb to her cruising altitude of 27,000 feet. Pressed firmly against the silver leather seat David stretched out as much as he could, closed his eyes and felt Miriam reach over and squeeze his hand. He wondered what lay ahead for them, now that Levi had indicated this assignment was over. The many conversations he and Miriam had had over the course of the last several years about retiring from the Mossad bothered him. He had to admit he was getting tired of this cloak and dagger stuff and it might be nice to relax and not have to worry about who was going to try and take you out next. But, marriage and a family — that was another serious, very serious step, and he really didn’t know if he was ready for that yet. He knew what Miriam wanted. She had made that very plain many times.
The big jet leveled off, he opened his eyes, the “fasten seat belts” sign was now off and he saw Levi moving quickly down the aisle toward them.
“How about you two joining me upstairs for a glass of champagne to celebrate?” Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked toward the stairs leading to the lounge. David raised his eyebrows and looked at Miriam questioningly.
“Well why not, especially if Levi’s buying.” Miriam responded and began pushing David to get out of the cramped seat.
Joining Levi at the small bar, the pair noticed that there already were two flutes of champagne waiting for them.
“Don’t waste any time, do you, boss.”
“I thought I’d share a little surprise with you before we get home. The Prime Minister called just before I left for the airport this morning and told me, as a favor to her, to give you two a month off before I find another simple little assignment for you. He chuckled, and continued, I argued with him that with all that free time on your hands there’s no telling what trouble both of you might get into, but she was adamant, and who am I to ignore Golda.”
Miriam almost choked when he used the prime Minister’s first name.
Noticing her reaction, Levi continued, “And if you ever repeat that I used her first name, you’re next assignment will be in Siberia. So enjoy your flight home, finish up your written reports to the powers that be and be on you way. Oh, one more thing. Would you at least let me know where you are every week or so?”
They finished the bottle of champagne, chatted calmly for a few more minutes, David shook Levi’s hand and Miriam gave him a tight hug and a kiss on his bearded cheek, which he tried to avoid and they retreated down to their seats.