“How could you not see it?” asked Betz.
“They made us deliver the materials at night, you see. I don’t know why. It’s not like we were getting bombed or anything,” said Obrect.
“Do you remember anything else? How far was it from town?”
“I figure it was around 20 miles from Innsbruck. They blindfolded us, but I could tell from the odometer. We traveled on both paved and gravel roads. I almost got pneumonia there because of the mist.”
“The mist?”
“Yes, there was some sort of waterfall nearby and everything stayed damp. Besides, the SS always made me feel ill. There was a general there who was cracking the whip. I heard some of the soldiers say he was hand picked by Hitler for the job. He must have liked it there.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because he was building what looked like a castle for himself right next to the place.”
Chapter 11
Actions
The funeral was held the next day and was attended by over 500 people from their church, neighbors, the community, company and business associates. Anna and Eric had to endure all the hugs, tears and short conversations expressing sympathy or providing some comfort. Anna knew none of the people while Eric seemed to know them all. She wasn’t sure if she would ever be able to remember names like that.
With the funeral over and the parents laid to rest, Anna hoped there would be time for the two of them. Eric had some plans of his own. After making arrangements for two first class tickets back to Innsbruck, Eric drove Anna to a special place just a few miles down the road.
Monticello was Eric’s favorite place when he wanted to be alone. Jefferson’s home was located on the crest of a hill surrounded by gardens and trees. Although tourists seemed to be everywhere this was a place where Eric could think. He would often spend hours looking at Jefferson’s inventions, his writings, and in general, every aspect of the statesman-farmer.
Anna had heard of Thomas Jefferson, but to actually see his things and walk through his home brought the second President closer to her. Like Eric, she marveled at the things he had devised for his everyday life, from his writing table to the automatically opening doors.
After walking in the gardens, Eric had sat her down under a large oak tree. It was the spot he had chosen long ago where he would sit and simply watch people go back and forth around the old house. It was here that Eric found the most peace. And it was here that he produced a beautiful diamond engagement ring and placed it on Anna’s finger. The words he used hadn’t been eloquent, but they had come directly from his heart. Of course she said yes. Then the two sat back, hand-in-hand, and watched the tourists go back and forth.
As the plane’s wheels touched the tarmac at Innsbruck, Anna looked once more at the ring on her finger. Soon she would be Frau Anna Anderson. Although there was much to do for the wedding, she couldn’t wait to start their life together.
After retrieving their luggage Eric decided to hire a taxi to take them home. There was no use in disturbing Helga. Besides, it would be a nice surprise for her. Maybe he would drive Anna home in the Rolls. A classy fiancé in a very fancy car — it fit so well.
The BMW pulled up to the front of the police station. Wagner and Dresner got out and went inside. The duty sergeant told Dresner that Betz wanted to see him immediately when they arrived. When the men entered Betz’s office he was on the phone but quickly ended the conversation.
“Herr Major, gather your things. I know where it is.”
“Where, Michael? Tell me!”
“The old man I interviewed from the concrete plant didn’t know exactly where because they blindfolded him. But he described the place. In his description he mentioned a tunnel, a mist from a waterfall nearby and some sort of large castle like building almost on top of it,” Betz said hurriedly.
Dresner liked as if he had been hit by a truck. He steadied himself on the chair. “The Anderson house. It’s the only answer,” he said in astonishment. “All this time and we had no clue!”
“There is more. One of the men on the list drives a large fuel truck. He works at the fuel storage facility. With two identified, I decided to see if I could contact any of the local people in the list. None of them are home, Herr Major. None of them! For those who are married, their wives said they were going on a business trip for several days. But when I called their employers, I was told the men were on vacation. Something is happening and happening now Herr Major!”
“Where are the men?” Dresner asked.
“I had them go to the Katzung. They should all be there,” Betz said.
“Let me get my weapon,” Dresner said as he rushed out the door. Going to his office, he unlocked his desk and pulled out a Walther PPK pistol, then digging deeper, his old Luger from the war. He placed these in his briefcase along with several magazines of ammunition. He also grabbed a cap and placed it into the briefcase as well. Just before leaving, he grabbed the phone and placed a call. In just two rings Eric Anderson answered the phone.
“Eric! What are you doing home?” Dresner asked, very alarmed.
“We decided to come home early. Anna and I just got in. We are sitting here talking to Helga,” Eric said.
Dresner interrupted him. “Eric, listen to me. Take Anna and Helga and get away from there. Get in a car and drive to Innsbruck. Go to Anna’s house or get a room for all of you. But you must leave at once!”
“Why, Herr Dresner? We just….”
“Eric, do not ask questions. Get the hell out of that house!” Dresner nearly screamed. “I will call Herr Dietz later on and explain. You are in danger. Get out now!”
“We’ll leave now. I’ll find Hans…” he heard Eric say on the line.
“Never mind about Hans. Don’t mention anything to him. If you see him just say you are going into town on an errand. It is very important, Eric!”
“Okay, Herr Dresner. We’ll leave right now.”
“Good. I’ll get back to you soon,” Dresner said as he quickly hung up the phone. At least that would not be a problem, Dresner thought as he left his office.
Rejoining Betz and Mahler, the three men rushed down to Dresner’s Mercedes, started the engine, and pulled away rapidly from the station. It only took six minutes before the car came to a halt in front of the Katzung, a local coffee house. The men went in and headed straight for the back room where Dresner knew the men would be waiting.
As the door opened, a group of twenty two men came rapidly to attention and clicked their heels as they had been taught long ago. Despite the urgency, Dresner had to admire these men. Despite years of leading separate lives when duty called, they came. Each man stood straight and tall. Even though the hair on their heads may have grayed, each man still showed the youthful enthusiasm he remembered in the war. They were ready. The pride Dresner felt in his men was unbridled. He proceeded to the front of the group.
“Setzen Sie sich,” he said. The men sat in their chairs as Dresner continued. “My friends, it seems we still have a duty to perform. Despite all our efforts at the end of the war, we missed one — a very dangerous one. Sergeant Betz and I have discovered what we believe to be an SS plot from the end of the war. We don’t know the extent of it, but it seems it involves launching rockets at the United States and the Soviet Union.”